The best futons of 2025 for apartments, dorm rooms and beyond – ryan

Once a mainstay of dorm rooms and post-college apartments, futons have experienced something of a resurgence recently. Maybe you spotted a Japanese futon on Pinterest (where searches for “Japanese futon bedrooms” increased by 245% last year!), or you noticed a fold-out sofa at a trendy furniture store. The fact is, futons are a blessing for anyone who has overnight guests and no space for a regular bed frame. And the best futons look chicer — and are more comfortable — than ever, so if you imagine thin cushions on rickety metal legs, prepare to be surprised.

I was: Even though I’ve been a home editor for the past 20 years, I was blown away by the modern futons available nowadays. To come up with this list, I talked to designers who specialize in small spaces (yes, including dorms), then reviewed nearly 100 options online, looking at upholstery, construction and customer reviews. Take a seat, because these futons are going to floor you.

Table of contents

Best futons of 2025

Dimensions: 34″H x 81.5″W x 34″D | Weight capacity: 600 lbs. | Frame material: Manufactured wood | Colors: Gray (shown), blue, mustard yellow and black | Features: Sleeper, tufted, split back, reclining

Sarah Bronstein, whose North Carolina-based firm Sukkha Interior Design specializes in tiny house and vacation rental design, often turns to Wayfair for affordable, stylish futons. Without a doubt, the site is a treasure trove of options, with everything from basic armless designs that would be perfect in a dorm to chic, tufted sleeper sofas, like this pick.

Made by the Wayfair-exclusive brand Mercury Row, which focuses on midcentury modern-style furniture, the velvet Perdue is the ultimate futon-that-doesn’t-look-like-a-futon. I especially love the vintage-inspired channeled back, which reclines flat to create a twin-size bed. For extra support, the futon comes with additional legs that fold up and fit inside zippered compartments in the back when not in use — clever!

Shoppers seem to agree: This beauty has more than 16,000 five-star reviews. “I bought this sofa as a backup for when I need an extra bed. Love the look, and now I can’t get my grandson off of it. It’s sturdy and comfortable,” raved one fan. 

“Might not last 10 years, but it is just what we needed for now! Firm, but comfortable,” noted another. Speaking of firmness, note that some reviewers find the seat “hard as a rock.” If you’re hoping for something you can sink into, this isn’t it.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Chic, vintage-inspired design
  • Soft performance velvet upholstery
  • Comes with additional support legs for use as a bed

Cons

  • May be too firm for some
  • Some reviewers say it broke after a few years

$279 at Wayfair

Dimensions: 31.5″H x 75″W x 35.5″D | Weight capacity: 500 lbs. | Frame material: Solid pine and plywood | Colors: Vintage White (shown) and Light Miller Gray | Features: Sleeper, armless, with removable cushions

One of my favorite furniture companies, Article, makes Scandinavian-style pieces perfect for small spaces. The Braam is no exception: Although it measures 75 inches wide, its armless design and folded seat cushion give it a sleek look. You could easily nestle this piece in a corner.  

“I think Article makes a super high-quality product for the price point,” says Bronstein. “I use their sofas and sleeper sofas in almost all my Airbnb designs, and they get great reviews. I also appreciate that they have quite a few small sofa beds perfect for tiny houses.”

Turning the Braam into a sleeping surface is as simple as unfolding the seat cushion and laying it flat on the floor, then securing it with a Velcro strip. High-density foam and pocket springs wrapped in polyester give the cushion a firm yet comfy feel, say shoppers. Some topped it with a mattress pad to make it even cozier. 

Pros

  • Sleek, modular design
  • Fairly compact footprint
  • Reviewers rave about the ivory color
  • No assembly required
  • Easy to transition into a sleeper

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Sleep surface is not a standard size (5 inches shorter than a queen)
  • Mattress rests on the floor

$1,299 at Article

Dimensions: 29″H x 65.3″W x 32″D | Weight capacity: 500 lbs. | Frame material: Wood | Colors: Light blue (shown), navy, brown, gray, beige and six more | Features: Sleeper, armless, reclining, tufted, with cup holder, with removable cushions

Shelly Gates of Mary Margaret Designs in Madison, Miss., specializes in dorm room decor and says all her favorite futons come from Amazon. “It’s the best place, as far as having a wide variety of styles at a good price range,” she explains. This pick is one of her go-tos, thanks to its midcentury modern-inspired design and sturdy chrome legs. “I always look at the legs first,” she explains. “They’re a giveaway to the futon’s quality.”  

This sleeper comes in 11 colors, from neutral gray and cream to vibrant aqua and chartreuse. The linen upholstery looks “lovely and elevated,” Gates says, belying the budget-friendly price tag. “I’ll be plugging this one into several dorm rooms for sure.” Built-in cup holders are a fun touch, perfect for movie nights.

Though reviews are all over the place (especially when it comes to assembly — some people say it’s a breeze, while others had a hard time), more than 3,900 Amazon shoppers have awarded this futon five stars. Fans love the color of the upholstery and the overall look. Beware, though: The mattress measures only about 65 inches long, 10 inches shorter than a standard twin.  

Pros

  • Comes in 11 colors
  • Stylish, midcentury-modern design
  • Under $200
  • Sturdy chrome legs
  • Comes with removable arm cushions and built-in cup holders

Cons

  • Reviews vary on ease of assembly
  • Sleeping surface is small

$180 at Amazon

Dimensions: 31″H x 83.5″W x 40″D | Weight capacity: Unlisted | Frame material: Solid eucalyptus and engineered hardwood | Colors: Silver (shown), Storm Gray, Alabaster, Oatmeal, Midnight and 30 more | Features: Sleeper

For futons that blend comfort with style, Los Angeles designer Liad Schwartz of Interiors with Liad is a fan of West Elm, and I’m right there with him. I’ve owned the non-futon version of the bestselling Andes sofa for the past four years, and its deep, plush seats make it the ideal spot for hunkering down during Netflix marathons. 

This futon looks just like the standard Andes, with the same low-slung silhouette and sculptural metal legs. Even though it comes in about half as many fabrics as the sofa, there are still 78 to choose from, including velvet, chenille, boucle and linen — more than any other futon we’ve seen! (You can also score it in top-grain leather for about $1,000 more.) 

The biggest difference between the models is that the back cushions on the futon are fixed. They fold down alongside the seat using a click-clack mechanism to form a firm, nearly queen-size mattress.

Pros

  • Comes in 78 fabrics and 18 leathers
  • From a bestselling collection
  • Easy to convert from sofa to sleeper
  • Low-slung shape that would work with lots of different aesthetics

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Cushions may be too firm for some

$1,359 at West Elm

Dimensions: 80″L x 54″W x 4″D (Full) | Weight capacity: Unlisted | Frame material: N/A | Colors: Black (shown), off white, gray, navy, light brown and 17 more | Features: Washable cover

No room for an extra piece of furniture? Try a quality floor mattress. Most of the futons in this story are essentially sofa beds, whereas this futon is more like what’s common in Japan. Japanese futons are quilted sleeping pads; you can put them on a frame, but they can just as easily sit on a thin tatami mat or pad or directly on the floor. 

If you’re tight on space, this is a smart option because, much like an air mattress, a floor mattress can be stored away when it’s not in use. The Maxyoyo is a No. 1 Amazon bestseller with more than 6,000 five-star reviews. Many shoppers rave about how comfortable and firm it is — it’s filled with high-density foam and polyester. 

“As someone who likes harder mattresses, I decided to experiment with a Japanese-style futon instead of a Western bed when I moved cities in 2021, and don’t regret it,” related one longtime fan. “Four years later, I still enjoy sleeping on it. My only complaint is that it doesn’t fold or roll up as neatly as advertised (it would not fit on a normal-sized shelf in my closet, for instance), but if it did, it wouldn’t be as fluffy.” 

It comes in five sizes, from a “small single” that measures 75″ x 32″ to a standard king, and in nearly two dozen colors, including some fun patterns that would be cute in a kid’s room. 

Pros

  • Praised for its comfort
  • Zero assembly
  • Comes with a washable dust cover
  • Affordable
  • Great for tight spaces because it can be folded up when not in use

Cons

  • Some reviewers report the mattress doesn’t reach the promised 4-inch thickness
  • Bulky to store

$90 at Amazon

Dimensions: 30.7″H x 66.1″W x 39.4″D | Weight capacity: 500 lbs. | Frame material: Wood | Colors: Green (shown), gray and white | Features: Sleeper, reclining, split back, armless

If you ask me, the Seventies are always in style, and this pipsqueak of a futon offers a great chance to channel the decade’s laid-back look. “Corduroy is the new ‘thing’ right now,” says Gates, who just recently furnished a dorm with this little loveseat. The fabric is durable, plus it hides messes better than a flat weave — key for college students and anyone else who’s spill-prone!

I love the forest green color, but if you’re looking for something more subtle, it also comes in neutrals, including gray and cream. Considering the price, this piece is impressively customizable: It has a split-back design, so you can adjust each back cushion independently to three different angles. You can also adjust the arms to five different angles, so if you prefer an armless sofa, it’s easily (pardon the pun) within reach.

Pros

  • Highly adjustable
  • Affordable
  • Also comes in a larger size (73″ wide)
  • Cool, vintage-inspired look

Cons

  • Low back might not be comfortable for tall people
  • Cushions aren’t the comfiest to sleep on

$170 at Amazon

Dimensions: 34″H x 91″W x 37″D | Weight capacity: Not listed | Frame material: Engineered wood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) | Colors: White (shown), Indigo, Slate, Oatmeal, Carbon Gray and 20 more | Features: Sleeper, with storage, with removable cushions

If you’re buying a futon, you’re likely dealing with a small space, so why not get one that has built-in storage? I’m a big fan of this Pottery Barn futon’s traditional shape — just get a load of those classy roll arms — but what really won me over is the hidden compartment underneath the seat cushion, which is big enough to hold a few throw pillows and/or blankets.

Though the Shasta is on the pricier side, Pottery Barn furniture is famously durable and long-lasting. Many of the designers and stylists I’ve worked with during my career as a home magazine editor consider it a standby.

The mattress is memory foam, and the frame is customizable, with 41 upholstery options including velvet, tweed, linen and chenille. It’s all very quiet luxury!

Pros

  • Looks like a traditional sofa
  • Comes in 41 fabrics
  • Extremely well made
  • Has built-in storage compartment

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy (175 pounds)

$1,099 at Pottery Barn

Dimensions: 22″H x 84.75″W x 36.25″D | Weight capacity: Not listed | Frame material: Engineered hardwood | Colors: Curious Java (shown), Gray, Charcoal, Snow, Sage and 46 more | Features: Tufted

“I always check for clean construction and thoughtful detailing,” says Schwartz, and this sofa from Crate & Barrel’s modern sister brand fits the bill. “It’s one of my favorites right now.” Though it’s technically a daybed, it has a deep, firm foam poly-blend seat cushion that could easily do double-duty as a single mattress.

Make no mistake, this is a statement piece, with a low, curving silhouette that makes it look more like a sculpture than a sofa. It comes in 59 fabrics, including a beautiful blue-and-white toile and some funky geometric patterns, plus four leathers. The channeled back is a nice touch that adds to the high-end feel.

I’d buy this if you’re looking to take the occasional snooze, but if you regularly host people overnight, you’ll probably want a more traditional futon. 

Pros

  • Unique, high-end design
  • Comes in 59 fabrics and four leathers
  • Firm bench seat means no dips in the sleeping surface
  • Channeled back adds a vintage-inspired touch

Cons

  • Expensive
  • More of a design piece than a sleeper

$1,209 at CB2

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What’s the difference between a futon and a sleeper sofa?

These pieces serve the same purpose — they’re both couch-bed combos — so it’s easy to confuse them. A sleeper sofa has an actual mattress hidden within the frame that you pull out when you need it. It’s separate from the seat cushions. A futon uses the seat and often back cushions as the mattress. Generally, this means it takes up less overall space than a sleeper sofa.

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Factors to consider when choosing a futon

Whether you’re looking for a small-space sleeper or doing back-to-school shopping with a college student, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Where the futon is going: A futon that’s destined for a dorm room should be small and durable — and if it looks obviously like a futon (think the Pipishell from Amazon, above), that’s probably okay. If it’s going in a living area in your home, a futon that mimics a traditional sofa, like the Perdue Convertible Sofa, would be a better fit. Small apartments or houses may also benefit from a futon with built-in storage or a futon mattress only, which you can fold up and store when not in use. Adds Monica Reese, Lowe’s director of trend and style, “In smaller spaces, a futon without bulky arms or with a streamlined profile can make a big difference.”

  • How often it’ll be used as a sleeper: This should come as no surprise, but futons are generally not as comfortable as traditional mattresses because the seat (and sometimes back) cushions do double duty as the sleeping surface. They’re often very firm. If you’re someone who gets a lot of long-term overnight visitors, a Japanese-style futon is a smart choice because, like an air mattress, you can pull it out only when you need it, plus it’s typically more comfortable than a traditional futon.

  • Bed size: Futons come in a wide range of dimensions, from small chair futons that accommodate just one kid or small adult to sofas that fold out into king-size beds. “Before buying, take accurate measurements of the available space, not just for the futon when used as a couch, but also when fully extended into a bed,” advises Reese. “Be sure to leave enough room around the futon to walk comfortably and access nearby furniture or doors.” When buying bed sheets, keep in mind that many futons don’t conform to standard mattress sizes. If yours doesn’t, size up for your sheets to ensure they cover the entire sleeping surface.

  • Frame and cushion construction: “Start with a solid frame. Hardwood or sturdy metal is ideal,” says Schwartz. “You also want a smooth, easy-to-use folding mechanism and upholstery that can hold up to regular use.” As for the cushions/mattress, he says, “High-density foam is a good baseline. If you can find one with coils, even better! It should feel supportive and balanced. A flat surface tends to be more comfortable for sleeping, but a bit of tufting can help the mattress hold its shape.”

  • Upholstery and design: As with any large, expensive piece of furniture, it pays to choose a design that you know you’ll like for the long haul. It’s okay if it’s a bit boring because you can add personality with accessories. “Opt for a futon with clean lines and a neutral fabric. This gives you flexibility to update the look over time with throws or pillows, rather than having to replace the entire piece,” says Reese, who also advises picking upholstery that’s performance-grade or stain-resistant and easy to spot-clean. “Neutral tones, like tan, gray, cream, oatmeal and navy, tend to work across a wide range of spaces and styles,” she adds.

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How we chose these futons

I’ve done a lot of research on the furniture market, both as a home editor with two decades of experience and for personal reasons: I just bought a new sleeper sofa for my living room! I relied on my own expertise as well as interviews with five design experts who specialize in small spaces.

Once I gathered their tips and suggestions, I did my own research, checking top sellers at various retailers and futons other publications have covered. In total, I reviewed nearly 100 futons, looking closely at the frame materials, upholstery and mattress thickness and firmness. I also prioritized futons I thought would work well with different design styles, and I checked customer reviews for real-life feedback on each futon’s performance.

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Futon FAQs

Which brand futon is best?

You can’t go wrong with a reputable furniture brand, such as CB2, West Elm, Pottery Barn and Article. These companies generally produce durable pieces with engineered or solid hardwood frames — but that higher quality does come with a higher price tag.

What are the downsides to futons?

Fold-out futons are generally less comfortable than traditional mattresses because their couch cushions also serve as the sleeping surface. Some people find them uncomfortably firm. Japanese futons sit on their ground (or low to the ground), which may feel uncomfortable. They also can be difficult to get up from if you’re tall or have mobility issues.

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Meet the experts

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.