Surprise! You’re hosting an overnight guest. But how do you whip up a bed in a hurry? And if you live in a city apartment, how do you make space for it? Don’t lug out the blow-up mattress just yet. A sleeper chair bed is the easier, more stylish answer — they’re inconspicuous, spy-like, unassuming chairs by day and cushy beds by night. How can a bed possibly unfold from something so small?! Magic.
There’s an unfortunate stereotype that sleeper sofas and chairs are uncomfortable. While it’s true that nothing compares to a thoughtfully chosen mattress that molds right to your body, I made it my mission to find the gems — sleeper chair beds for regular use. Ones so comfortable you might actually want to nap on them yourself. After all, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a cheeky home office snooze?
According to principal designer Evelina Juzėnaitė, ‘Sleeper chairs take up less space than sofas,’ making them perfect for rooms of various sizes, like home offices or guest rooms, ‘or, for example, a small studio apartment, as they can be easily placed in corners or other spaces where a sofa won’t fit.’ But perhaps the more relevant tidbit, and the deciding factor between a sleeper chair or a larger sleeper sofa, is this: ‘Since the chair itself is smaller in size than a sofa, most often the price is also smaller’ — music to my ears in this economy.
Place one of these accent chairs in a reading room or TV room and enjoy the flexibility to move them around later if you change your mind — a practical choice. But let’s be clear: practical doesn’t mean ugly. Not on my watch! As a style editor, I’ve done the dirty work: reading the reviews, comparing the specs, and ensuring they pass the style test.
As a city dweller myself, I know compact living well. Here are 12 sleeper chair beds so stylish, I’d happily welcome them into my own space.
Sleeper Chair Beds
Price: $379.99
Material: Linen & Wood
This breezy linen sleeper chair is miles ahead of the usual futon! I absolutely adore its warm wooden accents, low-slung silhouette, and those darling buttons lining the top cushion. Imagine this chair basking in the sun of a coastal chic interior, though it also gives off a charming mid-century vibe. Surprising that it’s made of linen — unheard of at this price point! Some assembly is required, but according to reviews, it’s a breeze. For extra comfort, consider adding a plush topper.
Four-in-One
Price: $309
Material: Faux-Leather, Metal & Wood
This not one, not two, not even three, but four-in-one chair is possibly the most versatile pick on this list (and one of the most budget-friendly, I might add). Choose your adventure: chair, chaise lounge, ottoman, or twin-size bed, all in a sleek faux leather silhouette. I haven't tested this piece in person, but I’ve seen enough leather alternatives to know this is a good faux find. Style with modern furniture in a cozy corner, perhaps by a bookshelf and a potted plant — perfect for an office space where no one will guess its true identity!
Price: $304.19
Material: Teddy Fabric, Metal & Plywood
Cozy up to the soft teddy fabric upholstery with this tufted chaise lounge chair from Walmart. Its thin legs create the illusion of taking up less floor space — a godsend if you’re tight on square footage. And let’s not forget how design-forward this silhouette is. Most sleeper chairs tend to look the same, but this one stands out in the best way. I went with mustard to lean into its uniqueness, though it also comes in camel, pink, gray, and white.
Price: $1,798
Material: Choice of Upholstery + Kiln-Dried hardwood
Most picks on this list simply recline and extend forward, but this sleeper chair from Anthropologie transforms into a full-fledged twin-sized bed. Perfect for guests staying over for more than a few days. In its upright position, it’s a bit larger than an ordinary armchair — more like an armchair and a half — but at 58” wide and with such chic looks, it’s worth the slight size upgrade. And if pink isn’t your thing, no problem! This piece is customizable with your choice of fabric type and color.
Price: $4,398
Was: $5,498
Material: Choice of Upholstery & Solid Wood
This Serena & Lily sleeper chair is a splurge, yes, but if you’re serious about hosting overnight guests and want to ensure they have a premium sleeping experience, it’s worth every penny. So sleek, so contemporary, no one will guess its true purpose. And with so many stunning upholstery options, you’re spoiled for choice. I have a soft spot for cabana stripes, but other favorites include Seahaven French Blue, an updated take on toile, and Classic Linen Gingham, also in French Blue. As with all Serena & Lily products, expect this to be a long-term investment.
Price: $259.99
Material: Velvet + Metal
Stellar reviews on large furniture pieces under the $300 mark come by once in a blue moon, so this Walmart chair is a true anomaly, boasting 4.4/5 stars from 57 reviews. Sure, some assembly is required and might be a bit tricky, but given its overwhelmingly positive feedback, I say it’s worth the elbow grease. One happy reviewer notes, ‘This chair is pretty sweet. It is firm, but not hard. The fabric is buttery soft and the color is accurate to the picture.’
Price: $2,999
Material: Leather & Kiln-Dried Hardwood
Looking for something a bit more luxe than your average sleeper chair? Consider this leather gem from Crate & Barrel. Slightly oversized — closer to a loveseat than a regular chair — but still very space-efficient. Just by looking at it, you can tell it’s a dream to sit on — like a mini version of those super-stuffed buttery leather sofas. Come bedtime, it pulls out to reveal a full twin-sized mattress. Timeless as ever with functionality to boot, consider this your best-kept living room secret.
Price: $389.99
Was: $419.99
Material: Linen & Metal
For the ultimate sleeper in disguise, consider this classic beauty from Wayfair — it truly looks like an ordinary armchair, down to the proportions. This piece converts to lay flat into a bed, and it has an ergonomic back that reclines at various positions for optimal lounging — basically, the ideal TV chair. One reviewer raves, ‘Gorgeous! The chairs are sturdy, heavy, well-made, the linen is the perfect pairing with the chairs' classic form, they are sized right for a smaller space, and they're easy to transform into a twin bed.’ What more could you ask for?
Price: $489.99
Was: $599.99
Material: Velvet & Wood
Sit two and sleep one in this stunningly sleek convertible chair. As if its all-over square construction and tufting weren’t enough, it also has a hidden side table, perfect for a laptop or a book and a beverage. Where, you might ask? The table emerges from those little stud-like accents on the arms — genius, right? Choose between pink, gray, and any upholstery color in between. Pair with other elevated silhouettes or let it shine on its own.
Price: $479.99
Was: $599.99
Material: Polyester & Metal
Modernists and minimalists, this one’s for you. Its clean lines and substantial silhouette feel like they're from a showroom, and yet, this chair also looks so welcoming. It’s covered with a slipcover for easy cleaning, and even its cushions are removable for easy vacuuming. It comes with an ottoman and, unlike most other picks on this list, does not require any assembly, so you can get to relaxing the minute it arrives (which, on Wayfair, will be sooner than you think!). One happy customer exclaims, ‘Everything they said it would be and more!’
Price: $339.99
Was: $369.99
Material: Chenille & Metal
I love how this sleeper chair embraces the fact that it is, in fact, a sleeper chair. All its details are out in the open: the stacked cushions, the metal sides, which give it an elevated modern feel. And that ruching on the side of the cushion just makes it that much sweeter. You can purchase just one to sleep one person, or consider adding onto this modular design to turn it into a larger couch (or a really large bed!). I’m drawn to the orange, but all of the chenille color varieties offered for this style are gorgeous as well.
Price: $1,289
Material: Chenille & Engineered Hardwood
It’s rare to see any piece of furniture with ratings in the hundreds, let alone over one thousand. Naturally, my interest was piqued when I noticed that this sleeper chair from Macy’s was reviewed by 1,466 customers, who collectively rated it 4.1/5. How could I not have known about this fan-favorite chair?! Well, the good news is that now I do, and so do you! Sharp tailoring gives this silhouette a streamlined, elegant look that can blend seamlessly into any space, from bedrooms to living rooms. This review should tell you everything you need to know about it: ‘We’ve had our sofa for 9 years now and it gets daily usage by two people and a dog! Any minor stains come out with water and scrubbing.’
What Rooms Are Best for Sleeper Chair Beds?
The short answer is: anywhere it fits! Any room where you would normally have a chair is fair game for a sleeper chair bed. That said, some rooms make a bit more sense than others (it might be weird for a guest to spend an overnight in the kitchen). Interior designer Evelina Juzėnaitė offers a few suggestions.
Even if you live in a studio apartment like myself, we all have a living room — or at the very least, a living room area. According to Evelina, this is a good spot as ‘the sleeper chair will take up space as a normal seat, but at the same time will be an additional sleeping place if necessary.’
Another option is a home office. These generally aren’t the largest, most grand rooms with extra space to spare. Even so, the majority can accommodate at least one of these compact chairs, says Evelina. ‘It can not only be for guests but also just a place to rest,' she adds.
A children’s bedroom is also a good choice. If you’re a new parent, the reasons for this are obvious — sleep is a hot commodity, so any way to make this more feasible is a major win. Given a sleeper chair bed’s compact size, they can fit in most corners, explains the designer, ‘suitable for sleepovers with friends, reading books, games, etc.’
What are the best materials for sleeper chair beds?
According to interior designer Jodi Peterman, ‘The best sleeper chairs typically feature durable upholstery that can withstand frequent use and is easy to clean,’ such as performance-grade fabric. You'll find these options all over the market — they’re popular picks for their durability and affordable price point.
Now, if you're looking for something a little more luxe and don't mind splurging, consider fabrics like linen blends, microfiber, or leatherette. According to Jodi, they not only look great but also boast the added perks of comfort and resilience. Sure, they might be a bit more on the pricey side, but with their stylish looks and long-lasting appeal, they're worth every penny.
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