What’S The Difference Between A Sofa Bed And A Sleeper?
Defining a Sofa Bed
A sofa bed, sometimes called a sleeper sofa, is a sofa designed to open into a bed. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a sofa bed is “a sofa that can be made to serve as a bed by lowering its hinged upholstered back to horizontal position or by unfolding a metal framework.”
Essentially, a sofa bed is a dual-purpose piece of furniture that functions as both a sofa and a bed. It typically has a metal frame and mattress hidden underneath its upholstered seat cushions. The back cushions can fold down flat, and sometimes the underlying mattress can unfold, converting the sofa into a bed for sleeping. This allows a sofa bed to serve as a comfortable place to sit as well as sleep, making it a versatile, space-saving furniture option.
Defining a Sleeper Sofa
A sleeper sofa, also known as a sofa bed, is a sofa that contains a mattress inside that can be pulled out into a bed. The mattress is hidden within the sofa’s frame and can be converted into a bed by unfolding the mattress and extending it flat.
Sleeper sofas contain a mattress that is specially designed for sleeping on, unlike regular sofa cushions which are meant for sitting. The mattress is usually 4-6 inches thick and made of materials like memory foam, latex foam, innerspring coils, or air chambers to provide comfort and support. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a sleeper sofa is defined as “a sofa that folds out to form a bed.” [1]
When not in use, the mattress folds into the sofa frame so that the sofa can be used regularly for seating. Sleeper sofas allow a living space to easily convert into a guest bed or extra sleeping space as needed.
Origins
The origins of the sofa bed date back to the late 19th century in Japan, where the futon was commonly used as a convertible bedding system. The futon was a flat cushion that could be folded away and stored during the day. After being introduced to the United States around 1980, the convertible futon gained popularity as an affordable and versatile furniture option for small spaces.
The earliest version of the modern sleeper sofa is attributed to Bernard Castro, an Italian immigrant who moved to the U.S. in 1919. In the 1930s during the Great Depression, Castro developed a convertible sofa that could be folded out into a bed, later branded the “Castro Convertible”. This innovation allowed families to convert their living space into a guest bedroom as needed. Castro’s convertible sofa bed became a huge commercial success and started the sleeper sofa trend in America.
In the decades since, sleeper sofas and sofa beds have continued to evolve with new frames, mattresses, and folding mechanisms. While early sofa bed mattresses were quite thin and uncomfortable, modern sleeper sofas often feature thicker mattresses and inner springs for better support.
Mechanisms
There are several types of mechanisms that allow sofa beds to open into a bed. The most common are:
Pull-Out
Pull-out sofa beds have a mattress on a metal frame that simply pulls out from the sofa. The mattress rests on the metal frame. These are usually more affordable but less comfortable since the mattress is thin. (1)
Folding
Folding sofa beds have segmented mattresses that fold in three or more sections. The back cushions usually fold down over the mattress to create a flat sleeping surface. These utilize springs and sturdier mattresses for more comfort. (2)
Futons
Futons function as both a sofa and bed. The back cushions can be positioned upright for seating or laid flat for sleeping. Futons utilize a thick cotton or foam mattress for comfort. (3)
In summary, sofa bed mechanisms utilize frames, springs, and mattresses in different configurations to transform from a sofa into a bed. The type of mechanism determines factors like ease of use, comfort, and price.
Sources:
(1) https://www.made-to-last.co.uk/blog/understanding-sofa-bed-mechanism-types/
(2) https://www.made-to-last.co.uk/blog/understanding-sofa-bed-mechanism-types/
(3) https://www.made-to-last.co.uk/blog/understanding-sofa-bed-mechanism-types/
Size and Dimensions
Sofa beds and sleeper sofas come in a variety of sizes when opened up for sleeping. Typical sizes include twin, full/double, queen, and king. A twin sleeper sofa is approximately 39-47 inches wide, a full is 52-55 inches, a queen is 58-62 inches, and a king is around 72 inches wide (https://www.sleepersinseattle.com/content/sleeper-buying-guide/). Generally, sleeper sofas tend to be wider and longer when opened compared to sofa beds. For example, a queen sleeper sofa is usually 60-72 inches wide while a queen sofa bed may only be 58-60 inches wide (https://www.povison.com/blog/buying-guide/sofa-bed-vs-sleeper-sofa-essential-differences.html). The extra width and length can make a big difference in providing a comfortable sleeping surface. When considering size, it’s important to measure both the open and closed dimensions to ensure the sofa bed or sleeper will fit your space.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, there are some key differences between sofa beds and sleeper sofas. According to Homes & Gardens, the mattresses on sleeper sofas are designed specifically for sleeping, while sofa beds simply utilize the cushions for the sitting area. Sleeper sofa mattresses are thicker and made of higher-density foam or inner springs to provide more support.
The mattresses on sleeper sofas are much more similar to a traditional bed mattress than a sofa bed. They are designed to give adequate ergonomic support for the spine and pressure points when sleeping. Some even use memory foam for optimal comfort. Sofa beds do not provide the same level of support with their thinner cushions.
Overall, sleeper sofas tend to provide a more comfortable night’s sleep. The mattresses are made for extended periods of lying down and sleeping, unlike a sofa bed which repurposes furniture cushions. If you plan to use the sofa bed regularly for overnight guests, a sleeper sofa is likely the better choice for comfort.
Cost
Sofa beds are typically less expensive than sleeper sofas. According to Homes & Gardens, sofa beds can cost as little as $300, while sleeper sofas start around $600 and can go up to $5,000 or more.
The Spruce notes that a small sleeper sofa will run around $600 to $1,000, while a queen size can cost $1,200 to $3,500. High-end designer sleeper sofas can cost over $5,000.
Futons are usually the most budget-friendly convertible sofa option. Simple futon frames with thin mattresses can start as low as $100, while higher quality futons with thicker mattresses and wood or metal frames typically range from $200 to $1,000.
The main reasons sleeper sofas cost more are their bigger size, thicker mattress, and mechanisms that allow for more adjustable positions. Sofa beds offer basic back and forth folding functionality at a lower price point.
Design Style
Sleeper sofas tend to have a more sophisticated, upscale design aesthetic compared to sofa beds. Many sleeper sofas are indistinguishable from regular couches or sectionals when closed, featuring intricate fabrics, tailored cushions, and elegant frames like a tufted back and scrolled arms. This allows them to seamlessly blend into living room decor. Sofa beds often have a more basic, utilitarian look or casual contemporary vibe with minimal embellishments. They frequently employ metal frames and lean more modern than traditional in style. According to Homes & Gardens, sleeper sofas aim for “the illusion of looking like a regular sofa, just with more clever mechanics” while sofa beds place greater emphasis on function over form.
Intended Uses
Sofa beds and sleeper sofas each have advantages that make them better suited for certain situations.
Sleeper sofas are often better for frequent use as an extra bed. Their mattress is fully integrated into the sofa, allowing it to be easily pulled out and put away on a regular basis. Sleeper sofas are a common choice for dens, home offices, or family rooms where an extra bed is often needed. They provide a permanent bedding solution without sacrificing the look and function of a sofa when closed [1].
Sofa beds are better suited for occasional or infrequent use. Their mattress is separate from the sofa, so they require more effort to set up and put away. Sofa beds are commonly found in homes that only need an extra bed once in awhile for guests. They are also the typical choice for hotels, inns, and other hospitality businesses to accomodate extra sleepers while conserving space [2].
Pros and Cons
Both sofa beds and sleeper sofas have advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering when deciding which is better for your needs.
Sofa Bed Pros
Some benefits of sofa beds include:
- More affordable – Sofa beds are generally less expensive than sleeper sofas.
- Easier to convert – The mattress folds up inside the sofa frame, allowing for quick and simple conversion to a bed.
- Takes up less space – Sofa beds don’t require as large of a footprint since there is no separate mattress.
Sofa Bed Cons
Some downsides of sofa beds:
- Less comfortable – The thinner mattresses may not be as plush or supportive for regular sleeping.
- Less durable – The folding mattress can wear out more quickly than a sleeper sofa mattress.
- Limited sizes – Sofa beds usually only come in full or queen sizes, while sleeper sofas can be twin, full, queen, or even king size.
Sleeper Sofa Pros
Benefits of sleeper sofas include:
- More comfortable – Sleeper sofas have thicker, higher-quality mattresses designed for regular sleeping comfort.
- More durable – The mattress is protected when not in use, leading to longer lifespan.
- More size options – From twin to king, sleeper sofas offer more versatility in mattress sizing.
- Looks better as a sofa – Sleeper sofas are often more stylish and better upholstered since comfort as a sofa is a priority.
Sleeper Sofa Cons
Some of the downsides of sleeper sofas include:
- More expensive – The high-quality mattress makes sleeper sofas a pricier investment.
- Harder to convert – Pulling out the mattress and re-assembling the sofa cushions takes more effort.
- Takes up more space – Sleeper sofas need enough room to pull out the mattress for sleeping.
- Heavy and bulky – The complex design makes sleeper sofas much heavier than regular sofas or sofa beds.
