The 9 Best Sleeper Sofas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Plus, expert advice on how to choose a sleeper sofa.
Real Simple / Ashleigh Morley
If you’ve ever struggled to find space when hosting overnight guests, investing in a sleeper sofa for your living room or spare room is a great solution. Not only will you always have a place for family or friends to crash, but you’ll also have a functional furniture piece that will match the rest of your home decor—instead of an extra bed that wastes precious space.
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“A sleeper sofa is a great option for those who love to host but may not have enough space for an entire guest bedroom,” says Jessica Harris, an interior designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces. “By day, sleeper sectionals provide all the comfy, cozy seating you could want. By night, they effortlessly transform into a luxurious spare bed—perfect for when you need to host an overnight guest in a pinch!”
To determine the best sleeper sofas, we tested six sleeper sofas and assessed them on comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value. After testing, we determined that four sofas were worthy of inclusion on our list—the other five were selected based on rigorous criteria and extensive research. We also spoke to Harris for expert advice on how to shop for the right sleeper sofa.
Best Overall Sleeper Sofa: Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa
What Stands Out
It comes in two sizes and over 75 color and fabric customization options.
What Could Be Improved
It has a break-in period.
We put the Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa at the top of our list because it has an incredibly comfortable mattress—plus, it’s really stylish and customizable. The midcentury design includes tapered legs and a tufted seat, as well as two bolster pillows to complete the look. It’s also available in two sizes that equate to either a twin or queen mattress. Though the website says that it can seat three to four people, we found that it more comfortably fits two people.
We initially found the couch to be too firm for our liking, but after a few months of use it became much more comfortable. However, we were pleasantly surprised (more like shocked) by how soft the mattress was. If the comfort of your mattress is the highest priority, you really can’t do much better than this Joybird sleeper. We also liked that we didn’t have to put much effort into opening or closing the couch. It took just one minute for us to turn it from a sofa into a bed, making it one of the most user-friendly options out there.
It’s also easy to customize, since it’s available in over 75 fabrics and color options including pet-friendly and stain-resistant fabrics. We can confirm the pet-friendly nature of this couch—not only has it been able to withstand dog jumping, but we had no trouble getting out stains. You also have the option of getting the couch delivered via curbside delivery or white-glove delivery service. We went with the white-glove service and were not disappointed. Overall, we love this couch and recommend it for anyone who frequently has friends or family sleeping over.
Price at time of publish: From $3,670
Upholstery: Polyester, velvet, performance fabrics | Sofa Dimensions: 79 x 36 x 35 inches; 52.5 x 36 x 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 x 72 inches; 39 x 70 inches | Mattress Type: 5 inches; high-density and memory foam
Best Budget Sleeper Sofa: Article Nordby Sofa
What Stands Out
It has an ergonomic design featuring hidden wheels to roll the bed out.
What Could Be Improved
It doesn’t have a mattress, so it’s not the most comfortable.
If you’re looking for a budget sleeper sofa, the Article Nordby Sofa offers the most bang for your buck. A caveat: This couch isn’t truly budget-friendly, but as far as sleeper sofas go, it’s comparatively affordable, since sleepers are typically much more expensive than regular couches. This sofa is designed with removable cushions for easy cleaning, and has discrete wheels to quickly roll the sofa bed in and out. When you’re ready for sleep, pull it out using the cloth handles located on the frame. You don’t have to waste time building it, as it comes fully assembled and only requires you to put on its bottom legs.
The fabric looks high-end and is surprisingly durable. It can handle a lot of use without pilling, and we even found that it’s not affected by cat scratches. The back cushions are firm and plump which add to its overall comfort. In addition, the sofa’s legs are sturdy, which made it easy for us to move it around the room without issue. It’s available in two styles: a regular sofa and an L-shaped reverse sectional.
Take note though: This couch doesn’t come with a mattress (it’s more of a futon style), and therefore it’s definitely not the most comfortable option. While we wouldn't advise using this sofa bed as a permanent bed replacement, it’s adequate for one or two nights. Adding a mattress topper would definitely help make it more comfortable.
Price at time of publish: $1,499
Upholstery: Polyester | Sofa Dimensions: 87 x 33 x 35 inches | Bed Dimensions: 54 x 72 inches | Mattress Type: High-density foam
Best Sleeper Sectional Sofa: West Elm Harmony Modular 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional With Storage Chaise
What Stands Out
It has a built-in storage box within the chaise.
What Could Be Improved
Delivery service could be better.
Soft cushions and a supportive hardwood frame make the West Elm Harmony Sleeper almost as good as a regular bed to sleep on. We found this sofa to be very comfortable—it’s really the ideal sofa when you’re ready for a nap, or just to kick back and relax.
It features foam seat cushions and plush throw and lumbar pillows filled with a blend of duck feathers, down blend, and polyester. The cushions are loose and have zip-off covers that can be removed when you’re ready to clean them, which is good for busy households. In fact, we spilled coffee on it and were able to remove all the stains in the washer. We were even able to remove pen marks by using hand sanitizer to spot-clean the stains.
When it’s time to sleep, it only takes a few minutes to pull out the bed. This sofa also has a storage chaise for pillows and blankets, making it an ultra functional furniture piece. It’s very customizable too, and you have the option to select the side (left or right) you want the chaise on, or you can configure it exactly to your liking. There are around 50 performance fabrics and colors to choose from including stain-resistant and Greenguard-certified fabrics (which means they are guaranteed to have low chemical emissions). Our only issue was that it was assembled incorrectly when it was delivered, so we ended up having to put it together ourselves.
Price at time of publish: From $4,598
Upholstery: Basketweave, chenille, linen, velvet, boucle, canvas, twill | Sofa Dimensions: 123 x 69 x 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 x 72 inches | Mattress Type: Gel-infused foam
Best Kid & Pet-Friendly Sleeper Sofa: Apt2B Tuxedo 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional
What Stands Out
The performance fabric upholstery makes it a great sleeper sofa if you have kids or pets.
What Could Be Improved
It’s made to order, so you’ll have to wait 5-7 weeks before you get your couch.
If you have young kids, pets, or both, the Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional is the furniture you want in your living room or spare room. Why? For starters, despite the number of times that cats napped or hung out on the couch, there were never any pulls or snags. That’s because of the pet-friendly fabric upholstery, which not only was scratch-resistant but made cleaning excess pet hair easy—even without a lint brush. We tested its strength too by letting kids jump on it, and for the most part, the couch still looked good and retained its original shape.
Because it’s a sectional, it comes with an ottoman that you can arrange on the side of your choice. You also get customizations in terms of color, leg finish, fabric, and mattress type. You can also choose between two kinds of mattresses: memory foam or innerspring. (And if you don’t need a sectional, this couch is also available in a regular sofa style.) The only downside we noticed is that the back cushions did not fluff by themselves after sitting down on them, and it has a lower back compared to other couches. Be prepared for long processing times too, because it’s made to order and takes 5-7 weeks to ship.
Price at time of publish: From $5,598
Upholstery: Performance fabric | Sofa Dimensions: 121 x 88 x 36 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 x 72 inches | Mattress Type: 5.5-inch innerspring; 4.5-inch memory foam
Best Customizable Sleeper Sofa: Crate & Barrel Barrett II 3-Seat Queen Sleeper
What Stands Out
This couch has over 200 color options.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not as plush as other sleeper sofas.
It’s safe to say that this might be one of the best couches out there when it comes to personalization. While the couch style and design are quite basic, you get tons of customization options so you’re able to select the color and fabric (down to the exact hue) that suits your style. Crate & Barrel offers a wide 217 color palette including 76 shades of gray and black, 33 shades of brown, and many more. You also can get your couch upholstered in a variety of kid- and pet-friendly, stain-resistant, and indoor and outdoor performance fabrics. But if you’re not sure which one to pick, you can always request a free swatch first. Just note that shipping times will vary depending on customizations.
It’s made from sustainable hardwood that is kiln-dried, so it’s durable and won’t be susceptible to warping. The queen pullout mattress is on top of a metal frame, which offers comfort, but probably won’t be as comfortable as a regular bed. Our final thoughts are that while it may not be the most luxurious option, it’s still great to have around if you need an extra bed for overnight guests.
Price at time of publish: $2,896
Upholstery: Performance, boucle, canvas, chenille, linen, microfiber, shearling, twill, velvet | Sofa Dimensions: 90 x 36 x 36.5 inches | Bed Dimensions: 87 x 30 inches | Mattress Type: Gel-infused memory foam
Real Simple / Amina Abdelrahman
Best Leather Sleeper Sofa: Raymour & Flanigan Calabria Leather Queen Sleeper Sofa
What Stands Out
The memory foam mattress makes it a super comfy option.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not very stylish.
Looking for a sofa that’s comfortable and traditional, plus easy to clean? Ditch the fabric option and go for a leather sofa like this Calabria Leather Queen Sleeper Sofa from Raymour & Flannigan. This sleeper sofa is made from 100 percent top-grain leather, which means it’s soft and extremely durable. Plus, features a pullout memory foam mattress with a hardwood frame that supports around 540 pounds.
Although this sofa isn’t very modern or stylish, we still think it’s worth every penny because of its durability and extra-soft feel. The company also makes it easy for you to move this sofa inside your home, thanks to a measuring guide on its website that shows exactly how much space the couch requires. In the event the sofa happens to be too big, there is a twin-sized option available as well. Plus, there are free sample swatches if you want to preview colors.
Shipping times are surprisingly fast, so you should receive it within 3-5 weeks. One big bonus is that it arrives completely assembled with the additional option of white glove delivery services if you’re interested. The Calabria is available in gray and brown.
Price at time of publish: $2,900
Upholstery: Leather | Sofa Dimensions: 85.5 x 39 x 37.5 inches | Bed Dimensions: Not listed | Mattress Type: Memory Foam
Best Velvet Sleeper Sofa: Rove Concepts Milo Sleeper Sofa
What Stands Out
It’s large and has a variety of customization options.
What Could Be Improved
The mattress sits right on the ground.
If you’re looking for a luxe look, then consider the Rove Concepts Milo in velvet. It’s an extremely sturdy couch that features high-quality kiln-dried hardwood, dowelled joints, and removable stainless steel legs. Be warned that this sleeper sofa is wider than your typical sofa, so it’s probably best to measure entrances, stairs, and the room where it's going to reside before purchasing.
While some sleeper sofas have a poor reputation when it comes to pulling the mattress out, the Milo is easy to use. With this sofa, you only have to unzip a zipper at the back of the cushions and gently tug. Within seconds, you’ll find the mattress lying flat on the ground (there is no metal frame), and ready to sleep on. To protect the mattress from dirt and stains, it has a mesh cover that can be removed and thrown in the wash. This couch is available in two sizes: 98 inches and 88 inches. You can also choose from a range of colors including cobalt, taupe, olive green, gold, and gray.
Keep in mind that this couch’s sizing is not exact. Although the manufacturer says it is queen-sized, it’s actually slightly larger than a standard queen-sized mattress. So, you do run the risk that your fitted sheets may not be able to fit properly.
Price at time of publish: $2,713
Upholstery: Velvet, felt, performance, linen, boucle, faux leather, faux suede | Sofa Dimensions: 88 or 98 x 40 x 25 inches | Bed Dimensions: 65.1 x 73.8 inches or 60 x 80 inches | Mattress Type: Foam
Best Extra-Long Sleeper Sofa: Belffin Modular Sectional Sofa
What Stands Out
It’s a huge modular sleeper sofa with tons of storage space.
What Could Be Improved
There are not many color choices.
For anyone who wants an all-in-one sleeper sofa that doesn’t come with a separate mattress, we recommend the Belffin Modular Sectional Sofa. As the name implies, it’s a modular type, so you have the option of styling it however you want. Whether you want to break it apart and style it as standalone pieces, arrange it as a U-shape, or use it as a bed—you get lots of customization options.
Another selling point of this couch which you won’t find in many sleeper sofas is that the backrest and armrest are adjustable, so you can raise or lower them to your liking. The armrest is designed to look like the backrest, as it is the same height and features plush padding that you can use as a pillow.
We particularly like that there are storage drawers underneath the sofa which can store your beddings and more. Also, it comes in three different sizes (like Goldilocks), so you can find the couch that best suits your room. Our only issue is that there are not many color options to choose from—just gray, blue, and green.
Price at time of publish: $1,800
Upholstery: Velvet | Sofa Dimensions: 116.6 x 58.3 x 33.5 inches | Bed Dimensions: 105.6 x 52.8 inches | Mattress Type: Foam cushions
Best Contemporary Sleeper Sofa: CB2 Alesso Sleeper Sofa
What Stands Out
It has a truly unique appearance that’s unlike most sleeper sofas.
What Could Be Improved
The cushion covers are not removable.
A creamy white couch may not be the best pick for everyone (especially if you have small kids or pets) but for those who want to refresh their living room decor, the CB2 Alesso Sleeper Sofa is a much-welcomed choice. This couch features a full-size foam mattress plus performance fabric upholstery that is stain-resistant and easy to clean. It has a contemporary design, featuring a single end-to-end seat cushion and no removable back cushions. There are also chunky innovative/unusual (you choose) leather straps on each side that you unbuckle when it’s time to unfold the bed.
One of the cool features is that if you have an Apple or Android device, you can scan a QR code from the website and preview the sofa in augmented reality so you can see the way it will look in your living room. If white is not your style, there are also 25 different fabrics and colors to choose from. It’s also important to note that the couch doesn’t have removable covers and can only be spot cleaned using a gentle detergent or stain remover.
Price at time of publish: $2,199
Upholstery: Performance, linen, basketweave, twill, boucle, wool, shearling | Sofa Dimensions: 104 x 38 x 28 inches | Bed Dimensions: 79.5 x 50.2 x 8.2 inches | Mattress Type: Foam
Final Verdict
Our top pick for the best sleeper sofa is the Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa, because it’s luxuriously comfortable and has lots of customization options. For something more budget-friendly, we recommend the Article Nordby Sofa Bed, which isn’t as comfortable but makes up for it in durability and ease of use.
Our Testing Process
To determine the best sleeper sofas, we put six sofas to the test in our own living rooms. First, we took note of how long it took for each sofa to arrive and what the setup process was like, including how many boxes it arrived in and how long it took to build. We then did a thorough examination of each sofa, evaluating the feel and quality of the frame and upholstery. We also took note of whether the upholstery was made of a performance fabric, and whether the sofa was available in a range of colors and fabrics.
Next, we assessed comfort and ease of use. We sat on the couch for at least one hour a day for four weeks, taking note of how firm or soft the seat was and how comfortable it felt to sit for a longer period of time. We then timed how long it took to convert the sofa into a bed and add a fitted sheet, and assessed how challenging the process was for one person to manage. We also measured the mattress and compared it to the manufacturer’s specs.
Then, we slept on the sleeper overnight at least once a week during the four-week testing period. We evaluated our sleep quality and the comfort of the mattress, including its firmness and overall support. When the night was over, we timed how long it took to convert the bed back into a sofa. If any spills or stains happened during the testing period, we assessed how easy the sofa was to clean and whether the cleaning resulted in any wear and tear. Once the testing period ended, we scored each sleeper sofa on its comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value.
Ultimately, four of the sleeper sofas we tested ended up on our list. For the other five sofas we featured, we did extensive research and looked for sofas made with quality materials that had a variety of customization options and standout features.
Real Simple / Ashleigh Morley
How to Shop for Sleeper Sofas Like a Pro
Dimensions
“Sleeper sofa dimensions change depending on if they are folded in or extended out, and also depend on the bed size within as well as the sofa’s overall size,” says Jessica Harris, interior designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces. “Whether you opt for a queen- or full-size mattress and if you choose a small sofa or a large sectional will all factor into the size of the sleeper sofa.”
According to Harris, sleeper sofas have different sizing compared to beds. For example, small sleeper sofas are under 80 inches wide, while large sleeper sofas are over 90 inches wide. In comparison, standard queen-size mattresses are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Also, bed mattresses tend to be thicker, and won’t fit in a typical sleeper sofa.
Related: The 14 Best Couches of 2023 for Every Style and Budget
Mattress Type
When it comes to sleeper sofas, there are two mattress types: innerspring and memory foam. “An innerspring sleeper may offer a bit more ‘bounce’ and feelings of support, while a memory foam sleeper may feel a bit more contouring,” Harris explains. “Test out each type for yourself in the store and go with the one that feels most comfortable to you—if you like it, chances are high that your guests will too!”
Upholstery
“Fabric sofas require a bit more maintenance than leather but are still easy to clean, and are many people’s favorite upholstery choice for comfort reasons,” says Harris. But, for anyone who is looking for a sleeper sofa that goes the distance, she says pure leather is always a good option. You can also choose upholstery made from performance fabrics that are spill-resistant, pet-friendly, or have low-chemical emissions.
Frame
When choosing a sleeper sofa, you want to look for sturdy frames made out of hardwoods such as oak or maple. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, you can go with pine, which is not as durable but still strong enough to support your couch. “For the best quality, look for frames made of kiln-dried hardwoods and engineered woods,” Harris says.
Pull-Out Mechanism
It’s important to assess how easy it is to pull out the mattress when shopping for a sleeper sofa. Most sleeper sofas will have a fabric handle on the sofa to help pull the bed part out. According to, “it is often very easy to pull out the mattress; however, if your mattress is heavy, it may be more challenging.” If you don’t want a pull-out mattress, you can go with a futon-style sleeper, like the Article Nordby Sofa Bed.
Real Simple / Elena Garcia
More Sleeper Sofas to Consider
Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa with Memory Foam Mattress: This sleeper sofa converts from sofa to bed in about three minutes. While it makes a great family couch because of the slipcover design, it is expensive and took around six months to arrive.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the difference between a sleeper sofa and a futon?
The big difference between a sleeper sofa and a futon is that a futon’s mattress is part of the sofa’s design. “In a futon, the cushions for sleeping and the cushions for sitting are the same,” says Harris. “Because the seat cushion of a futon is the same as the mattress, futons tend to have a distinct look—they are flatter, firmer, and tufted in grids like a traditional mattress.”
On a sofa bed, “the mattress usually rests on a separate frame, often built under the sofa seats. To convert a sofa bed into a nighttime mattress for sleeping, the bed frame must be pulled out from under the sofa design.”
How much should you expect to spend on a sleeper sofa?
Sleeper sofas typically range in price depending on features and quality. According to Harris, prices can range from below $500 to above $5,000 for a high-end couch. When it comes to sleepers, you get what you pay for, with less expensive sofas typically having less comfort and lower-quality frames than more expensive options.
What is the lifespan of a sleeper sofa?
“If you notice fraying, hear creaking, and/or get an uncomfortable ‘sinking in’ feeling every time you sit on your sofa, then it’s probably time for a new one,” Harris says. “On average, a quality fabric sofa can last seven to fifteen years; quality leather sofas can last up to three times as long as fabric sofas.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we tested the best sleeper sofas in the real world, evaluating them on comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value. Nor’adila also received tips from Jessica Harris, interior designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
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