6 Best Sofa Beds for Urban Apartments in 2025

Living in an urban apartment often means mastering the art of compromise—specifically, the compromise between having a stylish living room and a functional guest room. When square footage is at a premium, a dedicated guest room is a luxury few of us have. This is where the modern sofa bed becomes the MVP of apartment furniture.

Gone are the days of heavy metal bars digging into your back and thin mattresses that leave guests dreading the night. Today’s market offers solutions that prioritize sleep quality just as much as sitting comfort. For urban dwellers, however, the challenge goes beyond comfort; we have to worry about narrow hallways, tight elevators, and maneuvering around corners.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the best options available for US renters and homeowners this year. We have evaluated these choices based on delivery logistics (crucial for apartments), modularity, and sleeping comfort. Naturally, we believe our own design hits the sweet spot for city living, but we want to provide a transparent look at the entire landscape so you can make the right choice for your space.

If you are currently looking to upgrade your space, you can browse our sofa beds to see how we approach apartment-friendly design.

At a Glance: 6 Best Sofa Beds for Urban Apartments

1. Koala: Best Overall for Ease of Moving & Comfort

2. Burrow: Best for Modular Expandability

3. Cozey: Best Budget-Friendly Boxed Solution

4. Sundays: Best for Deep Lounging & Style

5. Joybird: Best for Mid-Century Customization

6. Castlery: Best for Scandinavian Aesthetics

How We Chose the Best Sofa Beds for Urban Apartments

When selecting the platforms for this list, we looked at the specific pain points of city living. A sofa might look beautiful in a showroom, but if it doesn't fit in your building's service elevator, it’s not the right choice. We focused on brands that understand the logistics of modern urban life.

We evaluated each sofa bed against the following criteria:

• Delivery & Assembly: Does it ship in boxes? Can it fit through a standard 30-inch apartment door? Is assembly tool-free, or does it require a toolbox and frustration?

• Footprint Efficiency: Does the sofa dominate the room, or does it balance seating area with floor space?

• Sleep Mechanism: Is it a traditional pull-out (often heavy) or a flip-out/modular design (lighter and quieter)?

• Comfort: We looked for high-density foams and supportive structures rather than thin pads on metal springs.

• Trial Period & Warranty: Buying furniture online requires trust. We prioritized brands that offer substantial in-home trials.

• Durability: Urban furniture gets high traffic. We looked for stain-resistant fabrics and sturdy frames.

The 6 Best Sofa Beds for Urban Apartments

1. Koala: The Best Sofa Bed for Urban Apartments

We designed the Koala Sofa Bed specifically to solve the "pivot" problem (think Friends) that plagues apartment movers. We realized that traditional sofa beds were incredibly heavy, difficult to move, and often uncomfortable to sleep on. Our solution was to remove the heavy metal mechanisms entirely and rely on high-quality, supportive foam and a clever fold-out design.

This approach means we can ship the sofa in manageable boxes that fit through tight stairwells and elevators. Once inside, assembly is tool-free and takes minutes. By prioritizing a "sleep-first" engineering approach, we ensure that guests aren't sleeping on bars or springs, but on a surface that rivals a dedicated mattress.

Koala's Key Features

• Fast, Free Delivery: We ship in boxes within days, not months.

• Tool-Free Assembly: Our "k-lock" system allows you to assemble (and disassemble) the sofa in minutes without a single screwdriver.

• Zero Metal Bars: The sleep surface is purely high-density foam, eliminating squeaks and pressure points.

• Space-Saving Footprint: Designed with compact dimensions suitable for studios and 1-bedroom apartments.

• CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam: We ensure our materials are safe and free from harmful chemicals.

• 120-Night Trial: We offer one of the longest risk-free trial periods in the industry.

Koala's Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Apartment Friendly: The boxed delivery makes navigating walk-ups and elevators stress-free.

• Sleep Comfort: The foam construction provides consistent support similar to a real mattress.

• Eco-Conscious: We use sustainable materials and responsible manufacturing processes.

Cons:

• Low Profile: Our design sits lower to the ground than some traditional sofas, which is a stylistic preference.

• No Coil Springs: Fans of traditional innerspring bounce might find the all-foam feel different (though we find it more supportive).

• Limited Customization: We focus on a curated range of colors rather than hundreds of custom fabric options.

2. Burrow: Best for Modular Expandability

Burrow has made a significant name for itself in the US market by focusing on modularity. Their "Nomad" and "Shift" sleeper sofas are designed to grow with you. If you move from a studio to a larger apartment, you can theoretically add more modules to expand your sofa. Their aesthetic is clean and modern, fitting well into most American apartments.

Burrow's Key Features

• Modular Design: Sections latch together, allowing for easy transport and reconfiguration.

• Built-in USB Chargers: A thoughtful addition for modern living, often located near the armrests.

• Scratch-Resistant Fabric: Their proprietary olefin fabric is tightly woven to resist pet claws and stains.

Burrow's Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Expandability: The ability to turn a loveseat into a sectional later is a great value proposition for renters on the move.

• Tech-Integration: Having power sources built into the furniture is convenient for small spaces with limited wall outlets.

• Boxed Shipping: Like us, they ship in boxes, making initial delivery easy.

Cons:

• Firmness: Many user reviews note that Burrow cushions are quite firm and may require a significant "break-in" period.

• Sleep Surface Gaps: Because the sleeper function often relies on arranging modular cushions or a fold-out kit, some sleepers can feel the gaps between sections.

• Assembly Alignment: While modular, aligning the latches can sometimes be tricky on uneven floors.

3. Cozey: Best Budget-Friendly Boxed Solution

Cozey is a Canadian brand that has expanded into the US, offering a value-driven proposition for modular furniture. Their "Ciello" and "Altus" lines are popular for their cloud-like marketing and simple assembly. They focus heavily on the "box" experience, ensuring that even the tightest spiral staircase isn't an obstacle.

Cozey's Key Features

• Fully Modular: Every seat, arm, and back comes in a separate box.

• Soft Seating: They generally aim for a softer, "sink-in" feel compared to the firmer Burrow.

• Washable Covers: Many of their lines feature removable covers, which is excellent for longevity.

Cozey's Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Accessibility: The price point is often competitive, making it a strong option for first-time apartment renters.

• Easy Returns: They have a solid customer service reputation for handling returns and exchanges.

• Variety: They offer various collections that range from modern to more classic silhouettes.

Cons:

• Assembly Volume: Because everything is boxed separately, you will have a lot of cardboard to recycle and a longer assembly time due to the number of pieces.

• Durability Concerns: At a lower price point, some long-term reviews suggest the cushions may lose shape faster than premium competitors.

• Generic Style: The designs are safe and functional but may lack the unique character of higher-end design houses.

4. Sundays: Best for Deep Lounging & Style

Sundays is a "direct-to-consumer" brand that positions itself slightly higher in the market, focusing on a "relaxed California cool" vibe. Their "Movie Night" collection is famous for being incredibly deep and soft. For an apartment dweller who wants their living room to be the ultimate chill zone, Sundays is a strong contender.

Sundays' Key Features

• Stain-Resistant Fabrics: They use high-performance fabrics that are durable despite their soft feel.

• Deep Seats: Designed for curling up, the seat depth is significantly larger than standard sofas.

• Removable Slipcovers: The entire sofa is often slipcovered, allowing for full cleaning.

Sundays' Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Aesthetics: These sofas look incredibly stylish and "magazine-ready."

• Comfort: If you like a soft, pillow-like feel, this is one of the softest options on the market.

• No Assembly: They often offer white-glove delivery, meaning they set it up for you.

Cons:

• Large Footprint: The "deep" nature of the sofa means it takes up a lot of floor space—potentially too much for a narrow urban living room.

• Price: It is a significant investment, often double the price of budget modular options.

• Lead Times: Popular items can be backordered, leading to weeks or months of waiting.

5. Joybird: Best for Mid-Century Customization

If you want a sofa that matches a very specific color palette or a retro aesthetic, Joybird is a go-to. Owned by La-Z-Boy, they offer custom manufacturing. You can choose from dozens of fabrics, from velvet to pet-friendly weaves, applied to Mid-Century Modern frames. Their sleeper sofas usually use a pull-out mechanism.

Joybird's Key Features

• Custom Upholstery: 50+ fabric and color options allow for total personalization.

• Mid-Century Design: Tapered legs, tufted backs, and clean lines are their signature.

• Traditional Pull-Out: They typically use a hidden mattress mechanism stored inside the frame.

Joybird's Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Style Variety: You are not limited to gray or beige; you can order a bright teal or mustard yellow sofa.

• Pet-Friendly Options: Their "Safeguard" fabrics are excellent for cat and dog owners.

• 365-Day Trial: They offer a very long trial period (though with caveats on returns).

Cons:

• Heavy Mechanism: The traditional pull-out metal frame makes these sofas very heavy to move upstairs.

• Wait Times: Because they are custom-made, you are often waiting 8 to 12 weeks for your furniture.

• Return Fees: While the trial is long, returning a custom piece often incurs significant restocking and shipping fees.

6. Castlery: Best for Scandinavian Aesthetics

Castlery offers a curated range of furniture that blends Mid-Century Modern with Scandinavian minimalism. Their designs often feature beautiful exposed wood elements. For the design-conscious urbanite who wants a sofa that looks like a piece of art, Castlery is a popular choice.

Castlery's Key Features

• Wood Accents: Solid wood legs and bases are common, adding a premium look.

• Firm Support: Their seating tends to be on the firmer, more supportive side.

• Tiered Delivery: They offer flat-rate shipping based on order value.

Castlery's Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Visual Appeal: The designs are sharp, clean, and photograph beautifully in small spaces.

• Value for Looks: They offer a high-end look at a mid-range price point.

• Stock Availability: Unlike custom brands, they usually sell what is in stock, so shipping is relatively fast.

Cons:

• Fixed Dimensions: Most of their sofas are not modular, so you must measure your elevators and hallways precisely to ensure the large boxes fit.

• Shorter Warranty: Their warranty periods are often shorter than competitors like us or Joybird.

• Firmness: If you prefer a soft, sinking feeling, Castlery's firm foam might feel too rigid for lounging.

Comparison Table: Best Sofa Beds for Urban Apartments

What Size Sofa Bed Works Best in Small Apartments?

When furnishing a small apartment, the physical footprint of the sofa is the most critical spec. Standard US sofas average around 84 inches in width, but for many urban apartments, a width between 70 and 80 inches is the sweet spot. This allows for a 3-seater experience without blocking traffic flow.

However, with a sofa bed, you must measure two distinct footprints:

1. Closed (Sofa Mode): Ensure there is at least 18 inches of clearance between the sofa edge and your coffee table.

2. Open (Bed Mode): This is where most people make mistakes. Measure the distance from the back of the sofa to the foot of the extended bed. You need at least 24 inches of walking space around the foot or sides of the bed to ensure your guests aren't trapped.

If you are considering a modular sofa, you have the added benefit of breaking the unit down if you move to an apartment with a tighter layout, offering flexibility that fixed-frame sofas cannot match.

How Do You Choose Between a Sofa Bed and a Daybed for Your Apartment?

The choice between a sofa bed and a daybed often comes down to how you prioritize the "living" versus "sleeping" functions in your urban space.

A Sofa Bed is primarily a sofa. It looks like living room furniture, offers back support for sitting, and hides the mattress functionality until it is needed. It is the best choice if the room is your primary living area where you host friends for coffee or watch TV. It usually converts to a Full or Queen size, suitable for couples.

A Daybed is essentially a Twin mattress frame with three sides. It is primarily a bed that disguises itself as a seating area with pillows. It is an excellent choice for a home office or a studio where you sleep on it every night. However, daybeds rarely expand to a Queen size, making them less ideal for hosting couples. If your priority is a stylish living room that occasionally hosts two people, the sofa bed is the superior choice.

Why Koala Is the Best Sofa Bed for Urban Apartments

We know that moving in the city is stressful. The anxiety of "will this fit in the elevator?" or "how do I get this up three flights of stairs?" is something we wanted to eliminate completely. By designing our sofa bed to ship in manageable boxes, we’ve solved the biggest logistical hurdle of urban furniture.

Beyond the logistics, we refused to compromise on sleep. We use premium, high-density foam that supports your guests without the need for creaky metal springs or thin mattresses. We combine the ease of a modular system with the comfort of a premium mattress. With our 120-night trial, fast delivery, and tool-free assembly, we believe we offer the most stress-free path to a beautiful, functional urban apartment.

Ready to transform your apartment living space?

Shop the Koala Sofa Bed Range

FAQs: Best Sofa Beds for Urban Apartments

What's the most comfortable sofa bed for daily use?

For daily use, avoid metal bar mechanisms. Look for sofa beds that use high-density foam platforms or hybrid mattress construction. These provide consistent support for the back and eliminate the "bar in the back" feeling, making them suitable for everyday sleeping if necessary.

How much should I spend on a sofa bed for my apartment?

A quality sofa bed is an investment. In the US market, expect to spend between $1,200 and $2,500 for a durable, comfortable option. Spending less often means sacrificing mechanism quality or foam density, which leads to sagging and discomfort within a year.

Do sofa beds work well in studio apartments?

Absolutely. In a studio, a sofa bed is often the most efficient use of space. We recommend choosing a model with a simple fold-out mechanism rather than a heavy pull-out, as you may be converting it morning and night. Ease of conversion is key in a studio.

What's the difference between a sofa bed and a futon?

A futon is typically a simple mattress on a folding wood or metal frame, often associated with college dorms. A modern sofa bed looks and feels like a high-end couch, with hidden functionality and superior upholstery, offering a much more sophisticated aesthetic for adult apartments.

How do I maintain a sofa bed in a small space?

Regular vacuuming prevents dust buildup in the fabric. If you use the bed function often, rotate the usage to prevent permanent indentations in one spot. Always use a mattress protector when guests sleep over to guard the upholstery against spills and sweat.