Sofa Bed Elegance
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
If the day comes when you stand in front of your sofa, coffee in hand, scratching your head at how outdated or unaccommodating it is, sip and think of replacing it with a sofa bed. While the name itself conjures up (in my mind at least) rickety futons, these photos prove that sofa beds can not only look elegant, deliberate, and grown up, but can provide two functions in one furniture. In sofa beds such as these, the fact that you suddenly have a legitimate place to house guests (and lounge for hours with that weekend novel) is merely the fantastic added bonus to such a unique and beautiful piece of furniture.
In a corner or an alcove, simply placing the right-sized frame and mattress can create a space naturally bordered by walls. With such simplicity, you can focus on the fabrics and pillows to add detail to the space.
Without even arms or much linen coverage, this could just as easily be a bed or couch. With such simplicity, the texture and shape of the pillows give just the right balance.
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| Think unconventionally about the placement of a traditional daybed frame. Put in the right spot, such a bed can become a unique and classy couch for daytime (or even exclusive) use. To keep it from actually looking simply like a bed, use a variety of pillow shapes such as euros and bolsters, and refrain from the traditional bed shapes of king and standard pillows. |
by CWB Architects
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This more streamlined place to land adds a soft place to sit while adding the color that finishes this room. With considerable thought of the quality and type of cushion you would upholster, this space could also house a napper or overnight sleeper.
Placed in the flow of the room to create distinct sections, this fainting couch creates a subtle border while also offering the option of extra sleep space. Such a piece would look classy even against a wall, surrounded by a coffee table, a table with a lamp, a floor lamp, or artwork above.
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| In such an open, casual room, this daybed structure provides a pleasant alternative to a firmer, more structured couch requiring straight sitting rather than lounging. |
Rather than two reading chairs or a traditional sofa, this chaise lounge gives a romanticism to this room, and can offer a second place to lay when sick, reading, working, or housing an unexpected midnight guest in the form of a toddler who's had a nightmare.
While the beds in this houzz favorite photo also provide storage beneath, the same effect can be created by simply placing twin mattresses on simple frames. This is brilliant in a child's room where sharp corners and heights to fall from in sleep can become a concern. In the "Toddler Pad" in our home, we placed two twins along the length of the longest wall, creating a very long, very bouncy couch.
And of course this houzz favorite, for its bohemia, its streamlined cohesion preventing too much chaos, and the landing place for daytime living and nighttime comfort.
A sofa bed not only allows for complete versatility (this room, for instance could be completely changed around a new sofa look), it serves as a simple grounding point in the room around which to create an intimate space. Small rooms such as this get roomier with the bed tucked away, and create an environment of easy and elegance. Never a bad thing.
Comments
pwalter My main complaint with the daybed concept is that they are very hard to make. www.satisfiedsole.com
3 years ago · Like
sweetdreams I have a Turquoise sofa bed in my living room and I love it. It's my favorite piece of furniture. Great ideabook!
3 years ago · Like
W. David Seidel, AIA - Architect Thanks for including my work in your excellent ideabook. --david
3 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 7, 2010.
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