Having family and friends stay over at your house is fun, which is why many people make it a point to own sofa beds (aka sleeper sofas and pullout couches) and/or futons. These instant beds are extremely convenient, and you can place just about anywhere around the house.
Sofa beds and futons are especially great if you don't have an official guest room. Perhaps you can repurpose another room. For example, they can be placed in an office, living room, or family room where it will mainly function as a couch, but when overnight guests arrive, you'll have an instant bed.
Sizes
With this in mind, take a look at the space you have available, and decide on the size needed for your convertible sleeper. They are typically marketed as full-size or queen beds, but very few are twin size.
Linens
You will want to buy the right size of bed linens for your sofa bed or futon. Needless to say, most people are clueless when it comes to the proper bedding needed, and guests are left with sheets that move around or come off during the night.
When you're shopping, notice that the mattress is much thinner than a regular mattress. Hence, it is crucial that you read the informational pamphlet that comes with it to verify the exact dimensions. You'll need these to know whether you should dress it with conventional full-size sheet sets, or if it requires special bedding. Because there is a large and varied market of sofa beds and futons, some will need regular linens while others need specially-ordered sheets. As for comforters or quilts, you can use conventional full or queen-size comforters or quilts.
Padding
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a sofa bed or futon is how to equip it with the most comfort. Because of the thinness of sofa bed mattresses, your guests may feel the frame underneath. We suggest you place extra padding, such as a featherbed or a mattress topper, under the linen. This will give the mattress more cushioning, mitigate the feeling of the frame beneath, and make it a more comfortable experience for your guest.
You and your guests need not dread the sofa bed or futon experience. With some consideration for your guests' comfort, your sofa bed or futon can give comfort, support, and a great sleeping-away-from-home experience!
Congratulations, and let the guests arrive!
