When you think of a futon, does the idea of dorm furniture come to mind? It’s hard to disassociate the futon frames of your youth with what’s available today, but you’ll be happy to know that futons have come a long way over the years. A well-built, attractive futon frame can serve as a couch and guest bed that friends and family will be happy to lounge and sleep on.

Finding the best futon frame requires you to do a little research, though. We’ve put together a buying guide below where you’ll find helpful information on how to choose the right one, and read reviews to help you pick the one that will fit in with your décor, your lifestyle and home. You can find affordable wooden-frame futons, but usually these are made of softer woods, particle board or other type of manufactured wood that’s less durable. Each of these futons we’ve recommended below are great choices, and can fit in that happy-medium category of great value and comfort.

The Best Futon Frames

What Classifies as a Futon?

All sorts of convertible couches and alternative beds could be considered futons, so it might be confusing if you just Google “futon.” There’s the original version of futon, which is a Japanese bed that rests on the floor and is little more than a cotton-filled pad. Many people swear by these, but this isn’t the futon most people are looking for.

There are also modular couches and chairs that are essentially giant foam blocks that unfold into a bed-shaped platform. Although this may be a good choice for some, this also isn’t the classic futon that many of us are familiar with.

The futons you’ll find in this roundup are the classic metal or wooden frames that hold a foam or innerspring mattress and are flexible enough to fold in half to form a comfortable couch. They then unfold into a full to queen-sized bed which should be ideal for overnight guests. One of the best things about these futons is that you can buy a sturdy frame that will last you years, and you can simply replace the futon cover if you want a different look, or the whole mattress if you want a different firmness or comfort level.

What Should You Look for in the Best Futon?

The best frames are extremely sturdy, from the legs and arms to the platform itself. The best ones offer an extra set of legs for more support in the center of the frame. You can find futons with or without arms, made of wood, metal or plastic, and they come in a variety of decorative styles. It’s important to know what you need in your home and the space you have available before buying a futon for any room.

Size
Many people choose a futon as a couch or extra bed solution because the pieces take up less space than a whole guest bed. You can find futons in a variety of sizes, from twin to full to queen bed sizes. Typically, a chair futon is a twin-sized bed, a loveseat style futon is a full-sized bed, and a couch style futon is a queen-sized bed.

Style
Futon frames are far from basic these days. You can find a variety of styles, from mission and modern to mid-century modern and traditional. There are futon options that have pads or mattresses stitched to the frame itself, but then you’re stuck with that color of fabric and type of mattress. The benefit to choosing a frame in your choice of style is that you can also choose a mattress and cover in your preferred color and fabric.

You also get your choice of a futon with or without arms, or even a futon frame that reclines to a lounging position. Most frames are slightly lower to the ground than a standard couch, while others are much lower to the floor.

Finish
Typically, futon frames are made of metal or wood, but some come with strong plastic legs. Generally, solid wooden frames are more expensive, and you can find them in several types of wood, from birch to oak and ebony. Metal frames are usually black or silver, and frames that have plastic parts often come in a black or white finish.

Metal vs. Wood: Which One is Better?
Choosing the right futon frame for your home usually comes down to two key issues: durability and affordability. You can find a few frames that fit in the happy medium of being reasonably durable and affordable.

Metal Frames

If you’re looking for the most affordable frame available, then you should consider a metal futon frame. To ensure you’re getting a good metal frame, take a look at the slats. Just like on a platform bed with wooden slats to hold a mattress, a futon’s slats are the foundation for your futon pad or mattress. You want slats that are no more than three inches apart – any wider, and you could end up damaging your mattress or having it sag between those gaps.

Whether the frame has rounded metal legs or squared-off pieces, it doesn’t really matter when it comes to support or longevity. It’s really just a matter of personal preference. Another benefit of a metal futon frame is that it’s much lighter, so it can easily be assembled, set up and moved by one person. If you think you have to go with a metal frame only for a contemporary look, think again.

Wooden Frames

Wooden frames have become more common in futons over the years. Solid hardwoods are noticeably more expensive, but they also have a longer lifespan, as long as you take good care of your furniture over the years. They’re much heavier, so you may need help setting up your new futon frame or moving it to another room. It may also be more difficult to reposition it from couch to bed and back again.

Conclusion

Not everyone has the same needs when it comes to buying a futon frame. If you’re working with a very small space, a futon chair frame may be ideal for you. However, if you’re looking for a sleeping solution for two people, you’ll need a queen-sized futon. And then there’s style to consider: if you’re rocking an acrylic and metal style in your home, a mission-style futon frame isn’t going to work for you. With all that said, you should be able to find one that suits your personal preferences in our list of the top-rated futon frames above.

Additional Resources

• Are Futons Good to Sleep on Every Night?
• Types of Futons
• Futon vs Sofa Bed
• Where to Buy a Futon