Comfortable BZ

Choosing the right futon and enjoying it for a long time: our expert advice

The futon is one of the most popular convertible furniture pieces for urban interiors: compact when folded, it transforms into a real bed in a few seconds. But behind the product descriptions with their smooth promises, the reality of a successful purchase lies in a few concrete checks.

At La Maison Convertible, we assist customers every day with this decision, and certain points come up again and again. Here's what you need to know to buy a sofa bed that will last you a long time, from your urban living room to your guest bedroom.

Measure first: the dimensions to check

Choosing a futon sofa bed means measuring twice. When closed, the sofa has a width of 80 to 160 cm depending on the version; when unfolded, it needs a total clearance of 200 cm perpendicular to the wall. A 15 m² living room can accommodate a 140 cm futon without blocking the passage if the sofa is against the wall and the coffee table is moved for the night. In a 9 m² guest room, a 90 cm model leaves just enough space to open it without hitting the desk.

The width of the sleeping area does not quite correspond to the total width of the furniture: the sleeping area of a 2-seater futon measures between 140 and 160 cm wide, which is the depth of the sofa when open. In our stores, we always take out the tape measure to remind customers of this rule.

For example, one of our Parisian customers was about to order a 160 cm futon for her 30 m² studio without checking the clearance; after a simulation in the store, she realized that this dimension would block her window from opening. By rethinking her choice of width, the problem was solved.

Before you decide, draw a floor plan of the room with the dimensions, in both closed and open positions. Also consider the accessibility of your home: width of the entrance door, staircase, elevator dimensions, and bedroom door clearance. These often-forgotten checks prevent unpleasant surprises on delivery day. If the 80 cm clearance seems tight, keep in mind that once unfolded, the futon frees up its armrests: the sleeping area starts at the seat, without a bar in the middle.

Choosing the right upholstery for your daily life

La Maison Convertible offers a wide range of fabrics and colors, with over 100 cover options available in a multitude of colors. However, our advisors recommend the following upholstery for futons used daily in households with children or pets: its tightly woven fibers resist scratches, do not mark under pressure, and can be cleaned with soapy water without risk of permanent stains.

Velvet conceals signs of wear well and tolerates regular cleaning, provided you never use a steam cleaner, as the fibers would shrink.

Bouclé, very fashionable, is sensitive to scratches and wet cleaning: if your pet climbs on furniture, this is clearly not the option to choose.

As for the leather look, available on some models, we recommend models with sufficient thickness to prevent cracking at the armrests over the years.

Note: on all our futons, the covers are removable and washable, which makes maintenance easier and allows you to change your style after a few years without changing your sofa. Before choosing, consider your actual use. In terms of durability, fabrics and velvets generally retain a better appearance over time.

Maintain your futon to keep it comfortable

The mechanism under the mattress also deserves attention. A dry cloth wipe every 6 months is enough to maintain its smooth operation. Avoid jumping on your futon: the slats are sturdy, but sudden movements compress the foam locally.

For upholstery, forget universal stain removers. A stained velvet should be dabbed dry with a microfiber cloth, without water. Leather-look material cannot withstand any alcohol-based products: it dries out and cracks in a few weeks.

Steam, as we've seen, should be avoided on any polyester-based fabric. A mistake we see too often: a customer cleaned their velvet with a steam cleaner to remove a coffee stain; the fibers became dull and rough, beyond repair.

Our store advisors are available to help you choose a cover suited to your needs. Also remember to place felt pads under the feet of the sofa bed upon delivery to avoid scratches on old parquet flooring.

Sleep and back: do not underestimate the foam

When we talk about back pain, the primary culprit is not the mechanism, but the sagging of the foam. A mattress that is too soft, even if thick, does not keep the spine aligned. If the pelvis sinks too much, the lumbar curve deepens, and waking up becomes painful. We recommend sufficiently firm support so that the natural curve is respected without pressure points. A futon equipped with a high-density polyurethane foam of 35 kg/m³ and a slatted base offers this compromise.

Our experts are at your disposal to determine together the configuration that matches your body type and the frequency of use. On the SIMONE model, for example, the 17 cm thick mattress has a high density to ensure very comfortable sleeping. It avoids the "hammock" effect that people with lower back pain dread.

This is not a detail: it's the difference between a piece of furniture you replace in two years and a product you keep for fifteen. Always ask for the exact density of the mattress before buying, especially if you have a history of lower back issues.

French expertise, for over 45 years

One specialty since 1980: designing convertible furniture optimized for space. 55 points of sale in France, where you can sit, lie down, and operate the mechanism. Several of our futon sofa beds are made in France, with solid wood slatted bases and anti-mite treated mattresses.

Our delivery service includes assembly and packaging removal. Before purchasing, check access: stairs, elevators, landing doors, and bedroom doors, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Our advisors are trained in the mechanisms of our products. It is this back-and-forth between the workshop, the store, and customer feedback that informs the recommendations you read here.

Ready to choose?

Choosing a futon well means considering three aspects: your room, your usage, and your comfort. None of these criteria can be guessed from a distance; it's by coming to try our models in-store, tape measure in hand, that the truly suitable solution for your interior will be revealed. To go further, here are the questions that come up most often with our customers.

Beyond the futon, a sofa bed can offer more generous seating for everyday use.