Convertible Sofa Beds, Pull-Out Sofa, Hide-a-Beds ... What am I Supposed to Call these Things?

In the 1980's, they were called hide-a-beds, and though still sometimes referred to in that way, they also have many other names, including pull-out sofa, futons, sleeper sofa, sofa beds and convertible sofa beds. All of these names make sense, but which should you use?

Many models have a bed hidden under the cushions that are "pulled out" to make the bed. Futon is a Japanese word for a bed similar to what we call a futon in the US, though it has been Americanized (such as being lifted up off of the floor). Sleeper sofa and sofa bed, basically the same thing but with the two words reversed, both meaning that this piece of furniture functions as both a sofa and a bed.

But what about convertible sofa beds? This term also makes a lot of sense but not one I had ever heard of until recently. To analyze where this term came from, I first considered the meaning of the word "convertible". In my standard computer included dictionary, it says that convertible is an adjective that means: to be able to be changed in form, function or character. We see this term often in reference to cars. If you are to say that you own a convertible, nobody asks, "a convertible what? sofa?" Everybody knows you are referring to a car. People automatically envision something sporty, a sunny day with sunglasses, and your hair blowing in the wind as you speed down the highway or cruise the boulevard.

But convertible sofa beds really does say it all. They are sofas that convert into beds. It more than qualifies according to the definition because it changes in all three ways: form, from an upright piece of furniture to more of a flat piece of furniture; function, for sitting on to lying down and sleeping; character (meaning the distinctive nature of the thing), the nature of a sofa is to sit and socialize on with others, the character of a bed is for sleeping.

So why are there so many words for one, functional item? I really do not know, but can make some educated guesses. First, different manufacturers, in trying to distinguish themselves from others, come up with different names for the same basic items. My guess is, if their term can become common enough, they become the next Kleenex (the company name that has become a common term used for a tissue). But I have not seen that happen in the convertible sofa beds industry. But who knows? The hide-a-bed has come a long ways in the last 30 years. They are more comfortable, not always as heavy, look a lot nicer, and have used some innovative design different from decades ago.

When we were first married, we thought we wanted a hide-a bed for guests, but they were so uncomfortable that we could never settle on one. In more recent years, we have gotten a high quality futon (one with a proper, thick mattress, not a big chain store special), and it has been a real life saver since we still do not have a guest room in out house. It has worked great, but lately I have been eyeballing some of the newer click-clack designs, they look like really chic and comfy convertible sofa beds! But what should you call it? I guess it doesn't matter if you refer to it as a sofa bed or a hide-a-bed or anything else, as long as it is a term commonly recognized in your area!