Best Sleeper Sofas 2025 - Forbes Vetted

Yes, sleeper sofas are still a thing—but if a creaky contraption with lumpy springs comes to mind, then your idea of one is as dusty as the pull-out mattress in your memory. Admittedly, I was skeptical until I asked my colleagues on Forbes Vetted’s home team to point me to the best sleeper sofas that are functional and design-forward. Deputy editor Rebekah Lowin recommends West Elm’s Shelter Sleeper Sofa, which was put through its paces by one of our on-staff panel testers (and is also a reader favorite), as well as Article’s Nordby Sofa Bed for its affordable price, compactness and durability.

The West Elm Shelter Sleeper tops our list of the best sleeper sofas of 2025, proving to be ... [+] comfortable and versatile during testing.

In addition to my aforementioned colleagues, I consulted three furniture experts to find the best sleeper sofas for my fellow skeptics. Together, we selected eight contenders and carefully evaluated each sleeper sofa’s aesthetic, functionality, construction, support and, of course, comfort.

As someone whose most recent memory of a sleeper sofa involves a slumber party on the eve of Y2K, I’m happy to report it is possible to find one that’s both practical and comfortable—and we have the picks to prove it. Below, see our list of the best sleeper sofas that convert from welcoming couches to cozy beds.

West Elm

Upholstery fabrics: 7 options, including velvet and bouclé | Colors: 96 options, including Ocean and Pewter | Fill: Polyester fiber, duck feathers, duck down | Mattress type: High-density foam, gel memory foam | Removable covers: Yes | Shipping time: 5+ weeks

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During the rigorous, months-long testing process that went into determining our picks for the best couches, this sofa stood out in a big way. Available in almost 100 colors and seven upholstery options (canvas, bouclé and velvet are all offered), it clearly offers extensive customization—but it’s also just incredibly comfortable and versatile. “This is a great napping couch,” says Emily Jackson, senior vice president of e-commerce at Forbes Vetted. “We snoozed on it in the couch configuration and also as a pull-out bed. The cushions are comfy, and there was enough room to change positions throughout the day so we wouldn’t get uncomfortable. The depth is also wide enough so you could add cushions behind you to stay supported.”

The Shelter’s plush cushion filling (it’s a 2 on West Elm’s firmness scale of 1 to 5) features a combination of polyester fiber, duck feathers and duck down, and the mattress is crafted from two layers of foam, including a memory foam layer infused with gel. West Elm allows customers to order up to 15 free fabric swatches, too, which is an excellent way to determine which will look best in your space.

Article

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Unlike the rest of the true “sleeper sofas” on this list, a sofa bed doesn’t come with a traditional mattress. Instead, the couch itself is a bed. Our favorite option, Article’s Nordby model, offers a seat that smoothly slides out to form a queen-sized sleeping area. It’s a user-friendly design that makes conversion from sofa to bed (and vice versa) a breeze, even in tighter spaces. What’s more, you can personalize the Nordby to suit your home by choosing from three colorways and deciding between the classic sofa style or the reversible sectional configuration.

Note that the cushions do require regular fluffing to maintain their shape, and some reviewers note that the fabric can pill with extended use. That said, the company has tested its fabrics for abrasion resistance of up to 50,000 rubs, far exceeding the industry standard of 20,000. The rest of the pros here—along with a quick shipping timeframe of just two weeks or less—make it a winner in our book.

west elm

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If curling up in an oversized armchair is more your style (or more appropriate for your space constraints), there’s a sleeper option for that. Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer with Jensen & Co. Interiors, recommends West Elm’s Harris Chair And A Half Twin Sleeper: “It is compact, stylish and comfortable, making it perfect for overnight guests while still maintaining your home’s aesthetics.” She highlights its plush foam cushions (which are a 3 on West Elm’s firmness scale) and wide armrests, which “make it an inviting spot to lounge in during the day, while easily converting into a bed when needed.” Speaking of, the Harris Sleeper’s concealed twin-sized mattress doesn’t skimp on comfort, either. Made with two layers of high-density and gel foam and ticked with a soft, breathable knit fabric, the fold-out sleeper both contours to the body and wicks away heat.

The Harris is available in either velvet or chenille upholstery and three hues, but keep in mind that this made-to-order piece won’t be ready to ship for five or more weeks. That said, it’s worth the wait if your guest accommodations double as your reading nook and your overnight guests are typically single adults or one or two kids. In addition to its dashing good looks, the Harris is built for longevity; its frame is hand-built kiln-dried wood and with mortise and tenon joints, and it’s hand-upholstered and assembled in the U.S.A.

Crate & Barrel

Upholstery fabrics: 8 options, include chenille and velvet | Colors: 223 options, including Galaxy Ash and Tahoe Teal | Fill: Foam, fiber, polyfoam or down blend | Mattress type: High-density foam, memory foam | Removable covers: No | Shipping time: 5+ weeks

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Sleeper sofas typically come with a queen or smaller mattress, so finding a king-size model is a rarity. This popular option from Crate & Barrel fits the bill, offering more space than most sleeper mattresses and accommodating up to 600 pounds. Given all of that extra room, it’s suitable for couples to sleep on—and it simply looks more appropriate for larger homes and spaces. The mattress within includes an inch-high layer of gel for additional support and cooling properties, and for those interested, there’s even an option here to upgrade to a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Color and fabric combination possibilities abound here (there are a whopping 200-plus options), along with leg options and your choice of standard or down blend cushioning.

rove concepts

Upholstery fabrics: 5 options, including bouclé and velvet | Colors: 21 options, including Alesund (ready to ship) and Blush (made to order) | Fill: Memory foam | Mattress type: 3-layer memory foam | Removable covers: No (except mattress cover) | Shipping time: 3+ weeks (14+ weeks for custom orders)

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For lovers of sophisticated, minimalist design who don’t want to sacrifice comfort and durability, Jensen recommends Rove Concept’s Dresden Sleeper Sofa. “It has high-density foam cushions and a sturdy wood frame, making it really durable and comfortable, elevating both your living and sleeping experience,” she notes. Like all of Rove Concept’s furniture, the sleeper sofa features a distinctly modern but simple aesthetic that includes thoughtful touches like rounded, low-profile legs and a removable walnut-veneer side table.

Its sleek design doesn’t mean a compromise on durability, though: The Dresden is constructed with kiln-dried hardwood with reinforced corners, and its frame (which can support over 600 pounds) is padded with fiber-wrapped foam. Last but not least, Jensen highlights its fold-out sleeper as being “spacious and supportive.” Indeed, at 57 by 74 inches, it is close to a queen size, and the three-layer memory foam promises contouring support.

urban natural

Upholstery fabrics: various texture and grade options, including leather and fabric | Colors: 477 options, including Babble Indigo and Beacon Cream | Fill: High-resiliency PU foam | Mattress type: High-Perform foam, Cooling Gel or Tempur-Pedic | Removable covers: Yes | Shipping time: 5+ weeks

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Sectionals can certainly double as sleeper sofas, according to Manuella Moreira, an interior designer based in Los Angeles. “A chaise is a great addition for both comfort and practicality,” she notes, particularly because it provides extra seating during the day when your sectional isn’t being used as a bed. The above, a customizable option from American Leather, checks off those criteria and happens to come highly recommended by Jensen, who says, “[It’s] the ideal choice for those wanting a high-end sleeper sofa without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort.” She highlights the Langdon Sectional’s plush foam cushions, which are filled with 2.3 pounds of high-resiliency (and CertiPUR-certified) foam for supportive lounging; you can also adjust the fill depending on your firmness preferences.

This sectional’s premium fold-out mattress, too, is a standout, according to Jensen: The default option is the HiPerform mattress, which is made with carbon fiber–infused foam, but you can upgrade with either a cooling gel or Tempur-Pedic mattress; either way, you’ll get “a real mattress experience without bars or springs” for a restful night’s sleep, Jensen says. Its handcrafted frame is also high quality, providing the right amount of sturdiness and support (the company confidently backs it with its limited lifetime warranty).

ikea

Upholstery fabrics: 1 option, 90% recycled polyester | Colors: 2 options, including Beige/Gray and Light Gray Turquoise | Fill: Poly fiber and foam | Mattress type: Poly fiber and foam | Removable covers: Yes (cushions) | Shipping time: 1+ weeks (depending on stock)

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Small-space dwellers looking for a no-frills option that can occasionally accommodate guests should look to Ikea’s Barslov sleeper sofa, another Jensen recommendation. At 92 by 60 inches and with built-in storage in its movable chaise, this pick is compact, versatile and space saving. (Plus, it’s nice that the chaise storage lid stays open when you’re taking things out or putting them in.) It’s quite user-friendly and low maintenance, too: “It has a simple pull-out design that quickly converts into a cozy bed. The removable, washable covers ensure cleaning it is simple, making this a durable, comfortable nook for both lounging and sleeping,” Jensen notes. The process is simple: Pull the underframe out to reveal the hidden queen-sized “mattress” (a sleeping surface made with the same materials as the sofa’s cushions), and then top with beddings and pillows. In addition to being removable and washable, the cushion covers are also treated with “easy care,” meaning spills won’t seep into the fabric and can easily be blotted out with a dry cloth.

dream sofa

Upholstery fabrics: 17 options, including microfiber and dog-friendly | Colors: 11 options, including Cosmo Turquoise and Derby Berry | Fill: Reflex foam, Dacron polyester fiber fill (upgrades available) | Mattress type: Foam (upgrades available) | Removable covers: Not listed | Shipping time: 3 to 5 weeks

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If you have kids or pets and live in an apartment, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and ease of use when looking for something that saves space. Take it from consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs, a cat owner who recommends (and “simply loves”) the DreamSofa Cologne Sofa-Sleeper, which she’s had in her 850–square foot, one-bedroom apartment for over a year. “We originally bought it because we wanted to be able to host my parents when they come to visit. They love the bed,” she tells us. The beauty of buying a sleeper sofa from DreamSofa is its nearly fully customizable furniture; the smallest size of the Cologne is a 68-inch wide two-seater—but you can go all the way up to 110 inches. The range of fabric options that cater to various lifestyles is also impressive. Isaacs says, “We received a velvet fabric that’s cat-friendly (a.k.a. they won’t scratch as much because they don’t like the feeling beneath their little paws).”

In addition to cat- and dog-friendly upholstery, DreamSofa also offers traditional chenille and bouclé, as well as stain-resistant and performance options. You can also upgrade the cushion firmness and mattress type; here’s a tip from Isaacs: “We upgraded to the Wave cushioning as there were reports online that the Cloud sinks over time. The Wave came a little firm, but it has softened beautifully with time.” As for its functionality and comfort? Isaacs likes that the Cologne is easy to set up and use— “it’s a pullout and the grab bars are easy to reach”—and her guests like how comfortable the mattress is to sleep on. Her only qualm, she says, is that “the bed physically rests underneath the sofa, on the floor, so dust bunnies can accumulate on it.”

The Forbes Vetted team has produced dozens of expertly researched and tested articles on home furniture.

We consulted three design professionals for this story:

Our selection process to find the best sleeper sofas involved meticulous consideration:

Sleeper sofas tend to pose additional design and function challenges compared with their traditional counterparts, so consider the following factors in your search.

Sleeper sofas come in a variety of designs: some have fold-out mattresses, others have fold-down backs and some have fold-out seats (sans mattress). Daybeds, futons and “sofa beds”—a separate category altogether—are also shepherded into this genre from time to time, so you might see a combination of all of these as you browse. Regardless of what type you choose, make sure their mechanisms are easy for you and your guests to operate.

Because sleeper sofas have mechanisms that can make them bulky, you’ll want to be a little more strategic in your selection process when considering particular design features. Los Angeles–based interior designer Manuella Moreira says, “I recommend selecting a low-profile frame and slim arms to maintain a sleek, clean aesthetic. ... [This] can also make an affordable option look more refined.” As an example, Moreira notes that in one of her custom projects, “I paired a chaise with a low-profile frame and slim arms to minimize visual bulk while maintaining ample interior space for the sleeper mechanism.”

Design expert Kathy Kuo recommends performance fabrics if you plan to use your sleeper sofa as a bed regularly or tend to eat or drink on this couch. “These days, [sleeper sofas] come in so many colors and styles, and are so high quality and so durable, that I really don't think of going [the performance fabric] route as any sort of design sacrifice,” she says.

But performance fabrics are not your only option, Kuo reminds us, “If your plans for the sleeper are more along the lines of being a backup sleeping option every now and then, I would say go ahead and consider a full range of premium upholstery choices to your heart’s content.” These include leather, velvet, twill, bouclé and more.

Measure before making a purchase—and remember to take the full length of the extended sofa (with mattress in place) into account. You’ll likely need room around the mattress, so this might require you to move other furniture out of the way or select another model entirely. Consider other practical aspects, too, such as where you'll store couch cushions when the sleeper feature is in use.

In addition to measuring the extended sofa with the mattress in place, make sure the mattress itself is made with high-quality materials, is the appropriate thickness (typically 4 or 5 inches), and offers the level of comfort and support you and your guests prefer. Typically, you’ll choose between a coil and foam mattress; the former offers a springier feel, while a high-density foam or memory foam sleeper offers more pressure relief and body-hugging cushioning.

Similarly, evaluate the fill materials in the back and seat cushions and make sure they meet your particular preferences when using the sleeper sofa in its couch configuration. Filling made mostly of duck down, duck feathers or artificial down like trillium or polyester fibers offers a more plush, sink-in feel; high-density foam or a combination of foam and fibers, on the other hand, gives more support. Moreira advises—particularly if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options—to pay particular attention to the cushion fill: “The sleeper mechanism can make the cushion feel firmer due to limited depth.” To offset this potential discomfort, she recommends upgrading to higher-density cushions if available.

The weight capacity of a sleeper sofa depends on its size, construction and quality of materials. In general, sleeper sofas with a twin-sized or twin-adjacent mattress can hold anywhere between 250 and 500 pounds. Sleeper sofas with a queen or king mattress can typically support up to 650 pounds.

A comfortable sleeper sofa mattress can make or break your guest’s stay. Look for options with memory foam mattresses, and if you want a little extra comfort, you can always add a mattress topper. The sofa should be comfortable in its couch configuration, too: Consider cushion fill that offers a combination of support and plushness, like a blend of foams and down (or down alternative material). It’s worth noting that the sleeper sofas that offer the highest quality construction and durability also cost more, but it may be worth the investment.

A sleeper sofa looks like a regular couch but hides a collapsible mattress beneath the cushions, unfolding to reveal a twin or queen-size bed frame. On the other hand, sofa beds are single surfaces with arms or backs that fold down to create a flat sleeping surface.

Sleeper sofas are also significantly costlier than sofa beds. The final decision comes down to your personal preference, space and budget.

We updated several of our recommendations based on feedback from interior design experts.

We narrowed down our list of winners for 2025 and added a sleeper chair option.