Sleeper Sofa vs Futon: Difference and Comparison

Various types of sofas and bedding are extremely popular. Around nine of the ten houses possess any type of sofa or bedding in their dining areas for receiving their guests.

This sitting furniture is characterised by the difference between the type of mattress used and the mattress’s thickness, whether they are convertible or not.

Key Takeaways

1. Sleeper sofas have a fold-out mattress hidden within the sofa frame, whereas futons transition between a sofa and bed by folding the frame and mattress.
2. Sleeper sofas tend to be more comfortable for sitting due to their cushioned construction, while futons may offer a firmer surface.
3. Futons are more affordable and lightweight than sleeper sofas, making them a more accessible option for those with limited space or budget.

Sleeper Sofa vs Futon

A sleeper sofa is a term which means a couch that can be converted into a bed by pulling out a metal frame and mattress from inside the sofa. A futon is a couch that can be converted into a bed by folding down the backrest and extending the seat cushion to create a flat sleeping surface.

There are many different types of sofas. A sleeper sofa is a type of sofa that can convert into a bed. People sit on sleeper sofas primarily.

As a result, it is mostly classified as furniture for sitting. Sleeper sofas were first introduced in the 1930s. Bernard Castro is the driving force behind the development of successful sleeping sofas.

Futons are traditional Japanese pillows, duvets, and mattresses. There is no bed frame in this room. It is described as a replacement for the couch bed in its Western form.

A Futon’s primary function is to provide a place to sleep, and it primarily serves as bedding. Futons first appeared in the 1980s. On the other hand, William Brouwer came up with the idea of using these beddings in a western setting.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Sleeper Sofa	Futon
Main function	Sitting furniture	Bedding
Cushion and Mattress	Made up of soft foams and stiff textures, they are aligned in separate pieces.	Purely made up of cotton, inseparable, one piece only.
Invention	Around the 1930s, Bernard Castro.	Around the 1980s, by William Brouwer.
Frames	Made and designed in metals.	Made and designed in woods.
Comfort: Sitting Cushion	More comfortable	Less comfortable
Comfort: Sleeping Cushion	Less Comfortable	More Comfortable

What is a Sleeper Sofa?

Sofas come in a range of styles. A sleeper sofa is a type of sofa with the ability to convert into a bed. People primarily utilise sleeper sofas to sit on. As a result, it is mostly classified as sitting furniture. The invention of Sleeper sofas occurred in the 1930s.

Bernard Castro is the driving force behind the successful design of sleeping sofas. Soft foams are used in the cushions and mattresses of the Sleeper sofas.

However, they have a hard feel and are arranged in discrete sections. Pullout metals are used to create the framework of sleeping sofas.

The frames, on the other hand, are constructed of metal. Sleeper couches, as sitting cushions, can provide extra comfort while sitting because of their thickness. Sleeping on Sleeper sofas is less comfortable due to the thinness of the sleeping mattresses.

What is a Futon?

Futons are a traditional style of bedding that is mostly used in Japan and consists of a pillow, cover, and mattress. It is devoid of any form of bedframe.

It is described as a replacement for the couch bed in its Western variant. A Futon’s primary function is to give sleeping space, primarily used as bedding.

The invention of Futons occurred in the 1980s. William Brouwer, on the other hand, was the one who converted these beddings for western use.

The Futons’ cushions or mattresses are entirely made of cotton. They are inseparable and consist of only one piece.

Futons are simple to fold or roll. The Futons’ frames are made of wood and have a hinged construction. Futons can provide less comfort while sitting due to their thinness when compared to a seat cushion.

Futons are quite comfy to sleep on since they have thicker sleeping mattresses.

Main Differences Between a Sleeper Sofa and a Futon

1. The sofa can be of a variety of designs. The type of sofa which possesses the potential of conversion into a bed is called a sleeper sofa. On the other hand, Futons are mainly referred to as the traditional type of bedding, which is mainly accustomed to Japan and constitute pillow, duvet and mattress. It doesn’t possess any bedframe. Its Western version is characterized as a substitute for the sofa bed.
2. People mainly use sleeper sofas for sitting. Therefore, it is mainly characterized as sitting furniture. On the other hand, the main function provided by a Futon is for sleeping purposes and mainly acts as bedding.
3. Around the 1930s, the invention of Sleeper sofas took place. The main personality behind the successful invention of sleeping sofas is Bernard Castro. On the other hand, around the 1980s, the invention of Futons took place. However, it was invented by William Brouwer, who adapted these beddings as a part of western use.
4. The cushion or mattresses used in the Sleeper sofas are made up of soft foams. However, they possess a stiff texture and are aligned in separate pieces. On the other hand, the cushion or mattresses used in the Futons are purely made up of cotton. They are inseparable and of one piece only. Futons can be folded or rolled easily.
5. The frames of the sleeper sofas are designed with the help of pullout metals. However, the frames are made up of metals as well. On the other hand, the frames of the Futons are specifically made of wood and designed in a hinged manner.
6. As a sitting cushion, Sleeper sofas possess the potential to provide more comfort while sitting as they are very thick. On the other hand, Futons possess the potential to provide less comfort while sitting as they are comparatively thinner when a seat cushion is considered.
7. While trying to sleep on Sleeper sofas, they are less comfortable as the sleeping mattresses are very thin. On the other hand, while trying to sleep on futons, they are very comfortable as they possess thicker sleeping mattresses.

References

1. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20161124?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=TrendMD&utm_campaign=Pediatrics_TrendMD_0
2. https://wikicatia.org/en/Couch-6824042686

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023