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Original poster

A sofa bed for us to save space

21 replies

Onthemove16 · 14/03/2016 20:01

We're about to move into a small flat and think it would be the best space saving solution for DP and I to use a sofa bed in the living room for our permanent use. Bit wary about having to open it out and collapse it every day, and I'm a bit worried about comfort as I do have a tendency to back pain, but we can't think of a better way to use the space. Anyone else doing this already? Any favourite sofa beds that have proven to be comfy and easy to use?

OP posts:

Qwebec · 14/03/2016 20:24

Well if you have back issues a sofa bed is not the best way to IME. It's ok fro a few nights, a few weeks if you must, but not much more.
How about a murphy bed?
wow I looked them up and there are even some that start as a sofa.

I wish I knew how to make the images appear on a thread!
cdn.decoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/The-Murphy-bed-in-action.jpg

www.clei.co.uk/clei/nuovoliola.htm#

Original poster

Onthemove16 · 14/03/2016 21:02

Wow, didn't think of that at all! Thanks for the tip Qwebec! I'll look into it but it'll depend on cost and delivery time too

OP posts:

Teds77 · 15/03/2016 01:12

I don't think you'll cope sleeping on a sofa bed everyday. Too uncomfortable even without a back problem. What about a loft/raised bed? You could then used the space underneath. A couple of friends with studios opted for this.

Original poster

Onthemove16 · 15/03/2016 07:50

Thank you for your out-of-the-box thinking Teds77! Unfortunately I'm prone to doing weird things in my sleep including running at full speed out if bed in a panic!! Not sure a raised bed would be safe for me!

OP posts:

Flutterbye · 15/03/2016 13:46

We regularly give up or bedroom to guests and use our Ikea Lycksele sofa bed, has a choice of 3 mattresses. Would be a bit of a faff storing the bedding underneath, etc.

Original poster

Onthemove16 · 15/03/2016 16:42

Sounds like a possibility Flutterbye, thanks. Budget is an issue and Ikea is a more affordable option...

OP posts:

Qwebec · 16/03/2016 02:03

If price is an issue, you could try to find a second murphy bed/find a cheap one and put a sofa with weels in front, just make sure they lock!

found this site www.wallbedking.co.uk/ fairly cheap.

I'd suggest if you can take your time finding the right thing for you. I slept for weeks on an air bed so that I could get the right matress. It felt like an eternity, but now I'm really happy with it.

BikeRunSki · 16/03/2016 02:30

We have a sofa bed that we gave slept on a lot in the last few years (we've had it 15 years) - often for several weeks at a time.

LeaLeander · 16/03/2016 02:32

A futon would be more comfortable than a sofa sleeper.

BikeRunSki · 16/03/2016 02:34

... Posted too soon!

FiL is also a regular visitor. It is really comfortable and I think this is because it is mAde by a bed company rather than a dos company. It's by Relyon and we got it from John Lewis. It wasn't cheap - I seem to remember £700 in the sale, even then, but it has proven to be one of our best ever purchases.

Original poster

Onthemove16 · 16/03/2016 06:50

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I can now talk to DP about all the possibilities. Getting something temporary and taking our time to choose something that really works for us is a great idea!

OP posts:

Ifailed · 16/03/2016 06:57

we tried using a sofa bed when space became an issue. Firstly, they tend to be quite small, and secondly they don't seem to like be constantly folded/unfolder each day, we go through two in less than a year - they weren't cheap either! What about bunk beds?

Original poster

Onthemove16 · 16/03/2016 07:28

Well it's for DP and I in the living room/bedroom. I don't think he'd appreciate sleeping in a bunk bed! Nevertheless you're confirming my worries over a sofa bed...

OP posts:

MiaowTheCat · 16/03/2016 07:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Tuiles · 16/03/2016 07:50

We have a futon sofa bed designed for permanent use, it is very comfortable. It had a click clack mechanism so is easy to convert (though if against a wall do need to pull it out a bit). Similar to this (though we have one without arms): www.futoncompany.co.uk/sofa-beds/3-seater-double-sofa-beds/sofa-bed-futon-company-3-seater-double-sofa-beds-cocoon-en.html

slebmum1 · 16/03/2016 08:01

What about an ikea day bed? Can't remember what puts is called but pulls out to double and is much comfort than a sofa bed

Babymamamama · 16/03/2016 08:37

Check out the futon company. Much more comfy than a sofa bed.

leoniethelioness · 19/03/2016 21:14

I second the Ikea day bed idea. Ours is really comfortable but doesn't get used much, as it's in a spare room.

Summerdaydreams1 · 20/03/2016 06:58

I also recommend the futon company. They have some really nice stuff and lots of their furniture works well in smaller living areas. We found that the three seater was a lot easier to put up and down than the two seater.

Original poster

Onthemove16 · 20/03/2016 21:21

Thank you all so much for your advice! This was the first time I posted on mumsnet and I really appreciate how lovely and helpful everyone is!

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catbasilio · 28/03/2016 00:57

Dont futons sag in time? I mean, the top part of mattress would go down all the time? Or that is what I heard... Otherwise I love the look of futons.

We slept on Lycksele for almost a year. It was manageable but uncomfortable long term. We moved in the end. If I had to sleep on sofa bed I would choose something which rolls out (like the discontinued Karlstad) and has storage for bedding.

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