HELPFUL HINTS

Sleeper Sofas Have “Day and Night” Differences

Now that smaller living spaces have staged a major comeback in recent years, it’s only natural that versatile, small-scale furniture, such as sofa sleepers, has become an important need for today’s consumers. However, not all sofa hide a beds are created equal, so do a little homework prior to your purchase.

First, know the size and scale of the sofa sleeper that best fits your room, and entryway access. Consider that a 92” couch sleeper may look very appealing in a store display, but it may overwhelm your small space, or may not squeeze though tight doorways or stairwells. Look through catalogs or online to pre-select your style, color, and size. Small space furniture is now becoming quite sophisticated in comfort and design. Apartment furniture has evolved with a lot of classy looks and new comfort levels. Using small-scale furniture doesn’t mean you must give up your creature comforts.

Second, remember that you get what you pay for. Most of us have budgets, but look for value rather than the lowest price in a sofa bed. Check out the sturdiness and motion of the folding bed frame. If the sleeper frame is hidden beneath the seat, it could mean a firmer seating surface, plus that extra space could be used for storage. Is the upholstery durable enough for continuous lounging or use with kids? Remember the primary use is sitting, so make sure the seats suit your comfort level.

Third, the mattress comfort, as well as the seating, is very important. We’ve all experienced sore backs from the old sofa beds, so choose carefully. Mattress components vary from the dreaded thin innersprings, to foam, memory foam, air mattresses, and combinations of the above. Try out each mattress if possible, particularly if your sleeper sofa will be your primary bed. Keep in mind that the sleeper bed will be closed most of the time, so watch how easy it is to operate; then try it yourself.

Fourth, size does count. Before you purchase your sofa sleeper, always check the size of your sofa mattress first. Whether it’s a large piece or small sofa sleeper, most hide a bed mattresses are only 72” long versus 75” long for a regular full size mattress. The extra length of 75” sleeper will be much appreciated by a six foot tall guest.

Fifth, small spaces usually mean storage is at a premium, so check to see if the sleeper sofa features a storage area. Not only are your linens then easily accessible, but you can store books, DVD’s, etc. to minimize clutter is a tight space.

Purchasing your new sleeper furniture can be a great experience if you simply relax, do a little homework first and think about how you’ll use your new investment.

Is a Sleeper Chair a Good Fit for You?

Today’s living environments call for versatile small space furniture more than ever. A new consumer has evolved from these tough economic times, resulting in a greater need for comfortable, multi-use apartment furniture and stylish small space décor. Thus the sleeper chair is a perfect example of small-scale furniture that provides both great seating and a good night’s rest. They’re great for studios, dens, dorms, or simply when additional sleeping arrangements may be needed.

Chair sleepers come in many styles, sizes, colors and comfort levels. First, do a little homework about furniture for small spaces and know the dimensions of the area where you’ll use it. This will save you time and stress when shopping. Keep in mind also that prices vary widely depending on quality, function and material used. Your chair will likely be used heavily in a small space, so remember that quality and durability is important. Value is more important than price.

Many sleeper chairs are simply mini-versions of sofa sleepers with mechanisms that pull out from beneath the seat cushions. They vary by widths, so check out the actual sleeping surface, which can be from 28” to 39” wide. Your sleeping comfort levels will be based not only on the mattress quality, but also the sleep width and the length. Most hide a bed sleep surfaces are only 72” long, shorter than a twin bed, but some newer designs extend the length to 75”, actual twin bed length.

Other chair sleepers use foldout foam cushions that extend lengthwise to form the sleep surface, while some have very thin innersprings. Still others use a “click clack” mechanism that allows the chair back to drop down flat for sleeping, and some incorporate an ottoman to complete the bed length. Research how the chair coverts to a sleeper for wall clearance, width and overall walk-around space.

If you need you sleeper chair for a studio, den, dorm, etc, consider that storage inside the chair will be a great bonus. Linens are immediately at your access, or you can store books, DVD’s, or other personal items. Also, remember that you chair is primarily for sitting, so make sure make sure it fits your comfort level.

Whether you need apartment furniture, extra room seating, or perhaps have a large space and want a great multi-functional chair, consider a chair sleeper that adds versatile comfort and style to your décor, both day and night.

Today's Sofa Sleepers Are Not Your Parent’s Hide a Bed!

Most of us are familiar with sleeper sofas from our parents home, visiting relatives, or uncomfortable hotel stays. We lamented about tossing and turning on the old couch hide a bed that smelled musty and gave us a morning backache. The mattress was thin, swayback and the sheets never fit correctly.

 

Now, as young adults or empty nesters with our own living space, there are often times when we need an extra bed for visitors or when the kids (or grandkids) return home. Due to space constraints, we find ourselves in need of a sleeper sofa that “does it all”, but cringe thinking of our past hide a bed experiences. The bottom line is “How can a sleeper sofa look great, be comfortable, and still provide a good night’s rest?”

Fear not, for today’s sleepers are far more sophisticated than those ancient backbreaking sofa beds. They now provide comfort, style and lots of options. Plus, due to advanced frame techniques, you don’t need a sofa “behemoth” to work well in today’s smaller scale living spaces. Still, care must be taken when selecting a sofa sleeper that works most comfortably for your lifestyle and living situation. Do a little homework first when seeking to find that apartment sofa or sleeper for the spare bedroom.

Not only should you be aware of the space your new sofa bed will occupy, but also what path (i.e. hallway, narrow doors, stairwells, elevators) you’ll take to move it in. All too often the struggle to move the sleeper furniture in makes one wonder if you should purchase a complete set of tools first. (Or at a certain point, a chain saw!) Measure the areas first; know what clearances are needed, and what weights you can handle if it’s not being professionally delivered.

Another issue of space is the “walk around” area required for an open hide a bed. Remember your knee bruises from walking into the corners at night? Most sleeper mattress surfaces are only 72” long; yet seem to intrude much farther into the room. That’s because most sleeper frames fold under the seat, then ride up the back of the sofa beneath the back cushions. Those older style mechanisms must attach from the sides beneath the seat and slide up into the back, thus losing as much as 18” of walk around space.

Some new sleeper units have simpler mechanisms that are easy to operate, don’t take up all that under-seat space, and allow for longer mattresses than the standard 72” length. Look for newer mechanisms that have zero wall clearance in back, resulting in more walk around room in front. If the mechanism is not beneath the seats, that area can then be used for storage.
Do your homework, do the math, then sit AND sleep on it…comfortably!