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The Best Futons - Buyer's Guide

Candace Osmond

The last time you slept on a futon might have been in college, or whenever you stayed over at a friend’s house. Do you recall your opinion of it then? If you swore off futons because your only memory of them is that metal bar in your back, it’s time to take another look. Futons today are more stylish, more comfortable, and just as versatile and affordable as they were back in the day. Here are our current favorites.

1. Best Futon Lounger – Editor's Choice

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  • Available colors/patterns: 13
  • Mattress included: yes – 80% blended cotton + 20% polyurethane foam
  • Cover material: 100% polyester blend

2. Phoenix Futon

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  • Available colors/patterns: 10
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)

3. Reclaim Mocha F

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  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: no
  • Cover material: N/A

4. Aspen Set

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  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)

5. Lodge Futon

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  • Available colors/patterns: 8
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: 55% polyester + 45% cotton

The Best Futons

1. Best Futon Lounger – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Available colors/patterns: 13
  • Mattress included: yes – 80% blended cotton + 20% polyurethane foam
  • Cover material: 100% polyester blend

Pros

  • 13 colors and patterns available.
  • Two pillows included.
  • Mattress included.
  • Nice black coat finish frame.

Cons

  • Required spot cleaning.

Known as one of Kodiak’s best-selling models, this three-way futon is the perfect choice for people who want all the benefits of a Twin-sized futon. It comes with two pillows that are made from a polyester blend, as well as a five – six-inch mattress that’s made from 80 percent cotton blend and 20 percent polyurethane foam.

The total height of the frame without the mattress is 10 inches, while the expanded futon measures 72 x 33 x 31 inches. The construction of the futon isn’t waterproof, which means that you will have to spot clean it. The cover of the mattress can’t be removed either. Available in a wide range of 13 different colors and patterns, there is surely plenty of versatility that will allow you to buy a futon to match your current room decor.

The frame of this futon is made from metal and features a black coating finish, and the mattress is supported by wooden slats.

2. Phoenix Futon

Highlights

  • Available colors/patterns: 10
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)

Pros

  • Converts to a full-sized bed.
  • Two storage drawers.
  • Solid hardwood construction.
  • Upholstery material is easy to clean.

Cons

  • Expensive.

This time we have a more special futon with characteristics that you will surely appreciate a lot if you’re searching for a better-looking model that also provides a little bit of storage space (something that everybody could use more of, I’m sure). The frame is made from hardwood and has a beautiful finish that fits in a lot of different setups.

But what we really want to go over is the construction of the mattress. The cover is made from upholstery grade fabric and has a velvety-like finish that feels really nice to the touch. Underneath the cover, you will find a layer of cotton that makes the mattress a little bit softer. After that, you find some foam that adds more support and comfort to the mattress.

The core of the mattress lies in a layer of Bonnell springs that are meant to provide support and a little bit of bounce and make it easier for you to switch from one sleeping position to another. Underneath the futon, you will find two drawers, with each of them measuring 37 x 18.5 x 4.5 inches.

3. Reclaim Mocha F

Highlights

  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: no
  • Cover material: N/A

Pros

  • Easy to assemble.
  • Hardwood frame.
  • Durable construction.
  • No tools required.
  • Converts into a full-sized bed.

Cons

  • Mattress not included.

If you’re looking for a really durable futon, then this option will be perfect for you. Even if it doesn’t include a mattress and you might feel the price is a little bit spicy, it is absolutely worth. You can assemble this wooden futon without requiring any special tools to do so. The frame is made from high-quality hardwood, so you know that it was built to last.

Being able to convert this futon as a full-sized bed is surely something that you will want to take advantage of, but makes sure that you buy a suitable mattress that can be folded right in the middle, so that you can fully use this futon as intended.

4. Aspen Set

Highlights

  • Available colors/patterns: 1
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + foam + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: upholstery grade fabric (polyester)

Pros

  • Easy to assemble.
  • Good value.
  • Comfortable mattress.
  • Three positions for the frame.
  • Converts to a full-size bed.

Cons

  • Might require a mattress topper.

The Aspen Set shares a lot of characteristics with the Phoenix futon, particularly the mattress, which has an identical construction. Combining the power of Bonnell springs with some foam and cotton, the mattress can provide a level of support and comfort which is way above the average of similarly-priced futons.

The frame is made from hardwood and has a beautiful brown finish with kind of a rustic vibe to it. Since there are no tools required, the assembly process is fairly easy and shouldn’t take you too long. The frame has three different positions: sit, lounge, and sleep. This grants more versatility, but also the freedom in positioning the futon in a way that will allow you to enjoy it.

5. Lodge Futon

Highlights

  • Available colors/patterns: 8
  • Mattress included: yes – cotton + Bonnell springs
  • Cover material: 55% polyester + 45% cotton

Pros

  • Eight patterns and styles.
  • Solid hardwood construction.
  • Great for rustic decors.
  • Easy to assemble.

Cons

  • Mattress tends to slide off.

The Lodge futons by Kodiak are an absolute sight for sore eyes. Not only do they look amazing, but their wooden frame construction feels both durable and perfected by woodworking experts. And even if that’s not the case, all of these eight futons are perfect for a cabin or any home that’s decorated in a more rustic vibe.

The mattress stays true to the same one we’ve seen in order Kodiak futon models, bringing forth the combination between cotton, foam, and Bonnell springs. While some claim that the mattress is too firm and should be used with a topper, we can tell you that the construction is above the industry average.

Why Should You Invest in a Futon?

Originally, the futon was a Japanese solution that was simply a mattress on a low-profile bed frame, and when William Brouwer spent some time in Japan, he fell in love with the minimalist design. He introduced the concept to the rest of the world in the early ’80s. It was sort of a brilliant idea: sofa or chair by day, bed by night. So, why should you invest in a futon?

— Affordable

Futon beds and mattresses are traditionally less expensive than standard beds. The materials used to make these flexible pads are affordable, such as cotton, foam and polyester.

— Saves Space

It’s a suitable choice for studio-dwellers who don’t have a lot of living space. You can fold it up and into a seating area during the day, and bring it back down for sleeping on at night. It’s also a good choice to use in a guest bedroom – even if the room doubles as an office for you.

— Versatile Looks

You can easily change the look in your room by changing the cover of your futon. Even the frames are easy to switch out. Choose wood for a classic look, or metal for a modern look. And because futons and their accessories are so affordable, you won’t break your budget with a whole new design.

But … a Futon? OK, I get it. Futons often have a bad rap. The original design of the futon was meant to be placed on the floor for sleep. But inexpensive metal frames became the common bed frame for the futon. When lower quality materials of a cheap futon break down, you can start to feel those metal bars in your hip, shoulder, back, and legs. It’s no wonder the futon has a bad reputation.

However, these couches-turned-beds have improved dramatically over time. Believe it or not, there are such things as comfortable futons. The look of a futon gets a few laughs, too. Many say a futon looks like dorm furniture, no matter what you try to do to dress it up. Some of the best futon beds, though, have sleek appearances and look nothing like the futons of many years ago. You just have to know where to look.

Benefits of a Futon

The reasons you may buy a futon will vary, and I’ve covered these above. But, what are the benefits of owning and sleeping on a futon?

– Cleaning is Easy

A traditional Japanese futon is typically made of 100% cotton, which means it’s all natural and can easily be cleaned. Spill something on the cover? Unzip, toss it in the washing machine, dry it out in the sun and you have a fresh, clean cover. Even the mattress itself could be washed in an industrial-sized washer, or taken to a dry cleaner

– Great for Back Sleepers

You can toss the mattress on the floor and sleep comfortably – without feeling uncomfortable bars in your back. Even if you sleep on these mattresses on a bed frame, you can get a good night’s rest because the designs have improved so much.

– Easy to Move

If you’re always on the move, you know how difficult it can be to transport a large mattress and box spring from home to home. Some futon mattresses can be folded or rolled up and tossed in the back of your car – and you don’t need a team of people to move it. Most futons are typically quite lightweight, too.

How to Choose a Comfortable Futon

Choosing the right futon for you comes down to what you’re looking for, from design and comfort level to portability and materials. First, figure out whether you want to sleep on the mattress by itself, like a traditional Japanese futon, or you want that bed-to-couch transformer style futon. Then you can decide on which other features are important to you.

– Traditional vs. Modern Futon

If you’re looking for a futon mattress that you plan to sleep on every night, you want to look for traditional Japanese futon mattresses that are made of cotton. These mattresses are easy to roll, fold up and store. Modern futons are a great choice if you need extra seating that can double as a guest bed. These come in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles. Look for futons with wooden frame construction for sturdiness and more comfort.

– Consider Weight Capacity

A key difference between a futon and a regular mattress is the weight limit. Generally, futons can’t hold as much weight as a futon, so it’s important to consider a futon’s weight capacity when you’re buying one. Putting too much weight on the frame could bend or break it, and the materials of the mattress may break down quicker.

– Keep Space in Mind

While a futon is meant to save space, you still need enough room to unfold it. If you only host single guests in your home, then you could consider a twin or a full size, but generally, a queen-sized mattress is a better bet. You can find good futons that sleep two people that are still affordable and space-saving (at least, when it’s folded).

Once you’re ready to start the hunt for a top-rated futon, you should read through futon reviews, like the ones here. This is where you’re going to find details about the features, sizes, and quality of futons that will help you pick the right one for you.

Conclusion

Finding the right futon for you may not be about finding the most stylish futon frame, but rather the best futon mattress. Comfort is subjective, so if you don’t like a firm feel to your mattress, your best bet could be something else entirely. However, one of the best futons you can find for the price, longevity, comfort and design has to be the DHP Novogratz Brittany Futon. It’s a classic design that can work with almost any décor, it’s comfortable to sleep on and it’s sturdy with its 600 pound weight capacity. For the price, you get an upholstered piece of furniture that easily doubles as a couch, too!

Recent Updates

March 31, 2022: 5 new products have been added to our roundup due to increased popularity: the DHP Emily Futon, DHP Twin-Over Futon, Best Choice Products Faux Leather Folding Futon, Serta Rane Convertible Sofa Bed and the Etta Avenue Katherine Square Arm Sleeper. Additional Resources and FAQs have also been included to address common consumer queries.

Additional Resources