The best sofa bed can turn an ordinary living room into a versatile living room, appearing both stylish as a sofa and comfortable as a bed. While finding one that won’t break the bank (or your back) used to be hard, these days there are plenty of quality sofa beds to suit different budgets, styles and needs.
“Contrary to popular belief, sofa beds can look great and be extremely comfortable to curl up on after a long day at work,” says Temple & Webster’s style team. “A plush sofa with plenty of cushions will have you in disbelief that beneath your seat is a metal frame.”
Not only is a sofa bed perfect for slumber parties, epic family movie nights (just add popcorn and classic film) and for hosting extra guests, if you have a spare room, a sofa bed can make it multi-purpose, perfect for hosting unexpected guests as well as providing space for a rumpus room, crafting room or whatever floats your boat.
To help find the best sofa bed for your space, we’ve consulted the experts and have rounded up some of best sofa beds below for every budget, based on factors including comfort, style and customer reviews.
10 best sofa beds to buy in Australia 2024
01
Byron Sofa Bed in Coastal Blue
from $2190, Koala
Best for: style, comfort and storage
In six statement colours comes the Byron sofa bed from Koala that makes an elegant focal point in the living room. Transforming into a bed, it features the trademark comfort of the classic Koala mattress with its Kloudcell topper. Plus, with free delivery, a 120-night trial and a five-year warranty, sofa snoozing is made stress-free.
“The Koala Byron sofa bed was the best choice for me,” wrote one reviewer who gave it a five-star rating. “It was so spacious and comfortable that it could easily be used as a bed when guests came. The cushions were great and installation was easy. The delivery person was also kind enough to deliver it to my house. Highly recommended!”
Sizes: 3 seater queen
Colours: Morning Grey, Currawong Grey, Cappuccino, Green Wattle, Coastal Blue and Blush Sunset
Material: Fabric
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (233 x 110 x 90cm)
- Kloudcell topper provides superior support and durability
- Four hidden storage compartments concealed behind fabric
- CertiPUR-US Certified; meets strict safety standards and crafted with non-toxic materials
- Five-year warranty
Available at:
- $2190 from Amazon
02
Emma Sofa Bed
from $1348.80 (usually $1686), Emma Sleep
Best for: simplicity and practicality
The cult-buy Emma sofa bed is made from sustainably-sourced fabric and wood, comes with a 100-night trial and features built-in storage compartments. Talk about nifty multi-purpose usage.
“Super comfy couch and super super comfy fold out bed,” one customer who it gave a five star rating on Productreview.com.au said.
“Love the storage in the arm rests. Good hard wearing fabric holds up well with the dogs… perfect place for Nanna to sleep when she visits.”
Other reviewers also noted how much they loved the storage compartments, while a few four star reviews noted it was very firm as a bed.
Sizes: 3 seater queen
Colours: Dark grey
Materials: CertiPUR-US certified foam wrapped in OEKO-Tex fabric
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (153 x 97 x 63cm)
- Includes two complimentary throw pillows
- OEKO-Tex certified quality
- CertiPUR-US-Certified; meets strict safety standards and crafted with non-toxic materials
- Five-year warranty
03
Cushy Sofa Bed in Gum Leaf (double)
from $1790, Koala
Best for: easy assembly
The Cushy comes in seven stylish shades and folds out into a bed in seconds. As the winner of the Product Review 2024 Award and recipient of over 500 five-star reviews, this is a cult favourite sofa bed.
“Super easy to assemble and move,” wrote a reviewer. “It is a super comfy couch (have fallen asleep on it many times) and an equally comfy pull out bed! Very impressed!”
Sizes: 1.5 seater single, 2.5 seater double and 3 seater queen
Colours: Gum Leaf, Ink, Tinny, Vanilla, Fig Tree, Paperbark and Penguin Parade
Materials: Recycled polyester fabric (Luxe option), CertiPUR-US foam & FSC® certified wood frame
Key features:
- Two and half seater (162 x 99 x 81cm)
- Winner of Product Review’s 2024 award for Best Sofa Bed
- Kloudcell topper providing superior support and durability
- CertiPUR-US Certified; meets strict safety standards and crafted with non-toxic materials
- Five-year warranty
Available at:
- $1432 exclusive Prime member price (usually $1790) from Amazon
04
Slideaway Sofa Bed in Terracotta
from $2490, Eva
Best for: sophisticated style
Sit or slide to snooze with the clever EasySlide mechanism from Eva. This contemporary style sofa bed offers uncompromising comfort, generously sized for two sleepers. Transform the living room into a bedroom oasis that your guests will never want to leave.
“The Slideaway sofa is our spare bed for when family come home and a lounge for a study,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “Great for an afternoon snooze too. The colour is gorgeous in our dark blue room.”
Sizes: 3 seater double
Colours: Terracotta, Marble White, Oatmeal, Olive and Moss Green in Classic Weave; Rose and Slate in Chenille; Sand in Chunky Weave; and Midnight Navy in Recycled Weave.
Materials: Combination of solid American Ash timber and plywood with American Ash veneer and eco-friendly foam
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (188 x 111 x 88cm)
- Three modes to rest; sofa mode, daybed mode and bed mode
- Good Design Award Gold Winner
- Choice of four fabric weaves: Classic, Chenille, Chunky and Recycled
- Five-year warranty
05
Koala Sofa Bed in Lunar Grey (Queen)
from $1790, Koala
Best for: memory foam support
If you’re a fan of Koala’s mattress-in-a-box, you’re bound to love its sofas. This memory foam sofa bed comes in three different sizes and four colours and has a four-second set up.
With over 3000 five star reviews, it’s also a favourite for customers.
As one experienced sofa bed shopper wrote in their review: “Finding a comfy sofa bed always seemed like a fools errand. Springs poking out, no real cushion, sagging to the middle etc but not here! It’s amazingly supportive and super comfortable to sit and sleep! Colour is great too.”
Sizes: 1.5 seater single, 2.5 seater double and 3 seater queen
Colours: Bush Scrub, Lunar Grey, River Bank and Woodlands
Materials: FSC® certified poplar plywood and MDF frame, CertiPUR-US® certified polyurethane foam cushions and a soft-touch fabric cover
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (194 x 95 x 88cm)
- Kloudcell topper providing superior support and durability
- CertiPUR-US Certified; meets strict safety standards and crafted with non-toxic materials
- Five-year warranty
06
Nixon Fabric Sofabed
from $3199, Freedom
Best for: a classic off-the-floor sofa bed experience
This shape-retaining sofa is made cosier with its plush fabric cover and foam and fibre-filled cushions. Plus, it comes in 10 natural colourways to suit any space. The sofa bed is on a sturdy metal frame, which means guests are elevated from the floor – handy for anyone with allergies or breathing concerns.
“Very comfortable. Super soft cushions. Overall the lounge is not big and bulky. Love this Sofa bed,” one customer wrote in a five-star review from 2024.
Size: 3 seater, with dimensions of open sofa bed 192cm x 229cm x 82cm
Colours: Amaro Thunder, Amaro Oatmeal, Marlo Steel Grey, Marlo Coal, Charlotte Light Grey, Charlotte Paprika, Charlotte Navy, Block Light Grey, Block Dark Grey and Allure Light Grey
Materials: Textured fabric upholstery, foam mattress and timber base
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (195 x 94 x 82cm)
- Available in ten colourways
- Fibre filled seat offers additional support and comfort
- Five-year fabric protection for $149 additional charge
07
Rio Sofa Bed in Papyrus (queen)
from $1287 (usually $1980), Ecosa
Best for: cosy spaces
Stay comfy whether you’re sleeping, lounging, or doing a bit of both with this sofa bed. Made from the same premium cushioning foam that Ecosa is known for, you can simply lift and transform your sofa into a bed in an instant.
The Rio sofa bed has over 600 five-star reviews, with one reviewer writing: “The size was perfect, the construction amazing quality and it was so easy to put together. Love how sturdy the mattress is. It was very comfy to sleep on and it’s perfect for movie nights.” Another added: “Great sofa, the colour is gorgeous, the fabric is soft, very happy and would recommend.”
Sizes: 1.5 seater armchair, 2.5 seater double, 3 seater queen, 3+ seater and 3.5 seater king
Colours: Cloud Grey, Slate, Winter Grey, Latte, Ivy Green and Papyrus
Materials: 100% polyester fabric, steel pocket springs and polyurethane foams
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (138 x 99 x 80cm)
- Available in five colourways; Cloud Grey, Slate, Winter Grey, Latte, Ivy Green and Papyrus
- OceanCycled fabric for high-durabiliy
- 100 night trial available
- Five-year limited warranty
08
Barret leather sofa bed in Memphis Caramel
from $5599, Freedom
Best for: elegance
After a chic and functional sofa bed? This one from Freedom has natural leather upholstery, a supportive high back and pillow cushions and armrests.
“Extremely comfortable as a sofa and sofa bed,” said a reviewer. “Classic style and the warmth of the colour suits any home. I’m in love with this addition to our home.”
Colours: Birmingham Brandy, Birmingham Rich Brown, Lucia Graphite, Lucia Pumice, Lucia Frost, Lucia Silver Grey, Lucia Black, Lucia Elephant, Lucia Grey, Lucia Ocean Blue, Lucia Pale Grey, Lucia Charcoal Grey and Luca Optic White
Size: 3 seater
Materials: Leather, foam and sturdy timber frame
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (237 x 102 x 89cm)
- Available in 13 colourways
- Natural leather to soften following each use
- Memory foam mattress
- Leather care five-year protection for $199 additional charge
09
Happy 2-seat sofa bed in Wind Copper
from $599 (usually $899), Lounge Lovers
Best for: casual comfort and game rooms
Perfect for guests after a long relaxed day of catching up, this floor sofa bed is adjustable in four positions in a minimalistic design.
“Perfect fold out sofa bed that looks stylish and is comfy as well. Love the colour and the quality of the fabric. Exactly what we were looking for,” one customer wrote in their review from July 2024.
Size: 2 seater
Colours: Omega Grey, Wind Anthracite, Wind Copper and Wind Forrest Green
Materials: High density foam mix, 100% polyester fabric, steel frame and metal legs
Key features:
- Two-seater capacity (150 x 85 x 73cm)
- Three possible sofa arrangements
- Available in a range of upholstery
- Two-year warranty (frame) one-year warranty (cover)
1o
Nordic House Buffy 3 seater velvet sofa bed (single)
from $699, Temple & Webster
Best for: futon lovers
Indulge in the casual modern style of the Buffy sofa, offering a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Its stylish design features tufted upholstering, solid rubber wood legs and thick padding, providing the most inviting and relaxing lounging experience. The foldable headrest adds an extra layer of comfort to this sofa, all backed by sturdy craftsmanship.
“I am obsessed with this couch! It is so incredibly comfortable and the way that all of the edges can be adjusted to fold up makes it even better. I slept on it while it was folded down into bed form and it was possibly more comfortable than a bed,” one customer wrote in their review.
Size: 3 seater single
Colours: Charcoal, Cream and Light Grey
Materials: 100% silky velvet upholstery, plywood frame and solid rubberwood legs
Key features:
- Three-seater capacity (190 x 89 x 86cm)
- Encased in 100 per cent smooth velvet fabric
- Solid rubberwood legs and plywood frame
- One-year warranty and 30-day return policy
What is a sofa bed?
A sofa bed is a space-saving and quick-change version of a bed that best suits apartment living or small bedrooms. However, they can also suit everyday use so long as you know what you’re looking for.
There are three main types of sofa beds you can but in Australia:
- A traditional pull-out sofa which typically has a metal frame that is stowed away inside the sofa.
- A fold-out sofa, which is similar to a pull-out but folds out directly onto the floor.
- A click-clack sofa bed, which is where you can simply push the back of the sofa down until it lies flat.
There are also other creative and low-maintenance alternatives. One option is a modular sofa, which can be arranged into a bed. Or why not try a stacked style sofa bed, which is where the firm seat cushions become the mattress. You can also get a futon sofa bed, which are often variations of click-clack sofas.
What to look for when buying a sofa bed?
“When shopping for a sofa bed, there are many considerations – function, comfort, size and how much you want to spend,” said Kylie Burgon, Senior Furniture Buyer at Freedom. “Firstly, decide where it will be used – in the living room or guest room? The second consideration is comfort and finding a type of mattress that suits your needs.”
Are sofa beds comfortable?
It’s easy to assume that sofa beds would be second-best to a traditional bed because of their more compact size and multi-purpose design but they can be surprisingly comfortable.
Over time, the sofa bed design has evolved with new game-changing materials being used like memory foam that is favoured by popular brands like Koala, which released the Byron sofa bed in 2024.
“The challenge for sofa beds is that it has to be comfortable when sleeping on it, but also when sitting on the sofa bed,” said Koala’s product design team. “While the experience with most sofa beds is generally pretty uncomfortable (you hit a middle bar in the middle of the night), the Koala Sofa Bed has multiple layers for optimal comfort.”
Is it ok to sleep on a sofa bed every night?
Yes, it is generally fine to sleep on a sofa bed every night, provided it has a high-quality mattress for adequate support and comfort, a sturdy frame and reliable suspension. Opt for sofa beds with memory foam or high-density foam mattresses, ensure it has good support mechanisms and consider the size for enough sleeping space.
Investing in a well-constructed, durable sofa bed will make it a viable option for nightly sleep, but if discomfort arises, it may be worth considering a traditional bed or a higher-quality sofa bed.
Looking to save money on sofa beds? Check out our coupon codes for Koala, Temple and Webster and more.
Related articles:
- The best quality sofas that you won’t want to get up from
- The best ‘mattress in a box’ options for a sound sleep
- The cult-buy sofa that will become your living room’s prized possession