Being able to accommodate more guests at your short-term rental typically means a higher average daily rate (ADR). But fitting everyone comfortably when you're working with limited square footage can be a challenge. That’s where the sleeper sofa comes to the rescue. It’s an instant game-changer, allowing you to host more guests — and increase potential bookings — without needing to add extra bedrooms.
But not all pull out couches are created equal.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best sleeper sofas for Airbnbs that balance comfort, style, and practicality. Read on to find the perfect piece that will help maximize occupancy capacity in your space.
Top 8 sleeper sofas for vacation rentals
Value picks
- Burrow Shift Sleeper Sofa
- Article Soma Sofa Bed
- Article Nordby Sofa Bed
Mid-tier options
- Crate & Barrel Barrett II Queen Sleeper Sofa
- Rove Concepts Milo Sleeper Sofa
- Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa
Luxury picks
- Wayfair Bismarck Full-Grain Genuine Italian Leather Sleeper Sofa
- Joybird Wilder Sleeper Sectional
How to choose an Airbnb sofa bed
A great sleeper sofa bed can make your space more versatile and boost your bookings, but the wrong choice might leave your guests disappointed.
Here’s what to consider to choose the best Airbnb sleeper sofa for your space:
Price
While it’s tempting to opt for a budget-friendly option, keep in mind that sleeper sofas already tend to be slightly less comfortable than traditional beds. As such, a cheap sofa bed might not meet guests’ expectations. Investing a little more in a high-quality sofa bed can pay off in the long run — especially if it’s going to serve as the primary couch in your Airbnb living room.
A cheaper model might seem like a deal upfront, but it could wear out faster, forcing you to replace it sooner than expected. That said, you should always budget for furniture based on the type of Airbnb you run and your nightly rate. For example, a pricey sleeper sofa might not be worth the investment at a rental priced for budget travelers.
Ultimately, consider the long-term value of comfort and durability to make the best investment for your space.
Size
When determining which size sleeper sofa you should purchase, consider both your space and your average guests’ needs. Sofa beds come in twin, double, queen, and king sizes. For most Airbnbs, a queen-size is probably the right choice — it’ll provide enough room for two guests while fitting well in most living spaces.
If space is tight, a twin or double might work, but it limits the number of guests you can host. A king-size sleeper is ideal for larger spaces, though it can dominate smaller rooms.
Futon sofa beds require extra space to unfold. Guests will have to move the futon away from the wall, which can be a hassle in smaller spaces. Choose a size that balances comfort, functionality, and available space.
Material
The material of your sleeper sofa plays a big role in its comfort and durability. Since this piece of furniture will get a lot of use, it’s important to choose fabrics that can handle frequent wear.
For comfort, upholstery materials like velvet or linen offer softness, while leather and faux leather are durable and easy to clean. Leather is great for a sleek, modern look but may not be as cozy as fabric options.
Consider the climate of your Airbnb as well. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for warmer areas, while wool or microfiber might be better for cooler climates.
Also, remember to choose a material that’s easy to clean. Guests won’t want to stay on a sofa bed that’s tough to maintain, so look for materials that can handle spills and stains without losing their appeal.
Best sleeper sofas for Airbnbs
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the top-rated sleeper sofas for your Airbnb:
Value picks
The Shift sleeper sofa by Burrow is known for its modularity and comfort. It’s easy to assemble, move, and maintain, making it ideal for short-term rentals.
Details:
- Queen pull-out sleeper
- Transforms to sleeper by removing back cushions and unfolding cushions
- Stain-resistant and easy-to-clean fabric
- Arm cushion inserts double as standard pillows
The Soma by Article brings a contemporary feel to any space, with its streamlined design and firm yet comfortable mattress.
Details:
- A bit shorter than a traditional Queen mattress
- Soft, durable fabric
- Memory foam mattress
- Clean, modern design
The Nordby Henge sofa bed is a great choice if you're looking for an Airbnb sofa bed that doesn’t sacrifice style for comfort. Its premium mattress and durable frame offer both comfort and long-lasting use.
Details:
- Full size pull-out sleeper
- Soft, durable upholstery
- Simple slide-out sleeper mechanism with pulls (no mattress)
- Modern aesthetic
Mid-tier options
The Barrett II sleeper sofa brings classic style and comfort to your Airbnb with its plush cushions and sleek design. It’s a great option for hosts who want a reliable, stylish sofa bed.
Details:
- Queen pull-out sleeper
- Classic, modern design
- Sleeper mechanism has an anti-tip safety feature
- 5" gel-infused memory foam mattress
- Durable, high-quality frame
The Milo by Rove Concepts is perfect for hosts who want a stylish, minimalistic look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. This sleeper sofa is sleek, durable, and comes with a thick mattress to guarantee a good night’s sleep.
Details:
- Queen pull-out sleeper
- Easy to transform from sofa to bed
- Modern, minimalist design
- Kiln-dried hardwood frame
- Includes a washable mesh mattress cover
The Briar from Joybird is ideal for hosts who want a standout piece, especially those going for a mid-century modern vibe. Its plush upholstery and thick mattress give it comfort and style.
Details:
- Queen pull-out sleeper
- Rich, customizable fabric options
- Choose from standard foam or TEMPUR-Response memory foam mattress
- Modern, chic design
- Metal pull out bed frame
Luxury picks
For a luxurious feel with long-lasting durability, the Bismarck sleeper sofa offers genuine Italian leather and a sleek design that fits into both modern and traditional spaces.
Details:
- Queen pull-out sleeper
- Solid wood frame
- Full-grain genuine Italian leather
- 5” tri-layered mattress (fiberfill, memory foam, and dense polyurethane foam).
- Tufted single-seat cushion
If you need to accommodate multiple guests, Joybird's Wilder sectional is an excellent option. With a large pull-out mattress and deep seating, this sofa bed promises comfort for everyone.
Details:
- Queen pull-out sleeper
- Deep, spacious sectional
- 4.5" mattress (3" of high-density foam topped with 1.5" of memory foam)
- Customizable fabric options
What to consider when adding a sofa bed to your Airbnb
A sofa bed can be an incredible addition to your Airbnb, but there are some factors to keep in mind to make sure it works for both you and your guests.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Bedding
Treat the sleeper sofa just like a traditional bed in a bedroom — don’t skimp on the bedding! Investing in high-quality sheets, comforters, and pillows that fit the sofa bed will make it feel more like a hotel room and less like a pull-out couch.
Sheets:
California Design Den Dream Comfort Sheet Set
Soft and crisp, these sheets get an A+ for guest comfort.
Comforter:
Quince Premium Down Alternative Comforter
Offers warmth and breathability without the bulk.
Pillows:
Northern Feather Canada NF Hiloft Pillow
A plush, durable pillow for a restful sleep.
Mattress quality
Don’t overlook the mattress that comes with your Airbnb sleeper sofa. Ideally, look for a mattress that’s thick enough to avoid uncomfortable pressure points but not so thick that it’s hard to fold away.
Memory foam or hybrid mattresses are great choices for comfort and durability. Keep in mind that thinner mattresses may save space but can compromise comfort, so weigh the trade-offs carefully.
If you’re unsure, consider investing in a mattress topper for extra support and comfort.
Coffee table
One thing you might not think about when adding a sleeper sofa to your Airbnb is the coffee table. A marble or concrete coffee table might look nice in the space, but consider the logistics of guests having to physically move that heavy or extra large coffee table to make space for the sofa bed.
If you’re adding a sofa bed to your living space, choose a sturdy yet lightweight coffee table that guests can easily move out of the way when they convert the sofa bed. Ideally, it should also be compact enough to not take up too much space when the sofa bed is in use.
Ease of use
Keep in mind that your guests will typically be tasked with unfolding the sofa bed themselves, so make sure you choose a couch that converts into a bed without much hassle. If the mechanism is too complicated or difficult to operate, guests could end up frustrated or even damage the sofa.
Look for sofa beds with easy-to-use pull-out mechanisms. If you opt for a more complex design, consider asking guests to request the sofa bed before their stay so they don’t have to struggle with it.
Start shopping for the best Airbnb sleeper sofa
Minoan makes it easy to find the best sleeper sofa for your space, budget, and style — and purchase it at the best price! Join Minoan for free today — members get access to exclusive discounts on top brands.
