…because I have a new dream sofa, guys. Huge news alert: after about a year and a half of long-distance dating (and more cross-country flights than I can ever begin to remember), my cute and kind boyfriend Dennis and I are making plans to turn my LA apartment into our LA apartment. (Ahhh!!!! Please drop any cohabitation tips in the comments, if you have them.) Our first order of business? Acquire a sofa or sectional that we can both simultaneously lounge on comfortably. (Den loves my current vintage leather number and thinks it’s more comfortable than I do – he’s definitely napped on it more frequently than I have! – but your girl is a SPRAWLER who’d prefer some space for both of us to lay down, you know?)
To that end, I’M IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW SOFA. And since Dennis and I both still have family and friends back in Delaware, I’d love it for the aforementioned new sofa to double as a bed for guests. (I hosted one of my best friends for about 10 days earlier this spring and I gotta say that the air mattress really lost its luster – I can’t put anyone through that again!) ANYWAY. I’ve spent the past couple of months researching – I will not make an uninformed sofa purchase again! – and today, I wanted to share the 22 design-forward sleeper sofa beds that I’ve considered for my own apartment. They’re all highly-rated, comfortable (both the “sleeper” part and the “sofa” part), and aesthetically appealing. I’ve also noted shipping times, for those of you looking for a quick addition to your home before the holidays, and I’ve called out the pieces that were made here in America (in case that’s important to you). You can scroll down to get to the picks, but first, I wanted to answer a few FAQs…
Four Quick FAQs About Sleeper Sofa Beds
How long should a sleeper sofa bed last?
A LONG TIME. Look, you’re not going to use this as your everyday bed – most of these mattresses are around 5″ or 6″ thick, so they’re not built for daily use – but a modern sleeper sofa should last at least 5 years. Designers will also throw around the fact that sofas can last “up to 17 years,” but honestly, the pieces I’ve linked below are high-quality. They’re the ones that you’ll find in 50 years at the flea market. If you take care of them, they’ll take care of you.
Are any of them actually comfortable?
YES. I’ve done a lot of research – both in-person and via talking with experts – and both furniture and mattress technology have come A LONG WAY. (I mean, we can ship mattresses in boxes now – of course we can fit more comfortable beds into sofas.) This ain’t your grandma’s 1970s sleeper! The sofas really feel like sofas, too – not just like a cushion on top that’s been balanced atop a metal frame. If you’ve written off the sleeper, you might want to try one out at a local store to see how different they feel now!
Why are they so expensive?
OH MY GOSH. This is MY question, too. And to be clear, you can absolutely get a sleeper sofa for $300 – $700…it’s just not going to be the most comfortable, and it’s not going to stand the test of time. Honestly, a lot of the options below will require a hefty amount of planning and saving (at least for me – sofas are expensive!), but I’ll also be keeping an eye out for any and all of these styles on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. They’re expensive because they were made from high-quality materials by people who really know what they’re doing, you know? (But that also means these sofas will be just as good secondhand…so keep those eyes peeled when you’re trolling for finds on Facebook Marketplace! You might score a deal. :))
Why don’t my sheets fit right on my sleeper sofa bed?
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION. Huge PSA: oftentimes, a “queen-sized mattress” in a sleeper IS NOT A QUEEN-SIZED MATTRESS. Some quick numbers for you to keep in mind:
- A twin bed is 38″x75″.
- A full bed is 54″x75″.
- A queen bed is 60″x80″.
- A king bed is 76″ x 80″.
- And the most common “sleeper queen?” 60″x72″. That’s right: sleeper mattresses are often significantly shorter than TWIN SIZED BEDS. Just something to keep in mind!
I’ve highlighted bed sizes below – you’ll see true kings, queens, and fulls, alongside a selection of “sleeper queens” with more petite profiles. If your guest’s comfort is a priority (or if you come from a particularly tall family), be sure to check the actual dimensions – sleeper queens are totally fine for quick stays, but they may become frustrating after several weeks. No one loves their feet hanging off the edge of the bed for that long, you know? ANYWAY. You’ve officially been briefed – onwards to the picks!!!
Pricing: From $4,622.40 (On Sale)
Timing: Ships in 2-4 weeks.
Bed Size: Full
Customization: 50 fabric options, 3 leg finishes, left or right chaise, standard or memory foam mattress available.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
Procrastinators, this one is for you! Apt2B is going to be your best bet for stylish, comfortable, and quick-ship sleeper sofas and sectionals that are easy to customize. I love the wood base and clean lines of this sectional, but you’ll also see a few more of their pieces below.
Pricing: $1,899
Timing: Back in stock in 2 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 2 colors available.
Manufactured: Produced abroad.
OK, ARTICLE! I see you. Talk about the look for less, right? (I’m partial to the taupe color, TBH.) This sofa looks like it costs at least twice as much, but there is one caveat: the mattress is pretty short. (Only 68″ – that’s 5’8″, for all of us doing the quick math.) That’s may be a welcome trade for some – I know I’d take a short mattress for a sofa that looks this good at that price! But if your family and friends err on the taller side, you may want to consider investing in a different option.
Pricing: From $4,273.50 (On Sale)
Timing: Ships in 6-8 weeks.
Bed Size: Queen, King
Customization: 8 fabric options.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
Like this little number, designed by our very own Ginny Macdonald! (Em is thinking about putting a king-sized sleeper in her guest room, so you know I sent her this one to consider.) The best part: the included mattress is SUBLIME. No joke – the reviews confirm it unanimously, too. The Coniston is perfect for those who want the best of both style AND function. (PS. It’s currently on sale for 25% off, in case you want to bring it home before the holidays.)
Pricing: $2,898
Timing: Available December 2023.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: The standard version comes in 49 colors.
Manufactured: Made to order abroad.
FUN, RIGHT? A bold, vintage-inspired print meets a simple, minimalist shape. Perfection. If you have a more formal living room, the Athena sleeper might be a great fit for you (note the lack of back cushions – she’s more of a “sitting” sofa, if you know what I mean). If the print is a little too loud for your taste, though, never fear – this clean silhouette also comes in 49 other cheery shades.
Pricing: From $5,450
Timing: 10-14 days for sketch approval; production times may vary.
Bed Size: Twin, Full, Queen
Customization: 12 layouts, 194 fabrics, 9 widths, 4 depths, 9 cushion configurations, 3 cushion fill options, 3 base styles.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
The Mellon was designed as a nod to the “chic, geometric stylings of the 1970s”….and, well, mission accomplished. This one comes from Clad Home and it’s endlessly customizable (seriously – you can work one-on-one with their team to build the exact sofa of your dreams).
Pricing: From $2,150.40
Timing: Ships in 2-4 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 90 fabrics, 2 leg finishes, standard or memory foam mattress available.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
Here’s another easily-customizable, quick-ship beaut from our pals at Apt2B. (Did you know Arlyn used to work there?) A timeless shape and great construction at a budget-friendly price – what else could you ask for?
Pricing: From $3,499
Timing: Arrives in 8-10 weeks.
Bed Size: Queen
Customization: 2 cushion configurations, 120 fabrics.
Manufactured: Made to order abroad.
LOVE this sleeper for so many reasons. The sideways construction is genius – it’s a great way to fit a full-sized queen mattress into a sofa. (Caveat: if you’re sleeping 2, someone’s going to have to do a little gymnastics move if they need to get up in the middle of the night. To that end, this may not be the best choice for hosting your grandparents.) I’m also partial to the fabrics available – I’d go for one of their performance options, like Sunbrella, to keep it all easy to maintain.
Pricing: From $4,595
Timing: Arrives in 10-14 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 25 fabrics, 25 piping options, left or right chaise, 2 chaise lengths, bench cushions available, 3 fill options, standard or memory foam mattress available.
Manufactured: Made to order abroad.
Oh man…after working on this post, this one miiiiight be turning into my first choice. I’d love a sectional (you know, with space to sprawl), but I’m also loving the bumper (I see a little console table/desk pushed up to that edge in my future!), the piping, the bench cushions, the extra-long chaise – OH MAN, I’M SELLING MYSELF. Don’t be surprised if (when?) I accidentally add this to my cart on Black Friday, okay?
Pricing: $1,999
Timing: Estimated early October.
Bed Size: Full
Customization: 2 fabric options.
Manufactured: Produced abroad.
The classic futon gets a modern upgrade in the Una Sleeper. (And believe it or not, it’s comfortable, too – it’s made from springs and foam, so it really is like having a flexible mattress!) If your home leans a little more “California Cool” or “effortless expensive,” this would be a great pick for you.
Pricing: From $6,798 (On Sale)
Timing: Arrives in 6-8 weeks.
Bed Size: King
Customization: 153 fabrics, 4 leg color options.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
If you’re on the hunt for a printed option, you’ve GOTTA check out the Spruce Street sleeper from Serena & Lily. This is the most expensive one on our list, but it also boasts a true king-sized mattress. (And honestly, it looks timeless in a neutral fabric, too!) I’d personally opt for a vibrant gingham or a happy cabana stripe – your guests will NEVER guess that your cheery sofa is hiding some secret sleeping quarters.
Pricing: From $3,454.40 (On Sale)
Timing: Ships in 2-4 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 56 fabrics, 2 leg finishes, standard or memory foam mattress available.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
Here’s one for my pals whose style leans a little more glam! The Nora is universally adored by those who have purchased it – seriously, there’s not a single bad review, outside of one 4-star rating that recommends the memory foam mattress – AND FOR GOOD REASON. The channel tufting is simultaneously vintage AND on-trend; plus, you won’t need to worry about any dust or debris getting under the sofa. Dreamy, yeah?
Pricing: From $6,195
Timing: 10-14 days for sketch approval; production times may vary.
Bed Size: Twin, Full, Queen
Customization: 11 layouts, 194 fabrics, 5 widths, 4 depths, 6 chaise length options, 4 cushion configurations, 2 cushion fill types.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
Not to be like, “it was designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel for her own home, so it has to be good,” but…I mean…it was designed by SSS for her own home, so it has to be good. This sleeper is also very spendy – the right configuration could make it the most expensive piece on this list – so be sure that you’ll really love your customizations for the next couple of decades before you add to cart, okay?
Pricing: From $2,099
Timing: Delivery as soon as Mid-November.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 268 fabric options.
Manufactured: Produced abroad.
Cute, simple, stylish, AND it might arrive before your guests do this Thanksgiving? SLAM DUNK. But wait, there’s more! The Notch is a Goldilocks level of firm – not super hard (you’d never guess you’re sitting on top of a mattress!), but not so soft that it’s difficult to stand up, either. (Full disclosure: this is the sleeper that I recommend to my friends.)
Pricing: From $1,999
Timing: Arrives in 8-10 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 120 fabric options.
Manufactured: Made to order abroad.
Slipcovered sofas are no joke, and this one from Pottery Barn is AWESOME. The covers are actually easy to remove, launder, and put back together – have you ever heard of such a thing?! (Love it when things actually work the way they’re supposed to.) English roll arms are pretty endlessly charming, too – how good would this look in a cozy library/office space?
Pricing: From $3,748.50 (On Sale)
Timing: Ships in 6-8 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 7 fabric options.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
If you love the look of Em’s living room sofas but need the functionality of a sleeper, well…the Lotte is for you, baby! The deep bench seat is plush and comfortable, and the mattress is simple to slide in and out. (No huffing and puffing to pull it out, I promise.)
Pricing: From $2,199
Timing: Estimated late October 2023 (or early January for custom fabric orders).
Bed Size: Full
Customization: 25 fabric options.
Manufactured: Produced abroad.
COOL, RIGHT? I’m disappointed to admit that I’m no longer as interested in sleeping as close to the ground as I once was, but the Alesso sleeper might be changing my mind a little bit. I’m obsessed with the safari-inspired leather straps and the cove-like nature of the sofa bed – I bet young ones would LOVE building a fort here. (On a more serious design note, I love that this is a modern interpretation of the uber-expensive, uber-iconic Anfibio sofa bed from the 1970s. It’s fun to see how pieces are reimagined over time!)
Pricing: From $4,214.40 (On Sale)
Timing: Ships in 2-4 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Full
Customization: 57 fabrics, 3 leg finishes, left or right chaise, standard or memory foam mattress available.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
The Avalon has a smaller mattress, buuuuuut it also has one of the highest seats here (20″ tall). The average sofa has a 17″ or 18″ seat (though some can be as low as 15″!), but higher seats are often far more comfortable for older guests or those of us with mobility issues (fellow back and hip pain gal, where you at?). If you’re using your sectional for lounging and quick hangs more than long, overnight stays, this may be a great option.
Pricing: From $2,599
Timing: Some configurations are ready to ship! (Others have estimated delivery in mid-November.)
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 18 fabric options.
Manufactured: Made to order abroad.
Nothing says “I’m a casual, refined, pulled-together human with a vacation property by the lake” quite like a casual, tailored, slipcovered sofa. Much like its earlier counterpart, this Crate & Barrel version also boasts slipcovers that are easy to maintain. (Bonus: check out the reviews, too – there are some repeat customers who have been loyal to this sofa for decades!)
Pricing: From $5,795
Timing: 10-14 days for sketch approval; production times may vary.
Bed Size: Twin, Full, Queen
Customization: 11 layouts, 194 fabrics, 5 lengths, 4 depths, 6 chaise lengths, 4 cushion configurations, 3 cushion fill options, 6 leg styles.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
SHE’S LARGE AND IN CHARGE. And, more importantly, she’s an English roll-arm sectional that actually looks good. There’s something so charming and endearing about the classic English sofa shape – it’s hard to see it scaled up in this way, and it often looks kind of bonkers. NOT HERE, THOUGH! It’s so elegant and refined – I feel like this sleeper belongs in a celeb’s cottage tour on AD, don’t you?
Pricing: $1,699
Timing: Delivery as soon as this week!
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 2 colors available.
Manufactured: Produced abroad.
Dang, Article is really bringing it with their quick-ship, ultra-modern sleepers! I’m OBSESSED with the stainless legs on this one – I think they’re very early to a trend (and you can be, too!). I know the old idiom is “fast, cheap, and good: pick two,” but I think Article’s sofas maaaaay be the exception – reasonable lead times, affordable pricing, AND design-forward styles. This is a really good piece.
Pricing: From $3,045
Timing: Arrives in 6-8 weeks.
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 43 fabrics, 3 leg colors, 2 cushion material options.
Manufactured: Made to order abroad.
I think you probably get it at this point – they’re all a bunch of beautiful, comfortable sofas. Buuuuuut if you’re looking for something a bit more minimalist or colorful, you’ve found it in the Scarlett! (I mean, I know how it feels to struggle to find a sofa with a slim, low-profile arm, so…here’s an option if you’re also in the market for that silhouette.)
Pricing: From $2,398
Timing: Select configurations deliver within 2-4 weeks. (Made-to-order pieces are expected in February 2024.)
Bed Size: Sleeper Queen
Customization: 52 fabrics.
Manufactured: Made to order in the USA.
Who wouldn’t want to sink into those cushions? Can you imagine taking a (regular) nap on a sofa that looks that comfortable? Add a cozy blanket and I’d be out for HOURS. I love the relaxed cushions and the boxy frame on the Katina sleeper – it’d be easy to make this sofa sing, regardless of your home’s style.
I gotta be honest with you: I’m VERY excited to have a sofa arm to curl up against again. (And I’m really excited to have Dennis living here, too! We spent the last 6 weeks together – first in Delaware, then in LA, then back in Delaware – and I can’t wait til we host some friends here.) BUT OKAY. Enough about me – what say you??? Any sofa favs? Any words of wisdom? Bueller???? See ya in the comments xx
Opening Image Credits: Design by Caitlin Higgins (me!) | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The Reveal We’ve All Been Waiting For! Caitlin’s Mostly Thrifted, Postmodern Regency Deco Living Room
