The Ikea Beddinge sofa bed and the Nyhamn from Hemnes are both functional sleeper sofas, but they differ significantly in construction, price, and overall quality. The Ikea Beddinge is a famously budget-friendly option made with particleboard and basic foam, designed for occasional use and temporary living situations. In contrast, the Nyhamn is a mid-range offering with a durable solid wood frame and a more comfortable, supportive mattress, positioned as a long-term furniture investment.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to decide which of these popular sofa beds is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
Ikea Beddinge Sofa Bed
The Beddinge is one of Ikea's classic, no-frills solutions for small spaces and guest rooms. It has become a go-to for shoppers prioritizing affordability and function above all else, offering a simple click-clack mechanism to convert from a sofa to a bed in seconds. Its minimalist design and removable covers make it a practical choice for students, renters, and anyone in need of a straightforward, low-cost sleeper.
- What it is: A basic, affordable convertible sofa bed with a simple metal frame and foam mattress.
- Key features: Click-clack conversion mechanism, removable and machine-washable covers, lightweight frame for easy moving, multiple mattress and cover options were historically available.
- Price: Around $300 - $400, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on the market.
- Dimensions: Approximately 75" W x 33" D x 30" H as a sofa. Sleeps a surface of about 55" x 75".
- Materials/Construction: Frame is typically powder-coated steel with particleboard or fiberboard components. Mattress is a simple block of polyurethane foam, with polyester covers.
- Style: Utilitarian and minimalist. Its simple, armless design allows it to blend into the background of modern or transitional spaces without making a strong style statement.
- Pros: Extremely affordable price point. Removable and washable covers add convenience and longevity. Simple mechanism is easy to use. Lightweight design is ideal for apartment living and frequent moves.
- Cons: Foam mattress can be uncomfortable for multi-night sleeping. Build quality is not intended for heavy, daily use as a primary sofa. Materials can look and feel cheap. Minimalist design can appear sparse.
This makes it a go-to choice for students, first-time renters, or anyone needing a simple, low-cost sleeper solution for an office or guest room that sees infrequent use.
Shop this product: ikea.com
Hemnes Nyhamn Sofa Bed
The Nyhamn sofa bed from Hemnes is positioned as a more premium and durable alternative, designed for those who want both style and substance. It bridges the gap between budget solutions and high-end furniture by using higher-quality materials like solid wood and pocket spring mattresses. This sofa bed is intended to serve comfortably as both a daily seating spot and a regular bed for guests, with a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic that feels more permanent and intentional.
- What it is: A mid-range convertible sofa bed focused on quality construction, comfort, and enduring style.
- Key features: Durable frame, higher-quality mattress options (high-density foam or pocket spring), and premium upholstery fabrics.
- Price: Typically ranges from $600 to $900.
- Dimensions: Approximately 78" W x 35" D as a sofa. Offers a slightly larger sleeping surface of around 55" x 78".
- Materials/Construction: Frame is often made from solid wood or high-quality engineered wood for better stability and longevity. Mattress options provide superior support compared to basic foam.
- Style: Classic Scandinavian design that emphasizes natural textures and refined details. It features a cozier, more inviting look that works in both modern and traditional interiors.
- Pros: Far more durable and suitable for daily use. More comfortable mattress provides better support for sitting and sleeping. Higher-quality materials look and feel more premium. Timeless design complements a wider range of decor.
- Cons: A significantly higher initial investment. Heavier and more difficult to move. Assembly may still be required and can be complex.
The Nyhamn is ideal for homeowners looking for a long-term furniture piece that serves comfortably as a daily sofa in a den or office and a proper bed for frequent visitors.
Shop this product: hemnes.com
Ikea Beddinge vs. Hemnes Nyhamn Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While both sofa beds have a similar footprint designed for small to medium-sized rooms, the Nyhamn is typically a few inches wider and deeper. This provides slightly more generous seating space when used as a sofa. As a bed, its extra few inches of length (78" vs. the Beddinge's 75") can make a noticeable difference in comfort for taller adults. The Beddinge's armless, lean profile gives it a lighter visual weight, making it a better fit for very compact spaces where every inch counts.
Comfort & Ergonomics
There is a night-and-day difference in comfort between these two models. The Ikea Beddinge uses a basic foam mattress that provides minimal support and is best suited for a single night of sleep. When used regularly as a sofa, the cushions can compress and become uncomfortable over time.
The Nyhamn’s high-density foam or pocket spring mattress options are significantly more supportive and comfortable for both sitting and sleeping. It feels much more like a real mattress, making it a viable option for guests staying several nights or even for use as a primary bed in a studio apartment.
Materials & Construction
Construction quality is the primary differentiator. The Beddinge is built for affordability, using a simple steel and particleboard frame that can wobble or bend with heavy use. The Nyhamn uses a solid or high-grade engineered wood frame, offering superior stability and a much longer lifespan. This difference is immediately noticeable in the weight and sturdiness of the furniture. The Nyhamn feels substantial and permanent, while the Beddinge feels lightweight and temporary.
Price & Value
The Ikea Beddinge sells for about half the price of the Nyhamn. For shoppers facing a strict budget, its value is unmatched - you get a functional sleeper sofa for under $400. However, this is short-term value. Due to its construction, it may need to be replaced within a few years of moderate use.
The Nyhamn costs more upfront, but its superior materials and durable build provide better long-term value. It's built to withstand daily use and will likely last many years longer than the Beddinge, making it a more cost-effective investment over time for anyone planning to use it regularly.
Style & Versatility
The Beddinge embodies a purely functional, minimalist aesthetic. Its design is basic and won't clash with most decor, but it also won't add much character. Its main selling point is its chameleon-like ability to blend in.
The Nyhamn showcases a more intentional, classic Scandinavian style. With higher-quality fabrics and a more structured shape, it looks more like a true sofa and less like a temporary futon. This allows it to serve as a stylish focal point in a den, office, or small living room.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both sofa beds serve their purpose well, but they are built for entirely different priorities and users.
Choose the Ikea Beddinge if:
- You have a very tight budget and need the most affordable option available.
- The sofa bed will be used occasionally by guests for only one or two nights.
- You are furnishing a temporary space like a dorm, first apartment, or staging a home.
- You need a lightweight piece of furniture that is easy to move frequently.
Choose the Hemnes Nyhamn if:
- Durability and long-term use are your top priorities.
- The sofa will be used frequently for both sitting and sleeping.
- Comfort is important, and you want your guests to have a good night's sleep.
- You want a piece that looks and feels like a permanent, quality piece of furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Beddinge and Nyhamn?
The primary difference is in the build quality and materials. The Beddinge is a budget option with a metal/particleboard frame and a basic foam mattress. The Nyhamn is a mid-range option with a solid wood frame and a superior high-density foam or pocket spring mattress, making it far more durable and comfortable.
Which sofa bed is more comfortable for sleeping?
The Nyhamn is significantly more comfortable for sleeping. Its mattress options are thicker, more supportive, and feel much closer to a real bed, making it suitable for multi-night stays.
Is the Ikea Beddinge durable enough for everyday use as a sofa?
The Beddinge is not designed for heavy, everyday use as a primary sofa. The frame and foam mattress will wear down quickly under daily strain. It is best used in a low-traffic area like a guest room or office.
Can you wash the covers on these sofa beds?
One of the key features of the Ikea Beddinge is its removable and machine-washable covers. Most Nyhamn models also feature removable covers, but you should always check the specific care instructions for the fabric you choose.
Which one is a better investment?
For long-term value, the Nyhamn is the better investment. While it costs more upfront, its superior durability means it will last much longer, saving you the cost of replacing a less sturdy sofa bed down the road.
Which one is better for small apartments?
Both are designed for smaller spaces. The Beddinge is slightly more compact and much lighter, making it easier to maneuver in tight apartments and during moves. However, if the sofa bed will be your primary seating, the Nyhamn's durability makes it a smarter choice for apartment living.
Why is the Nyhamn so much more expensive?
The higher price reflects its use of more expensive materials - a solid wood frame versus metal and particleboard, and a pocket spring mattress versus basic foam. The cost covers better craftsmanship, improved comfort, and a much longer product lifespan.
Can I add a mattress topper to make the Beddinge more comfortable?
Yes, adding a 2-3 inch mattress topper is a popular and effective way to significantly improve the comfort of the Beddinge for sleeping. Just remember to find a place to store the topper when it's not in use.
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