6 Best Sofa Beds for Families with Kids and Pets in 2025
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Finding a sofa bed that can survive the chaos of family life is no small feat. Between sticky fingers, muddy paws, and the occasional juice spill, furniture in a family home works harder than in any other environment. You need something that looks good for guests but is tough enough to handle the daily wrestlemania of kids and pets.
In this guide, we break down the top options available to families in the US this year. We’ve analyzed durability, washability, and comfort to help you make the right choice. While we are proud of the solutions we’ve engineered at Koala, we believe in transparency. We want you to find the furniture that fits your specific needs, even if that means considering other reputable brands.
If you are looking for the best sofa beds for families, you can browse our range directly, or keep reading to see how we stack up against the competition.
At a Glance: 6 Best Sofa Beds for Families with Kids and Pets
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Koala: Best overall for washability, fast delivery, and trial period.
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Burrow: Best for frequent movers and tool-free assembly.
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Cozey: Best value modular option with easy shipping.
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Sundays: Best for "lazy luxury" and stain-resistant aesthetics.
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Joybird: Best for Mid-Century Modern style with pet-friendly fabrics.
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Anabei: Best for fully washable, modular flexibility.
How We Chose the Best Sofa Beds for Families with Kids and Pets
To determine the best options for a busy household, we looked beyond just aesthetics. A family sofa bed needs to be a workhorse. We evaluated these platforms based on the following criteria, which we believe are most critical for parents and pet owners:
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Fabric Durability & Maintenance: Is the fabric stain-resistant? Can the covers be removed and machine-washed?
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Safety: Are there sharp corners, heavy metal mechanisms, or pinch points that could hurt little ones?
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Mechanism Ease: Can you convert it from sofa to bed with a crying baby in one arm?
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Delivery & Assembly: How long will you wait, and is it easy to get into a tight room or up stairs?
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Trial Period: Can you test it in your own home to see if it survives the dog?
The 6 Best Sofa Beds for Families with Kids and Pets
1. Koala: The Best Sofa Bed for Families with Kids and Pets
We have designed our sofa beds with the reality of modern family life in mind. We know that accidents happen, which is why we prioritize practical maintenance just as much as comfort. Our sofa beds avoid heavy, creaky metal springs; instead, we use premium foam layers that serve as a comfortable seat by day and a supportive mattress by night.
Koala's Key Features
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Machine Washable Covers: Most of our models feature fully removable covers, making it easy to wash away spills or pet dander.
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Fast Delivery: We offer fast delivery to most US metro areas, so you aren't waiting months for your furniture.
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Tool-Free Assembly: Our furniture puts together in minutes without Allen keys, reducing setup stress.
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Zero-Disturbance Foam: High-density foam absorbs movement, great for when kids (or pets) jump on the bed.
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Space-Saving Flip Design: We use a flip-out mechanism rather than a pull-out metal frame, saving weight and protecting floors.
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CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam: Made without heavy metals or harmful chemicals, ensuring it's safe for the whole family.
Koala's Pros and Cons
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Pro: Industry-leading risk-free trial period.
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Pro: No heavy metal bars or springs to poke through or pinch fingers.
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Pro: Highly resistant to sagging due to high-density foam composition.
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Con: The foam-based design sits lower to the ground than some traditional coil sofa beds.
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Con: Limited fabric customization compared to made-to-order brands.
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Con: Modern aesthetic may not suit strictly traditional home decor styles.
2. Burrow: Best for Frequent Movers
Burrow has made a name for itself with modular furniture that is easy to ship and assemble. Their "Nomad" and "Shift" collections are popular for families who move often or live in apartments with tight stairwells.
Burrow's Key Features
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Modular Architecture: The sofa breaks down into manageable boxes, making it easy to move between rooms or homes.
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Sleep Kit Integration: Rather than a traditional mattress, some models use a custom "Sleep Kit" (fitted sheet and duvet) tailored to the sofa's dimensions.
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Built-in Tech: Many models feature built-in USB chargers, a handy feature for teenagers glued to their devices.
Burrow's Pros and Cons
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Pro: Stain-resistant olefin fabric is standard and handles spills well.
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Pro: Tool-free assembly with easy-to-use latches.
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Pro: Fast shipping compared to custom furniture brands.
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Con: The "sleep on the cushions" style (for non-sleeper models) isn't as supportive as a dedicated mattress.
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Con: 30-day return window is shorter than many competitors.
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Con: Some users find the seating firmer than expected.
3. Cozey: Best Value Modular
A rising star in the North American market, Cozey offers a compelling balance of price and quality. Their Ciello collection is particularly loved for its deep, soft seating that feels like a cloud—perfect for family movie marathons.
Cozey's Key Features
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Boxed Delivery: Like us, they ship in boxes that fit through narrow doorways.
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Washable Covers: Many of their lines feature removable covers, a must-have for messy toddlers.
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Expandable: You can add modules later if your family grows or you move to a bigger house.
Cozey's Pros and Cons
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Pro: Very competitive pricing for a modular system.
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Pro: Soft, sink-in comfort that appeals to families.
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Pro: Easy assembly process.
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Con: Fabric pilling has been noted by some long-term owners (though they are improving this).
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Con: Return policy often involves repacking into original boxes, which can be a hassle.
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Con: Not a traditional "pull-out" bed; usually relies on rearranging ottomans or modules.
4. Sundays: Best for "Lazy Luxury"
Sundays focuses on a "relaxed" aesthetic. Their "Movie Night" collection is famous for looking effortlessly cool while being incredibly comfortable. They position themselves as furniture you don't have to be precious about.
Sundays' Key Features
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Performance Fabrics: Their "LiveLife" fabric is stain-resistant and moisture-repellent, designed specifically for kids and pets.
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No Assembly: They often offer white-glove delivery where they set it up for you.
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Deep Seating: Designed for lounging and napping rather than upright sitting.
Sundays' Pros and Cons
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Pro: Extremely durable fabrics that handle wine and juice spills impressively.
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Pro: Beautiful, modern aesthetic that elevates a room.
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Pro: Free delivery and assembly is a huge stress reliever.
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Con: Significantly higher price point than boxed brands.
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Con: Large footprints may not fit small urban apartments.
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Con: Return shipping fees can be substantial.
5. Joybird: Best Mid-Century Style
Joybird is the go-to for families who want a pop of color. They specialize in Mid-Century Modern designs that don't look like typical "boring" parents' furniture.
Joybird's Key Features
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Pet-Friendly Fabrics: They have a specific line of fabrics engineered to resist claw snags and clean easily.
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Bold Colors: One of the few brands offering bright teals, yellows, and rust oranges.
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Sleeper Options: The "Briar" and "Eliot" are available as pull-out sleepers.
Joybird's Pros and Cons
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Pro: 90-day return window (check specific terms).
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Pro: Stylish designs that don't look like sleeper sofas.
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Pro: "Pet Protection" plans are often available.
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Con: Lead times can be inconsistent and long for custom fabrics.
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Con: Shipping is not always free and can be pricey.
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Con: Some owners report cushions softening significantly over time.
6. Anabei: Best for Washability
Anabei has built their brand entirely around the concept of washability. Their modular systems are essentially "slipcovered" in a way that makes every single part of the sofa washable.
Anabei's Key Features
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Fully Washable: Unlike some brands where only seat covers zip off, Anabei designs allow you to wash the arm and back covers too.
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Changeable Style: You can buy new cover sets to change the color of your sofa completely.
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Modular Sleep Surface: While not a pull-out, the modules can be rearranged to form a bed-like surface.
Anabei's Pros and Cons
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Pro: Ultimate peace of mind for parents of toddlers or puppy owners.
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Pro: Lightweight steel frame is easy to move.
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Pro: Performance fabrics are standard.
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Con: Re-assembling the covers after washing can be a time-consuming workout.
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Con: Not a dedicated mattress; guests sleep on the seat cushions.
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Con: Some users find the metal frame connection points tricky to align.
Comparison Table: Best Sofa Beds for Families with Kids and Pets
|
Rank |
Brand |
Washable Covers? |
Trial Period |
Mechanism Type |
|
1 |
Koala |
Yes (Most Models) |
120 Nights |
Flip-Out (Foam) |
|
2 |
Burrow |
No (Stain Resistant) |
30 Days |
Modular / Sleep Kit |
|
3 |
Cozey |
Yes (Select Models) |
30 Days |
Modular Arrange |
|
4 |
Sundays |
Yes (Select Models) |
Varies (Returns fees) |
Fold-out or Modular |
|
5 |
Joybird |
No (Pet Friendly) |
90 Days |
Traditional Pull-out |
|
6 |
Anabei |
Yes (Fully) |
30 Days |
Modular Arrange |
What Makes a Sofa Bed Kid and Pet-Friendly?
When you have a full house, furniture needs to be defensive. The most critical feature is fabric durability and maintenance. You want tight weaves that don't snag easily on claws, and ideally, covers that can be removed. If a child spills milk or a pet has an accident, being able to unzip a cover and throw it in the washing machine is a lifesaver compared to hiring professional steam cleaners.
Safety is the second factor. Traditional sofa beds often have "scissor" mechanisms—metal bars that fold out. These can pinch little fingers and often leave sharp edges exposed. Foam-based flip-out designs (like ours) or modular rearrangements (like Anabei) eliminate this risk entirely.
How Do You Maintain a Sofa Bed with Kids and Pets?
Maintenance is key to longevity. First, establish a cleaning schedule. Vacuum your sofa bed weekly to remove crumbs and pet hair—this prevents grit from working into the fabric fibers and wearing them down. If you have a model with removable covers, wash them on a gentle cycle according to instructions.
For pet owners, consider using a throw blanket on the specific spot where your dog or cat likes to sleep. It’s much easier to wash a blanket than a sofa cover. Finally, teach kids not to jump on the sofa bed when it is in the "bed" position if it uses a metal frame, as this is the leading cause of bent mechanisms.
Why Koala Is the Best Sofa Bed for Families with Kids and Pets
We believe we have struck the perfect balance between comfort, style, and the realities of family life. We know that waiting 14 weeks for a custom sofa isn't an option when you have guests coming next week, and we know that "dry clean only" tags are a parent's nightmare.
By offering fully washable covers, tool-free assembly, and a 120-night trial, we take the risk out of buying furniture. You can let your kids and pets test the sofa in your own home. If it doesn't survive the family test, we pick it up and give you a full refund.
Ready to upgrade your family room? Shop our range of family-friendly sofa beds today.
FAQs: Best Sofa Beds for Families with Kids and Pets
What's the most durable sofa bed fabric for families?
Tightly woven synthetic blends (like polyester) or microfibers are generally the most durable. They resist staining, are difficult for cat claws to snag, and clean up easily. Brands like Joybird offer specific "pet-friendly" performance velvets that are excellent for durability.
How often should you replace a sofa bed mattress?
If it is a traditional innerspring sofa bed mechanism, the thin mattress often degrades within 5–7 years. However, high-density foam sofa beds are more resilient and can maintain their support and shape for 10 years or more with proper care.
Are sofa beds safe for children to sleep on regularly?
Yes, provided the mattress offers adequate support. Traditional sofa beds with thin mattresses and metal bars can cause back pain over time. Look for solid foam bases or supportive slats that mimic a real bed's feel for regular sleep.
What size sofa bed is best for a family room?
For a main family room, a modular sofa or sectional is ideal. It provides enough seating for 3–4 people during movie nights and converts into a Queen or King-sized sleeping area, which is comfortable for two adults or a pile of kids during sleepovers.
How do you pet-proof a sofa bed?
The best method is prevention: choose a fabric that matches your pet's fur color (to hide shedding) and has a tight weave. Use washable throws in their favorite spots, and ensure your sofa bed has removable, washable covers for when accidents inevitably happen.