Sofa Bed Sizes Explained

Buying a sofa bed sounds simple until you’re standing in a showroom (or scrolling online) thinking, Wait… what actually counts as a queen in a sofa bed? Some are wide but short. Some feel like a proper bed but take up half the lounge when opened. Others look compact and tidy, then surprise you with a sleeping surface that’s bigger than you expected.

If you want to get it right the first time, it helps to think about sofa bed sizes in two ways: how it fits as a sofa and how it sleeps as a bed. Here’s a clear, real-world guide to the main options, so you can choose something that suits your space and the people who will actually sleep on it.

Start With the Two Measurements That Matter

Before we get into single vs queen, it’s worth clearing up a common misunderstanding.

A sofa bed has two lives:

• Closed: how it sits in your room day to day
• Open: how much space it needs when converted into a bed

A compact sofa bed might look small when closed, but if it folds out into the room, it can still need a decent amount of floor space. On the flip side, some wider sofa beds do not come out as far, depending on the mechanism.

If you’re measuring at home, do this:

1. Measure the wall space where the sofa will live
2. Measure forward into the room to check you can still walk past when it’s open
3. Think about doors, coffee tables, desks, rugs, and where bedding will go

It’s boring, but it saves a lot of regret.

Single Sofa Beds: The Underrated Option

Single sofa beds are not the most glamorous, but they are genuinely handy.

Who they suit

• Kids’ rooms
• Home offices where space is tight
• Sleepovers for teenagers
• A “spare bed” option that does not dominate the room

What to expect

A single sofa bed is usually best for one adult or one child, depending on the width. For everyday adult sleeping, it can feel narrow, but for a one off or a long weekend it’s often perfect.

The real-life win

If you have a small office and want somewhere for a mate to crash without turning the room into a permanent guest bedroom, a single sofa bed keeps things simple.

Compact Sofa Beds: Small Sofa, Smart Bed

Compact options are popular for one main reason: they let you keep your lounge looking normal.

These designs are often built around a clever fold-out system where the bed length extends into the room, rather than needing a huge sofa footprint along the wall.

Who they suit

• Apartments and townhouses
• Second lounges
• Smaller rooms
• Anyone who hates bulky furniture

What to watch

Compact does not always mean small when opened. Some compact sofa beds open into a surprisingly generous sleeping surface, so you still need that clearance space.

The real-life win

If you live in an apartment and your lounge needs to feel open and uncluttered, compact sofa beds are a great way to stay guest-ready without turning the place into a furniture obstacle course.

Double Sofa Beds: The Most Practical “Guest” Size

Double sofa beds are a classic in New Zealand homes because they hit a sweet spot: big enough for two people, but not always as demanding for floor space as a queen.

Who they suit

• Occasional guests
• Smaller guest setups
• Couples staying for a night or two
• People who want a simpler fit for bedding

What to expect

A double is usually comfortable for two adults for short stays. If you’ve got tall guests or anyone who is a fussy sleeper, mattress quality matters more than the size label.

The real-life win

For a spare bed in a second lounge or a family room, a double often feels like the most sensible choice. Plenty of space, but still manageable in most homes.

Queen Sofa Beds: When You Want “Proper Bed” Comfort

If you want your sofa bed to feel like a real bed, queen sofa beds are usually where you land. Not always because they’re wider, but because the better ones tend to come with stronger mechanisms and more substantial mattresses.

Who they suit

• Regular hosting
• Longer stays
• Holiday homes where the sofa bed gets hammered over summer
• Anyone who wants guests to sleep well without question

What to watch

Queen sofa beds can take up more room, and some are heavier or more involved to convert. They’re often worth it, but only if your space can handle it.

Also, “queen” can vary slightly in sofa beds. Always check the actual sleeping dimensions rather than trusting the label.

The real-life win

If your parents visit and stay for a week, a queen sofa bed can be the difference between “that was fine” and “that was genuinely comfortable”.

Futons: Not All Futons Are the Same

When people hear “futon”, they often think of the old-school kind you’d find in a student flat. Thin mattress, squeaky frame, and a bit of a backbreaker.

But modern futon sofa beds can be very different. They are built with better slats, stronger frames, and improved mattresses.

Who they suit

• Smaller spaces
• People who like a minimalist look
• Rooms where you want a relaxed, casual vibe
• Anyone who wants quick conversion without complicated mechanisms

Pros

• Often lighter and simpler to convert
• Clean, uncluttered design
• Can work well as a lounging piece in a studio or office

Cons

• Comfort depends massively on mattress build
• Some futons still feel firm or flat for adults over long stays

The real-life win

Futons are great in a multipurpose room where you want a sofa you can sprawl on, but still have a bed option without a bulky pull-out system.

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Size

Think about who’s sleeping on it

• One person most of the time? Single or compact can be perfect.
• Couples, or longer stays? Double or queen is safer.

Consider how often it converts

If you’ll open it regularly, make sure the mechanism feels easy and solid. A sofa bed that’s annoying to set up will get used less, even if it’s technically “perfect”.

Plan bedding storage

Where will sheets, pillows, and a duvet live? A sofa bed is only convenient if the bedding is easy to grab.

Always check the actual dimensions

Size labels vary. The spec sheet is your friend.

The Bottom Line

The best sofa bed size is the one that fits your room, suits your guests, and matches how you actually live. Singles and futons can be brilliant in the right space. Doubles are a solid all-rounder. Queens are ideal when you want proper bed comfort and hosting is part of your regular life.

Measure your space, be realistic about use, and check the sleeping dimensions before you commit. Your future self, and your guests, will thank you.