When I first considered purchasing a compact bedroom sofa three years ago, I was looking for a way to create a dedicated area for both sitting and sleeping for guests in my bedroom, but without the need for additional furniture. Prior to that time, my guest room was being used as an office (read: storage dump for items that did not have a designated home elsewhere in the house), and my bedroom felt very cramped.
My sister then announced that she would be coming to visit me for seven days. This created an immediate need for a space for her to sleep during her stay. Since my guest room/office was currently occupied by an oversized desk, I decided to investigate compact bedroom sofas that would provide an alternative space for my sister to sleep. After researching several options online, I came across a compact bedroom sofa that was approximately four feet long (about the size of a loveseat, but specifically designed for smaller spaces). The sofa sat against a wall directly opposite my bed, and I found myself using it almost immediately.
The most important part of finding the right compact bedroom sofa is selecting an item that will not scream “I am trying to make this bedroom look like a hotel suite.” I chose a sofa with a soft gray linen-like fabric (it is actually a cotton blend that washes nicely — I learned this the hard way after spilling coffee on it.) The sofa blended well with the color of my bedroom walls, yet still stood out as a distinct piece of furniture.
I also selected a low-profile frame for the sofa. It stands approximately 30 inches tall at the back, thus it does not compete with my bed visually. I add throw pillows to the top of the sofa throughout the day. I tend to choose a mix of textures that are comfortable. For example, a chunky knit cushion, a velvet cushion in a deep blue, and possibly a small lumbar cushion. The combination of these pillows creates an intentionally styled look, but not overly staged.
This is where things get particularly interesting. When my sister was visiting, I realized that the compact bedroom sofa could actually accommodate a person for sleeping. She is approximately 5’6″ in height, and while she stated that it was not as spacious as a full-sized bed, it was far better than our previous air mattress routine. The cushions were firm enough to allow a person to sleep on them, but still soft enough to allow for regular sitting. I store a spare blanket and pillow in my closet, and it takes approximately two minutes to transform the space from a sitting area to a sleeping area.
Initially, I placed the compact bedroom sofa directly against the wall. However, it appeared somewhat isolated — as if furniture in a doctor’s waiting room. Therefore, I moved it approximately six inches away from the wall. I then purchased a narrow console table behind it. The console table was simply an IKEA product that I painted to match the trim of my bedroom. As a result, I now have a place to place a small lamp (which is essential for reading), a plant that does not require a lot of light, and a location to charge my phone each evening.
Lighting was a major concern. I did not desire overhead bedroom lighting for reading. Additionally, I did not want a floor lamp taking up valuable space. I was able to achieve the desired lighting with a table lamp. The table lamp is adjustable, allowing me to focus light directly on my reading materials or to dim it for evening relaxation. In addition, it made the corner of the room appear to be a functional little sitting area, rather than simply “a sofa that just happens to be located in a bedroom.”
Another factor that I had not initially considered was storage. The space under the sofa is limited; however, it is sufficient to hold a storage basket where I store extra bedding for future guests. While this is not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, it works. The basket is low enough that it does not protrude from the bottom of the sofa.
The largest surprise to me has been how often I actually utilize the compact bedroom sofa. Most evenings, I find myself in the sofa, reading, browsing my phone, or even working on my laptop. It has become my de-stressor — a place where I sit with a cup of tea and plan out the next day or simply gaze out of the window. By having a designated seating area in my bedroom, the entire room now appears to be more deliberate and less “just the place where I sleep.”
When friends come over, the compact bedroom sofa serves as an overflow seating option if we are socializing in my room prior to going out. Guests never have to sit on my bed, which I previously found to be somewhat awkward. Additionally, when I have guests staying overnight, they have their own designated area that does not feel intrusive into my private space.
As for the price, I found the compact bedroom sofa to be reasonably priced. I paid approximately £280 for the sofa itself. Similar products may be available at a lower price point if you are willing to shop around or wait until a sale. I estimate that the total cost of the accessories I used to style the space (lamp, pillows, basket) to be approximately £100. However, I acquired the accessories over time, rather than all at once.
If I had to select something I would do differently, I wish I had taken more precise measurements prior to placing my order. The sofa I received is perfect lengthwise; however, it is slightly deeper than I envisioned. The difference in width does not create a problem per se, but it does contribute to the room feeling more confined than I originally planned. Thus, if you are working within a very tight space, pay close attention to the measurements of the depth of the piece(s) of furniture you are considering, not merely the length.
You should also consider the height of your bed in relation to the compact bedroom sofa. As luck would have it, the height of mine are virtually the same. However, if your bed is significantly taller or shorter than the sofa, the proportional relationship between the two may be unflattering.
Maintenance has been surprisingly simple. The fabric of the sofa withstands normal wear and tear. The cushions maintain their original shape. I occasionally turn the cushions over, more out of habit than necessity. The frame of the sofa appears sturdy and has shown no signs of sagging or creaking since its installation three years ago.
Would I do it again? Without hesitation. The compact bedroom sofa has resolved multiple issues while occupying the space of only one piece of furniture. It provides seating, a sleeping area for guests, a reading area, and storage. Most importantly, it has transformed my bedroom into a place that I truly enjoy spending time.
