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FutonsFutons come to us from Japan, where a cotton floor mat was a popular sleeping solution. Futons were big in the 70s as an alternative sleeping system, combining casual furniture with a pull out bed in one small package. Futons have remained popular for a variety of function - spare rooms, dorm rooms, small dens, etc. Anywhere you need a bed and couch combined, the futon fits the bill. For some people, a futon serves as a full time bed. Since emerging from the days of its cottage industy infancy, futon mattresses have come a long way, and you can now buy queen size spring coil mattresses that still fold up into futon couches - you'd swear you were sleeping on a normal bed mattress. Below we will review the different futon styles and designs, and check out the best online futon sites for buying a futon, futon cover, or frame.
Discount Futon FramesFuton frames were traditionally made of wood, but aluminum and steel frames are also common these days. The parts of the futon frame are pretty self explanatory. The back rest is the slat rack you lean against when seated on the folded, couch-style futon, while the seat rack is the bottom portion you sit on. Most futons look like a couch or easy chair, depending on their size. The bi-fold frame is the most common, where you sit on the length of the mattress, with half the mattress under your bottom and half behind your back. The other main design style is the tri-fold, where the width of the mattress is the seating area and the futon mattress is folded into three sections, with the top section hanging over the back of the frame. When you convert the futon from couch to bed, the frame folds and pivots out to lie flat on the floor, and the mattress then lies flat on top of the frame. There are also loungers that can be used as chairs or beds, with an adjustable back position. A pine frame can run $150 to $250. Normally you want a frame that converts from the front (the seat area pulls forward and the back pivots down), as these are easier to use and less prone to breaking. A hardwood frame for a queen might set you back closer to $300. A nice Brandon Oak futon frame is $499. You can find cheap futon frames as well - but consider how often you will be using it. If it is in a guest room used 4 or 5 times a year, no need to spend $500 on a frame. But if it occupies the center of your living room and you use both the couch and bed regularly, think of it as investing in quality furniture that you will use for years and years. When shopping for a futon frame, look for a 5 year warranty.Buying a Futon MattressFuton mattresses used to be hand made, but today most are made in factories. They come is many styles and thicknesses now as well. Filling material can include innerspring coils, cotton, polyester, foam, latex, and wool. Sealy makes a full line of Posturepedic spring coil futon mattresses. The 9 inch thick one is built from 11 layers of foam, cotton fibers, and springs and runs $449 for a queen size. Again, the mattress you choose will depend on how often you will be sleeping on the futon. If it is your daily bed, you are going to want to find the most comfortable futon mattress you can. If it is for guest use a few times a year, you can opt for a cheaper version. A simple tri-fold mattress with slab foam and layers of cotton will set you back about $150 for a twin, $250 for a queen. A six inch bi-fold with a 2 inch foam core and cotton/poly blended batting is $169 for a queen size futon mattress. The Marcella Ultra Firm, made of foam and polyester fiber, is very comfortable and comes with a 10 year warranty. The queen size is $429. So as you can see, when shopping for a mattress for your futon, expect to pay $150 on the low-end and up to $500 on the high end, depending on your taste, budget, and preferences.Futon CoversThe last piece of the futon puzzle is the futon cover. The cover is the cloth shell that zips over and encloses the mattress, and is what doubles as "upholstery" on your couch when not in use as a bed. There are lots of colors, textures, and patterns to choose from in futon covers, since you will want something that goes with the decor of the room. You can find inexpensive futon covers for $40 or so, while nicer ones can be more like $150 or $200. Price is determined largely by quality of the fabric used and quality of construction, but designer names can also add to the cost. You can find floral prints, animal print covers, stripes and plaids, solid colors, denim, velvet, cotton, canvas, whatever you want. Most futon covers are machine washable for easy cleaning, but they should be hung out to dry, not thrown in the dryer. The cover is where you get to personalize your futon, so pick something that matches your style and personality.Buying a Futon OnlineThere are lots of good online futon stores that offer cheap futons, expensive futons, and everything else in between. Start with FutonsNow.com for a complete selection of frames, mattresses, and covers. AffordableFutons.com has a smaller selection, but still quality products and more than 15 years in the business. FutonCreations.com is another one we like, offering free shipping on their frames and package deals. We recommend that you find a local futon store in your area so that you can feel what the different mattresses feel like if you are not familiar with futons. Many department stores also carry a limited number of futons in their bedding departments, and it is worth a visit to know what you are getting yourself into.
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