Save Space with These 13 Best Futons of 2024 (2024)

Whether you’re looking for a futon for your home or a dorm room, these versatile furniture pieces are a great way to save on space.

“Futons are a great way to get the most bang for your buck,” says Temple Kortum, interior designer, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP. “They have dual functionality and are versatile in differently sized spaces.”

In addition to Kortum, we consulted Sarah Schwuchow, interior designer, ASID, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP of Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors when developing this list of the best futons considering their expert insights about the futons’ size, weight capacity, and material and best futon recommendations.

What We Researched

  • Size: We considered the size of each futon when in its sofa and bed positions, choosing options that are suitable for both small and large spaces.
  • Style: Futons come in a wide range of designs, and we included options to fit various decor styles.
  • Material: We considered the cushions’ lining and fill materials, as well as the material of each futon’s frame.
  • Weight Capacity: Quality futons can support multiple people, so we favored futons that had high weight capacities.

Our Top Picks

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Why You Should Get It

  • This futon is available in six colors and its comfort level accommodates sleepers who like both firm and soft mattresses.

Keep in Mind

  • While stylish, the angled corners lose a few inches of precious bed space.

For a futon that meets the mark when it comes to quality, comfort, and style, consider the Tallulah Memory Foam Futon. It’s casual enough to be placed in a bedroom but sophisticated enough to elevate a living room without detracting from its overall aesthetic, thanks to its soft velvet upholstery, wood frame, and slanted wooden legs. It also is available in six different colors of velvet including light green, gray, green, pink, mustard yellow, and blue, so you’ll be able to find one that suits your style.

If you’re looking to maximize the sleeping space a futon provides, keep in mind that the back cushions’ angled corners take away a few inches of bed space.

The cushions are made of a high-density memory foam to accommodate a wide variety of sleepers. When folded down, the bed width, at 44 inches, is in between a twin and a full-sized mattress. The futon has a weight capacity of 600 pounds, which should be enough to safely seat two to three adults.

Product Details: Sofa Dimensions: 83 x 33.5 x 32.5 inches | Bed Dimensons: 73 x 44 x 17.5 inches | Fabric Material: Velvet | Fill Material: High-density memory foam | Colors: Light green, gray, blue, green, mustard yellow, and pink | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • This futon is able to be positioned in three ways (sitting, lounging, and sleeping) making it a versatile option.

Keep in Mind

  • The futon doesn’t have any arm rests.

If you’re looking to purchase a good futon without breaking the bank, consider the Ashna Twin Upholstered Tufted Back Convertible Sofa. This twin-sized futon comes in three neutral colors, a tufted design, and stylish wood legs. While it doesn’t have any arm rests, it does include a fold-down cupholder, an an added bonus for a futon at this price point.

The futon can hold up to 600 pounds, making it a great pick for multiple people to sit. However, its bed size is only a twin, so it might be a tight squeeze for two people to sleep on the futon. The foam filling offers medium firmness to appeal to a range of guest preferences.

Product Details: Sofa Dimensons: 66 x 29 x 31.5 inches | Bed Dimensions: 66 x 15 x 35.5 inches | Fabric Material: Linen blend | Fill Material: Foam | Colors: Gray, black, and blue | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • You don’t have to worry about assembly as West Elm offers white glove delivery service.

Keep in Mind

  • The wood arms may be uncomfortable to rest a pillow on.

If you’re able to splurge on a new futon, Schwuchow recommends the Jannick Full Futon Sleeper from West Elm. Made with an exterior of your choice (chunky boucle or melange weave) and an inner coil mattress with foam and fiber fill, this futon is well suited for sleeping as it folds down into just about a full-size sleeping space.

Additionally, there are many ways this futon can be cleaned. You can use a damp cloth or sponge, vacuum the cushions, or take the piece to a professional cleaner.

Keep in mind, the arms on this piece are solid wood and not covered by fabric like many other futons with arms. This may make it less less comfortable to use in its sleeping position, especially for taller users.

While this futon is a splurge pick, you don’t have to think twice about assembly as members of West Elm’s team will deliver it to the desired address, remove it from the packaging, and fully assemble it for you.

Product Details: Sofa Dimensions: 85 x 39.8 x 32 inches | Bed Dimensons: 85 x 53 x 22 inches | Fabric Material: Chunky boucle or melange weave | Fill Material: Inner coil mattress with foam and fiber fill | Colors: Alabaster (white) and Slate (gray) | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • This futon includes a throw pillow.

Keep in Mind

  • Its weight capacity is only 300 pounds.

The New London Upholstered Accent Chair from Zipcode Design is fitting for small spaces due to its compact nature. When opened, it provides a twin-size space with a six-inch thick mattress for resting or sleeping. Despite its smaller size, this foam-filled futon chair provides a plethora of support. Its frame is made from pine wood and contains solid wood birch legs as well as hidden support legs which are utilized when laid flat for sleeping.

This chair is available in three colors: charcoal, moonlight, and mustard. As a bonus, a throw pillow is included so you won’t have to make any trips to the store to pick up accent pieces.

Although assembly is required, one person is typically sufficient to successfully construct the chair, and all of the necessary tools are included.

Product Details: Sofa Dimensions: 40.55 x 32.28 x 37 inches | Bed Dimensons: 40.55 x 74.8 x 10.6 inches | Fabric Material: Polyester | Fill Material: Foam | Colors: Charcoal, moonlight, and mustard | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Care: Spot clean and air dry

Why You Should Get It

  • Despite its larger size, its assembly is simple.

Keep in Mind

  • The futon weights nearly 150 pounds, which may not be ideal for renters who move often.

If a futon that converts into a queen-sized bed is what you seek, consider this polyester Tufted Black Futon from Jaran. Its queen-sized mattress made with innerspring coils, foam, and cotton can comfortably support up to 500 pounds which makes it great for couples or several adults (with a seating capacity of three).

Even though this futon is large and offers a lot of space, its assembly is very easy and may be particularly beneficial if you’re not the most skilled when it comes to building furniture with tools. It is also impressive considering this futon is made with a hardwood frame and a tufted back, has arms on both sides and weighs 148 pounds. Caring for this futon is somewhat particular as only water-based cleaning solutions can be used when blotting its polyester fabric which is available in six colors.

Product Details: Sofa dimensions: 87 x 44 x 34 inches | Sleeper dimensions: 80 x 23 x 55 inches | Fabric Material: Polyester | Fill Material: Cotton- and foam-filled innerspring | Colors: Cocoa, aqua, charcoal, linen stone, marmont mocha, marmont thunder | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • This futon provides a sleeping area nearly equivalent to that of a queen-size mattress.

Keep in Mind

  • This futon is firmer than it is soft, and therefore may not be the most suitable for those who prefer a more cushioned feel.

For a futon made with real leather, the Andes Leather Futon from West Elm is a great option. When the folded down, you will have a sleeping area available that is just about the same size as a full XL bed. Along with this futon’s spacious size, it is extremely supportive as a result of its wood frame and metal legs. Its cushions also contain strong tied-springs and polyurethane foam cores.

When it comes to cleaning, it is important to note that only a finger or dry cloth should be used to wipe off any surface stains to avoid damaging the leather. If a more extensive stain occurs, taking your futon to a leather specialist is recommended for the best possible care.

Considering this piece is one of the most expensive picks on our list, you can look forward to an assembly-free experience thanks to West Elm’s White Glove Service.

Product Details: Sofa Dimensions: 83.5 x 31 x 40 inches | Bed Dimensions: 83.5 x 19 x 47 inches | Fabric Material: Leather or faux leather | Fill Material: Polyurethane foam | Colors: 16 | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Why You Should Get It

  • This futon comes in 10 colors, many of which are vibrant.

Keep in Mind

  • This futon comes with 14 parts that need to be assembled.

As far as the best velvet futons go, Schwuchow recommends this Velvet Square Arm Convertible Sofa. What’s great about this futon is that since it folds down into a twin-size bed, it doesn’t take up too much space. Plus, there are 10 velvet colors to choose from, many of which are more vibrant hues that add to its already vintage aesthetic created by its square arms and vertical tufting on its backrest.

The foam-filled cushions are on the firmer side. Although this futon is on the smaller than other options, it can hold up to 600 pounds due to its strong wooden frame and tapered legs.

Keep in mind that this futon involves a lengthier assembly process best completed by two people, as there are 14 parts that require assembly before use. However, everything you’ll need for assembly is included with your purchase so you won’t have to make any runs to the hardware store.

Since it doesn’t come with a removable cover, it is imperative that you do your best to keep it stain-free. However, if you do manage to accidentally spill something on the exterior, it can be blotted using water-based cleaning solutions.

Product Details: Size: 81.5 x 34 x 34 inches | Bed Dimensions: 73 x 25.5 x 44 inches | Fabric Material: Polyester (velvet) | Fill material: Foam | Colors: 10 | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • The backrest can be adjusted to three different levels.

Keep in Mind

  • The product ships in multiple boxes, so you may have to wait to assemble if they don’t arrive at the same time.

If you don’t have room for a sofa-sized futon, this chair futon from Esright is a solid choice. At first glance, this foam-filled linen futon chair does not appear to be large, but it is actually a very spacious piece that converts into a bed with a width of 40 inches and a length of 78 inches that can accommodate taller users. Unlike many of our other picks, this futon contains a strap that can be easily pulled on to simplify the transformation experience when nighttime strikes.

Although assembly is required, this futon comes with an instruction manual. We’d recommend assembling this piece where you plan on using it as it weighs 88 pounds which may make it inconvenient to move (especially without an extra set of hands). However, make sure you have enough room available to clean it (if needed) and extend its backrest as it can be adjusted to rest at three different levels.

Product Details: Size: 78 x 40 x 35 inches | Fabric Material: Linen | Fill Material: Foam | Colors: 13 | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds

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Why You Should Get It

  • This futon’s tufted split-back design simplifies its conversion process making it the perfect pick for those last-minute sleepovers with friends.

Keep in Mind

  • This futon is not the best choice for those seeking larger futons as this one is on the smaller side.

Dorm rooms aren’t typically the biggest which is why this Tufted Split Back Futon Sofa Bed is a great pick for those shopping for new dorm room additions as it is on the smaller side. If you plan on using this futon as a sleeper, you’ll notice how easy it is to convert and fold the piece from a couch to a bed due to its tufted split-back design.

Although this futon is smaller and cheaper than some other futons, it does not lack when it comes to its strength as it's supported by four chrome metal legs and a frame made from high-quality wood.

College students typically have lots on their plate and don’t have the time to spend hours assembling a new piece of furniture, and Maykoosh understood that when designing this futon. Although some assembly is required, it is made easy (and mess-free) as the futon’s base contains a compartment with all of the necessary tools and hardware.

Product Details: Size: 28.3 x 66.2 x 37.8 inches | Fabric Material: Linen | Colors: Three | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • It’s available in six sizes ranging from twin to king.

Keep in Mind

  • It requires additional care compared to a sofa bed futon.

Instead of a sofa that converts into a bed, a traditional Japanese-style futon, like this pick from Fuli, consists of a foldable mattress that lies directly on the floor or on top of a thin mat. Traditional futons are a great option for small spaces or guests as it’s meant to be folded and stored away when it’s not in use.

Fuli’s futon mattresses are crafted in Japan. The mattress is made of a 100% cotton lining stuffed with polyester and polyurethane foam that offers a medium level of firmness. The queen size weighs 11 pounds, making it easy to carry from room to room.

It’s recommended to pair the traditional futon with sheets when in use. The mattress itself cannot be machine-washed, but the manufacturer recommends occasionally drying it outdoors.

Product Details: Sofa dimensions: Not applicable | Bed Dimensions: Six sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, and king | Fabric Material: Cotton | Fill Material: Polyester and polyurethane foam | Colors: White | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Why You Should Get It

  • There are 38 fabric and color combninations to choose from.

Keep in Mind

  • If you’re buying a futon with the intention of accommodating multiple people, this may not best suit your needs as its capacity is lower at 300 pounds.

For a modern take on a floor futon, we recommend this pick from Pottery Barn. Even though this futon rests on the floor and doesn’t have legs, Kortum recommends this pick as it still offers plenty of support stemming from its metal frame that can be adjusted to recline the backrest of the futon in four different positions.

In addition to having the ability to customize this floor futon’s fabric (by selecting basketweave, boucle, linen, velvet, or chenille), you can select your preferred color from 38 options. It also comes with West Elm’s white glove delivery service, so you won’t need to set up the futon on your own.

When flat, this futon is barely smaller than a standard full-sized mattress, and without any arms, it’s easy to secure a fitted sheet over the top. Keep in mind that this futon only has a 300-pound weight limit, which may not be enough for multiple adults.

Product Details: Sofa dimensions: 75 x 31.5 x 24 inches | Bed Dimensions: 75 x 10 x 45 | Fabric Material: Basketweave, boucle, linen, velvet, or chenille | Fill Material: Polyester and polyurethane foam | Colors: 38 | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • Both sides of the backrest fold down separately, making it a versatile option.

Keep in Mind

  • Additional support legs need to be folded out from the backrest when using the futon as a bed.

If you’re looking to purchase a quality futon without breaking the bank, Schwuchow recommends the rectangular Brittany Futon from Novogratz. “This piece offers a great style and can go well with many interior design aesthetics,” Schwuchow says, thanks to its 11 color options and ribbed tufting.

Despite its lower price, this futon is sturdy and durable thanks to its wood frame that can support up to 600 pounds. Just keep in mind, when you turn the futon into a bed, it’s recommended to use the additional support legs found zippered in the backrest.

The futon is equipped with foam filling to offer users a comfortable place to rest regardless of which of its three backrest positions are utilized. The backrest is also separated in two, allowing one person to lounge while the other sits.

When it comes time to clean the linen exterior, it can be easily done using a wipe or spot-cleaning.

Product Details: Sofa Dimensons: 81.5 x 31.5 x 31 inches | Bed Dimensions: 70.5 x 16 x 43.5 inches | Fabric Material: Linen | Fill Material: Polyester and foam | Colors: 11 | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

Why You Should Get It

  • This futon has an impressive weight capacity of 772 pounds.

Keep in Mind

  • The arm rests aren’t attached.

If you’re looking for a futon that is equipped with cup holders to hold your drink while reading a book, watching television, or socializing, consider this faux leather futon from Easyfashion. Since the cupholders can be folded away, you don’t have to worry about them being in your way while sleeping or if you want to snuggle close to loved ones.

As an added bonus, this futon is available in five neutral colors—black, brown, espresso, gray, and white—which can match with a variety of room aesthetics. Just keep in mind that the outer armrests are not attached. While this is helpful when folding the futon into a bed, it may be an inconvenience in your everyday use.

In addition to its iron frame, this futon comes with four detachable metal legs that can be added and removed depending on the amount of support you’re looking for, helping this pick hold up to 772 pounds.

Product Details: Sofa Dimensions: 66 x 15 x 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 66 x 32 x 28.7 inches | Fabric Material: Faux leather | Fill Material: Not listed | Colors: Black, brown, espresso, gray, and white | Weight Capacity: 772 pounds

The Bottom Line

Overall, the best futon is the Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon. This chic futon is available in six different colors and is equipped with eye-catching velvet fabric, a wooden frame, and wooden legs.

What to Know About Futons Before Shopping

Size

When shopping for a futon, it is important to know about their various sizes to ensure the one you ultimately select meets both your expectations and the designated area where you plan on placing it. “Check the futon’s size when it’s folded out to make sure there is still space to maneuver throughout the room,” Kortum says. “Other factors may include already existing furniture such as side tables, floor lamps, etc.”

When flat, most futons measure between a twin and full sized mattress. For reference, a twin mattress measures 38 x 75 inches while a standard full size mattresses measures 54 x 75 inches.

Material

There are multiple materials that should be taken into consideration when looking for a futon, including the exterior upholstery and the fill of the mattress.

If you’re looking for an upholstery that’s both stylish and easy to clean, “try a canvas, leather, velvet, or Crypton,” Kortum says.

When it comes to a futon’s mattress material, you need to “consider whether you want a futon with a traditional cotton mattress, a memory foam mattress, or an innerspring coil mattress,” Schwuchow adds.

Memory foam filling is popular due to its ability to be both soft and supportive, which is important in a dual-use futon. Innerspring coil mattresses will feel more like a traditional bed, and cotton-filled futons tend to be lightweight.

Weight Capacity

Futons vary when it comes to their weight capacity. However, most futons can support between 250 to 600 pounds. The product descriptions of most futons contain important information about the piece’s weight capacity as well as how many people it is designed to comfortably accommodate.

Your Questions, Answered

How thick should a futon mattress be?

According to Schwuchow, the thickness of a futon mattress typically ranges between six and eight inches. However, this can vary by brand and the type of futon. Thicker mattresses tend to be more comfortable and offer more support.

What bed size is the standard futon?

When it comes to the bed size of the standard futon, most are similar to a full size mattress, but may not be the exact same dimensions. For reference, a full size mattress measures 54 by 75 inches. However, futons offer bed sizes ranging from those similar to a twin-size bed, full-size bed, or even a queen bed.

How much can you expect to pay for a futon?

How much you can expect to pay for a futon depends on what you’re looking for. “On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$2500 for a futon,” Schwuchow says. If a futon that is made from a higher-quality materials, customizable fabrics, or include delivery and assembly services, you can expect to pay somewhere on the higher end of that range.

However, if you’re shopping for a smaller or more basic piece, the price is more likely to be on the lower side of the range, or potentially less.

Who We Are

This article was written by Jenna Clark, a freelance writer who specializes in commerce, home, lifestyle, and travel content. To develop this list of the best futons, she conducted online research and consulted with Sarah Schwuchow, interior designer, ASID, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP of Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors, and Temple Kortum, interior designer, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP for expert recommendations and to learn more about what factors should be considered when shopping for futons.

Save Space with These 13 Best Futons of 2024 (2024)

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