Blog Post

Small Futon vs Sofa Bed: Your Comparison Guide

Jul 07, 2022

If you are not sure whether a small futon or a sofa bed is the best option for you, this comparison guide can help. Click on each category to learn more.

If you are looking for a high quality small futon at a price you can afford, contact us.

Small Futon vs Sofa Bed

1. Difference Between Futons and Sofa Beds

Futon: 

A futon has a frame that is made of either metal or wood. The futon mattress sits on top of this frame. The futon mattress serves multiple purposes including:

  • Couch cushion when it's in a seating position
  • Back support when it's in a seating position
  • Sleeping mattress when it's expanded to be used as a bed


Sofa Bed: 

A sofa bed, on the other hand, has its mattress hidden underneath the frame of the sofa when you are using it as a couch.


It comes with separate seat cushions that you use when you want to want to sit on it and that you remove when you pull out the the mattress and frame to use it as a bed.


Photo by Maniago, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons


2. Price Points


The price you pay for a small futon or sofa bed will depend on a several factors including:


  • The quality of the materials 
  • The quality of the artistry
  • The size you want
  • The style you choose
  • The manufacturer


Futons:


A small futon will usually cost somewhere between $600 to $800 for the frame and mattress where a larger one made of hardwood could cost up to $1,500.


Sofa Beds:


In general, you will probably pay more for a sofa bed than a small futon. A sofa bed could cost anywhere from $600 to $5,000 or more.

A small futon usually costs between $600 and $800

3. Comfort Level


Futons: 


Futons generally have thicker mattresses than sofa beds which make them more comfortable to sleep on. If you are going to use your futon for sleeping regularly, then they are a more comfortable option. 


Make sure you choose a quality mattress such as one made from memory foam. This type of futon mattress can be just as comfortable as a regular bed. 


Sofa Beds: 


Because the sofa bed mattress has to be able to fold up and hide within its frame when it's not being used as a bed, the mattresses need to be thinner and quite flexible. This often means that they are not very comfortable to sleep on. 


If you are purchasing a sofa bed, it's a good idea to test out the mattress to make sure it is thick and firm enough and that you can't feel the springs through it.


Choose a small futon with a comfortable mattress

4. Available Sizes


Both futons and sofa beds come in a full range of sizes including:


  • Single
  • Double
  • Queen
  • King


If you are looking for a small futon or sofa bed, then selecting a style without arms will give more sleeping space without the extra width of arm rests on either side. Some styles of futons are designed with arms that fold down so that you can have the best of both worlds.


If you are really wanting to cut down on the space that your small futon or sofa bed takes up, then remember that a sofa bed has the extra back that doesn't fold down. This means that it will stick out from the wall further than the same size of futon will. That's because the back of your futon folds down and becomes a part of your frame.

The back of your futon folds down so it takes up less space

5. Ease of Operation


Futons: 


modern and well-made small futon is generally very easy operate and convert from a seating position to a sleeping position and vice versa. For many models, you simply need to press the back of the futon down or lift the front of the futon up to turn it into a bed. To bring it back into a sofa position, simply lift the back up or push the front down.


Sofa Beds: 


A sofa bed requires a few more steps to set up than a futon. First, you need to remove all of the cushions and store them away. Then you need to pull the frame up and out to unfold it. 


The frame is usually made of metal can be quit heavy to pull out. You are essentially lifting the frame and a mattress at the same time. When you wake up from sleeping, you fold the frame inside the sofa and put the seat cushions back in place

Watch how easy it is to operate this futon

6. Uses


A small futon or sofa bed has many great uses. Here are just a few.


Small apartments: 


Small futons and sofa beds are a good choice for small apartments, bachelor apartments, and studio apartments. They can help you make the most of your limited space as they can be used during the day for sitting and at night for sleeping. They also can turn a one-bedroom apartment into a two-bedroom if you have one in your living room.


Multi-purpose spaces: 


A small futon or sofa bed is great for multi-purpose rooms like dens, game rooms, or family rooms. Because they are multi-purpose furniture, they are a great way to optimize the space in your multifunctional areas.


Small bedrooms: 


If a king or queen-size bed takes up too much space in your bedroom so that you have no room to move around during the day, but you do not want to settle for a single or double bed, then why not invest in a small futon or sofa bed. 


Choose one without arms to maximize the space even further. You can have a queen or king-size futon that will give you all the room you need to sleep comfortably every night and then when you wake up, you can simply convert it to a sofa to give you all the space you need to walk around during the day. 


Home offices: 


A small futon or sofa bed tucked away into a corner of your office won't take up a lot of precious space and it will be ready to use if you need to use your office as an extra guest bedroom. In addition, it is the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon nap to get your creative juices running again.

Futons are great for multi-functional spaces

For the Best Quality and Best Price for Your Futon, Choose The Futon Shop


If you are looking for the best quality futons at the best price, contact The Futon Shop. At The Futon Shop, we know how amazing our futons are because we are both the manufacturer and the retailer! Since 1984 we have been manufacturing our line of high-quality futons in a wide variety of styles and sizes. If you prefer, we can also make a custom size to meet your exact requirements. 


All of our futons are crafted right here in Canada at our Burlington Ontario location, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last. We are the largest futon manufacturer in Canada and we even build our line of high-quality futon mattresses. You can come to see our incredible lineup at our Burlington location or you can shop for all of our products online. We ship all across Canada. 


Looking for a small futon? Here are a few options to choose from. Click here to see our full gallery.

Start Shopping

"We purchased from here instead of getting something shipped from Amazon because we were hoping for better quality & better customer service, not to mention supporting local, and we were not disappointed. Everyone we spoke with was super kind & helpful, our order was ready quickly and they fully loaded it into our vehicle, and when we had a slight issue with our order they were extremely quick to resolve it. The futon looks great and the mattress is really comfy. We did go with the tahoe pine frame which is not the best quality wood, but that’s to be expected in our price range - opt for better if you can afford it. Overall, worth the extra drive to Burlington (or the shipping cost if you get delivery).

."

- Kathleen Pacheco


Read more reviews


The Futon Shop Burlington Showroom Business Hours

Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am - 4:00pm   |  Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00pm     Sunday - Monday: Closed


5205 Harvester Rd, Burlington, L7L, ON, Canada


Futons Hamilton
By Dawn Sherwin 06 May, 2024
Fussy sofas and cumbersome beds have met their match in the versatile and stylish futon. With a unique blend of functionality and comfort, futons have cemented their place in modern spaces, becoming a favored furniture item. Simultaneously, it captures the essence of convenience and style for many households. Here are eight compelling reasons why the futon captures hearts and reveals why it's not just a college dorm staple anymore.
Futons Burlington
By Ron Becker 15 Apr, 2024
Futons have garnered a devoted following for a myriad of reasons, chief among them being their unmatched versatility. Ideal for small spaces, futons effortlessly transition from a cozy sofa by day to a comfortable bed by night, making them a perfect solution for guests or those living in studio apartments. They also offer an aesthetic appeal, with designs ranging from traditional Japanese styles to modern, minimalist looks that can complement any decor. Furthermore, the affordability of futons compared to conventional beds and sofas allows individuals to furnish their spaces on a budget without compromising on style or comfort. Beyond practicality and style, many appreciate the simplicity of a futon's design, which promotes a less cluttered and more mindful way of living. In addition to their practical and aesthetic benefits, futons are also celebrated for their environmental friendliness. Unlike traditional furniture that can be cumbersome and often requires complex assembly or specialized disposal methods, futons are typically made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and latex. This not only makes them more sustainable but also easier to recycle or repurpose at the end of their life cycle. Many futon owners find peace of mind knowing they have chosen a piece of furniture that aligns with their environmental values. With the increasing awareness and concern for the planet, the choice of a futon becomes not just one of convenience and style, but also a proactive step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Futons are not just for students! The notion that futons are merely for college dorms or temporary living situations is quickly becoming outdated. Families, professionals, and retirees alike are discovering the practicality and comfort that a well-chosen futon can offer. Whether it's for a spare room that doubles as an office, or as a primary bed in a minimalist living setup, the adaptability of the futon caters to a wide demographic. This shift in perception underscores a broader trend towards multi functional furniture that doesn't compromise on either form or function, reflecting a more versatile approach to interior design and living spaces. The evolution of futon designs has also played a significant role in their surging popularity. Today's market offers a range of styles, from traditional Shikibuton, a type of Japanese mattress that can be folded and stored away, to the more substantial, sofa-like convertible futons that are common in Western homes. This diversity ensures that there's a futon for every taste and requirement, whether one prefers the minimalist aesthetic of a floor mattress or the practicality of a convertible couch-bed. High-quality futons now incorporate durable, comfortable materials that rival those used in standard mattresses and sofas, ensuring that choosing a futon no longer means sacrificing comfort for convenience. Coupled with the rise of small-scale living and the minimalist lifestyle movement, futons are increasingly becoming a symbol of thoughtful, intentional living. They reflect a rejection of the unnecessary, encouraging a focus on what truly adds value to one’s living space. For many, a futon is not just a piece of furniture, but a choice that supports a lifestyle free from the encumbrances of excessive possessions. This paradigm shift towards valuing simplicity and functionality has propelled futons from the fringes of furniture choices into the mainstream, aligning perfectly with contemporary life's demands and philosophies. When you’re ready to add a futon to your home furnishings, take a trip to The Futon Shop in Burlington. Futons are their specialty and you will love the selection of futons and accessories. The Futon Shop 5205 Harvester Road, Burlington (905) 633-9697
By Dawn Sherwin 21 Feb, 2024
Originating from Japan, the futon is a traditional style of bedding that comprises a padded mattress and duvet, both of which can be folded and stored to save space. The Western adaptation has morphed into a multi-functional piece of furniture that doubles as a couch and a bed, ideal for small living spaces or as a cost-effective furniture option. Ensuring versatility and comfort, futons have become a staple in dorm rooms, guest rooms, and minimalistic living environments worldwide. Futons are not only practical but also renowned for their simplicity and minimalist aesthetic. When selecting a futon, consumers consider the quality of the frame, typically crafted from wood or metal, for durability and support. The choice of futon mattress varies from traditional cotton to modern foam options, offering different levels of comfort and resilience. Accessories such as covers and pillows can be added to enhance the futon’s comfort and match the interior decor, making it a versatile choice for any room. The functionality of a futon is further extended by its ability to seamlessly fit into tight spaces and multipurpose rooms. This quality makes futons an ideal solution for urban living, where every inch of space is valuable. Beyond the practicality, the futon culture embraces a philosophy of simplicity, frequently associated with the minimalist movements and sustainable living practices that advocate for less consumption and a de cluttered way of life. Hence, futons not only serve a functional purpose but also represent an environmentally conscious choice for consumers who wish to minimize their ecological footprint. Maintaining your futon in good condition requires simple yet consistent care. Regularly cleaning the mattress by vacuuming can help keep dust and allergens at bay. If the futon cover is removable, be sure to wash it as per the instructions—most are machine washable—which helps in maintaining its appearance and hygiene. For the frame, wiping it down with a damp cloth can prevent the accumulation of dirt and preserve the material. Additionally, rotating and flipping the mattress periodically will ensure even wear and can prolong the life of your futon. Proper maintenance not only increases the longevity of the futon but also enhances your overall comfort and satisfaction with this versatile piece of furniture.Futons are widely recognized for their cost-effectiveness, offering a budget-friendly alternative to traditional beds and sofas. Their economical appeal is particularly evident when considering the dual-purpose. When you’re ready to enter the world of futon ownership, the experts at The Futon Shop are here for you! They are proud to manufacture futons at a location in Burlington so your futon is locally made. They can also arrange your futon to be shipped across Canada. No matter your budget or style, there is sure to be a futon to fit your needs! The Futon Shop is here for you! Take a visit to The Futon Shop in Burlington to get inspiration for your interior decorating using futons and their accessories. Call the friendly stall at 1-844- 93 FUTON!
Futons Burlington
By Dawn Sherwin 30 Jan, 2024
Futons are often thought of as just a piece of furniture for students or a small and cheap option for those on a budget. However, futons have come a long way since their humble beginnings and can now be found in many homes around the world.
a room with a couch and a sign that says the futon shop
By Dorcus Srivaram 11 Dec, 2023
Looking for great gift ideas this holiday season, consider gifting a futon to your loved ones. The futon shop is here to make your work easy, read more to explore the futon gift.
Futon Home ideas
By Dorcus Srivaram 20 Nov, 2023
Futons are versatile pieces of furniture that can be perfect for any home. They offer a comfortable spot to sit and relax, and they can also be used as a bed for an overnight guest.
Comfortable Futons
By Dorcus Srivaram 17 Oct, 2023
Are you tired of your living space being cramped and uninspired? If so, it's time to consider a futon. Not only does it add a stylish touch to your home, but it is also extremely versatile for small spaces.
Futon Maintenance
By Dorcus Srivaram 27 Sep, 2023
Futons are a popular choice for many people as they provide both seating and sleeping options for small living spaces. They also offer a stylish and modern look that can be easily incorporated into any home décor.
Small room interior designing with futon shop
By Dorcus Srivaram 07 Aug, 2023
A futon is a type of furniture that originated in Japan and has become increasingly popular in Western countries.
Napping
By Chelsey Smith 11 Jul, 2023
Find out what the perfect nap time is, and the benefits of a good old cat nap!
Show More
Share by: