“Futons are a great addition to your home for versatility and function,” says Marilyn Diamond, social content and new media specialist at The Futon Shop. They’re especially great for small spaces, she notes, “since they take up less room than a traditional sofa bed.” No matter the size, use, or decor of your home, there’s a futon that’s bound to fit your needs. To help you sort through the innumerable options out there, we’ve done heavy research into which futons stand out in terms of their quality, picking options in a range of sizes, materials, weight capacity, uses, and price points. Our pick for the best futon is the Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon due to its stylish look, memory foam cushions, full size, and so much more. Here are our picks for the best futons you can buy right now in all sizes, styles, and set-ups.
Reasonably pricedComes in various colorsGreat for small places
Assembly requiredMay flatten over time
The futon comes in four colors—blue, gray, green, and pink—so you can pick your favorite look, and both the button-tufted arms and slanted wooden legs give it some extra flair. The mattress is made of high-density foam that will conform to your body as you sink into it, whether it’s for a quick rest or a night’s worth of sleep. It’s a couch you’ll never want to leave, and why should you? Just note that since it’s crafted of memory foam, the shape can flatten over time. You can use this versatile futon to chill on as a couch during the day, relax on it as a lounge during the evening, and happily recline on the bed when it’s time for slumber. The sleeping area measures 73 x 44 x 17.5 inches, so it’s slightly smaller than a full-size mattress. Still, it can hold up to 600 pounds and is fairly compact, meaning it won’t take up too much space in your living room and blends well with the rest of your furniture. Do note that partial assembly is required, as you’ll need to attach the arms and legs. Price at time of publish: $311 Size: Full | Material: Velvet | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
Great for small spacesComes in various colorsWarranty available
Not as functional as other optionsMay be too small for taller users
The futon can be transformed into a lounger (reclining 30 degrees) and a bed (reclining fully), with high-density foam cushions and a solid hardwood frame that provides tons of support for sleepy users. It’s available in five classic colors—java, light gray, charcoal, navy, and black—so you can pick the option that best fits in with the rest of your home design. The look is enhanced, too, by the mid-century tufting on the fabric, and you can easily turn the space around it into a lovely and relaxing zone with coordinating artwork, rugs, and more. Price at time of publish: $200 Size: Twin | Material: Polyester | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Comes in various colorsCooling White glove delivery
May flatten over time
For one thing, it’s simply gorgeous, with sleek, silver finish stainless steel legs, buttonless tufting, topstitch detail, and cushions that come in a multitude of colors and fabrics, ranging from pearl chenille to espresso microfiber. It’s just the right size, too, great for all kinds of living spaces. The futon contains a full mattress that stretches to 80 inches when fully out. And then there’s the comfort this sleeper sofa provides. The thick foam mattress features a 1-inch layer of ThermaGel layer to cool you down and provide support while you sleep, as well as the Tiffany 24/7 Sleep System, which prevents sagging and adds extra comfort. Just note that since it’s crafted from polyurethane foam, it may flatten over time. Still, the cushions are super cozy with muslin wrap and Dacron ticking. It also has a generous weight capacity of 600 pounds. Last but not least, the futon is easy to assemble and can be taken apart without issue if you need to transport it from room to room. Price at time of publish: $3,749 Size: Full | Material: Polyurethane foam | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
Quick transitionWarranty availableEasy-to-follow instructions
Limited color optionsAssembly required
This futon fits a full mattress and can hold up to 500 pounds—and its comfortable cushions are filled with foam and provide firm yet cozy seating for users. To turn it from sofa to bed, you only have to lift the center of the seat and remove it from the stoppers (used to keep it in a sofa or lounge position). It only takes a few seconds, and when you’re ready to turn it back into one of its original settings, just place one hand at a hinge point and watch as it immediately transforms and locks into position. As a plus, Wayfair also offers a five-year protection plan to protect your purchase. Price at time of publish: $990 Size: Full | Material: Leather, polyester blend | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Provides extra storage spaceComes in various colorsDurable
Pricier than other optionsAssembly required
The queen-size futon also has helpful tray-style arms that can hold a handful of smaller objects, crafted from the beautiful natural hardwood that makes up the futon’s sturdy frame. It has a large weight capacity of 500 pounds and is available in four colors (linen aqua, linen stone, linen cocoa, linen charcoal) that can all easily blend into the rest of your home decor and features a lovely tufted design on the fabric cover. As for the high-density foam and cotton mattress, it’s comfortable, easily convertible, and doesn’t require a flip to set it up. Speaking of which, assembling the futon itself is quite easy, as there aren’t even any tools required. You can enjoy chilling out on the futon right after opening the package and for years to come. Price at time of publish: $1,070 Size: Queen | Material: Polyester | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Comes in various colorsReasonbly pricedGreat for small spaces
Requires more maintenance than other optionsMay peel over time
The futon is available in five attractive colors: true red, cloud gray, dark brown, raven black, and ivory. It is made with supportive high-density foam and designed with gorgeous faux leather material, enhanced by lovely baffle-box tufting and intricate hand-detail stitching. It all sits atop splayed chrome legs that give the futon an additional modern, eye-catching touch. It has a 400-pound weight capacity, which isn’t as generous as other options but should still support a few people sitting. Because it’s faux leather, you’ll want to keep the futon looking fresh and clean by vacuuming or brushing it off weekly. We also recommend placing it away from direct sunlight to prevent the color from fading. It can also peel over time, so it’s not as long-lasting as other options. Otherwise, this is a convenient, versatile, affordable, and easy-to-set-up couch that just requires folding down the backrest to turn into a bed. Price at time of publish: $450 Size: Full | Material: Faux leather | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Great for small spacesComes in various colorsFour reclining positions
Doesn’t fit multiple peopleAssembly required
The cushions and pillows are made from polyester fabric with high-density foam. Meanwhile, the entire futon easel adjusts into four different positions, and it’s available in four colors (dark gray, light gray, and the more vibrant peacock blue and yellow). To turn it into a chaise lounge or bed, all you need to do is click the chair’s back cushion into the right position, and then you’ll be good to go. Even more, the pillow and legs are removable, so you can really turn this chair into a full-on bed anytime. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds or more, the sturdy metal frame will support one person during the day and night, and the chair’s small size will be a lifesaver if you live in a house, apartment, or dorm without a lot of space. Just note that you do have to assemble it yourself, though it should come together quickly. Price at time of publish: $260 Size: Twin | Material: Polyester | Weight Capacity: 300+ pounds
Water-resistantWhite glove deliveryGreat for tall users
Limited color optionsPricier than other options
At the end of the day, when you’re done relaxing on the comfortable sofa, just take off the back cushions and watch as the couch immediately transforms into a twin-size bed. And although the mattress may not be the largest one out there, it can hold up to 600 pounds easily. Plus, the polyester upholstery is durable and water-resistant and can be wiped clean with a moist cloth whenever there’s a little dust or grime on the cushions. While it does need to be partially assembled, expert assembly is available for this futon for an extra cost. It may be a pricey futon, but if you’re able to spend a bit extra, it’s well worth the buy. Price at time of publish: $1,090 Size: Twin | Material: Polyester blend | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
Reversible back pillowsProvides extra supportStain-resistant
Only comes in one color
It’s all designed in a gorgeous light gray upholstery, giving it an attractive modern look, with a pine and acacia wood frame and equally appealing espresso finish wood legs. It also has a reasonable weight capacity that supports up to 300 pounds. This futon will put you right to sleep thanks to its ridiculously cozy and thickly wrapped foam cushions and loose back pillows (which also happen to be reversible). There’s spring and nylon webbing in the seats for added support and wires spread across the frame to prevent sagging and provide extra comfort. You don’t even have to worry much about cleaning with this futon, too, because the fabric is stain-resistant and can be spot-cleaned, lightly brushed, or vacuumed whenever there happens to be some dust or grime you want to remove. Price at time of publish: $900 Size: Full | Material: Polyester | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Great for small spacesComes in various colorsQuick transition
Assembly requiredMay be too small for taller users
On the back of the loveseat’s cushions, you’ll find convenient magazine storage pockets (which you can repurpose to use as you please, of course), and it all rests on a set of four thin but sturdy chrome legs. It has a weight capacity of 400 pounds and comes in eight colors: berry, black, gray, light gray, mustard, navy, orange, and tan. Don’t forget to check out the item’s gorgeous tuft seat stitching and purposely overstated seams, too. It’s a mid-century piece of furniture that’ll add a sophisticated touch to your home, and even more, it only takes a few minutes to assemble. Price at time of publish: $334 Size: Twin | Material: Linen | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Reasonably pricedComes in various colorsGreat for tall users
In addition to being nice to look at, this futon is sturdy and supportive, featuring a split-back design and independently encased coils to allow for easy conversion and use by multiple people at once. At full size, it holds up to 600 pounds without issue and is super comfortable, thanks to its foam seating and durable wood frame. Enjoy it as a regular couch during the day and convert it into a bed at nighttime by simply pushing or pulling on the cushions before bringing it back to its beautiful couch form when morning comes. Price at time of publish: $349 Size: Full | Material: Velvet, linen | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
What to Know About Futons Before Shopping
Size
Futon sizes are the same as traditional mattresses, so the best futon size for you depends on your specific needs. Still, make sure to consider the right depth of your futon, too; they typically range from 5 to 20 inches, says Diamond, and the greater the depth, the greater “thickness and comfort” of the futon. Not everyone likes super-thick mattresses, though, so make sure to consider its potential users’ needs.
Material
The best futons come in various materials, such as polyester, linen, leather, and more, all of which can be durable and attractive but require different cleaning techniques, so make sure you pick one that works for your needs. As for the material of the futon mattress, look for options made with natural, chemical-free, and organic ingredients if you want to keep things eco-friendly, says Diamond. But you can also consider mattresses made with foam if your priority is additional comfort and support. There are also spring mattresses, which feel more bed-like but are difficult to store, and cotton mattresses, which are lightweight and easy to roll up when needed.
Weight Capacity
When considering the proper weight capacity of your futon, first think about how many people will typically be using it as a couch since that’s likely how it’ll be set up for the majority of the time. Then, think about how many people will be occasionally using it as a bed and pick a pound limit that best matches that number.
Your Questions, Answered
How should you clean a futon?
For routine maintenance of the mattress, Diamond recommends “vacuuming or sunning your mattress while sprinkling baking soda over it in order to eliminate odors.” However, if there’s a stain, she suggests using a cloth to “blot out any existing moisture or wetness,” but be careful not to scrub or rub, as “this may work the stain farther into the mattress.” As for futon covers, it depends on the material; you can throw many futon covers straight into the wash, but others might require a trip to the dry cleaner, so make sure to read the instructions closely.
How can you style a futon?
The best futons are easy to style as you can “mix and match futon mattresses, frames, covers, and pillows,” says Diamond. First, she explains, look for “the perfect futon slipcover and pillow combo to accentuate your room and revive your futon. The slipcover should ideally match the overall decor and size of the space; “if you pick a pattern with a big pattern design in a small room, this can be overpowering,” she notes. When in doubt, “choose a neutral cover and have fun with pattern pillows” in a few different colors and sizes, Diamond suggests. And don’t forget to buy a stop slip, a piece of rubber fabric that goes under the seat of the futon and stops it from slipping. Stop slips are “an essential key to keeping your futon stylish and upright on your futon frame,” says Diamond.
Who We Are
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers home products and did significant research on the best futons for this story, including speaking to Marilyn Diamond, social content and new media specialist at The Futon Shop.
