How do you make a futon more comfortable?

One of the best ways to make a futon more comfortable is with a mattress topper . You can find memory foam, gel, and down-filled options to place over the cushions for another 2 or 3 inches of plushness and support. Another option is to put an air mattress on top, so it's a little higher off the ground. Beyond that, comfy bedding can go a long way.

What size sheets fit a futon?

This depends on the size of your futon—or rather, the size of the "bed" it folds out into. Many futons convert into standard mattress sizes, particularly twin or full, which should be specified in the product description. In that case, you can use the appropriate sheet size. However, some are in between standard sizes, and others are smaller than a twin. If your futon is in between bedding sizes, we recommend going a size up with sheets.

What is the difference between a futon and a sleeper sofa?

"The main difference between a futon and a sleeper sofa is that the sleeper sofa has a concealed mattress in the frame, which is separate from the sofa cushions, whereas the futon uses the seat cushion(s) as the mattress," says Decorist designer Mikayla Keating. Therefore, a futon requires less square footage, making it especially suited to small spaces. Another difference is that futons are typically much less expensive than traditional sleeper sofas, often by hundreds of dollars.

The 8 Best Futons of 2023

Serta Rane Convertible Futon Sofa Bed — The Spruce / Jay Wilde

If you have a small space, opting for a multipurpose piece of furniture is a good idea—and when it comes to a guest room or office, nothing is better than the humble futon. This couch-sleeper combo is perfect for those with limited square footage and anyone who frequently makes use of their guest room bed.

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 folding floor mattresses, you're bound to find something that suits your needs and taste.

When choosing a futon, 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 setup and quality of design.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Liberty Sectional Futon at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Serta Rane Convertible Sofa at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

CB2 Una Boucle Sleeper Sofa at CB2

Jump to Review

Best Bunk Bed:

DHP Twin-Over-Futon Convertible Couch and Bed at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Japanese-Style:

MaxYoyo Japanese Floor Futon Mattress at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Chair:

Mercury Row Clarissa 32" Wide Convertible Chair at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Leather:

Urban Outfitters Greta Recycled Sleeper at Urban Outfitters

Jump to Review

Best with Storage:

Pottery Barn Shasta Square Arm Upholstered Storage Futon at Pottery Barn

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Liberty Sectional Storage Futon

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

What We Like

Great for tall people
Built-in storage
Multiple position split-back

What We Don't Like

Expensive

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

_{Size: 84 x 60.5 x 32.5 inches | Materials: Solid wood frame, velvet upholstery | Cushions: Polyester foam | Sleeper Size: Twin}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Samsclub.com

What We Like

High-density foam cushions
Easy to set up
Durable metal frame

What We Don't Like

Doesn't fit standard bedding sizes
Weight capacity is only 300 pounds

On a budget? You can't go wrong with the Serta Rane. This sleek convertible sofa boasts clean lines and a modern silhouette, and its tufted seat and back come in four neutral colors. With high-density foam cushions and a backrest that folds completely flat, it's a couch by day and a bed by night.

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: $137

_{Size: 66.1 x 33.1 x 29.5 inches | Materials: Chrome and wood frame, polyester upholstery | Cushions: High-density foam | Sleeper Size: Twin}

CB2

View On CB2

What We Like

Queen-sized bed
Modern style
Free fabric swatches

What We Don't Like

Extensive at-home assembly

CB2’s Una Ivory Boucle Sofa proves that futons can be extremely stylish. The minimalist wood frame contrasts perfectly with the textured boucle upholstery (which comes in ivory and gray, by the way) to make a statement piece of furniture that’ll fit nicely in multiple decor styles.

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

_{Size: 84 x 40 x 31 inches | Materials: Metal frame | Cushions: Foam | Sleeper Size: Queen}

DHP Twin-Over-Futon Convertible Couch and Bed

Amazon

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What We Like

Affordable
Ladders on both sides
Safety rail

What We Don't Like

Doesn't come with mattress
Full assembly required

If you want to create a cool space for your kid's room, check out the DHP Twin-Over-Futon. This bunk bed-style option accommodates a twin mattress on top and has a standard-sized futon on the bottom, so your kid can hang out during the day and have a spot for an overnight guest at night. It’s also a solid piece of furniture for a dorm room—if there’s no room for a sofa, this is a great way to create some seating.

With ladders on either side and a guard rail up top, it features two features to look for in a bunk bed: 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

_{Size: 78 x 54.5 x 72.5 inches | Materials: Metal frame | Cushions: Not listed | Sleeper Size: Twin}

The 12 Best Bunk Beds of 2023

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Affordable
Lots of sizes and colors
Memory foam fill

What We Don't Like

Bulky to store

Unlike sofa bed futons, Japanese futons are plush, quilted sleeping pads that can be placed directly on the floor, no frame necessary. MaxYoyo's Floor Mattress is one of the best options out there. Filled with ultra-plush and supportive memory foam, this 4-inch futon is great if you already have a non-sleeper sofa and don't like the feel (and effort) of an air mattress. It comes in four sizes and a bunch of different colors, and it can simply be folded and stored away when not in use.

Price at time of publish: $179 for a queen

_{Size: 80 x 60 x 4 inches | Materials: Microfiber cotton cover, memory foam core | Cushions: Memory foam | Sleeper Size: Twin, full, queen, king}

Mercury Row Clarissa 32" Wide Convertible Chair

Way Fair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Solid wood frame
Pillow included
Foam/spring cushioning

What We Don't Like

More expensive than sofa-size options

If you're working with limited square footage, consider this clever and attractive accent chair that converts into a twin-sized bed. The Clarissa has a solid wood frame, tear-resistant upholstery, and foam-filled cushions with sinuous springs, resulting in a nice-looking option with double functionality. Whether configured as a chair or unfolded into a bed, you and your guests will be comfy and supported.

Price at time of publish: $297

_{Size: 32 x 36 x 32 inches | Materials: Solid wood frame, polyester upholstery | Cushions: Foam and polyester | Sleeper Size: Twin}

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

View On Urban Outfitters

What We Like

Legless design
Multiple recline options
Recycled leather upholstery

What We Don't Like

Metal frame can be squeaky

Looking for a leather option? You'll love this sleeper sofa from Urban Outfitters. With genuine recycled leather upholstery, a plush foam fill, and pintuck detailing, the Greta is just as cushy as it looks. A sturdy metal frame is completely concealed within the cushioning, offering a unique legless look that minimalists will appreciate. You can use it as an extra-large upright couch, a partially reclined lounger, or a fully flat mattress. It's easy to set up and switch into an upright or flat position thanks to the clicking position locks.

Price at time of publish: $1,199

_{Size: 82 x 41.7 x 30.8 inches | Material: Recycled leather upholstery | Cushions: Foam | Sleeper Size: Full}

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

What We Like

Durable frame
Single seat cushion
Built-in storage
Lots of upholstery options

What We Don't Like

Weeks-long wait on made-to-order pieces
Expensive

Pottery Barn's take on the futon is this upholstered sofa-style sleeper with built-in storage. The Shasta boasts a durable frame made of engineered wood and laminated veneer lumber and can be customized in a range of colors and fabrics. Underneath the firm polyester-filled cushions is a hidden storage compartment for bedding, blankets, pillows, or anything else you need to keep out of the way. It's definitely on the high-end, but it's worth it if you don't have room for a traditional sleeper sofa but want the same look.

Price at time of publish: $1,199 and up

_{Size: 86.5 x 37 x 34 inches | Material: Engineered wood and LVL frame, various upholstery options | Cushions: Polyester-filled | Sleeper Size: Full}

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the CosmoLiving Liberty Sectional Storage Futon for its versatility, style, and relatively affordable price tag. If you're looking for something even more budget-friendly, check out the Serta Rane Futon, which is durable, comfortable, and priced well under $200.

Size

When choosing a convertible futon, you should consider the amount of space you have. A larger room may allow for a queen-size futon, while a dorm room or shared bedroom may require a convertible chair. Considering the size of your futon will also help you prepare for the size of accessories you'll need like pillows and sheets. Keep in mind that some futons may not be standard bed sizes, so you may have to make larger-sized sheets work on a smaller futon.

Cushions

As Michelle Castagna, President of the International Furnishings and Design Association, explains, 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.

FAQ

How do you make a futon more comfortable?

One of the best ways to make a futon more comfortable is with a mattress topper. You can find memory foam, gel, and down-filled options to place over the cushions for another 2 or 3 inches of plushness and support. Another option is to put an air mattress on top, so it's a little higher off the ground. Beyond that, comfy bedding can go a long way.
What size sheets fit a futon?

This depends on the size of your futon—or rather, the size of the "bed" it folds out into. Many futons convert into standard mattress sizes, particularly twin or full, which should be specified in the product description. In that case, you can use the appropriate sheet size. However, some are in between standard sizes, and others are smaller than a twin. If your futon is in between bedding sizes, we recommend going a size up with sheets.
What is the difference between a futon and a sleeper sofa?

"The main difference between a futon and a sleeper sofa is that the sleeper sofa has a concealed mattress in the frame, which is separate from the sofa cushions, whereas the futon uses the seat cushion(s) as the mattress," says Decorist designer Mikayla Keating. Therefore, a futon requires less square footage, making it especially suited to small spaces. Another difference is that futons are typically much less expensive than traditional sleeper sofas, often by hundreds of dollars.

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 Mikayla Keating, Decorist designer, 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 Holland's work on Byrdie, MyDomaine, and Verywell Mind.

The 11 Best Sectional Sofas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Futons of 2023

Best Overall

CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Liberty Sectional Storage Futon

Best Budget

Serta Rane Convertible Sofa

Best Splurge

CB2 Una Boucle Sleeper Sofa

Best Bunk Bed

DHP Twin-Over-Futon Convertible Couch and Bed

Best Japanese-Style

MaxYoyo Japanese Floor Futon Mattress

Best Chair

Mercury Row Clarissa 32" Wide Convertible Chair

Best Leather

Urban Outfitters Greta Recycled Sleeper

Best with Storage

Pottery Barn Shasta Square Arm Upholstered Storage Futon

What to Look for in a Futon

Size

Cushions

Frame

Conversion

Why Trust The Spruce?

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