Here are various and creative options for you to use in your home instead of going with a traditional futon. Take a look at these 11 alternatives that will surely elevate your napping experience.
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
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.