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The problem of the sofa bed is perennial: to opt for aesthetics or practicality? For anyone short on space, it’s an obvious lifesaver. No guest room? No problem. But the sofa bed has been plagued by affiliations of lumpy seating and protruding springs and, for design lovers, the thought of sacrificing style for function, especially with a piece as central as a sofa, can feel like a knife to the heart. The good news? You no longer have to. Our curated pick of sofa beds are sleek, sophisticated and comfortable – totally undetectable by day and indulgently cosy by night.
Crafted from a full double mattress with linen upholstery, the ‘Day & Night’ sofa bed is minimal, versatile and statement-making in its style, with cylindrical arms and rounded timber feet. Developed in collaboration with Áine the Upholsterer, the sofa achieves a seamless transition between lounging and sleeping (it can be used as a daybed or fully extended). It is also distinctly unbulky, which can be hard to achieve with a sofa bed.
Product made to order – price on application.
Piero Lissoni’s modern, minimalist ‘Neowall’ sofa was introduced in 2011 to great acclaim. In 2017, a space-saving sofa bed version was launched, retaining the same clean, architectural lines that made the original a hit. This enhanced model is built on a double-panelled poplar and pine frame, supported by black-lacquered aluminium feet, and two plush cushions seamlessly conceal a spring mattress.
For a distinctly Scandi take on the sofa bed, consider Tapio Anttila’s ‘Day&Night’, an oak-framed daybed that conceals two beds in one. It’s hard to believe to look at it, but thoughtful design allows the top of the sofa to lift off, revealing mattress toppers, pillows and duvets stored within the cushions. The mattresses can be zipped together to form a double or separated for singles. It’s a stylish solution that minimises – even eliminates – clutter.
B&B Italia’s only sofa bed, ‘Saké’, blends a clean aesthetic with clever functionality. It retains the sculptural form, rounded steel feet and flexible armrest configurations of the wider Saké series, but possesses a hidden twist: a simple shift of the seat and tilt of the backrest transforms the sofa into a bed.
Product made to order – price on application.
The ‘Massimosistema’ sofa is the perfect solution for those requiring flexible, multifunctional living. Not only is it part of a modular system, it incorporates a fully concealed bed mechanism, allowing a smooth transition from seating to sleeping. Throughout, it maintains the sleek lines, plush comfort and minimalist aesthetic that reflects the Italian craftsmanship of the Poltrona Frau Style & Design Centre.
Product made to order – price on application.
Sixpenny is known for its soft, laid-back furnishings, and the fully upholstered ‘Neva Sleeper’ delivers that same irresistible comfort in both seating and sleeping modes. A tri-fold gliding frame ensures a smooth transition from sofa to bed, while a cotton-quilted foam mattress makes the latter comfortable. Substantial and functional, it’s ideal for design-conscious homes needing an extra sleep space.