If you have a small space in your home or your rooms are too small to accommodate your overnight guests, a sofa bed is a savior. It is the most versatile and nifty piece of furniture you could possess.

A sofa bed helps you make the most of your small spaces. It can turn your living areas into an extra bedroom or guest room.

However, buying a sofa bed can differ slightly from buying a traditional sofa. On top of that, there are so many different options to choose from, making it difficult to know where to start.

Buying a sofa bed online can be even trickier as you can’t “feel” the material.

Therefore, many things come into play while shopping for a sofa bed online.

Things to consider while choosing a Sofa Bed for your home

To help you choose the right one, here are some important factors to keep in mind.

Consider the Functionality of a Sofa Bed

First of all, you need to determine the role of a sofa bed in your home.

For example, if you are looking for a regular sofa bed for daily use, make sure it provides comfort and support as a bed first. Whether you are looking to make the most of your compact bedroom or making arrangements for the arrival of long-term guests, prefer a regular sofa bed that can be used more like a bed.

Otherwise, it is better to prefer its comfort as a seat.

Choose the Style

From oversized couches to small futons, sofa beds are available in many styles to choose from.

Starting from a futon, it is the most basic category of a sofa bed and is made up of a cushion or metal/wooden frame. They can be used as a regular sofa in a folding position and turned into a bed in an unfolded position.

Sleeper chair gives you the luxury of a twin-size bed. A pull-out couch is another common type of sofa bed and can be turned into a full-or-queen-size bed as required. A standard three-seater sofa can be turned into a queen-size bed.

Think About the Frame

The frame is an important part of any sofa bed as it offers support for both sitting and sleeping on the piece. A good frame also keeps all the vital functioning parts of your bed in place, thereby extending its life.

When you’re looking for a particular sofa bed, make sure to check the material that the frame is made of, as the cheap material can affect the quality. The best models are made with hardwoods, which are durable and sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear, while “cookie-cutter” models are generally made from metal or softwood frames that are cheaper. Klin-dried hardwood or a combination of kiln-dried hardwood and furniture plywood is the strongest and durable frame for the pieces of furniture like a sofa.

Moreover, make sure to check how the frame was constructed, as this can also determine the quality of a sofa bed. A good sofa bed is generally made by hand with solid jointing, whereas a cheap one will have been put together on an assembly line using metal staples in the joints, a process that leads to inferior frames.

Where the Sofa Bed will be Used?

Where you want to place your sofa bed at home? Is it a living room, study room or bedroom?

The room that accommodates a sofa bed will determine the style and size you will require. For example, if you want to keep it in a small spare room or study, you need to bring a model that can fit easily. In this scenario, you can invest in a single sofa bed or a futon to make sure you are not saturating the room. A double sofa bed can be chosen for a living room or one located in a master bedroom.

Think About Design

Make sure the sofa bed can complement your interiors. A sleeker and contemporary design will work great with modern décor. A traditional home requires a sofa with a vintage or classic look. There are some versatile designs like Chesterfield sofa beds that work with all interiors.

Don’t Sideline Your Budget

The price of a sofa bed varies based on a model.

A futon generally costs AUD 2940 while the price of a sleeper sofa can go anywhere between AUD 1176 to AUD 3676. Apart from the model, the prices are also varied by upholstery such as colors, fabrics, leather, size, opening mechanism, and material.

However, don’t spend a lot of money on an expensive model if a simple sofa bed can work great.

So these are some basic yet important tips to consider while buying a sofa bed online. There could be many more such as deciding on materials or fillings which aren’t listed here as it might make the blog “overwhelming” for you. Just stick to these basics to get the right one for you.

Choose the Fabric

To keep your sofa in the best shape and comfortable for years, it is downright essential to consider the fabric. Here’s how.

• Choose high maintenance fabrics like silk only in areas that are not used frequently.
• Microfibers are ideal for heavy usage areas, look classy and are easy to clean. 
• Textured fabrics are more resistant to wear and tear than smooth ones.
• Leather is a high-quality fabric. Plus, it is available in a wide range of colors and textures. 

Consider the Mechanism

Last but not least—always check the mechanism of your sofa bed. After all, it has a huge impact on the ease of use and reliability of the product. With an effective mechanism, your sofa can easily be turned into a bed or vice-versa with minimal operation every time.

The bed section of your sofa should be pulled out without any snagging or sticking. Besides, there should be no crunching or squeaking sound. Finally, your sofa bed should get into place securely as a sofa or bed, ensuring that you can have a maximum comfort without any unevenness.

So these are some basic yet important tips to consider while buying a sofa bed online. There could be many more such which aren’t listed here as it might make the blog “overwhelming” for you. Just stick to these basics to get the right one for you.

Author Bio: Naresh Prashar is the marketing manager of E-Living Furniture, a leading online portal for affordable and elegant furniture for all types. Now a busy businessman, he loves to travel around the world and write on related topics whenever finds some time from his busy schedule.