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When you say the word “futon” it immediately conjures up images of college dorm rooms, cramped first apartments, and young sleepers who currently don’t have to worry about stiff backs and necks in the morning. But, what exactly is a futon? (As in, what half-couch-half bed structure actually qualifies as a futon? And is that the same thing as a daybed…or a couch bed?)
Let’s dive deep into the world of multifunctional furniture — and convince you that you should reconsider the budget-friendly, space-saving, humble futon. Spoiler alert: The best futons on the market have come a long way since your dad’s college days and can actually be comfortable, functional, and quite cute.
A futon is a Japanese bedding style. It serves as a mattress for sleeping, but can function as a sofa during waking hours. A complete futon consists of a pliable mattress and a frame. In a sitting position, a traditional futon is folded up. You can easily flatten the futon out, turning it into a mattress, when it’s time to sleep.
The traditional Japanese shikifuton, an unstructured mattress that can be folded, dates back centuries. Futons became popular in the United States during the 1970s because of their affordability, functionality, and compatibility with a nomadic lifestyle.
Futon vs. Sofa Bed vs. Daybed
Futons, sofa beds, and daybeds are extremely similar pieces of furniture. They’re all designed for sitting and sleeping, so it makes sense that they’re commonly confused for one another — but there are a few key differences:
There are many different types of futons on the market. Here are some of the most common varieties:
A bifold futon features a mattress that folds in half. The simplest design, this type is perfect for a no-fuss small space dweller.
A trifold futon, meanwhile, is exactly what it sounds like: A futon mattress that folds into thirds. These are slightly more difficult to convert from sofa to bed and back again, but they tend to take up less space when folded. Trifold futon mattresses are typically sold separately from the bed frames.
A futon bunk bed makes great use of vertical space. The top level is like a regular top bunk, but the first level is a foldable futon for lounging and sleeping. It’s the perfect choice for cramped apartments.
Loveseat futons take up the least amount of space of any futon in this list. Like a traditional loveseat, it will only accommodate two people sitting in very close quarters. This variety is typically only available in twin mattress sizes.
An armless futon, as the name suggests, doesn’t have arms on either side. These futons have a sleek look and are ideal for tall sleepers.
Futons can be quite comfortable, especially for people who like sleeping on firm or semi-firm surfaces. Of course, you get what you pay for: Well-made futons will likely be cozier and more supportive on your body than their lower-quality counterparts. However, there are some things you can do to make an uncomfortable futon more comfortable:
1. Embrace whimsy and style.
Futons are known for their practicality and functionality, but that doesn’t mean they can’t reflect your personal style! Vintage design aficionado Janine Genower dressed up the futon in her U.K. townhouse with fun accent pillows and a colorful retro crocheted blanket.
An old futon mattress perched on top of a DIY wooden platform bed frame with crisp white bedding makes a chic and functional guest bed, as evidenced by this amazing DIY from Chatfield Court.
3. When in doubt, add a throw.
This futon situated in a Chicago studio is styled with a neutral striped throw, which can conveniently be taken from decor to snuggly blankie when used as a bed.
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