When you are searching for a spare guest bed to place in your home, you will discover there are quite a few options to choose from. One common choice often comes down to comparing the day bed to a futon. (Or an Xtra Bed…)
Day Beds versus Futons
The day bed is similar to a futon in that it is a sofa by day and a bed by night.
How does the day bed compare to a futon? Or a wall bed?
However, that is where the similarities end. Unlike a futon it has a headboard that serves as a backrest during the day. This headboard is sometimes solid wood, but usually a wrought iron shape reminiscent of decorations from the 17thand 18th centuries.
The other major difference is that a futon is a mattress folded into the shape of a couch. To turn it into a bed, the futon mattress is unfolded and laid flat (often leading to a lumpy or sunken hollow where the mattress folds). The day bed, in comparison, does not unfold. To convert into a full-sized bed, the day bed is often fitted with a trundle that fits underneath and is pulled out when required as a bed.
How does a futon measure up? Would you prefer a wall bed?
The day bed is often considered more comfortable as it is made up of two full-sized twin beds combined together to make a king bed. It is also more convenient as they can be used as two separate twin beds well.
One disadvantage of the day bed is that it uses takes up more space than a futon (at least the space of a full-sized twin bed) and it is a more permanent piece of furniture, being more awkward and heavier to move around.
Day Bed Options
Day bed trundles come in two different options, drawer or pop-up trundle.
Drawer trundles are restricted to twin size mattresses and do not move completely from the day bed. Instead, they offer the option of a second twin bed – ideal for a child’s sleepover.
Pop-up trundles offer greater flexibility because they allow you to turn your twin-sized day bed into a full-sized king bed. They are stored underneath the other mattress (which is used as the sofa of the day bed) and are pulled out and elevated to make a bigger bed.
Remember: Day beds only come in twin sizes, but do offer the option of creating a king sized bed.
If you do want a full-sized bed, look to Wallbeds “n” More’s Mobile Wallbeds and Murphy Wallbeds. Wallbeds offer a comfortable and stylish alternative to both the futon and day bed.
The Wallbeds “n” More Team
www.wallbedsnmore.com
