Rest Assured
From sitting and sleeping to lolling and loitering, these new sleeper sofas are workaholics of relaxation—on either the day or the night shift.
Say the words “sleeper sofa” in polite company and you’re likely to elicit a chorus of audible groans punctuated with a colorful expletive or two. Everyone, it seems, has had a similarly pained experience with the less-than-the-sum-of-its-parts piece of furniture. Beset by sinking mattresses, horizontal bars that dig into your back, and stale crumbs in every nook and cranny, the sleeper sofa has a universally negative reputation that may be well earned. Thankfully, that reputation is also outdated.
To review a new crop of sofa beds we recruited Apartment Therapy cofounder Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, who believes that sleepers have been saddled with a set of misplaced expectations. “They’ve got a bad rap, and they should,” he says plainly. “But only because everyone compares them to beds. They’re not beds.” The double-duty divan’s space-saving multifunctionality and improved design, both aesthetic and empirical, has all but resolved its identity crisis.
We’re nothing if not optimists, and we believe you can enjoy a Gene Kelly double feature followed by a good night’s rest. Gillingham-Ryan agrees: “Sofa beds are incredibly useful whether you’ve got a small or large place, and you don’t have to spend
a fortune to get something that’s just ‘less evil’ than the uncomfortable sleeper you may remember.” Lie back and relax as we recover a pocketful of loose change and unravel the hidden secrets of the sleeper.
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Nomade-Express Day Bed
Expert Opinion: I first found out about this piece from AT readers, actually. It’s been incredibly popular for a long time on our sites. Because the function is shown in the design—–it just folds down flat—–it seems very approachable, and it’s almost fun to open it out to a bed. Plus, Ligne Roset always has beautiful colors and fabrics. For an apartment dweller, this would be my top pick.
What We Think: Though the flat fold of the Nomade-Express is vaguely reminiscent of a futon, the soft, tufted cushion has nothing in common with that college-friendly, dense, immovable mass. We like the slim aluminum legs, which help make the Nomade look so light on its feet. The price, however, is not as slight, so this would be a better fit displayed proudly in the living room rather than tucked into a guest room or office.
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Vincent Twin Sleeper
Expert Opinion: Sitting in this is very comfortable: It’s a little more lounge-y than a typical loveseat, which is a big plus. The mattress is a little squishy, though, and I don’t think I’d want to spend more than a few nights on it. It would be particularly good in a small office, where you want the sleeper option but primarily just need a sofa.
What We Think: The slightly angled arms break up the boxy form of this twin sleeper, which would be a tight squeeze for two but ideal for a single houseguest. If the mere thought of a coil mattress is enough to give you a case of the night sweats, fear not: This one comes equipped with a foam cushion topper, and the Vincent’s price makes it a sofa worth springing for.
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One Night Stand Sleeper Sofa
Expert Opinion: This has a very playful, stylish look and really distinguishes itself as a piece of furniture that would fit well into a smaller space. I love how it opens like a book, and the fact that a sheet will fit around the whole thing shows a nice attention to detail. The mattress is quite firm, but it’s cute and fashion-forward and a real win as a sofa.
What We Think: Forget maneuvering complex accordion folds; all it takes is a single forward flip to turn this convertible piece from seat to sleeper. The durable wool-blend upholstery will hold up to both shedding pets and dinners in front of the TV, and the generous queen size leaves room for couples to get cozy after the set flickers off.
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American Modern Daybed
Expert Opinion: It’s slim and would be easy to move. None of the others can beat this one for being a true design classic. In that regard, it will last forever. However, it’s not a real extra bed, and it’s not a real comfortable sofa, so it’s definitely a piece for the true mid-century-modern aficionado who values its simple purity. This is a nice counterpoint to the other sleepers.
What We Think: It’s a beaut. Solid FSC-certified maple legs offer a natural tweak on the traditional hairpin stems of George Nelson’s Case Study day bed, the inspiration for this sofa. While converting it would be simple—–just lift off the back cushions (upholstered in removable Maharam fabric)—–sleeping on the superflat mattress might not be quite so easy on your back. You might find yourself asking: Is it better to look good or to feel good?
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Spaze Sofa Bed
Expert Opinion: This is a modern take on classic sleeper design: comfortable, a little more conservative, almost masculine, with the substantial feel of a club chair. If I had a store and could stock only one model, it would be this one, because it’s serviceable and dependable; it’s the evergreen of sofa beds.
What We Think: This generous two-seater is a heavyweight in the sleeper department: traditional in style but comfortable as a couch and bed, and wide enough to ensure that when seated, three’s company and not, in fact, a crowd. The extensive color and upholstery options mean match-ing with your existing decor would be a breeze.
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Comments
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Another nice option in this category is the James Lounge by Gus* Modern. Removable back cushions and a bench-style seat.. http://www.gusmodern.com/products1/sofas/james-lounge/james-lounge.shtml#james-lounge
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thanks for your reviews i've been looking for a replacement for my 390 euros CANAPE CLIC CLAC CORAIL http://www.pierimport.fr/product_info.php?products_id=15818 but what's out hmm is almost like what i have! for a song i wanted the gris colour but Pier Imports was out of stock so i'm still shopping best regards, a fan
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Curious about the wallpaper samples used as backdrops. Who designed and where could one purchase?
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American Leather make truly comfortable sofa-beds: no bars across the small of your back because they are flat, not metal framed. They also don't chew the sheets in their hinges (no hinges).
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I do think these are all good possibilities. One other that i particularly like (and yes, sell in my store - because i like it!) is the apt named SLEEPER by Bensen. While similar in its clam-shell design to the Ligne Roset, what is innovative about it is that, unlike most clamshells, in the seated position the seat and back are angled - not flat - which makes for a much more comfortable sit. Of course, it flattens out when in the bed position. It's available in countless fabrics + colors + weighs in at least $1,000 less than the LR model. See it at Propellermodern.com
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You didn't mention the DWR Twilight - but that would be more like What Not to Buy. Not comfortable, very clumsy. I made the mistake of ordering it without trying it.
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