What is a futon and how does it differ from a sofa bed?

A futon is a versatile piece of furniture that originated in Japan and has become popular in various styles and designs throughout the world. Traditionally, a futon consists of a mattress and a supportive frame that can be used for both sleeping and sitting. Modern futons often have a hinged frame that allows the mattress to easily convert between a seating position and a flat sleeping surface. They are typically lighter and more portable than standard sofas, making them an excellent choice for smaller spaces and multifunctional areas. On the other hand, a sofa bed, also known as a sleeper sofa, is a type of sofa that incorporates a built-in mattress within its framework. When the sofa is opened, this mattress unfolds to create a bed, which is often less portable than a futon due to the heavier construction and added mechanisms. Sofa beds usually have a more substantial couch appearance when closed and provide a larger surface area for sleeping. In summary, the main difference lies in their design and functionality. Futons are generally more versatile and space-saving, while sofa beds typically offer a more traditional sofa look and feel. Both options provide practical solutions for accommodating guests, but their mechanisms and styles may appeal to different preferences and needs.