These Comfy Futons Are the Double-Duty Piece Your Spare Room Needs

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If there is a piece of furniture that’s ideal for small spaces, it’s a futon, which is a Japanese style of bedding from the 17th century. Luckily, the most comfortable futons have come a long way from their centuries-old counterparts, so if you’re in the market for a convertible sofa that is just as comfortable as a couch as it is a bed, you’re in luck. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 15 options that will make your living room feel much bigger because you’re not using all of your space on a massive sleeper sectional or trying to make room for an air mattress.

Futons are like the minimalist version of pull-out couches because they are a sofa by day and a bed by night, but you won’t break your back trying to toggle between the two positions. Most futons turn into a bed by simply pushing the back flat. Some options on our list offer a few positions between a sofa (with a 90-degree back) and a bed, so if you’re in the mood to recline without laying flat, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Some of our favorites have super soft velvet upholstery or button tufting to add some texture to your space. For even better space efficiency, choose one with hidden storage.

So, who are futons for? The easy answer: everyone. Anyone with enough room for a futon can incorporate one into their homes, but because they’re so clever (in terms of functionality), they work best for people with limited space to spare and who want to host overnight guests. Go ahead and peep our list of the most stylish futons that don’t skimp on coziness.

Tallulah Memory Foam Futon

With its vintage vibe, this midcentury-inspired futon crafted from memory foam adds a much-welcomed layer of comfort. Plus, we're not mad at the blue velvet upholstery complete with adorable button tufting, which gives it a more classic feel than what we'd typically expect from a futon. As for the futon itself, it can be adjusted in two ways to offer the best rest: Recline one or both sides of its split back to use it as a lounger or daybed. Of course, fold it all the way down to enjoy it as a twin-size bed. One reviewer wrote, "So classy and retro! For the low price I paid this definitely exceeded my expectations. The color of the soft sage and the soft velvet material added even more class! Took some time putting together because of all the little screws, but it was so worth it!"

Vintage Tufted Velvet Split Back Futon

Covered in a stain-friendly dark gray, this velvet sleeper is elegant and laidback. It's on sale for well under $300, which is a steal, so if you are in need of a new seating situation for your space, you can't go wrong with this vintage-inspired piece. If the dark neutral isn't for you, opt for any of the other five shades, including a bubblegum pink (Barbiecore, anyone?) and a mustard yellow. One reviewer wrote: "Looks like something out of a magazine. Large and easy to put together. You don't sink in, but it's firm and comfortable, perfect for napping. Was looking for something to tide me over while I decided how to decorate the new condo. This is gorgeous and I'm seriously considering buying another."

Memory Foam Futon

If you're wondering how this sofa turns into a bed, all you have to do is lightly push down on the back and arms, et voilà. It comes in several colors and fabrics, but our personal favorite is the navy faux suede (pictured) because it looks highly sophisticated. Style aside, this is a worthy contender for the best futon award because the whole thing is filled with memory foam, making it super cozy. One reviewer said, "This is a pretty comfortable futon I got it for my studio apartment and it looks pretty cute!"

Chloe Futon

The most stylish multifunctional furniture includes anything that you wouldn't expect can double as something else. Case in point: This sofa, which, at first glance, we'd never assume can become a full-blown bed. Not only does this become a complete flat full-size bed, but there are three adjustable fold-down backrest settings, including a recliner option. Just make sure you lock it in place so that you don't lean back and accidentally knock the back all the way down. "I really love the look of this futon. The color is gorgeous. It is firm but not uncomfortable. Feels very sturdy and easy to lay down into a bed," one reviewer said.

Devon Futon Sofa

This may be from Pottery Barn's teen line, but there's hardly anything juvenile about it. In fact, we think it would work perfectly in a small living room that doesn't have enough space for a full-size pull-out sleeper sofa. It's available in six fabrics including performance velvet, so if you're using it to host overnight guests, there's no need to worry about grime, dirt, or stains the next day. Of course, you may still want to enlist a set of soft sheets so that they don't have to lay their heads where other people have sat.

Convertible Floor Sleeper

This is also one of the easiest pieces to go from sofa to bed: Just push down on the back and it will flatten into a comfortable, foam-filled masterpiece. The floor sleeper is under $600 and available in more than 20 fabric options, so you can semi-customize it to your heart's content. The only downside here is that most of them won't ship until about 12 weeks after ordering.

Leonard Tufted Futon

If black furniture isn't your cup of tea, this may not be the sofa for you, but what it lacks in color options, it makes up for in comfort. We'd expect nothing less from the company famous for its highly cozy mattresses. Like a few other options on our list, this one boasts multi-positional mechanism, but unlike the others, it also features the brand's patented Finger Guard technology. If you, like us, had never heard of that phrase before, allow us to explain: You will never get your fingers caught or pinched when you're shifting the futon into different positions. "I received this in great condition. It's very comfortable for the price. Perfect for a dorm room," one reviewer said.

Haden Urban Sofa Bed

Like many other options on our list, this one features an easy-to-maneuver drop-down back, so if you're not particularly handy, this is a good option for you. It takes about two seconds to go from sofa to sleep sanctuary. We are not using the phrase "sleep sanctuary" lightly because the whole surface is made of high-density foam, which is both super plush, but firm enough that you won't feel like you're being swallowed when you're sitting or sleeping.

It also comes with removable legs, which you won't really want to be attaching and detaching on a regular basis, but this definitely comes in handy when moving it to a different room (or when you're moving into a new home). Luckily, Apt2B offers free in-room delivery.

Parker Futon

Available in more than 20 fabrics, this West Elm futon is worth the wait (up to five weeks.) The brand makes each futon as the orders are placed, which may be a little annoying if you're eager to spend time on your new piece of furniture, but it's the best way to avoid producing unnecessary waste. So any environmental champions can snag this futon guilt-free. Both the back and the seat are filled with high-gauge sinuous spring cushion support, so you can literally rest assured that this will bring your guests a good night's sleep.

Emily Convertible Tufted Futon

This futon is so popular that it sold out in five of the 10 shades. Luckily, this sumptuous green is still on offer, but not for long. After all, cozy couches under $300 don't stay on the market for more than a few weeks, so if you're in hot pursuit of a double-duty piece that's shockingly comfortable, prepare to meet your match. There's also an adjustable split-back, so if you want to recline and your guest would rather sit up right, go right ahead.

Jannick Full Futon Sleeper

Inspired by minimalist Scandinavian design, the Jannick futon unfolds into a full-size bed. All you have to do is pull out the seat and push the back down so you've got a plush, cozy bed for any overnight guests. A word to the wise: It also comes in a charcoal gray shade, so if the idea of a difficult-to-clean white sofa gives you anxiety, you have options—well one other option.

Clara Futon

Think pink—or basically any color—with the Clara storage futon, which features a sustainably sourced wood frame and about a hundred fabric option—most of which are performance-grade. High-gauge sinuous springs provide supreme cushion support, so if you have an overnight guest, there's no need to splurge on a guest room. Instead, just fold down the back of this sofa and drape a sheet set across it. Otherwise, just lift the seat to use the hidden storage space for blankets, pillows, and dog toys. Did we mention you get free white glove delivery with this piece?

Clarissa Wide Convertible Chair

The ultimate space-saving futon? A sleeper chair. Coming in at just 32 inches wide, this is the smallest option on the list. What it lacks in size, though, it makes up for in serious comfort. We're talking fiber-wrapped foam and sinuous springs, which, together, make for a cozy alternative to a bed. That said, this isn't exactly a longterm sleeping option because, well, it is small. One reviewer said: "My cat was faster than me she really enjoy it. Joke aside, was so easy to establish. Good material, beautiful color, and is very comfortable. Is not too tight so you can sleep well over it. I was hesitating at the beginning, l saw some bad feedback but is 5 ⭐️ product. Overall l'm happy with my chair bed and my cat too. I highly recommend it."

Wide Adjustable Arms Futon

Technically, this futon with adjustable arms is faux leather, but you'd never know because it looks, feels, and even smells like the real thing. This one, however, is a bit more environmentally friendly because no animals were harmed in the making of this beautifully rugged piece. It features a deep seat that's filled with memory foam, making it supremely comfortable while you use it as a sofa, and folds down flat to reveal a twin-size mattress.

"So glad I purchased this. The most difficult thing about putting it together was managing getting the pieces up my stairs (I did it by myself, two people could easily do this). The futon is super comfortable and looks really good in our in-the-works game room,"one reviewer wrote.

Finn Futon Sofa

The Finn futon, with its gently curved silhouette, beckons immediate coziness. Flip the back all the way down to create a platform bed that accommodates queen-size fitted sheets. You may not be able to tell from the photo, but its upholstered in a fine and nubby bouclé fabric, which is definitely having a moment right now.

How We Selected the Most Comfortable Futons

When we started building our list of the most comfortable futons, we decided on a number: 15, which feels like the perfect amount because it's enough to provide plenty of options but not so enormous of a list that readers may get overwhelmed by choice. The next step was picking the actual futons to include in the carefully curated list. We spent hours combing through our favorite retailers who never let us down (think West Elm, Wayfair, and more) in search of the most beautiful products. Once we choice a few stylish options, we read the reviews (all of them!) and picked the most highly rated options. We also included verified reviews from buyers who touched on the comfortability of the piece. Lastly, we considered everything, from ease of assembly and use to price, when determining whether or not the futon's worth purchasing.

What to Look for When Buying a Futon

Futons come in all sizes, colors, and materials so narrowing down to one choice can be rather difficult. Size and price, depending on your budget and living space, are likely two of the most important factors to finding a comfy pick. Ahead, we break down what to consider while shopping for one.

Size: Most futons are around the same size. They're often between a full and queen size bed at night and a traditional three-seat sofa during the day. If you have queen size sheets, they'll definitely fit on your futon. The only reason we'd suggest paying attention to the size is to make sure it can squeeze through your front door.

Padding: We wouldn't suggest that anyone sleep on a futon for more than a few days because they're not designed to be a longterm sleep solution. That said, if you're hosting overnight guests, offering them a comfortable place to sleep is the courteous thing to do, so making sure the futon cushions are filled with foam, feathers, down, or a combination of the three is a good idea. Plus, if you'll be using the futon as a sofa during the day, you'll likely want something cozy.

Ease of Transition: Unlike sleeper sofas, which can be difficult to transition from couch to bed, futons are typically really easy to unfold. That said, some are more difficult than others and come with lock-in-place mechanisms that are a bit rough on your hands. So if you want something that you can recline and snap back up in a matter of seconds, make sure you take a look at how it operates.

What Is the Difference Between a Futon and a Sleeper Sofa?

Futons and sleeper sofas are very similar: They're both multi-functional pieces of furniture that are a couch by day and a bed at night. That said, the way that they transform post-sundown is a bit varied, and that's what makes them different. Whereas a sleeper sofa actually features a mattress that's hidden beneath the couch cushions, a futon's cushions are the bed. In other words, there's no additional mattress in a futon.

Our editors have slept on both and can confirm that sleeper sofas tend to be a bit more comfortable for longer term stays because they include an actual mattress. Because futons are simply cushioned pads, they aren't great for more than a few days. If you want something simple and easy for your guests to enjoy over the course of one or two nights, a futon will definitely get the job done.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years. She also works with countless interior designers to determine what makes a product worthy in the home. When it comes to picking out the best (and most affordable) pieces for any space, this is her speciality. She lives in New York City, where she has to keep budget and size constraints in mind while decorating her home. You can trust that she has done her homework here to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story in particular, Cherner spent a day combing through verified reviews and ratings to see what shoppers are saying about futons. She selected the futons with the most positive reviews for comfortability and also used her knowledge about retailers and their products to determine what piece may actually feel comfortable.

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