Should I Get a Futon or a Daybed?

Updated on January 22, 2009
L.M. asks from Rowlett, TX
18 answers

Should put a futon or a daybed in our spare room? At the moment, this room is a playroom/tv room, but it's pretty empty. We've been talking about putting a futon or daybed in there for when we have guests. Now, one thing to add is that we hope to become foster parents soon and if so, this room will be their room. I'm not sure which one is more comfortable for everyday use. It could be a situation of a couple weeks or maybe a few years. HELP! What are your experiences- are futons comfy?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the help. After reading all your posts- futons are out. It's a good thing because I did find out for sure that foster kids can't have futons- must have a bed of their own. Thanks to whoever said that because I'm glad I checked into it! Hey, I would have done the daybeds anyway after all your horrible experiences! :)

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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

Sleeping on one of the modern futon/couch is miserable unless you are 10 or under!!! If this is about providing a comfortable night sleep for guest...go with the daybed with a true twin mattress.

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

I think that you'd be happier with a daybed. It's essentially like having 2 twin beds, and it's nice you can tuck one away underneath for when you're not using it. I grew up with a daybed; it's great for sleepovers! I've slept on futons before but they're not that comfortable as far as daily sleeping. Futon may be fine for a weekend visit, but probably not for long-term use for sleeping.

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J.H.

answers from Amarillo on

I personally don't think a futon is comfortable.

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K.G.

answers from Dallas on

I agree so far with your posts... Vote Yes for daybed and No for futon. I've had both. The futon was just ok... not great. I had a day bed that the under twin bed popped up even with the top bed and made a king. My friend tells me she loved sleeping on it and wants one but cannot find one anywhere that does that (it was old - but mattresses were new). I think for "couch" purposes you would need some very firm pillows along the back and sides (for support) maybe with some softer ones in front to bring your knees to the edge.

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T.W.

answers from Dallas on

Hello LM,

May I suggest a full size mattress set on a bed frame turned side ways like a daybed. You would need to get a King size skirt and comforter to go on it. The king skirt will cover all three sides that will be seen and the extra material can be pinned behind. The comforter will fit just like a daybed comforter. You would also build it out with king pillows across the back and lots of throw pillows to decorate. That way there is plenty of comfy room for guest or new family member. I can send you a picture of what I am describing if you like. I also sell matresses if you decide to go with this look and want a good set at a great price.
T.

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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

I agree with the previous posts about getting a daybed that is also a trundle. It allows for your adult guests to also sleep next to each other. Good luck.

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K.B.

answers from Dallas on

I have a daybed with trundle, which is simply great, when you need two beds in one room. I've sat on a futon, but I doubt it's as comfy as a regular mattress.

Good luck!

K.

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G.A.

answers from Dallas on

Hide a beds can be uncomfortable but I recently found out they have a new mattress in them that the top part inflates then when you put it away you deflate it. I have not seen one yet. G. W

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V.T.

answers from Dallas on

I think it just depends on what kind of futon you get. My parents gave us their futon frame, and it does not sound like the kind of frames everyone is complaining about. It has slats all the way throughout the frame, more similar to a real bed frame, so there is great support and no bar across the back. We bought a pretty nice futon mattress to go on top, and it's very comfortable. My husband and I never minded sleeping on it at my parents house, and we've even slept on it at our own house to allow my brother-in-law and his whole family to take our larger bedroom when they've come to visit. Now, granted, our futon is used sporadically, so I don't know if the mattress would "bottom out" with daily use worse than a regular mattress would. But our futon is in the "family room" (very similar to what you're describing); part office, part play room, part company room, and it has been a perfect piece of furniture for our uses.

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P.S.

answers from Dallas on

Futons are not allowed for foster children.The same with fold out couches. Each child must have a bed of their own. Go to the CPS website to see other standards and save yourself some trouble of decorating twice.I also once had an agency that didn't allow trundle beds. It's not against CPS standards, it was just agency rules. Check with the agency you are planning to be licensed with for their policies. Good Luck.

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K.H.

answers from Dallas on

futons are not comfortable to sleep on for more than a night or two so if someone will be sleeping there i would use a daybed and just put lots of pillows on the back to make it more of a couch/sitting area & then they can take them off to sleep

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S.E.

answers from Wichita Falls on

I have had (and slept on) both daybeds and futons. Cheap futons are not worth the money. Good futons are exensive but are comfortable for both sitting and and sleeping. Daybeds are Okay for sitting, but it always feels like you're sitting on a bed (too high, too deep) but are much more comfortable for sleeping. It really depends if you plan to have people spend more time sleeping or sitting on it

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N.H.

answers from Dallas on

I say day bed. Futons arte ok for a 1 or 2 night stay.

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J.H.

answers from Dallas on

Ok.. The futons are ok if they are not slept on everyday... But with the possibility of having someone extra I would go for a day bed...
We have a futon in the living room.. it is great for sitting... its lumpy now because it was slept on for over 4 months when we had a guest...
Letting you know

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T.M.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,

You might consider getting a daybed before you get a futon. I got a futon for my son and it wasn't three nights he slept on it the brads broke in it he only weighed around 50 lbs. So that being said they are not very good to sleep on seeing how you have a bar going across your back when you sleepthey don't have a good support. Now if you want it for a guest room and want to make sure your guest only stay for one night it would be great. Who wants to sleep on a bed that is not comfy. lol Hope this helps.

T.

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S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

For an average size adult - a futon is an ok experience... I sleep on ours fairly regularly. For larger people, they are not comfortable and do not hold up well. My kids have absolutely no problem sleeping on our futon (the $150 special at wal-mart, no fancy mattress). Folded out, they are not especially comfortable IMO - in the couch position, it's a very good nap. :)

Daybeds on the other hand don't make very good couches but are infinitely more comfortable for anyone - of any size - to sleep on.

Good luck
S.

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S.R.

answers from Dallas on

I have slept on our college son's futon recently. It would be ok for a night or two. I would reccomend investing a little more and getting the day bed. I would suggest a pull-out couch, but only experience with them is in condo's at the beach and they are ok too for a few days. A more expensive one might be like a real bed I don't know.

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L.P.

answers from Tyler on

I have had a futon bed, and they are ok as long as you don't use them everydsy. The cushion is so thin it is just uncomfortable. I really like s daybed, the matress has cushion and it is so much more comfortable to sleep on. They even look better. I hope this helps some

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