An Overview of Sofa Beds

There are basically four types of sofa beds: the fold-out sofa bed, the flip-over or flop-out sofa bed, the A-frame sofa bed, and the drop-end sofa.

Fold-Out Sofa Bed
Usually top of the range, these sofa beds are the most popular choice for the living room. Some are available as part of a full suite range with matching fixed sofas and chairs. These sofa beds have quality foam or sprung mattresses folded away inside. They have a sophisticated spring-loaded opening mechanism, which usually pulls out from the center of the sofa frame. The bed base is supported on an additional pair of legs. A wire mesh base is the least expensive option, but is not very durable. For regular use, choose a base made from laminated wooden slats because these provide good support while still allowing the air to circulate for freshness.

You cannot put a fold-out sofa bed away with all of the bedding left on it, so they aren't ready for immediate use. You'll also need to check that your existing bed linen fits the sofa bed you buy. This can be a problem because mattresses come in various non-standard sizes. A three-seater sofa, for example, may accommodate a 51 1/2in mattress.

Flip-Over Sofa Bed
With no separate mattress, this type of sofa bed simply unfolds directly onto the floor, so that the solid foam seat becomes the sleeping area. On some models the back unfolds too. Other versions incorporate a tailored duvet or quilt as a sofa cover, under which your guests can sleep.

Flip-over designs are perfect for children or for overnight guests, as they are easy to operate. However, once opened, they are generally too close to the floor for the elderly; they find them difficult to get into and out of.

A-Frame Sofa Bed
The seat and the back on the A-frame sofa form the bed - either single or double. Some types have a quilted cover that you can use as a duvet; others offer storage underneath in which to stow away bed covers during the day.

Drop-End Sofa Bed
This is the perfect option for a studio apartment. By means of a few levers, the sofa converts to a chaise lounge, a single, or in some cases, even a small double bed. In many styles, you can fix the sides of the sofa at different angles, from horizontal for sleeping, to slightly angled for reading or watching TV.

Other Options
Many clever variations of sofa beds exist, especially for children's rooms, but check how comfortable and supportive the bed is before you buy.

Sofas are also available that have a single foam bed on sprung legs that pulls out from underneath. This "studio bed" is a useful alternative where singles as well as doubles are needed.

There are also many different sorts of chair available, from flip-over ottomans to fold-out bed chairs, and these can be handy makeshift beds too.

The table bed is a further ingenious variation. It is a coffee table or stool by day, but its hard outer casing opens out to become a bed by night.