About Sleeper Sofas

Standard

• The standard sleeper sofa is similar to the original pull-out couches. It appears to be a regular sofa when closed, but if you remove the cushions, there is a folded bed inside which you pull out. The mattress is separate, set on top of a hinged metal frame and springs that is the same height as a standard bed.

Sectional

• Sectional sofas provide extra seating in a larger space. Typically sectional sofas are designs in two or more pieces that can be placed together in an L-shape or apart as separate pieces of furniture. Modern sectionals are available in a variety of shapes such as curved, U-shapes. A sleeper sectional includes a hidden bed, typically in the longest section. Like a standard sofa, the bed usually folds out to reveal a metal or wood frame and a mattress. Another style of sleeper sofa is one where the bed is created by moving pieces of the sectional alongside each other.

A-Frames and Futons

• A-frames do not hide the bed inside the sofa, because the sofa is actually the bed. The back and seat fold down flat to create your sleep surface. This type of sleeper sofa is upholstered and filled just as a regular sofa is, but its frame is designed to either lock in place as a sofa or fold out. Often with A-frame sofa beds you have the option of storage beneath to hide bedding nearby. Futons are very similar to A-frame sofa beds in that the back and seat are folded flat to provide a sleep surface. The difference is that futons are made using a metal or wood frame and the mattress is not part of the sofa. It is placed on top of the frame as a separate part.

Drop-End

• A drop-end sofa bed is ideal for sleeping one person comfortably. This type of sofa bed is typically used in apartments because it fits well into small rooms. The arms or ends fold down to create a bed. Typically a drop-end sofa will have levers that are used to convert from sofa to bed.

Daybed

• A daybed is a single sofa bed, designed with a regular mattress. A cover is placed over the mattress to make it look like a sofa when the bed is not needed. These are ideal for children's rooms and guest rooms and usually have drawers or a lift-up base for storage. Some styles of daybeds also have a trundle, or second bed placed on rollers beneath.

Flop-Out

• Flop-out sofas do not have a separate mattress and frame. The sofa is one unit that folds or flops out onto the floor. These sleeper sofas are typically filled with foam in the seat and back, which when unfolded provide a sleep surface. In some designs, the entire sofa, including the back, extends flat to create one large bed. Flop-out sofas are ideal for children's rooms and play areas.