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Futons are known for their dual functionality, as they can serve as a couch or loveseat by day and be folded into a bed at night for overnight guests. Futons are the perfect addition to any spare bedroom, guest room, home office, college dorm room, basement, or man cave.
However, not all futons are created equal. Futons vary greatly in price and quality depending on the make and mode. Low-end futons can sometimes cost as little as under $100, but may not hold up to intense use. On the other hand, higher-end models can cost upwards of $700 or more. To ensure you find a high-quality futon that’s comfortable, easy to setup, fashionable, and within budget, the This Old House Team researched the best futons available on the market. Overall, our top choice is the Kodiak Furniture Phoenix Futon Set, which has a stylish wood design that can fit in any room, and comes with bottom drawers for extra storage. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Best Futons: Our Top 5 Picks
- Best Wood Frame: Kodiak Furniture Phoenix Futon Set
- Best Loveseat: Novogratz Leyla Loveseat
- Best Value: JUMMICO Futon Sofa Bed
- Best Design: mopio Chloe Futon Sofa Bed
- Best Sleeper Chair: Esright 40-Inch Sleeper Chair Bed
Compare Top Futons
| Product | Frame Material | Dimensions | Weight Capacity | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodiak Furniture Phoenix Futon Set | Wood | 82 x 37 x 33 inches | Not listed | 211 pounds | 1 year |
| Novogratz Leyla Loveseat | Wood | 60 x 30 x 32 inches | 400 pounds | 63 pounds | Not listed |
| JUMMICO Futon Sofa Bed | Metal | 66 x 36 x 30 inches | Not listed | 75 pounds | Not listed |
| mopio Chloe Futon Sofa Bed | Wood | 78 x 33 x 28 inches | 550 pounds | 97 pounds | 1 year |
| Esright 40 Inch Sleeper Chair Bed | Steel | 40 x 78 x 35 inches | 330 pounds | 88 pounds | 1 year |
| Product | Frame Material | Dimensions | Weight Capacity | Weight | Warranty |
Best Wood Frame
Kodiak Furniture Phoenix Futon Set
- $735.89
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People Saying About the Kodiak Furniture Phoenix Futon Set?
Our team noted that those who were happy with this futon said it was sturdy, easy to assemble, and well-designed. However, we found that those who were unhappy with it said that the mattress was uncomfortable to sleep on and that the futon frame sometimes broke after minimal use.
“I purchased this futon and received it about two weeks ago. I have done a ton of comparative shopping and this is an excellent deal. I have had two other futons before this one. This is by far the best quality, very pleased with this futon. The assembly is pretty easy but it does take some time to assemble. I suggest doing what I did and watch the online video … The futon is very comfortable when using it in the couch position. It is also very comfortable to sleep on, the mattress is more firm which I happen to like … Overall I am extremely pleased with this purchase. The futon is sturdy, comfortable and looks great. I have had compliments from several family and friends. I would recommend purchasing this futon, I doubt you will regret it.” — Lee Williams via Amazon
“Definitely a two-person assembly. I did it by myself, and it was phenomenally difficult. I do not like the drawers because they are free floating (not attached to the futon at all). The bedding/cushion cover doesn’t look great, but is comfortable. The arm tables aren’t well constructed… Overall though, I’m satisfied, but there’s a lot of room for process improvement.” — John Stepp via Amazon
Best Loveseat
Novogratz Leyla Loveseat
- $248.92
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People Saying About the Novogratz Leyla Loveseat?
Customers who were satisfied with this product liked its compact design that fit well in small spaces, easy assembly, and multiple color choices. Those we found who were unsatisfied said that the back cushion was uncomfortable to lean against and that the fabric sometimes had a bad odor.
“Easy to assemble and surprisingly comfy.I bought this as I needed some place to lounge in my studio, and for guests who didn’t want to sleep out in the living room. I have had it for almost six months, and still feels sturdy with my moving it as needed. It is lightweight. The Bottom cushion is firm but comfortable and does not feel like it will wear in quicker than it should. The back cushion does go under back bar, However, I usually don’t sit with my back against it and just use it to prop my legs up. You could easily buy larger, sturdier pillows for the back if needed. … Fits perfectly in a small space.” — Chelsea R. via Amazon
“A decent futon, but somewhat disappointed. The arms are a nice feature as they come down, and it can be used as a couch or bed/lounge, but it just isn’t too comfortable. The back support is just a big pillow in front of a metal support bar and it always seems to slip under the bar, and your then back is against the bar. Otherwise, it’s a decent seat. For the price, it may be worth it to spend a little bit more on a nicer one.” — Im on Amazon via Amazon
Best Value
JUMMICO Futon Sofa Bed
- $149.99
- $189.99
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People Saying About the JUMMICO Futon Sofa Bed?
Those who left complimentary reviews enjoyed this product’s leather-like material, quick assembly, and lightweight, easy-to-move nature. However, we found that those who were unhappy with this futon said that it was smaller and firmer than expected.
“Quite easy to assemble – and I am not a guy who enjoys doing that. Everything fit and was an easy one-person job. It’s well-made and looks nice. Just a little small, but we only wanted something small for the occasional company! I actually quite like it!”— Mike Nielsen via Amazon
“The leather is actually quite nice. It’s fairly low but not uncomfortably so. Issue is. it’s small, I can’t imagine an adult sleeping on this. The armrests are detached, so you can’t really put your weight on them or they’ll move. It’s not a couch you would get cozy on and sit back for a movie. It’s just not easy to nestle into, it’s fine to entertain some people for a quick afternoon or snack time.” — Oleg via Amazon
Best Design
Mopio Chloe Futon Sofa Bed
- $278.99
- $428
- 35% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People Saying About the mopio Chloe Futon Sofa Bed?
Our team found that customers who gave this futon a positive review were impressed with its elegant, modern design and easy assembly. However, some did note it was overly small and others noted that the legs were not as stable as they were expecting.
“To start with, the color is gorgeous and exactly as shown, which is excellent as it will fit in perfectly with our decor. Assembly took all of 20 minutes, maybe … It’s firm but not too much so, and the fabric just feels expensive, you know? Size-wise, it’s perfect — our place isn’t the largest apartment, and this doesn’t overwhelm the space, yet can easily seat three people no problem. It also easily collapses for sleeping, and we’re looking forward to having extra guests over now that they have somewhere to crash.” — Bridget via Amazon
“All legs are made of hard plastic imitating wood. I wish they were metal. Also, the two middle legs are the ones with brackets to keep both halves together. It’s a bad idea to use plastic for that. At least the middle legs should be metal or have a metal bracket insert, any vertical move of the sofa halves will put all stress on those plastic brackets, and they are not rigid enough. The legs could be made of a harder, better and reinforced plastic.” — Andrew Lima via Amazon
Best Sleeper Chair
Esright 40-Inch Sleeper Chair Bed
- $269.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People Saying About the Esright 40-Inch Sleeper Chair Bed?
Our team found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it had a firm, but comfortable cushion that was perfect for napping. Others complimented how easy it was to adjust positions. However, others felt that the seat was too deep, and that the assembly was difficult.
“I originally bought this for my reading corner and thought I’d sit in it maybe 2 or 3 times a week. This is my go-to study area for when I’m doing my college courses, reading for fun, or honestly just need a nap. My kids love taking naps in this thing too! Yes, the cushions are a bit stiff at first, but they aren’t uncomfortable at all. If I had more room in my house, I would get five more.” — Dwayne Kroll via Amazon
“The main thing about this chair that I did not like was that the assembly was bad. We had to bend some of the metal parts with a hammer so that we could screw some pieces together. Which made it take longer than it should have, and some people don’t have stuff like that lying around. It was as if the measurement was off from where some pieces would fit and, unless moved, would not go in. But once that was all done, it looks good and feels sturdy to sit on. Pulling it out into the bed position is easy, and it feels nice to lie on.” — Julianna via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Futon
A futon can provide extra seating, or a place to sleep as well as being an additional piece of decor in your home. However, there are some important factors worth considering before you decide which futon is best for you. Before selecting a futon, the first thing you should do is ensure it fits properly in your space. From there, consider the various types of futons such as bifold, trifold, and loveseats. After you’ve narrowed down your type, you can consider other factors like the amount of cushioning and the design of the futon to further narrow down your options. Read our buying guide below for more information on choose the best futon.
What size futon do you need?
Think about how much room you have in your living space for a futon. Consider a futon’s size in both the couch and bed positions. Consider a small, twin-size space-saving futon if you live in a dorm room or studio apartment. However, if your living room is more spacious, a full- or queen-size futon can accommodate multiple people at once.
What are the different types of futons?
There are several types of futons, including:
Bifold
This futon type is the most common. It folds in half the long way to create a bed. When it’s in its sofa mode, it can typically fit about three people.
Loveseat
Loveseat futons are smaller than their bifold counterparts, so they typically only fit one or two people in their upright position. Because they’re compact, they’re a solid futon option for small spaces.
Trifold
Trifold frames fold their mattress into thirds, with the additional section being an ottoman. They have a similar length to a loveseat futon when they’re upright, but they’re bigger once they’re opened into a bed. These futons are usually more difficult to fold out than bifold futons.
What types of cushioning do futons have?
Futon mattresses have a reputation of being uncomfortable to sleep on, but that’s not always the case. Many modern futons have memory foam, high-density foam, cotton batting, or innerspring foam cushions that feel similar to sleeping on a normal bed.
However, futons made with these materials are typically more expensive than standard futons with sponge filling. If you or your guests are struggling to comfortably sleep on a futon, consider adding a mattress topper for more cushioning.
What should you look for in the design of a futon?
Futons come in many styles to help you match them with your home decor. If your home has a rustic look, try a futon with a wood legs and frame. Alternatively, if your other furniture is made from leather or faux leather, try finding a leather futon to match it. Futons can also come in many color options to match with your recliner, lounger, couch, or other piece of furniture. You can also look for extra features such as storage drawers, cup holders, and removable cushions.
How To Maintain a Futon
Futons are a great item to have in your home or college dorm, but they can get dirty easily. Follow these steps to keep your futon in top condition at all times.
Invest in a futon cover
Using a futon cover will help keep out dust and excess moisture from your futon, helping it last longer and require less overall maintenance. Most covers are easily washable and replaceable.
Clean stains right away
If your futon has a stain or spot, use a fabric cleaner to remove the stain as soon as possible. You can also use a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap solution to eliminate stains.
Vacuum to get rid of dirt and dust
Just like you would with your couch, a futon mattress needs to be cleaned on occasion to ensure it’s free of crumbs, dust, dirt and other allergens. Use a small handheld vacuum to quickly swipe up any dirt from your futon.
Air it out when possible
Airing out your futon for a few hours when the weather is dry can help your futon free of fungus and mold and prolong its shelflife. Fresh air can also keep it from smelling stale and allow its natural lift to stay in place.
Rotate your mattress when possible
Sleeping and sitting on all parts of your futon will help prevent uneveness and lumps developing in certain areas. Rotating your mattress on occasion to the entire futon is being used can help keep it even.
Frequently Asked Questions About Futons
Is a futon different from a sofa bed?
Yes, a futon is different from a sofa bed, also known as a sleeper sofa. Futons are typically folded down to create a bed, while sofa beds or have a mattress hidden underneath their frame.
Can a futon replace a regular bed?
While you could sleep on a futon long-term, it’s not recommended. It’s not as comfortable as a bed, so it can cause back pain. Plus, it’s not built to be used in its bed position night after night.
How long do futons last?
Your futon’s longevity will depend on how high-quality its construction is as well as how often it’s used. However, most futons typically last between five and 10 years.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of futons with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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