The Best Futons for Small Spaces, Dorm Rooms, and Tiny Apartments

An Amazon's Choice pick and frequently on sale, this mid-century inspired futon has an adjustable splitback (i.e. when the back of a couch is split in two separate sections) for ultimate versatility while lounging. "I have a small apartment and it fits wonderfully," shared one five-star reviewer, while another satisfied shopper said, "It's very sturdy and it definitely has a high-end chic vibe to it."

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: Our experts call out the sleek, tapered legs and chevron tufting on the back cushions. The futon's armests are also akin to what you will find on a regular sofa—although, note this may be uncomfortable while sleeping for tall individuals. The manufacturer claims the futon can seat up to three, and you can choose from 10 colors.

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Our textiles experts in the GH Institute often feature couches from West Elm in our shopping guides. Although expensive, the brand's sofas deliver on quality and style. If you're looking for a compact, versatile sofa that you plan to take with you from home to home, the investment is worth it.

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: Made from kiln-dried solid and engineered wood, the durable frame will go the distance, and we appreciate that the cushions are filled with springs and foam for the ultimate support. The seat and back cushions are channeled for a subtle but sleek design, and you can have fun choosing among multiple fabrics and colors.

Although this couch is made in collaboration with Pottery Barn Teen, we think that the Parker Futon can match the vibe in a kid's or an adult's bedroom. The lack of armrests means you or the kiddos can comfortably spread out without fear of hitting any armrests.

A best-seller at Walmart, this fabric futon is equipped with two USB ports so teens and college students can charge their laptops, smartphones, or iPads as they lounge.

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: Its extra small size (only 66 inches long) makes it a practical fit for dorm rooms or apartments where space is limited. We also appreciate that this affordable find has three different adjustable positions for sitting, lounging, and sleeping. Some online shoppers felt it was too compact for comfortable sleeping.

For a great space-saving option, Japanese futons are quilted sleeping pads that lay directly on the floor. These futon mattresses are the perfect solution for those who like to host overnight guests, but don't have space for another piece of furniture. Granted, this futon is less versatile by nature than other styles.

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: When you're not using the floor mattress, it folds up and can be stored in the included storage bag. The best-selling futon has thousands of online reviews. One satisfied shopper shared, "It is very comfortable, even on hardwood."

You can choose from 39 colors and patterns, and we appreciate that the mattress is available in six sizes, including Twin, Full, Queen, and King.

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Urban Outfitters is a popular destination for trendy furniture, including this sleeper sofa available in three colors. This futon comes at a pretty penny, but we think the purchase is worth it if you have a student about to start college and will be using it for years to come (as well as after they graduate).

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: The plush seat cushions are not only designed for comfort, but also feature pintucked detailing. You can click the sofa into a bed or adjust the sides to create armrests. We appreciate that the modern legs are removable for easy moving between dorms or apartments.

If you don't have room for a full-sized sofa, you might want to consider a futon chair. This chair from Amazon converts from an armchair into a recliner or a flat bed. "A sturdy and well-constructed sleep chair. It was very comfortable when made into a single bed," shared one five-star reviewer.

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: The footrest/ottoman piece can be stored underneath the chair, making it easy to pull out and up as needed. It's a lightweight alternative to a traditional recliner and is available in synthetic suede or a linen fabric. Some online shoppers noted that the chair is on the firmer side.

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Available in faux leather and faux suede, this modern (and budget-friendly) memory foam futon is a best-seller at Walmart.

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: In addition to its pillow-top cushions and tapered legs, what stands out is that this pick has adjustable arms, so you can choose whether or not to lounge with armrests. There's also a splitback, which adds to its versatility. Some online customers wished the futon was more comfortable to sleep on though.

This is one of the best futons for everyday sleeping since it has a hardwood frame that converts into a Queen-size bed frame. According to online customers, it's sturdy and comfortable. One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote, "It’s very solidly built, feels and looks expensive, and it is the perfect size. I’m 5'11" and my feet don’t hang off the end when I sleep!"

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: We like the 8-inch innerspring mattress for support and that the brand uses Certipur-US foam, meaning the foam was made without certain harmful chemicals and has been tested for low VOC emissions. You'll appreciate that the manufacturer claims no tools are required for assembly; however, one online customer noted that it took a while to put the futon together.

Guests will never be able to tell that this elegant sofa from Pottery Barn is actually a futon. Host guests during the day on the comfortable and firm-feeling cushions, then transform the sofa into a futon for your them to spend the night. Plus, you can save more space in your home and store extra blankets in the hidden storage area under the seat cushions of this futon.

WHY OUR HOME EDITORS LOVE IT: While the back of most futons are not always the most attractive, this one looks like a regular couch. It has a modern style with square arms, removable solid rubber wood legs, and you can choose from six fabric options (including basketweave, boucle, linen, velvet, and chenille), each with multiple color options.

This futon is one of the priciest options on our list, but our GH furniture experts rank Pottery Barn as the best place to buy a couch (so the quality will meet the price tag!).