The Futon…Today's Multi Purpose Furniture Winner

Many people have an incorrect perception of the futon. It is perceived as being

the “dorm-room” pad that was positioned on the floor providing little to no comfort or true value. This incorrect image could not possibly be further from the truth. The futon has evolved into a magnificent piece of multi-purpose furniture that provides an excellent level of both seating and sleeping comfort.

Today's futon provides a level of comfort that is far superior to the sleeper sofa. Most consumers have experienced a bad night on a sleeper sofa which is a highly uncomfortable item for the most part.

Futons consist of two primary components, the frame and the futon mattress. An important option is the futon cover that encases the mattress and provides protection as well as a decorative factor.

The futon frame usually has two positions. When the back is in an “up” position, the futon is used for seating. The frame is then placed in a flat position for sleeping. Some futon frames also have a lounging position where the back can be placed at a point located between the upright position and the flat position.

Futon frames are now manufactured in a wide variety of styles and materials.

Wood futon frames are very popular as are metal and wicker varieties. There is a futon frame style available to fit into virtually any décor setting.

The most important aspect of the futon's surge in popularity has occurred due to the upgrading of the futon mattress. High quality futon mattresses are now available in a wide range of constructions and comfort levels. Today's futon mattress provides both excellent seating and sleeping comfort. A critical aspect of maximizing the enjoyment of a futon is the selection of a high quality mattress. Whereas the selection of the frame is important visually, the seating and sleeping comfort of the mattress are the elements that will provide long-term satisfaction.

Futon mattresses now come in a wide range of materials and constructions. Assuming that the futon will be used fairly frequently (either for seating or sleeping) it is best to not purchase the least expensive futon mattresses such as a 6” thickness or single foam type. These mattresses will not provide long term durability or an appropriate level of comfort.

The best futon mattresses utilize innerspring coil systems similar to those used in standard mattresses. There is also a multitude of multi-layered foam mattresses that will provide good comfort levels. The foam is usually combined with cotton. If a cotton and foam mattress is selected, it should be at least 8” in thickness with a minimum of two layers of foam.

Consumers should spend the largest portion of their futon investment on the mattress with the frame being a secondary consideration. The mattress is the component that will determine long term satisfaction (or the opposite) with the purchase of a futon.

One of the most interesting elements of purchasing a futon is the futon cover which provides protection for the mattress and extends the lifetime of the futon. The cover also provides a decorative element as there are thousands of different colors and fabric types available.

The futon cover also adds long term value in that if it becomes damaged, it can easily be replaced. If a sleeper sofa cover is damaged the entire piece of furniture becomes worthless as the cost to re-cover it would be prohibitive. Some futon covers are even washable and many can be dry-cleaned.

Most futon mattresses are khaki-colored but some mattresses come in other colors. Even if the mattress is “colored”, a cover should still be utilized in order to protect it.

If the consumer wants to update the look of her room, the futon cover can be changed and at a very low cost. Futon covers can also be purchased in packages with a wide range of decorative pillows.

Another important question is where to purchase a futon. Generally it is recommended that “Mass Merchants” or Department Stores be avoided for the purchase of a futon. The reason for this is that they usually provide “Futon Packages” that consist of an inexpensive frame and mattress. As mentioned previously, the quality and comfort of the mattress are critical to the enjoyment of a futon. The packages offered by the mass merchants do not provide the type of futon mattress that will offer long term enjoyment.

Some furniture stores or mattress stores sell futons. Some offer better grade futon mattresses vs. the inexpensive mattress that comes as part of the package.

In general terms, a futon is best purchased from a futon specialty store or an Internet retailer that offers a wide range of futon products of which the most important part is a high quality mattress.