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Leave your outdated idea of the old futon behind for these surprisingly modern picks.

Futon is not an ugly word. Well, maybe it is an ugly word literally, but it doesn't have to allude to something that is actually ugly. The word futon might remind you of that "sofa" you bought for your first apartment off Craigslist. The one that resembled a couch that folds in half, but also was mostly just a place for your friend to pass out on that was more comfortable than the floor. Yes, the bar for futons of yesteryear was certainly not high.

But now, there are some futons — many of which have been rebranded in name only — that are quite comfy, and honestly, not bad looking. Now, don't misconstrue this. Futons are like a three-in-one shampoo-conditioner-body wash combo, where it might do a fine job at all three tasks, but it doesn't really excel in any of them. Likewise with a futon, which functions as both a couch and as a bed, it gets the job done. It's a lot to ask out of a piece of furniture, especially when the couch itself is what transforms into the bed.

When you're shopping for a comfortable futon, first of all, remember that this is a futon and not a bed. You're simply not going to be able to fit the materials and tech of a mattress into a couch that folds up and out. Second of all, investments will pay off here. Stuff that's pricey isn't inherently better, but when it comes to furniture, the pricier stuff is often pricier for a reason. Better construction, better materials, whatever. Here, we rounded up your 12 best futon options, all of which still beat sleeping on the floor.

For the easiest and most pleasant furniture shopping experience, you'd be hard-pressed to find something better than West Elm. This generally comes with a higher price point, but you'll never have to worry about the function or aesthetic of the pieces, of which this futon does both exceedingly well.

For couches of any kind, futon and beyond, pricier will likely get you more cushioning and less proximity to the frame of the couch. But for something less than $500, this futon is hard to beat. Both the seat and back are roomy, making for a wide sleeping base.

We have said it before and we will say it again that Urban Outfitters low-key has some good home stuff, and this couch is one of them. It looks more like your traditional futon but is done up in a more sophisticated leather.

If you're in a place where you're having house guests, you might not love the idea of giving them something awkward and painful to sleep on. This couch looks pretty in the room, and it unfolds into a roomy, mattress-sized bed. It's pricey but it's worth it.

This Scandinavian-style couch is great for adding to a home that keeps things minimal. The design is simple, the cushions are comfy, and the back moves up to make it into a full 53" x 75" bed.

The connotation of a futon usually alludes to something that is pretty cookie-cutter. This Pottery Barn couch is precisely the opposite of that. It's an easy shape to fit into different home styles and there are a plethora of fabric and color options to make it fit your style best.

When you've got kiddos running around the place, you need something that functions first and foremost. This acts as a couch, a storage unit, and a bed, and belongs in basements everywhere.

Here is this tufted velvet couch, challenging all assumptions of what a futon looks like. The pretty design and dramatic arms make it look like it belongs in a delicately used living room.

For a futon to be comfortable, the couch part has to be comfortable, too. The 7-foot long piece is great for lounging on and just as good for sleeping.

If velvet is your thing, then we found your match. It's less than $1,000, and has great reviews. Plus, it comes in a nice navy velvet, but also a more vibrant blue, if you dare.

This sofa leans right into the fact that it unfolds into a bed, and you know, it's something to respect. This is great for any rooms kids might be in, so they can do the shifting into a bed without your help.

Article's sofa bed does not look like a futon, making it all the more welcome in a put-together home. The steel frame and soft fabric cushions make for quite a pleasant sleep.