Which Are More Comfortable: Futons or Sofa Beds?

If you are an avid entertainer, love to have impromptu sleepovers and want to invest in something handy for your guests to crash on, you might be wondering: Which are more comfortable – futons or sofa beds?

In truth, both are popular choices and have their own set of merits, so the bottom line boils down to your needs, style and personal preference. Our design experts have explored all the pros and cons and put together this guide to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle.

What is the difference between sofa beds and futons?

While they do have a lot in common, there are some subtle differences between sofa beds and futons that might affect your end decision. Here they are:

• Futons consist of a simple frame supporting a mattress made from cotton, foam or wool and can be used as either a bed or sofa. However, the mattress is visible whether folded down or not, so their appearance is somewhat bulky, and they can be uncomfortable to sleep on.
• Sofa beds also function as both sofas and beds. When folded, they look like regular sofas with backs and armrests but unfold them and you have a sturdy bed with a high-quality mattress and, in some cases, storage space.

Sofa beds are undoubtedly the most superior of the two and come in a variety of fabulous styles, formats and sizes, so choosing the right one for your space is a cinch.

The benefits of sofa beds

Nothing beats a piece of furniture that is beautiful to look at, highly functional, multipurpose, and, essentially, kills at least two birds with one stone. If you think that’s impossible, then you’ve never explored the benefits of a high-quality sofa bed.

Here are the things we love about them.

• Sofa beds are space ninjas, providing guests with a comfortable, all-in-one perch to sit or sleep. This is particularly useful if you don’t have any spare bedrooms.
• They are versatile and can be used anywhere in your home.
• Many of them are small and compact, so are wonderful for apartments where floor space is limited.
• If you invest in a high-end sofa bed, it can be extremely comfortable. In fact, some people prefer them to regular beds because they tend to have more padding and support.
• Some versions have a storage option in the form of drawers or a hidden compartment at the bottom of the base.
• Aside from being fairly inexpensive, you get more bang for your buck with a sofa bed because they offer two functions for the price of one.

On the downside, here are some things that you may not like about them:

• Low-budget sofa beds can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if the mattress is thin and flimsy.
• If you don’t choose one with a state-of-the-art mechanism, it can be difficult to fold out and reassemble.

The pros and cons of a futon

If you’re still undecided, here are the things you should know about futons.

The pros

• They are inexpensive compared to a regular sofa.
• They are multifunctional, serving as a seating area during the day and a bed at night.
• They are lightweight and portable.
• They are environmentally friendly because, unlike traditional mattresses and if they are traditionally made, they are usually free of harmful chemicals and toxins and are made from sustainable materials.

The cons

• They can be extremely uncomfortable and take some getting used to.
• They are bulky and take up far more room than a sofa bed, making them more difficult to use in small spaces.
• Most futons have frames made from metal, which tend to be noisy when in use.

How to choose the right sofa bed for your home

It’s important to pick out the right sofa bed for your home. Use these 6 tips from our experts to help you during your search.

1. Bear in mind that your sofa bed will primarily be used for seating purposes, so choose one based on the qualities you would look for in a sofa.
2. Measure your available space keeping in mind that it will also have to be opened out as a bed when needed.
3. Make sure the frame is made of metal or good hardwood to ensure optimal durability.
4. Inspect the folding mechanism thoroughly. It should have smooth edges so as not to snag on anything and should operate without sticking. Make sure it is made of high-quality components and includes a lock-down bar.
5. Before you buy it, test out the mattress – it needs to be comfortable and supportive.
6. Choose something that fits in with the overall style of your room. For more insight, read our article that discusses whether a two-seater sofa bed is a double bed.

How much do sofa beds cost?

Sofa beds come in a wide range of styles, colours, sizes and materials, so the cost will depend on your choices and, if they are well made, can range from around £1 000 to upwards of £10 000.

If you plan to invest in one, set a budget and spend the full amount to ensure that you get the very best you can afford.

In conclusion

While both sofa beds and futons provide a multipurpose solution to small spaces, they do have their differences and your decision, at the end of the day, will boil down to personal preference.

Our top designers believe that out of the two, sofa beds are a superior option offering both comfort and style and enabling you to choose one that perfectly matches your lifestyle and aesthetics.

Call us today or pop into our showroom and we’ll walk you through our full range of high-end products.