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Thursday, March 27th
It's easy to see why you might be interested in The Futon Shop. In business since 1976, the company has focused on ethical sourcing and sustainable practices: organic, American-grown cotton in the mattresses; wool from North and South America; you get the picture. At least, that's how this retailer proudly markets itself. True story? Read on and see for yourself.
Need a frame, mattress, or set?
Because this store specializes in futons, your online shopping experience will be a little different from most of the rivals on our list. First off, you'll need to decide if you're looking for a frame, a mattress, cover, or a ready-made set. Choose your own adventure.
Browse to find all of your options
Even if you zero in on one of those categories, it's still worth it to browse the site a bit. For example, on the main Futons page, there was an assortment of around 27 frames, mattresses, and covers, but we found other items when we looked on the Futon Set page (like an outdoor futon frame for $1,445 to $2,090, depending on the size). Those sets are a great place to start if you don't need to be super-customized with your futon and just want something ready to order. For example, we liked the Trelli Queen for $1,428. It comes in cherry or walnut finishes, four color choices in the slipcover, and (yay) free shipping. Be sure to scroll all the way down the page to see what all of those choices look like: you don't have to choose blindly.
Be as bespoke as you wish
On the other hand, if you're a bit of a control fan (we'd never say "freak”...) like us, you can get really granular with your choices at The Futon Shop. There's nothing stopping you from putting together the Flat Arm Shaker Cornerstone Wood Amish frame (on sale for $895.44 at the time of our review, with 15 ratings averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars), the Eco Pure Wool Futon Mattress ($699.98 during our visit, which was 50% off), and even one of the recommended matching end tables.
Swatches may be helpful
You may also want to check out the Swatches section of the website, linked at the top of the page. The Futon Shop has several different types of fabrics, from organic cotton blends to 100% organic cotton in various weaves. Those will cost $1.10 each, but it's well worth it to make sure the color and feel of your futon's cover will match what you're picturing.
Shipping is often not free
Pay attention to shipping costs, though. While some futons (mostly sets) are designated as "free shipping”, not everything The Futon Shop sells will come with no-cost delivery. You'll see your final cost when you get to the checkout, but you should expect it to cost $20-ish for small accessories like slipcovers and pillows, $70 for their foam beds and ottomans, and anywhere from $190 to $260 for frames and mattresses. Ouch.
Returns are not customer-friendly
Returns are going to be another pain point here. You've got a pretty stingy 3-day window to decide if you want to send your futon back to The Futon Shop. And, if you do, you'd better make sure you've got everything in its original condition and packing materials. You're on the hook for the cost of shipping it back (which we imagine will be steep, looking at the inbound shipping fees that are charged), a 20% restocking fee will be deducted, and you'll only get a store credit instead of a refund. That's a huge downside compared with a lot of the futon stores on our list, who have no problems giving you your money back on a return and not forcing you into accepting a store credit.
Awful customer service
Although The Futon Shop has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau and just over two dozen complaints filed (and resolved) there in the last three years, we're really not sure we can trust this futon store to stand by its customers. For example, the company has a "poor” overall rating on Trustpilot, with reviews averaging a deeply disappointing 1.8 out of 5 stars. People complain (and rightly so) about false advertising, with mattresses described as "chemical-free” that arrive looking nothing like the packaging - and with the company allegedly confirming to some customers that those mattresses aren't actually what was advertised. To top it off, customers who receive futons and mattresses that don't fit the description are required to pay for the return shipping fees. The Futon Shop's customer service "never answers the phone or returns phone calls”, and more than a few shoppers have had to resort to disputing charges with their credit card companies just to get some kind of recourse on their purchases.
Don't buy your futon here
We just can't see any good reason to trust The Futon Shop with your business. Their futon frames, mattresses, and sets are some of the most expensive ones out there - largely because of their claims of being made of superior materials, which seems to have been proven false by multiple shoppers. You can't count on getting any support here, if you get the wrong item or have literally any other issue. If you're set on getting a high-end futon, there are far more reliable retailers to choose from on our list. Avoid The Futon Shop and save yourself the headache.
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