Best Chair Beds UK (2025)

A chair bed is a single chair, armchair, or 2-seater love seat that also functions as a bed.

They usually follow a click-click design where the backrest and seat is the sleeping surface or have a hidden mattress that folds out from underneath.

Typically they sleep just one single person and can seat up to two. 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼

Are chair beds the same as sofa beds?

A chair bed is usually much smaller than a sofa bed.

A sofa bed has a larger sitting and sleeping surface area that can usually accommodate two or more people.

Sofa beds can come as a two-, three-, or four-seater sofa bed.

A chair bed is typically a single chair that can transform into a bed. ✨

However, the term chair bed is used intermittently and can be a way to describe any type of sofa bed.

Other terms to describe a chair bed/sofa bed include:

• Bed chairs
• Armchair beds
• Sofa chair beds
• Foldout beds/folding chair bed
• Sleeper chair beds/chair bed sleeper
• Futons or chaise
• Chair mattress

This can make it difficult to find exactly what you're looking for online.

But it's important to differentiate between a chair bed and a sofa bed if you're looking for something more compact.

A chair bed can typically be set up using a pull-out or click-clack method.

A pull-out chair bed offers a more traditional style, whilst a click-clack chair bed is easy and convenient.

Pull-out chair beds

Most people will recognise a pull-out chair bed.

These chair beds are designed with an integrated mattress hidden underneath the sofa's base.

They usually come with a foam, spring, or hybrid mattress.

Because of this, they typically offer the best levels of comfort.

They have a softer feel than futons, making them a better option for side sleepers.

Click-clack or futon chair beds

Click-clack and futon-style beds are designed a little differently. 🧐

The sleeping surface comprises the backrest and seating area that can be folded to create a larger sleeping space.

But they have a much firmer feel. 🧱

However, they can feel more supportive and sturdier to lay on than a pull-out mattress, ideal for back and stomach sleepers.

They are usually more compact, and the sleeping area can be low to the ground, making them a safer choice for small children.

The Aurora chair bed is an excellent fold-out foam chair bed with a click-clack mechanism.

BUY AURORA SOFA BED£ 189.99

Combination chair beds

Some chair beds come with a click-clack and pull-out option.

This helps to keep the chair bed compact whilst creating even more sleeping space.

Combination chair beds have the most advanced design, where the bottom part of the chair bed may pull out, and the backrest folds down.

However, these are much rarer than standard click-clack and pull-out beds.

Perhaps you’ve already bought a chair bed, but it’s giving your guests aches and pains...

So, what can be done? 🤔

There are ways to improve the comfort of your sofa bed chair without replacing it.

Invest in new pillows

One amazing pillow can be a game-changer for your sleep. 🤯

Buying better quality bedding sets, duvets, and pillows will improve the quality of your sleep.

So, instead of forking out on a new chair bed, why not invest in one great pillow? 🙌

The Premium Pillow by Emma is a great option for guests.

This pillow is made of removable memory foam layers. 🧽

Therefore, your visitors can choose whether they want a deep, medium, or low pillow, depending on their sleeping position.

Buy a mattress topper

A mattress topper is a fantastic way to enhance the comfort of a chair bed mattress. ☁️

A mattress topper is a removable layer, often made of foam or other soft material, that is placed on top of a mattress to improve its comfort or prolong its lifespan.

Perhaps your chair bed came with a thin mattress and needs some extra support to improve how it feels.

Or maybe your futon feels a bit on the firm side, and you’d like to add a softer memory foam layer to make it more comfortable.

The Panda Mattress Topper is a great choice. 🐼

Using OEKO-TEX-certified ^[1] materials, the Panda Mattress Topper provides an affordable, gel-infused memory foam layer with a breathable bamboo cover.

-10% PANDA MATTRESS TOPPER WITH CODE "PARTNER12"£ 89.96

Update the chair bed mattress

A mattress is usually included with a fold-out chair bed.

However, this is typically a cheap and low-quality mattress.

Instead of replacing the whole chair bed, why not consider just replacing the mattress? 👀

You can find plenty of orthopaedic chair bed mattresses on Amazon that will provide a more comfortable sleep.

SHOP SOFA BED MATTRESSES

Alternatively, you could use an extra thick mattress topper on your chair bed instead of a mattress.

Just ensure the dimensions match up with what you require.

Our favourite thick mattress toppers:

Luckily, chair beds are often on sale where you can take advantage of all the offers.

Chair beds can be as much as 50% off their original price.

If you find a good deal on a chair bed, it might be worth placing an order, even if you don’t need it for a while.

Alternatively, bookmark our discounts page to keep on top of regular offers.

Don't forget to add any discounts or offers at checkout. 🛒

Or sign up for our newsletter for exclusive discounts throughout the year.

Chair beds are often made to order, which means they can take a while to be delivered.

Typically, a chair bed can take anywhere between 6 - 9 weeks for delivery.

Therefore, we'd recommend ordering well in advance of any expected guests.

Some chair beds will come pre-assembled, while others will arrive flat-packed. 🛠️

You should check the product description to see the assembling method for your chair bed.

For those looking for a fuss-free chair bed, the Argos Habitat Roma chair bed is pre-assembled; you just need to add on the feet!

BUY HABITAT ROMA CHAIR BED£ 220

Do chair beds come with a guarantee?

Some chair beds include a warranty.

This protects you from any manufacturing faults for a specified period.

If you find a fault, you should contact the relevant customer service team for a replacement.

A fault can include anything such as indented foams, seams coming apart, or a faulty mechanism in the chair bed.

Chair bed guarantees are typically between 1 - 5 years, depending on the manufacturer.

This helps to give some extra peace of mind to those ordering online. 💻

Happy Beds offers a 5-year guarantee on all their sofa and chair beds.

Take a look below:

A chair bed is a great way to add extra sleeping options to your home without compromising space.

Whether you’re planning for guests or your kid’s sleepovers, a chair bed can be a great option.

Here’s a reminder of some of the best chair beds available.

Our best single sofa bed chair UK options: