How to Fold a Futon

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Last Updated: December 27, 2021 References

Futons are a great way to save space while being able to convert your bed into a couch and vice versa. Bifold futons, which are the most common type where the mattress is folded in half lengthwise, can be easily folded by adjusting the seat and back sections. Trifold futons are a bit trickier since they have 3 sections, but they provide you with more options for how you'd like to fold your futon.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Folding Bifold Futons

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1
Pull the top section of a bifold futon up. This is the section where your back goes when you’re sitting on the futon. Grasp the top of the frame and pull it up gently until it clicks into place. ^{[1]
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- A few bifold futons may have different seat adjustment options, making it easy to lock them in place just like you would a chaise lounge.
2
Push down on the bifold’s seat section. It’s best if you do this while you’re also pulling up on the top section for a smoother transition. By pushing down on the seat section while lifting up on the back section, you’ll transform the futon into a couch. ^{[2]
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- Make sure the futon is locked in place before sitting down—you can do this by giving it a shake once you think it’s in place to see if it moves at all.
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If your futon needed to be pulled away from a wall or furniture to be in the bed position, you can now push it back up against a wall or move it to another location. Readjust the mattress, as needed.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Folding Trifold Futons

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1
Move the bottom section of a trifold futon to your desired placement. You can either tuck the trifold’s third section back up under the middle section to hide it away, or you can simply tuck in the legs of the third section so that the section angles downwards. ^{[3]
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- By only tucking in the legs, you’ll still have 3 sections of the futon out, but they’ll be in more of a ‘Z’ formation, with the third section acting as an ottoman.
- If you tuck in the third section completely, you’ll be left with 2 sections—one for resting your back and one for sitting.
2
Pull the top section of the trifold futon up. This is the section where your back will rest. Pull it up until it's in the desired seating position, and then lock it into place.
- Some trifold futons will have options for how far up you’d like to position your seat. If this is the case, lock in your seat using the height adjustments.
- Give the futon a small shake to ensure the seat adjustments and legs are all stable.
Position the padding so that it's centered on the futon, making sure that none of it is falling over the edges. Once the padding is perfect, it's ready to be used.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Unfolding a Futon

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1
Pull the futon frame away from the wall or other furniture. Since the mattress will be spread out, it’s important to move the frame at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from the wall or any other obstacles that might be in the way to prevent damage. ^{[4]
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- Make sure you have plenty of room to walk around the futon so you can easily reach the frame.
This should be the part where your legs would be if you were sitting on the futon. You can grab it right in the middle, or you can start on one side of the frame. ^{[5]
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3
Unfold a hidden third deck of a trifold futon, if necessary. Some trifold futons will have a hidden third part that needs to be pulled out before the futon can lay flat. Find this third section under the main seat and pull it out, adjusting the legs as necessary so that it’s stable on the ground.
- If your trifold futon already has the third section (also called the ottoman feature) out, adjust the legs so that it’s level with the middle section.
- You may have to release a locking mechanism in order for the bottom section to move.
4
Adjust the top section of a trifold futon so it lays flat. This is the section where your back rests when the futon is upright. As you’re pulling the ottoman section flat, you should begin to push down on the top section so that it lays flat as well. Adjust the top section’s legs so that the futon is completely horizontal and stable.
- If you’re having trouble adjusting or unlocking your trifold futon, go online and look up instructions for the specific brand—not all trifold futons will work exactly the same.
5
Lift the frame of a bifold futon up so that it unlocks. If you grabbed the middle of the frame, simply lift it up 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5.1 cm) until you hear it unlock from the base. You can also start at one side and lift an end up slightly to unlock that end before unlocking the opposite side. ^{[6]
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- If you’re unlocking each end separately, don’t lift each one up too high before both are unlocked.
- Some futons will have a locking mechanism that you’ll need to unlock before the futon can be lifted. This will be visible on the inside of the frame, near the legs.
Once the frame is unlocked from the base, lift it up and move backwards so that the frame expands to its full size. Start lowering the futon to the ground carefully and slowly. ^{[7]
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Some legs of futons will automatically fall down into place, while others need to be adjusted manually. If the legs of your futon aren’t stable, pull them out and adjust them so that the futon is in a bed position. ^{[8]
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Once the frame is completely level with the ground and the legs are in place, readjust the mattress as needed. Center it on the frame so that none of the padding is slipping over the edges of the frame. ^{[9]
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