What Is a Futon?
Learn how to create a look you love with this flexible furniture.
A futon can fill a need in a bedroom, guest room, or even a family room as a flexible piece of furniture designed for sitting or sleeping. But what is a futon, exactly? Keep reading to learn all about the different types of futons, futon sizes, and how futons compare to sofa beds and daybeds.
What Is a Futon?
Types of Futons
Futon Sizes
Futon Features
Futon vs. Sofa Bed: What's the Difference?
Futon vs. Daybed: What's the Difference?
Is a Futon for You?
What Is a Futon?
Futon is a Japanese word for “bed." A traditional Japanese futon is a lightweight mattress that rests on a mat on the floor. When it's not in use during the day, the Japanese would fold up the futon and tuck it away in a closet. Japanese futons were previously stuffed with flowers or leaves, but today most are made from organic cotton.
Today's futons resemble a sofa and the mattresses are typically filled with foam or memory foam (or a combination of the two), although some have innersprings or coils like a regular mattress or similar to sofa cushions. The mattress sits atop a frame that folds into an upright sofa-like position or folds down into a comfortable sleeping space. Futon mattresses are usually thinner than a regular bed mattress to allow for easy folding, but most are quite comfortable for occasional or everyday use.
There are four common types of futons: convertible sofas, loveseat futons, futon and mattress combinations, and futon chairs. When choosing the right futon, consider where you plan on placing the futon and how you’ll be using it.
Convertible Sofas
Convertible sofas are a single, integrated piece of furniture with the futon mattress incorporated into the frame. Sturdy and comfortable, with or without armrests, convertible sofas come in modern, contemporary, traditional, or transitional designs and are sleek but inviting. Find them in sizes ranging from 65 inches to 79 inches and up, in either fun or neutral colors to match any decor.
Loveseat Futons
Loveseat futons are the perfect solution for a small space, such as a playroom, or to add extra seating (and a place to sleep) to a living room or bedroom. Convertible futon-style loveseats have seating for two and range in size from roughly 51 inches up to 73 inches if you choose a model with a center cup holder console.
Futon & Mattress Combinations
When most people think of futons, they might picture a frame with a separate mattress. A mattress and frame combination provides ultimate flexibility, as you can swap out the mattress if it gets old or worn, prolonging the life of your furniture. High-quality futon frames can last for decades, transitioning with you from a first apartment to your forever home.
Futon Chairs
If you're looking for a stylish, space-saving alternative to a sofa-sized futon, a futon chair fits the bill – and your small space. Like any other futon, a futon chair folds down to create a sleeping surface. In this case, a twin-size bed. By day, it looks just like any other easy chair with reclining capabilities, delivering the best of both worlds to your living room, bedroom, family room, or anywhere else you'd like guests to relax in comfort.
Futon Sizes
Size is another key consideration when picking a futon. From twin to queen, there are multiple futon sizes to suit your space.
Twin Futons
Most twin bed futons masquerade by day as futon chairs, but you may find a convertible sofa with a low backrest that converts into a twin-size bed. In either case, your guest will enjoy a comfortable sleeping surface and you will gain the flexibility of a small piece of furniture with a stylish look.
Full Futons
Most full-size futons and convertible sofas measure at least 65 inches long for a comfortable sleeping surface. The back reclines fully to form a full-size bed, big enough for two people.
Queen Futons
If you're looking for a futon to use as a bed every night, or want to give your guests more space to sprawl out, a queen-size futon could be the solution. Available in sizes from 59 inches long up to 87 inches or more, queen futons also offer the luxury of a higher back for greater comfort while sitting.
Tip!
Check out our guide Futon Sizes: How to Choose the Right One for You to find in-depth tips on picking the correct futon size.
Futon Features
What features are you seeking in a futon? Whether you're looking for a space-saving design or a detachable mattress, you can find futons at every price point with the features you need.
Detachable Mattress
A futon with a mattress separate from the frame provides flexibility while decorating. Changing the mattress, or even just the mattress cover, can give your room a whole new look.
Tip!
If your mattress wears out before the frame, which it might, you can simply replace the mattress. You can also remove the mattress to use in a separate area of the house, if desired.
Dorm-Friendly
Dorm-friendly futons make the most of small spaces, with streamlined designs or added storage. They can double as a study spot or a space to host overnight guests. Ideally, they are easy to clean and comfortable enough to sleep on every night.
Storage
Since futons are the perfect solution for small spaces, it often makes sense to incorporate additional storage into the design. One piece of furniture can serve three purposes as a sofa, a bed, and a place to store extra blankets and pillows, toys, or whatever else you may want to tuck away out of sight.
Futon vs. Sofa Bed: What's the Difference?
While a futon folds up to create a couch, most sofa beds include a mattress and frame tucked under the sofa's cushions. Converting a sofa bed for sleeping typically requires removing the cushions, pulling out the bed frame, and unfolding the mattress. On the other hand, a futon requires just one easy step to go from sofa to bed.
Some sofa beds are designed to mimic the simplicity of a futon. You simply fold down the back of the sofa to create a full- or queen-size sleeping surface. In this case, the key difference between a futon and a sofa bed is that a futon has a separate mattress on top of a frame, while a sofa bed is a single piece of furniture.
Futon vs. Daybed: What's the Difference?
When it comes to space-saving furniture that transitions from day to night, the third option is a daybed. Unlike a sofa bed or futon, a daybed more closely resembles a bed, but with sofa arms at the head and foot.
Unlike a traditional bed, a daybed usually features a back that makes it comfortable enough for sitting or lounging. It may also sit lower to the ground than a traditional bed.
Read our guide Daybed vs. Futon: What's the Difference? for a side-by-side comparison.
Is a Futon for You?
Futons are often more affordable than sofas or sofa beds, making them a great option if you're on a budget but still want a nice piece of furniture that will stand the test of time. Sleek and sturdy, they can be adorned with throw pillows, blankets, or covers to match virtually any decor.
If you're outfitting a guest room, a play room, a family room, or even a teen's bedroom, a futon may fit the bill. Today's futons are comfortable for both sleeping and entertaining, and can give any room a cozy, welcoming vibe.
