Who remembers that bastion of impromptu apartments and icon of casual repose, the futon? Though we haven’t heard much from its ilk in recent years, that doesn’t mean it’s off the scene. In fact, the highly-utilitarian futon is experiencing a millennial resurgence in the form of Hippo Multifunctional Futon Furniture by Karup.

Hippo Multifunctional Futon. Designed by Anders Backe, Ida Sofie Gøtzsche Lange, Anne-Sofie Voss, Lars Wigh, and Troels Rask Pedersen. Manufactured by Karup.

The Hippo Multifunctional Futon is Four Furnishings in One

Admittedly, I loved my futon, probably because it represented my initial foray into domestic autonomy (and it was quite comfortable, considering the price). But the honeymoon eventually waned, as the material compressed and the futon lost its functionality. As I struggled with it off to the dump, I foreswore ever owning one again, but that was before I happened upon Hippo.

At first glance, Hippo appears like a conventional—albeit, especially thick—futon from days of yore. Only upon closer inspection is the true nature of Hippo revealed—it houses a head-side division into discrete adjustable segments that lets users form Hippo into an entire bedroom (or living room) ensemble.

Simply fold the sides up and the center back, attach with the integrated Velcro straps, and voila! the simple futon bed becomes a spacious, luxuriant, and supremely comfortable sofa. Same goes for the smaller (single sized) version: a quick push, bend, and fold results in the perfect bedside lounge chair—absent the bed!

Designed by the quintet of Anders Backe, Ida Sofie Gøtzsche Lange, Anne-Sofie Voss, Lars Wigh, and Troels Rask Pedersen, Hippo represents a smart solution for small spaces and frugal budgets. The vibrant option in gorgeous grape adds to Hippo’s widespread appeal.

Via SpicyTec.

About the Manufacturer: If you’ve ever asked yourself how the futon found its way to Europe, you need look no further than Karup founder Preben Christensen. Intrigued by the “hippie-type futon frame in America,” Preben exported the notion to his home base of Denmark, where he promptly improved on it. Karup creates all manner of handsome, functional, and space-saving futon furniture. As Christensen says, “futons make any room bigger… sofa by day, bed by night—versatile and functional futon sofa-sleepers are ideal in that extra room for overnight guests, or as a primary sofa or bed anywhere in your home.” In addition to futons and futon furniture, Karup manufactures traditional bed frames, night tables, dressers, wardrobes, and benches.