Shopping for a sleeper sofa is similar to shopping for a basic sofa, but there are definitely differences. Before you enter a furniture to look at sleeper sofas, there are some things you should consider. To help you with that process, here are some tips that will give you the power to make the best possible decision regarding a sleeper sofa.
1) Understand Sleeper Sofas in General
Before you go out and buy a sleeper sofa, you should make sure that it is exactly what you want. The return policy with many furniture stores across the United States definitely favors the retailer over the customer. Having a piece delivered about which you are not completely sure can be a terrible experience. With that in mind, consider some facts about sleeper sofas.
For one, a sleeper sofa is going to be heavy. The sleeper mechanism, in almost every case, is made of steel. The area filled by that steel would generally be filled by what amounts to empty space in a regular sofa. Include the weight of the mattress and your new sleeper sofa will end up being significantly heavier than a traditional sofa.
Secondly, you are likely buying a sleeper sofa because it fills two needs: seating and spare sleeping space. Realize that in most cases, a sleeper sofa will not perform both jobs well. In fact, there are few that are actually comfortable as beds. while certain manufacturers have worked to produce sleeper sofas that are serviceable to sleep on, the fact is that they are really for nothing more than a temporary night or two.
In terms of a sleeper sofa’s primary function, seating, it is going to be firm. The sleeper essentially fills the interior of the sofa that would normally be hollow. This makes for a much firmer sit in the sofa. Depending on what you like in a sofa, this may or may not be something you want.
2) What to Look For
So you have considered the basics of sleeper sofas and you know you want one. You need to go into it knowing what to look for and how to look for it.
Start with the basics of any sofa. That means you should ask about the type of wood the frame is made from: a hardwood is preferred like Alder or Oak. Reach under the front to feel the thickness of the frame: a sign of quality. Additionally, pick up the cushions, feel their weight and check the stitching. Once you know the sofa has good quality, it is time to check out the sleeper mechanism and mattress.
While most sleeper mechanisms are essentially the same, there are some things you should do on the show-floor to make sure you are getting a sleeper sofa you will like. start off by actually opening it up yourself. Check to make sure it is not too hard to do. The show-floor is actually a pretty good place to try that since most furniture stores keep floor models out for a while. The one you are working with will likely have been opened up many times and will thus give you an idea of how it feels with some wear and tear.
Once you have opened up the sleeper, go ahead and lie on it. That will give you an idea of how the mattress feels as well as the mechanism under it.
3) Ask the Right Questions
One of the most important things you can do as you shop for a sleeper sofa is ask questions of the salesperson. You can expect to pay from $50 to $200 extra for a sleeper, so asking the right questions will ensure that you are getting the value you deserve.
Ask about the warranty on the sofa as well as on the mattress and mechanism. Depending on the store and the manufacturer you can get anywhere between a year and lifetime on the mechanism and between one and ten years on the mattress. That is a wide range, so the question is worth asking.
Additionally, ask about mattress upgrades. Some stores and some manufacturers will upgrade the mattress in a sleeper for a fee. If you anticipate using your sleeper sofa as a bed with any frequency, it may be worth the fee.
Between the expense and many other factors, a sleeper sofa can be a big investment. However, by being prepared with the knowledge of this dual-use furniture in general, what to look for when you shop, and which questions to ask, you will be able to get a sleeper sofa that is right for you and your needs.
