Daybed vs. Futon: What’s the Difference?
What you need to know.
When you’re looking to save space with multifunctional furniture, both daybeds and futons are great options. Both offer an attractive seating option by day and a comfortable sleeping space by night, however they do have some key differences. Read on to learn all about daybeds vs. futons and find out which of these versatile pieces of furniture is right for you.
The Difference: Daybed vs. Futon
Both daybeds and futons function as seating and sleeping surfaces. The major difference is that daybeds typically have or require a traditional twin mattress, so they are more bed than sofa. However, they can easily be dressed up and presented as a sofa during the day when not being used as a bed. Futons, on the other hand, are a type of sofa or chair that conveniently folds out to be used as a bed when needed.
The big question is: Which option is right for you? Check out what each has to offer below, or take a closer look with our helpful guides: What is a Futon? & What is a Daybed?.
Benefits of Daybeds
Daybeds make spacious seating options during the day and comfortable beds for small spaces at night. They are great for adding stylish storage and comfort to multifunctional spaces. We’ve outlined a few key daybed benefits below to help determine if one is right for you:
1. The Comfort of a Traditional Mattress
With a daybed, you get the comfort of a traditional twin mattress – some even come with a mattress included! This also means you can choose your own mattress, tailoring the level of firmness and material to your liking. If you choose your own mattress, make sure to double-check that it will fit the dimensions of your daybed.
2. Extra Storage Space
Some daybeds come with drawers built-in beneath where the mattress sits. This is great for storing extra pillows, blankets, and comforters for when it’s time to convert your daybed to a guest bed. If you’re using your daybed as a sofa and bed in a studio apartment, these drawers can easily double as extra storage for your clothing so you don’t have to add a full dresser to your small space.
3. Added Sleeping Space
A daybed with a trundle bed gives you double the sleeping space to accommodate an extra guest. A trundle bed is another twin sized mattress that is stored below the top mattress and pulls out when needed. This is a great option for small spaces or children's rooms where the bed can be pulled out for sleepovers and easily stored away during the day.
4. Easy to Clean
Since daybeds use regular mattresses, cleaning up is as easy as throwing your sheets in the wash. If you have children or pets who use the daybed, you can easily use a fitted mattress protector below the standard sheets to prevent mattress stains or odors.
While futons share similar qualities with daybeds, they have their own unique benefits as well. Futons give you more of a traditional seating look, while offering a variety of different sizes and being a cost-effective option for small spaces. Here are some of the benefits futons can offer your space.
1. Space-Saving
Futons are great options for smaller spaces because they only take up the space of a sofa or chair when folded up into their seating position. When it’s time to sleep, they can be unfolded to lay flat with a thin mattress or their original cushions, making them a multifunctional piece of furniture that is small-space friendly.
2. Varied Options
Futons come in several types and size options, making them even more convenient for tight spaces. Choose from convertible sofas, loveseat futons, mattress futons, and futon chairs, depending on your needs and the space you have available. Check out our comprehensive guide to learn more about Types of Futons.
3. Cost-Effective
Because of their lighter frames, futons are a more affordable option when it comes to choosing sofas and living room seating. Plus, you’re getting more for your dollar, since this versatile piece of furniture can double as a bed. This makes futons a great option for anyone who is looking to furnish their apartment or guest bedroom on a budget.
4. Firm Sleeping Option
If you love firm mattresses or need a little extra support for your back, futons are a great choice. Because futons use thin mattresses or cushions, they tend to be a much firmer option than memory foam or traditional mattresses. Firm mattresses can help with back pain associated with sleeping on a mattress that is too soft.
