A guest room when you need it
What about turning your spare room into a compact guest room with a sofa bed?
We spoke to Rick Bennett from Coogans, Moonah about the various options available in sofa beds and the pros and cons of each type.
[ back to top ]
Some considerations
First of all, Rick pointed out that sofa beds are not suitable or designed for long-term stays, only short-term.
When deciding on the right sofa bed, ask yourself:
- Will my guests be using the spare bed for more than 1 or 2 nights?
- How much space do I have?
- What is the style and colour scheme of the room where the spare bed will go?
[ back to top ]
The main types of sofa beds
There are three main types of sofa bed:
- Metal action sofa bed
- Click-Clack
- Futon
You can also get armchair sofa beds that fold out to single beds and are great for kids rooms or smaller rooms such as the study. They come with wooden frames and arms or steel/metal frames.
[ back to top ]
Metal action sofa beds: prices range $995-$2000*
Pros:
- Higher quality and the most comfortable option
- Simple set-up
- Higher comfort level means it is suitable for longer-stay guests
- Available with foam or inner-spring mattress
- Available in single size which is perfect for the kids room or study
- Longer life span than other types of sofa beds
- Closer to a standard double bed size than other sofa beds.
Cons:
- The higher quality brings with it a higher price tag
[ back to top ]
The Click-Clack: priced around $495*
A trendy alternative. The armrests and back of this sofa "click" down to make up the bed.
Pros:
- Suitable for tight budgets
- Modern look
- Suitable for smaller spaces
- Simple set-up
- Available in easy care suede-look fabric in a variety of colours
Cons:
- slightly smaller than standard double-bed size so may be slightly uncomfortable for larger occupants and longer term stays
[ back to top ]
Futon: price range $299-$800*
Pros:
- Simple set-up
- Available in metal or wooden frame
- Assortment of fabric available to suit your décor
- Available in a variety of styles
Cons:
- The futon mattress is traditionally firm and may not suit everyone
*Please note, prices are approximate only.
[ back to top ]
Caring for your sofa bed
- To protect the mechanism of the metal action and futon sofa bed, when assembling the bed pull it out from the centre.
- Opt for the extra cost of fabric protection (around $115); it will make your fabric more resilient to spills and stains.
- Rotate the cushions of the sofa bed to ensure even wear.
- Vacuum on low suction to remove dirt from the surface of the sofa and from down behind the cushions.
- Spot clean with a specialised fabric care products only.
[ back to top ]
Bedding
Don't forget to have some extra bedding and pillows on hand. It will save you having to unwillingly donate it from your own bed! Standard size double bedding is the most suitable for sofa beds.
For further information or to view these sofa beds, contact Coogans, Moonah or Hobart ph: (03) 6233 1888.
[ back to top ]
|
