The 7 Best Sofa Beds for Small Spaces

1. Koala: The Best Sofa Bed for Small Spaces

We have designed our sofa beds specifically with the modern renter and homeowner in mind. We know that in the US, moving usually involves navigating tricky stairwells and elevators. That is why we focus on smart, modular designs that arrive in compact boxes, ensuring you never have to "pivot" a sofa around a corner again. Our goal is to provide a sleep surface that feels like a real mattress, not an afterthought.

Koala’s Key Features

• Fast Delivery: We ship quickly, so you aren't waiting months for furniture.

• Tool-Free Assembly: Our furniture clicks together easily without the need for screws or Allen keys.

• Compact Packaging: Designed to fit through the narrowest apartment doorways.

• CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam: ensuring safety and comfort without harmful chemicals.

• Easy Conversion: Switches from sofa to bed in seconds.

• Risk-Free Trial: We offer a substantial trial period so you can test it in your own home.

Koala’s Pros and Cons

• Pros:

• Incredibly easy to move and assemble (and disassemble when you move out).

• High-density foam supports proper spinal alignment for sleepers.

• Sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices.

• Cons:

• Curated color palette may be limited compared to custom upholstery brands.

• Low-profile design might sit lower than traditional oversized American sofas.

• Designed for modern aesthetics, which may not suit traditional Victorian decor.

2. IKEA FRIHETEN: Budget-Friendly Corner Sofa Bed

IKEA is a staple for first-time apartment renters for a reason. The FRIHETEN is arguably one of the most ubiquitous sleeper sofas in the world. It offers a practical L-shaped design that includes storage, which is a massive bonus for small spaces lacking closet space.

IKEA FRIHETEN’s Key Features

• Built-in Storage: Large compartment under the chaise for bedding.

• Interchangeable Chaise: Can be placed on the left or right side.

• Trundle Mechanism: A section pulls out to create a double bed surface.

IKEA FRIHETEN’s Pros and Cons

• Pros:

• Very affordable price point makes it accessible.

• The storage functionality effectively eliminates the need for a linen closet.

• Widely available in most cities for pickup.

• Cons:

• Assembly is complex and time-consuming, requiring tools and patience.

• The sleeping surface is quite firm, often requiring a mattress topper for comfort.

• Durability can be an issue over time with frequent use.

3. West Elm Andes: Modern Sectional Sofa Bed

West Elm brings a strong design game to the table. The Andes is distinct for its cast metal legs and tailored upholstery. It is a strong contender for those who want their small space to look like a boutique hotel and are willing to pay a premium for that specific aesthetic.

West Elm Andes’ Key Features

• Customization: Wide range of fabrics, colors, and leg finishes.

• Design: Slim arms and a deep seat maximize sitting area without increasing the footprint.

• Frame: Contract-grade frame joinery.

West Elm Andes’ Pros and Cons

• Pros:

• Highly stylish appearance that elevates a small room.

• Offers different depths (standard vs. extra deep) to suit room size.

• Firm, structured seating holds its shape well.

• Cons:

• Delivery times can be long (often 12+ weeks) for custom fabrics.

• The mattress mechanism adds significant weight, making it hard to move.

• Significantly higher price point than many competitors.

4. CB2 Tandom: Sleek Daybed Solution

For ultra-modern lofts or studio apartments where every inch counts, the CB2 Tandom serves as a sleeper sofa that mimics a daybed. Its profile is extremely low and horizontal, which helps make small rooms feel vertically larger.

CB2 Tandom’s Key Features

• Mechanism: The back folds flat to create the sleeping surface.

• Aesthetic: Chrome legs and a grid-tufted design.

• Profile: Very low seat height.

CB2 Tandom’s Pros and Cons

• Pros:

• Visually lightweight, so it doesn't dominate a small room.

• Modern, architectural look.

• Firm surface is good for those who dislike sinking into a mattress.

• Cons:

• The mechanism creates a "crack" down the middle that some sleepers find uncomfortable.

• Very low to the ground, which can be difficult for older guests to exit.

• Limited back support for lounging compared to a traditional sofa.

5. Article Soma: Minimalist Design Focus

Article has made a name for itself by cutting out the middleman. The Soma is their answer to the compact sleeper, utilizing a pull-out memory foam mattress mechanism tucked inside a clean, square-arm silhouette.

Article Soma’s Key Features

• Mattress: Includes a memory foam mattress rather than a spring deck.

• Upholstery: Available in stain-resistant fabric options.

• Size: Compact 78-inch width fits well in condos.

Article Soma’s Pros and Cons

• Pros:

• Clean, safe design that fits most interior styles.

• Memory foam mattress isolates motion better than old-school springs.

• Reasonably fast shipping compared to custom furniture.

• Cons:

• The mattress is relatively thin (common in pull-outs), so you may feel the bar.

• Back cushions are loose and require regular fluffing to maintain shape.

• Warranty coverage is shorter than some industry leaders.

6. Burrow Nomad: Modular Sofa Bed System

Burrow’s primary selling point is modularity. The Nomad isn't a traditional pull-out; rather, it uses a "Sleep Kit" (a memory foam topper and sheet set) that goes over the seats. It is designed for people who move apartments every year.

Burrow Nomad’s Key Features

• Modular: Can be expanded with extra seats later.

• Tech-Integrated: Includes a built-in USB charger.

• Sleep Kit: Custom fitted sheets and topper that store in a bag.

Burrow Nomad’s Pros and Cons

• Pros:

• Modules latch together, making it easy to carry up stairs in pieces.

• Built-in charger is a nice touch for small spaces with few outlets.

• Fabric is scratch and stain-resistant.

• Cons:

• Sleeping surface is essentially the sofa cushions, which may have gaps.

• Setting up the "Sleep Kit" is more fiddly than unfolding a mechanism.

• Design is somewhat boxy and utilitarian.

7. Floyd Sectional: Customizable Small Space Option

Floyd markets itself as "furniture for keeping." Their sectional is distinct for its industrial, platform-style look. It is a modular system that sits on a birch or walnut base, appealing to a specific design demographic.

Floyd Sectional’s Key Features

• Materials: Powder-coated steel legs and flat-pack wood base.

• Fabric: heavy-duty upholstery designed to withstand wear.

• Modularity: You can add a chaise or corner piece later.

Floyd Sectional’s Pros and Cons

• Pros:

• Extremely durable construction.

• Modern, airy look that allows light to pass underneath.

• Easy to disassemble for moving.

• Cons:

• It is not a "sofa bed" in the traditional sense; you sleep on the sofa cushions.

• The seating is very firm and upright, which isn't for everyone.

• Gaps between cushions can be bothersome when sleeping.

 

Comparison Table: Best Sofa Beds for Small Spaces

 

What Size Sofa Bed Works Best in Small Spaces?

When buying for a small space, you must measure two footprints: the "closed" footprint (everyday use) and the "open" footprint (sleeping mode).

For a standard apartment living room, a width of 70 to 85 inches is the sweet spot. This allows for side tables or floor lamps without cramping the room. However, the critical measurement is the depth when open. A traditional pull-out queen bed requires about 85 to 90 inches of total depth clearance. If your coffee table is heavy and hard to move, or if your TV unit is close to the sofa, a pull-out might block the walkway. In these cases, a "click-clack" or fold-down mechanism (like ours) is often superior as it requires less clearance into the room.

 

How Do You Make a Sofa Bed More Comfortable for Daily Use?

If you or a guest are sleeping on a sofa bed for more than a night or two, comfort is paramount. Here are three quick ways to upgrade the experience:

1. Use a Quality Topper: If your sofa bed is on the firmer side (like many fold-down models), a 2-inch memory foam topper can bridge the gap between a couch and a cloud.

2. Upgrade the Linens: Don't use old, scratchy spare sheets. High-quality, breathable cotton or linen sheets help regulate temperature, which is vital since sofa beds don't have the same airflow as standard mattresses.

3. Check the Base: Ensure the mechanism is fully locked in place. A wobbly base leads to disturbed sleep.

 

Why Koala Is the Best Sofa Bed for Small Spaces

We have spent years perfecting the balance between a stylish lounge and a supportive bed. We know that in small spaces, you cannot afford to have furniture that is difficult to assemble or impossible to move when your lease is up.

Our sofa beds arrive in boxes designed to glide through tight hallways, assemble in minutes without a single tool, and provide a sleep surface that your guests will actually compliment. If you are ready to reclaim your living room, we would love to help you get started.

Explore our Sofa Bed Collection Today

 

FAQs: Best Sofa Beds for Small Spaces

What's the most space-efficient sofa bed design?

The most space-efficient designs are usually "click-clack" or fold-down models. Unlike pull-out mattresses which extend far into the room, fold-down backs typically require less depth clearance, making them ideal for narrow rooms.

How much space do you need around a sofa bed?

You should aim for at least 18 to 24 inches of walking space around the bed when it is fully fully open. Always measure the distance from the back of the sofa to the foot of the bed to ensure you aren't blocking exits.

Are sofa beds comfortable for everyday sleeping?

They can be, provided you choose high-density foam over thin spring mattresses. We design our sofa beds with supportive foam layers specifically to withstand regular use without sagging or causing back pain.

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

A daybed is essentially a twin mattress in a frame that acts as a sofa, while a sofa bed transforms from a seated couch into a larger sleeping surface (Full or Queen). Sofa beds generally offer more sleeping space for couples.

How do you choose the right mattress thickness for a sofa bed?

For foam sofa beds, look for at least 4 to 5 inches of high-density foam to prevent "bottoming out." If the mattress is too thin, you will feel the hard support mechanism underneath your hips and shoulders.