Showrooms
Contact
My Account
Track Your Order
Choosing the perfect sofa bed: Style, quality & dimensions
Sofa beds are a hardworking piece of furniture. Designed to easily transform from a sofa to a bed, they are increasingly popular with modern lifestyles and the rise of small space living.
The question is: how do you choose the right sofa bed for you?
To help you navigate the wide variety of options and shop with confidence we’ve created a sofa bed buying guide with everything you need to know.
5 key features to look for in a sofa bed
1. Comfort is key
Think of your sofa bed as both a sofa and a bed – it should feel luxurious and comfortable in both roles. Look for soft, supportive cushions and a high-quality mattress that will guarantee restful sleep.
2. Ease of use
You want a sofa bed that’s simple to transform, with mechanisms that glide smoothly without requiring too much effort.
3. Style and aesthetic
Your sofa bed should also suit your space. Choose a design that blends with your style, whether you love modern minimalism or prefer something more classic.
4. Durability
A sturdy frame and high-quality materials mean your sofa bed will stand the test of time, even with regular use.
5. Added features
Features like built-in storage for bedding or modular configurations can also be game changers, adding convenience and versatility to your space.
King Living sofa beds are designed with all the key features you need for a high-quality, comfortable experience. To help make your choice simple, all of our sofa beds are made with durable steel frames to ensure they last. Every design also features the added benefit of removable covers that can be replaced to keep your sofa bed looking its best for years to come. Ease of use is a priority, with designs like the ReoGrand Sofa Bed offering an effortless pull out sofa bed mechanism which doesn't require the back cushions to be removed. Reo also includes an integrated Sleep+ Mattress to give your guests lasting comfort.
What are the different types of sofa beds?
Sofa beds come in all shapes and sizes to suit different needs. A pull-out sofa bed is a tried-and-true option, where the mattress folds out from the sofa base. Futon sofa beds are sleek and simple, with backrests that fold flat to create a bed. For the ultimate in flexibility, modular sofa beds let you rearrange the setup to suit your seating and sleeping needs.
The King Living Felix Studio Bed features an innovative mechanism different from standard sofa beds. Felix can transform from a sofa to a single sofa bed at the touch of a button with innovative TouchGlide® technology. The seat depth extends to create a sofa bed, and retracts back into a flush position with the sofa platform base to maximise living space when not in use.
Benefits of owning a sofa bed
There are many great benefits of choosing a sofa bed. They are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. They’re perfect for saving space, combining seating and sleeping into one clever design. Hosting guests? A sofa bed offers a comfortable spot for overnight stays without the need for a separate guest room. They’re also a great fit for multi-purpose spaces like home offices or playrooms, where flexibility is key. Plus, today's sofa beds are designed to look modern, so you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality.
Different types of sofa bed frames explained
A sofa bed’s frame is its foundation, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. The two most common choices are steel and wood.
Wooden frames are built with solid wood or engineered wood like plywood or MDF. They are strong and sturdy, making them ideal for long-term use. However not all are created equally. Less expensive and softer woods are typically more susceptible to warping and splintering.
Steel frames are designed for strength and durability. Lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, they are resistant to warping or cracking over time. Steel frames often feature in premium designs, built to handle frequent use. They are ideal for sofa beds that need to convert easily while offering superior support. At King Living, our Sofa Beds are crafted with our signature steel frame and backed by a 25-Year Steel Frame Warranty, ensuring your sofa bed lasts a lifetime.
Mattress types in a sofa bed
Sofa bed mattresses can be made from a variety of materials, such as memory foam, latex, or a hybrid combination. The mattress is what makes or breaks the sleep experience on a sofa bed. Memory foam mattresses mold to your body for personalised support and pressure relief. Innerspring mattresses give a traditional feel with plenty of bounce, which works well for regular use. Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds—memory foam’s comfort and innerspring’s support. If you have guests with allergies, latex mattresses are a fantastic option, offering natural hypoallergenic properties along with excellent support.
The King Living Oscar Sofa Bed and ReoGrand Sofa Bed both include an integrated Sleep+ Mattress, crafted from multi-layer high resilience foam for lasting comfort.
Sofa bed dimensions
Size matters when choosing a sofa bed. Single sofa beds are great for compact spaces or accommodating one guest. Double sofa beds offer enough space for two sleepers and fit most living areas. Queen sofa beds give your guests more room to stretch out without overwhelming your space. If you’re after ultimate flexibility, modular designs let you customise the size to suit your home perfectly. King Living sofa beds are available in 2-3 seater sofas with King Single to Queen sizes beds to suit any space and lifestyle needs.
Keep in mind that all sofa beds expand in size when they’re unfolded, which means it’s vital to ensure it can fit through the doors of your home and fit in the desired room. Always remember to check the dimensions of any sofa bed on the website or with a showroom team member to ensure it will fit your space perfectly. King Living can offer access check services for peace of mind.
A designer’s recommendations
“I always encourage people to look beyond aesthetics,” suggests Alinta Lim, King Living Senior Designer. “It can be tempting to focus solely on the style of the sofa bed. While it’s important, the quality and comfort will determine the actual experience of using it.”
The perfect sofa bed will fit your lifestyle, enhance your space, and offer superior comfort for both sitting and sleeping. Whether you’re looking to maximise your space or create a guest bedroom, a high-quality sofa bed from King Living combines practicality, comfort, and timeless design. Take your time exploring the options to find one that’s just right for you.
Explore King Living Sofa beds today or discover more sofa bed buying guides:
Sofa Bed FAQs
How do sofa beds work?
Sofa beds transition between a sofa and a bed. They are designed with internal mechanisms that allow you to convert them easily, making sofa beds ideal for small spaces or accommodating guests. Depending on the design, sofa beds work in various ways. Pull-out sofa beds feature a hidden frame and mattress that unfold from the base, while platform or modular designs, rely on a simple rearrangement of cushions and components to create a sleeping surface.
What type of sofa beds are recommended?
The best type of sofa bed depends on your needs. For frequent use, a pull-out sofa bed with a high-quality steel frame and a supportive mattress is ideal, offering durability and comfort. For a versatile option, modular sofa beds with customisable configurations and tailored covers are highly recommended. Look for features like premium fabrics and leather, supportive frames, and easy-to-operate mechanisms for long-lasting comfort and functionality.
What makes King Living Sofa Beds different?
King Living sofa beds set a new standard for multifunctional furniture. Unlike conventional sofa beds, our designs feature effortless open mechanisms that eliminate the need to remove back cushions. Our signature steel frame and advanced King Postureflex® Seating System and KingCell® springs ensure lasting comfort and support. Customisation is key, with options to add smart accessories and select tailored, removable covers available in a range of premium fabrics and leather. King Living sofa beds truly stand apart.
Are sofa beds comfortable for everyday use?
Yes, modern sofa beds are designed with comfort in mind, often rivaling traditional beds. High-quality models feature supportive mattresses, advanced spring systems, and durable frames to ensure long-term comfort. Look for sofa beds with integrated seating systems, like the King Living Postureflex® Seating System if you plan to use your sofa bed regularly.
