IKEA Sofa Beds and Futons: Are They Worth It in Canada?

Reading Time: 8 minutes

If you have been shopping for an IKEA sofa bed, you have probably noticed how appealing those showroom setups look. Clean lines, modern colours, a price tag that seems reasonable. At Mattress Miracle, 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario, we have helped families find comfortable sleep solutions since 1987. And one question keeps coming up: "Is the IKEA sofa bed actually comfortable enough to sleep on every night?"

The honest answer? It depends on how you plan to use it. An IKEA sofa bed works fine for the occasional overnight guest. But if you or someone in your household sleeps on it regularly, the thin foam mattress and basic mechanism will catch up with you quickly. The same goes for sofa beds from JYSK and Wayfair. Let us walk through exactly what you get with each option so you can decide with your eyes open.

IKEA Sofa Bed Lineup: What You Actually Get

IKEA sells several sofa bed models in Canada. The two most popular are the FRIHETEN and HOLMSUND, and they sit at different price points with slightly different features.

FRIHETEN Corner Sofa Bed ($699 to $899)

The FRIHETEN is IKEA's bestselling sofa bed in Canada. It converts from an L-shaped sofa into a double bed and includes built-in storage under the chaise. The frame is sturdy enough, and the pull-out mechanism works smoothly when the sofa bed is new. The catch is the sleep surface. You get a thin foam mattress, roughly 3 to 4 inches thick, sitting on a flat panel. That is about half the thickness of a basic standalone mattress.

HOLMSUND Three-Seat Sofa Bed (~$599)

The HOLMSUND is a simpler, more affordable sofa bed from IKEA. It folds out into a double bed and includes storage space underneath. The same thin foam mattress issue applies here. At this price point, IKEA is giving you a functional piece of furniture, not a comfortable bed.

FYRESDAL Daybed (~$299)

The FYRESDAL is technically a daybed frame, not a sofa bed. It pulls out to create a double sleeping surface, but you need to supply your own mattresses. That is actually an advantage if you pair it with a proper mattress. The frame itself is metal and reasonably solid.

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IKEA Futons and Futon Covers

Beyond sofa beds, IKEA sells a range of futons priced from $149 to $399. These are simpler frames that fold flat, usually with a basic foam or polyester-filled mattress. The IKEA futon appeals to students, first apartments, and anyone watching their budget closely.

If you already own an IKEA futon and want to extend its life, an IKEA futon cover is a practical investment. Covers run around $30 to $80 depending on the model, and they protect the cushion from stains and wear. They also let you refresh the look of the futon without replacing the whole thing. Just know that a new cover will not fix a worn-out mattress underneath.

The real question with any futon is the same one that applies to sofa beds: how often will someone sleep on it? A futon mattress from IKEA is typically 3 to 4 inches of foam, which is fine for sitting and occasional sleeping. For nightly use, consider pairing a quality futon frame with a thicker, supportive mattress.

JYSK and Wayfair Sofa Beds Compared

JYSK Sofa Beds ($399 to $799)

JYSK positions itself as a Scandinavian-inspired home store, and their sofa bed selection falls in a similar range to IKEA. A JYSK sofa bed typically costs between $399 and $799 in Canada. The designs lean functional rather than stylish. You get a fold-out or click-clack mechanism, a thin foam or spring mattress, and fabric or faux leather upholstery.

The sofa bed from JYSK shares the same fundamental limitation as IKEA: the sleep surface is thin and designed for occasional use. JYSK does occasionally offer models with slightly thicker mattresses at the higher end of their range, but the difference is marginal.

Wayfair Sofa Beds ($300 to $2,000+)

The Wayfair sofa bed category is enormous. You will find hundreds of options ranging from budget futons under $400 to premium sleeper sofas above $2,000. That huge selection is both Wayfair's advantage and its problem. Without being able to sit on or lie down on the sofa bed before buying, you are relying entirely on online reviews and product descriptions.

Some Wayfair sofa beds use real innerspring mattresses. Others use the same thin foam you find at IKEA. The product listings do not always make it easy to tell the difference. Returns on large furniture through Wayfair can also be complicated and costly.

Common Complaints About Big-Box Sofa Beds

After years of hearing from customers who started with a big-box sofa bed before visiting Mattress Miracle, the complaints follow a pattern. These are the issues that come up again and again.

The Mattress Is Too Thin for Nightly Sleep

This is the most common issue by far. A 3 to 4 inch foam mattress simply cannot support an adult body for eight hours, night after night. You feel the support panel or the frame bars through the foam. Side sleepers notice it at the shoulders and hips first. Back sleepers feel it along the lower back.

Mechanisms Break Within a Few Years

Sofa bed mechanisms take a lot of stress, especially with daily use. IKEA and JYSK mechanisms are designed for occasional conversion, not nightly folding and unfolding. Hinges loosen, rails bend, and latches stop catching. Replacement parts can be difficult to source after a model gets discontinued.

Cushions Sag Within a Year

The seat cushions on a sofa bed do double duty as both seating and part of the sleep surface. Budget foam compresses faster under this kind of use. Many owners report noticeable sagging within the first year, particularly in the centre of the seat where most people sit. Once the cushions sag as a sofa, they are even worse as a bed.

Assembly Surprises

IKEA furniture requires self-assembly, and sofa beds are among the heavier, more complicated builds. JYSK is similar. A Wayfair sofa bed arrives at your door in boxes, sometimes multiple boxes, and you are on your own. If something arrives damaged or a part is missing, you are looking at weeks of back-and-forth with customer service.

What to Look for in a Sofa Bed That Lasts

Not all sofa beds are created equal. Whether you end up buying from a big-box store or a local shop, here is what separates a sofa bed you will keep from one you will regret.

If you plan to use a sofa bed as your primary bed, the mattress quality matters more than anything else. A beautiful sofa with a terrible mattress is still a terrible bed.

Better Alternatives in Brantford

At Mattress Miracle, we carry sofa beds, futons, and daybeds that pair quality frames with real mattress support. The difference you feel when you lie down on one of our sofa beds compared to a big-box model is immediate and obvious.

Here is what sets the Mattress Miracle approach apart. We let you try the sofa bed in our showroom before you buy it. Sit on it. Lie on it. Fold it out and fold it back. Feel the mattress. That 10 minutes of testing tells you more than any online review ever could.

If a sofa bed is not the right answer for your space, we will tell you. Sometimes a daybed with a proper mattress is a better solution. Sometimes a futon frame with a thick futon mattress makes more sense. We would rather help you find the right fit than sell you something that will not work.

For anyone debating between a futon and a standalone mattress setup, our guide on futons versus mattresses breaks down the pros and cons in detail.

Related Reading

• Sofa Bed vs. Real Mattress: Which Is Right for You?
• Futon vs. Mattress: Pros, Cons, and When Each Makes Sense
• Shop Sofa Beds at Mattress Miracle
• Shop Futons at Mattress Miracle
• Shop Daybeds at Mattress Miracle
• Sofa Beds, Futons, Daybeds and Trundle Beds in Canada: The Complete 2026 Buying Guide
• Canadian Made Sofa Beds: What to Look for and Where to Find Quality
• Best Sofa Beds Canada: What Makes a Good Pull-Out Actually Comfortable