9 Sleeper Sofas Under $500 We Love

Here at Apartment Therapy, we’re all about helping you find the perfect furniture, especially when it comes to sofas. We’ve already covered the best sofas under $500, but did you know that you can also get a nice sleeper sofa for under $500? We know it sounds too good to be true, but it turns out it is true — and you won’t even have to sacrifice on looks, either.

Not all sleeper sofas are created equal, and shopping for a sleeper sofa requires different considerations than shopping for a traditional couch. Sleeper sofas are versatile, and offer a great solution for hosting guests from out of town or for sleepers for your kids, especially if you don’t have a guest room. You can even put a sleeper sofa in an office for added functionality.

Sleeper sofas may look like a traditional couch, but they have a built-in mattress. When the sleeper sofa is fold out, the sofa’s arms and back function like a headboard. One of the most important thinks to look for while shopping is how the mechanism functions.

Our former style editor got some excellent advice for buying a sleeper sofa from Interior Define’s former Chief Merchandising Officer Christina Holland.

“Make sure that the lifting of the sleeper in and out is smooth,” says Holland. “If you can’t try before you buy, tap into furniture sites with in-depth product videos online.” If a sleeper sofa is difficult to use, chances are you won’t use it.

Consider what you intend to use it for and how often so you can make sure to purchase the size that best suits your needs as well as your space. “Make sure the depth and width of the sofa is smaller than your doorway so you can get it in,” says Holland. Sleeper sofas range in size from twin to king, so measure how much space you have available as well as what size you need.

Budget is another important consideration, and if you’re shopping for a sleeper sofa under $500, your options are fewer than if money was no object. However, you can still get a great one for an affordable price if you take your time, read reviews, and try it out in person whenever possible before buying a sleeper sofa.

Buying a sofa is a big deal, so we know you want to find the right pick for you. We’ll be honest: These sofas are probably not the best choice for sleeping on every night (for that, you’ll want a chic bed with a proper mattress). However, if you’re someone who has guests often and you want to provide them with something more comfortable than an air mattress to crash on, these are all excellent options.

Check out 9 of our favorite stylish sleeper sofas under $500 below that’ll help you create the perfect inviting space for you and your guests.