A sofa bed has the power to add both seating and sleeping space to your interior. Now more than ever, a range of stylish options presents design lovers with solutions for every budget. Are you wondering what differentiates a sofa bed from a sleeper sofa? Today we’re rounding up a collection of diverse pieces, exploring the terminology to make your selection process easier, and getting a ton of styling inspiration from the photos that follow. Enjoy…

Sofa Bed or Other Sleeper?

Let’s start with what makes a sofa bed a sofa bed. If you’re looking for a definitive answer, keep in mind that retailers often use the terms “sofa bed”, “sleeper sofa” and “futon” interchangeably. This can lead to confusion. While there don’t seem to be any hard-and-fast rules, many people equate the terms “sofa bed” and “sleeper sofa” with one another, noting that these pieces include a pull-out mattress that is hidden inside the furnishing during the day. On the other hand, a futon folds out with no extra mattress involved. In other words, when it comes to futons, what you sit on is what you sleep on. [below: Novogratz convertible sofa from Wayfair]

In reality, many consider the process of pulling a concealed mattress out of a sofa to be cumbersome. Instead, we’re seeing a lot of sleepers that involve one simple conversion to go from sofa to bed. This means that more and more items are being called “sofa beds”, even if there isn’t a mattress to pull out. The bottom line: Call it a sofa bed, a sleeper sofa, or a convertible sofa, that distinction is often up to the brand rather than a larger definition. There are plenty of other sleeping solutions as well, including daybeds, which can be used as beds, sofas (with the right backing and placement), and even loungers if they recline. Below we see the Luna Grey Daybed from Living Spaces:

Serena & Lily’s Avalon Daybed may not recline, but it can be pushed up against the wall to serve as a couch when comfy cushions are added. In other cases, it’s used solely as a bed. Many people love the chic, inviting look that daybeds bring to the table. There’s also no converting required when you take this piece from daytime seating use to nighttime sleeping use. Simply remove the cushions and you have a bed!

As an alternative, it may be nice to treat overnight guests to a more traditional sleeping arrangement that involves a cushier mattress. Bring on the sleeper sofa/sofa bed option, which is the true topic of today’s post! There are plenty of interesting variations of sleeper sofas, including this Denver Trundle Sleeper Sofa from Anthropologie (complete with a pullout trundle bed):

But for those on more of a budget, or those looking for a more compact and easy-to-convert option, nothing beats a sofa bed that folds down with ease. Check out CB2’s Flex Gravel Sleeper Sofa, shown below. You may be thinking, “But isn’t this really a futon since it simply folds down?” See what we mean about the exact terminology being confusing? As a consumer, all you need to do is be clear about what you’re looking for, and be open to the fact what you end up with may be called anything from a convertible sofa to a futon. Or even an “urban sofa bed”.

If you have any questions, speak with a representative from the brand before ordering online, or check out the piece in person to see how you can convert it from sofa to sleeper. Below we see the Flex Sleeper Sofa again, this time in a subtle shade of blue. You don’t have to sacrifice style for a sofa that doubles as a sleeper!

 

Sofa Bed Options

Now that we’ve gotten into the terminology and understand that there doesn’t seem to be one universal definition of the phrase “sofa bed”, let’s simply focus on a few fun products. Below you’ll find a roundup of sofa beds, all of which easily fold down to convert to sleepers. First up is BALKARP from IKEA:

Note how a simple fold downward flattens this sofa so it becomes a bed. Also check out the thickness of the “mattress” and the sleek silhouette. In fact, this “mattress” is thicker than some pullout mattresses that accompany more involved sleeper sofas:

Next up is Living Spaces’ Peggy Gray Convertible Sofa. It’s a sofa, lounger and bed in one! It’s hard to beat multi-functional furnishings. A split-back design with adjustable wings enables you to modify everything the way you see fit. A powder-coated metal frame and pressure-relief foam core cushion (with a memory foam comfort layer) are other highlights:

IKEA’s NYHAMN sleeper sofa transforms to a bed with a simple click-clack mechanism. You don’t even need to remove the cover! There’s even space under the sofa for storage baskets. You can choose from different mattress and cover options to get the perfect fit for your space, and more than one cover means that you can change the look whenever you feel like a room makeover. Convenient and creative!

Featured here and at the top of the post is Apt2B’s Amalfi Urban Sofa Bed, which takes sofa bed style to new heights. At the time of this post, it’s on backorder due to its undeniable popularity. And we can see why! With a sleek, modern look that can go glam or minimalist, this piece features a special folding design, as well as a hidden storage compartment in the base.

Below we see how the piece folds down into a bed. The styling in these photos shows how a pop or two of color can give your sofa bed personality and make it a perfect fit for your interior. Grey is one of the most popular color choices for sleepers, but rest assured that a throw pillow and a comfy blanket in the shade of your choice can make all the difference!

Next up is Urban Outfitters’ Brenna Convertible Sofa, a faux leather piece with allover tufting. Rubberwood legs in a natural finish enhance the neutral, high-end look of the piece. The perfect blend of function and style! You can accessorize it with a range of earthy decor items to play up a boho eclectic look, or you can keep this item in strictly modern territory by keeping the rest of the room clean-lined. You decide!

Living Spaces’ Paige Blue Convertible Sofa Chaise not only features an enticing shade of blue, it showcases the ability to transform from a seat to a bed in three easy steps. Individual pocket coils encased in pressure-relief foam make up the cushion, and did we mention that the piece can function as a 5-position chaise? Also available in light grey.

Below we see an image of the sofa chaise converting into a bed. The split-back design is highlighted:

We hope today’s post has proven that sofa beds have the power to add an undeniably stylish element to your space. What was once a plethora of bulky pullout sofas has now given way to more urban, modern selections that are easy to maneuver and easy to accessorize. Happy decorating!

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When it comes to art and architecture, few cities across the world match the old world charm and sheer opulence of Amsterdam. Its picture-perfect streets and wonderful nightlife draw visitors from all across the planet. It is barely a surprise then that the owners of this luxury home in the city wanted a new and improved interior that combined two different older housing units into one lavish, modern and elegant mansion for a large family. A task that was gleefully accepted by bnla architecten, who worked along with the clients for a previous project, the new residence feels opulent with an air of timelessness that perfectly epitomizes Amsterdam!

Basement level of the house connected with the landscape outside

The first task inside the house was combing two different staircases of the older units into one efficient modern stairway that brought light into various levels with ease. This is coupled smart use of windows and sliding glass doors on every level that revamp the interior and give it a cheerful, inviting vibe. The basement now holds a relaxing family zone along with a playroom with foosball table and a whole lot more. The first floor is the new heart of the house with a spacious, vibrant kitchen that features a smart island and breakfast bar. The kitchen flows into the covered deck outside and has an open presence about it.

Play area and social zone on the basement level of the house

Refined modern kitchen inside the Amsterdam home

View of the comfortable sitting area next to the fireplace along with a fabulous couch in the basement level

View of the stairwell that brings natural light into the house

Luxurious master bedroom and bathroom with traditional style and a blue and white color scheme

A master bedroom with traditional design and a bathroom that is inspired by modern spas and all the luxury they offer complete the transformation that blends the classic and the modern in a seamless manner. A polished, aesthetic and practical renovation! [Photography: Jansje Klazinga]

Dramatic dining area with wallpapered backdrop and lovely views

Kitchen of the house connected with the balcony offers beautiful views

Little side table in classic blue sits elegantly next to the freestanding bathtub inside the spa-styled bathroom

Black and white color scheme holds sway in this modern kitchen

Custom kitchen island with dark cabinets and a breakfast bar that feels dramatic

Design plan of renovated luxury mansion in Amsterdam with a multi-level interior

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If there is one style that naturally lends itself to modern homes all across the world, then it is definitely Scandinavian. It is the inherent simplicity, adaptability and functionality of this style that makes it so very perfect for the modern home with limited space and resources. Even in the more expansive residences, Scandinavian style can give the already spacious interior a cheerful, refreshing appeal that puts your mind at ease. It is a style designed around keeping things uncluttered, organized and efficient and today we take a look at some of the best dining rooms embracing Nordic design gleefully.

Keeping things simple and eclectic in the tiny Scandinavian style dining area inside Gothenburg apartment [From: Entrance Fastighetsmäkleri]

Scandinavian dining rooms always feel much larger than they really are because they employ a neutral backdrop and embrace a minimal decorating philosophy. In the small dining rooms, the style comes in even handier and you can even enliven the setting with pops of color and greenery wherever needed. The best small Scandinavian dining rooms feel inviting and serene without taking away from the style, theme or the overall ambiance of the open plan living area around them. From the ultra-small to the modestly spacious, this is a look at the 20 best small Scandinavian style dining rooms around –

Fall in Love with White

Love white? Then Scandinavian style is one that you will surely enjoy! Most Scandinavian dining rooms tend to have a backdrop in white and that is barely surprising. The style itself largely embraces neutral hues to maximize natural light and this is an idea that works very well in the small dining area. If your little dining room sits in the kitchen or in the corner of the open plan living area, then it makes even more sense to have a background in white. This links it with the space around it, gives you design flexibility and allows you to switch to a different style with ease down the line. A white dining area also lets the small accents, wooden dining table and chairs to stand out even more and make a bigger visual impact.

Oversized pendant for the tiny dining area in white

Perfect dining area for the small kitchen saves space in more ways than one

Twin chairs add green glam to the white dining area

White Scandinavian dining room makes use of limited space on offer while being flooded by natural light [From: EJ Interior]

Minimal Scandinavian style dining room with two chairs and sconce lighting [From: Mayi & Company / Vivian Johnson Photography]

Modern living area and dining room of Stockholm apartment keeps things elegant and simple [From: Kajsas Hem]

Adaptability to Different Backgrounds

Adaptability is a big part of Scandinavian design and this means you have a dining room that is easy on the eyes even as it allows you to try out different accents, seasonal hues and trendy patterns with ease. White and wood is a popular color combination that works well in the small Scandinavian dining area and is one that is bound to stay relevant for all of 2020 and probably even beyond that. You can always combine basic Nordic design principles with a touch of shabby chic panache, eclectic vitality or even a relaxing beach-inspired look to derive the best out of different styles. It is amazing how well a basic Scandinavian-styled space adapts to different regional and cultural influences.

Custom corner banquette seat coupled with stylish chairs bring black to the dining room [From: Asanti Homes]

Green accents in the small dining room create visual connectivity with the kitchen behind it [From: Rebecca Hill Interiors

Small apartment in Malmo with a gorgeous living area and dining space with Scandinavian style [From: Bjurfors Skåne]

Storage wall with sliding door in the backdrop adds blue to the small dining room

Wood and white kitchen and dining area with serene Scandinavian style [From: Barbara Cilliers]

Wooden bench adds additional seating space to the small dining area with black round dining table [From: Studio Fauve]

Chairs around the dining table and the backdrop add color to the dining room [From: behance]

Unlocking Space with the Right Combination

In the small dining room, it is important to ensure that form closely follows functionality and you have a smart blend of the two to ensure space is maximized to the hilt. In Scandinavian style dining room, you already have an efficient setting and nothing but the absolute must finds a place here. This automatically cuts back on wastage of space and you can put the additional square footage to good use by adding other features like a small bench in the corner or an extra seat at the table for guests. Tables for two and those that fold away when not in use offer even more adaptability while circular dining tables with pedestal base allow you to tuck in the chairs without consuming additional space.

Eat-in kitchen combines Scandinavian beauty with Asian style [From: cocochinoie]

Even the small corner can host the tiny dining space when planned right

Eye-catching pink accent wall for the dining room with simple Edison bulb lighting

Pendant and chairs add black to the small Scandinavian dining space with blue backdrop [From: Cream & Navy´s Interior]

Acrylic chair and table give the small dining area an even lighter visual appeal!

Corner banquette seating for the small Scandinavian style dining room [From: Transition Interior Design]

You're reading 20 Small Scandinavian Dining Rooms: Dynamic Functionality with Muted Charm!, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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