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Soumi Sarkar

13 Surprisingly Comfortable Sleeper Chairs That Can Transform Even the Smallest Space Into a "Guest Room"

Inviting all last-minute overnight guests!

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We’ve said it before, and we’ll keep saying it: Furniture that performs more than one function is the only type to shop for if you’re decorating a small space. If you don’t have a proper guest room, for instance, that lounge chair in the corner may as well double as a bed when guests visit. So, we took it upon ourselves to find the best, most comfortable sleeper chairs on the market that work in big or small spaces, but are particularly useful for the latter.

With spring and summer travel coming up, don’t let your lack of a second bed be the reason you turn away loved ones from a fun overnighter. Ahead, we found more than 10 sleeper chairs that will make them want to come back again and again. Sure, they may not be the ideal place to sleep for weeks on end, but for a weekend here and there, go ahead and grab your extra blankets and cozy pillows because your guests are going to love spending the night on these.

Chirokitia Convertible Chair
Now 39% Off

Pros

  • High weight capacity of 600 pounds
  • Stain-resistant upholstery
  • Comes with tools for assembly

Cons

  • Color might differ slightly in person

At first glance, this sleeper chair simply looks like an extra-cushy armchair. The tufted back, seat, and included pillow make for an inviting silhouette. Simply pull out the attached tab to raise up a sleeper platform, and the backrest folds all the way flat for a comfy place to nap. The linen lounger is available in three neutral colors, so no matter which you go with, it'll blend in with the rest of your decor. It even has three different reclining angles, so it works as a chaise lounge as well as a bed. Now, with a list chock-full of reputable sleeper chairs, you may be wondering why we named this one the best overall. Before picking one and calling it the best, we did some digging on the backend and discovered that month after month, House Beautiful readers clicked on and purchased this chair the most. If that doesn't make it the best, we don't know what does.

Best Value Sleeper Chair

Asofer 3-in-1 Convertible Chair

3-in-1 Convertible Chair

Pros

  • Available in multiple colors
  • Include throw pillows
  • Back reclines

Cons

  • Difficult assembly

Available in four colors, this is one of our favorite affordable finds on the list. At just a touch over $150, this is a good get—especially if you're hosting someone for the holidays and need a solution in a pinch! "I was pleasantly surprised with my purchase," one reviewer said. "It was easy to assemble and very easy to turn it from chair to recliner to bed. I recommend this if you’re looking for a chair to watch TV or play your games. Or if you’re too lazy to go to bed lol thanks for a well-made sofa chair!"

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Sophie 4-in-1 Convertible Sleeper Chair

Pros

  • Stain-resistant bouclé
  • Available in six colors
  • Four adjustable backrest positions

Cons

  • Not ideal for long-term sleeping

Full disclosure: the “4-in-1” reference is not suggesting that this convertible chair can transform into four different pieces of furniture; it’s actually referencing the four adjustable back rest positions, which counts for something. This chair is still impressive, though, as it can instantly turn into three products: an accent chair, a chaise lounge, and finally, a fully flat bed. The best part is the stain-resistant bouclé. One reviewer even said, “This chair is perfect! I love making it into a lounge chair for myself on days when I want to rest upstairs, read a book, or watch TV. I am happy we chose this chair, as I researched many others before deciding upon this one. Love the fabric. I highly recommend.”

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Best Value Sleeper Chair

Antetek Convertible Sleeper Chair

Convertible Sleeper Chair
Now 15% Off

Pros

  • Available in multiple colors
  • Easy to take from chair to bed
  • Storage pocket and throw pillow included

Cons

  • Not ideal for anyone taller than 5'10"

At $280, this sleeper chair is basically a steal. Not only is it easy to use—simply pull the large fabric loop at the base of the seat to expand it in mere seconds—but it also features a tufted design to keep the cushioning evenly distributed, a side storage pocket, and a matching throw pillow. It also comes in four additional hues, but we're partial to the gray with white piping because it pairs with so many color schemes. One reviewer said, "We had limited space and this was just the right size. It was very easy to put together, too."

Clarissa Convertible Chair
Now 14% Off
Credit: Courtesy of House Beautiful

Pros

  • Available in multiple colors
  • Includes throw pillow
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Might feel too firm for some people

Anyone with only a little space to spare could appreciate this easy-to-use convertible chair, which simply folds and unfolds depending on how you want to use it. Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie, who reviewed this sleeper chair, says, "It folds all the way up into an armchair, the front half unfolds into a chaise, and the backrest folds down to create a cot shape. There are hidden extra legs for all the different formations, and it's spring-loaded, so it's super easy to use." Her only qualm, however, is that it's very low-profile, making standing up a bit more difficult than it is from a standard accent chair. Overall, she thinks it's a winner and recommends it to anyone in need of extra sleeping space for overnight guests. "As an apartment dweller without tons of extra space in the living room for another armchair, being able to tuck this in my bedroom has been perfect. It's a budget-friendly pick that's great for small spaces," she adds.

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Sleeper Chair With the Best Included Accessories

Homary Twin Sleeper Chair

Twin Sleeper Chair
Credit: Courtesy of House Beautiful

Pros

  • Lumbar throw pillow is included
  • Extra deep seating
  • Additional legs fold up out of view when not in use

Cons

  • Reviewers say assembly can be a bit tricky

One of the most stylish picks on our list, this midcentury-modern-inspired sleeper chair is a genius choice for small spaces. When folded up, the cane legs become supportive armrests and add texture to your space. Use it as a daybed, sofa bed, or simply a comfortable armchair—whatever your entertaining needs call for. "This convertible sleeper chair was the missing piece for my bedroom. The design is kind of genius — the armrests of the armchair become the legs of the chaise, adding extra sturdiness and eliminating the feeling of uncomfortable hidden legs in the seat cushion. Plus, the backrest reclines in five positions, so I can be as picky as I want with the settings," McKenzie explains. "It's also so cute—it blends in as a midcentury modern armchair and doesn't look like an eyesore in the room. And the suede upholstery is genuinely comfortable to sink into after a long day." The folded seat makes for an extra-deep chair, so it brings that sink-in comfort. Pair with a cane sideboard for extra cohesion. The best part of this chair, though, is the built-in tray, which eliminates the need to invest in a nightstand or end table.

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Best Firm Sleeper Chair

JASIWAY Convertible Chair Bed

Convertible Chair Bed

Pros

  • Easy to unfold
  • $81 discount coupon available
  • Back reclines

Cons

  • Cushions are not removable or washable

We love a convertible piece of furniture that doesn't require more than one person or superhuman strength to move from one position to another. This chair is a great example of what we mean: To take it from chair to bed, unclip the seat, and just unfold it so that the armrests are on the floor. The whole process takes about two seconds.

Best Easy-to-Operate Sleeper Chair

Article Sven Sleeper Chair

Sven Sleeper Chair

Pros

  • Upholstered in stain-resistant fabric
  • Easy to turn into a bed
  • Two bolster pillows included

Cons

  • It sits low on the floor

Although all sleeper chairs are a bit easier to operate than sleeper sofas, some require a little more effort to transform from chair to bed. The Sven is not one of them. It's almost too easy to turn into a bed, as it requires no upper-body strength. Simply unfold the cushion to reveal a very plush bed. The best part about this sleeper chair, though, which you wouldn't be able to glean from just looking at it because it's in the Napa fabric: All of Article's Napa fabrics are treated with a stain-repellant finish that's toxin-free, so you won't get that gross chemical smell upon assembling your chair.

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Best Sleeper Chair With Storage

Mercury Row Heckman Accent Chair

Heckman Accent Chair
Now 58% Off

Pros

  • Available in eight colors
  • Solid wood legs
  • Pillows and storage pocket included

Cons

  • Difficult assembly

Covered in UV-resistant linen fabric, the Heckman is slightly more spacious than some of the other options on our list. It's not quite a chair-and-a-half, but it's nearly there at 38.5 inches wide. One reviewer said, "I'm surprised by how far the chair pulls out as a cot! It also looks far more expensive than it is. It's definitely oversized but not overwhelming. Fits me and my medium-sized dog but not two people." So, if you have a pup you like to snuggle with, this is the chair for you.

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Best No-Assembly Sleeper Chair

BIGSYY 4-in-1 Multi-Function Folding Ottoman

4-in-1 Multi-Function Folding Ottoman

Pros

  • Includes throw pillow
  • Back reclines at any angle
  • No assembly required

Cons

  • You may need an additional topper on it to make it feel comfier

Use this as a regular lounge chair during the day and, when the sun goes down, as a full-blown bed. It comes in seven colors, but we're partial to the pale gray pictured because it looks the most modern. Pair it with a creamy beige area rug and a similarly toned throw blanket, and you're all set. One reviewer said, "Amazing little piece of furniture. I bought it when I was expecting out-of-town company. They slept in my bed, I slept on the hassock, and I was quite impressed." Many customers said the sleeper chair becomes significantly more comfortable, too, with the addition of a topper. Need a mattress topper? We have a few suggestions.

Best Sleeper Chair With Charging Ports

Pottery Barn Pacifica Sleeper Chair

Pacifica Sleeper Chair

Pros

  • Ultra-customizable, available in dozens of colors and and seven fabrics
  • Slender track arms for easy positioning in tricky corners
  • Reclines at three angles

Cons

  • Can take 12 weeks to ship

Even though sleeper chairs are great for overnight guests who need a place to lay their heads, they still need to function as regular chairs on other days. For ultimate convenience while lounging, this sleeper chair features charging ports inside its track arms, allowing you to keep your phone charged. There's even a storage sleeve for magazines or books on the outside. The design itself is pretty compact, but with a deep seat and three reclining positions, it's big on comfort.

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Best Slipcovered Sleeper Chair

Pottery Barn Slipcovered Sleeper Chair

Slipcovered Sleeper Chair

Pros

  • Removable legs
  • Easy to clean
  • Choice of memory foam or down-blend cushions

Cons

  • Made-to-order purchases can take up eight weeks to ship

Another brand with seemingly unlimited fabric options? Pottery Barn, whose slip-covered sleeper chair is easily one of our favorites. The key to a comfortable find is one that is as cozy as a chair as it is a bed, and this very wide option passes the test with flying colors. Also, depending on the level of plushness you prefer, you can choose between memory foam or lofty down-blend cushions. We're opting for the latter, but to each their own.

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Best Memory Foam Sleeper Chair

West Elm Haven Chair-and-a-Half Sleeper

Haven Chair-and-a-Half Sleeper

Pros

  • Available in multiple performance fabrics and colors
  • Mattress features sink-in gel foam
  • White glove delivery included

Cons

  • The seat might feel a bit firm to some people

If you're in a hurry to add a sleeper chair to your living room setup, you may want to reconsider this one, as it's crafted with such meticulous attention to detail that it doesn't ship for at least six weeks. Otherwise, we can't recommend this one enough. It's available in more than 50 performance fabrics, which withstand everything from pets to spills. It's also comfortable. The pull-out mattress features sink-in gel foam, so your guests will actually be happy to spend the night here.

What to Look for in a Sleeper Chair

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The thing about sleeper chairs is they're not meant to be long-term sleeping solutions. In fact, they work best for short-term stays, so they should be just comfortable enough for overnight guests, but there's no need to go all out and splurge on something that you likely won't use all the time. Here's what to look for when buying a sleeper chair.

Size: Sleeper chairs are often the ideal solution for small spaces that cannot accommodate a full-size bed. When buying a sleeper chair, ensure it is small enough to fit in your space without being too small to look proportionate to the rest of the room. "Make sure the dimensions will fit well in your space both when the pullout is open and closed," designer Lisa Schwert Pohlschroeder says. "It's also good to double-check that it can fit up any stairs and through doorways." Trust us; nothing is worse than ordering a piece of furniture to realize it won't actually make it into your home (or room of choice) because the doorway is too small.

Adjustability: When it comes to adjustability, you'll likely want something easy to maneuver between chair and bed configurations, so look for sleeper chairs that utilize crank systems, fold-out cushions, and other features that can be adjusted in a matter of seconds.

Fill: The fill is arguably the most crucial factor to consider when evaluating sleeper chairs. If the ones you're considering include a mattress, you'll want to pay attention to the material as well. We highly suggest opting for cushion fills made of plush materials, including memory foam (gel-infused foam works as well) and feather-wrapped fiber. As for the mattress, the same materials apply.

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What Are the Different Types of Sleeper Chairs?

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There are several varieties of sleeper chairs. One is no better than the other; it simply depends on your preference.

Twin bed: This one you'll probably already know how to use, as it utilizes the same mechanical system as a sleeper sofa. Remove the seat cushion and tug on the leg of the folded-up mattress underneath.

Fold-out: We have a few fold-outs on our list. These are essentially regular chairs with a seat cushion that is folded in half. To turn it into a bed, unfold it and lay it down flat.

Loveseat: Loveseats are often slightly larger than a twin size and typically feature a reclining back that can fold down to be level with the seat.

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What Kind of Spaces Do Sleeper Chairs Work In?

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Schwert Pohlschroeder believes that people should utilize their living spaces to the fullest, regardless of their size. "One way to achieve this is by creating multifunctional areas that can serve several purposes. To optimize the value and usability of a smaller space, it is essential to incorporate flexible furnishings like sleeper chairs that can be used as seating during the day and as a bed at night," the design expert explains. Of course, sleeper chairs aren't limited to small living rooms, although they are often used in such spaces. If you have a home office, craft room, or anything in between, feel free to display this style for incoming guests.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

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We are experts in reviewing and buying big pieces of furniture, from mattresses to sectionals. When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) seating for any space, Associate Shopping Editors Jessica Cherner and Janae McKenzie have been reviewing furniture for nearly ten years combined. For this particular story, we spent over 50 hours combing through reviews, ratings, and trusted home brands to pick out the best sleeper chairs on the market right now for House Beautiful readers.

For even more expert input, we consulted Lisa Schwert Pohlschroeder to explain why sleeper chairs are important space-saving solutions and how to shop for the best ones. Schwert Pohlschroeder is the founder and principal designer of Connecticut-based Innate Studio. The highly trained creative (she's a NCARB-certified architect licensed in both Connecticut and New York, and an ASID-certified interior designer) has been decorating gorgeous homes for nearly two decades. Before starting her own firm, she led the in-house design team at Douglas Elliman, advising clients on an impressive $28 billion residential portfolio. Of course, she's also a House Beautiful-approved expert, offering tips and design advice on historic properties.

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