When we hear the word ‘futon,’ most of us have a similar visual: A lumpy, ugly sofa set on a wooden base (that’s either in a dorm room or your grandparents’ basement). However, we’re here to set the record straight. Futons have come a long way since their original design—from luxe modern options that convert to a daybed to fold-out ones that will wow your guests. And while a futon is always going to be somewhat firm (typically a six to eight out of ten on the firmness scale), we’ve scoured the web to find the most comfortable options, without creating an eyesore in your living room. Below, find our top 10 picks—including the Article sofa bed we’re swooning over ($1,399)—along with expert advice on what to look for when shopping.
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10 Stylish-Yet-Comfortable Futons (Starting at $161)
Plus, expert advice on how to choose one.
Published Jun 20, 2023
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Rove Concepts
The Most Comfortable Futons at a Glance
- Best Overall: Article Solna Atelier Sofa Bed ($1,399)
- Best Under $200: Serta Jameson Futon Sofa (From
$400; $161) - Most Luxurious: Rove Concepts Bristol Sleeper Futon ($2,570)
- Best Convertible: Raymour & Flanigan Mia Klik Klak Sofa (
$1,000; $900) - Best Mattress: Alwyn Home Harding Futon Mattress (
$212; $190) - Most Compact: Serta Monroe Sleeper Sofa (
$1,229; $820) - Best Design: CB2 Alesso Sleeper Sofa ($2,199)
- Best Leather: West Elm Andes Leather Futon (From $2,799)
- Best Velvet: Kardiel Omer Fabric Sofa Sleeper (From
$2,200; $1,667) - Best Organic Mattress: The Futon Shop Organic Cotton Plus Mattress (From
$1,886; $849)
Meet the Expert
Dr. Alice Williams is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over 20 years of experience. She completed her residency at the University of California, San Francisco in Fresno, and in the last 10 years, she’s adopted a more holistic healing approach focused on diet and organic living.
What Are the Different Types Of Futons?
First thing’s first: The difference between a ‘futon’ and a ‘sofa bed’ is that the latter has a separate mattress (that, in theory, could be transferred to a bed frame). While the cushions for sleeping and sitting are usually the same in a futon, a sofa bed features a different mattress that’s hidden within the frame.
So, with that in mind, you have two options: all-in-one futons and futon mattresses with a frame (stay with us). The first is becoming increasingly popular for its visual appeal; the bed is built directly into the cushions of the sofa. You can lay the back seat flat when you want to use it for sleeping and prop it upright when you need it as a sofa. Futon mattresses have been around for decades (and are typically what you’d find in a dorm room). These come with a decorative cover that makes them look like a sofa and require a frame, usually sold separately. Futon mattresses work the same as an all-in-one—the backrest is laid flat to turn it into a bed—and the mattress is used for both sitting and sleeping.
The main difference? While futon mattresses on a frame are typically plusher, they’re far less pretty than the built-in convertible options. (Not to mention, more expensive.)
Which Futon Mattress Materials Are Best?
As mentioned above, you have the option between an all-in-one and a futon mattress on a frame. Most often, the all-in-ones will feature foam- and fiber-filled cushions that offer firm yet springy support. Otherwise, when it comes to futon mattresses, Dr. Williams suggests you look for one that’s made from certified organic materials: “Organic futon mattresses can be quite expensive, but they’re worth the investment if you want to sleep better and be healthier…The best futon mattresses are those that are made with all-natural materials, such as cotton, wool or latex. These natural materials are free of harmful chemicals and are more breathable than synthetic fibers.” So below, she provides a breakdown of futon mattress materials to look for based on your sleeping style:
- Cotton futon mattresses are affordable and breathable. Most are made from organic cotton, making it hypoallergenic and ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities. That said, they may not provide enough support for some people.
- Wool futon mattresses are cooling and offer ample support. Since wool is naturally fire-resistant, it helps regulate body temperature (making it ideal for those with night sweats).
- Latex futon mattresses are versatile and eco-friendly. Not only is latex organic, biodegradable and eco-friendly, these futons are often available in a variety of firmness levels.
How to Choose the Right Futon
Naturally, you want to look for a plush, organic futon that’s built with breathability and support in mind. BUT, if you’re in the market for a convertible, foam- and fiber-filled option (that’s just as pretty as it looks), you want to make sure it has the right thickness and weight. Per Dr. Williams, “Futons come in different thicknesses, commonly from four inches to eight inches. The thicker the futon, the more comfortable it will be…A good thickness is around six to eight inches. This thickness provides enough support for most people, but it is also thin enough to be folded into a sofa (for a futon mattress).” To that end, she also adds, “Check the weight and density of the mattress. A heavier mattress will be more supportive and last longer, while a lighter one may be more comfortable but won’t provide as much support.”
How We Selected the Most Comfortable Futons
We searched the top-reviewed futons on the web and narrowed down our picks based on their materials (aka no synthetics), that they had a thickness of at least 6 inches and that they’re certified organic or free from harmful toxins.
- Pros: 75-inch sleeping width, firm and supportive cushions, soft and stain-resistant fabric, loose back cushions included, easy assembly
- Cons: some reviewers needed a mattress topper when using it as a bed
- Materials: high-density foam cushions, polyester upholstery, steel frame
- Dimensions: 32" H x 86" W x 37.5" D
- Firmness: medium firm
To avoid making overnight guests feel like second-class citizens, Article designed this futon to feel just as good as it looks. It’s crafted with sumptuous, high-density foam cushions for a firm, supportive feel—and unlike other options on this list, it offers a generous 75 inches of sleeping space, all hidden when the back of the sofa is upright. And of course, the real draw is its Scandinavian design, which features a sleek steel frame and ivory polyester upholstery that’s soft to the touch (as well as stain- and spill-resistant) and assembly is a breeze; it only takes 20 minutes to set up, according to the brand).
Take it from one reviewer, who raves: “It goes without saying that this sofa bed looks so good, you wouldn't think it is one. The dimensions on the website are accurate and [this] is one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture I have ever owned… I can easily sit through a marathon of watching The Lord of the Rings extended edition (yes, all 12 hours). It is supportive and a delight to sit on. The fabric is beautiful in color and very resistant. It’s kept its shape and vibrancy for the seven months we’ve had it, and small stains come out easily without damage to the material. Extending it is also easier than you'd imagine.” They also add: “The delivery left us with it in the living room and all we had to do is assemble it (one step) and set it where we wanted it, and it fit perfectly!”
- Pros: pricing starts at $161, three adjustable positions, interlocking padding on the cushions adds support, Finger Guard technology
- Cons: might be too short for tall sleepers
- Materials: foam and coil spring cushions, polyester fabric, metal base
- Dimensions: 29.5'' H x 66.1'' W x 33.1'' D
- Firmness: firm
With classic yet modern lines and mid-century tufting (and pricing that starts at $170), it makes sense why this futon has averaged a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from its 13,000-plus reviews. First, it features three angles, including 95, 130 and 180 degrees, so you can convert it from an upright sofa to a lounger to a flatbed. Then, it also includes dense foam cushions with layers of thick, interlocking padding for an extra-supportive feel. The easy-care fabric and kiln dried frame also make it durable and long-lasting—and it even includes ‘Finger Guard Technology’ that’ll protect your hands from pinch points when transitioning the sofa to a bed and back again.
One reviewer writes, “So comfortable yet firm enough to support my back…just perfect for our living room, it matches all of our other furniture,” while another says, “It fits our basement perfectly, and though it isn’t super soft, it still is comfortable. I hate soft couches because [they] give me very bad backaches. As someone with fibromyalgia, this futon really supports my behind and back!” That said, it’s worth noting another reviewer's warning: “I put a 3[-inch] memory foam topper on it when converted to a bed, and my sister said it was very comfortable. It is needed because the sofa seat is very firm.”
- Pros: Italian-inspired design, thick cushions with a padded frame, cushy armrests, reinforced corner blocks, available in felt and velvet upholstery, two brushed metal leg options
- Cons: expensive,
- Materials: polyurethane foam cushions wrapped in polyester fiber, felt or velvet fabric, brushed metal legs
- Dimensions: 82” W x 37” D x 34.3” H
- Firmness: medium firm rates a 5 on the brand's firmness scale
Let’s just get one thing out of the way: this is, hands down, the most luxurious futon you’ll find online (we’ve done the leg work). First, you have its Italian-inspired design, which combines sophistication and casual comfort in a sleek modern profile with a 29-inch height. The cushy armrests also feature subtle curves that add to its wow factor while the soft-padded frame—crafted with polyurethane foam wrapped in polyester fiber—ensures plushness at every touch. That said, it doesn’t sacrifice support, where the kiln-dried hardwood frame is enhanced with dowelled joints and reinforced corner blocks (so it won’t slide around when you’re converting it to the upright position). Bonus: It’s also customizable in four felt or fabric upholstery options and you have the choice between brushed brass or steel legs.
“Bought it for our office/guest room. Very nicely made and easy to fold out. At first, I was worried you’d feel the separate cushions but wasn’t an issue. The bed is comfortable, material is nice and the couch is a lovely design!” Another person adds: “This sleeper futon was worth the wait! Super comfortable and the velvet feels sooo nice.”
- Pros: 1.6-pound thick cushions, webbed to prevent sagging, won’t slide when converting to a bed, modern track arms, neutral upholstery is spill- and stain-resistant
- Cons: might be too big for compact spaces when extended
- Materials: foam cushions wrapped in Dacron, 8-gauge sinuous springs, polyester upholstery, pine and acacia wood frame
- Dimensions: 77" W x 38" D x 36" H
- Firmness: medium firm
With neutral upholstery and modern track arms, this is the ultimate everyday option. Not only are its cushions made with 1.6-pound density foam wrapped in Dacron for added plushness, but it’s also crafted with eight-gauge sinuous springs and nylon webbing seat support to prevent sagging. Then, it has 100 percent polyester upholstery, which is designed to be stain-resistant, soft and durable—and perfect for anyone with kids or pets. The frame is also constructed with pine and acacia wood, reinforced with corner blocks, heavy-duty metal fasteners, screws and glue for unprecedented strength and stability. The best part? Setting up the sofa as a bed is a breeze, where the unit rolls out to reveal 70 inches of sleeping width that lifts effortlessly from the hidden base.
“My son sleeps on this several times a week. He loves it. I asked him if he wanted a bed but he said ‘no, this was super comfy!’ A great piece for a great price when looking for a smaller house,” writes one reviewer. Another mentions: “My wife and I absolutely love this couch! Comfortable, well-built and easy to operate. Our current favorite thing to do is to set up what we call ‘Theater Bed Mode’ with the back inclined 45 degrees and the feet up. Great for movie date nights.”
- Pros: available in 4 thicknesses and 3 sizes, sinkable and soft, removable and machine-washable cover, 11 color options
- Cons: frame not included
- Materials: memory foam cushions, polyester fabric
- Dimensions: twin, full or queen
- Firmness: medium firm
For anyone who’s looking for the best futon mattress (frame not included) on a budget, this is your guy. It’s crafted with bonded layers of shredded polyurethane foam and wrapped in a soft polyester fabric cover—which also happens to be removable and machine-washable. Plus, while the memory foam core has a medium-firm feel (per the brand), you also have the choice of four thicknesses (6, 8, 10 or 12 inches), with thicker options that offer more of a plush feel. Add to that, the fact that it comes in three sizes (twin, full or queen) and 11 colors, including khaki, ivory, cinnamon, burgundy, red, dusty blue, black, navy, blue, green and silver.
One reviewer writes, “It’s SUPER COMFY FIRM! You’ll never feel the bed rails on this thing. While I was pregnant, this mattress was great for my back. I bought it for my son's bunk bed but would often end up sleeping in his room while he took the top bunk...I slept like a baby on this mattress. I’m talking about that good sleep that makes you drool.” Plus, another person raves: “It was really heavy and dense out [of] the box, yet soft to the touch. This will hold up for a long time in our game room. Comfortable laying down or sitting… The (10-inch) plush mattress is the only way to go! It's like a thick cloud and [I love that there are] so many colors to choose from!”
- Pros: includes Serta’s Dream Coil technology, good for compact spaces, easy-to-clean fabric, three color options
- Cons: very firm and might be too hard for some
- Materials: high-density foam cushions and sinuous springs, microsuede upholstery, kiln dried frame
- Dimensions: 38.6'' H x 66.5'' W x 37.6'' D
- Firmness: firm
After seeing this guy’s 4.8 out of 5-star rating and sifting through more than 3,400 reviews, one thing’s clear: People are obsessed with this compact option (with a 54-inch width that’s great for tiny apartments). Of course, its unprecedented comfort has to do with the fact that it’s manufactured by Serta, so it includes high-density foam cushions with the brand’s signature ‘Dream Coil’ technology. The sleeper has a firm-yet-dreamy feel (that’s great for anyone with back pain) while the tufted upholstery is engineered with silky smooth, easy-to-clean microsuede fabric. Not to mention that the kiln-dried hardwood frame ensures the foundation will remain sturdy for years to come.
“I was worried it was going to be too firm, but when I laid down on my back, OMG, it felt amazing! I wake up every morning with pain [and I’m] tempted to try sleeping on the Monroe Sleeper [instead of my mattress],” one reviewer writes. Then another adds, “Love the thickness of the fabric and the white piping accents. Wipes clean very easily,” another reviewer adds.
- Pros: unique buckle accent, beautiful yet engineered for everyday use, spill- and stain-resistant performance fabric, 8-inch cushions, firm and supportive, extends to a queen-sized bed
- Cons: leather buckle may wear over time
- Materials: foam cushions, Crypton performance fabric, genuine leather straps
- Dimensions: 104" W x 38" D x 28" H
- Firmness: firm
Pivoting toward trend-forward designs, can you believe this is a sleeper? Not only was it designed in collaboration with Ceci Thompson, Creative Director for VUUE, but it was intended to be durable and comfortable enough for everyday use. Here’s the breakdown: It’s an all-in-one futon that features a continuous swoop from arm to arm, wrapped in white Crypton performance fabric (aka the most durable fabric on the market) that combines the cush of chenille with the sophistication of linen. The leather straps, however, make it a one-of-a-kind piece, where it wraps around the sides and buckles at the front. You simply unbuckle the strap to fold out 79.5 inches of cushion—constructed with thick, supportive foam—that can accommodate two sleepers.
“When we found out this was a sleeper sofa we were shook, to say the least,” writes design guru Emily Henderson, in a blog post. “The pretty little leather straps on the side unbuckle and the top seat cushion folds to the floor to create an entire floor mat and it’s DOPE. A genius design, a comfortable sitting experience (maybe a little firmer than plush) but who even cares because it’s SO PRETTY. This was one of our favorites. 10/10.” She’s not the only one obsessed: “Excellent design, modern, simple…perfect fit for my living room! Great size and really comfy,” another reviewer shares.
- Pros: modern with tall metal legs, 19 genuine top-grain leather or animal-friendly vegan leather options, seat cushions have a medium firmness, won’t slide in upright position
- Cons: cushions take some time to soften up
- Materials: fiber-wrapped, high-resiliency polyurethane foam cushions, leather upholstery, eucalyptus frame
- Dimensions: 83.5"W x 40"D x 31"H
- Firmness: medium firm (rated as a 4 on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 being firmest)
With a mid-century modern build, tall cast metal legs and 19 (!!) leather finishes to choose from, this is our go-to option for a leather futon (that isn’t heinous). While you have the choice between genuine top-grain leather or animal-friendly vegan leather, the tied-spring cushions are filled with fiber-wrapped, high-resiliency polyurethane foam cores— which offer a medium firmness level of 4 on a scale from 1 to 5 (per the manufacturer). The frame is also hand-built with a solid, durable eucalyptus and engineered hardwood, so the base will never slide or sag when you’re converting it to a queen-sized bed.
Plus, while we couldn’t dig up a review for this specific futon, Viv, lifestyle blogger behind VivAndTimHome.com, raves over the Andes sectional from the same collection (which is built with the same materials): “At first, my husband and I were hesitant about the low back and whether the couch would be comfortable, since it looks like it could be on the stiffer side…We both rank it eight out of ten [on the comfort-scale] and we can honestly say that it has the perfect balance between looks and comfort.” She also adds: “When the sectional was first delivered, the cushions were pretty firm, but they did soften up pretty quickly after some breaking in.”
- Pros: velvet performance fabric is designed for everyday use, soft yet supportive, also available in boucle, minimal gap in the middle
- Cons: not available in neutral velvet colors
- Materials: high-resiliency foam cushions, velvet upholstery, kiln-dried hardwood frame
- Dimensions: 88.6" W x 36" D x 31.5" H
- Firmness: medium firm
Puffy, contemporary and silky smooth to the touch—this velvet futon’s medium-firm feel is exactly what you picture when you hear “soft yet supportive.” The cushions are made of high-resiliency foam, which allows you to sink without being swallowed, and the upholstery is made with a “generously plush velvet,” per the brand, “with a carefree texture to minimize tracing marks.” What’s more, it’s a performance fabric, which means it can hold up against pets, kids, spills—you name it. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also available in a blanc boucle option? (Read more about that fabric here).
“I've had this futon for over a month now. It's been a great statement piece in my living room, and I've tested the sleeper function a handful of times. Others had mentioned it was too firm, but I disagree. Some sleepers have a deep gap in the middle, and the Omer's gap is super minimal and doesn't cause discomfort,” one reviewer backs. Another person also writes, “This piece is BEAUTIFUL and very comfortable! The fabric is so pretty, and the quality is amazing. This is so much more stylish than a standard futon bed.”
- Pros: certified organic, breathable and hypoallergenic, good for joint pain and pressure-relief, available in multiple sizes
- Cons: frame not included
- Materials: Dunlop latex and organic cotton
- Dimensions: single, twin, twin XL, full double, queen, California king, twin loveseat, full loveseat, queen loveseat, Eastern king
- Firmness: extra firm (rated as a 5 by the brand)
Per Dr. Williams, “What started off being a guest bed in a guest room has now become a long-term situation. My parents have been sleeping on this futon mattress daily for several years now, and they love it!” This is because the mattress is designed to be supremely supportive and firm with two inches of all-natural Dunlop latex, surrounded by layers of ultra-soft USDA Certified organic cotton. It’s available in ten sizes—from twin and single to California king—and it’s machine tufted with 50 to 70 tufts (depending on the size) to prevent motion transfer. The cherry on top? It was designed to be not only breathable and hypoallergenic (great for those with allergies) but with pressure-relief and joint support in mind.
Take it from another reviewer, who raves: “Comfort is 100 percent…it is incredibly comfortable and perfect for my sleep style and height-weight ratio. I use it every day, for my bedroom, not a guestroom. I can feel my back thanking me. It came in a simple cardboard package, tightly wrapped and easy to unpack.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between a Futon and a Sofa Bed?
A futon features cushions that you sit and sleep on. A sofa bed, however, has a separate mattress that’s hidden underneath the cushions (often included). While a futon converts into a bed, its cushions double as the mattress—no matter what position it’s in.
What's a Good Thickness for a Futon Mattress?
As Dr. Williams mentioned above: “A good thickness is around six to eight inches. This thickness provides enough support for most people, but it is also thin enough to be folded into a sofa (for a futon mattress).”
Can You Permanently Sleep on a Futon?
“Yes, people do sleep on a futon every single night,” Dr. Williams says. “In fact, many people find that sleeping on a futon is more comfortable than sleeping on a traditional mattress. Futons are also more breathable, which can help to regulate your body temperature during the night.” That said, you might want to think twice before ditching your hybrid mattress if you have back pain (read more about that here).
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Why You Should Trust Us
Sydney Meister is PureWow’s Assistant Lifestyle Editor. Along with covering the latest interior design trends and home hacks, she writes about everything from relationships to travel, must-have wellness products and what's happening in the world of celebrity design. Before PureWow, Sydney worked for various interior designers across NYC—primarily as a content creator focusing on trend forecasting and reporting. She's a go-to resource when it comes to interior styling tips and product recs to keep your home looking au courant (hint: it's time to ditch the modern farmhouse look).
PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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