Alexandra Ramirez
1. Kodiak
Best Overall Futon
5/5 Product Rating
The Kodiak futon has a sturdy metal frame and wooden legs that provide plenty of stability. The blue microfiber goes well with most décor.
This is the perfect design for someone who prefers a more contemporary and modern look. You will get comfort, quality, convenience and a great place for guests and family to sit or sleep. If your child is going off to college, this is the perfect item to send them with. They will be able to sleep at night and have plenty of room during the day and evening for friends to sit and chat or study.
– Sarah Lytle
2. Milton Greens Stars
Best Overall Futon – Runner Up
4.8/5 Product Rating
Even the picky family members are going to love sleeping and sitting on this stylish futon. The dimensions of the futon are 83” x 51 ½” x 18 ½”. It can change from a comfortable sofa to an even more comfortable bed in mere seconds.
The space saving design of this futon fits well in any space it is placed. It provides sturdiness and durability that will last. Assembling this comfortable piece of furniture is easy and won’t take long at all.
Not only does it provide extra seating and extra sleeping space, it also provides extra storage space thanks to the convenient hidden storage compartment that is underneath the seat. You can store extra blankets, keepsakes or anything else you want to put in there.
This wonderful futon is available in brown and beige to match the different décor colors in your home. It is the perfect choice for a studio apartment, a dorm room or a teenager’s room where they want more grownup decor.
– Sarah Lytle
3. DHP
Best Budget Futon
4.5/5 Product Rating
The DHP futon can be converted from a sofa to a lounge chair to a bed. The cushions of this futon are full and stay full and firm even after it has been used daily. The foam and polyester filling provides plenty of comfort whether you are sitting or lying down.
This futon is the perfect choice for a dorm room, studio apartment, or office and is available in several color choices to fit any décor. This is not the futon of old; comfort is the focus and DHP provides it in this attractive and sleek piece of furniture.
– Sarah Lytle
Futon Buying Guide
There are several things you should do when you want to purchase a futon. These steps will help you choose the perfect style for all your needs. We have listed the steps below.
What is your plan? – You should never purchase a big ticket item without knowing how and where you will be using it. This goers for a futon as well. What you will be using it for and how you will be using it will affect your choices of mattress, frame and the style and color of the cover. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you make a decision.
- Will the futon be used for sitting and lounging more or will it be used as a bed each night?
- Will you be putting the futon in the den? Guest bedroom? Teen’s room?
- Is there other furniture that will be around the futon?
- What style futon works best with your current décor?
- Measure the space where you will be putting the futon to ensure you have plenty of room. You need a space that will be big enough when the futon is unfolded. Don’t forget to take the frame into consideration when you are looking at various models. Make sure that the measurements you are looking at in the description include the frame and are not just the mattress. Normally the futon will need to be about 8-12” from the wall.
Combining Function and Fashion – Futons are not what they used to be but many people don’t know this. They automatically think that if they purchase a futon it is going to be flimsy and uncomfortable. The opposite is actually the case. Futons are better than ever with thick, firm mattresses that stay thick and firm, frames that look terrific in any room and style that goes with many different decorating styles. There are a few key points that you will want to consider before you purchase your futon.
1. Futon Frame – There are two different types of folds that futons can have: bi-fold and tri-fold. The bi-fold frames fold one time and look the most like a regular living room or den sofa with arms and legs.
The majority of bi-fold frames have a roller system that allows quick and easy conversion from the sleeping to the sitting position. Tri-fold frames fold twice and were the original frames that futons were made with. Tri-fold futons are larger and more cumbersome than bi-fold frames. Depending on the style, some tri-fold futons sit directly on the floor while some have legs.
The most traditional style is wooden and can be made of ash, maple, cherry or oak. These are more expensive than other styles but they tend to be sturdier and last longer as well. The metal frame futons are less expensive and very durable. These are good choices for those who like contemporary designs. There are many different finishes that a metal futon can have.
2. Futon Cover – Although the futon you choose to purchase will most likely have a cover, you can purchase other covers to have different looks anytime you want. A futon cover can range in price from as low as $30 to as high as $300. They can be made from many different materials including cotton, twill, micro-suede, wool and leather. If you will be using the futon as a couch on a regular basis, choose covers that are durable, stain resistant and long lasting.
Other Considerations to Keep in Mind
- If you or someone else will be using the futon as a regular sleeping bed as well as a couch, look for futons that have mattresses that are at least 8 to 10 inches thick. This will ensure the most comfort on a long term basis.
- One of the problems that some futons can have is the mattress slipping off the frame. One method of dealing with this is to purchase futon grips that keep this problem from occurring. There are foam and rubber futon grips. Out of the two, foam works the best.
- You can extend the life of your futon mattress by vacuuming it regularly and flipping it on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Convertible style futons are more expensive than standard futon frames, mostly because of the material costs involved and the additional upholstery they have. They can also have additional features like multi-positioning, hidden storage compartments and similar extras. With a convertible futon the cover is not removable or replaceable which makes it more difficult to keep in great condition since it can’t be washed. If the material has a stain resistor of some kind, it will help repel stains.
- If you don’t have a ton of space, look for futons that are called wall hugger futons. These can be converted from one position to the other without having to the frame away from the wall. Some wall hugger styles can be placed right up against the wall but others will need some clearance to covert from couch to bed.
Common Futon Frame Vocabulary
The following terms have to do with futon frames. Knowing these words will help during the research and purchasing process.
- Slat rack – Both convertible and stationary futons have what is called the slat rack. This is the platform that the futon mattress rests on.
- Seat Rack – This is the slat rack that the user sits on when the futon is put into the sitting position.
- Conversion – Changing the futon from sitting to sleeping or sleeping to sitting is called conversion.
- Back Rest – The slat rack that runs along the back of the futon where people lean when in the sitting position.
- Bi-fold – A bi-fold futon has two slat racks and folds once.
- Tri-fold – This type of futon using three slat racks and folds twice.
- Wall Hugger – This type of futon frame can go from sitting to sleeping without having to move the base against the wall at all.
- Kicker – this piece of wood (or plastic) is between the seat rack and the back rest and helps the futon go from one position to another fluidly.
Conclusion
Futons have come a long way over the last several years. Due to these advancements in style, function and comfort, they are a very popular and practical choice for outfitting a dorm room, kid’s room, guest room, den or even an office. They are available in many different styles and types so you can rest assured that there is a style that will appeal to you.
The three top rated futons that we have featured above are great examples of the different types of futons available. All three of these stylish choices are made from quality materials and are manufactured from reputable furniture companies.
If you are looking for something different than the three choices we have reviewed, use the information in the buyer’s guide to deter mine your needs and what is available so you can match them up. The right knowledge will enable you to make an informed decision that will work for your needs while fulfilling your preferences as well.
Resources
- BHP – http://www.dhpfurniture.com/eng/
- Milton Green Stars – http://miltongreensstars.com/zencart/
