Sofa beds.

This is true, although it would be used daily as a sofa and a couple of dozen times a year as a bed for the next 20 years or so, so I'm prepared to buy on quality rather than price.  

Plus it's made in Scotland so I would have the satisfaction of keeping Sweaty Socks in work rather than slimy Indians, Jam Rolls or slitty-eyed Chinks. 

I believe Patty is absolutely right.

It has to be comfortable to sit on, first and foremost.

We got rid of an excellent Wilson's bed settee for just that reason (that and we're anti social ).

I wouldn't buy without being able to sit on it first.

Rog

I bought my sofabed off LLLS furniture based in Smethwick.

I had looked around for a while and spoke to these guys for two reasons. Firstly, I could see from the eBay shop that they had many different styles. Secondly, my family are local to Smethwick and they didn't mind me going to the factory to chat with them.

The service I had was great, we talked through what I needed and they made some great recommendations. They maximised use of space by not having arms on the sofa, which while recognising that not everyone will find comfortable means I actually get a full length bed in the space I have as the flat arms are usable in the bed position meaning whoever uses the bed doesn't have to sqeeze between.

I also miscalculated the height whilst in the sofa position, upon speaking to them they instantly said to pop back and they would alter the feet to fit - which it now does perfectly just under the gunnels which saves loads of space.

They are only a 5 minute walk from the cut from either the main line or the Smethwick line. They even gave me a lift down to the boat with it but classed it as pick up which saves the £70 postage (I got as close as I could to where the Navigation pub used to be by Smethwick bottom lock)

I've used the sofa daily for three years, have had 4 people sat on it at a time (the lack of arms help here also) I've used it as a bed personally, and had probably a further 5 people use it. All who use it as either a bed or sofa comments on the comfort. Obviously I can't state whether it'll last the 20 years but can say that in three years it's as comfortable as it ever was and doesn't appear to have any sagging or wear as yet.

I'd say worth a look as I have been really happy, I will say that they have some unusual fabrics to choose from though.

Made myself feel a bit silly by looking to add the eBay shop through here to find it's the same company you linked to in the op. Could have saved a lot of time by simply typing... Mines off them, I recommend...

Mine was around half the cost of that though. It's smaller without arms but maybe it's the fabric pushing up the price. 

www.ebay.co.uk/str/lllsfurniture/SOFABEDS/_i.html?_storecat=19899310014

Showroom is a bit of a stretch, unless they've refurbed it's essentially the loading bay and you look at items ready to be delivered. You do get to see the factory though and the staff were a good bunch.

If I remember correctly they essentially custom build so you can choose any of the designs and upholster in any fabric.

If it helps I'm moored in Brumagen at the moment if you want to see a three year old one to give an idea of longevity.

I got rid of mine earlier this year as it was horrible to sit on, have sat on some at crick show and they were not much better, I would suggest looking for electric recliner sofa, these come apart making them easy to lift in the doors

I missed this thread earlier. I would have gone for a nice purple satin material to complement the interior decor. Or how about just having a shallow tray with some soil specially imported from Transylvania?