Allowing for sleeping guests is one of the more interesting problems that hosts need to deal with. Not only is there dealing with the limits of space, but making them comfortable and allowing them to actually sleep.
Fortunately there are futons, sofa beds, and sleeping bags. As sleeping bags aren’t that comfortable, most people will look at futons and sofa beds if they have guests over. Although both tend to use a lot of space when they are unfolded, they do have some other advantages.
Both are multi-use furniture. That is, they are comfortable couches when folded up, and excellent beds when they are flat. The sofa bed has a definite advantage over the futon, as the bed can be made and then stored. Because of this, the sofa requires very little preparation to use when guests are ready to sleep. It can also be used as a sofa, allowing it to remain where it is when it’s folded up. However, it is one of the heaviest pieces of furniture to deal with, making it hard to move and cumbersome on moving day.
Although the futon requires some preparation to use; at the very least, a sleeping bag must be used to provide the guest with some cover. However, it works well as a low chair, and can be moved easily to wherever it’s needed. It’s also reasonably priced, as a decent futon can be had for under $300, including mattress.
Ultimately, the decision is going to come down to how you wish to decorate the room. The sofa is a nice piece for that solid look, whereas a futon allows for a more airy look, making a small space actually look a little bigger. If you take the time to determine what it is you need, the decision will be a much easier one to make.
