We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sleeper Sofa at Crate & Barrel

Sleeper sofas of the past were known for being uncomfortable, bulky, and not very stylish. Happily, though, the modern sleepers of today are an upgrade in every way. You can find sleeper sofas with memory foam mattresses, hidden storage, and easy-to-use opening mechanisms that won’t leave you sweating, in addition to design-forward silhouettes and durable fabrics. Since a sleeper sofa is such a big investment, it’s wise to do thorough research before committing to buying — which is where we come in.

As part of our Personal Shopper series, we headed over to Crate & Barrel’s New York City storefront and tested out all the options available on the floor. While Crate & Barrel offers more than 30 different sleeper styles, only three were available to see in person. We made the most of it, though, and closely examined the pull-out mechanisms, durability, feel, and comfort of each option. Read on for all of our thoughts on Crate & Barrel’s sleeper sofas, including family-friendly options and one extra convenient twin-size model.

Crate & Barrel is one of the most reliable home brands out there. It sells all types of quality furniture at midrange prices and specializes in approachable designs that will never go out of style.

When it comes to sleeper sofas, Crate & Barrel offers more upholstery options than just about any other retailer, including genuine leather and performance fabrics across the color spectrum. You’ll also find lots of customizations when it comes to sofa configurations and sizes, and it’s an all-around great place to shop if you’re looking for durable, family-friendly seating.

Our editors and writers have tested lots of Crate & Barrel products through the years, including sofas and beds. We’ve also visited Crate & Barrel for previous installments of the Personal Shopper series — if you’re outfitting your entire home, you can check out our thoughts on the brand’s sofas, beds, and even rugs.

We judged every Crate & Barrel sleeper sofa based on the following criteria:

• Overall sit: What posture does the sofa best support? How deep or shallow are the seats? Are the cushions soft or firm on the back and arms?
• Seat firmness: How soft or firm are the seat cushions? How do they contribute to overall posture and comfort?
• Customizability: Does it come in different varieties? How many colors, finishes, materials, or sizes is it available in? How granular can you get when customizing the sofa?
• Comfort: How comfortable is the sleeper part? Is the mattress thick enough to hide the feel of bars and wires? 
• Multifunctionality: Does it have storage capacity? What else can the sofa do or help with?
• Sturdiness: Is the frame made from durable, high-quality materials? Does the sofa wobble or creak when you’re on it?
• Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., deep hues, busy details, flanged edges) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, low profiles, mid-century modern design elements)?

Each sleeper sofa on this list was tested by Zee Krstic, Apartment Therapy’s senior home editor. Zee covers all things design, including room ideas, color guides, how-tos, and shopping recommendations. Before joining the Apartment Therapy team in the summer of 2025, Zee was the content strategy manager for Country Living, ELLE Decor, House Beautiful, and VERANDA. He also spent four years at Good Housekeeping. 

Zee’s thoughts: Just because you don’t have the space (or the budget) for a full-size sofa doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in a pull-out bed. Take the Sombra Twin Sleeper, which is a sleeper armchair rather than a sleeper sofa. I love the functionality of this model — the metal bed frame is barely noticeable, and the mattress folds into itself like origami when not in use. 

In all, the Sombra impressed me the most out of all the options I tested. Its mattress felt much more comfortable compared with the others, which is due to the fact that it’s a Tempur-Pedic. (You also have the option to choose a high-density foam or gel-infused foam mattress if you don’t want to spend extra on the Tempur-Pedic.) The single bed stretches out to 80 inches long when pulled out, which is more length than the other sleepers I saw. It was much softer than the other models as well.

As for the chair itself, it felt extremely comfortable without being so plush that you end up sinking into oblivion. It’s about as close to a modern throne as I could ever find: It felt like a marriage between a plush recliner and a comfy couch, and I think it’s by far the most comfortable option I sat on in the Crate & Barrel showroom.

I think the Sombra is downright perfect for small spaces or guest rooms. The performance fabric is durable, stain-resistant, and built to withstand daily use, including pets and spills. The pull-out twin bed features a plush mattress that provides a comfortable sleeping surface for guests without sacrificing style. Compact yet versatile, it offers both comfort and convenience in just a few seconds (and literally no effort; the mechanism is so easy and simple to move!).

Specifications: 

• Styles: Also available as a sleeper sectional and sleeper storage sectional
• Fully Extended Dimensions: 77x86x37 inches
• Mattress Type: High-density foam, gel-infused foam, Tempur-Pedic
• Mattress Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
• Upholstery: Bouclé, canvas, chenille, linen, microfiber, shearling, textured weave, twill, velvet, leather

Zee’s thoughts: Crate & Barrel’s popular Barrett II is a classic option that’s durable and versatile enough for busy households. I was most impressed by the range of upholstery (and leather!) options available for this model, as well as the number of configurations. I saw the Barrett II in the sectional configuration, which comes with an optional modular ottoman that has hidden storage, but you can also get it in the typical sofa style.

The silhouette of this couch is pretty safe and standard, and it’ll definitely work with a variety of decor styles and living spaces. I’m 6’4″, and my feet were firmly planted on the ground when I sat down. I loved that the back cushions were a bit firmer than most, allowing me to throw my weight against the back of the sofa and not feel like I was sinking backwards into oblivion. This is a great couch for sitting and hosting friends without feeling like you’re sunk into bed!

The upholstery I saw was a clean, contemporary woven fabric that felt great to the touch. It comes in a wide variety of colors and performance-grade weaves, making it durable enough to resist spills, pet wear, and everyday living. I liked the subtle top-stitching on the cushions, which gave the sofa a tailored, polished look without sacrificing its casual, comfy feel. (It doesn’t look overly stuffy or formal.)

Unfortunately I didn’t love the mattress, especially compared with the Sombra’s mattress. It didn’t feel as soft and supportive, and it wasn’t thick enough to totally hide the feel of the metal bars. I also really disliked that the mattress wasn’t snug against the sofa arms; instead, there was a massive gap where my phone would definitely get lost forever. Still, the customizations (including storage) and performance upholstery make the Barrett II a solid option for families.

Specifications: 

• Styles: Also available as a sleeper sectional
• Fully Extended Dimensions: 78.25x89x35.5 inches
• Mattress Type: 5-inch gel-infused memory foam
• Mattress Sizes: Twin, full, queen
• Upholstery: Bouclé, canvas, chenille, linen, microfiber, shearling, textured weave, twill, velvet, leather

Zee’s thoughts: The Aris Sofa’s cushions feel noticeably softer than the other models in the store, offering a plush and inviting seating environment that approached cloudlike status. Plus, the back cushions were much more angled compared with those on the other models in the store, giving it a deeper, sink-in feel that’s suitable for lounging. While that style isn’t my favorite, I can see how those specifically looking for something soft and lounge-y would be pleased. 

I did notice that the fill seemed quite impressionable, as the cushions sagged noticeably after sitting. This could be due to the length of time the sofa was in the store, but it did make me worry about its long-term resilience — it seems like it would require pretty prompt fluffing to maintain its shape. 

This couch has a contemporary, low-profile design that’s not great for tall people. As someone who’s 6’4″, I found it uncomfortable both to sit on and to get up from, making lounging and standing a bit awkward because I had to grip the armrests and push myself up using my hands on the seat cushion. I also didn’t love the bench seat cushion, which adds to the modern aesthetic but isn’t very convenient for cleaning. It is available in a traditional two-cushion style, though, so you’re not forced to do the bench seat if that’s not your style.

The Aris’s mattress felt about the same as the mattress on the Barrett II model: pretty standard and nothing special. It wasn’t as comfortable and supportive as the Sombra’s mattress, and the frame itself seemed a bit flimsy for regular use.

While it wasn’t my favorite of the bunch, I can see how it would appeal to those looking for a low-profile style that’s contemporary and great for lounging. It’s a better option for occasional guests rather than as a durable everyday pull-out bed — which is exactly how you should be using a sleeper sofa anyway.

Specifications: 

• Styles: Also available with two cushions
• Fully Extended Dimensions: 82×90.25×32.5 inches
• Mattress Type: Gel-infused memory and high-foams
• Mattress Size: Queen
• Upholstery: Bouclé, canvas, chenille, linen, microfiber, shearling, textured weave, twill, velvet, leather