Top 5 Futons
Best Wood Frame: Kodiak Furniture Phoenix Futon Set Best Bunk Futon: DHP Twin-Over-Futon Convertible Couch and Bed Best Loveseat: Novogratz Leyla Loveseat Best Design: Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon Best Value: JUMMICO Futon Sofa Bed
Best Wood Frame: Kodiak Furniture Phoenix Futon Set
Pros and Cons
✔ Made with 100% polyester✔ Has an innerspring mattress✔ Can be positioned in sit, lounge or sleep positions✘ Has a higher price point than other futons on the market ✘ May not be the best option for small spaces
What Customers Are Saying
Those who were happy with this futon said it was sturdy, easy to assemble, and well-designed. However, those who were unhappy with it said that the mattress was uncomfortable to sleep on and that the futon frame sometimes broke after minimal use.
Best Bunk Futon: DHP Twin-Over-Futon Convertible Couch and Bed
Pros and Cons
✔ Can hold up to 800 pounds between the two bunks✔ Features a durable metal frame✔ Includes full-sized guardrails for safety✘ Assembly process can be challenging✘ Top bunk may not be suitable for larger adults
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked this product’s sleek design and sturdy build. However, a common complaint among dissatisfied customers was that switching between the couch and futon bed mode was a hassle.
Best Loveseat: Novogratz Leyla Loveseat
Pros and Cons
✔ Has subtle turf seat stitching ✔ Has a large weight capacity of 400 pounds✔ Can be easily moved from room to room because it weighs about 60 pounds ✘ May be too short to stretch out on in the bed position✘ The padding on the backrest is thinner than what’s on other futons
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were satisfied with this product liked its compact design that fit well in small spaces, easy assembly, and multiple color choices. Those who were unsatisfied said that the back cushion was uncomfortable to lean against and that the fabric sometimes had a bad odor.
Best Design: Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon
Pros and Cons
✔ Has stable wood legs✔ Can put one or both sides of the backrest down at once✔ Features comfortable polyester foam filling ✘ Has thin armrests✘ The tufted back may not be comfortable to lean against for sleeping
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who gave positive reviews for this futon said it was comfortable, stylish, and easy to put together. Those who left negative reviews claimed that it didn’t support the weight of multiple people and that its legs were unstable.
Best Value: JUMMICO Futon Sofa Bed
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with cup holders✔ Assembles in as little as 15 minutes✔ Armrests can double as pillows ✘ Is made of faux leather instead of authentic leather✘ The folded cup holder section may be uncomfortable to sleep against
What Customers Are Saying
Those who left complimentary reviews enjoyed this product’s leather-like material, quick assembly, and lightweight, easy-to-move nature. Those who were unhappy with this futon said that it was smaller and firmer than expected.
Buyer’s Guide
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a futon.
Size
Think about how much room you have in your living space for a futon. Consider a futon’s size in both the couch and bed positions. Consider a small, twin-size space-saving futon if you live in a dorm room or studio apartment. However, if your living room is more spacious, consider a full- or queen-size futon to accommodate multiple people at once.
Type
There are several types of futons, including:
Bifold
This futon type is the most common. It folds in half the long way to create a bed. When it’s in its sofa mode, it can typically fit about three people.
Loveseat
Loveseat futons are smaller than their bifold counterparts, so they typically only fit one or two people in their upright position. Because they’re compact, they’re a solid futon option for small spaces.
Trifold
Trifold frames fold their mattress into thirds, with the additional section being an ottoman. They have a similar length to a loveseat futon when they’re upright, but they’re bigger once they’re opened into a bed. These futons are usually more difficult to fold out than bifold futons.
Cushioning
Futon mattresses have a reputation of being uncomfortable to sleep on, but that’s not always the case. Many modern futons have memory foam, high-density foam, cotton batting, or innerspring foam cushions that feel similar to sleeping on a normal bed. However, futons made with these materials are typically more expensive than standard futons with sponge filling. If you or your guests are struggling to comfortably sleep on a futon, consider adding a mattress topper for more cushioning.
Design
Futons come in many styles to help you match them with your home decor. If your home has a rustic look, try a futon with a wooden frame and legs. Alternatively, if your other furniture is made from leather or faux leather, try finding a futon with similar material. Futons can also come in many color options to match with your recliner, lounger, couch, or other piece of furniture.
How To Maintain a Futon
Futons are a great item to have in your home or college dorm, but they can get dirty easily. Follow these steps to keep your futon in top condition at all times.
Invest in a futon cover
Using a futon cover will help keep out dust and excess moisture from your futon, helping it last longer and require less overall maintenance. Most covers are easily washable and replaceable.
Clean stains right away
If your futon has a stain or spot, use a fabric cleaner to remove the stain as soon as possible. You can also use a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap solution to eliminate stains.
Vacuum to get rid of dirt and dust
Just like you would with your couch, a futon mattress needs to be cleaned on occasion to ensure it’s free of crumbs, dust, dirt and other allergens. Use a small handheld vacuum to quickly swipe up any dirt from your futon.
Air it out when possible
Airing out your futon for a few hours when the weather is dry can help your futon free of fungus and mold and prolong its shelflife. Fresh air can also keep it from smelling stale and allow its natural lift to stay in place.
Rotate your mattress when possible
Sleeping and sitting on all parts of your futon will help prevent uneveness and lumps developing in certain areas. Rotating your mattress on occasion to the entire futon is being used can help keep it even.
Is a futon different from a sofa bed?
Yes. Futons are typically folded down to create a bed, while sofa beds or sleeper sofas have a mattress hidden underneath their frame.
Can a futon replace a regular bed?
While you could sleep on a futon long-term, it’s not recommended. It’s not as comfortable as a bed, so it can cause back pain. Plus, it’s not built to be used in its bed position night after night.
How long do futons last?
Your futon’s longevity will depend on how high-quality its construction is as well as how often it’s used. However, most futons typically last between five and 10 years.
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