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Microfiber Futon Covers

4 Feb

Futon covers are the covers which protect the futon mattress.  They were first made in Japan but they were used differently than the way they are used in United States. It comes with the futon mattress and the futon frame. The advantage of the futon mattress covers is they can be changed frequently as decorating trends change or as they become soiled.

They protect the futon mattress from stains, dust or dirt. Covers can be replaced when they age. The right material with just the right pattern or design can bring sparkle to your room.  Futon covers come in different fabrics for you to choose from.  They include cotton, nylon, various blends, suede, denim, microfiber and leather upholstery (did someone say “bamboo also”).

Microfiber futon covers

Microfiber futon mattress covers are also known as ultra suede and micro suede.  It’s a man made fiber composed of microscopic fibers that are very thin; much finer than the human hair.  It is very common in modern furniture upholstery.  It is very soft with a plush velvety feel.  It feels just like suede itself, but is much easier to care for.  It is a synthetic fabric that is exceptional for resisting stains since the fibers are so microscopic.  Stain-protecting treatments are not really necessary except under the most severe conditions.  Since when wiped microfiber futon covers do not release much lint.  They are suitable for those with allergies.  It’s also one of the more comfortable of the fabrics.  It resists liquid stains. The only drawbacks are that it collects dust easily (a quick vacuuming remedies that) and do not let water dry on microfiber since the dissolved minerals may leave a discoloration.

Advantages of microfiber futon covers

They are used as a great way of transforming your plain looking futon to a great looking piece of furniture.  Here are some advantages of using a microfiber futon cover to change a futon’s appearance:

  1. Appearance:  it looks just like a suede futon cover.  This classy look can be a great way of transforming your living room, your bedroom or any room.
  2. Durability: – this is one of the best advantages of having a microfiber futon cover. It’s durable and very easy to clean.  So it’s suitable for places where there are spills since it’s resistant to staining from spills.
  3. Maintenance: – due to its minimum maintenance it’s suitable for homes that have kids in them.
  4. Weight: – due to their ultra light weight it makes it easier to carry around when moving, that is why this fabric is also used in the sports gear.
  5. Soft and velvety: – This cover is very soft and velvety, and makes a futon that looks old and worn out now look fresh and plush.

Disadvantages of microfiber futon covers

The main disadvantage is that it’s an expensive fabric.  The price may go down soon if the technology making the fabric becomes cheaper.

Futons nowadays are one of the modern trends in home décor.  If you want a great look for your futon chair or couch, including the whole room, consider the benefits that come from using microfiber futon covers.  You won’t regret it.

Buying a Futon, a Mattress, and Mattress Cover

3 Aug

Buying furniture is an investment. It’s not just an investment of your money,
but also your time. Buying furniture composed of several separate pieces, such as a futon frame, mattress and mattress cover can become maddenly complex when trying to compare values!

You’ll want to choose a reputable futon shop and be armed with the knowledge of how much futons should cost as well as what accessories you are interested in purchasing.

Once you’ve decided to buy a futon, you will want to shop at a store (bricks and mortar or online) that has a good reputation. A reputable futon shop should have a large selection of a variety of futons and futon accessories in an organized manner with sales people who are helpful and not too pushy.

They will have a good return policy that lets you get a full refund with at least 30 days to make the return. And they will have a warranty of at least 5 years.

These prices are benchmarks with a 10% plus-or-minus range. A futon should include the futon frame, futon mattress, and standard cheap futon cover(*).

Once you find a shop with the above features, you will want to make sure you are getting quality for your money. A chair futon should cost around $530.00, a twin lounger futon should cost around $580.00, a loveseat lounger futon should cost around $610.00, a full size futon should cost around $650.00
and a queen size futon should cost around $700.

Other coordinating accessories should be available to you, these will be an additional price and can include futon pillows; rolling storage drawers that fit under the futon; coffee tables, side tables, end tables, or lamp tables; futon ottomans or futon foot stools; lamps; and privacy screens to complete your room’s décor.

Once you find the shop you are interested in patronizing look for sales and coupons online and in the paper. Call or visit the store to see if they have a newsletter or mailing list and when their next sale will be. Sale price reductions of 10 to 15% were frequently found, with an occasional 20% or more on selected models. Assembly and delivery were not included.

The most common DEEP sale structure found was a frame that was offered with a lesser-expensive mattress cover and sometimes no cover. Of course, this would allow for an up-sell on the mattress and definitely a (smaller amount) up-sell on a mattress cover.

Compare and ask questions! In the end, you will have a futon you love for a fair price and you will be able to enjoy your new furniture for years to come!

(*)This aggregation was compiled during the last 10 days of July, 2011 from 3 cities of the top 20 Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA) in the USA and using 3 online price-aggregators. Temporary sale prices were not included in the market pricing above.

The Traditional Futon Mattress

26 Jul

The Traditional Futon Mattress

When looking for a traditional futon mattress there is only one direction to look – East! The humble traditional futon mattress originated in Japan, and even today when beds are just as popular as they are in the West, there is still a big demand for a traditional futon mattress in Japan. In minimalist traditional Japanese settings you will invariably find the shikibuton in its unchanged design dating back many centuries to the Edo era.

Comprising of three separate elements, the Japanese futon is used on the floor, usually with a tatami (mat). The proper minimalist traditional futon as mentioned earlier is called a shikibuton, the comforter is called kakebuton, and finally the pillow is called the makura. In Japan the futon is changed for each season, to provide a heavier one during the winter months and a lighter, more breathable futon in the summer months.

The shikibuton is quite slim compared to what people would normally expect from a futon, but this is one of the advantages as it allows the futon to be rolled up and stored away without taking up too much space. This small footprint means it is also feasible to take a shikibuton with you on your travels. A shikibuton also ticks the environmental box as it is entirely made out of natural fibers. The other pro for this traditional futon is that it is relatively  inexpensive because it is quite thin. Unfortunately this last advantage can also be a disadvantage as the lack of depth to a shikibuton means that not everybody will find it very comfortable. It is worth bearing in mind however that a good Japanese Futon is known for helping with common back issues, so sufferers may like to persevere with a shikibuton and see if it helps with their ailment.

The West picked up on the idea of the Japanese Futon around 1940, when a cotton filled version became popular in dorms and guest rooms. American futons tend to be thicker than a traditional futon mattress, on average around 200mm (7.8 inches) thick. There is a larger selection of materials available for a modern futon mattress, consumers can select from latex, various foams, and even sprung mattresses. Of course in the West we do not prefer to sleep on the floor as a traditional futon would be used, but rather in a bed-frame. For this reason western futons can be purchased with a folding wooden or metal frame which converts to a sofa, lounger or chair.

Amazon reviews of a premier futon mattress – NATURAL

When used as a sofa the mattress is usually protected with a mattress cover. Futon mattress covers are available in a number of different materials and styles to match demand as more and more western consumers find the flexibility offered by a futon to be a big advantage, especially in situations where space is at a premium. For example, guest rooms where the bedding is removed during the day to make space for seating benefit greatly from the multi-purpose futon, or from the small area required for storage.

The one difference that remains between the two cultures is that for westerners rarely is a futon the primary sleeping arrangement, where as in Japan this is still very much the traditional sleeping arrangement.

Futon Types

26 Jul

Futons are extraordinarily versatile pieces of furniture, but which type is the right type for your space?

There are many to choose from so you are sure to find just the right one for you.

Let’s start with the bi-fold futon. It folds in half across its length; thus it provides the largest seating area among futon types and looks the most like a traditional sofa. Frames and mattresses are available in queen, full, or single (chair) size.

Next is the tri-fold futon. It folds in thirds, so a third of the mattress either hangs over the back of the frame or provides doubled cushioning while you sit. The width of the mattress is the seating area, and it is available in queen, full and twin sizes.

Then there is the loveseat futon. Its two piece mattress converts into a double bed. The mattress folds in half, and the width of the mattress is the seating area.

Next there is the platform futon. It is always a bed and comes with great underneath storage drawers as well as a large variety of headboards.

Last is the lounger futon. It can be converted into a chair, a lounger, or a bed! The back section has three different positions to choose from.  Upright for a chair, inclined for the lounger position and flat in the sleeping position.

All in all, whatever piece of furniture you are looking for, there is a futon that fits your needs!

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About A Futon But Were Afraid To Ask

13 Jul

Futon is an English word derived from a Japanese word that refers to the traditional Japanese bedding; a low-to-the-ground padded mattress and pliable
quilt that are folded up and stored away during the day.

The western futon is based on the Japanese original with several major differences. There is always a frame, the frame folds, and the futon is filled with foam and batting.

The futon is often sold as a set with other matching furniture pieces and comes with a wide choice of covers as well as with matching accessories such as pillows and comforters.

Within the last forty years, Americans have imported the Japanese futon and turned it into a favorite for bedrooms and living rooms alike. It’s really a modern version of the pull-out sleeper sofa, but instead of hiding the bed inside a sofa, futons simply convert from a sofa into a bed and back again. The frame has a low-set seat and a back made of slats.

A quality frame is both strong and easy to assemble and convert. A futon mattress should be both firm and comfortable.

The video below will show you an easy way How to Build a Futon Sofa Bed.

Futons are unique, space-saving, functional alternatives to bulky sofa-beds and can add a lot of practicality to your home. They are great for hard to reach rooms with narrow hallways and doorways. They are easy to assemble and disassemble for easy transport. Futons don’t require any servicing, usually come with a warranty and are available in all sizes from chair to love seat to Queen!

There are even coordinating accessories from covers and pillows to coffee tables and lamps. If you’ve never tried out a futon, what are you waiting for? It’s time to be comfortable today!