Top Futons to Suit Every Style and Budget

Top Pick

The Pottery Barn Shasta Roll Arm Upholstered Storage Futon defies traditional futon expectations, appearing more like a conventional couch. This makes it an excellent choice for compact living spaces requiring a primary seating area that doubles as a guest bed. Its rolled arms lend a timeless aesthetic, while the sleek design maintains a contemporary vibe. 

This adaptable piece excels in versatility, allowing for complete customization to suit your preferences. With a range of fabric options including basketweave, boucle, linen, velvet, and chenille, along with 26 color choices, there’s something to match every style. Pottery Barn even offers free swatches to help you make the perfect selection.

While it may come at a higher price point than standard futons, the Shasta is a long-lasting investment that exudes luxury. Its seamless transformation from sofa to bed, combined with hidden storage space for linens or other essentials, makes it a highly functional option. 

Sofa Dimensions: 91x37x34 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 86.5x45.5x34 inches | Upholstery Material: Choice of velvet, linen, chenille, boucle, basketweave, plain weave | Color Options: 30

Top Affordable Choice

The Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon is a top seller, celebrated for its elegant tufted cushions, curved armrests, and rounded design, which combine to create a luxurious appearance at an affordable price. This futon reimagines a timeless shape with a contemporary twist, making it a perfect fit for modern living spaces. 

This futon is undeniably stylish, offering a dozen color options, including trendy shades like emerald green, mustard, and red, along with choices of linen and faux-leather upholstery. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it’s highly practical—featuring a split-back design that allows you to recline one cushion, both partially for lounging, or fully to transform it into a bed. 

Its sleek tapered wooden legs enhance its overall charm. For those with limited space, an armless futon variant is available, and if you’re interested in coordinating furniture, the collection also includes a queen sofa sleeper and a sectional futon. While the sofa offers firm support for both seating and sleeping, it may not be as cushioned for overnight use compared to other models. 

Sofa Dimensions: 81.5x34.5x31.5 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 70.5x4x16 inches | Upholstery Material: Faux leather, linen | Color Options: 12

Top Queen-Sized Pick

For those seeking a Japanese-inspired futon with a frame, the Nirvana Futons Stanford Queen Size Futon Set is an excellent choice, blending comfort, practicality, and aesthetics. Its sturdy stained hardwood frame and foldable futon mattress stand out, along with nine color options and two fabric choices (twill or microfiber). Notably, this model is one of the few on our list available in a queen size.

This futon is both long-lasting and comfortable, whether used as a sofa or a bed. The 8-inch mattress features multiple layers of poly cotton and high-density foam for exceptional comfort. While the hardwood frame adds to its weight at 143 pounds, it ships in three separate boxes for easier transport and assembly.

Assembly is straightforward, with clear instructions and all required hardware included. However, the mattress cover is not removable for cleaning. For added assurance, the frame comes with a five-year warranty, and the mattress has a four-year warranty. A full-size version is also available. 

Sofa Dimensions: 85x38x36.75 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 85x60x22.5 inches | Upholstery Material: Cotton | Color Options: 10

Top Modern Pick

When selecting a futon for your primary living space, careful consideration is essential, as this piece will likely serve as the focal point. The Jannick Full Futon Sleeper, with its blend of timeless and contemporary design, is sure to impress. Beyond its stylish appearance, it’s also practical, functional, and comfortable.

The futon features an exposed oak wood frame with armrests, embodying a Scandinavian-inspired design that exudes minimalist elegance. The back cushions are removable, allowing you to adjust for comfort. Unlike traditional futon mattresses, this one includes an inner coil surrounded by foam and fiber fill, similar to a standard bed mattress. The back cushions also contain fiber fill for added comfort.

Transitioning the sofa from seating to sleeping mode is seamless, and West Elm offers assembly through its White Glove Service, ensuring a hassle-free setup. It’s available in two fabric and color options: slate gray melange weave or white chunky boucle. As a sleeper, it measures 85 inches in length and 53 inches in width, requiring a full-size bed sheet set.

Sofa Dimensions: 85x39.8x32 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 85x53x22 inches | Upholstery Material: Fabric (chunky boucle or melange weave) | Color Options: 2

Top Leather Pick

Another exceptional offering from West Elm, the Andes Leather Futon is a luxurious, adaptable, and practical furniture piece that enhances any space. Crafted from premium materials, it’s available in genuine top-grain leather or an eco-friendly vegan alternative, with 18 color options, including three faux-leather choices.

The frame is constructed from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified eucalyptus and engineered hardwood, complemented by durable cast metal legs for added stability. The seat features tiered springs for comfort during both lounging and sleeping, while the back cushions are filled with high-resilience polyurethane foam.

Its sleek and timeless design makes it a perfect fit for various interior styles. The leather or faux-leather upholstery ensures easy maintenance with just a quick wipe. This futon exudes luxury in both appearance and feel. Its click-clack mechanism allows effortless conversion into a bed, accommodating a queen-size sheet.

Sofa Dimensions: 8x40x31 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 8x47x19 inches | Upholstery Material: Leather and vegan leather | Color Options: 15

Top Japanese-Style Pick

These straightforward foldable mattresses represent the original futon design. While many modern futons feature flexible mattress-style seating and sleeping surfaces with wooden frames for a sofa-like appearance, the FULI Japanese Futon stays true to its roots, delivering an authentic traditional experience.

Crafted for comfort, this futon features a triple-layer construction: a cotton cover and polyester foam encasing a dense polyurethane foam core. Manufactured in Japan, it’s soft, smooth, and lightweight at approximately 11 pounds, making it easy to move between rooms or store. Available in multiple sizes (twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, and king), it offers medium firmness. 

While it doesn’t resemble a sofa when folded, you can enhance its appearance with a throw blanket and cushions, creating a cozy floor sofa. This setup is ideal for a reading nook. It’s an affordable solution for occasional guest bedding, requiring only occasional fluffing to remove dust, similar to pillows.

Sofa Dimensions: Not stated | Sleeper Dimensions: 83x39x2 inches | Upholstery Material: Cotton | Color Options: 1

Top Sectional Pick

A sectional sofa is already highly versatile, but when transformed into a sectional futon, it becomes a truly adaptable furniture piece. The Zipcode Design Kayden Reversible Sectional lets you extend your legs on its chaise lounge, which can be positioned on either side to fit your layout, while the back reclines fully to create a generous sleeping area. 

The tufted cushions, chenille upholstery, and tapered wooden legs add an elegant touch to your decor, while the firm foam, spring cushions, and solid wood frame ensure durability and support for both sitting and sleeping. It’s available in three classic colors: light gray or tan in chenille fabric and black faux leather. 

Beyond providing ample seating and sleeping space, it also includes generous built-in storage under the seats, perfect for stashing blankets, sheets, pillows, or other items you want to keep out of sight yet within reach. Measuring 84 inches in length, it’s one of the larger futons available, making it ideal as a focal point in a living room.

Sofa Dimensions: 84x60.5x32.5 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 84x41.5x17 inches | Upholstery Material: Faux leather, chenille | Color Options: 3

Top Pick for Small Spaces

The DHP Emily Futon Sofa Bed is ideal for those with limited space who still need a comfortable sleeping solution larger than a chair. Its 71-inch width comfortably seats or sleeps two, while its armless and compact design ensures it fits seamlessly into small areas.

The split-back design offers versatile positioning, whether you’re sitting upright to read or reclining for a movie night. However, the backrest may become unstable if too much pressure is applied. The tufted design adds a modern flair, and the foam cushions strike a perfect balance between firmness and comfort. The chrome legs provide a sleek, understated finish.

Sofa Dimensions: 71x34x32 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 71x43x16 inches | Upholstery Material: Faux leather, linen, or velvet | Color Options: 10

Top Memory Foam Pick

The Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon proves that comfort and style can coexist, offering an affordable yet stylish option. It features high-density memory foam cushions wrapped in velvet, with button-tufted arms and backs for a retro-inspired design. 

Its split-back design allows you to recline one cushion, both partially for lounging, or fully to create a bed. This versatility makes it ideal for watching TV, reading, or accommodating overnight guests. Available in multiple velvet colors, such as light green, mustard yellow, and blue, it’s easy to find a shade that complements your decor.

The futon’s soft fabric, durable frame, and supportive memory foam are its standout features. Its high-end appearance and feel make it a great value, though its vintage style may not suit all tastes.

Sofa Dimensions: 83x3x32.5 inches | Sleeper Dimensions: 73x44x17.5 inches | Upholstery Material: Velvet | Color Options: 6

Final Verdict

We highly recommend the Pottery Barn Shasta Roll Arm Upholstered Storage Futon for its sturdy build and six fabric choices in 26 colors. Its sofa-like appearance makes it suitable as a primary couch. For a reliable and affordable option, the Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon is an excellent choice.

Expert Tips for Buying a Futon

Purpose and Functionality

When selecting a futon, functionality is key. Futons can serve as a primary couch for those on a budget, a space-saving solution for apartment living, or a sofa bed for hosting guests.

Shaffer advises determining your needs and usage before purchasing. Consider factors like firmness, comfort, versatility, and durability. “Ensure it aligns with your style, both functionally and aesthetically,” he says. “It’s an investment that will influence your space.” For instance, if it will primarily be used as a bed, prioritize comfort. If it will serve dual purposes, consider how easily it transitions between sofa and bed.

If your futon will mainly be used for sitting and lounging, there’s no need to invest in the most luxurious mattress. Focus on how it fits your space, its seating capacity, and whether it complements your existing decor. Aesthetics should also play a key role in your decision.

For those who plan to use a futon primarily as a bed, additional considerations come into play. Futon mattresses are generally thinner than traditional box-spring mattresses since they serve dual purposes. Opting for a thicker mattress, such as a memory foam option like the Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon, may be worthwhile. However, thicker mattresses can be harder to fold into sofa mode and often come at a higher cost. 

Ensure the frame is easy to adjust when transitioning between sofa and bed modes, or consider a frameless design like the Fuli Japanese Futon. If the futon will only be used occasionally for sleeping, a budget-friendly mattress topper might be a better choice than investing in an expensive futon mattress.

Size Considerations

Futons come in various sizes, from compact chair-sized options (around 35 inches wide) to larger two- or three-seater models (ranging from 75 to 90 inches wide). Sectional futons, such as the Zipcode Design’s Kayden Reversible Sectional, are also available. The size you choose depends entirely on the intended location and purpose: Is it for a small space or a larger room? How will the futon be used?  

“Many people opt for larger futons and then struggle because converting them into a bed requires too much space,” Shaffer advises. To prevent this, measure your area to ensure the futon fits both upright and fully flat. Also, consider whether it can navigate doorways and staircases during delivery. While most futons arrive flat-packed, making initial setup easier, you’ll need to plan ahead if you ever intend to move it.

Upholstery and Design

Today’s futons come in a variety of styles and materials. Some resemble classic sofas, such as the Pottery Barn Shasta Roll Arm Upholstered Storage Futon, while others, like the Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon, feature mid-century designs. You’ll also find armless futons and futon accent chairs.

Futons are available in materials like velvet, velour, linen, cotton, boucle, basketweave, faux leather, genuine leather, and polyester. Polyester, a microfiber variant, is stain-resistant, durable, easy to clean, and soft, making it a versatile choice. Linen and chenille offer a plush feel, ideal for frequent use, though they are more susceptible to stains. 

Velvet adds a luxurious touch but can be challenging to maintain and attracts pet hair. Leather upholstery, as seen on the West Elm’s Andes Leather Futon, is highly durable but costly. Faux leather mimics the look of real leather at a lower price and is easier to clean, though it lacks the same longevity.

The color you select depends on personal taste and how well it complements your existing decor. Your lifestyle may also influence your choice; those with kids or pets might want to avoid lighter shades that show stains more easily.

Your upholstery should align with your style and blend seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic. “I always advise clients to choose fabrics and materials that stand the test of time,” Shaffer notes. “Trends evolve, so selecting a futon that pairs well with any decor is a wise decision. While aesthetics matter, it’s equally important to consider the fabric’s texture, durability, and ease of cleaning.”

Common Questions

What Sets a Futon Apart from a Sleeper Sofa?

Sleeper sofas are often confused with futons, but they differ in design. A sleeper sofa contains a foldable mattress (thinner than a standard bed mattress) hidden within its frame, separate from the cushions. To use it, you must remove the sofa cushions and unfold the mattress using a pull-out mechanism.

A futon uses the same cushions for both sitting and sleeping, lacking a pull-out mattress mechanism. To convert it into a bed, you either press down the back or unfold it, depending on the design. In essence, Shaffer explains that sleeper sofas are bulkier, with an internal mattress, while futons are slimmer, easier to fold, and perfect for compact spaces.

What Are the Advantages of Owning a Futon?

Futons offer numerous benefits, chief among them being their versatility. They seamlessly switch between a standard couch and a bed, eliminating the need for separate furniture pieces. This not only saves money but also maximizes space, as you won’t need multiple seating solutions in your home.

Futons are generally lighter than traditional couches, making them easy to move and rearrange. Additionally, they are simpler to assemble compared to sleeper sofas—instead of navigating a complex pull-out mechanism, you can effortlessly lower the backrest to transform it into a bed.

Are Futons Comfortable?

“Honestly, comfort depends on the price, quality, and even the brand,” Shaffer explains. “If you’re aiming for a truly comfortable futon, don’t hesitate to test it before purchasing. Ensure it has high-density foam and a sturdy, durable frame.”

To enhance the comfort of a thin futon mattress, consider adding a mattress topper, featherbed, or plush comforters to create more cushioning between you and the frame. You can also use a fitted sheet and top sheet to mimic the feel of a real bed, along with plenty of pillows for support and blankets for added coziness.

What Size Sheets Fit a Futon?

The sheet size depends on the futon’s dimensions when unfolded. Most futons range between twin (75 by 38 inches) and full-size beds (75 by 54 inches). If your futon falls between these sizes, opt for larger sheets. “Many people default to full-size sheets, but I recommend measuring your futon first,” Shaffer advises. “While most fit full-size sheets, smaller futons may require twin sheets.”

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Kat de Naoum, a seasoned commerce writer with over a decade of experience. de Naoum also serves as an editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the premier U.S. platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. It was updated by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour. For this piece, we evaluated numerous popular futons, examining factors like size (both as a sofa and sleeper), materials, design, color choices, and overall value. We also consulted Devin Shaffer, former lead interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design.