How to Make a Sofa Bed More Comfortable
Words by Emma Hughes
April 16, 2025
|
6m
A sofa bed is a fantastic way to save space in your home, while giving guests the option to stay overnight if the need arises.
Although the odd sleep on a sofa bed here and there might not call for the height of luxury, if you think yours will be used frequently, you’ll want to make sure it’s of good quality and provides plenty of support.
Whether you’re shopping for a new one or hoping to revitalise your old one, read on to find out how to make a sofa bed more comfortable.
What is a sofa bed?
As the name suggests, a sofa bed is a sofa that’s specifically designed to transition into a bed suitable for sleeping. Popular for spare rooms and lounges, they allow you to host guests without needing to sacrifice the space that an extra bed takes up in your home.
Are sofa beds comfortable?
Similar to regular sofas or mattresses, how comfortable a sofa bed is will depend on a few different factors, such as personal preference. The age and condition of the sofa bed comes into play as well, so look out for signs that yours is ready for replacing.
The type of sofa bed you choose will also have a direct impact on how comfortable it is:
For peace of mind, we would always recommend testing a few options in store before buying. However, if you’re still not satisfied, there are a few tricks to help make your sofa bed more comfortable.
How to make a sofa bed more comfortable
1. Check your sofa bed is safe
Starting with the basics, you should first make sure your sofa bed is level. If it isn’t, consider moving your sofa bed or placing a leveller beneath it.
For good measure, check all fixings to ensure there are no wobbly or uneven legs. Some sofa beds can be tricky to set up as well, so do familiarise yourself with the instructions to ensure everything is in its rightful place.
If there are tell-tale signs like creaking, sagging, worn springs, or broken components, it could be time to replace your current sofa bed with a new, much comfier, model.
2. Select a suitable size
The size of your sofa bed is of course going to impact how comfortable it is, especially if two people are sharing it. Bear in mind that sofa bed dimensions aren’t always in line with regular beds, so what looks like a 2-seater sofa won’t always fit two sleepers comfortably. For two adults, at least a double size will be best – which is around 135cm wide and 190cm long.
To find out which sofa bed will suit your room, consult the specific dimensions listed on the product page, and remember to account for the size when it’s extended too. Our handy will it fit? guide is a great resource if you need a little more help, simply follow the steps to measure up in your room of choice.
3. Consider a mattress
As mentioned, some sofa beds don’t include a mattress, which can make them less comfortable than others. If you’d like to add or replace one, you’ll need to find a mattress specifically designed for your sofa bed, as conventional options may be too large or heavy. Alternatively, mattress toppers can revive even the lumpiest and bumpiest of mattresses, so it can be a quick and affordable way to make your sofa bed more comfortable. You’ll want to choose something soft yet supportive, ideally in a breathable material that won’t retain heat.
Top tip: if your sofa bed contains a mattress that can be turned or flipped over, make sure you rotate it regularly to ensure even wear.
4. Choose quality bedding
Even the most comfortable sofa bed wouldn’t be complete without the correct bedding to match. Quality sheets and a suitable duvet will make a world of difference, while extra pillows can help compensate for the kind of support you’re missing from a proper headboard.
For a nice touch when guests come to stay, you should leave spare blankets out so visitors can layer their bedding in a way that suits them. Whether it’s adding more for warmth or using them in place of a duvet.
5. Create a dreamy sleep space
Your surrounding décor and the feel of your space can have a significant impact on quality of sleep. So, make sure you consider the entire room, and how you can give your guests a restful experience.
We’d recommend using blackout curtains or blinds to create the ultimate sleep environment. It’s also helpful to position a side table near the sofa bed for easy access to belongings, and perhaps a table lamp for convenience. To top it off, a cosy rug will make getting out of bed a little more inviting, offering extra warmth and softness underfoot, especially if you have hard flooring.
Finally, tap into the senses with fresh linen, a relaxing reed diffuser, and ambient lighting. If you have time, tidying away clutter will create a calming atmosphere, and give guests space to spread out.
So, now you know how to make a sofa bed more comfortable, why not check out our other inspiring guides – like what to do with a spare room and 5 ways to improve sleep.