According to Tony Zovko’s, article about Istikbal sofa beds, he suggests they are more comfortable than futons. While comfort is subjective, the Istikbal sofa sleeper is more of a series of tradeoff’s than a complete sofa sleeper. While the product is compact and offers storage beneath the seat, it is hard to qualify an Istikbal as comfortable.
The relative ease of operation does make them seem more appealing than many futons on the showroom floor, but at home you still are required to get to the side or back to put them upright. Like most futons, you must also move them away from the wall before letting them down.
The Istikbal quality is tied closely to its price point. The truth is, it is hard to make a quality sofa bed cheaply. Still the price is very appealing and at first glance, most consumers will see value and affordability in the Istikbal sofa sleeper. For three of four hundred dollars a student or family on a tight budget may very well enjoy the Istikbal for several years, provided they are kind to it and do not over use it. Also, because they are so narrow when made into a bed, Istikbals really do not sleep two people very well. And the comfort level is better suited for a small child it would seem.
To be fair, a couple of the higher end Istikbal models likely offer more quality and perhaps added comfort as well. These should be considered as the better alternative to the entry and mid-level Istikbal’s, if you must have one.
Finally, Zovko makes a comparison and states that futons require rope to keep them from sliding down and that they are hard and lumpy. While cheap futons offered by companies like Walmart are certainly to be avoided (and you should take an Istikbal over a Walmart futon if given the choice), the better quality futons built by quality futon manufacturers will outclass an Istikbal in comfort any day of the week.
As for futons slipping, buy some Magi-Grip or even better, buy Otis Gripper Strips for a few more dollars. These products really work and solve a problem that has plagued the industry for years ad Zovko indicated.
Finally, do not buy cheap! Buying cheap furniture almost always costs you more in the end. Cheap furniture is less comfortable, prone to falling apart, unraveling and even collapsing. If you can, save a little extra before buying furniture you will be rewarded for years to come. If you must buy cheaply, seek a reputable dealer who seems to operate ethically. Reputable dealers sound like real people who have level of expertise about they type of furniture products they sell.
Finally, if you are really on a tight budget consider buying used. Be careful, though, because you never know where the furniture has been. It is likely that more than once, someone has purchased used furniture and brought it home only to find it was infested with some unwanted guests. Inspect the unit carefully and make assessments about the place it is coming from.
Read Tony Zovko’s article on Istikbals.
Posted on March 5th, 2007 by futonplanet
Filed under: Futon News
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