Are Futons Comfortable To Be Used as Couch or as Bed For Sleeping?

Are you wondering if futons are comfortable as beds or should they just be used as couches? Read here to find out more about how comfortable futons are:

When you walk into minimally designed or smaller homes, it is likely you are going to see a futon in the living room or the bedroom.

These futons take up less space and can be used as a place for sleeping or extra seating within a room.

Futons are lighter and easier to move than sofas, and are cheaper alternatives to beds, which is why they have become a popular option in homes.

This is especially true for those who entertain guests that might need a place to stay. So, what exactly are futons?

What is A Futon?

A futon was originally a traditional Japanese style bed that consisted of a stuffed mattress, a duvet and a pillow originally filled with beans.

These beds were laid out during the night for sleeping and rolled and put away during the day time when they were no longer in use.

This was what a futon originally was, but over the years, the definition has altered to mean something else entirely, with the same basic concept.

It is now more closely associated with a folding sofa that can turn into a bed when it is necessary. However, the main difference between a regular bed and a futon is that a futon does not have any springs!

Futons can be made up of many materials, such as cotton, wool, polyester and latex. These materials are layered together and stitched to ensure that they stay in place.

These mattresses are often firm but offer little support when sleeping. When we refer to a futon, it is not the wooden frame that we are referring to, but rather the mattress that goes on top.

These are the updated and Americanized version of the original Japanese futons.

Futons vs. Beds

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One of the biggest reasons people look into futons as an option for a sleeping space is that they are a lot economical than buying beds and mattresses.

You can purchase a futon with a frame in as little as $300, and if you are looking for something of high quality, it will set you back roughly $1000.

On the other hand, if you are purchasing a mattress, it can cost you anywhere from $700 to $2500, and that’s without a bed frame!

Another reason to purchase a futon is that it is a great space saver. If you have a smaller place, but still like to entertain guests, they can be used for extra seating or even a bed for a guest to even stay over; a futon is a great addition to your home.

Futons are small, and easy to move around, meaning you won’t be compromising on the aesthetic appeal of your home or your social life! On the other hand, beds can take up a lot more space; you will need a guest room to accommodate this extra piece of furniture if you like to have people stay over!

Though there are advantages to having futons, there are a few downsides as well.

Futons are not the most comfortable places to sleep.

Their mattresses are often firm and since they have no springs, they don’t provide the support your back needs while sleeping.

Mattresses, on the other hand, come in so many different types that you can find the exact one for you. This could mean you want a softer or firmer mattress, one made of memory foam, one with innerspring, a hybrid or the multitude of other options that exist in the market.

Futons also require a bit of maintenance in order to make them last. You need to flip the futon at least once every 2 weeks in order to maintain it, or then it can develop lumps, making it even less comfortable to sleep on.

If you maintain it correctly, a futon can last you anywhere from 8-12 years. Mattresses require a lot less maintenance; they need to be flipped anywhere from 1 to 2 times a year, and can last you a lifetime!

Do Futons Work Better As Couches?

Futons work well as couches because they take up little space, and can be very aesthetically pleasing in a minimalistic way. They can be added to a living room or a guest room for extra seating and it does not hurt that they convert into a bed too!

Futons are cheaper and smaller alternatives to beds, but they are not the most ideal for sleeping on every night.

They are alright if you have a guest staying over for a short visit, but in the long run, the lack of back support can lead to back pain and eventually back problems.

Leave your futon in the living room for guests to sit on, unless they are absolutely needed, as an extra bed for a short visit!