The Best Futons to Fit Your Space

The futon traces its roots to Japan. The traditional Japanese futon is a slim, rectangular, foldable cushion filled with cotton batting and no frame. Western-style futons consist of a mattress and a frame with hinges that allow the futon to change from a sofa to a bed. Futons are compact, versatile and ideal for areas where a regular bed or sofa won't fit. Unlike a sleeper sofa, it’s much easier to convert it to a bed.

The frame is the foundation of the futon. The best futon frame allows for easy conversion from a couch to a bed. The frame should be sturdy and durable. Futon frames are often made from wood or metal.

Metal futon frames:

• Lighter weight
• Less costly
• More modern style

Wooden futonsframes:

• Available in a wide variety of finishes and styles
• More traditional style
• Heavier
• More costly

Modern futons are available in different types of styles and mattress options. Futons fall into three different categories: bifold, loveseat and trifold. Futons are often called futon sofa beds. Other types of futons include:

• Bunk bed futons: Features a standard futon underneath and a frame supporting a bed above.
• Armless futons: A bifold futon without arms.
• Lounger futons: Similar to a chaise, lounger futons support your body into a reclining position while allowing your feet to be raised in perfect alignment with your waist.

Bifolds are the most common futon frame. It has two body parts: the seating area and the backrest. The futon mattress folds in half the long way. This type of futon is perfect for a sofa bed versus a futon sofa. It has no headboards or armrests on either side. Bifold futon frames typically come in full-size, queen-size and smaller chair futon sizes. This type is the best futon sofa bed for its versatility and comfort.

Similar to bifold frames, trifold futons fold three ways instead of two. They typically feature a two-piece mattress set. They're also available as single mattresses. Mattresses for trifold futons are thinner due to their need to be folded in thirds. They are also more difficult to convert from couch to bed than bifold or loveseat futon frames.

Loveseat futons are the opposite of a bifold futon. They are designed to look like a sofa and are a little smaller than a normal futon. They are the perfect size for children. They make the best futon couch for small spaces.

Futon mattresses are used for sitting and sleeping. They come in a variety of options such as traditional coil springs, cotton- or polyester-filled or foam mattress. The best futon bed will be comfortable and offer years of sitting and sleeping pleasure. The type of mattress you choose for your futon will determine its durability as a sleeping surface:

• Foam futon mattress: Memory foam mattresses offer support to your body, whether you sleep on your stomach, side or back. They are durable and are typically more expensive than cotton or polyester mattresses.
• Cotton futon mattress: Cotton mattresses are economical. They are easy to fold up because they are lightweight. They are not as soft as foam or spring futon mattresses. This type of mattress is firm and resembles the traditional Japanese floor futon.
• Innerspring coil mattresses: Innerspring coil mattresses offer additional cushioning and support. They are heavier and not as easy to fold. Innerspring coil mattresses are ideal for bifold futons or loveseat futons used for sleeping. This type of mattress is ideal for those with back issues or if you plan to use the futon as your primary bed.
• Hybrid mattress: There are several types of hybrid mattresses made with a combination of foam, cotton or coils. They range in price and feature the benefits of each mattress rolled into one.

Tip: You can make your futon more comfortable by adding a mattress topper.

Futon covers add protection for the futon mattress from dirt and spills. They come in a variety of colors and patterns to match your home's decor. Some futon covers are removable and can be machine washed. If the futon cover is not removable, it can be spot cleaned.