Sofa beds are a common, traditional way to save space whilst still having a bed to sleep on. Other beds that save on space include bunk beds, futons and stretchers. A sofa bed is a perennial favourite, not only because of its space saving function, but also because it can be used during the day as a seating area.
Sofa beds come in different shapes and sizes, from single beds that are chairs when folded, to double beds that are larger couches. Key to choosing the right sofa bed is not only the size and function of it during the daytime, but also how easy it is to unfold, how much space it contains to store bedding and pillows internally and the type of material it is made from. Leather sofa beds are stylish, while more basic fabric sofa beds can do the trick perfectly well for a relatively lower cost.
Sofa beds are sometimes known as futons, which is also a thin mattress mat originating in Japan. The sofa bed futon retains the thin mattress but this is part of a larger set that functions as a seat or couch when folded.
A common misconception about sofa beds is that they are difficult and aesthetically less than pleasing to the eye when in the chair or couch mode. Both are incorrect: sofa beds typically fold out easily and are often indistinguishable from regular chairs or couches when folded.