The Best Sleeper Sofas for Every Home and Budget
Transform your living room into a guest bedroom in minutes.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
When it comes to hosting guests in a small space (like my tiny NYC apartment), there's nothing more convenient than a sleeper sofa. Though I could go with an air mattress, a sleeper sofa simply feels more welcoming to me, and my guests agree. There's something innately cozy about a comfy couch with a built-in bed, especially when compared to a blow-up piece of plastic.
I'm an analyst in the Textiles Lab at Good Housekeeping Institute and am always on the hunt for the best furniture that's made of materials that are built to last. I recently delved into our sofa survey data to discover what our 3,742 survey respondents thought about the sleeper sofas and furniture they've purchased—the good and the bad. I also consulted GH staffers to learn more about the sleeper sofas they own and thoroughly researched the market to see what's popular now. Offering good looks, comfort, and durability, the Pottery Barn Pearce Square Arm Sleeper Sofa is our best overall sleeper sofa.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Pottery Barn Pearce Square Arm Sleeper Sofa
- Best value: Ashley Furniture Navi Sleeper Sofa
- Best sectional: Interior Define Sloan Chaise Sleeper Sectional
- Best for small spaces: Koala Sofa Bed
Best Deal
Pros
- Hundreds of design combinations: fabrics, cushions, size, etc.
- Cushions offer balance of firmness and plushness
- Panelists reported that this sofa has lasted years in their homes
Cons
- Made to order; may take a few months to be delivered
Popular for its long-lasting, comfortable sofas and its impressive range of fabric and color options, Pottery Barn is our go-to recommendation for standard sofas and sleeper sofas. The Pearce sofa line was a favorite among our panelists.
This style comes in a multitude of fabrics and colors to suit a wide variety of design preferences. And if you can't decide, you can order free swatches from Pottery Barn to review your options before you buy. You can also customize the number of back and seat cushions. We love the bench option (one seat cushion) for a seamless feel—ideal for lounging or napping. Keep in mind that the sofa is made to order so it may take a few months to be delivered.
The 5-inch memory foam mattress in the sleeper is infused with gel for a cooler, more comfortable feel for your guests.
WHAT USERS SAY: Our survey respondents found that the seat cushions (stuffed with a mix of down-alternative fibers, feathers, and down all surrounding a foam core) struck an ideal balance between plushness and firmness. They gave this sofa high marks for comfort, support, and appearance, commenting that it looks amazing in their homes. After owning the sofa for more than 10 years, one tester emphasized that she still loved it.
| Sofa dimensions | 83" x 40" x 38" |
| Estimated bed dimensions | Queen (60" x 72") |
| Bed type | Mattress |
| Delivery time | 4–12 weeks, depending on design selections |
Pros
- Faux leather is easy to wipe clean
- Traditional look is easy to coordinate with a variety of home decor styles
- Panelists said delivery is convenient
Cons
- Final price and delivery fees may vary based on location
More than 800 of our panelists have purchased their sofas from Ashley. They especially liked Ashley sofas for being both stylish and comfortable. The Navi Queen Sofa Sleeper is a pull-out couch with a traditional look and a spacious Queen-size mattress inside.
Before buying from Ashley online, know that the price may vary slightly based on location, and the company charges an extra delivery fee. Choose between no-hassle delivery, which includes delivery to any room plus assembly, or doorstep delivery for a lower cost. Our panelists described the delivery process as convenient.
WHAT USERS SAY: The faux-leather fabric is easier to clean than other woven fabrications, making it an ideal choice for accident-prone households. Online reviewers loved the lived-in look of the faux leather, too, and said it feels soft. Panelists who have purchased sofa beds from Ashley said both the mattresses and couch cushions are comfortable.
Our panelists shop at Ashley when they're looking for a deal, not necessarily when they want something super durable. The below-$1,000 price point for a true pull-out sleeper sofa can't be beat, though.
| Sofa dimensions | 89" x 39" x 38" |
| Estimated bed dimensions | 60" x 72" |
| Bed type | Mattress |
| Delivery time | 2–3 weeks |
Pros
- Earned high ratings from our panelists for comfort, support, and style
- Sleek yet cozy look
- Customizable fabric, cushion, and wood options
Cons
- Extended shipping times
If you love stretching out on a sectional-style sofa but also want the option of a pull-out bed, this sleeper sofa checks every box. Interior Define lets you customize the sofa completely with tons of different layouts, leg types, cushion fills, and fabric options, and the brand will even send you free swatches to see them firsthand before ordering. Specify the leg color, chaise length, seat cushion style, and type of fill, but the chaise location is static after you make your selects.
The comfy couch is also available in a corner style, standard sleeper sofa, and sleeper chair depending on the layout of your space.
WHAT USERS SAY: We love the sleek yet cozy design of this one, and our survey panelists were blown away by the fabric selection of 100-plus options, including one who especially loved the "individuality" of each sofa. Panelists who own this specific model gave it high ratings for style, comfort, and support and said the brand's couches are more comfortable than the ones they've owned from other popular brands.
Some panelists shared that they experienced elongated delivery times, and the brand notes it can take anywhere from eight to 14 weeks for the product to ship. Online reviewers said that when the product does arrive, the white-glove delivery process is seamless.
| Sofa dimensions | 111" x 36" x 35" |
| Estimated bed dimensions | Queen (60"x 72") |
| Bed type | Mattress |
| Delivery time | 8–14 weeks |
Pros
- Stain- and water-resistant material for easy care
- Compact size is ideal for small spaces, but Queen mattress doesn't sacrifice sleeping space
- Comfy memory foam cushions double as mattress
Cons
- Manual assembly is required
When you have a particularly tight space but want a sofa bed for your guests that's more substantial than a futon, a couch like this one from Koala that's both compact and easy to transform could be the answer. The actual sofa cushions are made of memory foam material that double as a comfy mattress when unfolded.
And the Queen-sized mattress model is only 70-inches wide because it lacks the bulk of a traditional sleeper sofa, making it easier to cram into an office or small guest room without sacrificing sleeping space. In addition to the Queen model, the brand offers Full and Twin-Size options.
The sofa comes in a variety of colors and fabrics with muted tones, like light green, burnt orange, and grey. Koala claims that the fabric is water-resistant and stain-resistant, and it can be unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.
WHAT USERS SAY: The sofa bed comes shipped to your home in several boxes and requires manual assembly. Though the brand offers a helpful setup guide and in-depth instructional video, it can still be time consuming, according to a GH staffer.
Our staffer regularly has guests, and she says the bed is tktktk for them. The cushions feel firm enough to sit on but soft enough to sleep on.
| Sofa dimensions | 70" x 33" x 23.5" |
| Bed dimensions estimate | Queen (61' x 81") |
| Bed type | Cushions |
| Delivery time | 7–21 days |
Pros
- The chaise opens to stash bedding or other belongings
- Trendy mid-century modern style
- 90+ different color options
Cons
- Longer delivery times
While most sofas are available in only a few neutral colors, this modern sleeper sofa from Joybird is available in 94 different shades and a range of fabric types, including pet-safe upholstery, velvet, chenille, and bouclé. You can also upgrade the standard foam mattress to a TEMPUR-foam mattress for a more responsive, comfier feel for your guests.
The chaise opens up for extra storage to keep pillows, sheets, and blankets at the ready for visitors, and the bed is a traditional pull-out. Because the sofas are made to order based on your customizations, Joybird has longer delivery times than many other brands, and delivery time can vary based on location.
WHAT USERS SAY: Our survey panelists are fans of Joybird's mid-century flair. "I adore the style. There were so many options for fabric and legs. I got exactly what I wanted," shared one person who owned a similar sofa from Joybird.
When asked what she liked about her Joybird sofa, another user detailed, "It's exceptionally comfortable for a sleeper sofa and [I] have received many compliments about the bed itself."
A panelist who opted for the brand's "pet-safe" fabrication agreed that it is truly easy to clean.
| Sofa dimensions | 112" x 60" x 34 |
| Bed dimensions estimate | Queen (60" x 72") |
| Bed type | Mattress |
| Delivery time | 4–8 weeks, depending on design selections |
Pros
- Pieces can be rearranged to fit different spaces
- Options for both a pull-out mattress and a storage chaise
- Comes with white-glove delivery and setup
Cons
- Much pricier than other brands, depending on chosen model
Modular sofas can adapt from home to home because they're designed to grow or shrink with your space as you move houses or apartments. This Harmony sofa from West Elm can be customized with a pull-out sleeper sofa (or more than one if you please) and a storage chaise. The cushions are fluffy and soft for a cloud-like lounging environment.
When designing a custom sofa, you can also choose a traditional style, a corner sofa, or an L-shaped sectional design, but know that the larger customized styles can retail for well-over $5,000. If you don't want to design your own modular sleeper sofa, the Harmony line includes a pre-designed standard three-seater and a sectional (pictured).
The brand offers white-glove delivery and setup, so a team will bring the sofa into your room of choice and assemble and un-package it for you.
WHAT USERS SAY: Many survey respondents recommended West Elm for its long-lasting couches. One panelist who owns a modular sofa from the brand described it as "very comfortable," while another who owns the sleeper sofa said it's "compact while also offering a sleeper-sofa function."
When asked to compare her West Elm sofa to others she has owned, one panelist shared, "This is the most luxurious and comfortable sofa I have ever owned." She added that none of her previous couches "were as nice as the West Elm" sofa she purchased.
| Sofa dimensions | Dependent on the modular pieces chosen |
| Bed dimensions estimate | Queen (60" x 72") |
| Bed type | Mattress |
| Delivery time | 4+ weeks, depending on design selections |
How we choose the best sleeper sofas
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we have reviewed all types of couches, including traditional, modular, curved sofas, and small sofas for apartments. To find the best sleeper sofas available, we distributed a survey to Good Housekeeping's consumer panel, asking them to provide feedback on the couches they currently own or have purchased in the past decade.
We analyzed 3,472 survey responses before making our selections. This survey data provided insight into everything from overall quality and comfort to style to ease of delivery and setup to durability and long-term use.
To narrow down our list, we focused on a few key points:
✔️ Delivery and assembly: We considered each brand's delivery and assembly policies, if there were hidden delivery fees, white-glove delivery options, and if it came assembled or required DIY assembly.
✔️ Comfort: Both the sofa itself and the sleeping area need to be comfortable. Our surveys focused extensively on the feel of the cushions and mattress.
✔️ Ease of use: We evaluated ease of use by looking at the setup directions for each style, noting whether it was simple or challenging to set up the sleeper sofa for a guest.
✔️ Value: Sleeper sofas are available in a huge price range from simple futons under $300 to sleeper sectionals retailing over $5,000. We considered each product's price compared to its overall quality.
What to look for when shopping for sleeper sofas
There are a few things you'll need to consider when deciding on the best sleeper sofa for you and your home:
✔️ Size: First, we recommend measuring your space to ensure not only that the sofa will fit perfectly, but that it will also be able to fit through your doorframes and into your home. If you have a small space, opt for a sleeper sofa that folds down or pulls out into a Twin-size bed. If you're hoping to accommodate more guests, try a larger sofa that converts into a more spacious Full- or Queen-size bed.
✔️ Mechanism: Sleeper sofas come in a wide variety of styles and shapes with different mechanisms to convert sofas into beds. Here are the most common ones:
- Pull-out couches: This style has a real mattress stored inside. After removing the seating, you pull a handle to transform your sofa to an actual bed. These beds require more space than their counterparts below.
- Sofa beds: The back of the sofa folds down or a trundle pulls out to create a bed without an additional mattress. They're a space-efficient and convenient option. While some are similar to a futon, they're generally larger and include armrests.
- Fold-out beds: A newer model of sleeper sofas, this style incorporates cushions that are simply unfolded to reveal a sleeping surface. The cushions double as comfy seating and a mattress.
- Futons: They fold flat to make a bed but lack sofa cushions altogether—a great option for small spaces that can't accommodate a pull-out couch.
✔️ Bed type: Be sure to consider the bed type and upholstery because both affect the overall look and feel of your sofa:
- Cushions: For sofa beds and futons, the cushions themselves will double as the mattress, so it's key that you like their feel and fabrication. Typically, the seat cushions are filled with foam that's wrapped in either down or polyester fibers for support and comfort. Although it's more expensive than polyester, down filling gives a plusher feel.
- Mattress: Pullout couches in particular use actual mattresses that are stored inside the couch. The mattresses are typically made of foam without springs, and if there are springs, the mattresses tend to be on the thinner side, so it's easier to compress them into a sofa when not in use.
How do you make a sleeper sofa more comfortable?
If you love the look of the sofa but end up not loving the mattress, you can purchase a new sofa mattress—just double-check to ensure it's the correct size. To make your sleeper sofa even more comfortable, we love to add throw pillows and a soft, cozy blanket for a stylish look and an extra comfy feel.
What is the lifespan of a sleeper sofa?
There is no set lifespan for a sleeper sofa, and how long it lasts will vary based on the sofa's construction and how often it’s used, according to textiles expert Lexie Sachs. As a rough estimate, she says you can expect a sofa to last around 8 to 10 years.
Do you need special sheets for a sleeper sofa?
Not necessarily. Regular bed sheets should fit on your sleeper sofa mattress. Most sleeper sofa mattresses are in between traditional mattress sizing. For example, we noticed that many sleeper sofas advertise as Queen-sized, but have 60" x 72" mattress dimensions while a traditional Queen mattress is 60" x 80".
Also, sleeper sofa mattresses tend to be around 5 inches thick, which is thinner than most traditional mattresses. However, we have found in testing that Queen sheets still fit, albeit a bit loose. When purchasing a sleeper sofa, confirm the mattress's size to ensure you own bed sheets that will work. You can purchase specialty sheets designed for sleeper sofas if you prefer a better-fitting sheet.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab associate director at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversees Lab and consumer tests. She has written multiple furniture features, including stories on the best bed frames, and the best sectional sofas. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive product-testing experience. She surveyed sleeper sofa owners to update this article.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She has written about furniture and home goods, including stylish recliner chairs and the best cheap couches. For this article, she reviewed thousands of data points from the Textiles Lab's sofa survey for relevant information regarding sleeper sofas and sofa beds from popular or top-tested brands.
This Costco Sectional Has Tons of 5-Star Reviews
15 Best Places to Buy a Couch
Designers Want You to Avoid Living Room Mistakes
Shop the Best Presidents Day Couch Deals
