I Have Back Problems Should I Get a Japanese Futon

The 8 Best Futons of 2021

This versatile piece converts into a bed for overnight guests

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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

Looking for an affordable piece of furniture that functions as both a spot to sit and a place to get some shut-eye? Your best bet might be a futon. Unlike sleepers, which typically have a pull-out mechanism that transforms the sofa into a bed, futons usually have back cushions that can be pushed all the way down, creating a makeshift bed. This couch-sleeper combo is perfect for those with limited square footage and anyone who frequently makes use of their guest room bed.

Futons come in a broad range of sizes, colors, upholstery options, configurations, and styles. From convertible sofas and bunk beds to sectionals, split-backs, and traditional Japanese-style options, you're bound to find something that suits your needs and taste.

"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, With this in mind, we searched high and low to find the choicest designs for every budget.

Here are the best futons you can buy today.

Our Top Picks

A tufted back and chic velvet upholstery make this sectional futon a stylish choice if you're looking for something functional.

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With a sleek, modern appearance and a comfy convertible sleeper, this futon is a great option that won't break the bank.

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This bunk bed and futon combo is surprisingly affordable and especially great for kids.

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The split-back design means you can choose to fully convert one side or both into a sleeper.

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This foldable floor mattress is both comfy and easy to store away; plus, it comes in a variety of colors.

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For anyone short on space, this piece functions as both an accent chair and a twin-sized sleeper.

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Upholstered in recyclable leather, this sofa has a sleek, low-profile that will accent any space.

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This high-end futon contains hidden storage space and has multiple customization options.

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

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 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. The 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.

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

What We Like

• Affordable

• High-density foam cushions

• Easy to set up

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 it comes 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. And thanks to Serta's Click-Clack technology, it's easy to set up and even easier to convert into a sleeper. Just take note of the weight capacity and the fact that it only folds down to one position.

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

What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• 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 you 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. With ladders on either side and a guard rail up top, 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.

Size: 78.5 x 33.5 x 31.9 inches Materials: Solid and manufactured wood frame, linen upholstery | Cushions: Foam | Sleeper Size: Twin

What We Like

• High weight capacity

• Adjustable recline

• Plush foam cushioning

What We Don't Like

• A bit more expensive than similar options

Attention midcentury modern lovers on a budget: This one's for you. With a low profile and textured linen-style upholstery, this split-back convertible sofa from Wayfair is reminiscent of 1960s interior design but with a contemporary flair.

The Adria is constructed out of solid and manufactured wood and features 6 inches of plush foam cushioning. It's easy to assemble and can be reclined all the way or into a lounge position, so you're covered whether you're watching a movie or hosting an overnight guest.

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

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 can simply be folded and stored away when not in use.

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

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 convertible chair from Wayfair. The Clarissa has a solid wood frame, tear-resistant upholstery, and foam-filled cushions with sinuous springs, resulting in a nice-looking chair that secretly functions as a bed. Whether configured as a chair or unfolded into a bed, you and your guests will be comfy and supported.

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

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.

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

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. 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 but want the same look.

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the CosmoLiving Liberty Sectional Storage Futon (view at Amazon), 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 (view at Amazon), which is durable, comfortable, and priced well under $200.

Cushions

As Castagna mentioned, 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 consulted experts and editors and selected products based on their functionality, design, and construction. You can check out more of Theresa's work on Byrdie, MyDomaine, and Verywell Mind.

I Have Back Problems Should I Get a Japanese Futon

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-futons-4147012

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