Futon vs Couch. Which Is Better? See Their Differences

Small beginnings can be quite humbling. If you are just starting life afresh with not a lot of money to buy everything for your new home, you may really have to consider a futon.

This is because a futon is more practical and functional than a couch. You can simply transform it into a comfortable sofa during the day, and it can as well be a perfect bed at night.

A couch, however, can’t multifunction quite well, unless you go for the sectional ones that have a wide chaise.

Futon vs Couch Comparison

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Both a couch and futon are important in their own ways. They also serve different purposes uniquely.

Therefore, we are going to look at each deeply, so you can settle on one that you feel is practical and convenient for you.

What Is a Futon

What is a futon? a futon is a multifunctional type of sofa whereby a futon mattress sits atop the futon frame. It is considered multifunctional since the futon frame can fold down to produce a comfortable bed or fold back up to produce a comfortable sofa.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Futon?

It is normal for anything to have its good and bad side. Therefore, a futon also has its positive and negative sides.

Having a better knowledge of it before buying one would enable you to make a better and more informed decision.

The Pros of a Futon

1. Futons Are Affordable

For just about $200, you can get a comfortable futon bed for your guest room or even a perfect day bed for yourself.

Futons are way cheaper than a couch. You would need a long time of savings to own a comfortable and good-quality couch.

Plus, if you are just starting life afresh without so much money to buy a bed and a couch for yourself, you could opt to buy a futon which would serve you both as a sofa and a bed.

Because they are cheap, you can ideally decide to buy as many as you would want if you’ve got money. Which is so unlike when it comes to buying a couch.

2. Futons Are Multifunctional

Futons are a perfect fit for studios, college dens, small apartments, or lounges.

This is because when you’ve got no money to buy a couch and a bed, you can buy a futon which is affordable and will serve as a sofa during the day and a bed at night.

Moreover, if you are a person who likes hosting overnight guests, a futon would surely be of great help to you.

Unlike a sofa which barely feels comfortable as a bed for one person, a futon would be perfectly comfortable as a bed for two people, which is great if it’s a couple who have visited, you wouldn’t have to get them to sleep away from each other.

3. Easy to move

When it is time to move houses, a futon would be easier to deal with. In fact, you wouldn’t even need an extra hand for that. They are designed lightweight for your convenience.

Whereas, some couches tend to be big and bulky and you would need to use some help to move it from one point to another especially if you like rearranging the layout of your couch.

For a futon, you would just have to fold it nicely and keep it away if it is not in use

4. Futons Are Space Saving

If you are working on maximizing your otherwise small space, a futon would help you achieve that. They are small and lightweight.

With a couch, especially if you go for the sectional or l-shaped couches, you might not even get extra space for your coffee table.

Therefore, futons are way better when it comes to saving space for other house furniture than a couch would do.

5. Futons Are Practical and Functional

If you happen to get impromptu guests at night, a futon sofa would definitely come in handy if you have one.

Whilst two people would sleep comfortably on a futon, not even one person would be comfortable enough sleeping on a couch.

Also, if you are looking for something suitable for kids and pets if you have them, a futon sofa is the most functional type of sofa to go for. They are perfect for playful kids and pets.

What Are the Cons of Futons?

1. Futon Mattresses Are Thin

Futons tend to be comfortable only when used as a bed once in a while. Since you may have guests once in a while, they may not feel the impact, but those mattresses are usually thin and uncomfortable.

In as much as a couch may not be comfortable as a bed, they usually have high-quality foam in them that offers maximum comfort and back support.

Therefore, in as much as futons are cheaper and practical, sleeping on them daily may impact your body negatively.

Futons Require Assembly

After a busy day away from home, you would just want to come back and toss yourself on the next available relaxing area.

A futon is definitely not convenient for that as you will have to assemble it first especially if you might have folded it and stored it away.

However, couches are highly convenient for that. Once you buy and bring it home, there will be no assembling it over and over again.

2. Futons Are not Highly Durable

To begin with, the futon mattress is usually thin and there is no guarantee that it would last you for a long time.

Additionally, if sat or slept on regularly, the futon mattress would become even thinner hence uncomfortable. Plus, they also become subject to wear and tear if you have kids and pets who tend to be very playful.

However, couches are constructed with highly durable frames and legs that enable them to withstand everyday use at home or office.

Plus, couch cushions are usually stuffed with high-quality foam that would only get softer and more comfortable when sat or slept on regularly.

3. Futons Are less In variety

The less variety of colors in futon makes them less versatile. Unlike couches which are available in different colors, materials, and styles, futons are the complete opposite.

It is absolutely easier to find a couch that matches a particular house design than getting a futon of the same.

Also, if you love trying out different decorating ideas, you might not be able to achieve that with a futon. However, a couch gives you the convenience of trying out different styles and decorating ideas.

4. Futons Have Less seating Space

Futons would not be convenient if you have 4 or more friends over for a chat. While couches especially sectionals would sit more than 5 people, a futon would not.

They are also not great for family movie nights and cuddles as sectional couches would do. So, if you are looking for something that would sit the whole family together, a futon is definitely not it.

What Is a Couch

What is a couch? A couch is a type of sofa upholstered with back and seat cushions and is available in different shapes, styles, fabric types, and colors.

They are apparently the common type of seating in every home today. What makes them unique is the fact that they are constructed with different materials.

They are also perfect for homes as couches like sectionals can sit a whole family thus bringing everyone together.

Below, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of couches. This will help you make a better and more informed choice before buying.

Also check: How much does a good quality sofa cost?

What Are the Pros of Couches?

1. Couches Offer More Seating Space

Unlike a futon which can sit utmost 2 people, a sectional couch would be a perfect and comfortable sit for 5 or more people.

Couches are the perfect choice for homes with large families as everyone would be able to sit comfortably for movie nights or cuddles.

2. Couches Do not Require Assembly

Once bought and brought home, you wouldn’t have to fold and store your couch as you would do with a futon.

Folding and keeping away when not in use will require you to assemble it once again when the need for it arises, which is definitely not the case with a couch.

So, if you are looking for a type of sofa that requires no assemble over and again, a couch is definitely what you need.

3. Sofas Are More Comfortable for Seating On

Due to the high-quality foam-filled cushioning on couches, your back and seat are assured maximum comfort and support.

A futon may be comfortable for sleeping on but are definitely not ideal for sitting on. Plus, big couches like sectionals with a chaise can be a perfect day bed for two.

4. Variety of Options for Couches

There are many options for a couch that would match any house design. From loveseats, settees, sectionals, and recliners.

Plus, they are also available in different styles including traditional, contemporary, and mid-century modern which makes it convenient for you to choose one according to your tastes and preferences.

5. Couches Are Highly Durable

Most couches are constructed with solid wood frames that have been kiln-dried to prevent warping. The frames and legs are also stable and durable to withstand everyday usage at home.

These couches are also made of soft and comfortable cushions with durable materials for longevity. Plus, the foam-filled cushions are guaranteed to stand up to wear and tear.

What Are the Cons of Couches?

1. Couches Are Expensive

Couches are way more expensive than a normal futon bed. While you can get a futon sofa for utmost $200, a good quality couch would cost anything between $800 to $2500.

Buying a couch would take you a long time of savings, which is the complete opposite of a futon sofa. It is even more expensive if you are buying a whole living room set or sectional couches.

2. Couches Are Big and Bulky

Their big and bulky appearance makes them attractive and gorgeous. However, the problem comes when it is time to move houses.

Unlike futons which do not require an extra hand since they are designed with lightweight, you would need to use some help with a couch.

3. Couches Take Up Too Much Space

Especially if you have a whole living room set or sectionals, you might not have enough space for your coffee table and accent chairs.

Couches are best if you have a large living room space that would be a perfect fit for your couch and other furniture.

Otherwise, if you are trying to maximize your floor space, a couch may not be the best option for you.

4. Not Suitable for Sleeping On

In the case of impromptu guests, a couch may not be a comfortable spot for a good sleep especially if you have more than two guests.

Couches are only comfortable for sitting over with family and friends over a coffee and movies but they are not a perfect sleeper.

Conclusion

Both futons and couches are unique in their own ways. However, you would need to choose one depending on what you want to use it for.

In as much as couches are necessary in every home, they are not perfect as a bed especially if you have two or more guests over.

Futons are also not comfortable for sitting on especially when you want to have a chat with friends over a drink.