Sleeper Love Seat Styles

By Home & Garden Last updated Saturday, June/01/2024

Types

There are basically two types of love seat sleepers. The most common type is a smaller version of the traditional sleeper sofa, where the bed portion of the unit pulls out from underneath the seat cushions. The mattress is a completely separate entity from the sofa itself. The mattress rests on a metal frame that folds into the space beneath the seat cushions. The mattress also folds with the frame into the sofa cavity. This traditional sofa style usually has loose cushions at the seat and often at the back as well.
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The second type is called a Klick klak (or Click Clack) sofa where the entire back of the unit ratchets down to position itself beside the seat portion of the unit, forming a horizontal plane for sleeping. This type has a tight, stretched seat and back, such as Primo International-Borealis (http://www.studentmarket.com/). There is no separate mattress. Some are can be positioned in different ways, such as Mali Flex by Elite Products. The Futon is similar to the Klick Klak in that the back of the frame moves parallel to the seat. The separate mattress is lowered into the frame for sleeping, which is the same cushioning as the seating.

All love seat sleepers serve two purposes. Thickness and materials of construction contribute to the comfort of both. Some sofas have innersprings and foam construction for the mattress portion. Others use foam only--5 to 6 in. thick. Some have metal construction and are made of hardwood or a combination of both. Some require assembly.

Consider if you will use the unit often as a bed or mostly for sitting and whether children or adults will use it. Invest in the highest quality you can afford if it will get lots of overnight use by adults. There's nothing restful about a metal bar in your back or a gap down the middle. Make sure the sofa sits well. Some sofa beds sit stiffer than regular sofas unless the cushions are high quality. Also consider the room where it will be in. There has to be room in front of the sofa to pull out the bed. (Coffee table will have to be moved aside.) The seat cushions will have to be stowed. Comfort Sleeper by American Leather advertises it uses nine less inches of floor space than conventional sleepers and has an 80-inch-long mattress rather than the 70 to 75 inches on many sleepers. (http://www.americanleather.com/) In the case of the Klick Klak or Futon, the unit will have to be pulled away from the wall so the back can be lowered. Comfort and cost vary widely, from $230 to $1,700.

The most obvious benefit is that you get two functions from one piece of furniture. When space is at a premium that's benefit enough.

There are many styles available in many different fabrics and colors. Leather is a popular option. They can be upholstered in microfibers, ultrasuedes, linen/cotton blends, vinyls and more. There are traditional and modern designs in the frames; most have a casual lean. Some have large arms, some slim, some no arms at all. Some have storage space in the unit. You should be able to find a style that melds nicely with your other furnishings.