On the lookout for a cheap sofa bed? Well, lucky you, because we have trawled the internet for the most affordable options out there.
If you aren't on a tight budget then you might want to check out our list of the best sofa beds – there are some gorgeous options over there too. But if you are just after a great sofa bed for under £500 quid or less then get scrolling...
Before you browse, it’s worth knowing that today’s sofa beds – even cheap ones – have long shed their old bulky, ugly, uncomfortable skin and are now designed to be comfier, and much better looking. Yep, even budget sofa beds can be good looking. Our reviews below are based on comfort, but importantly looks, too, and will give you a really good idea about the pros and cons of each of the picks.
For more sofa bed bargains, check out our latest sofa bed sale deals.
How to buy the best cheap sofa bed
Why you can trust Real Homes
Check the construction
Cheap should mean 'affordable', not badly made, so do your homework about the sofa's construction – even reading a good range of online reviews will give you a good idea.
Check the mattress depth
A sofa bed mattress is usually around 6cm deep, which should give decent comfort. But a thin layer of foam over an unforgiving base won't. Mattress size is important, too, so make sure yours is large enough to accommodate two adults comfortably. And maybe invest in a mattress topper to up the comfort levels.
Read our guide to choosing a sofa bed for practical information.
1. Made.com Chou Sofa Bed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
After a super stylish cheap sofa bed? The Chou sofa bed from Made comes in loads of colours, two different shapes and has extra storage, too.
Why we like it
On trend style: there are loads of colour options to choose from with the Chou, from pink velvet (yes, please) to mustard. There are also two different designs, depending on whether you need that extra storage space – if you aren't fussed about that, you could go for the stylish wooden tapered legs instead (plus this model is £100 cheaper).
Easy to use: the click clack mechanism is super easy to use; it's literally done in two movements. There is also a really easy to follow video on the Made.com website that shows how it works.
Extra storage: as well as seating three and sleeping two, the Chou sofa bed has managed to squeeze in a bit of handy storage, perfect for storing extra bedding and pillows.
What to watch for
As with the majority of click clack sofa beds, this doesn't make for the comfiest of sleeps. There is a very clear dip in the middle where the sofa bed folds back and the buttons might be slightly awkward to sleep on. Mattress topper or spare duvet underneath a fitted sheet? Not a bad idea.
2. Habitat Axel 3 Seater Sofa Bed
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Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you are after a super simple, cheap sofa bed that would be perfect to fit into a spare bedroom or a home office then we think the Habitat Axel Sofa Bed could be the one...
Why we like it
Simple, stylish design: maybe the design of this sofa bed might be too basic/streamlined for some people, but we think for an extra bed in the corner of an office or a spare bedroom, this is all you need. Plus, the stripped back look has got a Scandi feel to it that we are fully on board with.
Affordable: we know this is a round up of cheap sofa beds but this is a reeeeeally cheap sofa bed: it comes in at just £295. So, if you are just looking to up your bed count and not after something that will be getting slept on daily we think it's perfect.
Easy to use: simply lift up the back and fold it down, turning this from sofa to bed couldn't be easier.
What to watch for
Again the dip in the middle could be an issue here and reviewers have said, while it's perfect in most respects (it has five stars on Habitat), it's probably only best for the odd night, not if you have the same guests every weekend.
3. Maisons du Monde Lise sofa bed
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Another great cheap sofa bed from Maisons du Monde, the Lise sofa bed would be perfect for more traditional-style rooms...
Why we like it
Traditional style: you may have noticed that most cheap sofa beds all have a similar vibe, and they are all quite simple and modern, but the Lise sofa bed has a really traditional design. We love the button back detail (although not the most comfy to sleep on) and the curved arms, plus those sculptured wooden legs? Really lovely touch.
Easy to use: despite looking like it would be a fold out sofa bed, this actually has a click clack mechanism that's really straightforward to use. You just pull up the back, flick out the legs and you're done.
What to watch for
This does technically sleep two although it doesn't fold out into the biggest sleep space, so just be aware it's going to be pretty cramped. If you regularly have two adults to stay this might not be the best option.
4. Habitat Kota sofa bed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you are after a cheap sofa bed that makes a bit of a statement, check out the Kota sofa bed from Habitat...
Why we like it
Unique style: for a cheap sofa bed, this actually has a really distinctive design that we think makes it look way more expensive than it actually is. It's definitely going to be the focus of your living room, especially if you go for that funky orange colour (it comes in a more demure black and grey, too, if that's more your vibe).
Good price: this cheap sofa bed is only £395! And actually it's in the Habitat sale right now for just £316, so go get it while there is money off!
Easy to use mechanism: another click clack mechanism that's really easy to use, you literally just fold down the back and it makes for quite a roomy bed.
What to watch for
While we do the love the look of the all over buttoning, it does mean it might not be the most comfortable night's sleep, especially for light sleepers.
5. Dunelm Taylor sofa bed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
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If you are hunting for the best cheap sofa bed, Dunelm have so many great options but we went for the Taylor sofa bed as our favourite for it alluring looks.
Why we like it
Looks expensive: considering this model is only £349, we think it looks pretty expensive. It's reminiscent of sofa beds from West Elm or Swoon, and their Mid-century style sofas have been on our lust lists for quite some time.
On trend shape: the shape and those bolster cushions are bang on trend, plus you can remove the arms, if that would suit your (small) space better.
Easy to use mechanism: the click clack mechanism is trouble-free and straightforward.
Spacious sleep surface: despite the sofa itself looking quite petite, it opens up into a spacious 190cm x 112cm bed.
What to watch for
Those buttons: mattress topper or duvet on top are always a bonus.
6. Made.com Moby Sofa bed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
If you have had your eye on a gorgeous pink velvet sofa but think you need to be pratical and buy a sofa bed, then hello Moby, it's a gorgeous pink velvet sofa bed...
Why we like it
Gorgeous design: Velvet sofas have been a trend for ages now, and they don't look like they are going anywhere, so in terms of fabric choice we reckon it's a safe bet. The design is timeless too, statement enough to make it noticeable but not so crazy it's going to overwhelm your living room.
Stylish colour options: If pink isn't your thing there's a deep forest green or a midnight blue velvet to choose from.
Easy to use: As with a lot of our top choices you just fold down the back and flick out the hidden legs.
Super budget friendly: Full price, the Moby is £499 which is pretty reasonable for a sofa bed anyways, but lucky for you it's currently in the sale and it is just £249!!
What to watch for
If you love it, just be sure you buy it quickly, as it's in the sale you can never be sure how long it's going to be available for at that amazing price.
7. Maisons du Monde pine day bed
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Reasons to avoid
While not technically a sofa bed, we would for sure count this day bed from Maisons du Monde as a cheap sofa bed option...
Why we like it
Super trendy: Sofa beds? So last month. It's all about the relaxed look of a day bed. Keep it against a wall and throw a load of cushions on and it looks like a sofa anyways.
Very comfy: Because this is more bed than sofa it makes for a really comfy night's sleep. It might be one to consider if you have guests stay a lot and need something a bit more sturdy than a click clack model.
Customisable: You can make this day bed look however you want by just switching up the throw cushions, meaning that it can change as your style changes. Plus the day bed itself comes in a few finishes – white, grey and dark wood.
What to watch for
It's just worth mentioning that you will obviously have to buy a cushion/mattress for this day bed separately, but that doesn't add to the cost too much. The one you can see in the pic is from Maisons du Monde too and it's just over 100 quid.
8. Made.com Haru Sofa bed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
You might have seen the Haru sofa bed already as it’s a bit of an Instagram star. It’s only £299, so we couldn’t leave it out of our round up of the best cheap sofas...
Why we like it
Perfect for small spaces: this sofa bed is really diddy, so is perfect if you are after a small sofa bed, maybe for a spare bedroom or the corner of a home office.
Plenty of colour choice: all velvet and all very stylish, the fabric options for this cheap sofa are completely dreamy. There’s green, orange, pink and blue. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Comfy sofa bed: despite its small size, the Haru sofa bed is actually a fold out model, so you don’t get that dip in the middle you can get with cheap click clack sofa beds.
What to watch for
We think the design is actually super cool and unique, but you can definitely tell it’s a sofa bed, which we know some people might not be as keen on.
9. Dunelm Oliver Chair Bed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you are looking for the perfect sofa bed for a small spare bedroom, maybe to go in a home office, the Dunelm Oliver Chair Bed would be perfect...
Why we like it
Compact design: this is the smallest sofa in our round up, so the best pick if you are looking for something to squeeze into the spare bedroom. You actually get three sitting and sleeping positions with this model too, you can have it just as a chair, as a bed, or as a kind of chaise sofa by just folding the front down and keeping the backrest up – perfect for movie marathons.
Easy to use: super simple to turn from chair to bed. You just unzip the legs from the back and the front sections and fold it out; one person can do it in a matter of minutes.
Cool Scandi look: and obviously we are always about how the sofa looks, it might be cheap and it might work well but if it doesn't look great, what's the point? This one definitely passes the test. It's got a slight Scandi vibe with the simple armless design and the dark wooden tapered legs.
What to watch for
This sofa bed is pretty firm, but it will soften up after a few uses and you could always make it more comfortable with a mattress topper.
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Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.