Most futon mattresses are the size of a full bed once they fold down into a mattress. Although the most common futon mattress size is a full bed, there are other familiar sizes. We’ll go through the different futon mattress sizes and their exact measurements in the article.
Futons and Sofa Beds
Before we get into the different futon sizes, we need to make a distinction between futons and sofa beds.
Futons originated in Japan, and many people there still sleep on the traditional variety. When these pieces of furniture first arrived in North America, they transformed. In Japan, futons lack large wooden structures, instead opting for small raised platforms.
But in North America, futons tend to have a couch-like structure holding up the cushion. You can then fold the backrest down to form a bed. In some instances, the futon cushion is attached to the structure, while other times, it just rests on top.
Sofa beds, in contrast, are sofas that can either fold out to form a bed or have a hidden compartment that folds out, forming a bed. Sofa beds often have metal mechanisms and springs that make them function. The mattress on sofa beds also tends to be more akin to regular mattresses than futons.
Standard Futon Mattress Size
If you slept on a futon mattress lately, it was most likely equivalent to a full-size bed. Some people refer to a full-size bed as a ‘double.” The measurements for a full-size mattress are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, and most futons are the same.
The most common reason futons come in full-size is because of how many people can comfortably sleep on them. Twin beds are too small to comfortably fit more than one person, so having a full-size futon mattress is convenient for both guests and the host.
You don’t see very many king-sized futons because futons aren’t usually used very often. Why spend so much money on an extra-large-sized mattress when only a few guests a year use it?
Also, futons need to be roughly couch-sized. For most of their time in your home, futons will be in their couch form. A twin mattress is too small when it turns into a couch. A queen or king futon is often quite extensive, causing lost space in your home.
What are the dimensions of a Full-Sized Futon Mattress?
If you’ve ever wondered what size a futon is, we’ve got you covered. Let’s go through the exact dimensions of different futon varieties. After that, we’ll discuss how many people can fit on the futon.
The dimensions of futon mattresses are:
- Twin/Single: 39 x 75
- Twin XL: 39 x 80
- Full/Double: 54 x 75
- Queen: 60 x 80
- King: 76 x 80
All the measurements above are the width by the length. The depth of a mattress depends on various factors, including material, whether it has a pillow-top, and whether it contains springs. On average, depths range anywhere from 4 to 10 inches for futons and 5 to 20 inches for a conventional mattress.
Twin and Twin XL
If you decide to purchase a twin or twin XL futon, you probably made that choice to save space. Since they’re only 39 inches wide, these mattresses can’t fit more than one person. If you think you need space for more than one person, consider choosing a larger size.
Full/Double
If you’ve ever encountered a futon, it was probably a full-size mattress. Full beds are 54 inches wide, making them comfortable for two people. In most cases, full-sized futons are shaped like couches. A hinge on the backrest collapses the frame, exposing the bed.
Queen
Queen futons are less common than full, but they’re still a popular choice for those looking to buy a futon. Since they’re 60 inches wide, queen futons can comfortably fit two people. If your guests have a small child, they can fit too! Queen-sized futons collapse like the full variety.
King
King-sized futons are the most uncommon due to their unwieldy size. Coming in at an enormous 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, king-sized futons are gigantic! With all that size comes an abundance of space. King-sized beds can easily fit a young family of 4 or up to three adults.
You don’t see king-sized futons often, and you definitely won’t find anything larger. California or Alaskan king-sized beds don’t come in futon format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions we get asked about futons and futon mattress sizes.
Is a Metal or Wood Frame Better for a Futon?
As long as you keep your futon away from moisture, either material makes for a solid frame. Wood is often prettier to look at, so if aesthetics are important to you, go for wood. Also, the folding mechanism in futon frames is usually metal, no matter what the rest of the material is.
Will Conventional Bedding Work on a Futon?
If you only put bedding on a futon once it’s folded into a bed, you should be fine using conventional bedding on your futon. If you want to put sheets on your futon while you use it as a sofa, you’ll need specialty sheets that are large enough to fit on the folded futon.
Are Futons Firm or Soft?
Most futons are significantly firmer than couches but only slightly firmer than many beds. If you’re worried about a hard couch, get some extra pillows or padding to make the couch more comfortable.
Wrapping Up
So, what size is a standard futon mattress? The most common futons are all full-sized, but you can find futons that are both smaller and larger than that.
When it comes to finding the right futon for you, make sure you know how much space you have in your room and how many people will stay on it. These factors will help you choose the right size for your lifestyle.
So, what are you waiting for? If you have a guest coming soon or you just need that extra bed, a futon might be what you’re looking for!
