Different Futon Frame Types - What They're Called and What they Look Like

General Futon Frame Info

About 90% of all futon mattresses and frames sold are full size. In sofa position, queen frames sit roughly 6" taller at the back than full size (great if you prefer a higher seat, or you’re tall). Typical quality/longevity by construction: lower-priced plain metal frames often last 1–3 years before loosening, import hardwood frames usually last 5–10 years, and American oak hardwood frames can last 10–20 years. There are some excellent metal designs out there, but basic black metal frames are generally the budget tier. As with most things, lower price usually means lower quality—though we do carry value pieces that punch above their weight. Metal seat/back frames are uncommon in queen size and not made in loveseat styles.

Bi-fold Futon Frames

The following overview will help you understand the main types of futon frames. The most common is the bi-fold. Inside-the-arms width is typically 75" for full size and 80" for queen. Add the arm widths (usually 2"–6" per side) to get total wall space. As a bed, a full measures 54" front-to-back; a queen measures 60". In sofa position, expect 36"–42" from the wall to the front of the seat.

Bi-Fold Futon Frame

Bi-Fold Futon Frame

Bi-Fold Futon Frame

Dillon Bi-Fold Futon Frame

Futon Chairs & Ottomans

Two common setups: chairs with a built-in slide-out ottoman, or separate ottomans (some hook on). Standard chair width is 28" inside the arms; twin chair is 39". Add arm widths to get overall. Laid flat, standard chair mattress is 28" × 54"; twin chair mattress is 39" × 54". With the ottoman extended/attached, total mattress length is about 75" (frame can be slightly longer). Many use a two-piece mattress; a one-piece works if the mattress is flexible enough to drape over the back when in chair position. Expect 36"–42" from wall to front in chair mode.

Chair Frame

Chair with Extender Down

Chair with Extender Out

Chair with Separate Ottoman

Loveseat Futon Frames

Loveseats come in twin, full, and queen widths. Twin loveseat is 39" inside the arms; full is 54"; queen is 60". When flat, full measures 54" × 54", queen is 60" × 60". Add arm widths (2"–6" each side) to get total wall space. Used with the ottoman, they provide the same sleeping size as standard bi-folds, but with width and length reversed and generally less wall space. Most use a two-piece mattress; a thin, flexible one-piece can drape over the back in sofa position. Depth from wall to front in sofa mode is typically 36"–42".

Loveseat with Extender Down

Loveseat with Extender Out

Loveseat with Extender Down and Out

Loveseat with No Ottoman

Tri-Fold, 3-Way, & A-Frames

Often called A-frames, tri-folds, or 3-way frames. Common sizes: 39" × 75" Twin, 54" × 75" Full, and 60" × 80" Queen (some 3-ways also come in King). Add arm widths when applicable (2"–6" each side). Twin/full are 75" long in bed mode; queen is 80". Many use thinner, more flexible mattresses. A popular all-around choice is our Classic 6-Layer Futon Mattress (about 6" thick) which flexes well for multiple positions.

Lounger A-Frame

Low-Arm A-Frame

Three-Way Lounger

Metal E-Frame (A-Frame)