What is the difference between a sleeper sofa and a sofa bed?
A sleeper sofa contains a pull-out mattress and frame hidden inside; a sofa bed (like those from Koala, West Elm, or IKEA) typically folds down using the sofa cushions to create a sleeping surface.
Sleeper sofas feature a separate pull-out mattress hidden within the frame, whereas sofa beds use the existing seat and back cushions to create a flat sleeping surface by folding down.
This makes sofa beds quicker and easier to convert, and often more space-efficient; a design approach commonly seen in furniture brands like West Elm, IKEA, and Wayfair.
In many cases, sofa beds are ideal for smaller spaces or for those who prefer a simple transition between seating and sleeping.