It wasn’t long ago that I was facing the all-too-common dilemma of furnishing a smaller living space. The challenge? How to accommodate guests comfortably without dedicating an entire room to a bed or cramming a giant sofa into limited square footage. This wasn’t just about having a place for someone to sleep; it was about creating a functional, stylish area that served my daily needs while offering flexibility. Solving this problem was essential; otherwise, hosting friends or family would remain a logistical headache, forcing them into uncomfortable situations or requiring expensive, bulky furniture solutions that just wouldn’t fit.
Before diving into a specific product, it’s worth thinking about why a futon might be the right choice and what factors are important when making your selection. Futons are primarily sought out for their versatility and efficiency in small spaces. They bridge the gap between seating and sleeping, making them invaluable for apartments, dorm rooms, home offices, or any area that needs to serve multiple purposes.
The ideal customer for a futon is someone living in a compact environment, who occasionally needs an extra bed for guests, or is working with a tight budget but still wants something functional and reasonably stylish. If you need a primary sofa for heavy daily use by multiple people, or a main bed that offers plush, sink-in comfort every night, a futon might not be the best fit. Similarly, if you have young children or active pets prone to scratching or climbing, some futon upholstery might not hold up well to the wear and tear. In those cases, a dedicated, more robust sofa or a pull-out couch with durable fabric might be a better, albeit potentially more expensive, alternative.
When buying a futon, consider its size both as a sofa and when converted to a bed. Check the dimensions carefully to ensure it fits your space and is long/wide enough for sleeping. Think about the style – does it match your decor? Look at the upholstery material – faux leather, linen, or velvet each have different looks and maintenance needs. Comfort is subjective and often tied to firmness with futons; decide if you prefer something softer or firmer, and be prepared that it might not feel like a traditional mattress or sofa. Durability of the frame, legs, and upholstery is key, especially if it will see frequent use. Finally, consider the ease of assembly and conversion.
Meet the DHP Emily 71 Inch Futon Sofa Bed
Enter the DHP Emily 71 Inch Futon Sofa Bed. This piece promises a blend of modern design and practical functionality, specifically tailored for smaller living areas. It features an armless, low-profile silhouette with a tufted back and seat, all supported by sleek, slanted chrome metal legs. The specific model I’ve used comes in black faux leather, offering a chic, contemporary look. It’s designed to easily convert from a comfortable sofa for seating into a relatively flat surface for lounging or sleeping. The product description highlights its multi-functional split back design and ease of assembly, shipping in a single box with legs stored in a zippered compartment underneath. It promises a stylish solution that doesn’t break the bank. When you purchase it, you get the main futon body and the necessary legs for attachment. Compared to some bulkier, more traditional futons on the market, the Emily stands out with its streamlined, armless, and decidedly more modern aesthetic. It’s clearly aimed at those prioritizing style and space-saving design on a budget.
This specific DHP Emily futon is best suited for individuals or couples in apartments, students, or anyone needing supplemental seating or an occasional guest bed. It’s likely not the right choice for a busy family’s main living room sofa or as a primary bed for daily use due to potential durability and comfort limitations under heavy, constant stress.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent aesthetic appeal; looks more expensive than it is.
* Stylish mid-century modern design.
* Easy and quick assembly.
* Multi-functional split back allows for various positions.
* Compact size ideal for small spaces.
Cons:
* Upholstery material is thin and potentially prone to tearing or wear.
* Comfort level is firm and may degrade over time.
* Legs, while stylish, are made of thin metal and may be a weak point.
* Not ideal for heavy daily use or as a primary bed.
* Potential for some assembly minor hiccups (like covered holes or misplaced parts).
In-Depth Look at Features and Benefits
Having lived with the DHP Emily futon for a considerable time now, I can share how its features translate into real-world experience.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the standout features of this sofa bed is undoubtedly its design. The low-profile, armless silhouette gives it a sleek, uncluttered look that works wonderfully in smaller rooms where bulky arms can eat up visual and physical space. The tufted back and seat add a touch of classic detail, elevating it beyond a basic dorm-room futon. Paired with the slanted chrome metal legs, the whole package screams mid-century modern, a style that remains incredibly popular. The black faux leather upholstery on my unit contributes to this sophisticated look. It has a consistent color and texture that, from a distance, easily passes for real leather.
The benefit here is significant: you get a piece of furniture that genuinely looks much more upscale than its price tag suggests. It integrates well into various decors, particularly modern or transitional styles, and helps make a small space feel stylish and intentional rather than cramped and temporary. While some lighter colors of this futon have been described by others as slightly off-white or vanilla, the black version is a true, rich black. This design element alone solved a major problem for me – wanting stylish furniture without the high cost, especially in a space where I didn’t want to invest heavily.
Multi-functional Split Back Design
The split back feature is perhaps the most practical aspect of the DHP Emily. Unlike some futons where the entire back folds down as one unit, the Emily’s back is split down the middle. This allows each half to recline independently to different angles. You can have one side fully upright for sitting while the other is partially reclined for lounging, or both reclined for watching a movie. To convert it into a sleeping surface, you simply push the backs forward until they click, and then lay them completely flat.
The benefit of this split back is customization. Different people sitting on the couch can adjust their side to their preferred comfort level. More importantly, it makes the transition from sofa to bed incredibly easy and quick. This functionality directly addresses the need for a multi-purpose piece in a small space. It genuinely works as advertised, transforming into a bed measuring 71″L x 43″W x 16″H, suitable for one person or perhaps two smaller individuals willing to snuggle. The ease of conversion means I don’t dread setting it up for guests.
Size and Space-Saving
Measuring 34″D x 71″W x 32″H as a sofa, the DHP Emily futon is compact. The 71-inch width is comfortable for two people to sit side-by-side, or one person to stretch out for a nap (though perhaps with legs dangling off the armless end if you’re tall). The armless design further enhances its ability to fit into tight spots and keeps the visual profile low, preventing the piece from dominating a small room. When converted, the sleeping area is essentially the length of the sofa (71 inches) by the combined depth of the seat and folded-down back (43 inches).
The primary benefit is its suitability for small living spaces. It can tuck neatly against a wall in an apartment living room, fit into a corner of a home office to provide seating or a quick nap spot, or serve as the main piece in a guest room. Its relatively light weight (75 lbs) also makes it easier to move around during cleaning or rearranging, or even when moving residences, compared to a traditional, heavy sofa. The fact that it ships in one box also simplifies the delivery process, especially in buildings with narrow hallways or staircases.
Upholstery Material: Black Faux Leather
The black faux leather upholstery gives the Emily futon its sophisticated look. It has a smooth texture and a consistent color, contributing significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal. Faux leather, in general, is known for being relatively easy to clean – spills can usually be wiped up quickly with a damp cloth.
However, based on my long-term experience and observing others’ comments, the material is quite thin. While it looks good initially and is easy to maintain, this thinness raises concerns about its long-term durability, particularly against punctures or tears from sharp objects, pet claws, or rough handling. It also tends to show stretching or slight wrinkles in areas of heavy use over time, though the tufting helps to somewhat mask this. For occasional use, it holds up fine, but if you have energetic pets or kids who might stand or jump on the furniture, the upholstery could become a weak point.
Frame and Legs
The frame provides the basic structure and converts the piece from sofa to bed using hinges. The futon sits on four slanted chrome metal legs, which contribute significantly to its modern look. The product is rated for a 600 lb weight limit, which seems adequate for typical use as a sofa with two or maybe three average-sized adults, or as a bed for one or two people.
While the frame itself feels reasonably sturdy for its intended use, some users, including myself, have noted that the metal legs appear to be made of a thin gauge tubing. The legs are attached to the frame via screws, and while they hold the weight fine when static or with weight applied downwards, there’s concern that sideways force or sudden shifts in weight (like “plopping” down heavily or scooting around) could potentially stress the welds or thin metal. For me, this hasn’t been a failure point, but I am mindful of it based on feedback from others. The hinges that connect the two halves for folding seem robust enough for regular conversion.
Comfort Level
Comfort is highly subjective, especially with futons, and the DHP Emily falls into the firm category. When new, the foam cushioning is quite firm. It softens slightly with use, but it never becomes a plush, sink-in sofa. Sitting on it feels more like sitting on a well-padded waiting room chair or a firm dining bench – there’s cushion, but not a lot of give.
As a sofa for general sitting, it’s perfectly adequate for shorter periods or watching a movie. For extended lounging or daily, prolonged sitting (like working from home all day), you might find yourself shifting around to find a comfortable spot. As a bed, the firmness means you won’t sink, but it can feel hard for side sleepers or those who prefer a softer surface. Many users, myself included, find that adding a mattress topper significantly improves comfort for sleeping guests, transforming it from a firm base into a genuinely comfortable temporary bed. Without a topper, it’s acceptable for a quick nap or perhaps one night for a less-picky guest, but not ideal for a week-long stay or someone used to a soft mattress. The firm cushioning, while not luxurious, does seem to contribute to the frame’s ability to resist sagging compared to softer options, at least in the short to medium term with moderate use.
Assembly Process
The assembly for the DHP Emily futon is minimal, which is a huge plus. It arrives mostly assembled; the main body is folded in half, and the legs are stored in a zippered compartment underneath. All you need to do is unfold the body, screw on the legs using the included hardware, and then carefully flip it upright.
For me, assembly was straightforward and took less than 20 minutes, primarily just attaching the legs. All the necessary parts were there, and the holes were properly aligned (or easily located under the fabric). The only slightly tricky part, as noted by others, is flipping the futon over by yourself once the legs are attached. Since the two halves are only connected by the back hinges in the folded position, the structure can feel a bit flexible during the flip. Having a second person makes this step much easier and safer, preventing potential stress on the hinges or legs. But it is manageable solo with care. The benefit here is minimal effort to get the furniture set up and ready to use, a welcome change from assembling more complex flat-pack items.
What Users Are Saying
Searching online, I found that many others share a largely positive view of the DHP Emily futon, especially considering its accessible price point. Users frequently praise its stylish appearance, noting that it looks considerably more expensive than it is and fits well into modern decor. The ease of assembly is another commonly highlighted pro; many appreciate how quickly they can get it set up. People find it a functional piece for smaller apartments or guest rooms, valuing its ability to convert into an extra sleeping space. While acknowledging the firmness, many find the comfort level acceptable for occasional seating and sleeping, often mentioning that adding a mattress topper improves the bed function significantly. Satisfaction is high among those who bought it for specific uses like a secondary seating area, gaming room furniture, or an occasional guest bed, finding that it meets their needs well for the cost.
Final Thoughts
Facing the need for versatile, space-saving furniture that also looks good on a budget can be a significant challenge. Not addressing this means sacrificing comfort for guests or living with an overcrowded, dysfunctional space. The DHP Emily 71 Inch Futon Sofa Bed offers a compelling solution.
There are a few key reasons why this futon could be a great fit for you. Firstly, its modern aesthetic dramatically outperforms its price tag, instantly upgrading the look of your room. Secondly, the multi-functional design and easy conversion make it incredibly practical for small spaces needing both seating and an occasional bed. Finally, while firm, the comfort is acceptable for moderate use, and its overall sturdiness (within its limits) and simple assembly add to its value proposition.
If you’re in need of stylish, affordable, and multi-functional furniture for a smaller space or guest room, the DHP Emily futon is definitely worth considering. To learn more and see the latest price, Click here.