Habitat vs. Koala Sofa Beds

Koala and Habitat both make some of the most popular sofa beds in the UK, but they attract very different buyers. Habitat offers accessible, no-fuss clic clac and fold-out sofa beds from around £215, while Koala makes a purpose-engineered sleep system backed by a 120-day trial and 5-year warranty. This guide compares them on comfort, durability, warranty, returns, price, sizes, delivery and reviews.

Key Takeaways

• Koala is built for everyday sleeping comfort. Habitat is more suited to occasional guest use

• Koala's FlipBed™ converts in seconds with no metal bar. Habitat uses clic clac or fold-out mechanisms

• Koala covers are machine-washable. Habitat covers are wipe-clean or professional clean only

• Koala offers a 120-day free trial with free collection. Habitat allows 30-day returns with a £30 non-refundable collection charge on large items

• Koala carries a 5-year warranty. Habitat sofa beds carry a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee — sofa beds are excluded from Habitat's 10-year sofa frame guarantee

• Habitat starts well below Koala on price (from around £215) and is one of the most competitive budget sofa bed options in the UK

• Koala is rated 4.9★ from 1,600+ UK reviews. Habitat's popular models range from 4.5 to 4.7★

At a Glance: Koala vs Habitat

Choose Koala if you want a premium sofa bed that sits and sleeps well, converts in seconds without a metal bar, and comes with a 120-day trial so you know it works in your space before fully committing.

Choose Habitat if you want a functional, no-frills sofa bed at an accessible price point that is available quickly and suits occasional guest use.

About Koala

Koala launched in Australia in 2015 with a single-minded focus: build a better mattress and ship it directly to your home. The brand grew fast, picking up design awards and building Australia's most awarded mattress range, with over 50,000 five-star reviews, before expanding into furniture. The Koala Sofa Bed is now the brand's hero UK product, sold exclusively through uk.koala.com.

The Koala Sofa Bed 4th Gen is available in three sizes — Single, Double and King — and eight colours across Classic, Cord and Luxe fabric ranges, with the proprietary FlipBed™ conversion mechanism and Kloudcell™ foam topper. A matching Sofa Bed Ottoman adds storage and a footrest. Koala holds B Corp certification and has contributed over $23 million (AUD) in cash and product donations to support a number of causes, including $10 million as part of its commitment to being a member of 1% for the Planet.

Every UK purchase is backed by a 120-day free trial and 5-year warranty. Koala holds a 4.9★ rating from over 1,600 UK reviews, the sofa bed is a three-time ProductReview Award winner ('23, '24, '25), and Koala's sofa bed range includes a 2024 Good Design Award winner.

About Habitat

Habitat is a British interiors brand that has been part of the high street since 1964. Today it operates as part of the Sainsbury's group, selling its furniture through Argos, Sainsbury's and habitat.co.uk. Habitat sofa beds are designed for compact living, quick delivery, and accessible pricing.

The range currently spans around 70 sofa beds and chairbeds. The Kota 3 Seater Clic Clac remains the most popular, using a clic clac mechanism that folds the backrest flat to create a small double sleeping surface, and now comes in fabric, velvet and bouclé finishes. The Apartment 2 Seater uses a lift-out fold mechanism, the Odeon 2 Seater is a compact clic clac, and the Julien 4 Seater is Habitat's largest option. Newer additions include the budget Brooks 3 Seater Clic Clac and the Roma chairbed range for single sleepers. All models use foam-filled seats and foam mattresses, and most are listed as suitable for occasional use. The range carries a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee, and popular models are rated between 4.5 and 4.7 stars on verified reviews.

Koala vs. Habitat: How They Compare

Comfort

Koala

Koala's Kloudcell™ foam topper is the defining feature. It uses the same open-cell foam technology developed for the Koala mattress range and solves the most common complaint about traditional sofa beds: the thin, unsupported sleep surface with a metal bar underneath. The FlipBed™ mechanism means no bar at all. Zero Disturbance™ motion isolation also means one sleeper turning over won't wake the other — a meaningful difference if couples sleep on it overnight. Reviews describe the surface as firmly supportive and genuinely comfortable to sleep on:

"I have been loving this couch for my home office. It really starts to break in and get cosier with use as well! We have slept on the mattress and it's wonderful for overnight guests without needing a dedicated guest room." — Sophia B., Verified Buyer

"I love my new sofa bed. It arrived in well-marked boxes, had easy to follow instructions and really did come together in 20 minutes. The sofa looks terrific, works perfectly in the TV room and our guests report that the foam mattress is super comfortable." — Susan B., Verified Buyer

"Our small guest bedroom finally looks put together and inviting. The bed is convenient, comfortable, and easy to use. My new go-to quiet room to read a book or enjoy a cup of tea." — Lynette S., Verified Buyer

Habitat

Habitat sofa beds use foam-filled seats and foam mattresses across the range. The clic clac and fold-out mechanisms are straightforward and quick to operate. Across multiple products, verified customers describe them as comfortable for occasional use, with some noting that a mattress topper improves the sleeping experience for longer stays:

"Super comfy. I don't normally leave reviews but after owning this a few months now for our guest room, had a few guests tell us it's comfy. Four hours later I woke up." — Mark, Verified Customer

"I've had many a sleepless night on a sofa bed and was hoping I could do better for my guests. I'm delighted to say this sofa bed got the total thumbs up from all three guests that have tried it." — Akira, Verified Customer

Habitat's sofa beds are well regarded for occasional use. If you plan to use the bed function regularly or as a primary sleeping surface, a sofa bed built for daily sleeping like Koala's is a meaningful step up. Habitat's own product Q&As list the Kota as suitable for occasional use with a 100 kg per-seat weight guide, while the Apartment is rated for regular use.

Durability

Koala

Koala's sofa bed is built for everyday life. The machine-washable removable covers and Kloudcell™ foam are engineered for sustained performance over time. Unlike many sofa beds, Koala opts for fabric over leather, with water-resistant* and PFAS-tested options built to handle spills, pets, and daily use. *Sandstone and Coastal Moss (Cord range) are not water-resistant. The frame is FSC®-certified plywood with tool-free, slide-and-click assembly — no screws to loosen over years of conversions.

Habitat

Habitat sofa beds primarily use polyester or polyester-blend fabrics that are wipe-clean or require professional cleaning. Covers are not removable or machine-washable across the range. The 2-year manufacturer's guarantee covers manufacturing defects. Products are largely designed and listed for occasional rather than daily sleeping use.

For everyday resilience, Koala's washable covers and longer warranty give it a clear advantage.

Warranty

Koala

Koala backs its sofa beds with a 5-year limited warranty and a 120-day trial period. If it does not work in your space, Koala will collect it for free and issue a full refund, including delivery charges, which removes much of the financial risk of buying furniture you have never sat on before.

Habitat

Habitat sofa beds come with a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee covering manufacturing defects. Note that while Habitat sofas carry a 10-year frame guarantee, Habitat's guarantee terms explicitly exclude sofa beds, recliners and made-to-order ranges from that cover — sofa beds get the 2-year guarantee only, and a £60 call-out charge applies to inspections (refunded if a fault is confirmed). Change-of-mind returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery in unused, original-packaging condition, and since June 2025 a £30 non-refundable collection charge applies to large home-delivered items unless the item is faulty.

Koala's trial terms are significantly more generous for buyers purchasing online without a chance to see the piece in person first.

*We recommend checking both brands' websites directly before purchasing, as terms and policies are subject to change.

Price

Koala

Koala sits at the premium end of the UK sofa bed market, with the Sofa Bed ranging from £1,250 (Single) to £1,595 (King, Luxe fabric) at RRP at the time of writing. The price reflects the Kloudcell™ sleep system, washable covers, tool-free assembly, and 120-day trial. For buyers who want a sofa bed they can genuinely sleep on long-term, it represents strong value at the premium tier — see how it stacks up in our guide to the best sofa beds under £1,500.

Habitat

Habitat sits at the budget to mid-range end of the UK sofa bed market, from around £215 for a Roma chairbed through roughly £375 for the Kota clic clac to £915 for the Chesterfield velvet sofa bed. If you need a functional sofa bed for occasional guests at an accessible price, Habitat is one of the most competitive options available.

If budget is the primary driver, Habitat is a sensible choice. If you want a sofa bed that performs as both a sofa and a bed long-term, Koala is the stronger investment.

Sizes and Dimensions

Koala's Sofa Bed comes in three sizes: the 1.5-Seater folds out to a single (122 cm wide), the 2.5-Seater to a double (162.5 cm), and the 3-Seater to a king (178 cm). All take standard fitted sheets, and the mattress with integrated topper is full-length rather than a folded seat cushion. Not sure which size fits your room? See our guides to small sofa beds for narrow rooms and sofa beds for small spaces.

Habitat's range runs from single chairbeds (Roma) through 2-seater clic clacs (Odeon) to the 4-seater Julien. Most models create a small-double sleeping surface, where the seat cushions double as the mattress — one reason a topper is a common addition for longer stays.

Delivery and Assembly

Koala delivers free to England, Scotland and Wales, typically dispatching within 7 days, with everything arriving flat-packed in easy-to-manoeuvre boxes. Assembly is tool-free — no Allen keys or screwdrivers — and takes around 15 minutes, according to Koala.

Habitat delivers through the Argos network, which means fast availability, in-store viewing at Argos and Sainsbury's locations, and a scheduled two-person delivery service for large items like sofa beds. Most models arrive ready-assembled or with minimal assembly.

Reviews and Feedback

Koala

Koala holds a 4.9★ rating from over 1,600 UK reviews, and its mattress range has earned over 50,000 five-star reviews globally. The sofa bed has won consecutive ProductReview Awards ('23, '24, and '25), and the wider sofa bed range includes a 2024 Good Design Award winner. Reviews consistently highlight ease of conversion, sleep surface quality, and the trial process.

Habitat

Habitat's popular sofa beds are rated between 4.5 and 4.7 stars, with the flagship Kota clic clac at 4.6★ from 450+ verified reviews (94% recommend) and the Apartment 2 Seater at 4.7★ (96% recommend). Customers consistently praise ease of assembly, value for money, and delivery. Some reviews note that the sleeping surface benefits from a mattress topper for longer stays.

Koala's rating is higher and its review volume larger, though Habitat's scores are strong given the price point.

Who Should Choose Koala?

Koala is a strong fit if:

• Sleep quality matters to you. The Kloudcell™ foam topper is a material step above a standard sofa bed foam mattress. It is not just tolerable as a bed; it is genuinely comfortable.

• You want to try it properly before committing. The 120-day free trial with free collection makes Koala a much lower-risk purchase than most furniture at this price.

• You want washable, durable covers. Koala's machine-washable, water-resistant covers are built for real life. Habitat's are wipe-clean or professional-clean only.

• Sustainability matters to you. B Corp certification, a documented 1% for the Planet membership, and over $23 million AUD in donations give Koala a verifiable environmental story.

• You want a longer warranty. Five years versus two is a meaningful difference for a piece of furniture used daily.

• You want a bar-free fold-out. If a metal bar under the mattress is your dealbreaker, see our round-up of bar-free sofa beds.

Who Should Choose Habitat?

Habitat is worth considering if:

• Budget is the primary driver. Habitat's range starts well below Koala's and delivers solid functional value at that price point.

• You only need it for occasional guests. Most Habitat models are listed as suitable for occasional use, which is exactly the use case they are built for.

• You need it quickly. Habitat delivers through the Argos network, which means fast availability and scheduled two-person delivery for large items. (Argos same-day Fast Track applies to smaller items only.)

• You want a compact option. Models like the Odeon 2 Seater, the Roma chairbeds and the Kota are well suited to smaller flats and spare rooms where space is limited.

• You specifically want a clic clac. Habitat's Kota and Brooks are among the UK's most-reviewed budget clic clacs — see how the mechanism compares in our click clack sofa bed guide.

Comparing Other Options?

(Replaced — the previous three links pointed to pages that don't exist on uk.koala.com; see change log.)

• Best Sofa Beds UK 2026

• Best Click Clack Sofa Beds

• Futon vs. Sofa Bed

• Daybed vs. Sofa Bed

• The Ultimate Sofa Bed Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koala better than Habitat?

For everyday sleeping comfort and long-term use, yes. For occasional guest use at a lower price, Habitat is a practical and well-reviewed option.

How does the price compare between Koala and Habitat?

Habitat sofa beds run from around £215 to £915, while the Koala Sofa Bed ranges from £1,250 to £1,595 at RRP. The gap reflects the difference in mattress quality, cover care, warranty length, and trial terms.

What is the difference between the two conversion mechanisms?

Koala uses its proprietary FlipBed™ system, which converts in seconds with no tools, no lifting, and no metal bar, while Habitat uses clic clac or fold-out mechanisms depending on the model.

Are Habitat sofa beds suitable for everyday sleeping?

Most Habitat sofa beds are listed as suitable for occasional use only (the Apartment 2 Seater is the exception, rated for regular use). For nightly sleeping, Koala's purpose-built sleep system is the more appropriate choice.

Can I try either sofa bed before buying?

Habitat products are available to view through Argos and Sainsbury's stores, while Koala offers a 120-day free trial at home with free collection and a full refund if it does not work in your space.

Do Habitat sofa beds have a 10-year frame guarantee?

No. Habitat's 10-year frame guarantee applies to its standard sofas — sofa beds are explicitly excluded and carry a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee instead. Koala's sofa bed carries a 5-year warranty.

Can you wash the covers on a Habitat or Koala sofa bed?

Koala's covers and topper cover are removable and machine-washable. Habitat's popular models (Kota, Apartment, Roma) are wipe-clean or professional-clean only, with no machine-washable covers in the current range.

What sizes does the Koala Sofa Bed come in?

Three sizes: a 1.5-Seater that folds out to a single bed, a 2.5-Seater that becomes a double, and a 3-Seater that becomes a king. All use standard fitted sheets.

What does it cost to return a sofa bed to Habitat or Koala?

Koala returns within the 120-day trial are free, with collection arranged and a full refund. Habitat accepts change-of-mind returns within 30 days, but a £30 non-refundable collection charge applies to large home-delivered items unless faulty.

Which Habitat sofa bed is the most popular?

The Kota 3 Seater Clic Clac is Habitat's most-reviewed sofa bed, rated 4.6★ from 450+ reviews. It folds flat to create a small double and now comes in fabric, velvet and bouclé.