A chair bed is a single armchair that opens out into a single bed, usually by unfolding a cushioned mattress from the seat or by pulling a platform forward from beneath it. It is the smallest type of sleeper furniture, suited to box rooms, home offices, children’s rooms and studio flats where a full sofa bed would not fit. When choosing one, look at the open length, the mattress depth and the width of the seat, since these decide whether it is comfortable both as a chair and as a bed.<\/p>\n
Chair beds are often overlooked in favour of larger sofa beds, but in many UK homes they are the more sensible option. A spare room that measures little more than a single bed can still host a guest if the furniture folds away during the day. Our selection of modern sofa beds UK sale<\/a> includes compact designs alongside larger models, and the same principles apply across our full range of modern sofas UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are three common mechanisms, and each has a slightly different feel.<\/p>\n The simplest design. The seat cushion is made of two or three linked foam sections. You lift the front of the seat and unfold the sections forward onto the floor, creating a low single mattress. This style is light, easy to use and suits children’s rooms or sleepovers.<\/p>\n A frame slides forward from beneath the seat, carrying a mattress that sits at roughly seat height. This gives a sleeping surface off the floor, which is more comfortable for adults and easier to get in and out of.<\/p>\n The backrest drops flat to meet the seat, and a footrest unfolds or slides out to extend the length. These tend to have a slimmer, more modern appearance and give a firmer surface.<\/p>\n Whichever type you choose, try the mechanism in your mind before buying. Think about who will be converting it: a guest arriving late, a teenager setting up for a friend, or you on a busy evening. A mechanism that takes one smooth movement will be used far more than one that needs several steps.<\/p>\n When closed, most chair beds are a little wider than a standard armchair because the seat has to accommodate a single mattress. Typical widths sit somewhere between a compact armchair and a small love seat. Depth is similar to an ordinary armchair.<\/p>\n The open length is the measurement that matters most. Most chair beds open to something close to the length of a single bed, though some fold out designs are shorter and better suited to children. If the bed is for adults, check the stated open length against the height of the tallest person likely to use it, and allow a little extra for a pillow.<\/p>\n The open width is set by the seat. A wider seat gives a more comfortable bed. Very narrow chair beds can feel restrictive for adults, so look for a generous seat if guests will stay more than one night.<\/p>\n Measure the floor space in front of where the chair will sit, from the back wall forward. Then check for obstacles: a door that swings inwards, a radiator, a desk chair or a wardrobe that needs space to open. A chair bed placed under a window often works well, as long as the open bed does not block a radiator beneath it.<\/p>\n Chair beds come in a surprisingly wide range of looks, from soft and casual to tailored and modern.<\/p>\n Clean lines, track arms and slim legs. These suit modern homes and home offices, where the chair bed should look like a smart reading chair rather than a piece of guest furniture.<\/p>\n Curved arms and a deeper seat give a softer, more inviting look. These suit snugs and bedrooms where comfort matters more than a crisp outline. If you like curved shapes, our range of modern tub chairs UK sale<\/a> shows how rounded forms can work in a small room, and is useful for comparing proportions.<\/p>\n Without arms, a chair bed takes up less width and the open mattress can be slightly wider. Armless designs suit the tightest spaces and look tidy pushed against a wall.<\/p>\n Low to the floor, with a firm mattress that folds over a frame. These have a relaxed, casual character and suit teenagers’ rooms and studio flats.<\/p>\n The finish you choose affects how the chair bed looks during the day and how comfortable it is at night.<\/p>\n Woven fabric<\/strong> is breathable, comfortable to sleep on and available in a wide range of colours. Mid tones and textured weaves hide everyday wear. Our collection of 1 seater fabric sofas UK<\/a> shows how different fabrics look at single seat scale.<\/p>\n Velvet<\/strong> adds richness and colour. It feels soft and warm but can show pressure marks where the pile is compressed. A gentle brush restores it.<\/p>\n Faux leather<\/strong> wipes clean easily, which suits children’s rooms and busy households. It can feel cool in winter, so bedding is essential when it is used as a bed.<\/p>\n Removable covers<\/strong> are useful on chair beds used for sleepovers or by children. Being able to wash the cover makes the chair bed far more practical over time.<\/p>\n Leg finishes are a small detail that changes the overall look. Wooden legs bring warmth, black metal gives a modern edge, and concealed feet suit a low futon style.<\/p>\n Many UK houses have a third bedroom that is too small for a full bed and a wardrobe. A chair bed lets the room work as a study or dressing room most of the time and a guest room when needed.<\/p>\n A chair bed gives you a comfortable reading chair during the working day and a single bed for visitors at weekends. It is far less intrusive than a sofa bed in a room that also needs space for a desk.<\/p>\n A fold out chair bed is a practical answer to sleepovers. It gives the child somewhere to sit and read and turns into a bed for a friend in seconds.<\/p>\n In a living room, a chair bed can sit alongside the main sofa as an armchair, offering an extra sleeping space without changing the layout of the room.<\/p>\n For a single occupant in a studio, a quality chair bed can provide a seat by day and a bed by night, freeing up valuable floor space.<\/p>\n A chair bed will rarely feel exactly like a full bed, but it can be very comfortable with the right mattress and a few additions. Look at the depth and density of the mattress. Thicker, higher density foam feels more supportive and lasts longer. Some designs use memory foam layers, which mould to the body and reduce pressure on the hips and shoulders. For more on how different fills compare, our guide to memory foam mattresses in UK sofa beds<\/a> explains the difference clearly.<\/p>\n A fitted single sheet keeps bedding in place, and a thin topper softens any joins between mattress sections. Keep a spare pillow and a lightweight duvet nearby so the bed can be made quickly.<\/p>\n A chair bed works best when the room around it is ready for a guest. A small side table or stool beside the bed gives somewhere to put a glass of water, a phone and a book. A plug in lamp is more welcoming than an overhead light. A couple of hooks or a slim rail on the back of the door give a guest somewhere to hang clothes.<\/p>\n If the room has a wardrobe, clear a section for visitors. For more ideas on setting up a small guest room, our article on wardrobe ideas for a UK guest bedroom<\/a> offers practical suggestions for compact spaces.<\/p>\n Think about where bedding will live. Some chair beds have a small storage compartment beneath the seat. If yours does not, a lidded basket or a vacuum storage bag on a shelf keeps everything clean and close at hand.<\/p>\n Open and close the mechanism gently, following the instructions. Avoid sitting on the edge of an open fold out mattress, as the front sections are not designed to take concentrated weight.<\/p>\n Vacuum fabric regularly, turn or rotate removable cushions and air the mattress after use. For faux leather, a damp cloth is usually enough. For velvet, brush the pile in one direction after the bed has been used.<\/p>\n If the chair bed is used often, check the fixings and legs every few months and tighten anything that has loosened.<\/p>\nHow Chair Beds Work<\/h3>\n
Fold Out Cushion<\/h3>\n
Pull Out Platform<\/h3>\n
Click Clack Chair<\/h3>\n
Chair Bed Sizes<\/h3>\n
Measuring Your Room<\/h3>\n
Styles to Consider<\/h3>\n
Square and Contemporary<\/h3>\n
Rounded and Relaxed<\/h3>\n
Armless<\/h3>\n
Low Futon Style<\/h3>\n
Finishes and Upholstery<\/h3>\n
Where Chair Beds Work Best<\/h3>\n
Box Rooms<\/h3>\n
Home Offices<\/h3>\n
Children’s Rooms<\/h3>\n
Living Rooms<\/h3>\n
Studio Flats<\/h3>\n
Comfort for Sleeping<\/h3>\n
Preparing a Guest Space Around a Chair Bed<\/h3>\n
Caring for a Chair Bed<\/h3>\n
A Small Piece With a Big Role<\/h3>\n