How to Choose a Sofa Bed

So you’ve decided it’s time to look at sleeper sofas (or maybe even futon-style options). You know you need something for those late-night guests or, at the very least, something comfy and compact to fill the guest room — but what do you actually go for?

Should you get a regular sofa that just looks good or invest in the perfect sleeper that does both jobs brilliantly? And if you go all in on a new piece of furniture, can you sleep on it every night and use it as a second bed long term?

Short answer: Absolutely — but only if you choose the right one.

Not sure if now is the right time to buy a sleeper sofa? Whether you’re setting up a guest-ready living room, shopping for a smart option for your apartment, or transforming your home office into a practical sleep space, we’ve got your back. From the best sleeper sofa mattresses to styles that fit your living area, Koala has you covered.

Turns out, we know our stuff — and we’ve got the best sleepers around to prove it.   

What Makes a Great Sleeper Sofa?

Thankfully, sleeper sofas have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of thin mattresses over squeaky metal frames, or thinking a sleeper for small spaces was your only option.   

These days, a well-built pull-out sleeper sofa can (and should) feel just as comfy as the mattress in your bedroom, which makes all the difference if you’re using it regularly for yourself, overnight guests, or visiting family during school breaks. Nice!

We spoke with Bella Vie Interiors principal interior designer Lisa Alward about what to look for when choosing a sleeper sofa: 

“Convenience and ease of use are really, really important,” she says. “It must be easy to assemble. Of course, you want it to look nice, but it also needs to be functional. Find a shape and size that works in your space as a sofa and separately as a bed. You don’t just want a great sofa that doesn’t work well when it’s folded out as a bed.” 

The best models combine style and function — think supportive seat cushions, plush back cushions, and durable, great-looking upholstery. And if you don’t have a separate guest room, a good sleeper sofa can easily double as your everyday seating without compromising the look or comfort of your living space.  

But what about the original sofa, the futon? Let’s take a look at whether or not futons are comfortable to sleep on.

From Futon to Fabulous

Thanks to today’s elevated sleeper sofa designs, a lot has changed since the days of lumpy futons and saggy cushions. The old mattress and low-to-the-floor frame are now relics of a past best left behind — no offense, ’90s living rooms.

While futons still offer flexibility and can be top-notch space savers, for most folks, they fall short where it really matters: comfort. Sure, they’re better than an air mattress, but not by much. 

The truth is, most people don’t expect to use a sleeper sofa as their primary bed. But when you’re hosting guests, you still want them to enjoy a comfortable sleeping space, even if it’s only for a few nights.

“People are not sleeping on it for months on end,” says Lisa. “Generally, it’s just one or two nights here or there, maybe a week.”

A quality pull-out sleeper offers the best of both worlds. Newer types of sleeper sofa come with thicker mattresses and a solid, supportive bed mode surface that rivals a traditional mattress, making it easy on backs, hips, and your guest’s next-morning mood. They’re built for real-life rest, not just short stints.

The convenience and the savings of not having to go to a hotel are really what make a sofa bed worth it for your guests.” Sure, your guests might be staying for just a handful of nights, but you want those nights to be comfy. 

Easy: buy a sleeper sofa from a mattress company. One that knows how to build real sleep into real furniture. 

Koala makes beds that are as comfy to sleep on as they are to sit on.

Go From Sit to Sleep in Seconds

With no tools or tricks, calling it a night (and packing it away in the morning) has never been easier. When we say ‘sit to sleep in seconds’, we mean seconds! You’ve got a comfy spot that’s both a sofa and a proper bed — the best of both worlds.

So, can you sleep on a convertible couch permanently? With a high-quality sleeper sofa crafted for long-term comfort, the answer is absolutely yes. Designed with comfort-focused mattress options and supportive sleeper mechanisms, Koala’s sleepers provide a consistent flat surface that feels super comfy, just like memory foam, but without the heat or sink.

After one night on a Koala sleeper, your guests might not want to go home. (We suggest coffee and pancakes as a gentle nudge.) 

Still not convinced? Each sofa bed blends the feel of a premium bed with the practicality of modern furniture. Whether it's a compact setup in the spare room or a statement piece in the living room, there are types of sleeper sofas in the Koala range to suit every home. 

Don’t need a sleeper, just somewhere to sprawl? No worries. Koala makes stunning sofas too. From Modern to Coastal styles — modular pieces, corner sofas, and even lounge-ready chaises. Most are made with stain-resistant upholstery that holds up to everything from movie night munchies to unexpected oopsies.

What About Sheets and Pillows?

While sleeping on a convertible sofa long-term isn’t the goal, your pull-out sofa still deserves great bedding and pillows. Whether it’s a 2-, 3-, or seater sleeper sofa, a comfy night’s sleep comes down to more than just the base — soft sheets and cloud-like pillows matter too.

To welcome your unexpected house guests in style, check out our range of durable French linens, all-season comforters, and our world-famous Koala pillow—a crowd fave for a reason.

And while you’re there, we’ll let you in on the secret to the perfect sheets for your sleeper sofa setup. Because even the best memory foam or multifunctional furniture design isn’t complete without quality bedding to match. 

Need storage too? No problem. Select models come with clever built-in storage space, perfect for tucking away bedding, pillows, or your kid’s rogue stuffed animals.

Don’t need a sleeper — just something comfy to lounge on? We’ve got you covered there, too. From modular layouts to corner sofas and lounge-ready chaises, our pieces are upholstered in performance fabric that handles movie night mishaps, morning coffee spills, and everything in between.

The Best Sleeper Sofas in the US Right Now   

These days, with all of us chasing that elusive good night’s sleep, most sleeper sofas have seriously lifted their game — they’re now as comfy as some of the plushest beds out there.

But we still hear the question: “Are sleeper sofas good for everyday use, and can I sleep on one every night?” While nothing fully replaces the dreaminess of your main bed, a well-designed pull-out can offer a proper sleeper mode setup with real support and a consistently comfy sleeping surface.   

At Koala, that’s exactly what we’ve done. Our mattress and furniture design come together to create smart solutions for real homes — a sofa when you're relaxing, and an extra bed when overnight guests make the guest bedroom feel a little too full.

And if you’re working with compact spaces, our Byron Sofa Bed hits the sweet spot — understated, comfy, and complete with clever hidden storage to stash away your bedding when the bed’s packed up.

And let’s not forget the OG: our Koala Sofa Bed. Loved by customers and celebrated with a productreview.com.au award in Australia. It's everything you want in a reliable, all-occasion sleeper.

Go On — Give Us a Try

Still having doubts? Check out our article to see whether or not sofa beds are worth it (hint: they are), and explore our full Koala sofa bed range to get up close and personal with our products. 

While you’re there, learn more about the mattress type that best suits your sleep style, and have a blast shopping for beds, mattresses, pillows, bedding, bed linens, and sofas, all online at Koala. Don’t forget: we offer 120-day trials and super-fast delivery on all our products.