It is not only essential to sleep for 8 hours but instead get quality sleep for 8 hours. And that's the main reason people invest in comfortable sleeping spaces. Varied beds and sofas are available with unique features and purposes. The two most popular beds are the daybed and futon. Many people are confused while choosing the right one for their house. Let's understand "daybed vs futon: what's the difference?"
Whether you are looking for a bed to save space in your room or want to have just a cozy, relaxing space, you will need to understand the futon and daybed definition. Moreover, knowing your preferences according to the available space and budget is equally important. Thus, to make your decision easy, keep reading to know the difference between daybed and futon beds.
Daybed vs Futon: The Difference
To buy a perfect sleeping space, it will be appropriate to understand the difference between daybed and futon. The table shows whether to choose a futon or daybed based on functions, space, durability, etc.
| Parameters | Daybed | Futon |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Ideal for lounging and reclining in living rooms | Lightweight and easy to move, easily adjustable |
| Aesthetically Pleasing | Types: Metal, Wood, and FabricStyles: Vintage designs for metal types and contemporary for wooden and fabric | Types: Wood and MetalStyles: Japanese Contemporary Style |
| Space | Saves more space Extra storage buying option | Consumes lots of space when functions as a bedNo additional storage option |
| Price | Expensive | Affordable |
| Assemble | Harder to assemble | Easier to assemble |
| Comfort | Comfortable; you get a pop-up trundle to make a daybed bigger | Not comfortable; you need to invest in a thicker mattress for comfort |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Less durable; can last up to only 5 years if used regularly |
| Usage | Perfect for guests, also suitable for spare rooms, guest rooms, or home offices | Ideal for small spaces and hence suitable for studio apartments or offices |
What is Daybed?
A daybed is a multi-purpose furniture piece that serves both as a bed and a sofa. There is no need to stretch or fold anything to convert it into a bed or a couch. Daybeds are best for saving space as compared to futon beds. Because when you unfold the daybed, the bed size doesn't increase, unlike futon beds.Â
Daybeds come with a headboard at one side of the bed to give it a sofa look. You may need additional wall support in the daybed if the backboard is too short.Â
Ideally, they are twin size or full size and have several designs. During the day, when daybeds are not needed for sleeping, they can function as a sofa for the family members to relax and chit chat. Thus, a daybed is known as a foldable daybed.Â
Pros And Cons Of Daybeds
Let us look into the pros and cons of daybeds to help you decide whether a daybed suits your needs.
Pros
- Daybeds are perfect when you have many guests visiting you. You only have to remove the pillows and cushions from the bed and make space for your guests to sleep comfortably.
- Most daybeds come with a trundle section as a second sleeping area. You just need to pull out the trundle and get extra space for more people.Â
- Extra storage in daybeds is the best advantage as it can store sleeping linen materials. You can get blankets and cushions handy whenever there is any spontaneous get-together. It also helps to de-clutter the room, making more space for a comfortable sleep.
- Daybeds are perfect for smaller spaces. They don't cover up the entire room when you need an extra place to sleep. Just pulling out the trundle is enough to create extra space.
- Daybeds are available in many varieties related to fabrics, colors, sizes, and patterns. Moreover, daybeds are visually intriguing and can become a part of home decor. Daybeds can enhance the room's elegance if paired with matching colors.
Cons
- Daybeds don't come with a mattress. You need to source it separately.
- Daybeds can be expensive.
What Is Futon?
A futon is a Japanese style of bed used either for sitting when folded up or to sleep when unfolded. It is a mattress that can be converted into a couch.Â
The futon is the best option when you don't have enough space in your room for a bed and a sofa. And the entire bed can be moved easily.
Japanese people use futons, which are precisely a mattress filled with organic cotton. It is simply laid on the floor. A tatami mat is placed beneath it, and a kakebuton (duvet) is used for covering. A flexible mattress on a light frame is a modern design nowadays.Â
The futon is suitable in smaller spaces such as apartments and is used occasionally as a bed when you have any guests visiting you. Futons are primarily famous as "guest futons."Therefore, futons are preferable to many college students as they are comfortable and durable.
The popular types of futons are bi-fold, tri-fold, and loveseat futons.
Pros And Cons Of Futon
Before deciding on futon beds, it will be beneficial to know their pros and cons as it helps to understand whether the bed will serve its purpose or not. So here are the pros and cons of the futon beds.Â
Pros
- Futons need less space than beds; hence they are suitable for spare rooms and home offices.
- Futons can be rolled, folded, and put away to create free space.
- Futons are soft and come with foam mattresses. The designs are modern and sleek and come in varied sizes and patterns.Â
- Futons are lightweight and can be easily moved from one place to another.
- Budget-friendly futons are the most popular choice for people who move their homes a lot. Even high-quality futons are less expensive.Â
- Futons need low maintenance and are easy to clean.
Cons
- You must have to fold them out every day before sleeping. Futons also need time to set up correctly, which can be daunting for many people. Moreover, it needs more space when you unfold it.
- With futons, you will not get the comfort you need to sleep peacefully. The mattress on the futon is light, so you can get back pain if used regularly.
- A futon mattress is easily foldable as it is of thinner quality. Hence, it can get flat with regular use. Also, it needs constant care; else, the mattress can deteriorate in a short duration.
- A futon is not quite durable and needs to be changed in a few years.
Final Words
Daybeds and futons of varied sizes and functions are made to serve the users' needs. But a single bed can't fit everyone's needs as one size can't fit all. Hence, it is important to understand the exact purpose of buying a bed. If you have enough space, you can go for a futon bed. Else, a daybed will be more suitable for you. Now that you know the features and functions, deciding between a futon or a daybed will be easier.
