As someone who loves interior design, I’m always on the lookout for versatile furniture that can transform a room. When I lived in a small apartment, I needed furniture that could quickly switch from a couch to a bed for overnight guests.
While futons used to be the go-to solution, their thin mattresses and lack of style had me searching for more attractive and comfy alternatives. I’ll share my top futon alternatives for stylish, convertible furniture that pulls double-duty for seating and sleeping.
12 Futon Alternatives
I was pleasantly surprised to see how many futon replacement pieces I could find. Not to mention they’re all as comfortable (if not more) than a futon is.
If you don’t want to read the whole article, my #1 recommendation for a futon alternative is a sofa bed. Besides being comfortable, they come in variety of sizes, colors, and materials, making them easy to fit into any room.
1. Sofa Bed
Also known as pull out couches, sofa beds couches have been around for over a hundred years. They are one of the more traditional bed and futon alternatives. They are extremely popular and save people money because they cost about as much as mattresses or futons, and they are a couch and a bed in one.
The loveseat styles and sizes convert to a twin bed while larger ones convert to a queen and even a king-sized bed, making it great as a last-minute guest bed as well. Sofa beds and futons share many similar qualities, which is why I like it as an alternative.
Pros:
- Found easily online and in stores
- Simple to use and convert
- Available in many different sizes, designs, and materials
- Usually has a very long lifespan
Cons:
- May not come with a mattress
- Can be expensive
- Some may require assembly
Find examples of them here on Amazon.
2. Magnetic Floating Bed
Guaranteed to be the most expensive of all the futon alternatives, magnetic floating beds are the most luxurious beds out there. What surprises most people is how much weight these beds can support – roughly 2000 pounds, depending on the bed.
Pros:
- Luxurious
- Unique
- Lasts many years
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Not easily found online
Because they cost so much and need to be specially built and installed, you can’t buy them on websites like Amazon, Etsy, and other merchant sites.
3. Transformable Bed
Unlike futons, which transform from a couch into a bed, transformable beds can convert from a bed into other functioning pieces, like office spaces and desks.
Some more unique designs can turn a bunk bed into a couch. One of the rarer and more unique designs when is the bed is stored in a compartment in the ceiling and then lowered onto the floor or another piece of furniture, like a table.
Pros:
- Transformable beds allow for more space in a room
- Can save money by getting a desk/couch combined
- Many designs and styles available
Cons:
- Many transformable beds need to be specially ordered
- Can be more expensive than other options
Find examples of them here on Etsy.
4. Bean Bag Sofa
Another trending alternative, bean bag sofas are getting more accessible and easier to find online and in stores. They can come in various shapes and sizes, but usually can only comfortably fit one person at a time when laying down.
Most are filled with foam beads, though many now use memory foam filling, for improved comfort. Adding a bean bag chair to your living room can be a great way to add playfulness.
Pros:
- Cheaper or the same price as most futons
- Easily found online and in stores
- Form-fitting
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Holes can ruin them
- Not ideal for couples
Find examples of them here on Amazon.
5. Foldable Bed
Usually used in a temporary situation, as well as camping, foldable beds are one of the best alternatives for saving space. As the name says, they can be easily folded up, stored away, or transported.
Most are made of metal, usually steel, but some are made of wood. Something to always check for is if the frame comes with a mattress or vice versa.
Pros:
- Come in a variety of sizes and
- Found easily online and in stores
- Generally cheaper than futons
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan
- They may not come with mattresses/frames
Find examples of them here on Amazon.
6. Air Mattresses
Another temporary option is an air mattress. Air mattresses come in a variety of bed sizes, even ones as big as California King. They are not popular for long-term use since scratches and holes can ruin them, and they deflate every night.
Because of this, many companies make their air mattress with a thicker, more durable material and internal electric pumps to blow them up quickly.
Pros:
- Cheaper than most other futon alternatives
- Easily found online and in stores
- Come in a variety of sizes
Cons:
- An air mattress is easily breakable
- Does not provide as much support as other futon alternatives
Find examples of air mattresses here on Amazon.
7. Floor Cushions
Although mainly used for sitting, a new trend is that people use parts of old mattresses or pillows and build their own floor cushion beds. The final result is something like a Japanese futon, except most do not roll up to be stored.
Since this is more of a do-it-yourself project, not many are easily found online, but there are quite a few covers for them on Amazon.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Cheap and easy
- Can be personalized and easily customized
Cons:
- Takes more time
- Ones that are sold online can be expensive
Find examples of them here on Etsy.
8. Sleeping Mats
Very similar to yoga mats, sleeping mats, also known as camping mats, are easily rolled or folded up for transportation. Sleeping mats can be as thin as an inch or as thick as 4 or more inches, depending on the brand and model.
Many daycares use them for children so they can take naps on them. Many minimalists like this alternative because it requires very little room to store, is easy to set up, and requires little maintenance.
Pros:
- Sleeping mats are simple to store and unpack
- Found easily both online and in stores
- Probably the cheapest of futon alternatives
Cons:
- Not as thick as mattresses
- Can be uncomfortable
Find examples of sleeping mats here on Amazon.
9. Fold Away Mattress
In the middle between cheap and expensive, fold away mattresses are very similar to foldable beds, except they do not have or need a bed frame. Usually, they’re designed to fold in three different places.
Like floor cushions, fold away mattresses are laid out across the floor, but they can also be used in a regular bed frame too. They are also a perfect alternative to futons.
Pros:
- Easily found online
- Simple storage and unpacking
- Comes in a variety of sizes, materials, and thicknesses
Cons:
- Usually costs as much as regular mattresses
Find examples of them here on Amazon.
10. Swing Bed
Swing beds have become more popular throughout the last decade. Although they are more commonly used on porches than in the bedroom.
This bed is more used and preferred by teenagers and single people than it is for couples. They’re expensive to purchase, so many people make their own. I recommend that the installation be properly inspected and done by a professional so you don’t injure yourself.
Pros:
- Unique and easily customized
- Can come in a variety of sizes
- Provides the proper amount of support for comfort when sleeping
Cons:
- One of the most expensive alternatives
- Not easily found online
Find examples of them here on Etsy.
11. Hammock Bed
There are many different hammock bed styles, even though they have only recently become popular. Some are circular and hang from a single point, while others are square and hang from four or more points.
Some are a net or mesh material over a large, exposed area, while others are fabric-based with cushions and pillows on top. It all depends your preferences.
They are primarily custom-built, and it’s difficult to find them online. It’s more common to find traditionally-styled hammocks that are altered to be more comfortable as beds. They also do wonders for home decor, especially if you like boho aesthetics.
Pros:
- Has been known to relieve back pain
- Can be cheaper than buying a traditional futon or bed
- Can be easier to make the bed every morning
Cons:
- More suited towards singles and children
- May be difficult to climb out of every morning
Find examples of them here on Etsy.
12. Futon Chair
A futon chair is a one-of-a-kind seating option for one person. The seat is a folded futon, with two-thirds as seating and the remaining third as the backrest. These chairs are strong enough to support your weight on their own.
One of the appealing features of futon chairs is their pretty comfy bedding material, which enhances the seating experience, particularly when used in the chair configuration.
Pros:
- Ideal for small spaces and smaller apartments
- Can be used as both seating and a bed
- Soft bedding material makes them cozy and ergonomic for long periods of sitting
Cons:
- Intended for a single individual for sleeping
- Converting them from a chair to a bed and vice versa can be time-consuming
- May not last as long as traditional furniture due to the futon material wearing out or losing its shape
Why Get a Futon Alternative?
These futon alternatives are more comfortable than standard futons and will not break the bank. Some are also more stylish or trendy compared to futons, such as swing beds and bean bag chairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use Instead of a Futon?
Depending on your space and comfort needs, there are several futon alternatives. Sofa beds, daybeds, Murphy beds, convertible sofas, bean bag chairs, and floor cushions are all popular options. Each option has distinct features and benefits, so it is critical to consider your specific requirements and the available space in your home.
What Is More Comfortable Than a Futon?
Consider sofa beds with innerspring or memory foam mattresses, high-quality daybeds with plush cushions, or convertible sofas with ergonomic designs if you are looking for alternatives to traditional futons that are often considered more comfortable.
However, it is critical to test these options and select the one that best suits your comfort needs because comfort is a personal thing that varies from person to person.
What Is the Japanese Alternative to Futons?
The traditional Japanese alternative to futons is called a “shikibuton” or “shiki futon.” Shikibuton is a type of traditional Japanese floor mattress made of cotton or foam. Shikibutons are typically thinner and less supportive than futon mattresses but can be highly comfortable.
Shikibutons are frequently used with tatami mats, which are woven straw mats placed on the floor. Tatami mats add cushioning and insulation while protecting the shikibuton from wear and tear.
Conclusion
Numerous futon alternatives are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Your requirements and budget determine the best futon alternative for you. Whatever you choose, ensure it is well-made and long-lasting.
