Sofa by Day, Bed by Night
Whether you’re having family visit from out of town or a friend staying a night to crash on your couch, having somewhere for guests to rest their head is an important part of playing host. If you don’t have a dedicated spare bedroom for your guests, then a futon or sofa bed in your living space or den is the next best thing as opposed to a sectional sofa or a regular couch. Finding the right living room furniture is key to ensuring a comfortable overnight stay for friends and family, as well as making sure that you still have a super comfy couch to relax on at the end of a long day.
Futons
Most often seen in dorm rooms and small apartments, futons are a great way to add form and function to a compact space. Futons have an adjustable frame that converts from a sleek, streamlined couch to a comfortable bed in no time. With a lightweight, portable design, futons are great for moving from room to room to accommodate guests and are a great way to add extra seating to any living space.
Sofa Beds
Unlike a futon which is pretty identifiable, a sofa bed is a convertible couch-to-bed furniture piece that looks just like any other couch. This sofa hides a pull-out mattress and frame underneath the cushions to only be used when it is needed. Sofa beds often feature plush, comfy mattresses, but because of their size and weight they are less portable than a futon and might be difficult to move from one room to another.
Some important things to consider when selecting a futon or sofa bed:
Mattresses
When selecting a mattress for your futon or sofa bed, it’s best to figure out what the primary purpose of the piece will be. There are two main types of mattresses that come in a variety of sizes: foam and innerspring. Foam mattresses are lightweight, retain their shape well, and are great for futons that will be used most often as a couch. Innerspring mattresses provide great support for sleeping and are similar to a traditional mattress that you might find on your bed. Some mattresses are made from multiple components, and include both innerspring construction and a foam lining for the best of both worlds.
Frames
Futons usually have a bi-fold frame that bends back for a flat surface to sleep on. Some futons have a tri-fold design where the mattress and frame is folded three times, but this design is much more typical for sofa beds. Sofa beds have a frame and mattress that fold into a compact design to fit inside the couch.
Materials
Futons and sofa beds come in a variety of materials and designs. Consider a faux leather option for a stylish, modern look. As well, faux leather and microfibre are great choices for homes with pets and children because of their water-repellent properties. Cotton is a popular material selection, as it is comfortable, cooling and easy to clean. Perhaps the easiest way to change the look of a futon is with a futon cover. Covers are great for alternating the décor of your room and are easy to remove and wash.