In urbanized world we seek to find furniture options that provide comfort and are space efficient as well. Both futon and sleeper sofa provide multipurpose space efficient sleeping solutions and each has its own merits. In this blog, we will try to answer sleeper sofa vs futon queries, by describing the characteristics of these two transformative furniture pieces, shedding light on their design, comfort, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.
First, let us understand what exactly are these two pieces of bedding.
Futon
A futon is essentially a very simple minimalist piece of furniture that supports sleeping as well as causal lounging and sitting. Futon gets its roots from the Japanese culture. A traditional Japanese futon consists of a mat with a mattress on top to make up a sleeping surface. Futon is modified in western countries into a sofa that can be used to sleep as well. It has a simple construction where same cushioning is used to sleep as well as to sit.
Traditional Japanese futons are usually without any frame (for holding mattress) but the contemporary western futons can have simple frames that offer modification. The modification enables to use futons both for sitting as well as for sleeping. This modification is usually achieved by making the backrest go flat.
What is a Japanese Futon?
Futons are used in Japans for centuries. A Futon is a quilted sleeping pad, it is stuffed with cotton, wool or fiber. This pad is placed over a sleeping mat. This ground level sleeping arrangement becomes very convenient in smaller spaces as it can be rolled and placed any where during the day and the space can be utilized for other activities. In night futons can be spread again for a proper comfortable night’s sleep.
Apart from being pocket friendly and space efficient, futons are said to be good for posture and spine alignment.
Sleeper Sofa
A sleeper sofa is sofa that serves like any other comfy sofa during the day and can be easily transformed into a bed in sleeping hours. It makes you feel as if you are sleeping in a regular bed , you can use the regular bed sheets, pillows and blankets over the sleeper sofa.
Sleeper sofas boast a concealed mattress tucked away within their frames. While their designs can vary, the fundamental structure typically involves an elevated platform bordered by enclosed sides to accommodate the mattress.
The transformation from sofa to bed is facilitated by a folding mechanism that lays the mattress flat on the floor, and then securely locks it into place when reverted to a sitting position. There is no visible indication of the bed’s presence in a sleeper sofa until the cushions are lifted.
Sleeper Sofa Vs Futon
When selecting a sleeper sofa or a futon, one must consider following differences between them
| Sleeper Sofa | Futon |
|---|---|
| Sleeper sofa is like a proper sofa which can be transformed into a bed. Its has a bed structure and a mattress enclosed which can be opened to make it a proper bed. | Futon is a very simple , same cushioning is used to site as well as to sleep. |
| Easy to move around and store. | Relatively less easier to move around. |
| Relatively light weight. | Relatively has higher weight due to added structure and mattress. |
| In normal sofa position it is usually higher from ground level. | It is usually quite close to ground level. |
| As it has proper bedding and mattress as of a proper bed, most people find it more comfortable for sleeping. | As it does not come with a separate proper mattress, some people may not like to use Futon every night. |
What is the purpose of Sleeper Sofa
Sleeper sofa are used mostly in houses or hotels to create more sleeping space in a space efficient way. They can be great to have at home when you have guests at home and you don’t’ have spare sleeping rooms.
Which one is more comfortable: Sleeper sofa Vs Futon
As a sleeper sofa has a separate proper mattress, it tends to be more comfortable than a Futon. You can sleep on a sleeper sofa every night but futon should be used for sleeping occasionally when there is a space constraint.
Verdict: Sleeper Sofa is more comfortable.
Which one is cheaper: Sleeper sofa or Futon
If you are on a budget and you want to go for a more economical option, you should go for a Futon. Futons are quite basic , they serve the purpose and are generally a cheaper option.
Sofa Bed Vs Sleeper Sofa
Along with sleeper sofa another term is used quite frequently: Sofa bed. Apparently , both these appear to refer to same kind of furniture , they are used interchangeable too at many occasions, yet these two have quite a few differences.
| Sofa Bed | Sleeper Sofa |
|---|---|
| A sofa bed does not has a frame and a separate mattress. Often its back can be made to lay flat for sleeping. | A sleeper sofa has a bed structure and a mattress enclosed which can be opened to make it a proper bed. |
| As it does not has a separate mattress it is not comfortable for daily sleeping. | It is more comfortable than a sofa bed. |
| It is less spacious to sleep as compared to sleeper sofa. | It is more spacious to sleep than a sofa bed. |
| Sofa bed are usually cheaper than sleeper sofas | Sleeper sofa are expensive than sofa beds |
Is Sleeper sofa and pull-out couch the same?
Sleeper sofa is often also called pull-out couch as you have to use a pull out mechanism to to convert a sleeper sofa into a conventional looking bed with proper mattress and bedding. Sleeper sofa is also called a convertible sofa.
The Best Futon for Long term Use
We at snugbloom.com , after thorough market research and testing have come up with following recommendation. This futon is expected to last long, provides decent comfort and appears great aesthetically.
The Best Stylish and Comfortable Sleeper Sofa
Try our recommended sleeper sofa, we have loved it having it with us.
Product Highlights
Our Verdict: Which is better, Sleeper sofa Vs Futon
Both Sleeper Sofa and Futon are multipurpose pieces of furniture that provide space efficient solutions for lounging and sleeping. So which one should you go for when making a purchase decision: Futon or a sleeper sofa. If sleeping daily is the main purpose, opt for a sofa bed. For versatility and easy shifting between spaces during sleepovers, a futon is the ideal choice.
To make your room chic and luxurious follow our step by step guide.
