Having a place to rest in your home is what we always long for, especially after a day that has just dragged out seemingly forever. We always need comfort and a place where we can let exhaustion and stress fall to the wayside. Sure, we all have beds. They are usually in the bedroom though and not particularly convenient when you’re not going to sleep for the night. Why not find something that you can put in the living room where you can relax with your family or friends? Or perhaps something you can put in your home office or studio so you can catch some quick relief? Having a sofa would be the best bet for this, but you may also want to consider a futon as an alternative option.

What is a futon? What is the difference between a futon and a sofa? Well, a futon is a type of bedding that is traditional in Japan. At it’s most basic it consists of a mattress and a duvet. Japan is known for its minimalism since they tend to have smaller homes and space, and they often use a futon for sleeping because it is easily stored away when not in use. A western-style futon is quite a bit different though. It can be compared with a sofa bed, but it’s still different in many ways. Like the traditional Japanese futon, it also has a mattress, but instead of storing it away it is usually folded up and converted into a sofa when not acting as a bed. Western futons are also usually used in homes or rooms that have small spaces. 

Aesthetically speaking, a sofa would be great. They come in so many styles and designs that you can choose from, as well as a variety of different sizes. The options are so plentiful that you can easily match them with your home’s decor. While all of this is great, they’re not necessarily the end-all be-all.

A futon, on the other hand, is often cheaper than a sofa, and if you are looking for budget-friendly furniture then they are a great way to go. They’re also much more comfortable for sleeping than a sofa because they can fold out flat. Sure, futons can look cheap, but they can also look very nice if you find the right one. Like a sofa, futons also are available in different sizes and styles to choose from according to your tastes and needs. They are also generally lighter and easier to move around, so they’re really suitable for any room in your home. Add to that, a futon can be converted into a bed when you’re tight on space for guests. No need for extra mattresses when you have family or friends stay over, or worse yet having them sleep on couch cushions which are usually uncomfortable.

Unlike sofa beds, which they are often compared with, a futon’s mattress is thicker but still lighter. Plus, guests are not the only ones who will be able to use them, you can use them too whether located in your living room or in your office or studio, so you can have a place to rest or nap if needed.

In the end, it will be your choice to make. So, will it be an expensive and stylish sofa or something more affordable with additional functionality?