Photography Simon Bevan, Styling Jennifer Haslam, Direction Sarah Keady
Gone are the days of cumbersome sofa beds with flimsy metal bed frames and poorly-placed springs – click-clack sofa beds (sometimes labelled 'clic clac') are the new staple of flexible urban living.
While a standard sofa bed uses a metal-action frame (a bed frame and mattress folded within its body that pulls out when needed, occasionally risking a pinched finger in the process), with click-clack sofa beds, both the seat and back fold forward to create a flat bed. The whole process takes a matter of seconds.
The click-clack sofa bed has a myriad of benefits over more traditional pull-out designs. Most can comfortably accommodate two people, and the absence of an interior metal frame means a click-clack sofa bed can have added storage to keep the duvet and bed linen contained. And because all four corners are accessible, you can use a fitted sheet and attach a mattress topper for added comfort.
Below, we look at 14 brilliant click-clack sofa beds to encourage flexible living...
Credit: Photography Simon Bevan, Styling Jennifer Haslam, Direction Sarah Keady
The bestselling Darcy sofa at DFS has had an upgrade. A favourite for its sleek silhouette, modern details and array of colour options, Darcy can now transform into a generous double bed to accommodate extra guests.
Choose foam-filled seat cushions for a plumpness that bounces back, or a memory foam that provides the best comfort and support.
The little sofa that packs a big punch. Dunelm call their Emery click-clack sofa bed a three-in-one, for it's function as a sofa, bed and storage spot.
Its seat opens up to reveal ample space – almost 2 square metres –for keeping bedlinen close at hand.
You can always rely on Dusk to make something simple and understated in an array of soft neutrals.
There's no need to hide this Hudson click-clack sofa bed in a spare bedroom. Its contemporary shape, generous seat and elegant stone grey upholstery make it a great feature in a living room.
This compact sofa bed is the ultimate multitasker for smaller spaces. We love the modern armless shape and this green and white option is perfect for maximalist schemes.
For the colour averse, Dunelm's Phoebe range is also available with plain upholstery.
Sofa beds are rarely so design savvy. The Hush three-seater from John Lewis has a unique sculptural shape with a soft profile and textured chenille upholstery.
Designed for those who prefer a firmer sit (and snooze,) the high density foam seat and back retains its shape without the need for plumping.
'Japandi' is a bit of an ungainly name for the elegant Japanese-meets-Scandinavian design hybrid, but this click-clack sofa bed from La Redoute is Japandi all over.
It's a three-seater when folded up and creates a sleeping space for two when folded down.
Leave it to Ikea to design one of the smartest click-clack sofa beds on our list. This loose cover version has hidden storage inside to hold your bed linens and pillows.
Boucle is a great choice for a sofa bed, where its balance of warmth and cosiness is an asset. The contemporary silhouette on this click-clack sofa bed from Dusk is a perfect complement to its boucle body.
This three-seater sofa bed from Wayfair has a luxe gold frame and velvet button-tufted upholstery, perfect for low-key minimalists who like a touch of glam.