Lights down, popcorn popped, movie on screen – sounds like the perfect recipe for a cozy night in! But what if your living room isn’t quite equipped for movie marathons with friends or surprise sleepovers? Enter the world of sofa beds and futons! These pieces of furniture are great because they can be used as couches for movie nights or as beds for guests staying the night.
Whether you’re short on space or simply want the flexibility of having an extra sleeping option on hand, sofa beds and futons come in a variety of styles and functionalities. From the classic sleeper sofa that pulls out to reveal a full-size mattress, to the space-saving futon sofa bed that folds flat, to the ever-reliable pull-out couch that offers a quick and easy solution for last-minute guests — there’s a perfect option for everyone.
From movie marathons to impromptu sleepovers (and everything in between!), this guide will help you find the best sofa bed or futon.
What Is the Difference Between a Sofa Bed and a Futon
Here are the differences between a sofa bed and a futon. Understanding them can help you choose the perfect option for your space and lifestyle needs
Comfort
Sofa Beds: Generally considered more comfortable for sitting and lounging due to their deeper seating and plush cushions.
Futons: These can be less comfortable for long-term sitting, but modern futons with thicker mattresses can provide decent comfort. They are often considered better for sleeping due to their firmer surfaces.
Style
Sofa Beds: Offer a wider range of styles to match various decor aesthetics, from modern to traditional.
Futons: Often have a more minimalist or Japanese-inspired aesthetic, though contemporary styles are also available.
Space Requirements
Sofa Beds: Can take up more space when unfolded due to the mechanism.
Futons: More compact when folded, making them a good option for smaller spaces.
Price
Sofa Beds: Generally more expensive than futons due to their more complex construction and features.
Futons: More budget-friendly, with a wider range of price points available.
The Best Sofa Beds and Futons for Your Movie Nights
Get ready to level up your movie nights! Find the perfect sofa bed or futon that’s as comfy as it is stylish. Whichever style you want — a sleek modern look or a cozy den — these choices will make your living room the best place to watch a movie marathon.
BEST OVERALL
Wakefit 3 in 1 Convertible Sleeper Sofa Bed
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Use it as a sofa, lounger, and bed
Ideal for small spaces
Easy conversion
Sturdy built
Soft velvet upholstery
Quick assembly
But…
Some users might find the sleeping surface too firm
With the Wakefit Convertible Sofa Bed, you get a multifunctional gem that makes your space work harder while looking great. You can use it in many ways, it is made of soft velvet fabric and it has a strong wooden frame that can support up to 800 pounds. It’s perfect for small spaces — the loveseat size unfolds into a comfy twin-sized bed with a simple pull of the handle.
You can watch your favorite TV shows or movies in any position you like because the adjustable backrest lets you switch between lounging, sitting, and sleeping with ease. Two soft back pillows are included with this couch bed to make it even more comfortable. What’s more? Assembly is quick and easy, with all tools and instructions included.
BEST FUTON MATTRESS
Milliard Memory Foam Futon Mattress
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Has 2-inch layer of memory foam
Removable and washable cover
Durable construction
Fits standard futon frames
No springs
Helpful customer service
But…
No frame included
Upgrade your movie nights with the Milliard Memory Foam Futon Mattress! Say goodbye to uncomfortable springs and hello to cloud-like comfort. The ideal ratio of softness and support is achieved by this mattress’s two inches of plush memory foam which nests on top of four inches of firm base foam.
Keeping your futon bed fresh is effortless with the removable and washable bamboo cover, which is soft to the touch and easy to clean. Since it is made of high-density foam, this mattress is made to last and provide years of comfortable support. At a generous full size (measuring 71” x 52” x 6”) it fits most standard futon frames.
BEST QUEEN-SIZED
Serta Ainsley Queen Size Convertible Sofa Bed
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Supportive seating and sleeping surface
Stylish design
Includes two matching pillows
Simple transitions from sofa to bed
Queen-sized sleeper
Easy to assemble
But…
The box can be difficult to carry due to its weight
The Serta Ainsley Queen Size Convertible Sofa Bed is the ultimate choice for comfort and versatility, making it perfect for everything from relaxing weekend TV binge-watching to hosting friends for a night haul. With three functions — a sofa, a lounger, and a queen-size bed — it effortlessly adapts to your needs. The firm yet cozy mattress, equipped with Dream Coils, offers great support for a restful sleep experience.
Designed with fully upholstered side panels and two matching pillows, this sleeper sofa queen effortlessly adds style and comfort to your space. Customers rave about the easy assembly, sturdy build, and generous size. Admittedly the box can be a bit heavy, but this sofa is a great buy for any home because it is comfortable and easy to use.
BEST JAPANESE
MAXYOYO Japanese Futon Mattress
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comfortable support
Lightweight and portable
Dustproof cover
Easy storage
Budget-friendly
Multipurpose use
But…
Requires two to three days to fully regain its thickness
Get ready for cozy movie marathons, snuggle-worthy date nights, and the ultimate weekend TV binge-watching experience with the MAXYOYO Japanese Futon Mattress. There is just the right amount of hardness and comfort in this mattress, thanks to its mix of supportive foam and soft filling.
At just 10 pounds, it’s a breeze to move around — perfect for setting up in the living room or the guest room. With the dustproof cover and handy storage bag that comes with it, it’s easy to put away when not in use. You can easily use it as a guest bed, a cozy floor mat, or even add extra padding to your sleeper sofa as this Japanese futon mattress is all about making relaxation easy and enjoyable.
BEST MEMORY-FOAM
Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon, Convertible Couch
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Retro-chic design
Offers multiple configurations
Has a combination of memory foam and high-density foam
Built with a sturdy plywood frame
Space-saving
Easy to clean and maintain
But…
The leather option only comes in one color
Meet the Novogratz Tallulah: the futon couch that’s as stylish as it is functional Its chic faux leather and those fabulous diamond-shaped button tufts make it stand out any space. But don’t let the looks fool you — this futon is all about versatility. Need extra seating for a movie night? Check. Want to lounge around on a lazy Sunday? You got it. And when guests come to stay, it easily transforms into a comfy bed.
The secret to its comfort? The cushions are a dream! They’re filled with a blend of memory foam and high-density foam, so you get that perfect balance of support and softness. It will also last a long time because the base is strong and the legs are made of solid wood. This futon bed is super simple to assemble and is available in different fabrics and colors to suit any home decor.
BEST FUTON
Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Offers three adjustable angles (120°, 160°, 180°)
Has high-resilient sponges
Includes removable cup holder
Made with durable metal legs
Easy to maintain
Quick and easy assembly process
But…
Limited color options
If you’re craving a cozy spot to relax and unwind, then the Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed is your answer! This piece can be easily changed from a stylish futon couch to a comfortable futon bed in seconds. With its adjustable backrest, you can find the perfect position for reading, watching TV, or taking a nap.
Crafted with high-resilient sponges, the Flamaker is incredibly comfortable and supportive. It’s simple to put together and comes with handy cup holders that you can take out at your convenience. You’ll have no problem placing it in any living area, bedroom, or guest room because of its contemporary style and sturdy construction.
BEST SLEEPER-SECTIONAL
HONBAY Sleeper Sectional Couch with Pull-out Bed
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Ideal for apartments or studios
Pull-out sofa bed
Storage space
Durable construction
Plush, supportive cushions
PRContemporary designO
But…
May arrive in multiple boxes, potentially requiring multiple deliveries
Transform your living room with the HONBAY Sleeper Sectional Couch! You can get the best of both comfort and convenience with this single stylish piece of furniture. It’s got plenty of room for everyone during the day — perfect for family and friends to gather. But when guests arrive, it effortlessly converts into a comfortable pull-out sofa bed for a restful night’s sleep.
Designed with space-saving in mind, the HONBAY features a storage chaise that neatly tucks away blankets, pillows, and other essentials, keeping your living room clutter-free. This sectional is built for years of use, with sturdiness in mind, and can suit your needs to the T”. It is also easy to assemble, despite first impressions.
How We Chose the Best Sofa Beds and Futons
Choosing the best sofa beds and futons was like a treasure hunt! We dug deep into reviews, compared features, and even tried to imagine ourselves lounging on each one. Comfort was a top priority, of course, but we also looked for things like how easy they were to use, how durable they seemed, and how much space they’d actually take up. We wanted there to be something for everyone, whether you want a cozy sleeper for your living room or something that will save you space in a small apartment. We were really picky about the materials, making sure they were comfy, supportive, and easy to clean. And we didn’t just stop there! We checked out real customer reviews for “best sofa bed” on Amazon and even looked at expert opinions to find the absolute best of the best.
FAQ
How do I choose the right size for my sofa bed or futon?
To choose the right size, measure the available space in your room, considering both seating and sleeping areas. Ensure the sofa bed or futon fits comfortably when extended, leaving enough room for movement. Consider mattress size for sleep comfort.
Are sofa beds and futons the same?
Nope! Sofa beds are typically more structured with a hidden bed mechanism, while futons are simpler with a folding mattress. Futons tend to be more compact and versatile, whereas sofa beds offer more cushion support.
Can the pull-out bed be used for everyday sleeping?
While some pull-out beds are comfortable for everyday use, many are better suited for occasional guests. Consider the mattress quality and your own comfort preferences. If you plan to sleep on it regularly, prioritize a model with a high-quality mattress and sturdy frame.
Is a sofa bed difficult to clean and maintain?
Sofa beds are generally easy to clean, especially with removable covers or slipcovers. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can help maintain their appearance. Check the care instructions that came with the item to get particular guidance, especially on how to clean furniture and mattresses.
