What Is a Bed Settee? Everything You Need to Know

What Is a Bed Settee? Everything You Need to Know

A bed settee is another name for a sofa bed: a sofa that converts into a bed for sleeping. "Settee" is a traditional British word for sofa, so "bed settee" is the older or regional term for what most modern UK retailers list under "sofa bed". Both terms describe the same product, and shopping "sofa bed" will unlock the widest UK market. Below we cover what a bed settee is, how it relates to sofa beds, and what to search for when shopping.

Key Takeaways

  • A bed settee is the same as a sofa bed: a sofa that converts into a bed for sleeping.

  • "Settee" is a traditional British word for sofa, more common in older or Northern British usage. "Sofa" is now the standard term in most UK retail.

  • The two terms cover the same product category including fold-out designs, click-clacks, and futon-style sofa beds.

  • Search "sofa bed" for the widest UK market coverage. "Bed settee" returns fewer results but points to the same category.

  • The construction and buying criteria are identical regardless of which term is used: mattress quality, mechanism, frame, and warranty are what matter.

What Is a Bed Settee?

A bed settee is a piece of upholstered furniture that works as a sofa when folded and converts into a bed for sleeping. "Settee" is a traditional British English word for sofa, still used in some regions and older generations, so "bed settee" is essentially the older way of saying "sofa bed". The product category is exactly the same.

The word "settee" itself is a British term dating back to the 18th century, originally describing a long upholstered seat with a back and arms for two or more people. Over time, "sofa" (originally from Arabic via French) became the more common word in mainstream British retail, but "settee" persists in older generations, Northern English usage, and some Scottish and Welsh vocabularies. The compound "bed settee" describes the same convertible-furniture category as "sofa bed", and both cover fold-out, click-clack, and futon-style designs.

Common features of a bed settee (identical to a sofa bed):

  • A sofa function for everyday sitting

  • A conversion mechanism (fold-out, click-clack, or futon-style) that transitions to a bed

  • A sleep surface sized to standard UK bed dimensions (usually single, small double, double or king)

  • Space and delivery considerations for both folded and opened footprints

Typical uses (again, same as a sofa bed):

  • Occasional or regular guest sleeping in living rooms

  • Studios and one-bed flats where the sofa doubles as bedding

  • Home offices, spare rooms and studies that occasionally host overnight guests

  • Family movie rooms where lounging comfort matters alongside guest capacity

Bed Settee vs Sofa Bed: Is It the Same Thing?

Yes, bed settee and sofa bed are the same thing. Both terms describe a sofa that converts into a bed, using any of the standard sofa bed mechanisms (fold-out, click-clack, futon-style). The construction, sizing, materials and buying criteria are identical; only the word changes.

The terminology varies by region and generation in the UK:

  • "Sofa bed" is the standard term across most UK retailers and mainstream media. It's the term to use when searching or asking a salesperson.

  • "Bed settee" is more common in older British usage, Northern English regions, and some Scottish and Welsh vocabularies. Reputable furniture retailers still list under this term but the modern market default is "sofa bed".

  • "Sleeper couch" is South African usage (less common in the UK).

  • "Sleeper sofa" is American usage (also less common in the UK, but occasionally seen in imported product listings).

Practical shopping guidance:

  • Search "sofa bed" for the widest UK market coverage

  • If a retailer lists "bed settee", they're describing the same product; check the same criteria (mattress depth, mechanism, warranty)

  • Cross-reference reviews and buyer guides using both terms if you're doing thorough research; some older reviews use "bed settee" while newer ones use "sofa bed"

  • International reviews using "sleeper sofa" or "sleeper couch" refer to the same product category and their advice usually applies

Our range is listed under "sofa bed" language throughout, but if you've been searching "bed settee" then the Koala Sofa Bed is our flagship convertible piece, engineered with a proper mattress inside for genuine sleep comfort. It comes with our 120-day trial and a 5-year warranty, so you can compare it in your own home over multiple weeks rather than trusting a showroom sit.

Explore Our Sofa Bed Range

Whatever you call it, our sofa bed is designed by a sleep company with a full-size integrated Kloudcell™ mattress, tool-free assembly, in-stock 7-day dispatch, and our 120-day trial. Explore the options:

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

Is a bed settee the same as a sofa bed?

Yes, a bed settee is the same as a sofa bed. Both terms describe a sofa that converts into a bed for sleeping, and both cover the same product category including fold-out, click-clack and futon-style designs. "Settee" is a traditional British word for sofa, still used in some regions and older generations; "sofa" is the modern standard term in most UK retail. Shopping either term will return the same product category, though "sofa bed" gives the widest market coverage.

Where does the term 'bed settee' come from?

The term "bed settee" comes from combining two older British words: "settee" (a traditional British word for sofa dating back to the 18th century) and "bed" (as in the sleep function). The compound describes a settee that also functions as a bed. "Settee" persists in older generations, Northern English regions, and some Scottish and Welsh vocabularies, while "sofa" (originally from Arabic via French) became the more common word in mainstream British retail. Both terms describe exactly the same product; only the word changes.

 

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