Best Leather Futons Reviews You Can Buy in 2022

Futons are originally from Japan and were basically just mattresses on low profile beds or mats placed on the floor. Over time though, they have grown in popularity in most parts of the world but most particularly in the US. They are used as sofas during the day and a sleeping surface during the night and are popular with people who live in small spaces. You are likely to spot one in a dorm, office or studio apartment.

Futons are loved because they are relatively cheaper than normal sofas, easy to move around, easy to assemble and easy to clean. They are great space savers and can be used to accommodate overnight guests with no hassle. They come in a variety of styles, designs, and materials and the only downside to them is that they have a rather shorter lifespan than regular mattresses and sofas.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of leather futons as well as review some of the best leather futons in the market currently. We will also discuss some of the key features to look out for when buying a leather futon to ensure that you get the best.

Reviews of 10 Best Rated Leather Futons

1. DHP Emily Futon Sofa Bed

Let me begin by saying that DHP has been in the futon industry for nearly 30 years. With such a long duration of expertise, you expect that they have mastered and perfected the production of futons which is the case. They have futons in nearly all styles and designs and the one impressive thing about them is their quality. This is very evident from the number of positive reviews of the DHP Emily Futon Sofa Bed. It comes highly rated by users and sellers alike.

And why not? It has a very stylish modern look that automatically transforms a space. I loved the slanted chrome legs and the split-back frame, they fit into any space whether office, dorm, or living room. Given that its black faux leather, it equally matches with any color scheme in the house.

The upholstered polyfoam-padded cushion adds to its comfort and does not require any extra cover. But if you find the cushioning too firm for your liking, you can spread a soft cover when sleeping. I also loved it because it is multifunctional, you can use it as a bed at night and sofa by day. As a sofa, you can position it so you can sit upright or in an inclined position when lounging. A very ideal piece of furniture in a small space.

With a weight limit of 600 pounds, I must say it is a higher weight capacity than most of its competitors. Even with heavy guests you won’;t panic as you are sure neither your guest not your futon will hit the floor. For the price of under $200, I must admit that it is worth it. It is stylish, versatile and functional. My only wish is that the padding was a little thicker.

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2. Best Choice Products Faux Leather Futon

If you are tight on cash but still desire to own a leather futon, then this is your best pick. It is very affordable but still functional and comfortable and looks nothing like its price. The upholstering is made to near perfection. I say near because I feel it would be sturdier and more durable if it were double-stitched. But even without, the PU leather won’;t tear any time soon if carefully handled.

It is available in two colors- black and white. The white one looks very sophisticated but will require you to be very cautious when using and timely with cleaning it. Both colors though, blend well with any decor and any space. To add to that is the four chrome legs. There is something about chrome legs on black leather futon, it speaks class!

So much has been said about its size but if you are short and are not planning to co-sleep, I guess its size won’;t be much of an issue for you. Also, if you don’;t have the luxury of space, this is still a perfect fit.

I loved how the removable armrests and cup holders just blend into the design of the futon effortlessly. So ideal for lounging as you watch your favorite show or read a book. And no, they don’;t slip away so you don’;t have to worry about creating a mess with your hot cup of chocolate. Once done with the two, just push them back to the backrest and no one can tell if they were there in the first place. So clever, right?

Well, the only thing I didn’;t love about this futon is that the padding is pretty thin and firm. Such a bad combination when looking for comfort. But come to think of it, any extra padding would make it look all so bulky and would end up consuming more space. If you like everything else and except the thinness, throw over a foam topper, a couple of throw pillows or a light comforter in the night and you are set to go.

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3. Mainstay Memory Foam Futon

The mainstay foam futon is not only stylish but very practical both in terms of cost and functionality. It converts very effortlessly into a flat-lying bed in just seconds.

We all know how supportive and comfortable memory foam is when sleeping on it. Having been made of memory foam cushioning this tells you how comfortable it is as a bed and as a sofa. To add to its comfort is the soft faux leather upholstery that is very well designed.

Assembling the Mainstay futon may prove a challenge for most people. First, because it comes in two separate boxes and this may take a while before you figure out the parts and the tools to use. Thankfully, it comes with its own set of tools. Secondly, the assembly is not straight forward and you would have to read the manual to do it right. But once you do it the first time, it becomes super easy after that.

As a bonus, the armrests can be raised to create sort of an inclination (75 degrees) that doubles up as a pillow. This position is perfect for lounging when watching TV or reading as well. Lastly, the back and seat come in a split design. This allows two users to position themselves differently. One could be sitting upright and the other in an inclined position.

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4. FDW Sofa Sectional Sofa Bed futon

If you prefer a sectional futon sofa, this is our best pick for the simple reason that it is low-maintenance. Most people are put off by sectional sofas for this reason. And despite the many sections, it is pretty simple to assemble as well as disassemble.

And when I say low-maintenance, I mean in every aspect including cleaning. In case of spillage, you just wipe off the dirty spot using a damp cotton cloth and off you go. The fabric does not create or leave any stains. For a clean freak or someone with toddlers, I know this is a plus feature.

Do not be fooled by the sections, it can quickly convert into a bed, sectional of course, but very comfortable. You will hardly feel the transitions of each section. The chaise section is pretty long, it measures 75.2 inches long. This is long enough for tall users.

Each of the sections is padded for comfort and upholstered to give an excellent finishing. If you still have plans for moving houses or for one reason or the other you would need to keep moving your futon, the sections are easy to transport and fit into the door easily.

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5. Homegear Modern Faux Leather Futon

The Homegear Futon looks really trendy in the faux leather fabric and compliments every decor whether modern or contemporary. The upholstery is done pretty well and looks very sharp and appealing. And I loved that the legs can be zipped inside the bottom of the futon for easy assembly and pull out.

The design and build are worth talking about. The mattress is made of medium foam cushioning and the frame is wooden. Wood frames are sturdier and more stable and are long-lasting when you keep to the weight limit. Even though it looks formal, it can still suit a home or apartment. To make it more homish, you can dress it with a couple of attractive throw pillows or drape a colorful shawl. You can basically get creative with it since its all black and would blend it nicely with just about any decor item.

It is such a versatile piece and can be used in three different ways. When positioned upright, it functions so well as a sofa and when flattened, it converts into a comfortable bed for your overnight guest. You can also set it up as a recliner and viola! You have yourself a  great lounge in front of your TV.

Too bad that such a great piece of furniture has a small capacity of 220 pounds. This can only fit a single person when sleeping otherwise the wood frame and plastic legs will break down.

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6. DHP Chelsea Upholstered Ottoman

The mid-century design of this Ottoman is so striking. And when you top it up with the slanted chrome finish legs and the tufted upholstery details, you have yourself a great piece of furniture that can quickly be converted to a twin bed, sofa or recliner. And with the split back, two users can position themselves differently at one go.

Covered in black faux leather, the chrome-finish slanted legs make it look very elegant. They also contribute to its stability and sturdiness. The pillow top is very plush and the tufted design also makes it look very trendy. This tufted design allows for breathability when you are sitting or reclined. The breathability helps to prevent heat build-up.

It is shipped in one box containing everything including an instructional manual. It does not require any installation, just unfold the ottoman and screw in the legs. The legs are usually stored in a compartment underneath the base of the futon.

For a complete look, pair your ottoman with a DHP Chelsea futon and you have yourself a complete look in your living room. Regular dusting and wiping will be needed to keep your ottoman in great shape.

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7. Colorado Reclaim Mocha Frame and Mattress

If you prefer innerspring mattresses, you will love this Colorado mocha frame and mattress from Raw futons. The frame is made from plantation hardwood and the mattress is a 7-inch innerspring with a total of 294 hinged springs. Super comfortable!  And the best part is that you have 25 colors and designs to choose from.

The Raw Futons Colorado Reclaim Futon Sofa Bed can be easily converted to a full-size futon bed. Your guests will love sleeping on it no doubt as it is very comfortable. It is neither too firm nor too soft, just the perfect firmness. Take note however that when shipped, this mattress is vacuum-packed to allow for easy shipping. So, you will need to give it a bit of time to allow it to expand before use.

One thing that I found to be a challenge with this futon is its depth. It makes it comfortable when lying on it, however, it can be difficult getting off and on the futon. This is particularly a concern for people with limited mobility and those with bad back’’. However, placing pillows on it can help ease the getting in and out.

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8. Dilleston Sofa Bed with Adjustable Armrests

This is by far the most comfortable futon on our list. Even by its look, you can tell how comfortable it is from the pillow-top seating that can accommodate 3-5 people depending on the sizes.

It is upholstered with soft faux leather for maximum comfort. The base is made of hardwood and the legs are built of steel. Hardwood is impressively long-lasting, I would say the same for steel. We can, therefore, conclude that this futon is built to last you for quite some time. And the fact that it is backed by a one year warranty is sufficient to guarantee its durability.

This futon by coaster functions perfectly as a bed and as a sofa. You can use the adjustable armrests as a pillow for even more comfort when sleeping on just lying on it as a sofa.

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9. Sunrise Coast Geneva Faux-Leather Futon Couch

If you are a fan of geometric asymmetry, you will love this Sunrise futon coach. It can quickly be converted into a  bed when surprised with an overnight guest or a recliner for your movie nights. As a recliner, you can position in multiple ways.

With a weight capacity of 600 pounds, the steel frame and legs will not disappoint you. They are solid, sturdy, strong and will ensure that you and your guests are well supported.

The cushion is made of a high-density foam that is medium firm. I find this feel to be much more comfortable for a whole night’;s sleep than the firm feel, however, most back sleepers prefer the firm feel as it aligns their back better.  In addition, the faux leather is similarly soft and adds on to the comfort of the mattress.

Contrary to what many people believe, faux leather is simple to maintain. You only need to spot clean when stained, polish with wax every couple of weeks and avoid using or placing sharp objects on your faux leather.

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10. Naomi Home Convertible Tufted Futon

Comfort and style are what the Naomi Home convertible is all about. The nailhead accents, button tufting, white faux leather, split back, and slanted black legs make for an incredibly stylish futon.  And lest I forget, versatility as it can be used as a sofa, bed, and recliner. It is perfectly a stylish piece for small spaces such as a studio apartment, office or dorm.

You can tell that it is built as an entertainment lounge by the fold-back armrest and 2 cup holders placed at the center. When not in use, you can fold it back up and no one can tell it’;s even there.

And it isn’;t hard to assemble it either. In fact, it comes with the tools needed to assemble saving you the time you would have spent to go to the hardware store. There is a hidden compartment beneath the base where the legs and the tools are discreetly hidden so don’;t panic if you get your package and can’;t find the legs.

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Different Types of Futons

In Japan, futons were traditionally placed on mats on the floor, however, modern designs are placed on raised frames and come in different types. We will look at the different types of leather futons based on 2 key aspects: Frame design and Style. This is because each of these aspects brings out a unique type of a futon all together.

Style

As the name suggests these have no armrests making them very spacious and comfortable for tall sleepers to sleep on. As a sofa, they also make for quite a spacious seating area. They can a fit and extra person as opposed to when with armrest.

This type looks exactly like an ordinary sofa and you would hardly notice that its a futon. The mattress and the frame are completely upholstered to give a uniform look. This is ideal for the living room space as they can act as sofas by day and comfortable beds by night.

This two-piece type of futon seat allows for one to sit or sleep in very compact spaces like guest rooms, office or living room area. You can position it upright to function as a chair, inclined for extra comfort when watching or reading or stretch it down to a bed. It is available in either a full or twin size.

Frame Designs

Most leather futon frames are made of either wood, metal or a combination of both. Wood seems to be more stable and sturdier compared to metal as the most metal used is the inexpensive type.

Here are the two frame designs:

These look much like normal sofas and have the mattress folded in half in either an upright or inclined position. To switch to a bed, the frame is placed down and the mattress flattened to create a bed. These are perfect for people with limited space and want to host one or two overnight guests.

These function just as the bifold work only that the sections to be folded are 3; seat, back and the footrest. The mattress folds into two and then the footrest folds into the third section. The other key difference between the bifold and the trifold is the thickness of the mattress to be used. A trifold can only be used with a thinner mattress whereas a bifold can be used with a thicker mattress.

What Key Things To Look For When Buying a Leather Futon

Choosing a leather futon isn’t that hard since you already know you want the exterior cover to be leather. You however need to make a few more decisions on other aspects of a futon. Below, we have listed the key things you would have to highly consider when choosing your leather futon.

When looking at the material, you will have to consider the 3 key components of a leather futon. That is the frame, mattress, and cover. The materials used in the 3 components will determine its longevity and the comfort you will get. Even though futons are not built to last as much as normal sofas are, with quality materials, they can still last you for years and especially if you don’;t frequently use it.

Frame: The frame can be built by either wood or metal. Wood is a little more versatile than metal in terms of aesthetics. It is also sturdier and stable, however, it cannot be molded into different shapes and designs as metal frames can. Metal frames are light in weight and in most cases less expensive. Their downside is that they hold less weight capacity than wood. Which material to pick will be much of personal preference.

Cover: Leather futons can either be made of original leather or faux leather, the latter being the most popular and the most affordable. It is mostly available in black or white which complements just about any decor, however, you can be lucky enough to get in other colors.

Mattress: Beneath the leather cover is the mattress which in traditional Japan was made of a mix of cotton and wool. Modern futons, however, are made of a variety of materials with the most popular being the foam or a combination of foam and cotton. There are lesser quality mattresses made of cotton and polyester but are quite thinner.

When selecting the best mattress, consider the frequency of use and weight capacity. If looking for an everyday leather futon in your living room space to function both as a bed and sofa, I would highly recommend that you pick the foam mattress. It is much more comfortable as it conforms to the shape of your body when sleeping. Otherwise, cotton padding, polyester, and every other material are ideal for a guest futon. Consider also, the foldability of the mattress as it needs to fold up nicely into a sofa during the day.

As already discussed in the section above, leather futons come in different styles. As such pick a style that is practical to you and fits well into your space and decor.

Futon mattresses come in either twin, full or queen sizes.  Although rare, you can also find leather futons in the King and California king sizes. Most of these mattresses are medium-firm to firm which is the original concept of futons as they were being placed on the floor. And so if you prefer soft firm, these may not be ideal for you. The thickness of these mattresses ranges between 5 to 9 inches with the innerspring mattresses being the thickest.

You must know by now that futons, in general, are not built to take in so much weight, that does not mean however that they are any weaker than normal sofas. You just have to be extra careful with the weight capacity. Most can hold up well with a weight of up to 800 pounds which is a great capacity if you ask me. If you are worried about your weight, go for strong high-quality materials.

This may not be much of an issue until you have to fold your knees all night because you can’;t fit well on your futon when sleeping. If you are taller, I would suggest you pick the armless leather futon.

One of the benefits of owning a futon is that they are space-efficient but even with that you still have to create a space to place it. If your space is a little bit tight, then you can consider taking the loveseat instead of the traditional sofa style that may need more space. What space you have will tell you what size of a leather futon is most ideal.

I always say it all comes down to how much you are willing to spend. Leather futons can be quite pricey but still affordable and so have a figure in mind. Or at least a range of how much you can spend. Otherwise, you can walk into the store and come out having spent a thousand bucks in under 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

You most certainly can. Leather futons, just like regular beds, can offer you the support you need for a complete and comfortable night rest. As long as the firmness is ideal for your body, I don’;t see why you can’;t turn your leather futon to a regular bed.

Well, it depends on the style but generally, their thickness ranges between 5 and 9 inches. If going for a bifold, I would recommend that you go for an 8-inch and a 6-inch for a tri-fold. Anything less than that and you are better off placing your futon on the floor.

First of all, it’;s important that you know there are genuine leather futons and faux leather futons. Genuine leather is way pricier and ranges in the thousands but the quality is unrivaled. Faux leather is cheaper and the leather is a bit softer which most people find to be comfortable when sleeping on. The price range is between $200 and $700.

This is probably everyone’;s concern when it comes to faux leather upholstery. Leather requires you to be extra cautious when using and in case of any spillage, be quick to wipe it off using a damp cotton cloth. You can use mild liquid soap or household detergent to help remove any stain, however, it is best to buy stain-resistant leather. The trick with faux leather is not to let any water drip on it. Every couple of weeks, be sure to dust it and when putting it away, deodorize it to keep off odor.

Whether to go for a leather futon or a fabric futon is purely a matter of preference, however, I find leather futons very stylish and sophisticated. They instantly stand out in whatever space. They are also very easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. Most people though find them to be too formal-looking and they also absorb heat and cold quickly.

Conclusion

Even though most people are turned off by the firmness of leather futons when using them as a bed, they are still a great addition to small living spaces for their versatility. And since they don’;t take up much space, they are worth the price. They are pretty much affordable, most cost under $400.

They come in plenty of designs, styles, and colors and instantly lift up the decor of any space. Since we can’;t all afford an extra room for guests, why not get one that doubles up as a guest bed and a sofa or lounge during the day. I am sure, out of the 10 we have reviewed you can’;t miss one that suits your style and home.