11 Futon Alternatives

1. Hammock bed

There are many different hammock bed styles out there even though they have only been recently becoming 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 that is over a large, exposed area while others are fabric-based with cushions and pillows on top. It all depends on the person’s preferences.

They are mostly custom-built and it is difficult to find them online. It is more common to find traditionally-styled hammocks that are altered to be more comfortable as beds.

Pros:

• Has been known to relieve back pain
• Can be cheaper than buying a regular bed or futon
• 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.

2. Magnetic floating bed

Guaranteed to be the most expensive of all of the futon alternatives, magnetic floating beds are possibly the most luxurious kind of bed out there, alternative or not. What surprises most people is how much weight these beds can support, which is 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, they are not found 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 be converted from a bed into other functioning pieces, usually office spaces and desks.

Some more unique designs can turn a bunk bed into a couch. One of the rarer and more unique designs is the bed is stored in a compartment in the ceiling and then lowered onto either the floor or another piece of furniture, like a table.

Pros:

• Allows for more space in a room
• Can save money by getting a desk/couch in one with the bed
• Many designs and styles available

Cons:

• Many 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 easier and easier to find both online and in stores. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but usually can only comfortably fit one person at a time when they are laying down. Most are filled with foam beads but there are many out there that are now using memory foam filling, not the traditional styrofoam, for better comfort.

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 and stored away, and/or transported. Most are made of metal, usually steel, but there are some that 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
• May not come with a mattress/frame

Find examples of them here on Amazon.

6. Air mattresses

Another temporary option, air mattresses can easily be found in a variety of bed sizes, even ones as big as California king. They are not popular for long-term use since they can be ruined by scratches and holes, and they deflate every night. Because of this, many companies make them with a thicker, more durable material and internal electric pumps to blow them up quickly.

Pros:

• Cheaper than most other alternatives
• Easily found online and in stores
• Come in a variety of sizes

Cons:

• Easily breakable
• Does not provide as much support as other alternatives

Find examples of them here on Amazon.

7. Floor cushions

Although it is 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, there are not that many that 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. They 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 all of the 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 very little maintenance.

Pros:

• Simple to store and unpack
• Found easily both online and in stores
• Probably the cheapest alternative

Cons:

• Not as thick as a mattress
• Can be uncomfortable

Find examples of them 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 are designed to fold in three different places, but sometimes it folds in only 1 or 2. Like floor cushions, they are laid out across the floor, but they can also be used in a regular bed frame too.

Pros:

• Easily found online
• Simple storage and unpacking
• Comes in a variety of sizes, materials, and thicknesses

Cons:

• Usually costs as much as a regular mattress

Find examples of them here on Amazon.

10. Swing bed

A less common alternative, swing beds have become more and more popular throughout the last decade. Although, they are more used on porches than in the bedroom. This bed is definitely more used and preferred by teenagers and single people than it is for couples. Because the few of them that are online are so expensive, many people make their own, though it is recommended that the bed and the installation be properly inspected and done by a professional.

Pros:

• Unique and easily customized
• Can come in a variety of sizes
• Provides the proper amount of support for comfort

Cons:

• One of the most expensive alternatives
• Not easily found online

Find examples of them here on Etsy.

11. Pull out couch

Also known as sofa beds, pull out couches have been around for over a hundred years. They are one of the more traditional futon and bed alternatives because they are extremely popular and save people money because they cost about as much as a mattress or futon, and they are a couch and a bed in one.

The loveseat 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.

Pros:

• Found easily online and in stores
• Simple to use (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.