72 inches is the default, and it's probably wrong
Most pull out couches with chaise run 72 inches long. Your room is not 72 inches. My living room measured 94 inches of wall, and the couch swallowed it—left 12 inches on one side, 10 on the other. If you have a doorway, add 4 inches for the chaise to swing. Measure twice, order once. Or don't, and learn the hard way like I did.
Why the chaise side wins
The one decision that matters: put the chaise on the side where you watch TV. Not where the lamp is. Not where the window looks nice. The chaise is where you'll sit for every movie, nap, and online shopping spiral. If the chaise faces the wrong way, you'll re-arrange the whole room after a week. I did. Three times.
Setting up the pull-out mechanism
Don't pull the mattress all the way out on day one. Push it halfway, let it sit for an hour, then finish. The fabric stretches, the bars settle. I yanked it full length and the foot board stuck out like a shelf. Also, check that the seat cushions are flipped—most come inverted to save space. Flip them, pat them, let them fluff. No one tells you that.
Where the mattress gap shows up
The gap between the chaise and the mattress? That's where your cat will live. And your remote. And your dignity. If you're tall, the mattress is six inches shorter than the couch length—your feet hang off. I'm 6'1" and I sleep diagonally. If you can't handle that, this isn't the piece for you.
What week one actually tells you
After seven nights, the sofa bed mattress felt flatter in the middle. Not a defect. Just foam. If you're using it for guests, budget for a topper. If it's your daily bed, reconsider. The chaise is great for reading, but the pull-out is a backup, not a bedroom.
The truth about moving it
It weighs 130 lbs. I know because I carried it up three flights with a friend. Take the legs off before you move it—two bolts and the thing is a third lighter. Also, the chaise side is heavier than the rest. You'll pivot it wrong and dent your wall. Clear the path first. Trust me.
The one thing I'd check next time
Before buying, I'd measure the pull-out mattress width. Mine is 48 inches wide. Sounds fine until you sleep next to someone and your elbows meet. If you're two people, go with a wider frame. Also, check the fabric rating. Mine is "performance polyester," which means it resists stains but feels like a raincoat. Cushions slip. You'll be tucking them back every day.
So that's week one. The couch is fine, the chaise is where my laptop lives, and I still haven't found the remote. If you're measuring your living room right now, start with the doorway. And maybe get a magnetic remote holder. Not that I'm bitter.