Purchasing a sofa bed is a significant investment for your home, combining seating comfort with a sleeping solution. While the idea of purchasing a piece of furniture of this size and importance without actually seeing or touching it may seem daunting, buying online offers a wealth of choice, often more competitive prices, and unparalleled comfort from your sofa (the future, perhaps!).
But how can you make sure you're making the right choice from the multitude of offers available online? This guide will give you all the tips you need to buy your sofa bed online with confidence and peace of mind.
Prepare your space: measure, visualize, anticipate
Even before sailing, careful preparation is required:
- Measure carefully: Length, width and height of the space where the sofa will be placed, both in sofa position and in the unfolded bed position. Don't forget doorways, hallways and staircases for delivery!
- Visualize the fit: Use masking tape on the floor to mark out the sofa's footprint. This will help you better understand the actual dimensions in your room.
- Anticipate traffic: think about the space needed around the sofa, even when unfolded.
Understand the technical characteristics
Online technical descriptions are your best friends. Don't skim them!
The mattress of the convertible sofa
- Thickness: For occasional use, 12cm may be sufficient. For regular or daily use, aim for a minimum of 14cm, ideally 16cm.
- Density: Indicates firmness and durability. For everyday use, choose High Resilience (HR) foam of at least 35kg/m³, or memory foam (50kg/m³).
The opening mechanism of the sofa bed
- Rapido or express opening: the most practical for daily use (unfolds in one movement without removing the cushions).
- Clic-clac , BZ : often more compact, but less suitable for regular sleeping.
The base of the convertible sofa
Wooden slats (dynamic comfort) or welded metal mesh (firmer, very robust).
The structure of the convertible sofa
Prefer solid wood (beech, pine) or metal for better durability.
Study the sofa bed coverings
The choice of fabric or leather impacts the style, but also the resistance and ease of cleaning.
- Synthetic fabrics (polyester, microfiber): highly resistant to wear, stains, and easy to maintain. Excellent for families and pets. Check abrasion resistance.
- Velvet: provides warmth and elegance, but can sometimes be more fragile.
- Leather: durable, takes on a nice patina, but more expensive and can scratch.
- Removable and washable cover: a huge advantage for maintenance!
READ ALSO: How to choose the right Rapido convertible sofa?
Read customer reviews
Customer reviews are a goldmine of unbiased information.
- Read detailed reviews: Look for comments on the comfort of the mattress , the ease of the mechanism , the quality of delivery and customer service.
- Filter by rating: Look at 3- and 4-star reviews, which are often the most nuanced and informative.
- Check the seller's responses: A brand that responds to reviews (both positive and negative) shows professionalism and commitment.
Check the seller's services and warranties
An online purchase should be secure and reassuring.
- Return policy: Understand the return conditions (timeframe, fees, product condition). Some sites offer a trial period.
- Warranty: find out about the duration and terms of the warranty (structure, mattress , mechanism).
- Delivery and assembly: check costs, deadlines and options (delivery to the upper floor, assembly included, etc.)
- Customer service: Make sure they are easily reachable (phone, chat, email) and responsive.
Take advantage of online visuals and tools
- Photos from all angles: Look carefully at the photos, including those of the sofa unfolded.
- Demonstration videos: very useful for understanding the opening/closing mechanism.
- Fabric swatches: Many sellers offer to send upholstery swatches. Request them to assess the actual texture and color.
To conclude, tips for buying a sofa bed online
Buying a sofa bed online is now a viable and cost-effective option. By paying careful attention to dimensions, deciphering technical specifications, carefully reading customer reviews, and checking the seller's service, you'll maximize your chances of finding the perfect sofa bed that will transform your daily life. No more stress, just comfort and peace of mind!
