by Thinking about which bed should you place in your guest room? The two most formidable options are a daybed and a futon. But which one is the best?
You’re confused because you don’t know much about how they differ. This guide will provide you with various factors on how they differ and which is a better choice in each of these aspects.
We will share with you the pros and cons of each of them. Before we begin our comparison, let’s look at which mattress will work best for you in this scenario, shall we?
The #1 Futon Mattress we recommend (better than a Futon)
A hybrid design is excellent for responsiveness and spinal alignment.
The Futon Shop presents you with its high-quality mattress. This mattress is available in different sizes, and you can go for the one that is most suitable for your needs. You can add a wide range of bedding accessories to your mattress to match it to your sleep needs.
They have used quality organic cotton in the development of this mattress. This hybrid mattress features high-quality MicroCoils to offer extraordinary spinal alignment and pressure relief.
The hybrid mattress comes with a medium-firm configuration (check the top rated medium firm mattresses). Therefore, it will provide you with the best support and comfort.
If you have been dealing with backaches and joint pains, perhaps this is the best mattress you need to use in your bedroom. This configuration is ideal for most people with a small to average-sized frame.
The materials that are used in this mattress are all natural. It means this mattress is an ideal option for anyone who is looking for an organic option (check the best selling organic mattresses).
The company has used chemical-free virgin wool to develop comfort layers for this mattress. They have used organic cotton in the comfort layer, which is USDA-certified.
As we have mentioned above, it’s a hybrid mattress; therefore, it features a coil system in its construction. The company has used micro coils, also known as pocket springs, to construct this mattress.
These coils are individually encased, and each spring adjusts independently to provide your body with ideal support no matter what sleep position you prefer. The comfort layer comprises natural virgin wool and organic cotton to ensure your mattress stays all-natural (also check the best selling organic cotton mattresses). This casing is also hand-stitched. So, a lot of effort goes into your mattress construction.
If you have been dealing with skin allergies and asthma, this mattress is the right option, as we have already mentioned that it contains 100 percent natural and organic materials.
Therefore, no harmful chemicals are used in the development of this mattress. It is resistant to dirt mites and has antimicrobial properties. Consequently, it is an ideal option for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with toxins and allergens.
What’s the Difference Between Daybed and Futon?
Now, let’s get back to our comparison and discuss a few important factors that make a futon different from a daybed.
Appearance – Daybed is Winner
Both daybeds and futons are aesthetically pleasing but have different styles. Where a daybed is an ideal choice for reclining and lounging in your living room, a futon is better suited for a bed that you can easily move and adjust according to your needs.
However, in terms of appearance, a daybed looks far more appealing than a futon. You will see that there are so many types of daybeds (check 6 great twin to king daybeds), and you can find them in both metal and wood. Most of them are vintage style, so they have their aesthetic sense.
Futons, on the other hand, is more focused on having a lightweight design that you can easily move from one place to another. They are available in wood and metal styles but are more contemporary than those from the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan.
We would say that Daybeds are definitely more stylish in appearance, and they go well with most decor. They are great for lounges and living rooms.
Futons follow a theme, and they are suitable for guest rooms (also check the top rated mattresses for guest room). These beds are the ones that you can conveniently move and use wherever you want, according to your needs. So, daybeds are the clear winner in terms of appearance.
Sleeping comfort – Daybed is Winner
Daybeds come with more options when it comes to sleeping comfort (also check 9 amazing mattresses for daybed). They are excellent for both lounging and reclining. In most cases, you will get a pop-up trundle to make your daybed bigger and accommodate more people.
On the other hand, futons are not known for their comfort. They are better for spinal alignment, but if you are not used to sleeping on a flatter, harder surface, a futon will not serve you in the long run.
So, to make your futon work, you will have to use a thicker mattress, preferably a hybrid (check the top rated hybrid mattresses), just like the one by The Futon Shop that we have reviewed above.
Daybeds are again a clear winner in terms of comfort. They are closer in appearance and functionality to conventional bedroom beds, and they come with a pop-up trundle that you can use to recline and make the bed bigger. This feature is not available in futons, which are much harder and flatter.
Sleeping space – Futon is Winner
If you want to save some space in your room while still having a bed, you should go for a daybed. Most of them come with a pop-up trundle, so you can use your daybed to accommodate even more people.
Futons, on the other hand, are much larger. They are great when accommodating people because there is plenty of space available. The best aspect is that you can adjust your futon conveniently (also check the most comfy futon mattresses).
Futons are much better than daybeds when it comes to accommodating more people. They are much larger and don’t tend to consume a lot of space in your room. But the good thing is that you can make some necessary adjustments pretty conveniently.
Ease of use – Tie
Due to their small size and pop-up features, daybeds are excellent for guest rooms, home offices, and spare rooms. Due to their aesthetic appeal, they look good for decoration purposes.
So, you can use them in your lounge or place them in the guest room as per your need. They are great for reclining too. Futons are pretty lightweight, and they are excellent for small rooms.
A futon comes in handy if you don’t have much space in your room or live in a studio apartment. Some futons are larger, and they will need more space. To make them more comfortable, you must go for a thicker mattress (check 8 amazing thick futon mattresses).
This round ends up in a tie because daybeds and futons achieve what they are made for pretty well. Daybeds are more focused on reclining and lounging in your living rooms, so you have a sitting area that you can use during the daytime.
Futons are better suited for smaller spaces and apartments and are lightweight, so you can place them in any room you want.
Assembly – Futon is Winner
Daybeds are technically difficult to assemble because they are more like traditional beds, and some of them feature storage space along with a pop-up trundle.
You will have to consider some minute details when assembling your daybed. Futons are much easier and simpler to assemble, which is why they sell like hotcakes.
Futons are much simpler to assemble than daybeds, which is why they are common. But that is only the case if durability is not your highest priority.
Portability – Futon is Winner
Daybeds are not relatively portable due to their size and construction. They are almost similar to a regular bed but are slightly smaller. Some of them also come with storage space under them.
These options are not available in a futon. It doesn’t come with any storage option and consumes more space than a daybed. The good thing about futons is that they consume a lot of space and are extremely lightweight.
In terms of portability, a futon is a much better option than a daybed. Futons are extremely lightweight; you can conveniently move them around and take them wherever you want. They take up a lot of space, but you can easily move them and adjust them according to your needs.
Choice of styles – Daybed is Winner
As daybeds are better in appearance, they also come in more style options. Metal and wood daybeds are available, and fabric styles can vary too. You will find vintage-style metal frames and fashionable wooden designs with a wide range of fabric options.
On the other hand, futons are also available in metal and wood designs. They always have a hint of Japanese contemporary design. So, they might not be the right option for everyone.
Daybeds take the lead here because you will find many options and design styles. You can’t say the same about futons. Daybeds are the best options whether you are looking for a vintage or modern design. Futons are only available in modern Japanese decor, which might not suit everyone’s taste.
Price – Futon is Winner
As daybeds are more versatile and available in different options, they tend to be expensive. They are bulkier than futons; some even come with additional storage space.
You can use them for reclining or lounging, but this option is not available in futons. These beds are pretty simple and have a very lightweight construction.
They are less expensive too, but to make these futons more comfortable, you will have to go for a thicker mattress, which can be costly. If you don’t have any issues sleeping on a flatter, harder surface, a futon will save you a lot of money.
We know that daybeds are expensive due to their design and aesthetics, and storage options and futons are much more affordable than daybeds because they are not equipped with many features.
Storage space – Daybed is Winner
Daybeds are larger and pretty much similar to a regular bed. So, they come with some storage space underneath. But this option is not available in futons due to their lightweight and adjustable features.
Daybeds are far ahead of futons because they come with additional storage space. Therefore, wherever you place them, you can always use the space underneath for storage.
This option is not available on futons. You can move them or adjust them to make space in your room, but they don’t have any storage space to offer.
Daybed – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Daybeds are great if you tend to have a lot of guests around your house.
- They come with a pop-up trundle for an additional sleep area.
- Daybeds come with additional storage space.
- They are excellent for smaller rooms and spaces.
- Daybeds are available in a wide range of colors and designs.
Cons
- These beds are pretty expensive.
- You will have to purchase a mattress separately.
Futon – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Futons don’t need much space, but you can easily adjust them.
- You can fold or roll them and store them away conveniently.
- These beds are softer and lightweight; you can move them around pretty conveniently.
- Futons are much more budget-friendly.
- They are pretty easy to assemble and don’t need much maintenance.
Cons
- They do cover a lot more space when you unfold them.
- Futons are not very long-lasting.
Key Takeaways: Daybed Vs Futon
The Prime Futon Mattress Recommendation
The Natural Home Pure Comfort Natural Cotton Mattress from The Futon Shop offers temperature control, pressure relief, and resistance to dust mites. It’s a hybrid design that ensures excellent spinal alignment and unmatched comfort.
Key Differences Between Daybed and Futon
Daybeds and futons both offer unique benefits. While daybeds excel in appearance and sleeping comfort, futons take the lead in sleeping space, assembly ease, and portability.
Appearance: Daybed Takes the Crown
Daybeds are aesthetically superior with various styles, making them ideal for lounges and living rooms. Futons, with their contemporary designs, are more suitable for guest rooms.
Sleeping Comfort: Daybed Wins Again
Daybeds offer superior comfort and come equipped with features like a pop-up trundle for added space. Futons, although better for spinal alignment, require a thicker mattress to match the comfort of a daybed.
Sleeping Space: Futon Surges Ahead
Futons provide more sleeping space and are easier to adjust, making them perfect for hosting multiple guests.
Assembly & Portability: Futon’s Domain
Futons are simpler to assemble and are lightweight, making them highly portable. Daybeds, due to their intricate designs, can be challenging to set up.
Styles & Storage: Daybed Strikes Back
Daybeds offer a myriad of design styles, from vintage to modern. They also come with additional storage options, which futons lack.
Price Point: Futon is More Wallet-Friendly
Futons are more affordable than daybeds. However, to enhance the comfort of a futon, one might need a thicker, potentially pricier mattress.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Daybeds are versatile, offer additional storage space, and are available in various designs. However, they can be pricey. Futons are space-efficient, easy to assemble, and budget-friendly but might not be as durable as daybeds.
Conclusion:
Daybeds and futons both have their pros and cons. A futon is much lighter and less expensive if a daybed has more design options and storage space.
In case a futon is not that durable, a daybed doesn’t offer much space and is heavier. It’s up to you what you are looking to achieve. They both have their positives and negatives and serve their purposes.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/joint-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050668
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906
Daybed vs Futon FAQs
Can you sleep on a futon every night?
You can use futons to sleep every night, but you will have to go for a thicker mattress; otherwise, the slope surface won’t be as comfortable for you to sleep night in and night out.
Can you sleep on a daybed all the time?
Yes, you can use your daybed as your regular bed. Make sure you choose the right mattress that works well for your sleep requirements and preferences. But in terms of comfort, they are almost similar to a regular bed.
Is it healthy to sleep on a futon?
Futons are flatter and firmer, making them suitable for lightweight men and women. They can work well for anyone looking for spinal alignment, but only if that individual prefers to sleep on the back.
Pregnant women can also benefit from sleeping on a futon. If you want a more comfortable experience, it's better to go for a thicker mattress with your futon.
Can two adults sleep on a futon?
Yes, futons can comfortably fit two adults. They are available in different sizes and are often bigger than daybeds. So, a futon is better if you want more sleep space.