Whether you live in a small studio apartment or a place with a proper guest bedroom, a good sleeper sofa can be a game changer in a home. However, with all the sofa beds available on the market, separating the stellar from the so-so can be tricky. "The best sleeper sofas are stylish, have an easy to operate mechanism, and an incredible mattress," says interior designer Kimberlee Gorsline of Kimberlee Marie Interiors. "That might seem impossible, but sleeper sofas have evolved so much over the years in terms of options."
Curious which sleeper sofas reign supreme in the minds of interior designers? From budget-friendly options to sectional-inspired styles, designers share 10 of their favorites ahead.
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If you're in the market for a sophisticated sleeper sofa that doesn't look like it's hiding a mattress, designer Melissa Warner Rothblum of Massucco Warner recommends the Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa at West Elm. "I love this sofa because it works with just about anything," she explains. "Even the standard color it comes in is quite versatile and chic — just style with some great pillows and it fits right in!"
For a budget-friendly sleeper sofa that moonlights as a living room showpiece, designer Jenelle Lovings says to look no further than the Herman Sleeper Sofa at CB2. "I love the clean lines and metal detail of the arms of this sleeper sofa, and the industrial glam feel it creates," she explains. "It also meets my deep deck requirements, so you know that is a super comfortable mattress!"
If you thought there was no such thing as a sleeper chaise lounge, then think again. "The Oxford Sleeper Daybed at Room & Board is perfect because of its versatility (it's great for one [person] without any modification, or two [people] when you pull out the pop-up trundle) and its low profile [works] in a room where a sofa would have felt out of place," says designer Eliza McNabb of Hyphen & Co. "The performance fabric that comes standard is an added bonus."
If you ask designer Emma Beryl, a good sleeper sofa should be every bit as comfortable and stylish folded up as it is when being slept on. "I love this sleeper because it's a lot sleeker and more streamlined than a typical sleeper sofa," she explains. "The high legs make it look airier and it's also extremely comfortable to sit or to sleep on."
For a luxe-looking sleeper sofa that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, designer Carneil Griffin of Griffin Direction Interiors recommends this upholstered convertible sofa at Homary. "This sofa sleeper is brilliant because it also has concealed storage in addition to a bed," he explains. "The sleek modern detailing checks all the boxes we look for in an amazing sleeper sofa."
According to designer Michelle Lisac, the Barrett 3-Seat Queen Reversible Sleeper Sofa at Crate and Barrel is the perfect sleeper sofa for smaller spaces. "It's comfortable and versatile," she explains. "It comes in a durable, family-friendly fabric that works well in a variety of rooms, and also has space inside for storage."
What Lovings appreciates the most about the Henry Sofa at West Elm is the fact that the front rail stays attached, creating the look of a foot board. "It gives the illusion that it is a true bed," she explains. "You can set it up beforehand, and truly make your guest feel welcomed no matter what room it's in."
Don't let the clean lines and light-colored upholstery of the Wil Modern White Performance Upholstered Sofa Bed at Kathy Kuo fool you — designer Lauren Lerner of Living with Lolo says it's both kid-and-pet-proof. "I love this sleeper sofa because both the sofa and the sleeper are comfy," she says. "It's made from a performance fabric, which it makes it very easy to design around, and it's kid and animal friendly too."
Consider the Harris Queen Sleeper with Gel Mattress the Rolls Royce of sleeper sofas. "Not only does this sleeper sofa not have a nagging bar in the center or springs that can be felt, [but also] opening and closing the sofa bed is easy and fluid," designer Penny Francis of Eclectic Home explains. "Transitional in design and perfect for small spaces, it also requires zero wall clearance."
If you're searching for a comfortable sleeper sofa that will blend in seamlessly with any style of decor, designer Michelle Zacks recommends the Oxford Pop-Up Platform Sleeper Sofa at Room & Board. "I love how sleek, simple and minimal this sleeper sofa looks on the outside, but how comfortable it is as an actual place to sleep," she says. "Plus, it can be customized in a ton of different fabrics and colorways."