The Difference Between Futons and Sofa Beds

Updated: 2019-10-25

Maybe you’ve got tons of guests. Or a particularly persistent one. And you’re looking for a place to park them after a long day of whatever they do.

Need a comfy place for guests? Here’s the difference between futons and sofa beds, also known as convertible sofas or sleeper sofas. If you don’t have a dedicated guest room, these are obvious choices.

Here’s how they size up.

Sofa Beds Ins and Outs

Pros:

Good-looking enough to be the primary sofa or a family room fave
Come in sizes from chairs-and-a-half to sectional couches
Many styles to choose from, including contemporary designs like our Decklyn Queen Sleeper
Comfy to sit on and sleep on (think fluffy cushions and bed-quality mattress)
Pulls into a bed quickly and easily
Built to last; no assembly required

Cons:

An investment in lasting quality
Delivery of custom frames could take weeks

Our take: Made to keep guests coming back.

Futon Ins and Outs

Pros:

Can serve as a living room couch or turn a second room into a guest room
Covers may be washable or replaceable
Often affordable
Might be available right away
May require assembly
More welcoming than an air mattress

Cons:

Styles tend to be similar
The jury’s out on the comfort factor
Can be difficult to pull out
Generally not high quality

Our take: Versatility for a minimal investment.

Futons and Sofa Beds: Which Is Right for You?

It depends on your situation.

A great long-term choice if you feel pretty settled, sofa beds are the closest thing to a real bed. You don’t have to dedicate an entire room to occasional guests (even though you really love ’em) just to give them to great night’s sleep. With sizes and styles to choose from — think classic CU.2 Queen Sleeper to transitional Gleason Queen Sleeper, they’re right at home in your living room, family room, or den. Order in advance to make sure you can roll out the red blanket.

Often for apartment living and starter homes, futons are a good choice if you don’t want to invest but want to treat guests to something more substantial than an air mattress. They’re often readily available when unexpected guests only give a moment’s notice. Just save time (lots!) for assembly.

The difference between futons and sofa beds and deciding which would work for you entirely depends on your living area, budget, space, and style.