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Thursday, March 27th
Ashley began as a small furniture company in Wisconsin and has grown into a household name with over 2,000 locations worldwide. Celebrating over 75 years in business, Ashley offers everything from kitchen and nursery furniture to patio sets, rugs, and lighting. And, when it comes to futons, you'll see just over 50 options in their online inventory.
Common brands, but Ashley will price match rivals
Given that Ashley specializes in furniture, we were a little underwhelmed by their futon selection (if we're being completely frank). There are home improvement stores on our list who have more futons to choose from. Ashley starts with frames and mattresses sold separately, priced in the neighborhood of $120 to $175. Next, you'll spot some entry-level futons by Atwater and Novogratz - brands we spotted at those home improvement rivals and other big-box retailers too - priced at $180 to $225. So, if budget is your top priority, Ashley will absolutely have some futons you can afford. Better yet, if you see one of their futons at a lower price with one of their approved competitors, reach out to Ashley's customer service team and they'll match it.
Futons aren't phenomenal
When we filtered the futons on Ashley from highest priced to lowest, expecting to see some super-sturdy furniture that would rival what we saw on other websites we evaluated, we were disappointed. Nothing at Ashley is over $1,000, and in reality most of the futons are basic couch styles in the $500 range.
No ratings and many out-of-stock items
It also came as a surprise that most of the futons Ashley sells don't have any customer ratings. It gives the impression that people really aren't flocking to this furniture store for this particular type of seating/bedding, especially when the brands they carry are readily available elsewhere (and often with plenty of shopper ratings). Adding insult to injury, about half of the futons we clicked on turned out to be out of stock - with nothing that would have indicated that as we browsed the main page. That could make you feel like you're wasting your time here, getting excited as you picture the futon in your space, only to discover you can't buy it anyway.
Store does have some perks
We won't say that it's all downsides at Ashley. Most futons we looked at did come with free shipping, and this was one of the only retailers on our list that offered a protection plan; expect that to cost around $50 for 5 years of extended coverage. There are also tons of product photos, and the information on each futon's dimensions and materials is abundant when you click on the dropdown boxes.
Reputation for online orders can be disappointing
However, we're back to some negatives as we look at Ashley's reputation. Ashley's "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau is reassuring, but reviews from individual customers paint a more mixed picture. Some have reported issues like receiving damaged goods or incorrect items. While these problems don't appear to be universal, they're something to keep in mind when shopping online here.
Not recommended for futons
We just can't find anything that would make you want to shop at Ashley for your futon. Their inventory is limited, both in brands and range of styles - and that's before taking into account that so many futons weren't even available for purchase at the time of our review. Between the lackluster selection and the ups-and-downs with customer service, Ashley lands pretty low on our list. We'd recommend looking at our higher-ranked futon stores instead, since you're likely to find everything Ashley has and then some.
In today's world, futons come in countless styles, from sleek, modern designs to rustic wooden frames. They're widely valued for their dual-purpose functionality: serving as a comfortable sofa by day and a convenient bed by night. If you're short on space, live in a small apartment, or frequently host overnight guests, a futon can be a practical and stylish solution.
One key reason people buy futons - especially online - is the convenience of shopping and the sheer variety available. Online stores let you browse thousands of options at different price points, read reviews, and easily compare features like frame material and mattress type. You can even filter by color, size, or style to find exactly what fits your space. Many online retailers offer free shipping, and some even provide assembly services, which can save you time and effort.
Futons have a long and fascinating history, originating in Japan as simple, foldable bedding designed for minimalist living. Traditional Japanese futons - then and now - consist of a thin mattress and duvet, placed directly on tatami mats and easily stored during the day. This design was ideal for small living spaces and allowed rooms to serve multiple purposes.
As the idea spread globally, futons evolved into a more versatile type of furniture. Western-style futons, with frames and thicker mattresses, offer both seating and sleeping options, making them a staple in homes, dorms, and offices around the world.
So, why choose a futon over a standard sofa or bed? Futons are generally more affordable and space-efficient. If you're on a budget or need furniture that can serve multiple functions, a futon is an excellent choice. They're also lightweight and easy to move, which is a big plus if you relocate frequently or like to rearrange your living space (for better feng shui?). The adaptability of futons also makes them popular in multi-use spaces like home offices or playrooms. And, with so many styles and materials available, you can find a futon that complements almost any decor.
When shopping for a futon online, you might find it helpful to keep these factors in mind as you decide where to place your order and which one to buy:
To help you get the right futon for your dorm, home, or anywhere else you need a convenient place to both sit and catch some Zs, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched and ranked some of today's most popular futon stores. Whether you need a functional piece for a small living space or just want extra sleeping options for guests, your new futon can be an affordable and stylish addition to your home. Happy shopping!
Select any 2 Futon Stores to compare them head to head