I’m a big fan of multifunctional furniture because I’m not particularly eager to clutter my living space with items I use only occasionally. A futon mattress is a perfect example of furniture I like because I can use it as a sofa and convert it into a cozy bed whenever I have guests.
Whether you opt for its traditional or the Western, foldable version, a futon mattress is an excellent fit for living rooms, guest rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and other spaces in your home.
Their dimensions are the same as standard mattress sizes, so figuring out which futon size is a good pick for you isn’t too difficult.
In this ultimate guide to futon mattress sizes and dimensions, we’ll walk you through the standard sizing options and give you extra information about futon types and common comfort layer materials.
Guide to Futon Mattress Sizes
| Mattress size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38 x 75 inches |
| Twin XL | 38 x 80 inches |
| Full | 54 x 75 inches |
| Queen | 60 x 80 inches |
| King | 76 x 80 inches |
| California King | 72 x 84 inches |
The main advantage of stowaway beds like trundle beds and futons is that they help you save space. However, they’re not a universal solution for rooms of all sizes since a king-size futon mattress can still make a room feel cramped.
That’s why you should also pay attention to how much space is available in a room where you want to keep a futon. Here’s a quick run-through of common futon mattress sizes.
Twin
Despite their label, twin futon mattresses are best suited for a single sleeper.
They’re not bulky, so they’d fit perfectly in spaces where you need an additional sofa you can occasionally convert into a bed or kids’ room so that you can add an extra sleeping space whenever one of your children’s friends stays for a sleepover.
Twin XL
Although the width of Twin and Twin XL is the same, you’ll get an additional 5 inches of legroom if you opt for a Twin XL futon mattress. Their length makes them a good temporary sleeping solution for children, teens, and moderately tall adults.
The only downside is that fitting a Twin XL futon mattress into a room smaller than 80 sq/ft can be tricky.
Full
A double or full futon mattress is spacious enough to accommodate two sleepers because it is 54 inches wide. This mattress size isn’t ideal for people taller than 6’3″ as they might find it difficult to stretch out comfortably on a full-size futon mattress.
Generally speaking, this size option is best for spaces over 120sq/ft, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fit them into an 80 sq/ft room as long as the room isn’t over-furnished.
Queen
Think of queen-sized futon mattresses as a whole-family sleeping solution because they’re large enough for a couple and a child to sleep comfortably. Most models have bi-fold or tri-fold designs and double as a regular-size sofa.
Ideally, you should put a queen-sized futon mattress into a spacious room.
King and California King
A 76-inch wide and 80 inches-long king-sized futon mattress is large enough to accommodate a couple of 6’8″ sleepers.
Hence, you should only consider this size option if you have sufficient space in your home or need a spacious bed for two sleepers.
California King futon mattresses are too large for most people and are not a permanent sleeping solution. Consider getting a standard California King bed mattress instead of a futon mattress if you’re too tall for other mattress-size options.
Futon Frame Types
Besides dimensions, a futon mattress’s seating capacity also depends on its frame type. So, if you plan to use a futon as a sofa, you must consider its frame. Here’s a quick overview of the most common futon frame types.
Loveseat
Most models provide enough place for three people to sit comfortably. Futon loveseats are often used as TV sofas as they keep you comfortable during a movie and easily convert into beds whenever you want to doze off during a movie.
Bi-Fold
It’s hard to distinguish a bi-fold futon from a regular sofa just by looking at them. However, bi-fold futons have a lengthwise folding line that enables you to convert them from a couch with seating space for three to four people into a queen-sized or full-sized bed.
A wide range of thickness options are available for bi-fold futon mattresses.
Tri-fold
This futon frame type could be a good pick if you need a relatively small sofa (usually for two or three people) with a footrest that keeps you comfy while watching TV. Opening a tri-fold futon mattress is simple, but putting it back together can be difficult.
Standard Mattress Options for Folding Futon Sofas
Futon mattresses aren’t a replacement for standard bed mattresses because they don’t offer the same comfort level. Let’s go through standard mattress options for folding futons.
Hybrid
These futon mattresses have a foam comfort layer at the top and a pocketed support layer below it that ensures the body pressure is evenly distributed.
Although comfortable, hybrid futon mattresses aren’t ideal if you’re planning to predominately use a futon as a sofa because keeping them in the folded position can damage the coil system.
Innerspring
Consider opting for an innerspring futon mattress if you’re concerned about contouring caused by extensive sitting. Moreover, futons with innerspring construction are usually inexpensive.
Latex Foam
As someone who struggled with allergies most of my life, I might be a bit subjective when discussing latex foam futon mattresses.
My sleep quality significantly improved after I started sleeping on a latex foam mattress because the material has hypoallergenic properties that prevent dust accumulation or mite growth.
Latex foam doesn’t lose shape quickly, ensuring the futon’s durability.
Memory Foam
Despite being one of the most popular mattress materials, memory foam isn’t a great solution for a futon mattress. The material adjusts to the sleeper’s body to increase the level of comfort, but this can also cause contouring if the mattress is frequently used as a sofa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Most Common Futon Frame Materials?
Foldable futons usually have wooden or metal frames, but inexpensive models can also have plywood frames.
Are Memory Foam Futon Mattresses Foldable?
You can fold a memory foam futon mattress, but this might cause contouring over time.
Can an Adult Sleep on a Twin XL Futon Mattress?
An average-height adult can sleep comfortably on a Twin XL futon mattress, but it might be too small for people taller than 6 feet.
How to Check the Dimensions of a Folded Futon Mattress?
Read the mattress’s specifications to find out its dimensions when folded. Speak with a manufacturer or retailer if the product description doesn’t contain this information.
Navigating Futon Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
Like bunk beds, air mattresses, or bed mattresses, futon mattresses are available in standard sizes ranging from Twin to California King, meaning that their length ranges from 75 to 84 inches.
So, a Twin or Twin XL model would be the right pick if you’re searching for a futon mattress that won’t occupy much space, while a Queen or King-sized model is ideal if you need a futon for your guestroom.
