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Best Futon Sets in 2023: Buying Guide

What’s the first thought that comes to mind when you see the word futon? Perhaps it’s that lumpy futon you and your roommate shared in college or your parents kept in their basement throughout your childhood. If you’re like most people, you also remember the backaches you woke up every time you slept on it.

Futon Set
Futon Set

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Introducing Futon Sets

Thankfully, futons have come a long way since those days. You’ll be amazed at the array of styles and features that are available to suit all tastes, and these versatile pieces of furniture are more comfortable than ever before. Here’s a brief guide to help you find an incredible futon for your home or apartment.

How Did the Futon Come to Be?

The first futon was much different than the one with which you’re familiar. Historically, futons were initially crafted and used in Japan, and they did not come with any type of frame. In the 1980s, this popular item gained a foothold in households across America when woodworker and Harvard University alum William Brouwer took the futon concept and added a folding frame into the mix.

Best Futon Sets

What Are the Differences Between a Japanese-Style and American-Style Futon?

Both the Japanese-style and the American-style futon come with a mattress. The mattress lays flat to create a cushy place to lay down and sleep. However, this is where the designs begin to diverge.

Depending on the mattress, the Japanese version either folds into an on-ground seat for lounging or it rolls up for compact storage in a closet to be kept out of the way during the day. For extra comfort, people put a thin pad in between the Japanese futon’s mattress and floor. On the other hand, the mattresses on Western futons sit on top of a sofa frame that folds out to make a bed and folds together to create a couch or oversized chair.

While both versions don’t take up much room, Japanese futons are better space savers, and you can let small children sleep on them without worrying about them falling in the middle of the night. However, you have to go through the hassle of dragging it out and setting it up the next day unlike the American version, and the Japanese ones leave you without a sofa at your disposal.

Futon Sets

What Are the Benefits of a Modern Futon?

If you need a couch and a bed in the same room but the room lacks floor space, a futon is a lifesaver. This furniture combines a sofa and bed into a single unit, so you can use either one whenever you need it, making them ideal for home offices, guest rooms and small living rooms.

Futons are also lighter than true sofas. Therefore, if you are someone who likes to rearrange rooms on a regular basis to give them a fresh look, you’ll find it easier to slide and lift a futon than a couch. This benefit also comes in handy if you move in the future.

There is also the subject of the cost-to-value ratio. Take a high-quality couch and compare it to a high-quality futon, and you’ll find that the futon offers plenty of comfort at a fraction of the cost.

Finally, it is easy to completely change the way it looks. If you want to redecorate, you can buy a new mattress or a cover. No expensive reupholstering necessary. Alternatively, you can purchase a different frame if the old one doesn’t flow with the room’s new decor scheme. The design possibilities are endless.

The Best Futon Sets

What Kind of Mattress Is the Best?

In the days when futons were handmade, cotton filling reigned supreme. Today, there are several choices available in terms of mattresses, such as foam and wool. You can even get a mattress with innerspring coils.

If you’re looking for the most lightweight material, cotton batting, polyester, wool and foam are all excellent options. Any of these materials will give you a decent night’s rest. As far as sagging goes, foam and cotton retain their shape better than wool and polyester. For the best support, look for a mattress that is filled with cotton, polyester or wool on top of a foam layer.

However, you will get the optimal level of support from an innerspring mattress. While these are heavier and cost slightly more than other kinds, innerspring mattresses will make the futon feel more like a bed and less like a sleeping mat.

What Type of Frame Should I Choose?

Metal or wood, bi-fold or tri-fold – There are plenty of options in terms of futon frames. If your tastes fall in the contemporary category, go for a metal frame. These frames can withstand years of use, and they are easy on the wallet. Plus, you can find them in virtually any color.

Best Futon Sets - Amazon.com

Wood is a sturdy alternative to metal. You can’t beat the beauty of wood, and like metal, wooden futon frames can be had in a variety of finishes. The specific kind of wood used to construct the frame will determine how much it costs; however, wooden frames are generally more expensive than metal ones.

If neither metal nor wood suits your style, there are futons without visible frames. These futons are entirely covered by upholstery, and they offer the same usability as metal and wood-frame versions.

You also have a choice when it comes to the way the futon folds. When futons initially hit the market, the frames folded three times. However, tri-fold futons eventually gave way to the more popular bi-fold futons, which only fold two times. Bi-folds are typically a little smaller and lighter than tri-folds.

Also, there are loveseat frames that have two cushions; they take up less room than full-size frames. What you ultimately decide depends on your preferences in terms of maneuverability, space and aesthetics.

What are the most comfortable futons?

What Futon Styles Are Available?

From traditional to relaxed, you can find a futon that blends right into any room. Some futons have arms and are upholstered to look like a sofa with legs. Others have no arms, and the visible portion of the frame is ultra-modern in design. There are also lounges that invoke a feeling of casual sophistication and futons that are built into bunk bed frames.

Our Recommended Futon Sets in 2023

6) Kodaik: Phoenix Futon Frame With Mattress

If you’re looking for a casual, family-friendly futon, the Phoenix by Kodaik is a great choice. The solid-wood frame is coated with a glossy espresso finish. For strength and stability, the wood is finger jointed, and it has a slated fold-out tray next to each arm to hold your remote, beverage and snack while you watch television.

Cordova Espresso Frame
Cordova Espresso Frame

For soft comfort and mega support, the queen-size 8-inch-thick mattress contains innerspring coils, and its exterior boasts an easy-to-clean microfiber suede. You can choose from one of six colors like an earthy tan or vibrant red, and there are also full-size mattresses available.

To provide you with storage, you can opt to add two raised-panel roll-out drawers that fit underneath the frame. With a weight capacity of 500 pounds and a frame size of 103 by 37 by 36 inches, you can easily fit three people. For extra support, the futon’s back is extra tall.

with Drawers Full Size Cordova Espresso Frame...
  • Cordova Java Dark Brown Frame w/ folding trays choose full or queen size and theres a...
  • Mattress specs: Premium 7" Inch Innerspring modern futons (not cheap) spring

5) St. Paul Furniture: Eldorado Futon Set

Do you want to give a room a casual, simple feel? Get the Eldorado Futon Set by St. Paul Furniture. The Indonesian hardwood frame is fashioned in a criss-cross craftsman style with a natural finish. If you need storage space, you can buy the set with two raised, single-panel drawers.

Eldorado Futon Set Hardwood Frame Full Size
Eldorado Futon Set Hardwood Frame Full Size

Like the Phoenix at number five, the Eldorado comes with an 8-inch-thick innerspring mattress that’s hand-tufted to prevent the filling from shifting. You can either select one of three leather covers in shades of brown or one of seven microfiber suede covers in colors like black and slate or motifs such as Kodiak bears and retro florals.

The 79-inch-long futon takes about 2 hours to assemble, which is the norm for a futon. As a sofa, it measures 37 inches wide by 33 inches high. As a bed, the measurements come out at 54.5 inches wide and 22 inches high. Its sturdy frame has a weight limit of 500 pounds.

Eldorado Futon Set Hardwood Frame Full Size...
  • Prices include Futon Frame and Mattress, and "Choice to add Drawer set"
  • Full size Indonesian (Imported) Hardwood Frame, in a Light Brown Finish

4) Nirvana Futons: Stanford Futon Set

Next, Nirvana Futons’ Stanford Set. Made of solid hardwood that’s harvested from a sustainable wood source, the craftsman-style futon boasts a multi-faceted oak finish. To give it that quality look for which the Arts and Crafts movement is known, both sides feature four slats.

Nirvana Futon
Nirvana Futon

The 8-inch-deep mattress comes with a soft, durable twill cover in one of eight colors such as hunter green, royal blue and burgundy. If you prefer microfiber material, you can have it in either fudge brown or khaki tan. Underneath the removable cover and cushy mattress, there are four foam layers enclosed by a polyester-cotton blend filling.

You also have the option of getting this futon in two sizes – an 80-inch-long full and an 85-inch queen. The futon can be configured into the sofa, bed or lounger position to customize your comfort. When folded out, the full-size futon’s width measures at 54 inches and the queen-size futon’s width measures at 60 inches.

Nirvana Futons Stanford Futon Set - Full...
  • 100% solid hardwood futon frame; finished slat seat and slat back decks
  • Multi-positional futon easily converts into a sofa, lounger or futon bed

3) Best Choice Products Convertible Lounge Futon Sofa Bed

The Best Choice Products Convertible Lounge is a 69-inch-wide standard-style futon set that has three adjustable backrest positions. The wooden frame can support up to three adults (max 550 pounds) at max at any given time. The tufted upholstery is made of faux leather that’s easy to clean, safe for pets, and fits well with any interior design theme you have going on.

Best Choice Products Convertible Lounge Futon Sofa Bed
Best Choice Products Convertible Lounge Futon Sofa Bed

While the Convertible Lounge works well for sitting, it’s not the most comfortable futon to sleep on. Plus, the backrest might need to lean against a wall since it doesn’t always lock in place. Overall, it’s a decent futon that looks nice, is made of durable materials but could have been built better.

Best Choice Products Convertible Lounge Futon...
  • 3 ADJUSTABLE POSITIONS: Go from meaningful conversations to watching the game, and even...
  • ROOM FOR THREE: Three's a company; host yours in style with on this elegant couch that...

2) Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed Modern Faux Leather Couch

If you want a 2-person futon with armrests, the Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed Modern Faux Leather Couchis arguably one of the most comfortable models to date. Made with faux leather, double-stitched seams, and four chrome-metal legs, this multipurpose futon can withstand long periods of extensive use in any of its three positions.

Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed
Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed

The middle cushion has two cup holders—one for each person—to help homeowners and guests enjoy watching TV in style. The faux leather is also easy to clean, so spilling sticky drinks isn’t a huge problem. However, we wish the chrome legs were a bit taller. Some users claim it’s like sitting on a kiddy futon.

Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed Modern Faux Leather...
  • BACKREST ADJUSTABLE: The futon sofa bed has three-position adjustable backrest 120°,...
  • CONVERTIBLE SOFA BED: This sleeper sofa can be quickly and easily transformed into a comfy...

1) Best Choice Products Faux Leather Futon Sofa Bed

Best Choice also makes a futon set with cupholders and removable armrests. This futon sofa bed measures 65-1/4 inches from armrest to armrest, locks in three different positions, and come with chrome for longer-lasting support. As you might’ve already guessed, artificial leather stretches over the tufted cushions and backrest.

Best Choice Products Faux Leather Upholstered Modern Convertible Folding Futon Sofa Bed
Best Choice Products Faux Leather Upholstered Modern Convertible Folding Futon Sofa Bed

Sadly, when it comes to comfort, this Best Choice futon set doesn’t promise very much. It’s definitely an eye-pleaser and can withstand several years of tough usage, but its stiff cushions won’t do your guests’ backs any favors. Customers recommend using this futon set as a couch or to lean back on—never as a bed.

Best Choice Products Faux Leather Upholstered...
  • 3 ADJUSTABLE POSITIONS: Perfect for any occasion, three backrest settings let you enjoy...
  • ROOM FOR 2: This stylish futon sofa has a 500-pound weight limit that lets you lounge in...

Ready to redo that spare bedroom? There are a few points you need to consider before you start shopping. The futon you choose will likely be the central piece of the room, so don’t settle for a rickety, substandard one. Armed with the right information about materials and sizes, your futon will be not only attractive and inviting but also comfortable and long-lasting.

Mattress Exteriors and Covers

The selection of fabric for mattress exteriors and covers is practically endless, ranging from natural to synthetic. You can stick with just the mattress if you find one with an exterior color and material you like, especially if you have no plans to redecorate in the foreseeable future.

Which is the best futon to buy?

Alternatively, you may purchase a cover for the mattress. Some futon sets come with a cover while others do not, and not every mattress is designed to be used with a cover. However, futon covers make it easy to change the furniture’s style. Plus, you can launder them when necessary, making them a must-have for people who have pets or children.

Cotton, twill and microfiber suede are three popular choices. While twill is durable, it requires prompt attention to spills and stains. Caring for microsuede depends on what the tag says. Usually, the tag will tell you if the cover’s microfiber suede material can be cleaned with a special solvent or a water-based formula.

Other mattresses and covers have a leather-type exterior. It may be faux leather, top-grain leather or bonded leather. Faux leather is made of polyurethane, and it closely mimics the real deal. Top-grain leather is a genuine leather while bonded leather is constructed out of leftover scraps of leather that are adhered to a synthetic material like polyurethane.

Weight Capacity

Like any other piece of furniture, all futons have a maximum weight limit. This limit varies from one futon to the next. When too much weight is applied to the mattress, it loses its shape fast. If it’s an innerspring mattress, you may risk breaking the coils.

Top Rated in Futon Sets

Also, when excessive weight and pressure are put on the frame, it can buckle, crack or bend. Even if you don’t see any damage, overtaxing a frame can weaken it, particularly at the joints. In turn, its lifespan is shortened considerably. While every futon is different, the average weight capacity ranges from 400 to 600 pounds.

Size

Space is an important consideration. Even though futons take up less of it than both a sofa and couch in the same room, you still need a futon that won’t overwhelm the area. The first step to making sure the futon you choose is sized just right is by measuring the space, taking into account how much room it needs when folded and unfolded.

Additionally, you have to think about the gap between the back of the futon and the wall. Some frames unfold without needing that gap while others must have up to 1 foot of space. Don’t forget about the mattress itself. Twin-size mattresses are more space friendly, but if you need a mattress that sleeps two people, go for a full or queen. While unusual, there are some futons that accommodate a king-size mattress.

Mattress Thickness and Firmness

Adults are less limber than children. Therefore, adults require a thicker mattress to get adequate support. For a futon, the mattress should be no thinner than 6 inches.

The thickness you need also depends on the frame. Since wooden futon frames are harder than their metal counterparts, go for the thickest mattress you can afford. Otherwise, you risk feeling the bars dig into your back while you’re asleep. Innerspring mattresses are ideal if you plan on using the futon as a bed on a regular basis.

On the other hand, you can take your mattress choice in the opposite direction if its use as a bed will be infrequent. Firm futon mattresses won’t sag or develop a crease when positioned as a couch.

Best Futon Frame

Frames

When looking at futon frames, you want one that is sturdy. In terms of metal, steel is the most durable option. However, there are more points to consider in regard to wood frames. If the frame is constructed from solid wood, check to make sure it’s free of knots, which weaken the piece.

Pay attention to the type of wood used. Oak, maple and ash are three of many kinds of quality wood that last a long time. If those are too pricey for your budget, poplar and pine are cheaper alternatives. To give you the beauty of a wood finish without the high price tag, some futon frames are made of particleboard or composite wood. If you go this route, you want one that is properly reinforced.

Futon Set | Recommended


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DHP Harlow Futon Set with Metal Bed Frame and...
DHP Harlow Futon Set with Metal Bed Frame and...
Study metal frame with center leg and slats for added support and comfort; Ships in one...


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Last Update: 2024-03-27 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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