Your Guide to Buying Sofa Beds in Ireland

If you are looking for a piece of furniture that combines versatility with style we’ve got you covered. The sofa bed offers both seating and sleeping options without compromising on comfort. Sofa beds are ideal for small apartments or homes in urban areas of Ireland due to their space-saving functionality, providing seating and sleeping in one. They maximise limited space, which is essential when living in the city. When choosing a sofa bed, the quality of the mattress plays a crucial role in ensuring your guests' comfort. If you're looking for tips on selecting the right mattress for your sofa bed, check out our Mattress Buying Guide for expert advice. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have a wide range of sofa beds available online or in-store, leaving you spoilt for choice. In this blog we’ll break down the key features to look for, different types and buying tips so be sure to keep reading.

What Are Sofa Beds?

Multifunctional furniture has become increasingly popular in Irish homes and the sofa bed is no exception. Sofa beds combine seating and sleeping making it ideal for anyone trying to maximise their small space. Sofa beds are highly beneficial for hosting guests without having a dedicated guest room. Sofa beds are also useful in home offices as they can be used for work during the day and turned into a guest room at night.

Sofa beds originated in the 19th century and have since evolved into more comfortable, stylish models thanks to improved modern mechanisms. Since then, many styles, sizes and materials have become available. Sofa beds come in various styles from modern to traditional and come in multiple sizes including, twin, full, queen and king so there’s a style and size to suit every home. Materials range from cotton to leather with options for plush cushioning for extra support.

If you’re wondering what the best sofa bed is keep reading as we will be delving into the key features to look for when purchasing a sofa bed.

What to Look For in a Sofa Bed:

Before purchasing a sofa bed you should consider size, material & upholstery and comfort levels.

1. Consider Size

When purchasing a sofa bed it is important to consider the size:

• Be sure to consider the size of the room the sofa bed will be in, and measure the space beforehand.
• When buying the bed take into consideration how many people will be sleeping on the sofa bed as they come in various sizes including twin, full, queen and king.
• When choosing a size ensure the sofa bed can fit through the doors and hallways when being delivered.
• Ensure the sofa bed will fit properly in the space when it's fully extended.
• Choose a size that will fit proportionally with the room to avoid overwhelming the room. For a compact space opt for a small sofa bed to leave ample room for movement.

2. Material & Upholstery

Sofa beds come in a wide range of materials such as fabric, leather and synthetic options. The best materials for sofa beds depend on personal preferences and the frequency of use.

• Fabric sofa beds are usually soft and cosy, however, they require regular cleaning to prevent staining and dust.
• Leather sofa beds give a sleek look while also being durable and easy to clean making them ideal for frequent use.  On the other hand, they can feel cold and sticky in the winter.
• Synthetic sofa beds like faux leather are often more affordable and easy to clean but tend not to last as long as they wear out quicker so they are best suited for occasional to medium use.

When choosing a material it is important to consider the overall aesthetic and feel of the room. Leather sofa beds bring a modern touch, while fabric and synthetic options create a cosy and vibrant atmosphere. If you suffer from allergies you may want to avoid fabric sofa beds as they can trap dust and pet dander. Leather and synthetic sofa beds may be a better option as the materials are hypoallergenic and resist dust mites.

3. Comfort Levels

Comfort is essential when choosing a sofa bed, nobody wants to wake up with a sore back so it’s important to pick one that ensures a comfortable night’s sleep especially if used frequently. The quality of the mattress can majorly impact comfort levels, purchasing a high-quality mattress will prevent discomfort and back pain, ensuring a good night’s sleep. It is important to ensure that the sofa bed is comfortable to both sit and sleep on. As it serves a dual purpose the cushion tends to have a firmer feel which offers better support. Firmer cushions tend to have greater durability as they maintain their shape over time. We also recommend looking at other user reviews when looking for a comfortable sofa bed as it helps gauge the support and comfort level. Getting a good comfortable night’s sleep is important, check out our other tips on how to get a good night’s sleep here. 

What Are The Types of Sofa Beds?

Next, we’ll delve into the different types of sofa beds and their features to help you decide which sofa bed is best for you. There’s a wide range of sofa beds available including split back, click-clack, pull out and futon so there’s one to suit every need!

Split Back Sofa Beds

A split back sofa bed is extremely versatile as the backrest is divided into two sections, allowing each side to recline independently. This sofa bed offers flexibility, enabling one side to stay upright while the other is reclined or fully flat as a bed. Split back sofa beds come in various designs ranging from modern styles with metal legs to ones with plush upholstery like leather and linen. These sofa beds are also ideal for saving space as their compact design and adjustable backrests provide flexibility without taking up more space.

Click-Clack Sofa Beds

A click-clack sofa bed can easily be converted from a couch to a bed using a simple click-clack mechanism. This mechanism allows the backrest to be adjusted to different positions so the user can recline or completely flatten. Converting this sofa bed is quick and easy all you have to do is push the backrest forward until you hear a clicking sound then pull it back to lay flat. When purchasing a click-clack sofa bed look out for ones with a metal frame and high-density foam as they can be durable and last for years to come. These sofa beds are known for their modern sleek look but they also come in more traditional styles so there’s to suit different décor preferences.

Pull-Out Sofa Beds

A pull-out sofa bed is a couch that can be transformed into a bed simply by using the pull-out mechanism making it perfect for accommodating guests. To convert a pull-out sofa bed start by removing all the cushions then pull the handle which unfolds the hidden mattress. Extend the frame and mattress to create a bed. Pull-out sofa beds can be significantly more comfortable than other types as they include a thick full mattress. Although pull-out sofa beds prioritise comfort they can take up more space when fully extended compared to other types that prioritise convenience like the split-back sofa bed. There are a variety of styles available when it comes to pull-out sofa beds ranging from modern to traditional there’s one to fit every home aesthetic.

Futon Sofa Beds

Futon sofa beds are a popular choice for smaller spaces due to their dual-purpose design. It typically has a foldable mattress that can be adjusted into a sitting or lying position. The comfort and support of futon sofa beds depend on the quality of the mattress and frame. High-quality futons with thick foam or innerspring mattresses provide better cushioning and support, making them more comfortable for both sitting and sleeping. Futon sofa beds are easy to clean and require little maintenance regularly vacuum the mattress and this will expand the lifespan of the sofa bed. Most come with removable, washable covers so it helps preserve the appearance of the sofa bed.

Des Kelly Interiors: Your Sleep Experts

Overall, sofa beds are a great way to maximise space in your home without compromising on style or comfort. Due to their versatility sofa beds are a perfect solution if your space is too small for a guest room but you still enjoy hosting guests.

Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience in beds and furniture. We have an extensive range of sofa beds from pull-out sofa beds to split back sofa beds available online and in-store. Contact us to find your perfect sofa bed that provides both comfort and function ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. We also offer a free home consultation where we will bring our showroom to you. We are committed to providing the best quality to our customers, and our highly trained staff and happy to assist with any questions or needs.