Best Chair Beds

Best Chair Beds UK (2024)

Last updated: 26.09.2024 Reading time: 8 Min.

Need a new chair bed to impress your guests?

A chair bed is a great space-saving solution providing a place for visitors to kip without cramping your style. 😎

And we’ve found the best chair beds in the UK.

Is a chair with a bed the answer to better sleeping arrangements?

Find out below. 👇

jaybe retro chair bed open

The best chair beds for adults UK

Sleep Hero Favourite

Dreams Cork A-Frame Sofa Bed

The contemporary Cork A-Frame sofa bed is a convenient space-saving solution for smaller rooms.
  • Responsive foam, woven fabric material & sprung slatted base
  • Cream, grey, plum, or silver
  • 125 x 93 x 82 cm (50 x 37 x 33 inches)

 

Tell me more about the Dreams Cork A-Frame sofa bed

The Dreams Cork A-Frame sofa bed is one of the best small double sofa beds in the UK.  

Unlike traditional chair beds, which can still be quite large and robust, the Cork A-Frame sofa bed has a sleek and simple design, which will look great in any modern living space. 

It's available in a small double size and is especially well-suited to smaller homes and spaces. 

This sofa chair bed has a clever A-frame mechanism, allowing it to fold together and back out within minutes. 

It is available in 4 different colour options in a classically woven fabric and has a spring-slatted base. 

Reasons to buy

Assembly available at additional cost 

Compact design 

Multiple colours available

Reasons to avoid

Only a year guarantee

Delivery can take up to 5 weeks 

Budget-Friendly

Argos Habitat Roma Chairbed

The Argos Habitat Roma Chairbed has a 100% velvet cover for a smooth and luxurious finish.

Conveniently, this fold out chair bed is available in single and small double sizes.

The Argos Habitat Roma Chair Bed is a convenient, spacy-savvy option for those looking for style and a touch of luxury. ⭐️

Conveniently, this foam bed chair is available in a single or small double size.

The dimensions are (width x depth x height):

  • Single: 90 x 91 x 81 cm (35.4 x 36 x 32 inches)
  • Small double: 101 x 92 x 82 cm (39.7 x 36.2 x 32.2 inches)

When pulled out, the sleeping surface has a length of 190 cm (75 inches) and a thickness of 12.5 cm (5 inches).

habitat roma chairbed orange

argos habitat roma chairbed pulled out

The Habitat Roma simply folds out to its extended length in a matter of seconds, and the stuffed foam cushions provide comfort whether you're sitting or sleeping. 

The fabric cover is made from 100% velvet and comes in various vibrant colour options.

The foam chair bed also comes with a long back cushion with single button detail, which completes the look. 

BUY HABITAT ROMA CHAIR BED£ 230

  Argos Habitat Roma Chair Bed
Composition: 100% velvet, wooden feet, foam cushions
Colours: Orange, charcoal, teal, pink, green
Delivery & assembly: Delivery costs may vary. Self-assembly is easy - simply add on the wooden feet.
Guarantee: Available at an additional cost.
What makes this sofa bed special?  This chair bed is convenient and super stylish.
Compact Design

Jay-Be Footstool Sofa Bed

The Jay-Be Footstool Sofa Bed is the ultimate space-savvy option for those in smaller homes.
  • Rebound e-Fibre mattress, steel frame & FSC-certified wood
  • Autumn, dove, mink, raven, sonata
  • 89 x 72 x 45 cm (35 x 28 x 17.7 inches) 

Tell me more about the Jay-Be Footstool Sofa Bed

The Jay-Be Footstool Sofa Bed is the ultimate space-saving solution.

This modern-style footstool can be opened up to transform into a single guest bed within seconds. 

Made of smart polyester fibres and a soft woven fabric cover, this mattress has been rigorously tested to withstand continuous folding and unfolding. 

The Jay-Be footstool is a practical folding chair bed designed with durability in mind. 

All materials are recyclable and sustainable, and the footstool is made in the UK.

The Jay-Be footstool sold by Happy Beds comes with free delivery and a 5-year guarantee.

Reasons to buy

5-year guarantee

Compact design 

100% foam free makes it more eco-friendly 

Reasons to avoid

No trial period 

Only sleeps one person 

What are chair beds?

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.

chair bed vs sofa bed
A chair bed is smaller than a sofa bed.

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.

Who are chair beds for?

Chair beds could be an excellent choice for anyone looking for more sleeping space without taking up too much room. 😍

chair bed in room
A chair bed is an efficient way to create more sleeping space.

They are more compact than a sofa bed, so they're an ideal option for those living in smaller spaces.

We think they’re especially suitable for:

  • Those with limited space available
  • Single adult guests
  • Children who have regular sleepovers
  • Those looking for an occasional or frequent use extra bed
  • Those who need a bed that folds out easily
  • Budget buyers who can’t afford an expensive sofa bed

Chair beds are also designed to accommodate various comfort preferences.

Pull-out vs click-clack chair beds

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.

pull out chair bed
A pull-out chair bed includes a mattress.

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.

We'll explain a bit more about futons in the next section.

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.

click clack chair bed
Click-clack sofa beds can be set up in seconds.

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£ 269.99

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.

Are chair beds comfortable?

Chair beds can be a comfy option for those who need a compact spare bed.

Different types of chair beds offer different comfort levels. 🤗

Different comfort levels graphic
Chair beds come in varying levels of comfort.

How much you spend on your chair bed can depend on how comfortable it feels. 🤔

Cheaper chair beds are usually made with low quality foam, low-support spring units, and thin mattresses.

Higher-end chair beds are much deeper and use higher-quality materials designed to emulate an actual mattress as much as possible.

We recommend investing in a luxury sofa or chair bed if it will be used more frequently.

Our favourite luxury sofa beds:

How to make a chair bed more comfortable

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? 🙌

woman hugging pillow
A decent pillow can make a huge difference to your sleep.

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.

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

-40% EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW

You can find out more about choosing a pillow based on your sleeping position in our best pillow article.

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.

Man and woman relaxing on mattress topper
A mattress topper can be a great addition to any mattress or chair bed.

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.

BUY PANDA TOPPER£ 99.95

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? 👀

Find out more about our top-rated UK mattresses in our best mattress article.

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:

Chair bed prices

Prices for chair beds range depending on the quality of the materials. 💰

Typically, chair beds can be found anywhere between £50 - £2500.

How much you spend on your chair bed depends on how often it will be used.

We recommend spending more on a chair bed that will be used regularly for sitting or sleeping.

Chair bed discount codes

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

Piggybank graphic
Chair beds have regular discounts.

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 bed sizes

A chair with a bed is available in all different sizes. 🐁🐘

As chair beds are more compact than sofa beds, they are a great option for those short on space.

The sofa section usually measures around the same width as an armchair or loveseat.

The mattress sleeping area is typically the same size as a single mattress but can come in various UK sizes:

People laying on different mattress sizes
Chair bed mattresses come in different sizes.

UK mattress sizes:

  • Single chair bed UK - 90 x 190 cm (3' x 6'3")
  • Small double chair bed UK - 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
  • Double chair bed UK - 135 x 190 cm (4'6" x 6'3")
  • King size chair bed UK - 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
  • Super-king chair bed UK - 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
These sizes are for the mattress only, and the armchair and backrest should also be considered when measuring your space.

Chair beds delivery & returns

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. 🛠️

man assembling a chair bed
Some chair beds will require your DIY skills.

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£ 230

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:

Chair bed alternatives

Not sold on a chair bed?

Nevermind! 😅

We have plenty of alternative options for you.

If you need something more compact, then a floor mattress or trundle is a great option, or if space is no issue, a full-sized sofa bed could be better.

Check out our favourite guest bed options below! 👇

Our top sleeper chair UK alternatives:

Should you buy a chair bed?

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:

Frequently asked questions

  • What is a chair bed called?


    A chair bed is an intermittent term often used to describe sofa beds.

    They are also known as futons, folding beds, chair bed sleepers, and sleeper beds.

    These sofas or chairs can double up as a bed using a fold-out mattress or click-clack design. 

  • Is it okay to sleep on a chair bed all the time?


    Chair beds for adults are typically designed for infrequent use. 

    Sleeping on a chair bed every day could eventually lead to back or neck pain.

    They should feel comfortable for one or two nights, but their structure means they cannot offer the same support as a regular mattress. 

    However, high-quality sofa beds like the Brook + Wilde or Bruno sofa bed are designed to be much more supportive and are suitable for more frequent use. 

  • How do I take out a chair bed?


    You can usually open up your chair bed using one of two methods. 

    You chair bed will follow one of these methods:

    • Click-clack method - This consists of pulling the backrest and/or armrests forward to release a mechanism, which will then allow you to lay it out flat.  
    • Fold-out method - The mattress is hidden inside the chair bed. Remove the cushions and unfold the metal frame until it lays flat like a bed frame. The mattress folds out with the frame. 
  • Who sells chair beds near me?


    If you’re looking to buy a chair with a bed or other bedroom furniture from a brick-and-mortar store, then check out the following retailers.

    Popular chair bed brick-and-mortar retailers:

    • Dreams chair beds
    • Bensons for Beds chair beds
    • Argos chair beds
    • Dunelm chair beds
    • IKEA chair beds
    • John Lewis chair beds

     

  • What types of chair beds are there?


    When most people think of “chair bed”, they typically imagine a standard sofa bed style.

    However, there are all different types of chair beds available. 🧐

    Other chair bed UK options include:

    • Garden chair beds
    • Inflatable chair beds
    • Recliner chair beds
    • Bean bag chair beds
    • Pet chair beds (dog chair beds and cat chair beds)
    • Futon chair beds
    • Folding chair beds
    • Hospital chair beds

    When it comes to chair beds, you're a bit spoilt for choice!

  • Where can I buy a chair bed online?


    Chair beds are available for purchase from a variety of online bed and furniture retailers.

    You can find chair beds at the following online stores

    We recommend having a rough idea of the type of chair bed you need before stepping into a store. 

  • References

Holly

Holly Matthews

Senior Content Writer

Holly has been a content writer at Sleep Hero UK since 2021. With an MA degree in literature and previous experience working at a leading UK bed retailer, she is committed to using her skills to guide others towards making better sleep choices.

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