Common Sofa Bed Myths Interior Designers Wish Buyers Would Stop Believing

Sofa beds have long been treated as a compromise piece of furniture - practical, but rarely associated with comfort, longevity, or good design. Many of the assumptions surrounding them stem from outdated designs and poor-quality examples that no longer reflect how modern sofa beds are built.

Interior designers frequently encounter hesitation from clients who need flexible living solutions but remain sceptical about sofa beds due to lingering myths. In reality, premium sofa beds today are designed with the same level of care, comfort, and durability as standard sofas, making them suitable for everyday use as well as overnight guests.

In this article, we will go over some of the most common sofa bed myths designers wish buyers would stop believing - and explain how contemporary design has moved well beyond them.

Myth 1: Sofa Beds Are Only Suitable for Occasional Use

One of the most persistent myths is that sofa beds are only meant for spare rooms or very infrequent use. This idea comes from older designs that prioritised compact mechanisms over seating comfort.

Modern sofa beds are often designed as full-time sofas first, with sleeping functionality built in as a secondary feature. High-quality frames, carefully engineered mechanisms, and supportive cushions mean they can be used every day without sacrificing comfort.

At Furl, we design our premium collection of sofa beds with daily living in mind, ensuring the seating experience feels no different from a standard sofa while still offering a reliable sleeping solution when needed.

Myth 2: Sofa Beds Are Uncomfortable to Sit On

Another common concern is that sofa beds feel stiff or awkward when used as seating. Historically, bulky mechanisms and thin cushioning did contribute to this reputation.

Today, premium sofa beds use advanced internal construction that separates the seating support from the bed mechanism. High-density foams, layered cushioning, and ergonomic seat depths ensure comfort while sitting, regardless of whether the bed function is used regularly or not.

If you choose to opt for one of our premium-quality sofa beds, you won’t have to make a compromise in seating comfort.

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Myth 3: The Mattress Will Always Be Thin and Unsupportive

Many buyers assume that sofa bed mattresses are inherently inferior to standard mattresses. While this was often true in the past, it no longer reflects modern design standards.

Premium sofa beds now feature mattresses designed specifically for foldaway use, with improved thickness, better support layers, and materials that maintain comfort when unfolded. Some designs use pocket-sprung or high-quality foam mattresses that provide adequate support for overnight stays.

Interior designers often point out that for guests staying a few nights, a well-designed sofa bed mattress can be far more comfortable than expected.

Myth 4: Sofa Beds Look Bulky or Out of Place

Sofa beds were once visually easy to spot, often appearing oversized or heavy in proportion to the rest of a room. This contributed to the idea that they were purely functional pieces rather than considered design choices.

Contemporary sofa beds are designed with clean lines, balanced proportions, and upholstery options that blend seamlessly into modern interiors. Slim arms, tailored profiles, and thoughtful detailing mean they no longer dominate a space visually.

Design-led brands like ourselves offer sofa beds that integrate naturally into living rooms, guest rooms, and open-plan spaces without drawing attention to their dual function.

Myth 5: Sofa Beds Are Difficult to Open and Close

Some buyers worry that sofa beds are awkward to operate or require excessive effort to convert. This perception is often based on older mechanisms that were heavy and poorly engineered.

Modern sofa bed mechanisms are designed to be smooth, balanced, and easy to use. Many can be opened in one motion without removing cushions, while safety features help prevent sudden movement or pinching.

Interior designers frequently note that ease of use is one of the biggest improvements in contemporary sofa bed design, and at Furl, we couldn’t agree more.

Myth 6: Sofa Beds Don’t Last as Long as Regular Sofas

There is a belief that adding a mechanical component automatically shortens the lifespan of a piece of furniture. In reality, durability depends on construction quality rather than complexity.

Premium sofa beds use reinforced frames, durable hinges, and mechanisms tested for repeated use. When built well, these components are designed to withstand years of opening and closing without loosening or failure.

Having designed and manufactured thousands of premium-quality sofa beds, we can confidently say that a high-quality sofa bed can remain structurally sound for just as long as a standard sofa.

Myth 7: Sofa Beds Are Only for Small Homes

Sofa beds are often associated with compact flats or studio spaces, but this limits how they’re viewed as a design solution.

Many larger homes incorporate sofa beds into guest rooms, home offices, or secondary living spaces. This adds flexibility without dedicating an entire room to occasional use. Designers often recommend sofa beds in spaces that serve multiple purposes, allowing rooms to adapt as needs change.

Rather than being a compromise, sofa beds can support more efficient use of space in homes of all sizes.

Myth 8: You Have to Sacrifice Style for Practicality

Perhaps the biggest misconception is that practicality and style cannot coexist. This belief leads some buyers to overlook sofa beds entirely, assuming they won’t match their aesthetic preferences.

At Furl, our line of sofa beds features models in a wide range of fabrics, colours, and silhouettes. From understated neutrals to textured upholstery, we have an option to suit different interior styles while still delivering practical benefits.

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What Interior Designers Recommend Instead

Rather than dismissing sofa beds based on outdated assumptions, designers encourage buyers to focus on:

Frame construction and build quality

Seat comfort when used daily

Mattress type and support

Ease of opening and closing

Proportions suited to the room

Upholstery durability and maintenance

Evaluating sofa beds using the same criteria as standard sofas often leads to better purchasing decisions.

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David Norman

David Norman is the founder of Furl, a UK-based furniture brand known for redefining how people live with space-saving, design-led storage beds and sofa beds.

With almost two decades of hands-on experience in product design, manufacturing, and brand strategy, David has built Furl into a trusted name among urban professionals seeking calm, clutter-free homes. His work has been recognised for its innovation and craftsmanship, with features in publications such as Yahoo Finance and The Telegraph.

David continues to lead Furl’s creative direction, developing furniture that solves real-world problems without compromise.

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