What to Consider When Buying Sofa Beds Online
Buying a sofa bed online can be a smart move—offering flexibility, style, and functionality all in one compact design.
Whether you're furnishing a small apartment, a guest room, or a multi-purpose space, the right sofa bed can be a game changer.
But with so many options available online, how do you choose the best one?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to consider when buying sofa beds online, focusing on quality, comfort, design, space, usage needs, and budget.
You’ll also find insider tips to help you pick the best sofa beds to offer at prices that don’t break the bank.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Sofa Bed
The first question you need to ask is: How often will this sofa bed be used as a bed?
- Daily use: If it’s for regular sleeping, such as in a studio apartment or shared flat, prioritize mattress quality and frame durability.
- Occasional use: If it’s mainly for guests, you can choose based more on aesthetics and budget.
Understanding its primary use will help you narrow down choices from cheap sofa beds to premium models based on what fits your lifestyle.
Tip: For regular sleeping, always go for a high-density foam mattress or a pocket-spring mattress.
2. Measure Your Space Accurately
Size is crucial when shopping for sofa beds online. Always measure:
- The space when folded as a sofa.
- The space when extended as a bed.
You don’t want to find a great deal online, only to discover it doesn’t fit through your door or crowds your living room.
Make sure you consider the wall clearance, pathways, and even hallway dimensions during delivery.
3. Choose the Right Type of Sofa Bed
Not all sofa beds are created equal. Here are the most popular types you’ll encounter:
a. Click-Clack Sofa Beds
- Simple mechanism (back clicks down).
- Great for small spaces.
- Usually more affordable.
b. Pull-Out Sofa Beds
- Traditional design where the bed pulls out from inside the sofa.
- Often include proper mattresses.
- Best for guest rooms or daily use.
c. Corner Sofa Beds
- Stylish and functional.
- Offers more seating space.
- Ideal for larger living rooms.
Explore the best corner sofa beds that combine comfort with clever space-saving design.
4. Consider Frame and Build Quality
The frame is the backbone of any sofa bed. The most durable options are:
- Solid hardwood frames (like beech or oak): Long-lasting and sturdy.
- Metal frames: Lightweight and durable, often used in click-clack models.
- Particle board or MDF: More affordable but less durable.
When browsing cheap sofa bed options, be sure to check customer reviews or product specifications for build details.
5. Assess Mattress Comfort and Thickness
Sofa beds are notorious for having thinner mattresses than regular beds. Here's how to choose the most comfortable one:
- High-density foam: Budget-friendly and decent for short-term use.
- Memory foam: Offers support and pressure relief.
- Pocket-spring mattresses: Best for nightly sleep; similar to a real bed.
Look for at least 10 cm mattress thickness for a comfortable night’s sleep.
6. Upholstery Options: Choose What Fits Your Lifestyle
Fabric not only affects the sofa’s appearance—it impacts maintenance and durability.
a. Fabric Upholstery
- Soft and cozy.
- Available in multiple colors and patterns.
- May require regular cleaning or protection if you have pets.
b. Faux Leather or Leather
- Modern look.
- Easier to wipe clean.
- Great for homes with children or pets.
When shopping for online sofa beds, pay attention to fabric durability (look for rub counts of 20,000+).
7. Check for Hidden Storage
Some of the best sofa beds UK brands offer built-in storage space, perfect for bedding, pillows, or extra blankets. If you live in a flat or studio apartment, multi-functional furniture like this can save serious space.
Explore the range of sofa beds with built-in storage options designed for modern living.
8. Style Matters: Match Your Interior Aesthetic
Today’s sofa beds are as stylish as they are practical.
Whether you're after a minimalist Scandi style, bold contemporary design, or classic tufted look, there’s a sofa bed to match.
Browse options that complement your current:
- Color scheme
- Room layout
- Other furniture
A cohesive look can transform your room into a relaxing, modern space.
9. Prioritize Easy Assembly and Delivery
Some cheap sofa beds may seem like a great deal until you have to wrestle with complicated instructions.
Choose sofa beds that:
- Come pre-assembled or with easy instructions
- Offer white-glove delivery or room-of-choice placement
- Have clear return policies in case it doesn’t work out
Buying sofa beds online should be a convenient experience—make sure the retailer supports that.
10. Compare Price vs. Value
While hunting for deals, remember that cheap doesn’t always mean value.
Evaluate:
- Materials and craftsmanship
- Warranty or guarantee
- Customer support and reviews
Even budget shoppers can find cheap sofa bed deals with top-tier quality if they research properly.
Focus on value over price to ensure long-term satisfaction.
11. Read Customer Reviews and Ratings
Before clicking “Buy Now”, read reviews from real customers. They often provide insights about:
- Comfort after a few months of use
- Assembly issues
- Durability of fabric and frame
- Whether the product matches online photos
Review ratings help identify the best sofa beds UK customers truly love.
12. Check Return and Warranty Policies
Always read the return policy and warranty coverage before purchasing.
A trustworthy online store will:
- Offer a 14 to 30-day return window
- Provide a warranty (1-5 years) for the frame, mechanism, or mattress
- Offer responsive customer service
When buying online, peace of mind is just as important as aesthetics or comfort.
Summary
Buying a sofa bed online offers convenience, variety, and potential savings, but only if you approach it with the right knowledge.
From measuring your space and choosing the right frame to finding stylish, multi-functional options with built-in storage, every detail matters.
At Home Done, we make it easy for you to find high-quality cheap sofa beds, whether you're after something compact and affordable or spacious and luxurious.