And if you’re wary of futons from your college days, don’t worry—they’ve come a long way! From convertible sofas and bunk beds to sectionals, split-backs, and traditional Japanese-style options, you’re bound to find something that suits your needs and taste. When making a futon purchase you need to make sure that both the seated and sleeping part is comfortable. “Although sometimes a sleeper, the primary use of these pieces is typically still seating, so comfort is a must,” says Michelle Castagna, President of the International Furnishings and Design Association, Florida chapter. Keeping this in mind, we searched high and low to find the most attractive designs for every budget and considered each futon’s ease of set up and quality of design. Our top pick is the CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Liberty Sectional Storage, which combines a versatile design with an affordable price point. Here are more of the best futons on the market today. What do buyers say? 1,500+ Wayfair reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. CosmoLiving’s Liberty Sleeper is a couch, a chaise lounge, a storage compartment, and a bed—all in one. The legs and frame are made of solid wood, and the upholstery comes in your choice of chic velvet or chenille in a variety of colors. This chaise can be reconfigured to either side of the couch for ultimate convenience, and the roomy 7-foot length makes this a great sleeping option for tall people. While it might be on the slightly more expensive side of the spectrum, its customizability and attractive design make it worth the price—especially if you live in a small space. Price at time of publish: $960 Thanks to Serta’s Click-Clack technology, this futon is easy to set up and even easier to convert into a sleeper. Plus, it comes with the brand’s Finger Guard technology, which prevents fingers from being squished inside the futon. Just take note of the weight capacity and the fact that it only folds down to one position. Price at time of publish: $218 The futon folds open from a 90-degree angle for sitting to a flat queen-sized bed that can sleep two. The mattress is extra comfy, too, made with pocketed coil springs and topped with foam cushions. Be aware that there is a fair amount of assembly required at home, unless you opt to buy CB2’s In-Home Delivery service, which includes assembly. Price at time of publish: $1,999 With ladders on either side and a guard rail up top, it’s easy to climb and offers security for sleeping. The mattress is sold separately, and be aware that mattress height should not exceed 6 inches. Price at time of publish: $269 Price at time of publish: $180 Price at time of publish: $305 Price at time of publish: $1,199 Price at time of publish: $1,199 for Park Weave Fabric
Cushions
As Castagna mentioned, it’s important to remember that you’re looking for something that works as both a seating option and a bed. For this reason, adequate cushioning is crucial. We recommend getting a futon with foam or polyester cushions at least 4 inches thick. High-density foam and options with sinuous springs can also offer a comfort boost while enhancing durability.
Frame
Solid wood frames are ideal for futons, as they’re dependably sturdy and can bear the most weight (a fact that’s great to know when you’re buying any furniture). Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) can be good for furniture frames as well, as it’s exceptionally strong and stable. You’ll also find options with frames made of metal, such as chrome or steel. The latter typically offers better durability, though it depends on the design.
Conversion
Futons typically convert into a bed by folding down the back, creating a fully reclined makeshift bed. If you want something even more versatile, look for a futon with a split-back design or one that folds back into different positions, so you can use it for lounging instead of sleeping.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in furniture, decor, and home improvement. She’s well-versed in high-quality furnishings and knows what to look for in terms of materials, construction, and joinery. To write this article, she did a deep dive into the top picks on the market and consulted Decorist designer Mikayla Keating and Michelle Castagna, President of the International Furnishings and Design Association, for additional insight. The final products were selected based on their functionality, design, and construction. You can check out more of Theresa’s work on Byrdie, MyDomaine, and Verywell Mind.
