In this article
Inexpensive, space-saving, and multifunctional, futons are far too useful to be relegated to a college dorm. And while the futons of your youth may trigger flashbacks of rickety frames and sagging cushions, a well-made futon can double as a seat for unwinding and a bed for hosting guests. We handpicked the very best futons based on interior-designer recommendations, top-rated reviews, and past Strategist favorites, accounting for the amount of space and budget you may have.
What we’re looking for
Size
A futon’s multiple functions have to work with your lifestyle. You may want a space where just one relative can crash, or one wide enough to fit a couple of friends. It’s always worth keeping your room dimensions to hand, especially if you’ve just moved somewhere new and unfurnished.
Firmness
The seat turned bed of a futon makes or breaks your experience on one. If you want a firm seat that provides a similarly robust surface for sleeping on, that’s something else to keep in mind. This largely comes down to personal preference, so we’ve pointed out how much you’re likely to sink into each futon.
Conversion mechanism
Not all futons transform into beds the same way. We’ve got intel on how these options turn into horizontal surfaces, primed for a night’s rest (or nap). Many on this list can recline as chairs too, some even with multitasking split backs.
Best overall futon
Size: Twin | Firmness: Medium-firm | Conversion mechanism: Split back, unfold and fold
Visually stunning, easy to fold out, and above all us, exceedingly comfortable, this Novogratz futon is our best overall futon pick. Made from plush memory foam with a rich velvet finish, the futon makes for a comfortable base to both sleep and sit. Thoughtful design details such as tufted upholstery and slender, slanted wooden legs make the futon appear far more expensive than its very reasonable $308 price tag. Over on Amazon, over 1,700 reviewers have awarded the futon an average rating of 4.3 stars, including a man over six feet tall who can “lay flat” on the piece comfortably, and his “360-pound brother” who “sat on it without issue.”
Best less-expensive futon
Double | Very firm | Split back, unfold and fold
The rich, burgundy velvet finish of this futon is immensely inviting — as is its bargain price tag of $231. While it is inexpensive, the futon has design features such as slanted chrome legs and a square tufted backrest that means it is by no means basic. With a split-back design, there are various sleeping and sitting positions that the futon can be collapsed into, including a half reclined or fully reclined configuration. Reviewers say that the upholstery is very easy to clean — it just requires some soapy water — and that they’ve never had a guest leave dissatisfied after spending a night on the futon.
Best TKTK futon
Best Japanese-style futon
Size: Twin | Firmness: Soft | Conversion mechanism: Cushion only
TKTKT
Best wooden futon frame
Size: Twin to queen | Firmness: Wood frame only | Conversion mechanism: Lift and fold
This simple futon frame is made from smooth, unfinished tulip poplar. In a compact tri-fold design, the frame can be positioned into a reclined semi-upright position for reading and lounging, and also laid out flat for sleeping. Prices range from $169 for a twin size to $199 for a queen; when paired with an inexpensive futon like the Fuli, the entire setup will cost less than $500. 75 percent of the frame’s reviewers on Amazon awarded it five stars, with many recommending it for small studio spaces and spare bedrooms. Reviewers particularly like the curved edges of the frame, as there’s less risk of scratching your legs when maneuvering a tight space. [“It has a minimalist, Scandinavian look to it without being from Ikea.” Tze Chun]
Some more seating we’ve written about
Our experts
• Vanessa Agyemang, designer and Copper Dust London founder
• Tze Chun, founder of Uprise Art
• Mandy Cheng, interior designer
• Lauren Ro, Strategist staff writer
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