Futon vs. Sofa Bed - Which One is the Better Choice?

Futon vs. Sofa Bed - Which One is the Better Choice?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. WHAT IS A SOFA BED?
  2. WHAT IS A FUTON?
  3. FUTON vs. SOFA BED – FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU INVEST IN EITHER ONE
  4. FUTON VS. SOFA BED – WHICH ONE IS THE BEST?
  5. FAQs
So, it is your first time hosting your movie night sleepover. Though you are super excited about it, you are worried about accommodating your gang of friends and a place to sleep.

You know that those extra air mattresses in your house won't provide ample comfort, and you want something that won't clutter your house.

Well, a sofa bed or futon seems to be the best option for these situations. But you have already started debating futon vs. sofa bed and are now confused about which one to buy.

So, to help you choose between the two, we have come up with a quick article. Now, let's learn which is the most comfortable futon or sofa bed.

WHAT IS A SOFA BED?

sofa bed

As the name suggests, a sofa bed comes with an inbuilt bed that can be pulled out and used. A thin metal frame holds this mattress bed and can be put inside when not in use. The interesting part is no one will recognize this piece of furniture as a sofa bed until the bed is pulled out.

This is a modern furniture concept ideally designed to suit small or space constraints places. If the sofa bed is a three-seater, you can convert it into a queen-sized bed, whereas if it is a two-seater sofa bed, changing it into a double-sized bedding option works.

WHAT IS A FUTON?

futon

Futon simply means "bed," and its concept ties back to the old Japanese culture. However, in recent times, this Japanese furniture style has undergone some changes to suit the western style of living.

Traditionally, these Japanese futons were thinly rolled mats placed on a floor with an added mattress. So that one can sleep comfortably on the surface. Meanwhile, the modern futon uses the same cushion, either as a sofa or as a bed.

So, what is a futon made of? Futons are compressed layers of materials such as organic cotton, latex, or wool forming a traditional bed.

FUTON vs. SOFA BED – FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU INVEST IN EITHER ONE

SIZE

futon vs sofa bed size

Why do you want to get a futon or a sofa bed? Is it because of space constraints that your tiny apartment can occupy dual-functional furniture?

 

If yes, a futon will be the ideal option. Why? Because futons are lightweight structures than sofa beds, the frame can be adjusted to make it flat for sleeping purposes.

Whereas sofa beds weigh high, come with a pull-out mechanism, and can take up more space.

COMFORT

futon vs sofa bed comfort

Regarding comfort, sofa beds win hands down because they can be ultra-comfy. Also, it comes with cushioned armrest allowing you to lean and relax in different positions. However, look if the armrest is removable so you can remove it while sleeping.

Futons don't offer comfort like a sofa and can easily become lumpy after long use and tend to sink in. If the futon comes with a thicker mattress, it can be comfortable to some extent.

WEIGHT

futon vs sofa bed weight

Okay, sofa beds are bulkier and heavier because they have an extra bedding surface. And it is nearly impossible to move it on your own. The extra metal framework and mattress add up the weight.

Meanwhile, a futon is designed to be more lightweight than the traditional sofa bed. It can be easily moved anywhere.

INITIAL SETTING UP

futon vs sofa bed setup

Sofa beds come fully assembled, and by just pulling out the metal frame structure with the sofa bed, you can use it. But futons demand extra effort to fix and assemble, and they must be fixed in a position before they can be used for sleeping.

STRUCTURE

futon vs sofa bed structure

A futon has a simpler construction. It has an adjustable backrest that can be flattened. But, the problem is futon is a bendable mattress and can give a cheap look. Also, you can't fit a futon inside a couch like you can in a sofa bed.

Meanwhile, the sofa bed is similar to the sofa, with an added metal or wooden frame to support the bed. It gives an elegant look and can improve the tone of the environment in which it is placed.

Though both suits small spaces, futons are recommended considering their ease of use.

PRICE

futon vs sofa bed price

Well, sofa beds are more pricey than futons because you get a standard sofa for sitting and added mattress pinned inside. So, sofa beds offer two different purposes with a separate sofa and sofa bed.

If you are on a budget, sofa beds might not be ideal. Meanwhile, the same futon mattress is used as a sofa and sleeper mattress by adjusting it.

FUTON VS. SOFA BED – WHICH ONE IS THE BEST?

Now you have read the pros and cons of sofa beds and futon beds and have an idea of what is the best choice for your house. However, we can give you a brief view of what suits you better and which one to buy.

A traditional Japanese futon bed suits people who want an easy-to-fold mattress without a frame. Whereas a western-style futon can be your best pick if you want a static bed that can be occasionally folded onto a sofa.

So, "Is a futon better than a sofa bed," yes, when the primary function of this furniture is for sleeping, and you must accommodate guests or friends often, a thicker futon mattress will be more comfortable to sleep on.

If you simply need a sofa that can be occasionally turned into a sofa bed for sleeping purposes, a sofa bed is the best option. However, if your pillows cover the gaps in the sofa bed or add a thick mattress bed, even the sofa bed can become a cozy place to snug in.

FAQS

1. What is more comfortable sofa bed or a futon?

The sofa and futon beds are comfortable on the same level. If the futon's layers are thick, then it suits best for sleeping on it daily. If you want a stylish piece with dual functionality where you can unwind yourself, choosing a sofa bed is best. However, if you are on a tight budget, choose a futon.

2. Is a futon the same as a sofa bed?

No, futons are different from sofa beds. The main difference is how the mattress is added to the sofa design itself.

A sofa bed consists of a bed placed on a separate frame resting under the sofa seats. While futon beds are cushions for sleeping, the same cushion can be made into a sofa.

3. Can we sleep on a futon every night?

Yes, it is okay to sleep on a futon every night because it is basically a bed formed by different layers and can be used as standard bedding. Also, there are no claims that sleeping on a futon would harm your health. If you get comfortable sleeping on a futon bed, why not sleep on it every night?

4. Can two people sleep on a futon?

In general, futons come with full-size or double-size mattresses measuring around 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. So, two people can comfortably sleep on a futon and won't eat more space.