What type of bed maximizes space in a small studio apartment?

A high-quality sofa bed, such as the Koala Sofa Bed, Article Vati Sofa Bed, or West Elm Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa, maximizes space in a small studio apartment by providing both seating and a comfortable bed in one compact piece.

Here’s a list of bed types for small studio apartments, with details on comfort, ease of use, and space considerations:

Koala Sofa Bed [3rd Gen]

Pros

  • Converts in seconds with a single step
  • Kloudcell® topper offers plush mattress comfort

Cons

  • No built-in storage space
  • Firmness may not suit all preferences

The Koala Sofa Bed [3rd Gen] features CertiPUR-US®-certified Kloudcell® foam in its mattress, providing cloud-like comfort and support. This design aims to provide a supportive surface suitable for both sitting and sleeping.

The sofa bed converts to a bed with a straightforward, single-step process, avoiding complex or noisy mechanisms.

Available in Single (46" wide), Double (64" wide), and Queen (70" wide) sizes, each with a 21" depth in sofa mode and extending to 85" when converted to a bed, it fits well in small spaces and is easy to accommodate within different room layouts.

Article Vati Sofa Bed

Pros

  • Memory foam mattress gives firm support
  • Easy pull-out design, manageable for one person

Cons

  • Mattress length may be short for tall sleepers
  • Requires cushion removal before converting

The Article Vati Sofa Bed features a 4-inch thick memory foam mattress, providing firm support for both sitting and sleeping. The mattress measures 55 inches wide and 80 inches long, suitable for two people, making it a comfortable sleeping solution.

The sofa transforms using a tri-fold foam mattress system; simply remove the cushions and unfold the mattress into position, a process that can be managed solo in under a minute.

As a sofa, it measures 80 inches wide, 32 inches high, and 35 inches deep, making it a compact option for maximizing floor space in small apartments.

West Elm Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa

Pros

  • Gel-infused mattress helps keep cool
  • Spacious bed but fits smaller rooms

Cons

  • Mattress slightly shorter than a true queen
  • Must remove all cushions to convert

The West Elm Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa features a memory foam mattress with a two-layer construction, combining a supportive high-density foam base and a memory foam top for comfort. The mattress measures 60" wide by 72" deep and 5" thick, which is slightly shorter than a standard queen mattress, so queen-sized sheets are suggested for a proper fit.

To convert the sofa into a bed, simply remove the back and seat cushions, then pull out the mattress, a straightforward process that one person can handle without much effort.

In sofa form, it measures 80" wide by 38" deep, extending to 72" deep when converted to a bed.

Ikea Barslov 3-Seat Sleeper Sofa With Chaise

Pros

  • Includes storage in the chaise section
  • Chaise can be positioned left or right

Cons

  • Firm seat may not suit everyone
  • Large footprint may crowd smaller studios

The Bärslöv 3-seat sleeper sofa with chaise uses a seat cushion made from firm polyurethane foam, while the back cushions feature 100% recycled polyester hollow fiber for added comfort. The TIBBLEBY polyester fabric cover is soft, with a subtle woven texture and an easy-care finish for handling spills.

To switch to bed mode, simply remove the back cushions and pull out the underframe, creating a sleeping area measuring 78 3/4 by 55 7/8 inches.

As a sofa, it measures 92 7/8 inches wide and 60 1/4 inches deep. The reversible chaise includes storage with a lid that stays open.

Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa

Pros

  • Choice of standard or memory foam mattress
  • Quick, simple bed conversion

Cons

  • Bed size may dominate the room
  • Limited to queen size only

The Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa features the option of a standard foam or memory foam mattress, each measuring 4.5 inches thick. The standard version contains high-density foam topped with a memory foam layer, and the memory foam mattress is designed for enhanced contouring and pressure relief.

Converting the sofa into a queen-size bed is a simple process; pull out and unfold the mattress from beneath the seat, which can be done in about a minute.

Dimensions in sofa form are 86 by 36 by 34 inches, and when used as a bed, it measures 79.5 by 55.5 inches, making it suitable for compact studios.

Sixpenny Neva Sleeper Sofa

Pros

  • Consistent tri-fold mattress, no creases
  • Removable, washable slipcovers available

Cons

  • Regular fluffing needed to keep cushions plump
  • Best for larger studios due to size

The Sixpenny Neva Sleeper Sofa offers a 3.5-inch high-density foam mattress with double-layer padding, all encased in all-natural cotton. The mattress design uses three sections that lay flat to provide consistent comfort across the sleeping surface.

The tri-fold mechanism allows for straightforward conversion from sofa to bed, operated easily by one person using sturdy steel hardware.

When configured as a sofa, it measures 84"W x 41"D x 33"H, and as a bed, it extends to 84"W x 84"D x 15"H, requiring consideration of the surrounding space for full extension in studio apartments.

Eclipse Sleeper Chair

Pros

  • Compact, ideal for very tight spaces
  • No assembly needed for conversion

Cons

  • Only sleeps one person comfortably
  • Limited to use as a chair or single sleeper

The Eclipse Sleeper Chair uses a high-density foam mattress, supporting comfortable sitting and sleeping, while a Tencel cover adds breathability and moisture control.

Converting the chair into a bed involves a fold-out design that requires no assembly and operates quietly without the use of metal bars or springs.

The chair measures 38" wide by 40" deep and 36" high, expanding to 75" in length when used as a bed. Its compact footprint works well in small studio apartments or guest spaces, making it an efficient solution for tight living areas.

Crate & Barrel Fuller King Slope Arm Sleeper Sofa

Pros

  • King-size mattress fits two comfortably
  • Disassembles for narrow doorways

Cons

  • Large size may overwhelm a small studio
  • Higher price point than many sleepers

This sleeper sofa offers a high-density, high-resiliency foam mattress with a one-inch ThermaGel layer for enhanced support and a cooler sleeping experience.

The mattress unfolds to a length of 81 inches, providing ample space for comfortable rest.

The conversion mechanism uses the Tiffany 24/7 Sleep System, which eliminates bars and springs, making operation straightforward and comfortable for both sitting and sleeping.

Sofa dimensions are 88 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 36 inches high; when opened into a bed, it extends to 81 inches.

The legs and cushions can be removed for easier transport through doorways and hallways.

American Leather Langdon Comfort Sleeper Sectional

Pros

  • Three mattress types, including Tempur-Pedic
  • No bar or springs under mattress

Cons

  • Premium price tag
  • Modular design can take up more space

This sleeper sectional offers three premium mattress options, each crafted for optimal comfort and support, including a standard high-performance foam, a cooling gel model with three-layer technology, and a premium memory foam upgrade. The sectional's upholstery features durable, easy-to-clean Crypton® fabric.

The patented Tiffany 24/7™ platform sleep system provides a flat sleeping surface without springs or metal bars, and the sofa converts to a bed without removing cushions or adjusting the frame.

The modular design includes multiple configurations, with the Queen Plus size measuring 83" wide by 67" deep as a sofa and providing an 80" sleeping surface when opened. Disassembly allows access through narrow spaces.

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