5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING A SOFABED

Whether you live in a small condo or apartment, medium sized home or even a big house with an extra guestroom a sofabed is a must have item for any home.  You never know when a sofabed will come in handy or when their will be one guest too many with no place to sleep.  The sofa bed functions as your every day family sofa but quickly transforms to a bed when needed. The multi-functionality of the sofabed is what makes it the perfect piece in any home. Even if you feel you'll never use your sofabed it doesn't hurt to have it for those just in case moments?

When you think of a sofa bed most people automatically have imagines of the horribly uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous pull-out futon style (I know I've got my hand caught in one before) but sofa beds come in many styles that are growing in popularity.  More comfortable selections include the 'click clack' fold-down variations where the back of the sofa folds down to become a sleeping area usually in the size of a double bed or my personal favourite the drop-end sofa bed where the bed pulls out from a draw - such as the Serendipity and Inca.

These five questions will help you narrow down what type of sofa bed you're looking for that will match your wants, needs and lifestyle perfectly.

1.How Many People Will You Have Over?

The 'Carter' Swivel Arm Single Sleeper

The first question you should ask yourself before choosing a style, size or feature in a sofabed is how many people will be sleeping over at any given time and how often will it be in use.  If you're someone who always has your family members or friends over for a the weekend then you'll want a bed that sleeps two people comfortably such as a larger size double or queen size sofa bed.  If you know that guest rarely come over and/or you're limited on space and you just want something for that 'just in case moment' then choosing a smaller size single sofa bed or double should be no problem.  

2.Space restrictions

Measuring your home is a must for any type of furniture shopping, especially when you live in a small space where every inch counts.  Know your measurements before you go out to shop! this includes your door way clearance as well so they're are no surprises when you get home and it can't fit through the door. Knowing your measurements before hand makes sofa shopping headache free. Not only will you be able to tell the sales person exactly what your looking for, you'll also be able to make your decision without multiple trips between your home and the store.

Standard Bed Measurements:

Single -- L75" x W39"

Double -- L75" x W54"
Queen -- L80" x W60"

  

3.What Style Are You Looking For?

The 'Inca' Click Clack Drop End Sofabed

Although you're shopping for a sofa bed this is it's secondary feature, the main purpose will be as your living room sofa.  The first thing to do is consider what style of sofa you would like and if your room can accommodate it. If you know you love sectionals or you're looking for a modular set or your home can only fit a love seat then you'll need to find a sofabed that comes in that particular style. This is useful because you'll be able to determine what type of sofa bed you'll be able to get depending on the style of sofa you like. If you're not a fan of drop-end sofas for example then you're going to want to make sure the type of sofa you're interested doesn't come with that type of style. 

4.Could I Picture Owning This Sofa For Years?

So now that you've finally made it to the store and you know exactly what you're looking for and what size you'll be able to accommodate in your home it's time to test out your sofa.  You wouldn't buy a dress or a suit unless you were sure it was a perfect fit, so why should your sofa be any different? Before you leave the store make sure you've sat down, lounged like you would at home and laid down on the sofa.  Ask yourself if you could you picture watching TV on it daily? or if it's something you'd want your guest to sleep on? 

The 'Serendipity' Sectional Drop-End Sofabed

Next make sure you play with the mechanism.  Have the sales person show you how to pull out the sofabed or any other features it may have like a reclining back or removable arms.  Then test it out yourself! This is something you're going to be doing a million times if you find it annoying or complicated or hard to adjust to then that is probably not the sofa bed for you.   

5.Have I Done My Homework?

The 'Valencia' -- Click Clack Fold Down Sofa Bed

Comparison shopping is so easy now a days due to the internet. Before you head out simply browse the websites of the stores you're interested in. If you've already decided on a style see which one carries it at a cheaper price.  Or maybe one website has the style you like such as the tufted style on the right but it's not a sofabed while shopping around you see that Modern Sensibility carries the 'Valencia' -- same style but with a sofabed feature. If you don't know what's out there you'll miss out on a deal or the sofa of your dreams!

HAPPY SHOPPING!!
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