1. Quick answer
Quick answer: for a small UK flat, measure the sofa twice: once in its closed position and again with the bed fully open. Then check the usable sleeping surface, the space needed to operate the mechanism and every doorway, stair turn or lift on the delivery route. A compact chair bed can solve an occasional single-guest need; a wider pull-out design is usually more useful when two people stay or the bed will be used regularly.
This is a Rit Concept buying guide based on our own product range, product records and London showroom experience. It is not an independent “best sofa bed” ranking. Availability, dimensions and finishes can change, so always confirm the current product page before ordering.
2. Measure the closed sofa
Start with the everyday footprint: overall width, depth and height. Mark that rectangle on the floor with masking tape. Leave room for circulation, doors, radiators, curtains and nearby drawers. In a small living room, a sofa that technically fits can still feel too large if the arms interrupt the main walkway.
- Record the full width, including both arms.
- Check the deepest fixed point, not only the seat depth.
- Allow space behind the sofa if the backrest must move during conversion.
- Check whether side tables or a coffee table must be moved each night.
3. Measure the fully opened bed
The open footprint is the measurement most often missed. Measure from the wall behind the sofa to the furthest point of the open bed, then add practical standing space at the foot or side. For the Soft Cloud example below, the published diagram shows an overall open depth of about 190 cm and an indicated sleeping length of about 183 cm. Its available sofa widths do not equal the sleeping widths, so compare the selected size carefully.
4. Check the sleeping surface
Do not judge suitability from the sofa width alone. Look for the usable sleeping width and length, joins between cushions, firmness and whether the sleeper will feel the frame. Upholstered sofa-bed surfaces are different from a conventional mattress. For regular sleeping, ask whether a topper can be used and stored, and whether the open length suits the sleeper.
5. Occasional guests or regular sleeping?
For occasional guests, compactness and quick conversion may matter most. For weekly or nightly use, prioritise the sleeping surface, support, open length and ease of repeating the conversion. A design that is comfortable as a sofa is not automatically the best match for frequent sleeping. If possible, compare the feel in person at our London furniture showroom.
6. Compare pull-out, fold-down and chair-bed mechanisms
Pull-out designs extend forwards, so they need clear floor space in front. Fold-down designs usually convert by repositioning the back or seat and can be quick to operate, but cushion joins remain part of the sleeping surface. Chair beds minimise the closed footprint and suit one sleeper, but they are not a replacement for a double bed. Mechanism names are used differently across products, so check the product video rather than relying on the label alone.
7. Storage requirements
Built-in storage can reduce the need for a separate blanket box, but it usually adds bulk and weight. Check the compartment opening direction and make sure a wall, side table or chaise does not block it. If the product has no storage, plan where the bedding and any topper will live before purchase.
8. Doorways, stairs and lifts
Measure the narrowest clear opening, not the nominal door size. Record doorway width and height, corridor width, stair width, ceiling height at turns and lift door/interior dimensions. Remove the space taken by handles, handrails and fixed lights. Large corner sofa beds may need more turning room and are heavier to position than chair beds.
9. Five Rit Concept options by use case
These are examples from our own range, selected to illustrate different space decisions rather than ranked from best to worst.
Nia Single Sofa Bed
Best suited to: a box room, study or one-person guest space. Width options start at 85 cm.
Limit: it is for one sleeper; the open bed still projects into the room, and the upholstered surface is not a conventional mattress.
Anika Armchair, Single Sofa Bed
Best suited to: a compact reading corner or guest room where chair-like proportions are useful. Width options start at 90 cm.
Limit: smaller sizes are single-guest solutions, and boucle needs prompt, gentle cleaning.
Soft Cloud Two Seater Sofa Bed
Best suited to: a living room needing a proper sofa presence and a forward-opening guest bed. The diagram makes planning the open footprint easier.
Limit: it needs roughly 190 cm of open depth; the indicated 183 cm sleeping length may not suit every tall sleeper.
Howard Two Seater Sofa Bed
Best suited to: a small lounge where linen upholstery and 120–180 cm width choices help match the room.
Limit: the pull-out platform needs uninterrupted floor space in front, and the selected width must be checked against access and sleeping needs.
Bhatnagar Corner Sofa Bed With Storage
Best suited to: a larger small-flat living room where one piece must provide seating, a chaise, a bed and bedding storage.
Limit: widths start at 206 cm, so this is not the smallest-footprint choice; delivery turns and the corner layout need careful checking.
10. Sofa-bed measurement checklist
| Measure | What to record |
|---|---|
| Closed footprint | Overall width × deepest point × height |
| Open footprint | Total depth and width with the bed fully deployed |
| Sleeping surface | Usable width × length, not the overall frame size |
| Operating clearance | Space for hands, backrest movement and standing |
| Delivery route | Narrowest door, corridor, stairs, turn and lift |
11. FAQs
What size sofa bed works best in a small flat?
There is no single best width. Choose from the open footprint and sleeping need first, then check the closed sofa size. A chair bed can suit one guest; a wider two-seater is more flexible but needs more opening space.
Can a sofa bed be used every night?
Some people use sofa beds regularly, but comfort depends on the sleeping surface, support and the individual sleeper. Check the product specification, try it in person where possible and consider whether a topper is practical.
How much clearance should I leave?
Use the product’s fully open depth and add enough room to stand and operate it safely. Do not rely on the closed depth.
Do sofa beds include storage?
Only selected models do. Confirm the product page and check how the compartment opens before planning the room.
Where can I compare Rit Concept sofa beds?
Browse the full Sofa Beds collection or visit our London furniture showroom to discuss dimensions and suitability.
