A common myth we’re here to debunk is that multi-functional seating isn’t cozy. So we found the most comfortable futons—couches by day and beds by night—that are equally comfortable in both positions. When searching for a futon, it’s all about the fill because, unlike a sofa bed that comes with its own mattress, you’ll be sleeping directly on the cushions. With that in mind, our favorite finds are filled with everything from fiber-wrapped springs to plush memory foam. Rest assured—literally—that whether you’re using it as a sofa or as a bed, you’ll feel cozy.
Plus, as design editors, we believe that style is just as paramount as comfort, so we only chose options that are show-stoppingly gorgeous. Think a Scandinavian-inspired piece from West Elm, a Serta futon that looks like it could be straight from Mies van der Rohe’s sketchbook, and a minty green find that will become an instant conversation starter.
So if you’ll be hosting out-of-towners any time soon and don’t have a spare bedroom to set them up in, worry not. These comfortable futons will make them feel right at home. Just don’t wait too long! Summer is the season of travel, and we have a feeling that these cool finds won’t be on offer for too much longer. Go ahead, transform your entire living space with just one item!
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 light green 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.
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.
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.
Covered in a warm-toned olive shade, this velvet sleeper is elegant and laidback. It's on sale for $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 green isn't for you, opt for any of the other five shades, including a bubble bum pink (Barbiecore, anyone?), beige, or a dark gray.
Serta is usually our go-to for mattresses, so when we discovered this fold-down sofa filled with high-density foam, we knew it deserved a spot on the list of most comfortable futons. Coziness aside, this is worth the investment, courtesy of its iconic midcentury-inspired silhouette. In fact, for a hot second, we mistook it for a Mies van der Rohe piece! From the wide button tufting to the splayed chrome legs, it is borrowing the best elements of 1960s design.
This futon is so popular that it's sold out in six 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.
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?
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, et voila, you've got a plush, cozy bed for any overnight guests. Word to the wise: It also comes in a charcoal gray shade, so if a the idea of a difficult-to-clean white sofa gives you anxiety, you have options—well one other option.
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!
Dimensions
32" W x 35.43" D x 31.89" H
Material
Polyester
Assembly
Yes
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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, theres no additional mattress in a futon.
Can you fit sheets over a futon?
House Beautiful
Yes, you can fit sheets over a futon. Most futons unfold into a twin-size bed, so as long as you have a spare set of the right size, you're good to go. Need a few suggestions? Peep our favorite soft sheets!
Why trust us?
House Beatiful
House Beautiful knows a thing or two about packing a lot of style into a small space. So when we set out to find the most comfortable futons, we chose ones that are so cozy, you'd be tempted to get rid of your bed. Plus, all of our top picks are as comfortable as they are affordable.
Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.