I have a lot of friends who couch surf, and the best decision I made for them was to get a futon couch. Additionally, I get the best Netflix moments from my futon couch. Mine was very affordable, and I have compiled a list to help you find the best futon under $200.
What is a Futon?
Image Source: shopTheNovogratz.com
The futon is a Japanese word for a traditional bed. The one thing that stands out with futons is that you can transform them into a couch and back to a bed. This makes futons one of the most convenient pieces of furniture to have around.
Top Rated Futons
Rank | Product Image | Brand Name | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
| ||
2 |
| ||
3 |
| ||
4 |
| ||
5 |
|
a) Best Choice Futon Sofa
- 3 ADJUSTABLE POSITIONS: Perfect for any occasion, three backrest...
- ROOM FOR 2: This stylish futon sofa has a 500-pound weight limit...
- CONVERTIBLE SOFA BED: Stay prepared for overnight guests by...
- QUALITY DESIGN: Durably crafted with tufted faux leather and 4...
- PERFECT FOR SMALL SPACES: Enjoy the functionality of a full-sized...
Image Source: amazon.com
Best Choice futon is way ahead of other futons because of its convenience. I own this futon, and here are some features I enjoy about it. First, the futon has cup holders, making it easier to have drinks or beverages when doing other things. The removable armrests further make it comfortable to use as a seat.
With three adjustable positions, the Best Choice futon offers maximum comfort at an affordable rate.
Pros:
Cons:
b) Serta Rane Convertible Sofa
- COMFORT: Serta, the first name in comfort, makes...
- BEAUTY: This futuristic, convertible sofa has a sleek silhouette...
- SPECIFICATIONS: This convertible sofa is made from...
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Vacuum occasionally, and use the soft brush...
- CONVERTIBLE: The back easily folds down to lounge for casual...
Image Source: dontwasteyourmoney.com
Serta Rena is the sofa bed I bought for my younger brother's dorm room. The sofa's simple design will work with most interior design ideas. The premium polyester is comfortable to sleep on, and the frames are strong enough to accommodate a high limit.
Pros:
Cons:
c) DHP Emily Futon
- Modern low profile design futon frame with chrome metal legs and...
- Split back design provides multiple positions including lounging...
- Pair with the matching chair, chaise lounger and/or ottoman for a...
- Futon Dimensions: 71"W x 34"D x 32"H; Sleeping Dimensions: 71"L x...
- Ships in one box and assembles quickly; Shipping Dimensions: 45"L...
Image Source: ubuy.ke
The first thing I noticed on the futon sofa was the chrome legs and the black faux leather (other colors available). After that, I knew I had to get the sofa bed for my office space. The low-profile design brings style to the table that works for reception spaces.
Pros:
Cons:
d) Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon
- Stylish linen upholstery wipes clean easily
- Ribbed tufted cushioned back with slanted oak coloured wooden...
- Sturdy wood frame construction that is stable and durable
- Comfortable polyester and foam filling. Sleeper...
- Futon Dimensions: 81.5"L x 34.5"W x 31.5"H
Image Source: refinery29.com
This seat is stylish. When I was out in Finland visiting a friend, they had this same couch, and I loved it over most couches I have spent a night on. The upholstery is comfortable and does not need extra covering like a leather seat. Just be careful not to spill drinks on the seat. (Here are ways to clean almost anything in your household)
Pros:
Cons:
e) Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon
- Classic vintage design in velvet upholstery with button-tufted...
- Made on a sturdy wood frame with filling made of high-density...
- Multi-functional design. The back can be reclined to lounging and...
- Available in blue, grey, green and pink velvet. Ships in one box...
- Futon dimensions: 83”L x 33.5”W x 32.5”H. Sleeping...
Image Source: ubuy.ke
There was a time I worked at a studio, and the manager got this futon when I worked there. Immediately, my productivity improved as I could get enough rest. Also, the futon came in handy during listening sessions when everyone needed to be comfortable. There is so much to love about the couch.
Pros:
Cons:
Types of Futons
Being a sofa bed, the futon is designed for convenience when using it in small spaces. Here are some futon types you can compare when choosing a futon.
1) Bi-Fold Futon Beds
Image Source: Corner-Furniture.com
This is simply a futon you can convert into a sleeper sofa bed and a seat by lifting half of the bed to form an upright position. You can use the futon bed in a space where you do not spend most of your nights. This futon will cover you whenever your friends come couch surfing.
2) Tri-Fold Futons
This futon sofa looks great and will convert to a single sofa on which you will spend time listening to your favorite playlist or reading a good book. It cannot be easy to convert back to a sofa, but it is worth the effort.
3) Drop Leaf Futons
Image Source: Wayfair.com
These futons are the best to use if you want to have a table and save space simultaneously. The futon separates to give you extra parts you can use for other things.
4) Lounger
The lounger is a futon you can use when you have a small space because they are the smallest in size. The futon has wooden legs that tuck away to maximize space use.
Image Source: RealRooms.com
This futon bed will work out for you regardless of your space if you have these comfortable weighted blankets.
5) Love-Seat Futon
This is a futon sofa that looks like a single-seater. However, instead of folding along the length, it folds along the width at the center. A futon can make lovely sofas, and this design is great when you have a small space that would not take a two or three-seater sofa length.
How to Choose a Futon
1) Size
Image Source: housebeautiful.com
Like any other furniture, futons come in multiple sizes. Since a futon can pass for a bed, you will have sizes like the king size, queen size, large, extra large, and more. Your space will be the main deciding factor when choosing the size of the futon. If you have a large space, you have the luxury of getting a large futon and vice versa.
There are futons of all sizes to fit any room size.
2) Aesthetics
Image Source: thespruce.com
When I first got my futon, there was a very specific vibe I was going for. Before buying any furniture, I use some nice color ideas to match my walls. Having a futon that blends in with the house with stylish throw pillows will not make anyone notice that someone can sleep on the seat.
3) Futon Mattress Thickness/Sizes
When picking a futon mattress, you can choose a slim and sleek look or a thick and cozy one. Since I love watching movies with my partner, I used the thick mattress for maximum. However, when you use the futon for spending the night regularly, you should go for comfort.
Image Source: homedepot.com
Futon being a sofa bed, you will find different mattress sizes in the market. Know your futon size before you decide to buy a mattress.
Here are some futon mattresses you can buy to make comfortable seats.
- Memory Foam Mattress
- Foam and Polyester
- Spring Foam
- Foam and Cotton
Image Source: getasuperbuy.com
Once you know the kind of foam you are going for, you need to figure out the size in width of the mattress you want. Here are some mattress sizes to consider.
a) Single
The single mattress is also known as the twin-size mattress. The mattress is great for a small space like a children's room. For example, you can choose this mattress size if you use the futon in a guest room.
b) Double
You will hear this type of mattress called the full mattress. The mattress is 54 by 75 inches in size and is enough for two people.
c) King Mattress
This is the mattress I got, and it is wide. I made sure to get the memory foam futon mattress version, which has given me the best moments of rest and relaxation. The mattress size is also known as the eastern king. 76 by 80 inches will give you enough space to try all the sleeping positions you have always wanted.
d) Queen Mattress
This mattress will give you enough room but is slightly smaller than the king-sized one.
e) California King Mattress
As the name suggests, this western king mattress is the largest in the mattress world. So you are not only guaranteed a good night's rest but great movies and moments from your sofa bed. We are talking 72 by 84 inches of luxurious space.
5) Cost
Image Source: getasuperbuy.com
Cost is a huge factor, and you can get good futons at an affordable price. I have created a list of futon beds under $200 to help you get one on a budget.
6) Materials
Image Source: Betel.Ca
Futons come in different forms and materials. You can find futons made of wood, metal, bamboo and other not-so-popular materials like engineered wood. You can buy a stylish wooden futon if there is a look you are going for, say rustic. The material you choose for the futon will determine whether the bed will last a lifetime or not.
Apart from the materials you use to build the frame, you must choose the appropriate upholstery for your taste. Here are different upholstery materials to compare.
a) Cotton
If you have cotton covers, the room will have a warm vibe to it. The best thing about cotton is how budget-friendly it is. Additionally, it makes the most comfortable futons you can ever find.
Image Source: Corner-Furniture.com
If you have a cotton covering, remember that you might have to change it every so often before it wears out.
b) Leather
If you have leather seats, the house will have a classic look. However, you can make leather coverings more comfortable by looking for soft throw pillows and covers.
Image Source: WenzHomeFurniture.com
c) Linen
Image Source: Overstock.com
Linen is a beautiful material that I would have on my couch. While we are used to seeing linen on clothes or beddings, you can have some nice finishes of linen on futon beds.
d) Wool
Image Source: shopTheNovogratz.com
Wool is the epitome of softness. While the material can be hard to get, you will love spending time on the futon. Additionally, it comes in handy if you reside in cold weather regions.
Where Can I Use a Futon?
The futon is a perfect bed to have the first time you move out or for your 20-minute office nap. Here are some spaces you can use the futon.
i) College Dorm Room
Image Source: goodhousekeeping.com
ii) Office Space
iii) Studio Apartments
iv) Living Room
v) Art/ Music Studio
Final Thoughts
There is a lot of furniture that you can choose from, including some really good sectional recliners for your living room and other rooms. However, the futon is a game changer that other furniture hardly matches up to. The closest piece of furniture that comes close to what the futon offers is an extendable dining table that I can recommend to save on space in your house. But, other than the table, the futon is hard to beat.
