Living in a smaller home or apartment, you quickly realize how crucial it is for furniture to pull double duty. I remember struggling to find seating that was both stylish and functional for my guest room/office space. The constant worry of where guests would sleep when they visited was a real headache, and just having an air mattress wasn’t a comfortable or long-term solution. Not addressing this problem meant potential discomfort for visitors and a room that felt cluttered or underutilized the rest of the time. It was clear that a versatile piece was essential to make the space truly work.
What to Consider Before Buying a Convertible Sofa or Futon
When you’re looking to furnish a multi-purpose room or simply maximize limited square footage, a convertible sofa or futon is often the answer. These pieces are designed to serve as comfortable seating during the day and transform into a bed when needed, solving the perennial problem of accommodating overnight guests without dedicating an entire room to sleeping. The ideal buyer for this type of furniture is someone living in a small apartment, a dorm room, or who has a home office, den, or guest room that needs flexible seating and sleeping options. It’s also great for those on a tighter budget who need both a sofa and a bed but can’t afford two separate pieces.
However, a convertible sofa isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a primary, sink-into-it couch for hours of daily lounging, a traditional sofa might be a better fit. Similarly, if you plan to use the bed function nightly or for extended periods, a dedicated bed with a high-quality mattress would be significantly more comfortable. People with mobility issues might find some futons, particularly those with a lower profile, difficult to get up from. Before you buy, consider the primary use of the piece (mostly sitting or frequent sleeping), the amount of space you have, your budget, the desired style, and the complexity of the conversion mechanism. Think about who will be using it and how often.
Introducing the Novogratz Brittany Futon Sofa Bed
Enter the Novogratz Brittany 81.5″ Futon Sofa Bed and Couch Sleeper. This piece is pitched as a multifunctional solution that brings Mid-Century Modern style and practicality to small spaces. It promises easy conversion from a stylish sofa to a comfortable bed for guests. The purchase typically includes the futon itself, with all the necessary parts, tools, and instructions for assembly packaged conveniently.
Compared to a traditional sofa, the Novogratz Brittany offers the distinct advantage of its convertible nature. While it might not rival the plush comfort of high-end sofas or dedicated beds, it provides dual functionality at a price point that is generally much more accessible than buying two separate pieces of furniture. Its specific Mid-Century Modern design sets it apart aesthetically from many other basic futons on the market, which often prioritize function over form.
This particular Novogratz Brittany model in Ivory Boucle is perfect for someone looking for a stylish accent piece that can occasionally host guests. It’s well-suited for home offices, small living rooms, or guest rooms where aesthetics are important but the need for a high-quality, full-time bed isn’t paramount. It’s likely not the best choice for a main living room couch for a large family or for someone who needs a guest bed used several nights a week.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Stylish Mid-Century Modern design
* Excellent value for the price
* Converts easily from sofa to bed
* Ideal size for small spaces
* Relatively easy assembly
Cons:
* Not designed for heavy, daily lounging
* Comfort level is firm; may require additional padding for sleeping
* Armrests can feel less sturdy if leaned on heavily
* Difficult to move once assembled
* Low profile might be an issue for some
Features & Benefits Explored
Multi-Functional Design and Easy Conversion
One of the most appealing aspects of the Novogratz Brittany Futon is its ability to transform from a sofa to a bed. This particular model features a folding split-back mechanism. This means you can independently lower each side of the backrest. You can have one side flat and the other upright, or both sides flat to create a sleeping surface. The process is quite simple – usually just a quick push or pull on the backrest to engage the different positions. This functionality is incredibly beneficial in a space that needs to adapt. For example, in a home office, it serves as regular seating for meetings or breaks, then quickly becomes a bed when a visitor stays over. The benefit here is clear: maximum utility from a single piece of furniture, saving space and money compared to buying separate items. While the conversion itself is easy, getting the arms screwed on requires the back to be in a specific position during assembly, which can be a minor wrestling match until you figure it out, as some users have noted. However, once assembled, the conversion is straightforward.
Distinct Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic
The Novogratz brand is known for bringing designer style to accessible furniture, and the Brittany Futon certainly delivers on the aesthetic front. It features classic Mid-Century Modern design elements like a ribbed channel tufted backrest, elegantly curved armrests, and four slanted solid wood legs. The Ivory Boucle fabric on this specific model adds a touch of texture and sophistication, fitting well into a variety of modern and transitional decors. This isn’t just a basic, utilitarian futon; it’s a piece designed to look good in your living space. The benefit is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. It enhances the look of the room, acting as a focal point or seamlessly blending with existing Mid-Century Modern furniture, making your multi-purpose space feel intentional and well-designed rather than just a collection of necessary items. The felt liners on the legs are a thoughtful touch, preventing scratches on hardwood floors, which is great for maintaining your home’s condition.
Compact Size for Small Spaces
Measuring 81.5″ wide, 34.5″ deep, and 31.5″ high as a sofa, and converting to a sleeper bed size of 70.5″ L x 43.5″ W x 16″ H, the Novogratz Brittany is explicitly designed with smaller living areas in mind. Its relatively compact footprint makes it suitable for apartments, smaller living rooms, dens, or home offices where a full-sized sofa might overwhelm the space. The “small space profile” mentioned in the description is a key selling point. For someone struggling to fit essential furniture into a limited area, finding a piece that provides both seating and sleeping without taking up too much room is a significant benefit. It allows you to furnish areas that might otherwise only fit a chair or love seat, adding valuable functionality. However, it’s worth noting that while the overall dimensions are compact, the low height (16″ seat height) is a distinctive feature of the style and might not be comfortable for everyone, particularly those who prefer or need higher seating.
Sturdy Construction and Supportive Features
Despite its stylish appearance and accessible price, the Brittany Futon is built on a durable plywood frame. It features a no-sag spring backing for support in the seat and foam padding in the arms and seat cushion. It’s supported by the four main slanted solid wood legs, plus two plastic center legs and two concealed fold-out support legs located in zippered pockets on the back when used as a bed. These additional legs provide crucial reinforcement for the sleeper function, supporting a maximum weight limit of 600 lbs. The benefit of this construction is reasonable durability for the price point and stable support when the futon is used as a bed. While some users have noted that the connection of the armrests could feel a bit more robust and recommend not leaning on them heavily, the core structure provides a solid foundation for sitting and occasional sleeping. The fabric choices, like the Ivory Boucle, are noted for being relatively easy to clean with a damp cloth, adding to the practicality. It also includes a fire-resistant feature, which is an important safety benefit.
Assembly and Practical Considerations
The product description highlights “smooth setup,” noting that all parts, tools, and instructions are included. Many user reviews confirm that assembly is indeed straightforward and can often be done by one person in under an hour, especially after watching assembly videos provided online. This ease of assembly is a major benefit, particularly for those who are not particularly handy or don’t want to pay for professional assembly. The included tools are basic, but sufficient, though some users found using their own tools, like a ratchet wrench, made it even quicker. A key practical consideration mentioned by users is the difficulty of moving the futon once fully assembled. Due to the angled legs and the slightly flexible back mechanism, it’s not easy to slide or maneuver through standard doorways without potentially causing damage or requiring partial disassembly. The benefit of easy assembly is slightly offset by this lack of mobility, meaning you should plan its final location before putting it entirely together.
Comfort Level and Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations regarding comfort with any futon or convertible sofa, especially one at this price point focused on style and space-saving. The Novogratz Brittany utilizes foam padding for the seat and arms, resulting in a firm seating surface. Many users find it perfectly adequate and comfortable for casual sitting, enjoying its firmness for support rather than sinking in. However, for extended periods of lounging (like binge-watching a series) or using it as a bed, the firmness might be noticeable. As a sleeper, some reviewers suggest adding a mattress topper or extra padding to enhance comfort, especially for adult guests. The benefit is adequate seating for a multi-purpose space and a usable occasional bed. The disadvantage is that it’s not a plush sofa for hours of daily lounging or a bed suitable for those who need significant cushioning or support for nightly sleep. Understanding this balance is key to being satisfied with the Brittany Futon.
What Users Are Saying
Having looked into what others who’ve purchased the Novogratz Brittany Futon think, the feedback is generally positive, especially considering the price. Many buyers were pleasantly surprised by the stylish look and feel, praising the Mid-Century Modern design and the quality of the fabric options like the Ivory Boucle. People appreciated the ease of assembly, often completing it quickly on their own. The futon is frequently recommended for its value, fitting well into small spaces, offices, or as an accent piece. However, several users pointed out that while it’s fine for sitting for a while, it’s quite firm and not the most comfortable for long periods or for sleeping without extra padding. Some also noted concerns about the armrest stability and mentioned the difficulty of moving the assembled couch. Overall, the sentiment is that it’s a great purchase if you value style and function for occasional use in a small space, provided you have realistic expectations about comfort and durability compared to higher-end furniture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wrestling with limited space and the need for versatile furniture that can serve as both seating and an occasional bed, the Novogratz Brittany Futon Sofa Bed offers a compelling solution. Not having a practical spot for guests can lead to uncomfortable situations or underutilized rooms. The Brittany solves this by providing stylish seating that easily converts. It’s a great fit because of its attractive Mid-Century Modern design, its practical convertible function ideal for smaller areas, and its accessible price point. It’s particularly well-suited for guest rooms, home offices, or small apartments where you need a piece that looks good and can occasionally function as a bed. To see more details or to purchase the Novogratz Brittany 81.5″ Futon Sofa Bed and Couch Sleeper, click here.