As a way to inexpensively add extra seating and sleeping space, many people have purchased futons for their apartments and homes. If unfamiliar with the futon’s function and design, some people may still be hesitant to purchase one; however, futons have significant advantages over other types of furniture such as the ability to be assembled inside your own residence.

Consisting of a few pieces, futons are easier to transport from inside to outside, and from room to room. If a doorway is too narrow to bring a traditional couch into a room, a person will most likely have a better experience trying to move an unassembled futon into the room and by setting the unit up, once inside. Likewise, if wishing to store an unused couch in an attic or garage, transporting a futon up a ladder or down basement stairs is easier that moving a much heavier sofa.

In addition to facilitating an easier transport and move time, futons have dual uses. While it is possible to sleep on a couch, sleepers would first have to remove a sofa bed’s cushions, store them, and then unfold the halved-bed in place while adjusting its sharp, metal legs. Having a thicker handle and requiring a shorter set-up time, futons are more comfortable than a sofa bed and have a thicker mattress. When finished, they are easy to convert back to a quick seating area.

Finally, if needing to clean a couch’s upholstery, this can require either a professional cleaning by an upholstery servicing outfit or by having a person painstakingly clean it using a steamer. Unfortunately, some types of upholstery must only be cleaned by professionals. When owning a futon, futon covers are removable and allow the owner to wash and update the futon’s appearance as desired. This is very helpful when relocating a futon from one room to another or when passing it down from one family member to the next.

photo credit: walkmanFADES