At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.
Both futons and daybeds are good options for people looking for a guest room bed that can also be used throughout the day. They both save space, but their differences can make one much better than the other in your particular situation. Let’s see what those are and how you can make the right choice.
Difference Between Daybed and Futon
Futons are typically lower to the ground than daybeds. In their daytime option, you can use a futon just like a couch and rest your back on the back side. After unfolding, a futon is transformed to offer more space for sleeping. Futons come in different sizes and styles and are more affordable than daybeds.
Daybeds don’t have to be unfolded, you should just remove any cushions and it’s ready to use. Moreover, a daybed is often taller and may have a drawer/storage space/trundle bed beneath, all of which is a big plus. Daybeds are typically narrower than futons and come in fewer sizes. Although more expensive, they are also more durable and more comfortable than futons.
What Is a Futon?
A Western futon is a type of couch/sofa bed that can be unfolded and used as a bed. It can be upholstered or, more commonly, have a not-so-thick mattress that lies on a wooden frame. This is the most common type of futon.
Another common type is the Japanese futon, which is a foldable mattress made to be placed on the floor. The sofa-type futons we commonly see today were inspired by the traditional ones from Japan.
Back to contemporary-style futon beds. They can save space by doubling as a sofa during the day, but in extremely small spaces, it could sometimes be challenging to make extra room to move the futon so that you can unfold it. For example, if there’s a coffee table right in front of it and then other furniture next to the coffee table. You’d have to move everything just to make room for the unfolded futon.
On the other hand, those who do have enough room for moving furniture, and not just that – those who frequently move it around – will find futon beds friendly and lightweight.
Futons are often used by younger people and are typically not highly durable; teens and college students are often familiar with the flattened and lumpy parts of a futon used as a bed.
Although you run the risk of your room looking cheap, you can still choose from a wide variety of futons. Invest a bit more, and you’ll get a stylish-looking piece.
Benefits of a futon
- Easy to move around
- Easily foldable
- Affordable
- Stylish
Downsides of a futon
- Not very comfortable for sitting or sleeping
- Most of them look cheap
- Not very durable
What Is a Daybed?
A daybed is a furniture piece that is supposed to be exactly between a bed and a sofa. It’s often made to look and feel exactly in the middle. Surely, it often doesn’t feel better than either one of the two pieces, but it does a fantastic job of a multi-purpose item.
Daybeds often have a headboard and are sometimes boarded on all three sides. Even if you get one of the latter, you’ll still need to get some pillows or cushions in order to use it as a sofa. Daybeds without backs are more casual looking and they go better with the minimalistic style.
They are usually Twin size or Full size and you’ll often encounter wood daybeds or metal daybeds, but there might be other options as well, such as upholstered wood.
A daybed is not as affordable as a futon mattress, but it is more durable and comfortable. It can be a great bed for a teenager and it works well as a bed for guests, especially if it’s a trundle and you want to be able to host more than one person. This way you can keep two beds in the space of a single bed.
Daybeds also come in many different options, but they aren’t as varied in sizes and shapes as futons – probably because futons have many definitions and therefore cover an entire array of bed types.
Benefits of a daybed
- Extra storage
- Trundle option
- No need to fold/unfold
- Great for the smallest of spaces
Downsides of a daybed
- Not as comfy as an actual bed
- Need to buy special cushions or pillows for couch use
- Less affordable
How to Choose Between a Futon and a Daybed
So, what if you equally like both and really can’t decide? If looks are your biggest concern, just do more research on all the designs on both sides and see what colors and styles go better with the rest of your furniture.
Otherwise, take a look at some of the more practical points you need to think about.
Available space
How much space exactly do you have for a sofa/bed? A futon bed is going to take up somewhat more space because it has to be unfolded. You don’t have that problem with a daybed.
Moreover, daybeds can come with drawers or trundles, so you get to store more stuff underneath. Since a futon bed lies low, you can’t put much stuff there.
Bear in mind that if you can’t make room for unfolding a futon, you probably won’t have enough space to open up a drawer under your daybed. It’s all in these details, so you really need to measure your space well.
Budget
If you’re budgeting, check out futons. They are about $200-$300. You don’t even need to get a new futon – a used one could do the trick, although it would probably be uncomfortable.
I already explained how to make a futon more comfortable, because, well, you’ll probably have to make some adjustments at some point.
As for daybeds, the common prices are revolving around $300-$500.
Bedding requirements
You’ll be able to find linens fairly easily for both futons and daybeds, but some daybeds would require you to get a special comforter that would fit the style. They might also look better with a skirt, but again, this doesn’t go for every daybed since there are many different options and styles. A futon mattress just needs a cover and you can use normal sheets and comforters.
Ease of assembly
If you get a new futon or a new daybed that needs assembly, the futon is the easier option. But once that’s done, the futon is the one you’ll have to be click-clacking every single day.
Durability
Daybeds are durability winners here. The mattress types for daybeds have better construction and can be used for a longer period of time remaining fairly comfortable.
See it this way – common use calls for a daybed, and occasional use is fine with a futon.
Comfort
The daybed steals the show in the comfort category as well. High-quality futons can be very comfortable for sleeping, but daybeds are made with more thought put into the every-night experience.
Click-clack futons with soft backs can be much more comfortable for daily use than a daybed. You need fewer cushions and it can be better for lounging.
FAQs
Yes, as long as it’s comfortable enough and you have enough space on it. Daybeds are not as durable as regular beds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use yours every night for as long as it feels supportive.
They can be good for a while, but Western-style futons are known for their lack of durability, so if this is something you want to sleep on every night and/or use it as a couch on a daily basis, you’ll soon find that it became flat and lumpy. So, if you’re a student – yes, a futon can be a good couch, but if you want something that will serve you longer, look elsewhere.
Yes. Daybeds have various sizes and qualities, so if you choose one that fits your body and needs, you can sleep on a daybed quite comfortably. It may not be as comfortable or roomy as an actual bed, but it can work well.
Conclusion
Futon vs. daybed can be a tough battle, with both being multi-functional furniture pieces good for small spaces and having similar price points. However, futons are definitely more affordable and minimalistic than daybeds, while daybeds can hide extra storage options and boast higher durability and comfort levels. Take all factors into consideration to ensure you’re happy with your purchase in the end.
Next step: Read our guide to queen-sized futons. Queen is the most common mattress size, and it makes a great option for a futon as well. We rounded up the top 5 brands so you can decide for yourself which one is best for your needs.
With over 5 years experience writing about sleep and mattresses, she's considered one of the go-to experts on the topic.
She likes cycling, nature, art, and languages. She pays special attention to providing you with accurate and useful information when it comes to your sleep quality.
After solving her personal sleep and tiredness problems, she is on to help others by sharing this invaluable information.
- Where to buy Saatva mattress (online and offline) - April 26, 2025
- Latex vs memory foam mattress (which is better?) - March 12, 2025
- Bed in a box vs traditional mattress (which is better?) - February 17, 2025
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?