Sleeper sectionals are the ultimate multi-taskers in the home, providing ample seating during the day and somewhere to sleep when it’s time to go to bed.
Ali Bryde, founder of Mustard Seed Beginning and MSB Interior Design in West Michigan, says, “My clients utilize them most often in compact apartments, offices, and multipurpose spaces such as the family room.”
Whenever you shop for a sofa, comfort and durability are two top priorities. You’re going to use it daily in one way or another, and given the financial investment, you want it to last. The quality of the materials has a significant impact on those aspects, as well as ease of use.
What We Tested
- To find the best sleeper sectionals, we dedicated six weeks to testing some of the market’s top options in our homes. We evaluated each one for comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and value.
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The best sleeper sectional we tested checks all the boxes: It’s customizable, attractive, durable, and comfortable. Each one is made-to-order in the United States with your choice of 50-plus fabrics and three leg finishes.
If you notice it’s on sale but you aren’t ready to make your selections, select “Decide Later” in the fabric drop-down menu and check out as usual. Let Apt2B know what fabric you’ve landed on within 90 days. The best part? You don’t have to wait months for your sectional—it’s built in just 30 days.
The sectional is large enough that we found two adults could lay on it at the same time without sacrificing comfort, and the clean, modern lines are versatile enough to match any decor. In fact, we got a ton of compliments on the couch during the testing period.
Every upholstery option is kid- and pet-friendly, which makes the sectional work especially well for families—maintenance is a breeze. Another plus is that the cushions have removable covers, so if stains do happen, you can take care of them quickly and easily.
The cushions and queen mattress are as firm as we expected based on reviews, which we really liked for the cushions but not the mattress. That said, you can select from deluxe innerspring or memory foam depending on preference. Converting the sectional into a bed was fairly straightforward.
You can opt for the free entryway delivery, or choose white-glove delivery for $199. This service makes all the difference, since the delivery team brings the couch into the home, assembles it exactly where it should go, and removes all packaging materials.
Product Details: Seat Depth: 25 in. | Fill Material: High-density foam | Dimensions: 121 x 88 x 36 in. | Mattress Size: Queen
Key Terms to Know
- Seat Depth: The distance between the front of a seat cushion to the back. Your height and how you like to sit impact what kind of depth (shallow, standard, or deep) you should look for, but ideally you should be able to sit with both feet flat on the floor.
- Fill Type: The material that fills a sectional’s cushions, which impacts comfort, quality, and durability. Some common types include foam (a supportive high- or medium-density option) and polyfill (a synthetic material that’s cheaper and more malleable than foam).
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Because of their size and functionality, the best sleeper sectionals often come with a high price tag—but not this one. Despite the affordability, the contemporary design features an oversized ottoman, seating for up to seven people, and surprising durability.
During testing, we had three dogs regularly digging into the cushions. Though the polyester upholstery seemed mediocre at first glance, it proved stronger than anticipated; we didn’t notice any fading, tears, or stains. That said, the lack of removable covers may make it harder to clean the cushions.
The couch is only available in two colors (slate gray and a medium gray) but they’re both ideal for hiding stains that do occur. We appreciated the high back, which offers adequate support to tall people, as well as the sturdy frame. The thick cushions were initially firm, but did break in and get softer.
Because of this, however, the less-utilized cushions may continue to feel firmer, which could be particularly noticeable if you’re laying down.
When it came to converting the sectional into a sleeper, the process was simple: We took off the three pillows from the long side and unfolded the bed using the handle. While laying down, we did notice that the full-size mattress was on the thin side and too short for tall people.
If you need a couch by a certain date, you may want to consider a different vendor—the shipping was a week late. Once at home, the delivery team made the experience easy, carrying both parts of the sectional inside to the desired spot, hooking them together, and adding the pillows and ottoman.
Product Details: Seat Depth: 21 in. | Fill Material: Foam wrapped in poly fiber | Dimensions: 76 x 38 x 37 in. | Mattress Size: Full
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A great multi-tasker, this sleeper sectional also has a pop-up platform, a trundle, and a storage chaise.
When you’re short on space, your furniture needs to work smarter, not harder. This sectional is more than a sleeper; you also get a pop-up platform, a trundle, and a storage chaise built-in. Though you do have to pay a little more for it, we think the couch is more than worth it.
Design gurus will be pleased to hear that with more than 230 upholstery options—chenille, twill, and everything in-between—you’re certain to find just the right fabric for your space. Other details that make it stand out are the two arm styles (track and slope) and clean lines.
Even with two kids and two dogs, we felt that the couch was firm enough to retain its shape. During the testing period, there was no noticeable wear and tear—despite all the bouncing and dirty dog paws, it still looked brand new.
Between the seamless mechanisms, solid frame, and durable cushions, we would go so far as to say that the sectional could last you decades. The only issue we experienced was the pop-up falling off its track a couple of times. Despite the slim footprint, the sectional can easily fit four adults.
The couch was most often used by a family of four, typically for movie nights but sometimes for sleepovers as well. Though we felt that both the mattress and cushions were too firm for our personal comfort, we acknowledge that will likely be ideal for those with back problems or kids.
Aside from a small hiccup that was quickly resolved, the white-glove delivery was a seamless experience. Not only did the sectional pieces require being moved from the truck to the home, but they had to make the journey around the house, up the deck stairs, and into a walk-out basement.
Product Details: Seat Depth: 23 in. | Fill Material: CertiPUR-US-certified foam core wrapped in fiber | Dimensions: 90 x 67 x 27 in. | Mattress Size: Queen
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Why buy something you merely like when you can create your dream sofa? Joybird offers almost 80 fabrics for you to choose from, including distressed chenille, silky velvet, and durable Sunbrella twill. There are best-selling hues ready to ship, while the others are made to order just for you.
Already fairly priced, this sectional often goes on sale for 40% off—which is pretty rare for custom furniture. Lock in the discount before choosing your upholstery by clicking “Decide Later” and placing your order. Joybird will send you a free swatch kit to help you pick.
While there is a Wilder Sleeper Sectional available, we tested the traditional sectional, so we can’t speak to mattress quality. However, we found the couch deep yet firm, with a little give and quite a bit of comfort. We anticipate that the cushions will be similar on the sleeper version.
One of the best parts is the quality of the fabric, which can be used across either version of the couch. We chose a stain-resistant ivory that still looked pristine even after wet, dirty dogs jumped on the couch.
Despite the light weight, the entire sectional is still very sturdy. Our one complaint is that the latch mechanism is difficult to engage. The pillowy, high back cushions are modern, with a minimalist frame that allows for versatile styling.
White-glove delivery was an unexpected perk. The movers brought each part of the sectional inside exactly where we wanted it, then assembled everything and removed all of the packaging before leaving.
Product Details: Seat Depth: 26.5 in. | Fill Material: Polyurethane foam core with multilayer fiber seating | Dimensions: 123.5 x 60.5 x 37.5 in. | Mattress Size: Queen
Currently Testing
We are currently testing the Article Sven Sleeper Chair. In addition to a tufted seat that folds out into a bed, it has a modern design complete with round bolster pillows and monochromatic piping details. The chair can be custom made to order in a curated range of neutral hues. We will update this story soon with our insights.
Other Sleeper Sectionals We Have Our Eye On
The Bottom Line
Our pick for best sleeper sectional is the Apt2B Tuxedo 2pc Sleeper Sectional, which not only has an attractive design but passed durability and comfort testing with flying colors. It’s made to order in just 30 days, customized with your choice of 50-plus pet- and kid-friendly fabrics, as well as three leg finishes.
Our Testing Process
Our evaluation began with shipping and assembly, recording how long they both took in addition to how easy the process was. After that, our job was to use the sleeper sectionals as desired, as long as we converted the sofas into beds and slept on them at least once a week.
Comfort for ourselves and others were considered, as well as how durable and high quality the sofas were and how good of a value each one was based on their prices. The entire period was six weeks, though we intend to continue testing them in the long-term, updating our insights at the six-month and one-year marks.
Better Homes & Gardens
What to Know About Sleeper Sectionals
Dimensions and Placement
Everyone should measure their room before a large furniture purchase, but sleeper sectionals require extra consideration. “Measure the size of the sectional’s individual pieces, as they’ll need to fit through your doors, hallways, or staircases during delivery,” Bryde says.
Bryde recommends making sure that there’s enough room to fully extend the bed. Blocking doorways or walkways is always a possibility, and can be especially inconvenient if a guest is staying for multiple nights—ideally, they shouldn’t have to fold their bed up every morning just to get to the bathroom.
Mattress Size
When it comes to sleeper sectionals specifically, you can expect to find full (54 x 74 inches), queen (60 x 80 inches), and king (76 x 80 inches) mattress options. Typically, the bigger the sectional, the bigger the mattress.
If you’re flexible on the size of your couch, think about what kind of guests you’ll be hosting on your sleeper. For example, if they’re taller, a full-size mattress may not be long enough. On the other hand, though kids are smaller, they also have a knack for tossing and turning—in which case, a king-size mattress may come in handy.
Weight Capacity
For both the seating and sleeping components, Bryde says it’s critical to “check the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum weight limits to ensure it can support your needs.”
While it’s true that your sleeper sectional isn’t automatically going to break once it’s weighed down past the maximum, exceeding capacity inevitably leads to wear and tear or damage—especially if you end up using it past capacity often.
When in doubt, you’ll never regret choosing a higher weight capacity. Though not definitive, it also might end up being an indication of how sturdy the sleeper sectional is.
Material
What your sectional is upholstered in matters, whether you expect a lot of traffic or are a pet owner. “Material affects the durability, comfort, and overall style of your sleeper sectional,” Bryde explains.
In high-traffic areas, she recommends performance fabrics or leather, which are durable and easy to clean. If comfort is your priority, she advises cozy materials such as linen or velvet. Color matters, too. Practically speaking, darker hues are more likely to show dog hair, while lighter ones could show spills.
Because sleeper sectionals are so large, whichever you choose could end up setting the tone for your entire room visually. Take some time to think about what you want your room as a whole to look like, and use what you already know you need to prioritize in order to guide your final decision.
Other Sleeper Sectionals We Tested
Joybird Briar Sleeper Sectional
This mid-century modern design surprised us with an extremely comfortable mattress and a firmer sofa, which is the opposite of what we experienced with most sleepers. We were incredibly impressed by the durability, though we think the retail price is a little expensive for the couch’s size.
West Elm Harmony 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional w/Storage Chaise (123″)
We found this cloud-style sofa to be incredibly cozy, and we liked how the seat cushions filled in the gap between the sofa and the mattress. The delivery experience, however, was disappointing. The movers assembled the sectional incorrectly, and after significant back and forth with West Elm, we ultimately fixed it ourselves.
Better Homes & Gardens
Your Questions, Answered
Is there a difference between a sleeper sectional and a sofa bed sectional?
Though the phrases “sleeper sectional” and “sofa bed sectional” are often used interchangeably, they’re actually different. “The sleeper sectional usually includes a pull-out mattress stored within one of the sectional’s seating components, transforming it into a bed,” Bryde says.
“A sleeper sofa involves a fold-flat system where the sofa itself converts a sleeping surface without a separate mattress.” Typically, sleeper sectionals with pull-out mattresses offer a more comfortable experience, since mattresses are specifically designed for sleeping.
Can you use regular sheets on a sleeper sectional?
You can use regular sheets on a sleeper sectional. Bryde says you should keep in mind that the mattress on a sleeper sectional is typically thinner than your average mattress, since it has to fold into itself. “You would want to choose fitted sheets without the deep pockets,” she says.
Do sleeper sectionals come with a mattress?
Sleeper sectionals do come with mattresses, though it’s important to remember that they aren’t all made equally. Take the opportunity to test them if you can, and if not, try and look for a thick one that has the qualities you like in your own mattress.
Who We Are
Quincy Bulin is a writer who covers products and home topics for Better Homes & Gardens, making this story the ideal intersection of her work. Her research on the best sleeper sectionals was supplemented by insight from Ali Bryde, founder of Mustard Seed Beginning and MSB Interior Design, LLC in West Michigan.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
