How Long Will a Sofa Last Compared to A Futon Sofa Bed?

This is what cheap bonded leather looks like in less than 2 years

Many people who require the dual function of a sofa and a sleeper in one piece will debate over weather they should go for a sofa bed or a futon.  Even for those consumers who do not require the sleeping function, still can't decide if a futon is more suitable than a sofa just for sitting.  In North America, a futon carries a stigma of being cheap or better suited for university students.  This misconception began in the late 1980's and early 1990's when the metal frame futon set package was introduced to the market and imported from China.  These metal frames tend to be very cheaply made and the mattress included is usually hard and lumpy and does not contain pure cotton. It can be very uncomfortable to sit on and sleep on.

However, when it comes to the futon, it's all about choice.  You can choose to follow the sheep to their early futon grave and buy a cheap frame and futon mattress, or you can can INVEST in, rather than simply buy, a quality frame and mattress that will last.  If you compare a cheap sofa to a futon, you will find that your average sofa retailing between $500 to $800 has very little options.  Sofas in this price range will allow usually only two or three choices of fabrics- microsuede or bonded leather. Bonded leather is another term used for cheap fake leather.  Microsuede is synthetic suede made from polyester.  Color options are very limited, and if you decide to pick a fabric or color that is not stocked, be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars more and wait about 3 to 4 months for your sofa to be imported by ocean freight from China.

Typical cheap microsuede sofa that consumers fall for

Before we discuss the features and benefits of a futon over a sofa, let us first understand the disadvantages of these cheap sofas that are so popular on the consumer market.  The microsuede sofa featured above is your typical cheap sofa usually found at an Ashley Home Store or Jennifer Convertible.

Disadvantages of These Cheap Sofas:

• Non removable or replacement seating and back cushions. (Seating cushions only come off  for sofas with pull out mattresses). This means you cannot replace the cushions
• The microsuede or microfiber used is a low quality polyester.  This material will give you crazy electric shocks during the winter time and will make your hair stand up.  In addition, cheap microsuede will sag like a hundred year old lady.  This sofa featured above was used for less than a year and a half, and you can already notice the sagging and wrinkling of the fabric
• The density of foam in the cushions is very low.  This means that they will flatten fairly fast with frequent sitting.  
• Light weight inner frame causes easy breaking or cracking.
• There are different types of fake, bonded or "faux" leather that manufactures use.  Not all faux leather will peal like the one you see in the first picture.  There is quality faux leather(also referred to as "leather textile").  Innovation Living, a Danish based manufacture of modern quality sofa beds, use a high quality of leather textile that is ten times more durable than your "bonded leather".  Cheap bonded leather tends to be thin and shiny due to the high amount of polyurethane used.  Bonded leather peels easily, especially after the polyurethane on the surface dissipates as well as your body sweat which absorbs into the sofa when sitting on it frequently.  The life expectancy of a cheap bonded leather sofa is under two years with frequent usage.  By this time, the foam from the seat cushions will be flattened.  

Cheap sofas show wear very fast especially the loosening of fabric and flattening of foam

Some people may consider reupholstering their sofa, but soon learn that such a task would cost almost the same as a new sofa.

Futons will give you the most options for the same quality, if not better than your average conventional sofa.

Advantages of a Futon:

A futon can be just as high end as a sofa, if not more

• Exposed wood frame.  This means cat's can't scratch the arm rests, and upholstery doesn't get ruined
• Futon frame can be set up and transported easily to any space, many full length sofas cannot.
• Futon mattress (seating and back rest cushion in one) is not attached to the frame.  This means you can choose from dozens of mattresses that meet your comfort level or firmness.  You can always easily replace the futon mattress down the road.  One size usually fits all, unlike conventional sofas, either the cushions are sowed onto the frame or cushions have to be made custom due to different sizes.
• Futon covers are inexpensive. You can easily update the look of your futon by changing the cover on the mattress.  If you stain it, you can either machine wash the cover (depending on material) or get it dry cleaned.  
• Futons allow for the highest level of customization at an affordable price without special ordering.  Conventional sofas with option in arm rests and fabrics tend to take many months to deliver and will cost a lot more.  Futons allow for accessories such as bottom storage drawers as shown in the photo above.  Futon storage drawers not only function for storage, but also will give your futon a completely different appearance of a high end sofa.  

Because there are so many options for removable futon covers, it is much easier to decorate and match the decor of your room

• A futon mattress is quite versatile and can be used on a floor or platform bed, an RV bunk bed or sleeping loft, not only just for a futon frame.
• A futon will give you the highest level of comfort, provided that you know how to choose the right mattress for your frame.  
• A futon will out last any conventional sofa by at least 20 years, provided that you maintain your frame and replace your mattress once it is worn out.  There is no graveyard for the futon. This is a piece of furniture that your grandchildren will some day inherit provided you take care of it.  
• Besides the futon frame which is usually made in Indonesia or Vietnam, the futon mattress and cover are usually made in the USA.  As we know, American manufacturing tends to be at higher standards than the Chinese imports.

In conclusion, consumers must be cautious before dropping a few hundred dollars on a cheap conventional sofa that looks good online or in the store.  Looks and price only tell half the story.  A futon should be treated like a piece of real estate.  This means it should last you for many years, and you can always make updates to it and change the look.

UrbanFutonBeds.com

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