Skip to content
The holiday season is here and, in addition to thinking about gifts for everyone on your list, you may also be looking for a stylish and practical solution that can transform your living room into a cozy guest room. But should you get a sofa bed or a sleeper sofa? There’s a difference! Or maybe a day bed or futon would better suit your needs? Ahead, we explore the pros and cons of each—and share our top picks.
Sleeper Sofa
What it is: A sleeper sofa, also known as a pull-out sofa, has a real mattress within the sofa frame that can be pulled out into a bed. It looks most like a traditional couch and is the most comfortable option, but also one of the bulkier, more expensive options.
Who should get one: Sleeper sofas are best if you have long-term guests, a large living space with room to stretch out, and a flexible budget.
Need to know: You’ll want to consider the type of mattress your sleeper sofa comes with. “High-resilience foam, with a density of a little over two, gives firmness for support,” says Richie David, president and CEO of Totally Home Furniture. “Pocket coil mattresses, with a little over four hundred coils in queen sizes, give both bounce and air flow,” he adds.
Our top picks:
-
Banks Sleeper Sofa, $3,106 at Joybird
-
Harmony Sleeper, from $2,239 at West Elm
-
Luke Sleeper Sofa, $1300 at Costco
Sofa Bed
What it is: A sofa bed does not have a mattress within the metal frame of the sofa. Instead, the sofa’s seat back is folded down to create a sleeping surface.
Who should get one: Because a sofa bed is easier to convert than a sleeper sofa, it’s a good choice for frequent hosts who are a bit more budget conscious. “The best sofa beds can adapt easily to a bed when needed,” says Alexandra Cooper, an interior designer at Planner 5D.
Need to know: Because the sleeping surface is not your standard bed size, it may be difficult to find sheets that fit.
Our top picks:
-
Fabry Faux Leather Convertible Sofa, $364 at Wayfair
-
Koala Sofa Bed, $1,990 at Koala
-
Serta Monroe Queen Square Arm Tufted Back Convertible Sleeper Sofa, $847 at Wayfair
Futon
What it is: A futon features a bendable mattress that sits on a frame and can be used for seating when folded or for sleeping when unfolded. It’s a low-cost option that’s ideal for small spaces.
Who should get one: Futons are best for small-space dwellers who need to make every piece of furniture count.
Need to know: Futons are often more comfortable for sleeping than sitting.
Our top picks:
-
Shasta Roll Arm Storage Futon, from $1,099 at Pottery Barn
-
Parker Futon, from $699 at West Elm
-
Lakel Full-Size Futon, $540 at Wayfair
Day Bed
What it is: A day bed more closely resembles a bed than a sofa, and is made more for lounging than sitting. Typically, it features a three-sided design with a back and two sides.
Who should get one: Avid loungers will appreciate having an always-on sleep surface, while design enthusiasts will love the many different style options.
Need to know: Most day beds sleep just one comfortably, though some include a bottom trundle for an extra sleeping surface.
Our top picks:
-
Latitude Run Upholstered Day Bed, $320 at Wayfair
-
Forkey Upholstered Daybed, $430 at Wayfair
-
The Cove Day Bed, $849 at Nestig
The realtor.com® editorial team highlights a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration; clicking a link to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission.
