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Home / The Selection

Best sofa beds in New Zealand: How to find the right one for your home

16 Dec, 2024 06:18 AM10 mins to read

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Sofa beds are now both stylish and comfortable. Photo / Ecosa

Sofa beds are now both stylish and comfortable. Photo / Ecosa

Between family and friends, sometimes space to put everyone feels like a precious commodity. Enter the sofa bed - the ultimate space-saving hero.

Sofa beds have evolved since the days of those clunky spring-loaded nightmares that were uncomfortable to sleep on and ugly to look at the rest of the time. Now, the best sofa beds offer a stylish and surprisingly comfortable solution for unexpected guests, movie marathons with friends, or even creating a cosy reading spot.

A good-quality sofa bed can seamlessly transform your living space, offering functionality without sacrificing style. This guide will help you navigate the options to find the best sofa beds in New Zealand for both you and your guests. If you’re shopping for long-term comfort, a mattress is the better investment. Check out our guide to the best mattresses in New Zealand, including options that won’t break the bank.

Best sofa beds in New Zealand

Best armchair sofa bed: Rio Armchair Sofa Bed

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The Ecosa Rio Armchair Sofa Bed is a space-saving hero for suburban living. This innovative 1.5 seater transforms effortlessly from a living room chair into a comfy guest bed. The Rio features a built-in hybrid mattress of pocket springs and plush foam for supportive seating and a comfortable sleep experience for one. The backrest easily pulls out, creating a ready-to-use bed in seconds. Available in various fabrics, and is even made with recycled materials, making it a stylish and sustainable choice for your cosy space.

Key specs:

Size: Available in 1.5-seater option (converts to a single-size bed)

Material:

  • Fabric: 100% Polyester fabric (specific type of fabric not available)
  • Padding: 80% Recycled polyfill
  • Mattress: Hybrid mattress with pocket springs and plush foam (specific details not provided)

Dimensions:

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Converts to a single-size bed (likely standard dimensions of 91cm x 191cm)

Pros:

  • Ideal for smaller apartments or living rooms. It provides comfortable seating for one during the day and transforms into a convenient sleeping option for a single guest.
  • Simple pull-out mechanism, allowing you to convert the sofa into a ready-to-use bed in seconds.

Cons:

  • Limited sleeping capacity: As a 1.5-seater, the Rio is best suited for single sleepers. It might not be ideal for couples or larger guests.
  • The built-in mattress offers a medium-firm feel, which might not be suitable for everyone.
  • Limited storage: The Rio doesn’t offer any built-in storage compartments, so you’ll need to find separate storage for bedding or other essentials.

Price: $1,700

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Best double-sized sofa bed: Solace Sofa Bed

This sophisticated 3.5 seater redefines the term “multifunctional furniture”. Imagine a stylish sofa that seamlessly transforms into a bed for up to two adults, all while maintaining a classic design style that looks great in your lounge room.

The magic lies in Solace’s clever engineering. A simple pull-out mechanism allows you to convert the sofa into a ready-to-use bed in seconds. It has a hidden storage compartment, that can fit two pillows, bedsheets and a quilt, keeping your living space clutter-free. The covers can be removed and are machine washable, and for comfort, the Solace features a dual-layer foam system. This means supportive seating during the day and a plush sleeping surface at night. Available in a variety of fabrics, the Solace allows you to personalise your space while enjoying the functionality of a hidden guest bed.

Key specs:

Size: Available in 3.5-seater option (converts to double bed)

Material:

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Mattress: Dual-layer foam system

Pros:

  • The Solace comfortably sleeps up to two adults, making it perfect for hosting overnight guests.
  • Hidden storage compartment: Keep your living room clutter-free by tucking away bedding, pillows, or other essentials.
  • Comfortable seating and sleeping: The dual-layer foam system provides supportive seating during the day and a plush sleeping surface at night, ensuring you and your guests enjoy a comfortable experience.
  • Easy transformation: The Solace features a simple pull-out mechanism, allowing you to convert the sofa into a bed in seconds.

Cons:

  • Larger footprint: The 3.5-seater design requires more living space compared to smaller sofa beds. This might not be ideal for compact apartments or those with limited space.
  • Limited fabric options: Compared to the Dune Sofa Bed, the Solace might offer a smaller selection of fabrics for customisation.

Price: $2,900

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Best stylish sofa bed: Slideaway Sofa Bed

It is hard to believe that hidden inside this retro-designed sofa is a compact double bed. The Eva Slideaway Sofa bed easily converts from a sofa to a bed by sliding out the wooden base and unfolding the base and back lounge seating to create a comfy mattress. There are four different fabric weaves to choose from and eight colour options. The Eva sofa bed is designed so you lay along it, as you would if you were lying on your sofa.

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Key specs:

Materials:

  • Frame: Solid American Ash timber and plywood with American Ash veneer.
  • Base cushion foam: Multilayer polyurethane foam with recycled foam and polyester fibre duvet wrap.
  • Cushion fill: Recycled foam and polyester fibre.

Pros:

  • Easy transformation: There is no mechanism, just slide out the wooden frame.

Cons:

  • The back of the sofa becomes the side of the bed, limiting access to that side.  

Price: $2,915
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Best sofa bed with storage: Dune Sofa Bed

Suburban living often requires smart furniture solutions. The Ecosa Dune Sofa Bed tackles this challenge head-on. This stylish 3.5 seater seamlessly blends comfort with a hidden extra surprisingly spacious storage compartment built right into the base. This secret weapon lets you tuck away blankets, pillows, spare linens, or even board games, keeping your living room clutter-free and organised. It has a user-friendly pull-out mechanism, transforming into a spacious bed for up to two adults in seconds. Plus, its dual-layer foam system prioritises both comfort and style, offering supportive seating during the day and a plush sleeping surface for restful nights.

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Key specs:

Size: Available in 3-seater option (converts to double bed)

Material:

  • Zips: OceanCycle-certified zips (made from recycled ocean-bound plastic)
  • Mattress: Dual-layer foam system (specific foam composition not publicly available)
  • Bed: Converts to a queen-size bed (dimensions likely standard 198cm x 153cm)

Pros:

  • The Dune’s built-in storage compartment is a game-changer for small apartments or those who crave a clutter-free space.
  • Eco-conscious choice: The use of OceanCycle-certified zips made from recycled plastic makes the Dune a more sustainable option compared to many other sofa beds.
  • Comfort and style: The dual-layer foam system provides supportive seating during the day and a plush sleeping surface at night. A variety of fabric options allows you to personalise the look of your living room.

Cons:

  • Larger footprint: The 3.5 seater design requires more living space compared to smaller sofa beds. This might not be ideal for compact apartments.
  • Limited sleeping capacity: While it can accommodate two adults in a pinch, the Dune is best suited for occasional use. For frequent guests, a dedicated guest bed or a larger sofa bed might be a better option.
  • May not be ideal for back pain sufferers: The sofa bed mattress might not provide the same level of support as a dedicated mattress. If you have back problems, consider trying the sofa bed out before you buy to ensure it’s comfortable for you.

Price: $2,900

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Best modular sofa bed: SORRENTO Fabric Modular Sofabed

The Sorrento fabric modular sofabed is your living room chameleon. This plush haven boasts comfy cushions and a hidden leg design for a sleek, modern look. Need space to stretch out for a movie marathon? Rearrange the Sorrento’s sections for a spacious cuddle puddle. Unexpected guest rolls in? Detach a section to create a comfy guest bed with a surprisingly deep, high-resilient foam mattress.

The low back and slim arms open up your space, making it feel airy and inviting. From hosting a casual get-together to creating a cosy reading nook, the Sorrento adapts, offering comfort and style in one versatile package. No more wrestling with bulky furniture – just rearrange the Sorrento for the perfect setup, anytime.

Key specs:

Material:

  • Fabric upholstery with foam and fibre-filled cushions
  • Mattress: High-resilient foam, 211 cm deep when unfolded

Dimensions:

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  • Width: 290 cm
  • Depth: 160 cm (seat depth), unfolds to 211 cm as a bed
  • Height: 88 cm

Pros:

  • Modular design allows for flexibility in how you arrange the sofa.
  • Hidden leg design creates a sleek look.
  • Low-back design can make the room feel more spacious.
  • Slim arms provide extra seating without taking up too much space.
  • High-resilient foam mattress should be comfortable for sleeping.

Cons:

  • Fabric upholstery may not be as durable as leather or other materials.
  • Foam and fibre-filled cushions may not provide as much support as spring-filled cushions.
  • Low-back design may not be comfortable for everyone.

Price: $5,299

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Comfiest sofa bed: SORRENTO Fabric Sofabed

The Peyton Modular Sofa Bed by Freedom Furniture delivers comfort unlike any other sofa bed. Sink into plush cushions and a supportive innerspring mattress that mirrors the comfort of a high-quality bed. The secret’s in the design. The innerspring core provides excellent back support, while the cushions offer a comfy feel. Need extra pampering? One module features a built-in recliner for ultimate relaxation.

Spread out for movie nights or you can detach a section for a surprisingly comfy guest bed.

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Key specs:

Size: Available as a modular configuration (dimensions depend on chosen arrangement).

Material:

  • Upholstered fabric
  • Innerspring mattress

Features:

  • Modular design for customisable layouts
  • Detachable section converts to a guest bed
  • Recliner mechanism in one module
  • Innerspring mattress for supportive seating and sleeping

Pros:

  • The Peyton’s modular design allows you to arrange the sections in various configurations to suit your space and needs. This makes it perfect for creating a spacious layout for entertaining or a cosy setup for movie nights.
  • Multiple sleeping options: Detach a section and transform it into a comfortable guest bed. This versatility is ideal for accommodating overnight guests without sacrificing valuable living space.
  • The innerspring mattress promises both comfort for seating and supportive sleep for occasional guests.

Cons:

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  • Potentially bulky pieces: Moving and rearranging the modular sections might be challenging, especially if you don’t have help.
  • Limited storage: You might need to find additional storage solutions for bedding or other essentials.
  • Assembly required: While the assembly process might be straightforward, some may find it inconvenient compared to a pre-assembled sofa.

Price: $3,599

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Frequently asked questions about sofa beds

Are sofa beds comfortable to sleep on?

Modern sofa beds have come a long way. Many offer innerspring or high-density foam mattresses that provide good support for occasional sleeping. However, they might not be as comfortable as a dedicated mattress.

Will a sofa bed hurt my back?

If you have back problems, it’s important to try a sofa bed before you buy it. Some offer firmer mattresses for better back support.

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How easy is it to convert a sofa bed into a bed?

Most sofa beds utilise user-friendly mechanisms like pull-out trays or click-clack systems. These allow for quick and effortless transformation, usually in seconds.

Do sofa beds have storage compartments?

Some sofa beds have built-in storage compartments in the base, perfect for stashing away bedding, pillows, or other essentials.

What is the difference between a click-clack and a pull-out sofa bed?

Click-clack sofa beds have a three-position back that folds down flat, while pull-out beds have a mattress base that extends from underneath the cushions.

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How do I clean a sofa bed?

Most sofa bed covers are removable and machine washable. Always check the care instructions for your specific model.

How long will a sofa bed last?

The lifespan of a sofa bed depends on the quality, usage frequency, and care. High-quality sofa beds can last for many years.

*This story contains carefully curated selections from The Selection team and affiliate links which may earn NZ Herald a commission.

*Prices are as stated at the time of publication, these prices may vary at the discretion of the listed brands.

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