5 Best Eco-Friendly Sofa Beds for Greener Guest Stays

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James Miller
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James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
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Updated: March 19, 2024

Traditional sleeper sofas have the unwelcome reputation of being the worst of both worlds - uncomfortable in both sofa and bed mode, and made from synthetic materials containing toxic chemicals.

But the latest non-toxic, eco-friendly sleeper sofas are going to change all that.

Modern living requires us to be more creative and flexible with our space, and in my eco-friendly air mattress article, I concluded that air mattresses make great temporary beds for guests. But you can't relax on them all day watching TV!

So could a sofa bed be a more stylish and more permanent solution to the problem of sleep space for unexpected guests?

I tested some of the best eco-friendly sofa beds available in the U.S. to find out.

Top Sustainable Sofa Beds for Sleeping and Sitting

This modern sofa bed is thoughtfully designed with user comfort and health in mind. It features micro pocket coils, natural coconut coir, natural Dunlop latex, and wool, creating a perfect surface for both sitting and sleeping.

With a focus on natural and eco-friendly materials, the Eco Sofa is crafted without petrochemicals or fire retardants.

I love the smooth, durable, and naturally stain-resistant upholstery. It's easy to clean and copes well with heavy usage.

There is so much to like about this sofa bed, but my favorite features include:

  • Petrochemical-free construction
  • Flame retardant-free materials
  • LiveSmart stain-resistant fabric
  • Modern micro pocket coils for enhanced comfort
  • Natural coconut coir and latex core
  • Easy conversion with a unique European pop-up mechanism
  • No assembly required

I feel the Eco Sofa Brown offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and sustainability - and that's why it's my #1 pick.

Verified Customer Reviews

  • Awesome Sofa

    I received my sofa today no toxic chemical smells a slight off gassing of the natural latex which is expected but not irritating. Extremely convenient with the pop-up feature I love that you can keep the back up while having the feet stretched out on the pop-up extension or put the back down and sleep on it very comfortable extremely satisfied here!!!

    Jason H
    ★★★★★

  • The Company Shipped Super Quickly!

    The company shipped super quickly! It works just as expected, the colors match the photos, and it is big enough to fit the whole family.

    Victoria T
    ★★★★★

  • Great Couch

    Delivered without any damage. Easy to use and good down into the bed. High quality materials and craftsmanship.

    Leah C
    ★★★★★

They Say: If you want to "dress to impress," then you need a Tuxedo. The same is true for your home. The Tuxedo 2pc Sleeper Sectional Sofa is a refined, elegant, luxurious piece that also features a Queen Size sofa bed for a dash of secret agent coolness. The high-end, contemporary design of the Tuxedo gives it a sharp, eye-catching figure that's as comfortable as it is attractive.

We Say: I slept on this sofa bed for three nights when visiting a colleague in Seatle not so long ago. Two things immediately jumped out at me:

  1. My first impression was that it looks incredibly comfortable and stylish in sofa mode. I could see no hint that a sumptuous sleep system lies within.
  2. When we converted it into bed mode, I found the sleeping space was vast and luxurious.

This beast of a sofa bed is made in the U.S. using eco-friendly materials and construction techniques and delivered free to your door within 6-8 weeks.

This is not a ticket price to take lightly, but if you can afford it then this is definitely the high-end, luxury eco-friendly sleeper sofa option I would recommend.

If you're not sure, Apt2B offers a hassle-free 100-day return policy on all orders so you can try it out in your home. However, there is a restocking fee that could be costly.

Not that you'll likely be returning it. If you're in the market for a sectional sofa that will last you a lifetime and sleep multiple guests easily, then this is a winner all day…every day!

They Say: Apt2B specializes in modern apartment furniture and our Harrison Ave Apartment Size sleeper sofa bed, designed by Kyle Schuneman, is the perfect example of the high-quality pieces we sell each day. This tight back tufted sofa is petite, so it's perfect if you're short on space. It features a streamlined silhouette, high track arms and tapered wooden legs for that sleek modern feel.

We Say: The Harrison Ave Apartment Size Sleeper Sofa Bed is a fantastic choice if you're looking to add some contemporary style and luxury comfort to your apartment.

It's designed with petite spaces in mind, providing a streamlined silhouette and high-track arms that don't take up too much visual space.

I love the customizability of this sofa bed…allowing you to design a truly one-of-a-kind piece by choosing from a variety of fabrics and colors to make it your own.

The full-size innerspring mattress ensures maximum comfort (I found it incredibly comfortable to sleep on), while the easy fold steel mechanism makes transforming it between sofa and bed a breeze.

Plus, you'll get free delivery and 100 days to test it out before making a decision.

With its eco-friendly construction, lifetime guarantee, and quality craftsmanship, this is definitely a sofa bed worth taking a look at.

I love the Rio Sofa Bed from Medley Home. It's a timeless design with a modern twist that seamlessly blends into any room. It lives in my office and is perfect for when I'm working late and need a few hours of sleep without waking Mrs. M.

When buying this sofa bed, you have the freedom to customize your sofa bed with various size options, fillings, fabrics, legs, and mattress types.

I enjoy the convenience of loose seat cushions and back pillows with removable zippered covers, allowing easy spot cleaning. Some of the fabrics you can choose are machine washable for added convenience. 

My Rio Sofa Bed features a medium depth and seat height, providing a supportive and cozy cushioning experience.

The cushions I chose consist of wool-wrapped, plant-based latex foam (sourced from rubber tree sap). They offer durable spring-back properties that Medley Home claims will last over 20 years...impressive!

The back pillows are filled with fluffy wool fiber, creating a plush and delightfully comfortable feel.

Medley prioritizes the health of home and planet. It meticulously selects every layer of every piece of furniture with the utmost care, considering ethical business practices and environmentally friendly materials.

This sofa bed really does feel like it's been crafted with tried-and-true craftsmanship and built to last. The skilled Medley builders handcraft each piece in the US, and every frame comes with a lifetime warranty against cracking, breaking, or warping.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the level of customization on offer? Fear not! You're just one sample kit away from perfect customization. Order up to seven free fabric samples and experience the magic in the comfort of your own home.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the Ashbury, simply because its price point is so much lower than the other sustainable couches I tested. But when it arrived I was very pleasantly surprised.
 
The hardwood frame feels extremely sturdy, while the non-toxic foam cushions feel soft and luxurious - both to sit on and to sleep on.
 
What's more, I really liked the modern design, which I feel would complement any sustainable home. This holds up well as a standalone sofa - the fact it converts to a bed is just an added bonus.
 
Converting the Ashbury to and from bed mode was a simple one-person job - no heavy lifting necessary.
 
The fact that it's free of flame retardants and harmful chemicals like formaldehyde means I'd be completely comfortable letting my guests use this. 
 
Edloe Finch has hit another winner with the Ashbury. For the price, it's an absolute bargain.

One More Option to Consider

If you’re in the Northeast or San Francisco Bay Area, then check out AptDeco for an extensive range of pre-loved furniture options, including sofa beds.

A key pillar of sustainability is reducing waste. Buying second-hand furniture ticks that box perfectly.

What to Look Out For When Buying a New Eco-Friendly Sleeper Sofa

Low Chemical Levels

As mentioned in my sustainable furniture companies article, chemicals used to manufacture sofa beds can leak VOCs into your home.

To reduce heavy metals and indoor air pollution, look for sofa beds made from natural and sustainable materials.

Certifications

Recognizable and respected certifications will help give you peace of mind that you’re not bringing loads of chemicals into your house.

They also let you know that the planet has not suffered unnecessarily during the production of your couch bed.

Some of the couch bed specific ones to look out for include:

Sustainable/Ethical Business Practices

To ensure that your couch bed is as sustainable as possible, you need to look beyond the materials it was made with.

You should also consider the company behind it and the production process used.

Certifications that help give you peace of mind that your couch bed is as ethical as possible include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Joybird Environmentally Friendly?

Joybird is not a brand I chose to test. However, looking at their website, they do appear to use natural materials and have some excellent environmentally friendly ethics. In particular, they’re helping keep the planet lined with tress by supporting the following projects:

  • North Santiam Replanting Project
  • Chester Reforestation Project
  • Tennent Fire Recovery Project
  • Minnesota Chippewa National Forest Reforestation Project
  • New Brunswick Chignecto Isthmus Restoration Project
  • California Sawmill Liebre Reforestation Project
  • California Cranston Fire Reforestation Project

Is Iron Furniture Toxic?

Metal, in general, is one of the safest materials for furniture. It can be easily cleaned to strip away any impurities. It’s also reusable and recyclable and doesn't off-gas into your home.

Is Wood A Sustainable Material For Couch Frames?

Yes, solid wood from responsibly managed forests is sustainable. Responsibly sourced wood is usually FSC certified.

The Final Word

Gone are the days of hard lumpy couch beds that are rubbish as a couch and even worse as a bed.

It’s now possible to get a couch bed that's kind to your guest's backs and the environment.

Natural materials (and even recycled water bottles) are making their way into more and more couch beds.

If you’re planning on using your couch bed all the time, then I’d recommend spending as much as your budget will allow, to ensure you get the very best quality.

However, if it's only going to be used occasionally, I’d recommend buying secondhand…or even opting for an eco-air mattress like these instead.

For more on couches, sofas, fabrics, and all things sustainable furniture-related, check out my sustainable furniture brands list.

Get In Touch

Where do you buy your eco-friendly couch beds? Have I missed your favorite? Or do you use something else when guests come a-knocking? Drop me a line and let me know.

James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.

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