Everything You Need to Know About Chaise Sofa Beds

A chaise sofa bed is a sofa with an extended seat at one end that converts into a bed, usually by pulling out a section from beneath the main seat to sit level with the chaise. Many models also hide a storage compartment under the chaise for bedding. They suit living rooms that need generous everyday seating and an occasional double bed, and they work particularly well in open plan spaces and rooms where the sofa sits in a corner or in front of a window. The main things to check are the open size, the direction of the chaise, how the bed is formed and how comfortable the sleeping surface is.

Chaise sofa beds combine the lounging appeal of a chaise longue with the practicality of a guest bed, which explains why so many UK households choose them. If you are thinking about one, this guide covers how they work, where they fit and what separates a good one from a disappointing one. You can explore a variety of designs in our range of chaise sofa beds UK homes choose for living rooms and family spaces.

How a Chaise Sofa Bed Works

Most chaise sofa beds follow a simple principle. The chaise section is already the length of a bed. To create the sleeping surface, you pull out a platform hidden beneath the main seat, lift it to the height of the seat cushions and lock it in place. The result is a large, flat area roughly the size of a double bed.

Some designs use a fold out mattress instead, stored beneath the seat in the same way as a standard pull out sofa bed. Others use a click clack mechanism, where the backrest folds down to meet the seat and chaise. Each method has different requirements for floor space and offers a slightly different sleep.

The pull out platform style is the most common because it is quick to use and does not require removing cushions. The sleeping surface is made up of the seat cushions and the platform, so the quality of the foam matters.

Left Hand, Right Hand or Reversible?

Chaise sofa beds are usually described as left hand facing or right hand facing. This refers to the side the chaise sits on when you stand facing the sofa. A left hand facing chaise is on your left as you look at it.

Many chaise sofa beds are reversible, meaning the chaise can be moved to either side. This is very useful if you plan to move home or rearrange your room. If the design you like is not reversible, make sure you choose the correct side before ordering. Think about where the door, window, television and radiator are, and which side makes the most of the space.

Where Chaise Sofa Beds Fit Best

Chaise sofa beds suit a wide range of rooms, but they shine in a few particular settings.

Open plan living spaces. The chaise helps define the living area within a larger room, creating a natural boundary between the lounge and the dining or kitchen zone.

Rooms with a corner. A chaise sofa bed can sit along one wall with the chaise extending along the corner, offering almost as much seating as a full corner sofa with a smaller footprint.

Rooms with a bay window. In many Victorian and Edwardian homes, a chaise sofa bed can sit in front of a bay window with the chaise extending to one side, making the most of the light.

Compare the proportions with other modern sofas UK households use in similar rooms. A chaise sofa bed takes up more floor space than a standard sofa, so it needs to feel balanced within the room.

Chaise Sofa Beds Versus Corner Sofa Beds

People often compare chaise sofa beds with corner sofa beds. The main difference is that a chaise is open at the end, while a corner sofa has a full back and arm along both sides. A chaise feels lighter and more relaxed, and it allows someone to stretch out with their legs up. A corner sofa offers more upright seating and a stronger sense of enclosure.

If you need maximum seating for a large family, a corner design may suit you better. If you prefer to lounge, or want a lighter look, a chaise usually wins. Our selection of modern corner sofas UK is worth comparing with chaise designs before you decide.

For rooms where you want lounging comfort but not a full sofa bed, a standalone chaise longue can also work beautifully alongside an existing sofa. Our range of modern lounge chaise chairs UK includes designs that suit reading corners and bedrooms.

Storage Under the Chaise

One of the most useful features of many chaise sofa beds is the storage compartment hidden beneath the chaise. You lift the chaise seat, often with the help of a gas strut, to reveal a deep storage area. This is the natural home for pillows, a duvet and spare bedding, so everything is ready when guests arrive.

When comparing designs, check the depth of the storage space and whether the lid stays open on its own. A storage area that closes gently and stays open safely is far more practical to use, especially with bedding in your arms.

Comfort as a Sofa

The chaise is often the most popular seat in the house. It should be long enough to stretch out on and deep enough to sit cross legged. The cushions should feel supportive rather than soft and saggy, as they also form part of the bed.

The main seat should offer the same comfort as a standard sofa. Check the seat depth, back height and cushion fill. Fibre filled back cushions feel soft and relaxed but need regular plumping. Foam cushions keep their shape well and look neater.

Comfort as a Bed

On pull out platform designs, the sleeping surface is made up of the seat cushions and the platform. If the cushions are firm and even, the bed can be surprisingly comfortable. If they are soft or uneven, guests may feel gaps between sections.

A mattress topper is a simple way to improve comfort and smooth out any joins. Store it in the chaise compartment with the rest of the bedding, so it is always to hand.

Measuring for a Chaise Sofa Bed

Measure the room carefully, both for the closed sofa and the open bed. The chaise end determines the overall length of the bed, while the pull out platform determines the width. Make sure there is enough space around the open bed for guests to get in and out comfortably.

Check access too. Chaise sofa beds are usually delivered in two or more sections, which makes them easier to carry through narrow doors and up stairs. Confirm the size of the largest section before ordering. Our guide to sofa bed open dimensions in UK rooms explains how to plan the space around a sofa bed.

Styling Around a Chaise Sofa Bed

A chaise sofa bed often becomes the anchor of the living room, so the furniture around it should be chosen to work with it, not against it. A coffee table positioned in front of the main seat should be easy to move when the bed is open. Round or oval tables work well, as they soften the shape of the chaise and are easier to walk around.

Our article on matching sofa beds with coffee tables in UK living rooms explores combinations that work well, both when the sofa bed is closed and when it is open.

A floor lamp behind the chaise creates a natural reading spot. A rug that sits partly under the front legs of the sofa bed ties the seating area together.

Fabric and Colour Choices

Chaise sofa beds are available in a wide variety of fabrics, from woven textures and velvets to faux leather. In a family room, a woven fabric in a mid tone hides wear and is easy to live with. In a quieter room, velvet adds richness and depth.

Because a chaise sofa bed is a large piece of furniture, colour has a big impact. Neutral shades such as grey, taupe and oatmeal let you change the look of the room easily with cushions and throws. Bolder colours such as green, blue and rust make the sofa bed a focal point.

Looking After a Chaise Sofa Bed

Plump cushions regularly to keep them even. Vacuum beneath the seat and inside the storage compartment from time to time. Open the bed every few weeks to keep the mechanism moving freely. Follow the care label for any cleaning, and blot spills promptly.

Shopping With Us

We offer chaise sofa beds in a range of sizes, fabrics and colours, including reversible designs and models with integrated storage. We offer free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes, and you can explore our full collection of modern furniture at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a chaise sofa bed when open?

Most chaise sofa beds open to a sleeping area close to a standard UK double bed. The exact size depends on the design, so always check the open dimensions before buying.

Can I change the side of the chaise?

Many chaise sofa beds are reversible, allowing you to move the chaise to either side. If a design is not reversible, choose the side that suits your room before ordering.

Are chaise sofa beds comfortable to sleep on?

A chaise sofa bed with firm, even cushions can be comfortable for regular guests. Adding a mattress topper smooths out any joins and improves comfort further.

Do chaise sofa beds have storage?

Many chaise sofa beds include a storage compartment beneath the chaise, which is useful for keeping bedding close to hand. Check the product details, as not every design includes it.