Sofabed Barn

Are you sitting comfortably?

Finding furniture to fit narrowboats can be a chore but Sofabed Barn makes easy work of it, providing sit-sleep solutions that combine comfort and style

Sofabed Barn is a family-run business based in Bradford, where its large selection of compact, easy-to-use sofabeds and chair-beds are handmade to order. The firm was established over 20 years ago and first entered the inland waterways sector at the 2012 Crick Boat Show.

“Exhibiting at the event was a great success,” says director Michael Roberts. “We’re a family business and our customers really appreciate that we go the extra mile for them. Any suggestions we make are to ensure they get the best possible piece of furniture that fits the space and meets their needs.” 

New market

In order to cater for their new customer base, the company began designing sofabeds specifically with narrowboaters in mind and created a dedicated page on the website. Talking to boat-owners at the Crick Boat Show, it became apparent that storage was at the very top of their list of priorities, so many of the models incorporate easy-access drawers. The versatile range of products are offered in a variety of sizes that convert into single, small double, double or king-sized beds, so there is something for virtually any size of boat or room. 

Michael and his team also work with boat-builders to select the right model and finish for new craft, providing the perfect sit-sleep solution for multifunction cabins and saloons. 

All in the design

Among Sofabed Barn’s biggest sellers are the Canterbury, a three-seater sofa/double bed with storage in the base, a quilted mattress and fully upholstered, removable arm rests, and the Banbury, a versatile corner sofa with tailored cushions that fit neatly under the gunwales. Also popular are the firm’s chair-beds, which fold out into full-sized single beds. 

Launched at the 2019 Crick Boat Show, the two-seater Hebden is the company’s newest product for boaters. The small sofa has a pocket-sprung seat/mattress, and uses a simple click-clack mechanism to provide two sitting positions (standard and reclined) and to convert it into a bed. A matching modular footstool folds flat to fit neatly inside the base of the sofa when not required.

While Michael hails the click-clack mechanism as the best solution for boats due to its space-saving qualities, there are a number of other designs featuring different systems that are suitable alternatives. He encourages customers to get in touch to discuss individual requirements.  

Custom finish

Sofabed Barn offers a choice of nearly 40 plain coloured, chenille or tartan fabrics for the main body of the sofabed and around ten contrasting designs for the two scatter cushions that are included with every order. For models with visible wooden frames, there are seven finishes that when combined with different materials can create a variety of looks, from fresh and contemporary to warm and rustic. 

There is also the option for clients to customise the sofabed by using their own fabric. This solves the age-old problem of trying to match colours and designs with existing furnishings and gives the finished boat a coordinated and streamlined look.

The sofabeds come with hard-wearing and durable foam mattresses and either a removable or fixed cover depending on the model. There is the option to upgrade to a thicker and more luxurious memory foam mattress at an additional cost. Sofabed Barn can also custom make replacement mattresses in any size to give an existing piece of furniture a new lease of life.

All the products are available to buy online or from the factory showroom in Bradford, which is open to customers by appointment only. The company can deliver anywhere in the UK and the majority of the products come flat-packed, requiring some self-assembly. Don’t let that put you off, however – the sofabeds only have a few components to put together and around 30 minutes’ building time is quoted for most models. 

Sofabed Barn will be exhibiting at the Crick Boat Show this August. 

Find out more

01274 800334

info@sofabedbarn.co.uk

sofabedbarn.co.uk