in search of a daybed/sleeper sofa that is neither ugly nor uncomfortable

today i went to crate and barrel with a friend who is visiting from nyc/graduating from the phD program. we made the sales associate pull out the sleeper sofas, and then we made honest yet mean comments about how ugly the sofas were and how uncomfortable and cheap the spring mattresses are. the only one we liked had a thick foam mattress, but it was still an ugly sofa. anyway, my friend told me about room and board in new york. they also have a store in south coast plaza, which i ought to have known about but didn't. they seem not bad, really.

anyway, here are the front runners:



Parsons twin daybed, steel frame made in minnesota, $449, plus $119 for mattress cover.
plus a high density foam mattrees, $400-600 ish
total: $1200 give or take a few

Desmond, 52", $1699


Claremont, 53", $1199


why is everything in beige???

my suspicion is that the Modernica Case Study daybed would not be appropriate for everyday use as a bed. if i remember rightly from the one time i saw it in person, it didn't feel very firm.

i've been staring at page after page of information on apartmenttherapy.com and still cannot decide what would be the cheapest, stylish, and comfortable option. it needs to work as a couch and as a bed for long-term visitors (including potential roommates).

some days i hate the world. all because of a stupid sofa to be placed in an equally stupid room.