What is the difference between sofa beds and futons?

The terms ‘sofa beds’ and ‘futons’ are often used interchangeably. This is because ‘sofa bed’ is an umbrella term for both sofa beds and futons.

Below we explain the differences between traditional sofa beds and futons; however, please be aware that manufacturers use these terms loosely.

What is a sofa bed?

Traditional sofa beds either fold out or can be extended into a bed through the use of a metal frame.

What is a futon?

Instead of having a mattress that folds out to create a bed, futons use the seat cushions as a mattress. Typically, the backrest of the futon extends backwards and joins with the seat to become the sleeping surface. This is the most common form of sofa bed and is extremely popular.

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How to choose a sofa bed

Now that we’ve explained the difference between sofa beds and futons, the next step is choosing one that best suits your needs. This section will guide you through measuring your space and exploring the different types of sofa beds available.

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1. Measure how much room you have

Unlike measuring for standard beds and sofas, there are a few extra dimensions that need to be taken into account: the sofa bed’s measurements when extended.

The three main things you must measure are:

• The space you want to put the sofa bed in
• Any doorways and halls on the way to your chosen room
• The potential size of the sofa bed

How to measure your room

Where is the sofa bed going to be put? Which room is it going in and where will it sit in the space? This is important because you need to know the available floor space and any obstacles around it.

Once you’ve decided where it's going, the following dimensions need to be measured:

• Length and width: Measure the area the sofa will occupy when it’s in sofa form
• Extension or depth: Measure the space needed when the sofa is fully extended into its bed form

These measurements will reveal how much space you have to work with when browsing available sofa beds. Make sure to leave clearance space around your sofa bed for movement, comfortable access and any storage drawers it might have.

You should also measure the width of any doorways, halls or staircases on the way to your room of choice. This is because you don’t want to buy a new sofa bed that’s too big to be moved through your house.

How to measure a sofa bed

When measuring a sofa bed, you need to measure the:

• Length of the sofa
• Width of the sofa
• Height of the sofa
• Depth of the sofa
• Length of the sofa bed when extended
• Width of the sofa bed when extended
• Depth of the sofa bed when extended 

Taking these measurements will stop you from being caught out when you extend the sofa bed for the first time.

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2. Decide what size sofa bed you want

The next thing you need to decide is how big your sofa bed needs to be. Will it only be used by one guest at a time or does it need to be big enough for two people?

Small sofa beds

If you need a sofa bed to sleep just one guest, the following types of sofa bed are good options:

Standard futons

These sizes can vary depending on the size of each sofa, but standard futons are usually either the same size as a single mattress or slightly smaller.

2-seater sofa beds

2-seater sofa bed sizes can change depending on the size of the sofa, but most are designed for one person and are usually a similar size to a single mattress, or slightly bigger.

Double sofa beds

If a couple or family are coming to stay, these types of sofa bed will be more suitable:

3-seater sofa beds

3-seater sofa beds are closer to the size of a double mattress and can sleep two people. However, this is variable and can change depending on the size of the sofa.

Corner sofa beds

Corner sofa beds are the biggest sofa beds available and will comfortably sleep two people, like a double mattress. Again, the sizes may vary with different brands.

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3. How often will you use it?

Another thing to think about is how often a sofa bed might be used by guests. 

Certain designs are more suitable for only occasional use whereas other more premium options may be more durable and offer higher levels of comfort for more frequent use.

Sofa beds suitable for occasional use	Sofa beds suitable for more frequent use
Futons	2-seater sofa beds
Chair beds	3-seater sofa beds
Clic-clac sofa beds	Corner sofa beds
Leather sofa beds	A-frame sofa beds
Velvet sofa beds	Pull-out/roll-out sofa beds
-	Wool sofa beds
-	Linen sofa beds

Sofa beds suitable for occasional use

These types of sofa bed are super easy to set up, but they aren’t as durable as other options. They're a good option if your guests are only sleeping on the sofa bed for the odd night. 

Sofa beds suitable for more frequent use

These sofa beds are more durable than fold-down options. They are also very easy to clean and can often sleep two people. If guests are planning on a longer visit, this type of sofa bed might be a better choice.

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4. Choose a type of sofa bed

After deciding on the most important things you need from a new sofa bed, it’s time to pick one.

To help narrow down the choices, we look into the main types of sofa bed and sofa bed mechanisms below. This will help to determine how easy each type of sofa bed is to set up and how each type of sofa will look in its new home.

The best type of sofa bed to buy is one that suits you, your space and your guests. Remember to take your time and consider how much space you have and how much space your guests may need.

Different types of sofa bed

Below we briefly explain the different types of sofa bed.

Futon

As explained above, futons are a type of sofa bed where the backrest collapses to form the bed. The seat cushions act as the mattress rather than having a standard mattress that unfolds from the sofa.

2-seater

2-seater sofa beds are sofas that have two seat cushions and seat two people. They fit in smaller spaces and usually accommodate only one guest at a time.

3-seater

3-seater sofa beds have three seat cushions and are a similar size to a main daytime sofa. These sofa beds normally fold out into the size of a double bed. 

Corner sofa

A corner sofa provides seating for a larger number of guests. They can be used as a main living room sofa in the daytime and fold out to the size of a double mattress at night.

Storage

Storage sofa beds are extremely practical as they come with drawer storage to stow away any extra bedding and pillows needed for guests.

Chair beds

Chair beds are the smallest type of sofa bed available. They make comfortable seats and suit the odd unexpected visitor.

Different sofa bed mechanisms

Each type of sofa bed comes with a different mechanism to extend the sofa into a full bed. Below, we break down the different types of opening mechanisms and how easy they are to use.

Clic-clac

Clic-clac sofa beds are one of the most common types of guest bed. With a simple, minimalistic design, the backs of these sofa beds fold down to create a sleeping surface. 

They’re called clic-clac beds because they make a ‘click-clack’ sound when extended. They have a reputation for being quick and easy to set up.

A-frame

A-frame sofa beds are one of the most durable types of sofa bed. This is because the front of the sofa is attached to a metal frame that pulls out. The backrest then folds backwards to form the bed. The metal frame structure provides greater support, making them a better option for longer-term guests.

Although this sofa bed takes a little more time to set up, it is still fairly easy to use.

Pull out

Similar to an A-frame, pull-out sofa beds have a metal frame that you pull out and extend to create the bed. The difference is that the backrest of the sofa stays in place rather than folding back. 

Roll/fold out

Rather than pulling the bed out of the sofa, the bed rolls out or folds out from underneath the cushions. They can also come with a metal frame to support the bed frame.

Roll-out sofa beds tend to be simple to set up due to their construction.

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5. Choose a type of upholstery

The type of material a sofa bed is made of is really important. This is because some upholstery can be more difficult to clean than others and some materials can feel warmer than others, which can affect sleep.

Leather sofa beds

Leather sofa beds are very stylish and work great in office guest rooms. However, they can be quite difficult to clean and can get very warm when slept on. This makes them best suited for occasional use.

Linen sofa beds

Linen is also a good material for a sofa bed. Like wool, it’s breathable, durable and easy to clean. These sofa beds are a good choice for regular use.

Wool sofa beds

Wool sofa beds are a great all-rounder. They’re durable and breathable, making them a good candidate for regular sleep guests. However, wool can sometimes be difficult to clean.

Velvet sofa beds

People choose velvet sofa beds for their luxurious look and plush feel. However, it’s good to be aware that velvet can be more difficult to clean and can be very warm to sleep on. For this reason they’re a better option for occasional guests.

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6. Consider how much care it needs

A final consideration along the journey to buying a sofa bed is how much care it may need. 

Here are our top tips for caring for a sofa bed: 

1. Keep fabric sofa beds out of direct sunlight to avoid the colour fading
2. Regularly plump seat cushions if they are used as a part of the bed
3. Mop any spills with a damp cloth - but check the care instructions first
4. Invest in arm caps to protect armrests
5. Use scatter cushions for protection and decoration
6. Air out the bed by extending it every few weeks when not in use
7. Regularly vacuum the surface to get rid of any dust and hair

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Hopefully now you’re better equipped to choose a sofa bed that suits your needs and accommodates your guests. If you’re ready to explore, have a look at our sofa bed collection today.