Versus Verdicts
Kebo Velvet vs Novogratz Brittany: UK futon sofa bed review
Which is the best futon sofa bed for a small flat in the UK — Kebo Velvet’s luxurious comfort or Novogratz Brittany’s clever space-saving design, our hands-on review uncovers surprise sleepers, build quality and unbeatable value-for-money.
Quick comparison of the DHP Kebo grey velvet sofabed and Novogratz Brittany black faux leather sofabed on Amazon UK, ideal for those seeking space-saving futon sofa beds for small flats and studios.
Compact Living
A neat, budget-friendly sofa bed option ideal for compact living and spare-room use. It converts easily and the microfiber finish is low-maintenance, but the lightweight frame and slimmer mattress mean it’s best for occasional sleepers rather than daily use.
Guest Ready
A sturdier multi-position futon that works well as a guest-ready sofa bed for city flats and spare rooms. The faux leather finish is easy to maintain and the split-back recline gives flexible seating, though the padding is on the firm side for prolonged sleeping.
Kebo Grey Velvet
Novogratz Brittany Sofa
Kebo Grey Velvet
Novogratz Brittany Sofa
Kebo Grey Velvet
Novogratz Brittany Sofa
Product overviews: specs, looks and who they suit
DHP Kebo Sofabed — Grey Velvet (DHP Furniture)
Compact, lightweight futon with soft microfiber (velvet-look) upholstery and a simple, modern silhouette that suits minimal interiors. Typical Amazon UK price band: around £200–£230.
Key specs:
Who it suits:
Novogratz Brittany Sofabed — Black Faux Leather (Novogratz)
Bigger, more substantial futon with a split-back, mid-century inspired design, plywood frame and steel spring backing. Typical Amazon UK price band: around £300–£330.
Key specs:
Who it suits:
Feature Comparison
Design, comfort and materials: velvet vs faux leather
Upholstery and tactile appeal
The DHP Kebo uses soft grey microfiber with a velvet-look finish, giving that cosy, tactile feel that suits contemporary London flats — a true space-saving velvet sofa bed UK option for rentals and studios. The low-profile silhouette plus plush touch makes it inviting for daytime lounging and looks less formal than leather.
The Novogratz Brittany arrives in smooth black faux leather, offering a sleeker, more structured appearance. It reads smarter in a living room and creates a stronger visual contrast, ideal when you want a bold, easy-clean focal piece like a black faux leather sofa bed UK.
Cushioning, back support and sleeping comfort
Kebo’s cushioning is softer and more forgiving but uses a thinner futon mattress — comfortable for sitting and short naps, but noticeable compression if used nightly by adults. The lightweight frame limits deep support.
Novogratz provides firmer foam padding with ply frame and steel-spring backing plus fold-out support legs. That results in a more stable sleeping surface and better back support for overnight guests, though side-sleepers may find it on the firmer side.
Maintenance, breathability and colour longevity in UK conditions
Velvet-look microfiber hides small marks and is comfortable in cooler UK months but absorbs spills faster and may need spot-cleaning; colour can retain well with occasional brushing. Faux leather wipes clean instantly, resists damp and pet hair, and usually lasts longer against stains — though repeated sun exposure can cause surface cracking or gloss changes. For city flats prone to damp, black faux leather is lower maintenance; for cosy interiors and softer feel, the space-saving velvet sofa bed UK wins on comfort.
Functionality and size: conversion, dimensions and usability
Conversion mechanism and ease of converting to a bed
Kebo: simple futon-style fold-down back with a lightweight frame that converts quickly with a single motion — ideal if you need a convertible futon sofa bed dimensions UK that one person can handle. At ~24 kg it’s easy to manoeuvre and reposition for studio life.
Novogratz Brittany: multi-position split-back with a push-pull action and hidden fold-out support legs. Conversion is smooth but heavier (≈38 kg) so two people are recommended for moving and initial positioning. The split-back lets you set sitting, lounging or sleeping without full flattening — useful for flexible guest arrangements.
Footprint when flat and suitable mattress dimensions for UK spaces
Novogratz sleeper footprint (manufacturer): approx 179 x 110 cm (70.5″ x 43.5″) — wider than a standard single but narrower than a UK small double. Kebo’s futon is more compact (manufacturer overall length ≈175 cm) and best suited for single sleepers or children. When searching, use keywords like compact sofa bed measurements for small rooms UK and sofabed for studio flat UK to find comparable sizes.
Recommended clear floor space:
Door and frame access: measure your doorway (UK standard ~76–82 cm). Plan for tilt-through manoeuvres or removing legs/back panels if needed. Note the heavier Novogratz may need two people to get through stairwells or tight corners.
Durability, assembly, warranty and value for money
Build quality, frame strength & expected lifespan
Kebo: lightweight microfiber on a budget futon frame — sturdy enough for daily sitting but UK reviewers warn the frame feels less substantial for regular overnight use. No clear weight limit is listed on the Amazon page; treat it as a single-person occasional sleeper. Expected lifespan with normal use: 2–4 years.
Novogratz Brittany: plywood frame with no‑sag steel spring backing and specified 600 lb (≈272 kg) limit. Better for occasional overnight guests and heavier use; expected lifespan 4+ years if not used nightly. UK buyers praise the support but note firmer padding.
Assembly time, tools and common UK-reported issues
Warranty & Amazon UK terms
Value for money — who should buy which?
Search intent phrases: if you want an easy assembly sofa bed UK or the best value futon sofa bed UK, pick Kebo for compact budget use and Novogratz for sturdier, longer-term guest comfort.
Final verdict: which futon sofa bed should UK buyers choose?
Kebo Velvet earns our recommendation as the overall winner for most UK homes — it’s a cosy, style‑forward, space‑saving velvet sofa bed ideal for occasional guests and a softer finish that lifts a small living room.
Pick the Novogratz Brittany if you prioritise wipe‑clean maintenance, a modern faux‑leather look and straightforward everyday usability. Quick tips: measure first, consider mattress use frequency, and search phrases like best futon sofa bed for small flat UK when hunting deals. Ready to buy? If you host regularly, choose a firmer mattress model or upgrade for nightly use to avoid long‑term sagging and discomfort