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It’s hard to underestimate the true value of a good sofa bed.
This furniture type is versatile and space-saving, which can turn into a real rescuer if your living space is a bit limited.
So, if you appreciate multifunctional furniture and want to find the best sofa beds in Australia, keep reading. We have prepared 5 tops picks for you, each of which has the potential to transform your living space. Plus, check out the buyer’s guide that can help you make up your mind faster. Let’s cut right to the chase!
A Quick Preview
Our Reviews of the Best Sofa Beds in Australia (November 2023)
Best Overall - Editor’s Pick — Downtown Sofa Bed
Highlights
- storage compartment, offers a great space-saving solution;
- dozens of upholstery colors to make sure the sofa bed can fit into any interior;
- smooth pull-out mechanism for effortless setup;
- generously stuffed cushions for enhanced comfort when lounging and sleeping;
- spacious and offers enough room for partnered sleepers.
The first model that has the right to be among the best sofa beds in Australia is this comfy, spacious Downtown 3-seater sofa. The spacious design of this model also makes it a top choice for sofa beds with Storage in Australia. What I love the most about this model is how supportive it is. The cushions are generously stuffed and feel extra comfy. Additionally, both back and seating cushions are pretty large, which gives plenty of space to sit or lie comfortably. I especially like the chaise section, which has made movie nights much cozier for me.
Now, it’s also worth mentioning that the Downtown sofa bed comes with storage space. I used mine to keep extra blankets and sheets, which made getting ready for sleep much easier. Another cool thing is that the chaise storage space opens easily and doesn’t require much effort (which is crucial for petite sleepers).
Based on Our Review
I liked the storage option on this sofa bed which gave me an extra option for storing items I frequently use. I also liked how supportive this mattress felt during tests.
Pros:
- large and offers plenty of space for lounging and sleep;
- numerous upholstery options, can easily blend with pretty much any interior;
- built-in storage compartment to help users save more space;
- generously stuffed and comfortable;
- easy to transform into a bed.
Cons:
- may require a break-in period (might seem too firm for the first few days);
- the assembly process might be a bit finicky.
Runner-up — Koala Sofa Bed
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Highlights
- Angled construction that offers users multiple resting positions.
- Plush cushions for extra comfort.
- Unique transformable design for quick set-up.
The Koala cushy sofa bed is a close second on our list. This sofa bed offers a sturdy construction, spacious design wrapped in plush cover fabric. At first glance, I liked the modern design of the mattress. The sofa perfectly complemented the room’s interior.
Remember, a sofa bed is more than a makeshift bed and the Koala Sofa Bed showed it’s more than just a sleeping platform. The sofa bed’s construction ensured I felt no discomfort resting on any side of the mattress.
In addition, the foam layers cushioned my body well and the breathable fabric made me feel more comfortable.
Based on Our Review
During my review, I felt very cool on the Koala Sofa Bed. The foam layers also felt responsive and cradled my body well.
Pros:
- This sofa bed has a modern design that won’t look out of place in most settings.
- The Koala Cushy sofa bed fabric felt very light and breathable so I didn’t feel sweaty when laying on it
- This sofa bed comes with a 120-day sleep trial, which is longer than many of it’s competitors.
Cons:
- This mattress comes with an expensive price point.
- Some sections of the mattress felt too soft during my review.
Best Sofa Bed Design - Emma Sofa Bed
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Highlights
- Storage compartments that ensure useful items stay within reach.
- Unique construction that is easy to set up within minutes.
- Supportive foam for maximum comfort while sitting or lying down.
The Emma Sofa Bed features a design that makes it easy to set up and stylish enough to fit into any room without clashing with the decor. This sofa bed is, without a doubt, one of the most comfortable I've reviewed. I had no trouble sitting and lying on the sofa.
I liked that this bed is easy to set up; it only takes a few minutes. Attach the armrests to the sofa’s body by sliding in a pair of clips on both sides. This sofa bed feels less firm than the Downtown sofa bed, but it still provides adequate support for most sleeping types.
The design of this product is also ideal for sitting up in bed. This sofa bed, thankfully, does not have a metal bar. So, you don’t have to bother about a metal object disturbing your comfort while sleeping. Overall, the Emma Sofa Bed will make an excellent living room centerpiece and a comfortable sleeping platform for you or your guests.
Based on Our Review
I liked how supportive this sofa bed felt during my review. I felt adequately supported when sitting and lying on the bed and didn’t notice excessive sinkage.
Pros:
- This bed feels supportive enough for most sleeper types.
- The Emma sofa bed feels comfortable on the joints, and the breathable fabric adds to the impressive comfort level.
- This sofa bed features a modern design that will look good in any room.
Cons:
- This Sofa bed is expensive.
- Heavy sleepers may prefer a firmer foam construction.
Best Faux Leather Sofa Bed — Tivoli Sofa Bed
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Check current priceCheck current price on Zanui.com.au Read our detailed review Shop Now on Fantasticfurniture.com.au
Highlights
- sturdy polyurethane upholstery for durable performance;
- thick foam cushions for increased comfort;
- 4 upholstery colors to make sure the sofa works in different interiors;
- easy to clean thanks to the faux leather cover;
- simple pull-out mechanism for fast and fuss-free setups.
Want to get a stylish sofa bed that can also be a comfortable sleeping spot? Then the Tivoli sofa might be your perfect match! Being among the best sofa beds in Australia, this model can boast of its sleek contemporary design that can transform any room into a modern, trendy space. However, the Tivoli does not sacrifice comfort for the looks. This sofa bed is very comfortable, with thick cushions and tall armrests. I also felt great sleeping on the Tivoli, as the mattress is supportive and comfy.
Another aspect that I love about this model is how easy it is to clean (great news for families with kids and pets). The polyurethane cover of the Tivoli does not absorb moisture or odors. Therefore, a simple wipe with a damp cloth is enough to keep it tidy. Trust me, it works! I spilled my morning coffee with cream and got rid of the stain in mere seconds.
Based on Our Review
I liked the fabric on this sofa bed and it felt silky on my skin. I also noticed how cool the bed felt and I didn’t feel hot sleeping on the bed.
Pros:
- easy to assemble;
- smooth pull-out mechanism, doesn’t require much effort to transform the sofa into a bed;
- tall armrests for improved comfort when lounging;
- not too heavy to move around;
- sturdy but reasonably priced, offers great value for money;
- 4 upholstery options to work in different interiors.
Cons:
- the seating cushions may seem a bit firm at first (require a break-in period);
- the faux leather upholstery may feel too warm during hot summer months (as the polyurethane fabric is not that breathable).
Best Value Pick — Brylee Sofa Bed
Highlights
- neutral upholstery colors to seamlessly blend with any room decor;
- sturdy MDF Timber frame to ensure an increased lifespan;
- versatile design for a reasonable price, good value for money;
- super-easy to convert into a bed for extra-fast setup;
- high-density foam cushions to ensure adequate support during sleep.
One of the best ways to save on furniture is to get a sofa bed. And the Brylee can help even more, as this model is very reasonably priced. It’s one of the best sofa beds in Australia for sleepers who want everything: sturdy design, good price, comfort, and ease of use. The Brylee even has generously stuffed cushions, which means they won’t flatten out that fast. Overall, I was surprised by how sturdy this sofa bed felt upon arrival, given its affordability.
I also appreciate how easy it was to transform the Brylee into a bed. It takes seconds, which means sleepers don’t have to waste much time when getting ready for bed. They can also adjust the back of the sofa to a reclined position. This gives shoppers more comfort variations. For instance, my partner and I set the Brylee into a reclined position during movie nights to lounge more comfortably.
Based on Our Review
The first thing I liked about the Brylee Sofa Bed was the design. This bed looks and feels well made. I liked how sturdy the materials felt during my review and the high-density foam ensured I rested comfortably on the bed.
Pros:
- sleek, minimalist design suited for almost any room style and setup;
- easy to convert into a bed, doesn’t take much effort or time;
- feels sturdy but comes with an attractive price tag, offers great value for money;
- two back configurations for increased comfort when lounging;
- high-density foam cushions to provide adequate support.
Cons:
- might not be spacious enough for partnered sleepers, especially larger folks;
- can seem too firm at first and won’t be ideal for sleepers with tender pressure points (a foam topper might help in this case).
Types of Sofa Beds
When searching for a good sofa bed in Australia, you will come across many different options.
And yes, the versatility may be overwhelming sometimes.
That’s why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the common types of sofa beds you can find on the market (and, hopefully, decide which one would work for you the best). So, sofa beds are usually categorized according to the mechanism they use:
- Pull-out. Such sofa beds usually have a handle (typically discreet) which reveals the sleeping space once you pull it (hence, the name), which is hiding under the seating area. Pull-out mechanisms are extremely simple and easy to use, but might not work for all flooring types (as some wheels may leave scratch marks on certain floor types).
- Click-clack. It is a simple folding mechanism that can use 2 or 3 folds, typically. The click-clack sofas usually hide a mattress inside and come in a variety of sizes, including larger Queen and King options.
- Slide-out. To turn a slide-out sofa into a bed, you need to pull the seat forward. The result is a spacious bed without any gaps, ideal for partnered sleep or someone looking for extra sleeping space. However, there are also smaller slide-out sofa beds available.
How to Pick a Sofa Bed: Buyer’s Guide
Now when you have 5 top options to choose from and know which mechanism would be the most suitable for you, there are some other factors you might want to take into consideration. After all, they can help you make the most informed decision:
- Size. Luckily, sofa beds come in a variety of sizes (but remember that larger models are typically more expensive). You need to figure out how much sleeping space you require and whether the desired sofa bed would fit into the room. Always, always pay attention to the dimensions (you might also want to measure your room space to make sure everything will fit nicely in there).
- Frequency of use. Depending on how often you plan to use your sofa bed, you can pick according to the amount of padding it uses. For instance, if you plan to lounge and sleep on it every day, you certainly need something sturdy but not overly stiff. Models that use high-density foam, come with a nice memory foam mattress, or have an over-padded fiberfill design should work great in this case.
In my expert opinion, pay more attention to products that feel sturdier with higher quality materials used during construction.
- Mattress type (or padding). Now, depending on the model that you choose, you will either sleep on a mattress or the sofa’s padded surface. When it comes to padding, there are three common options: foam, fiberfill, or an innerspring system. However, there will be only one layer of padding, in most cases. Yes, it can be rather thick but might not deliver the same feel a good multi-layered mattress can offer. As for the mattress types that are typically included with sofa beds, the most common ones are foam and innerspring. Most of them are quite simple and not overly thick, which makes them suitable for occasional use. If you plan to sleep on your sofa bed every day, give your preference to models that include a thicker, multi-layer mattress. You might also want to buy a good topper or even a mattress separately. Don’t worry, there are plenty of affordable options that do not sacrifice the quality (you can check them out here).
- Frame material. When it comes to sofa beds, you are likely to come across either wooden or metal frames. Both tend to be quite reliable, but wood is typically slightly more durable (even though metal can withstand shock better in some cases) (1).
I think wooden materials are more flexible design-wise and you’ll be able to use them with most interior settings
- Upholstery. Of course, it is firstly a matter of personal taste, as you will choose the sofa bed color according to your preferences and home interior. However, you should also pay attention to the cover material. You see, some fabric types are easier to clean than the others. For instance, with a faux leather sofa, all you have to do is wipe it occasionally with a damp cloth. And if you choose soft fabric upholstery (linen, cotton, polyester, velvet, or a blend), you will have to make a bit more effort from time to time.
- Warranty. Firstly, it will protect your money in case you receive a defective piece of furniture. Secondly, a long warranty period can be a good indication that the manufacturer is sure of their product’s quality.
- Price. Sofa beds start from around $300 and can reach thousands. It’s up to you to decide how much you are willing to spend. But it’s probably best to figure the sum out from the very beginning. In this case, you will effectively narrow down the list of options. Also, a quick tip: if you want to save a few bucks, you might want to try shopping around the holiday season, when most companies offer good discounts.
- Storage. Some sofa beds come with hidden compartments that can be used for storage. It is an efficient space-saving solution, but keep in mind that such sofas might cost more.
- Money-back guarantee. Although it’s not an absolute necessity, a money-back guarantee can give you a chance to test the sofa bed at home and return it for a refund if you don’t love it.
- Reviews. Many shoppers skip this step, which can often be a big mistake. Reading other users’ sofa bed reviews can help you get a general idea of how comfy or durable a certain product is (and make your decisions accordingly).
F.A.Q.
Is sleeping on a sofa bed bad for you?
No, if it’s comfortable and supportive enough (or if you use it occasionally). However, if you sleep on an overly plush or stiff sofa bed every day, it might result in back stiffness or even pain in the long run.
What makes a good sofa bed?
Mainly, you need to pay attention to the frame quality and the amount of padding (or the mattress type it includes).
How much should I spend on a sofa bed?
On average, quality sofa beds cost around $600-$1,000, depending on the size and the materials used.
Are sofa beds good for everyday use?
Yes, especially if you are quite limited in terms of space. However, for everyday use, you’ll want something extra comfy and reliable, preferably with a good-quality mattress included.
How long should a sofa bed last?
On average, sofa beds last for around 5 to 10 years, depending on the materials and the frequency of use.
Wrapping Up
A good sofa bed isn’t so hard to find. You just have to pay attention to a few details.
For instance, don’t forget to check the dimensions, the frame material, and the padding type. Also, read the warranty conditions for your own peace of mind. And try not to neglect other shoppers’ reviews: they can tell you how your desired sofa bed holds up with time.
Still can’t decide? Then allow me to share the sofa that I enjoyed testing the most - the Downtown Sofa Bed. This model has the right to be called a true all-in-one sofa. It combines a comfortable chaise, a spacious sleeping area, a large storage compartment, and plenty of lounging space for you and your family. Moreover, the Downtown sofa comes in an impressive variety of colors. Therefore, it can become a perfect addition to almost any room setup!
What kind of sofa bed do you want to see in your home? Have you already made up your mind? Share your thoughts in the comments!
References
- Walter Johnson (n.d.). Strength of Steel Vs. Wood. Retrieved from https://www.hunker.com/13401408/strength-of-steel-vs-wood
Allana Wass is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief at Comfybeddy. She was trained at the Spencer Institute to become a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has been featured in VeryWellMind, U.S. News, and Bustle. She has tested over 50 sleep products, which include mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. She has spent countless hours researching the mattress industry and learning about its cutting-edge technology for over four years, helping you improve your sleep. With her wealth of experience, she thoroughly reviews mattresses and other sleep products to give the best recommendations for each kind of sleeper.
Our research
45
Sofa Beds Considered
150
Hours of Research
2
Sleep Experts Consulted
What about extended warranties for sofa beds? Are they worth it, or do the standard warranties usually have things well covered?
Extended warranties for sofa beds can provide extra peace of mind, but it’s essential to carefully consider the terms and costs. Standard warranties often cover the basics, but extended warranties might offer more extensive protection. Be sure to read the fine print, assess the added value, and decide if it’s worth the investment for your specific needs and budget.
I just wanted to say thanks for your super helpful article on sofa beds! It really made choosing the right one for my home a breeze with all the detailed info you shared.
I’m absolutely delighted to hear that the article was a valuable resource for your sofa bed selection, and I appreciate your kind words and feedback.
I have pets, and I’m worried about fur and stains. Are there any sofa beds with easy-to-clean covers in this article?
None of the sofa beds mentioned in this article have easy-to-clean covers.
In my experience, testing a sofa bed is essential before buying. Can you provide insights on what to look for during the evaluation process?
I completely agree with you that testing a sofa bed is a crucial step before making a purchase. It allows you to assess its comfort, functionality, and overall suitability for your needs. To guide you through the evaluation process, I would recommend checking out the “How to Pick a Sofa Bed: Buyer’s Guide” section in our article. It provides valuable insights on what to look for when choosing a sofa bed. You’ll find information on factors like mattress quality, ease of conversion, durability, and more.
This comprehensive guide should assist you in making an informed decision and finding the perfect sofa bed that meets your expectations.
I’m feeling a bit anxious about the assembly process. Can you please recommend sofa beds that are not only comfortable but also easy to put together without the need for professional assistance?
I understand your concern about the assembly process and your desire for a comfortable yet easy-to-set-up sofa bed. I’d like to recommend the Emma Sofa Bed, which I had the pleasure of reviewing.
The Emma Sofa Bed boasts a design that is not only stylish but also remarkably user-friendly. It seamlessly blends into any room’s decor without clashing, making it a versatile choice. In terms of comfort, I found it to be one of the most comfortable sofa beds I’ve had the opportunity to review. Sitting and lying on this sofa bed was an absolute breeze.
What sets the Emma Sofa Bed apart is its straightforward assembly. It takes just a few minutes to set up. Simply attach the armrests to the sofa’s body by sliding in a pair of clips on both sides, and you’re all set.