14 Comfortable Futon Beds That Actually Provide Good Sleep

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FUTONS WERE—and are—staple furniture of broke college kids everywhere. The old-school wood-slat frames and heavy, lumpy mattresses were designed entirely with versatility in mind: Couch by day, bed by night. And, above all else, they were extremely affordable. We’re talking $200 or less for a halfway decent model, including the frame and mattress. Maybe less if you knew a guy who knew a guy looking to get rid of one. One thing they weren’t, however, was design-minded.

But, like bean bag chairs, futons have gone all adult on us in the last decade. We’re talking high-brow designs with plush velvet upholstery, built-in ottomans, hidden storage compartments, and more. Today’s futons no longer have to be tucked away in a guest room you never use. Many of the best futons are handsome enough to place front and center in a family room.

With hundreds, even thousands, of models available, you might not know where to start shopping. Thankfully, we’ve done the legwork for you by rounding up the best futon beds of 2023, with careful testing and reviews paid towards futon beds of all shapes and sizes.

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Tallulah Memory Foam Futon

Novogratz proves futon beds have come a long way since the drab, OG “dorm room” models your parents (or you) slept on in college. The Tallulah’s sleek, retro-modern silhouette looks and feels more like a traditional sofa. With solid wood legs and tufted velvet cushions, it’s equal parts sophisticated and fun. A blend of memory foam and high-density foam cushions ensures it’s comfortable whether you’re sleeping, reading, or relaxing with the TV on.

What sets this model apart is the versatile back. The split design means you can recline just one half or the entire back, and the cushions lie completely flat or at a perfect angle for lounging. It’s available in a handful of handsome colors, including green, blue, grey, and pink velvet. But, the best part is that it’s well-priced at around $300, delivered. If you’re looking to round out a complete room, it’s also available as a matching chair or daybed. What’s not to like? It should be no surprise why this is our hands-down pick for the best futon bed overall of 2023.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 2,300 Amazon reviews, 82% recommend the Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon with at least a 4-star rating.

Read more: Men's Health Sleep Awards

Shahoo Convertible Folding Futon Sofa Bed Sleeper

Black leather futon beds get a bad rap. Not all of them are tacky and cheap. Take this top-selling black leather futon from Shahoo. It's made with fine faux leather that soft and tight, and designed in a much more elevated fashion than your barebones futon types.

This futon has three adjustable heights and lays flat to create a spacious bed. What's cool is the futon comes with removable armrests than can transform into pillows; and when the futon is sitting up in a couch position, you can utilize a drop down tray with cupholders for easy sipping and viewing.

What you need to consider before buying is the size of this futon is not very big. It's more suitable for small living spaces, offices, basements. The fact it's under $200 is an exceptional deal, but don't expect this futon to last as many years as others brands on this list like Kodiak Furniture or West Elm.

What do buyers say? "Easy to assemble, sturdy, comfortable and a great size for a small area," said one Amazon reviewer.

Opoiar Futon Bed, Memory Foam

Those looking for a quality leather futon under $500 will enjoy this top-rated futon bed. For starters, the leather cover of the futon is soft and broken in, so you don't have to worry about the leather rubbing against your legs or squeaking every time you move. Second, the futon cushioning is filled with three inches of memory foam that has strong resemblance to some of our favorite mattress toppers.

Third is the futon comes with modular details like a convertible arm rests, and an ability to divide the sofa in two and have two leather lounge chairs. Some reviewers have qualms about how low this futon sits to the ground (about eight inches), and how low short it is in length (71 inches). The best places for this futon to sit, therefore, would be small living rooms, offices, guest rooms, and man caves.

For well under $500, this futon does a dang good job. It earns just as many points for comfort and versatility as it does for style.

What do buyers say? "Folds easy. Either side is big enough for a 360 lb 6ft man. Laying in the middle is a no no since that's the support beam. You'll feel that if you lay in the middle regardless of size. It's soft and plush. Man cave approved," said one Amazon reviewer.

Convertible Chair Bed

If you are really tight on space, or you already have a couch that you like, then we recommend looking to a futon chair. By day, this bad boy sits in a full lounge chair position, great for reading and for watching TV. At night, the feet of the chair slide out and provide a long elevated bed for quality Z's.

As far as design goes, this futon chair has five adjustable positions and can operate as a chair, a chaise lounge, and a bed. The material of the chair is nothing fancy, but it's quality thanks to the use of high density foam padding and durable fleece fabric.

The biggest downside to a futon chair is it's not as comfortable as a futon bed. Therefore it's best to have a futon chair for the occasional guest that comes to visit or stay over for only a few days at a time. As for style, the chair (when bought in gray) will match pretty much everything you have. Just don't expect it to be a standout piece that garners a bunch of style complements.

What do buyers say? "This is a great, comfortable chair that folds out into a single bed. Super great option for small apartments!! Love mine!" said one Amazon reviewer.

Jameson Armless Tufted Convertible Sleeper Futon Sofa

Serta’s Jameson Convertible Sofa Bed features a sleek, streamlined aesthetic—thin metal legs, clean lines, and an armless design are a perfect match for any modern minimalist decor. The tufted, cushion back and seat help elevate the otherwise basic design above ordinary. With five available color options, it’s designed to look great in just about any room.

Many buyers comment on how easy it is to assemble—not surprising given its small size and lightweight frame. On the downside, this model is only available in twin size. But, that compact footprint also makes this a great option for tight spaces, like small guest rooms or dorm rooms. The best part, however, is the price. At around $200 delivered, it’s our pick for the best budget futon bed of 2023.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 12,000 Amazon reviews, 75% recommend the Serta Rane Convertible Sofa Bed with at least a 4-star rating.

Phoenix Barbados Storage Futon

Kodiak is known for making quality futon beds with a timeless rustic touch. The Phoenix showcases a luxe leather sofa cushion with innersprings inside to provide quality sleep. Fine hardwood is used for the frame and smart storage system that includes two drawers underneath.

The glaring detail to consider is the price point on this futon (and most of Kodiak's other futons too). But if you consider how long this futon will last (the furniture is made in the USA, after all) then your overall investment will prove to be much better than if you had bought and replaced a much cheaper futon every few years.

If you like this type of American heritage look and are looking for a futon bed that goes above and beyond on comfort, then this is your pick.

What do buyers say? "Nothing but positive things to say about this futon! It is comfy and built to last. Also, it was packaged well, and the instructional video made assembly super easy," said one Amazon reviewer.

Shift Sleeper Sofa

If you want a futon that has a bit more comfort, then you might want to consider pivoting to a sleeper sofa. The Burrow Shift Sleeper Sofa won "Best Sleeper Sofa" at our 2023 Sleep Awards, and after taking a closer look at this piece of furniture it's no wonder why. From the outside, the Shift looks nice and plush, offering modern looks and a premium sink that sits perfectly for watching movies and TV.

When you want to convert to a bed, all you have to do is fold out the bottom and you've got a queen-sized surface for your friends, in-laws, and even pets, will adore.

The Shift sofa is made with a stain-resistant fabric that's easy to spot-clean, so you don't have to worry too much about accidental spills. With the Shift also comes two arm cushions that convert to pillows—all you have to do is take the cushions out of its sofa cover and pop on a pillowcase.

Read more: Best Pillows

Axel Full Leather Futon

If a legit sleeper sofa is more your speed, we like this genuine leather model from West Elm. With a classic mid-century modern look, it’s a great option for those who don't want to sacrifice design for functionality. The made-to-order top-grain leather futon is available in 12 different leather colors. This futon bed sits three but unfolds to reveal a space as large as a full mattress.

Unlike old-school “budget” futon beds, the heavy-duty construction of this model means it’s built to last. West Elm will actually come to deliver and install this piece, but once it's set in a room it will be a little difficult to move. What will likely be required is some disassembly is you decide to move it from one room to another. Alas, for as sturdy, made-to-order luxury leather sofa you'll likely have for a decade or more, we think it's worth it.

Read more: Best Living Room Gear

Hudson Small Space Sectional Sofa Futon

Not all futon beds have to look like futon beds. This unique two-piece sectional blends a modern look with the traditional futon design function. When it's time to turn in for the night, you can pop down the backrest and have a sizable sleeping area. We especially love how you can partially fold the backrest of the sofa, allowing you to kick back the piece on the long portion of the sectional for lying down, while still providing seating for two on the portion with the backrest still up.

In terms of construction, this couch has an all-wood make and faux leather material. The faux leather is quite comfortable, although it's not the most luxurious in the world. This brings us to the price point: the entire sectional costs under $500—a certified deal for such a versatile and sizable couch.

This is a futon soft that's suitable enough for just about any room in the house, from guest rooms to high-traffic family rooms.

What do buyers say? "Very pleased with how well made this product was built, easy to put together, all tools are included to complete the product, and the versatility on this is fantastic!" said one Walmart reviewer.

Todd Side Chaise Sofa

Castlery's Nathan Side Chaise looks and feels something like you'd see in a luxury hotel. If you want the function of a sleeper sofa but don't want to go all-in on a futon, consider an open-ended chaise with plenty of space to sprawl out. The filling consists of pocket springs with foam, creating the same type of feel as lying on a firm mattress. For the fabric, you've got a polyester material that's durable and easy to spot clean when needed.

One cool note about the Todd Side Chaise is you can buy it in a left or right-facing orientation. To us, this sofa provides the ultimate styling versatility thanks to its opened-up design and low-lounging setup. The one downside is this couch does cost a pretty penny, so if you aren't planning on making this your living room couch, then you might want to consider going with a futon bed that's much cheaper.

The bottom line is you have options when it comes to sleeping sofas, and while this side chaise is not a traditional futon by any means, you still get some premium sleeping conditions with a cool laid-back look.

What do buyers say? "Nice piece to give the house a lift. Comfortable for drinks with friends, or stretching out for a nap," said one Castlery reviewer.

Module Ergonomic Sofa Bed

If minimalism is your preferred aesthetic, NOUHAUS’ Module Ergonomic Sofa Bed is one of the most deceptively simple and attractive futon beds we’ve seen this year. The clean lines, airy design, and tufted cushions ensure this model works in just about any space. Ten available colors allow you to dial in your exact look even more. It effortlessly converts to a queen-sized bed with a foam and latex mattress and all three upholstered cushion surfaces—whether velvet, woven, or plush microfiber—are extremely comfortable.

Although it seems pricey at nearly $1,800, we would argue this isn't just a futon, but more of a traditional sofa that happens to double as a bed. It’s handsome enough to be a statement piece in almost any room. The only downsides worth mentioning are that the heavy-duty construction means this is a heavy piece of furniture at more than 150 pounds. Some assembly is required too, although it’s mostly limited to screwing on the included legs.

What do buyers say? “This is the best couch ever! … This is exactly what I needed. It's super comfortable and very stylish,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Milo 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional

Not all futon beds have to look like futon beds. VCF’s unique Milo is a legit two-piece sectional with a sleek look that’s both contemporary and timeless. It’s large enough to seat three or even four adults and children. When it’s time to turn in for the night, a hidden drawer and cushion pull out to complete the “bed.” We especially love the hidden storage compartment built in to the ottoman—perfect for stashing extra sheets, blankets, and pillows. The solid wood construction makes this one heavy and heavy-duty, so it’s durable enough for just about any room in the house, from guest rooms to high-traffic family rooms.

Of course, all these features come at a price. At nearly $1,500 (not including delivery), it’s among the pricer futon beds we’ve seen this year (but we'd argue it's worth the sticker shock). It’s only available in two colors, although both the Charcoal and the Light Grey are designed to work with just about any decor. Plus, some assembly is required (might be a deal-breaker for some) and the covers aren’t removable, meaning this one is spot-clean only.

Rane Convertible Sofa Bed

Serta’s Rane Convertible Sofa Bed features a sleek, streamlined aesthetic—thin metal legs, clean lines, and an armless design are a perfect match for any modern minimalist decor. The tufted, cushion back and seat help elevate the otherwise basic design above ordinary. With four available color options, it’s designed to look great in just about any room.

Many buyers comment how easy it is to assemble—not surprising given its small size and lightweight frame. On the downside, this model is only available in twin size. But, that compact footprint also makes this a great option for tight spaces, like small guest rooms or dorm rooms. The best part, however, is the price. At around $200 delivered, it’s our pick for the best budget futon bed of 2022.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 12,000 Amazon reviews, 75% recommend the Serta Rane Convertible Sofa Bed with at least a 4-star rating.

Are Futons Actually Comfortable?

Futons have come a long way from being the cheap go-to for college dorms. Don't get us wrong, those futons still do exist, but these days there are futons that are made with much more cushioning and finer materials—thus meaning there are many types of futons out there that deliver on being actually comfortable.

All of the futons we've gathered above were curated to have a high level of comfort. Generally speaking, the more you spend on a futon the better comfort it will have. There are, however, a few affordable brands that surprised us with comfort. Those brands include Serta Novogratz and Jerry Sales; all can be purchased for under $600 each.

Is It Good to Sleep on a Futon Every Night?

Futons are best suited for the occasional night or two of sleeping for you or your guests. A futon is not a long-term solution for sleeping every night, but you can get away with sleeping on one with lots of cushioning or comfort, or by setting a mattress pad on top of the futon sleeping surface.

It's also worth mentioning some people like sleeping on futon beds because of the firmness. Like a firm mattress, this surface can be appealing to those who might have aches and pains (especially in their back) that they are trying to lull. Keep in mind if you are one of these people that the futon should only be a temporary fix. If you find yourself ditching your regular mattress for the futon bed on a consistent basis then it's probably time to look into buying a new mattress that caters to your sleeping habits better.

What to Look for in a Futon Bed

Shopping for a futon or futon bed is like trying to find the perfect bed and the perfect sofa in one piece of furniture. It needs to work as a couch during the day, with cushions that are soft, yet supportive. At night, those same cushions form a sleep surface that needs to work with your (or your guests) preferred mattress firmness. It’s a delicate balancing act for sure.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main things to consider when shopping for the best futon bed:

Size: The futon bed you choose will, of course, need to fit in the room it’s meant for. Consider the size of any models you’re shopping for in both folded and unfolded settings. In “unfolded” form (i..e., as a bed), you’ll likely want a little extra space around the outside edges so you don’t feel shoehorned into the bed, especially if it will be set up against a wall.

Conversion mechanism: Converting the futon from bed to couch and back again should be as simple as possible, doable by just one person with minimal effort. If you can’t shop in person, check buyer reviewers to see how easy (or not) others found your potential new futon’s conversion mechanism.

Color swatches: If you’re particular about finding just the right futon that matches your decor, consider contacting the manufacturer or retailer to see if swatches are available.

Price: Like any type of furniture, futons vary widely in price from around $200 for a basic model to more than $3,000 for a fully upholstered, made-to-order sectional futon sofa. Many retailers offer free delivery these days, but some do not. Keep in mind that you may need to pay $100 or more for delivery, and return delivery may be extra as well.

Removable covers: Oddly, cheaper futon beds are more likely to include removable covers, while pricier models with upholstered cushions typically don’t. This isn’t necessarily good or bad. Just know that, without a removable cover, spot-cleaning is your only option if someone accidentally upends an ice cream cone or red wine on your beautiful new futon bed.

How We Selected

We pored over dozens of the best-selling and best-reviewed futon beds available today. From basic models with college-student-friendly price tags to uber-luxe futons designed for Architectural Digest-worthy homes, we rounded up our favorites. We considered everything, including overall aesthetic, ease of convertibility, comfort, buyer reviewers, and, of course, price. The list above represents our honest picks for the best futon beds of 2024.

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