Day Beds vs Sofa Beds Guide Sofa beds and day beds are smart, stylish ways to make the most of your space while keeping guests comfortable. But choosing the right one for your home matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features of each, so you can find the perfect fit for your space, needs, and décor.
What is a day bed? A day bed is a clever, space-saving option that doubles as a seat by day and a cosy bed by night. With a frame on three sides – a headboard, footboard and backrest – it offers sofa-style comfort for sitting up, while providing a supportive sleep space. Most day beds come with built-in storage drawers or a pull-out trundle, giving you extra space for guests or storing bedding. Usually single-sized, these compact frames are ideal for spare rooms, children’s bedrooms, or anywhere you want to maximise space.
What is a day bed for? Day beds are designed for both sitting and sleeping, making them ideal for everyday use, hosting guests, or relaxing during the day. Whether it’s creating a comfy break spot in a home office, doubling up as a stylish sofa in a spare room or offering a secure and playful space in a child’s bedroom, a day bed brings comfort, flexibility, and efficiently utilises your space.
Types of day beds Day beds come in various configurations to suit your space and needs. The most common styles are: Standard day beds: These are the classic design, typically with a wooden or metal frame. They offer a stylish and simple solution for seating and sleeping. Day beds with a trundle: The ultimate space-saver for hosting, these feature a second, pull-out mattress tucked neatly underneath the main bed. This allows you to transform a single bed into two twins or a generous double, perfect for sleepovers. Day beds with storage: Featuring large drawers built into the base, ideal for stashing away spare bedding, pillows, or cushions. Read our day beds guide for more information about the different types and benefits.
What are the benefits of a day bed? Due to their dual purpose and practical design, day beds offer several benefits, including:
No set-up required Unlike a sofa bed, a day bed uses a standard mattress, so it’s always ready for sleeping; no folding or unfolding required. Stylish and versatile With elegant metal or classic wooden frames, day beds are an elegant option for any bedroom or guest room. Space-efficient They make the most of a room with their compact size and smart built-in features.
What are the drawbacks of a day bed? While day beds are a versatile choice, there are a few things to keep in mind. As they’re designed primarily for sleeping, they may not feel quite as cushioned as a traditional sofa. This is something to consider if comfort while sitting is your top priority. Additionally, because most day beds come in a single size, they’re best suited to solo sleepers rather than couples sharing a bed.
What is a sofa bed? A sofa bed is a space-saving solution that works as both a sofa and a bed. It maintains a classic sofa configuration by day, providing a comfy place to sit. By night, it easily folds out into a handy guest bed, with a mattress neatly tucked inside the frame. They are ideal for when you need extra sleeping space without sacrificing style.
What are sofa beds for? Sofa beds are the perfect solution for homes without a dedicated guest room. They allow you to host friends and family comfortably, turning your living room or home office into a temporary bedroom in minutes. They are best for occasional use, making them a must-have for Christmas, sleepovers, or any time you have a full house.
Types of sofa beds Sofa beds operate using a few different mechanisms, each with its own benefits: Clic-clac sofa beds: These are one of the simplest types to use. The back of the sofa simply clicks forward and then pushes back flat to create a sleeping surface. They are often armless and compact, making them great for smaller spaces. Pull-out sofa beds: This is the more traditional style, where you remove the seat cushions and pull a folded mattress out from the base of the sofa. These often contain a more substantial mattress, making them a more comfortable and supportive option for guests. Corner sofa beds: Perfect for larger families or those who love to entertain, corner sofa beds offer plenty of seating and often transform into a spacious double bed. Many also include handy hidden storage in the chaise section. Read our sofa beds buying guide for more tips on choosing the right frame for your home.
How to open a sofa bed How to open a sofa bed depends on the type of mechanism you choose: How to open a clic-clac sofa bed Stand in front of the sofa, grip the top of the backrest, and pull it towards you until you hear a ‘click’. Then, gently push it backwards until it lies completely flat. How to open a pull-out sofa bed First, remove all the seat and back cushions. Locate the handle or bar, which is usually tucked just under where the front seat cushions were. Pull it firmly up and out towards you until the bed frame is fully extended. The legs will drop down to support it.
How big is a sofa bed? Sofa beds come in a range of sizes to suit your sleeping and seating requirements. You can find everything from a single chair bed, which is perfect for one person, up to a 3-seater sofa that folds out into a generous double bed. All sofa bed sizes generally house a standard single or double mattress, meaning they are long enough for adults. When choosing your sofa bed size, think about your available space, ensuring you leave room for the frame to be fully extended.
Space saving Providing both a fully functioning sofa and a bed in one, ideal for apartments or smaller homes. Guest-ready You’ll always be prepared for unexpected overnight guests. Neat and tidy The bedding mechanism is completely hidden away during the day, so no one would even know it’s there. Various style and size options From cosy 2-seaters to large corner units, find a style to suit any living room décor.
What are the drawbacks of a sofa bed? Sofa beds are designed to act primarily as a seating option and for occasional use as a bed, therefore may not offer the same level of support as a standard bed frame.
Can you sleep on a sofa bed every night? While some high-quality models with pocket-sprung mattresses are designed for more regular use, most are best for occasional guests. How to make a sofa bed more comfortable If you are looking to use your sofa bed as a more regular sleep space, there are ways to make it more comfortable, such as adding a thick mattress topper. This will even out any lumps and bumps and add a luxurious layer of cushioning.
Day beds vs sofa beds at a glance If you’re still not sure whether a day bed or sofa bed is right for you, here’s a quick summary to help you choose the perfect fit for your home.
Feature Day Bed Sofa Bed Primary use A bed that also works as a sofa A sofa that also works as a bed Best for Spare rooms, offices, kids' rooms Main living rooms, home offices Comfort Uses a standard mattress, allowing you to tailor your firmness preferences Varies by model; built-in Set-up No set up required once constructed Requires folding-unfolding Size Usually a single (unless a trundle is included) Ranges from single to double Appearance Looks like an elegant, framed bed Looks like a traditional sofa