How to assemble a sofa bed
A sofa bed joins a sofa and a folding bed mechanism, so it has more moving parts than either. Fit the arms and back securely, then test the fold-out in slow motion before anyone sleeps on it.
- Time
- about 1 h
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- People
- 2 people
- Steps
- 7
Tools needed
- Allen key (supplied)
- Spanner
- Cross-head screwdriver
- Work gloves
Parts to check first
Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.
- Base with bed mechanism
- Back section
- Arms
- Feet and bolts
- Cushions and any mattress topper
Step by step
Step 1: Unpack in the room where the sofa bed will stay and check the mechanism is strapped closed before you move the base.
Step 2: Tip the base carefully and fit the feet, then stand it back on its feet.
Step 3: Attach the back section with its brackets or bolts, with a helper holding it upright.
Step 4: Attach the arms, lining up the plates or bolts, and tighten everything firmly.
Step 5: Remove the transport straps from the bed mechanism only once the frame is complete.
Step 6: Unfold the bed slowly the first time, following the manual's order, and watch for anything catching on the fabric.
Step 7: Fold it back up, fit the cushions and check that nothing is trapped in the mechanism.
Common mistakes
- Cutting the transport straps before the frame is assembled, so the mechanism flops open.
- Leaving cushions on while unfolding, which can tear fabric in the mechanism.
- Placing the sofa bed too close to other furniture to unfold it fully.
Safety notes
- Keep fingers, children and pets away from the scissor joints of the mechanism when folding or unfolding.
- Wear gloves: the mechanism has sharp metal edges.
This is general guidance for this type of product. Your product's own manual comes first: follow its order, fittings and torque values where they differ from this page.
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Updated 2026-09-30