Here’s Why a Sleeper Sofa Might be The Best Choice for Your Home Office

As I type this, I’m sitting in a partially organized apartment that’s covered in boxes as far as the eye can see. That’s right: After over a year of on-and-off apartment hunting, my fiancé and I are finally moving into a new space. Not to sound like Stefan from “Saturday Night Live,” but it has everything. We’re essentially doubling our square footage — and picking up two additional bedrooms along the way — for a price comparable to our last rent. With a larger space comes greater responsibility though, at least in our case.

You see, my fiancé and I are working remotely for the foreseeable future, so we’d ideally like to turn each spare bedroom into our own home offices. We’ve spent the past year-and-a-half working right next to each other at the dining room table, and it’s less than ideal. However, on the flip side, we also have a lot of family and friends who live far away, so it’d be nice to have somewhere for them to stay when they’re in town. That said, having a cozy mattress in your office doesn’t always bode well for productivity.

So the million-dollar question then: Guest bedrooms or home offices? Well, why not both? Lately, I’ve been brainstorming different ways to get the best of both worlds, and I’ve officially set my sights on a sleeper sofa.

I know what you’re thinking: Sleeper sofas don’t have the best reputation. Not only do they get a bad rap for being uncomfortable, but they’re often considered somewhat outdated. When it comes to my design dilemma, however, I firmly believe they can be the key to mastering that work-life balance… well, spatially-speaking at least. Since the mattress will be folded up during my workday grind, I won’t be tempted into taking a midday nap. Instead, I’ll have somewhere cozy to sit during Zoom calls, and friends can come hang out while I’m sending a few emails before closing my computer for the evening. When we have guests coming from far away, I can convert my office into a full-blown guest room. That way, our friends and family members will have some more privacy than crashing on an air mattress in our living room.

As for the comfort factor? Sleeper sofas have received a major makeover in the last decade or so. These styles have been upgraded with stylish silhouettes, cozy materials, and comfy constructions. Don’t believe me? I found eight well-appointed options worth adding to your cart. Whether you want to masquerade your guest room or pick up a double-duty couch for your living room, these picks are designed to deliver.

This direct-to-consumer brand is known for their high-quality couches that skew modern. So why would Article’s sofa bed be any exception? Think of the Nordby as a happy medium between a sofa and trundle bed. This option has an extra high-density foam seat that is tucked underneath the couch. Simply pull this seat out from hiding — the wheels make it a breeze — and you’ll have a comfy bed in no time flat.

Buy: Article Nordby 2-Seater Sofa Bed, $1,399.00 from Article

If you want a trundle-style bed for less, check out this option from West Elm. Available for half the price of Article’s Nordby, this option also boasts a Queen-sized trundle and a pared-back silhouette that’ll transcend trends.

Buy: West Elm Thorton Sleeper Sofa, $699.00 from West Elm

Calling all small space dwellers: Prepare to fall in love with Living Spaces’ Cliff Sleeper. Measuring just 73-inches wide, this option still manages to pull out into a Queen bed, so you guests won’t have to feel crammed at they log some beauty sleep. Plus, many reviewers praise this option because it doesn’t have the ambiguously-placed bar that most sleeper sofas have. Oh, and did you know this one only costs $895? This one’s a real contender.

Buy: Living Spaces 73-Inch Cliff Queen Sleeper, $895.00 from Living Spaces.

For a sleeper sofa that’ll work with the rest of your mid-century decor, look no further than the Braxton silhouette from Joybird. Not only does this option come in a handful of gorgeous colors and fabrics, but it also has a tufted, square back that’ll never go out of style.

Buy: Joybird Braxton Sleeper Sofa, $3,513.00 $2,459.00 from Joybird

The Novogratz tufted futon is proof that a sofa-slash-bed doesn’t have to be stuffy or uncomfortable. The magic behind this pick lies in the use of memory foam, which offers top-of-the-line comfort. Simply lower the futon’s back and you’ll have a cozy twin bed in an instant. Since this pick is available in a handful of colors, you’ll definitely find the right hue for your space.

Buy: Novogratz Tallulah Futon, Starting at $814.00 $639.99 from Wayfair

Starting at $2,095, Interior Define’s sleeper sofa is definitely on the splurgey side of things. However, if you want to invest in that happy medium between form and function, this one is well worth the money. Completely customizable — right down to the cushion’s fill — you can create this piece in the exact size and fabric that’s best for your space and lifestyle. Plus, the mattress is topped with a thin layer of memory foam, so your guests might be tempted to hit the snooze button when overnight hosting becomes a big thing again.

Buy: Interior Define Sloan Custom Sleeper Sofa, Starting at $2,095.00 from Interior Define

Contrary to what some people think, Urban Outfitters has a lot more to offer than just graphic tees and boho jeans. Case in point: this stylish, small sleeper. With its curved back and velvety blush finish, this pick initially looks like a trend-conscious couch. However, it actually can be transformed into a beautiful bed. Stylish and snooze-worthy? Yes, please!

Buy: Urban Outfitters Gemma 2-Seat Sleeper Sofa, $499.00 from Urban Outfitters

You don’t have to spend a small fortune on a sleeper sofa. Decked out in a faux leather, Mercury Row’s camel-colored option will dress up any living room, guest room, office, or den. Best of all? It’s currently on sale for under $500.

Buy: Mercury Row Benitez Sleeper Sofa, $709.99 $469.99 from Wayfair