Thank you all for voting! We went with a charcoal velvet sofa in the end, very squishy and comfortable - great for the library! Green velvet would have also looked great but as ever, budgets aren’t unlimited so we went with something that would hopefully fit in if the decor changed in the future!

May I suggest you email Ikea with these questions? Or call their customer service. I personally wouldn’t buy a sofa, sofa bed or bed without trying it out in store first. Read the reviews for the sofa-bed - are they mostly positive? None of my sofas are identical, but they are a similar colour. It still works.

would be careful about the type of leather, as there are different treatments which applied and can make a difference to longevity. we bought analine leather couch, very expensive but didn't know that although soft and comfortable it didn't take too well to every day use and hot body! it was our only couch and we had a his and hers side.......his side the leather darkened and after 5-7 years cracked, now ripped. only resolution, cotton blanket over the seat and back cushions. Recovering both seat and back cushions will be as expensive as buying again.... 3 years after quote we are no closer to deciding as it is a damned comfy couch and styles have moved away from classic to stiff and angular! Hint - do some reading on the leather types....

Have a look on YouTube, there are some great tutorials about adding stuffing to the cushions to pep them up. There are also companies who make replacement foam infills for sofas either online, or contact local upholsterers, if they are open.