A futon bed combines a sofa and a sleeping surface in one compact piece of furniture - fold it out and it becomes a bed, fold it back and it becomes a sofa again. At Land of Beds, our futon range features upholstered designs available in a choice of 1, 2, and 3 seater sizes, with 14 fabric options and a choice of fibre or pocket spring support systems. Designed for guest rooms, spare bedrooms, studios, and any room that needs to work as both living and sleeping space. Free delivery on orders over £100, finance available, and expert advice seven days a week.
Browse our futon range below, or speak to our team for a personal recommendation. We are available seven days a week on 01928 242829.
A futon is a type of sofa bed with a fold-out sleeping surface - the seat base and back of the sofa unfold to create a flat sleeping platform without the need for a separate mattress. The support system is integrated into the frame, typically fibre or pocket springs, so when it is folded out it is ready to sleep on. It is a more compact solution than a traditional sofa bed with a pull-out mattress, and the fold-out mechanism makes it straightforward to convert between the two positions. In the UK, the word futon is most commonly used to describe exactly this type of convertible sofa, not the Japanese-style floor mattress. If you have a spare room, studio, home office, or guest room that needs to work as both a seating and sleeping space without permanently committing to either function, a futon sofa bed is usually the most practical solution. For a broader guide to choosing the right sofa bed for your space, see our buying guide: How to Choose the Best Sofa Bed for Your Room.
Three things determine whether a futon bed is right for your space and how to choose between options.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Size | The sofa size determines seating capacity and, when folded out, the sleeping width. A 1 seater folds to a single sleeping surface. A 3 seater folds to a wider surface more suited to couples or larger guests. The sofa dimensions also need to fit comfortably in the room when closed. | Measure the room carefully - check the sofa dimensions when closed and the extended dimensions when open. Allow clearance in front for the fold-out. |
| Support system | The support system affects sleeping comfort. Fibre-filled systems are softer and lighter. Pocket spring systems provide more structured support, better for overnight guests who need a proper sleeping surface rather than occasional napping. | If the futon will primarily be used for occasional seating with rare overnight use, fibre is fine. If it will regularly be used for sleeping, pocket springs are worth the step up. |
| Fabric and colour | Futon sofa beds are a piece of living room furniture as much as a sleeping solution. The fabric and colour needs to work in the room it lives in. | Check fabric samples in your own room and lighting before committing. Fabric swatches are available - call 01928 242829. |
Not sure which option is right for your room? Speak to our team on 01928 242829.
Our futon range is available in three sizes. Each folds out to a different sleeping width - here is exactly what you get.
| Sofa Size | Sofa Dimensions (closed) | Sleeping Dimensions (open) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Seater | W 84cm x H 82cm x D 93cm | W 84cm x L 192cm | Solo sleepers, compact rooms, studios |
| 2 Seater | W 125cm x H 82cm x D 93cm | W 125cm x L 192cm | Solo sleepers wanting more width, or occasional couples |
| 3 Seater | W 145cm x H 82cm x D 93cm | W 145cm x L 192cm | Couples, larger guest rooms, rooms with more space |
Allow additional floor clearance in front of the sofa for the sleeping surface to fold out fully. Measure from the back wall to confirm you have enough depth in the room.
The support system is built into the futon frame and replaces the role of a mattress. Here is a plain comparison.
| Support System | How It Feels | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Softer, lighter, and more comfortable for everyday sofa use. Less structured than pocket springs when used as a sleeping surface. | Rooms where the futon is primarily a sofa, with occasional overnight use for guests who are not fussy sleepers |
| Pocket Spring | More structured support, similar in feel to a proper mattress. Better overnight sleeping comfort, particularly for regular use. | Guest rooms where the futon will be slept on regularly, or where sleeping comfort is a priority alongside sofa function |
Please note: the 1 seater option is only available with fibre filling.
A futon sofa bed is one of several ways to accommodate overnight guests. Here is how it compares.
| Option | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Futon sofa bed | Dual function - sofa by day, bed by night. No separate mattress needed. Compact. Multiple size and fabric options. | Rooms that need to work as both living and sleeping space year-round |
| Traditional pull-out sofa bed | Separate mattress stored inside the frame. Often more sleeping comfort. Larger footprint when extended. | Rooms where sleeping comfort is the priority and space allows for a larger unit |
| Day bed | Functions as a sofa or single bed without conversion. Simpler mechanism. Usually single sleeping only. | Narrow rooms, children's rooms, occasional single guest use |
| Guest bed / fold-up bed | Stored away when not in use. Takes up no permanent space. Sleeping-only function. | Rooms with no need for permanent seating, infrequent guests |
Browse our sofa beds, day beds, and guest beds if another type might suit your situation better.
Our futon range is available in 14 fabric options, from neutrals to bolder tones, to suit different interior styles. Because screen colours are rarely accurate, we recommend ordering a fabric swatch before committing. Call our team on 01928 242829 or use live chat to request one - it is free and takes the guesswork out of choosing.
| Item | Included? |
|---|---|
| Futon frame | Yes - always |
| Integrated support system (fibre or pocket spring) | Yes - no separate mattress required |
| Assembly fixings and instructions | Yes - always included |
| 1 year guarantee | Yes - on all models |
| Pillows, cushions, or throws | No - not included |
| Mattress | No - not required. The support system is integrated. |
Always check the individual product listing for full details on what's included before purchasing.
| What We Offer | Why It Matters to You |
|---|---|
| 50+ years of expertise | Honest advice on whether a futon suits your space and how it compares to other guest sleeping options |
| 14 fabric options | A wide choice of colours and textures to suit any interior - fabric swatches available free on request |
| Choice of support systems | Fibre or pocket spring, so you can match the sleeping comfort to how often the futon will actually be slept on |
| Free UK delivery on orders over £100 | No hidden delivery charges on the vast majority of orders. Some remote postcodes may incur a surcharge - see our delivery page for details. |
| Price Promise Guarantee | We'll match any like-for-like price you find elsewhere |
| Interest-free finance available | Spread the cost on eligible orders - see our finance page for terms |
| Expert advice, 7 days a week | Real people via phone, chat, or in-store - no scripts, no pressure |
| Rated Excellent on Trustpilot | Real feedback from verified customers across thousands of orders |
Not sure whether a futon is the right solution for your room, or which size and support system to choose? Our team has helped thousands of customers make exactly this decision. Chat online, call us, or visit our showrooms in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We're open seven days a week.
| How to Reach Us | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Live chat | Fast responses for quick questions. Available during opening hours. |
| Phone - 01928 242829 | Speak directly with an expert. Best for advice on size, support system, room fit, and fabric samples. |
| In-store (Cheshire / Greater Manchester) | See futon sofa beds in person before you buy. See our store locations. |
| Help Centre | Buying guides, size guides, and FAQs available 24/7. Visit our help and advice section. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a futon bed? | In the UK, a futon bed is a type of sofa that folds out to create a flat sleeping surface. The seat base and back of the sofa unfold to form the bed, with a built-in support system of fibre or pocket springs replacing the role of a mattress. It functions as a sofa when closed and a bed when open, making it a practical dual-purpose piece of furniture for rooms that need to do both. |
| How does a futon sofa bed fold out? | Our futon uses a pull-out mechanism - pull the bottom panel outward and pop it up to reveal the sleeping surface. The conversion is straightforward and does not require tools or significant effort. The same mechanism reverses to fold back into sofa position. |
| Do futon beds come with a mattress? | No, and none is needed. The support system - either fibre or pocket springs - is integrated into the futon frame itself. When folded out, the support system provides the sleeping surface directly. |
| Can a futon bed be used as an everyday bed? | Our futon is designed as an occasional bed - for guests or regular daytime-to-nighttime conversion. It is not intended to replace a dedicated everyday bed with a full mattress and bed frame. For everyday sleeping, browse our bed frames and mattresses. |
| What size futon do I need? | If the futon will be used by a solo sleeper, a 1 or 2 seater is usually sufficient. The 2 seater provides a wider sleeping surface at 125cm, which most adults find more comfortable than the 84cm 1 seater. The 3 seater at 145cm is better suited to couples sharing the sleeping surface. Also consider how much sofa seating you need in the room day-to-day. |
| What is the difference between fibre and pocket spring filling? | Fibre filling is softer and lighter - it is more comfortable as a sofa seat and adequate for occasional overnight use. Pocket springs provide more structured, supportive sleeping comfort - similar in feel to a proper mattress. If the futon will be slept on regularly or by guests who need a proper night's rest, pocket springs are the better choice. Note that the 1 seater is only available with fibre filling. |
| How many fabric colours are available? | Our futon range is available in 14 fabric options. To see the colours accurately before ordering, we recommend requesting a free fabric swatch - call our team on 01928 242829 or use live chat and we will arrange one. |
| How much room do I need for a futon bed? | You need the sofa footprint plus clearance in front for the sleeping surface to fold out. The sleeping length is 192cm across all three sizes, so measure from the sofa's position to confirm there is enough free floor space in front for the bed to extend fully. Leave a little extra for comfortable access. |
| Do you offer free delivery on futon beds? | Yes, free UK delivery is included on orders over £100. Some remote postcodes may incur an additional charge. See our delivery page for full details. |
| Can I buy a futon bed on finance? | Yes. Finance is available on eligible orders. See our finance page for full details on terms, eligibility, and how to apply. |
