Sofa beds really are the ultimate in convenience. If you live in a smaller home, apartment or condo, they provide an instant guest room! What I like best about sofa beds is that you’re always prepared – for your daughter’s slumber party, for an unexpected guest or for a visit from your in-laws. Pull it out and you can easily accommodate guests in comfort and style. Just as importantly, when there are no guests, you have a gorgeous sofa that you can enjoy every day. It’s double duty performance.

Flexibility. Consider how easy it is – you can put a sofa bed just about anywhere – in an office, hobby room, child’s room, family room or of course, a guest room. Or, you can let it steal the show in your living room. Many of the sofa beds we’ve featured here have matching side chairs or love seats to create a full ensemble. Or you can mix and match for a more eclectic, personalized look.

Décor Options. Today’s sofa beds come in every décor style – including contemporary, traditional and transitional. This gives you optimal flexibility as they will look great in any room.

Size and Materials. Whether you choose a double or queen version, a sofa bed takes the worry out of overnight guests. Regarding materials, leather or upholstery options are available – in brights, neutrals, plaids and prints. Be sure to investigate the construction behind the sofa. The sofa bed featured here is quality made and will deliver years of service.

Making Your Guest Comfortable. Some sofa beds are located in a designated guest room, but more often they are in a living/family room. With that in mind, you need to be extra attentive to make sure that your guests have everything they need to be comfortable. Wherever your sofa bed is situated, here’s a checklist of essentials:

• Nightstand. Be sure your guests have a place to lay their jewellery, glasses, wallet, etc. A nightstand with a lamp should always be beside your sofa bed, even if it’s just for the evening. Remember, an accent table, trunk or even a sturdy chair can serve as a nightstand.
• Tray of Toiletries. Be sure to put out a tray with toiletries for your guests – toothbrush/paste, soap, tissues, moisturizer, etc. If you put it on a tray, guests are certain it’s for them.
• Entertainment. Many people like to wind down before they go to sleep. Keep a few popular books on hand, or if space permits, a small TV.
• Linens. So obvious, yet many people forget this. Beyond what you’ve used to make the bed, be sure to lay out extra pillows and blankets in case it gets chilly in the night.
• Flowers. Not essential of course, but what a nice treat. In whatever room your guest is sleeping, set out a fresh bouquet.

Did you know that sofa beds date back to the 1950s? How far they’ve come since then. You will be delighted to see the many choices now available.

Tags: entertaining, Furniture, sleep