What Are Futon Mattresses Made From?

26 Jul

If you’ve ever wondered what it is you’re sitting and sleeping on, then read on! Futons come in all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of covers, storage solutions, and headboards, but what about the stuff you can’t see? The inside of futon mattresses are made with different materials which does affect their overall feel, weight, function, and price.

Many futon mattresses are made from cotton. Cotton is the one of the mostly widely used materials to stuff futon mattresses. Cotton mattresses absorb moisture and will compress over time, so they work best for owners who won’t regularly move the futon. Using just cotton can make the futon firm and dense, which can be great for consumers who prefer a firmer mattress.

Then there are those futons made with cotton and foam. The cotton and foam blend is probably the most popular, as the foam lends a softness and comfort to the futon mattress. The cotton and foam mattresses are lighter than all-cotton futons but still hold their shape as long as they have at least four inches of foam. They are among the best futons for everyday use.

Next there are the cotton and polyester futons. This blend is another excellent choice for everyday use, as it makes for a light and flexible mattress. The foam really lends the softness to the firm polyester.

Then there are the cotton and wool (or felt) futons. Cotton and wool futons are ultra soft, but are rather rare and not very flexible. Sometimes, the wool blend is mixed with cedar woodchips to repel pests. There are some people who are allergic to wool (like me!) so that’s always something to keep in mind.

Next there are innerspring futons. Innerspring mattresses combine cotton, foam, and springs like a traditional mattress. They feel more like a traditional mattress and a lot of consumers really like that, however they are also more expensive than traditional futon mattresses.

Since futon mattresses have to be very flexible for the mattress to bend manufacturers use 2 general solutions:

  •  A bend crease where there are no innerspings.  Usually about the width of one (1) row of springs.  Since this area takes a tremendous amount of wear, the bend crease should be well sewn and preferably reinforced.
  • Separately enclosing each spring in a casing – think of a very small pillowcase enveloping each spring independently.

Remember, no matter what kind of futon mattress you decide on, it should measure a minimum of six inches in depth to provide adequate cushioning between you and your futon’s frame. The thicker the mattress the more muscle it will require to convert from sleeper to seated position.

Test them all out and find the perfect futon mattress for you!

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!

How Do I Select A Quality But Cheap Futon Cover?

19 Jul

To realize the value of a cheap futon cover, one must be realistic about how the futon will be used.  If the futon is to be placed in a living room or family room, an emphasis may be on appearance.  If the futon is to be used in a dormitory or frat house, the color of the cover may not be as important as selecting the right fabric.

The owner already knows there are many different styles of futons.  There are an equally large number of cheap futon covers.  Futons sell because they are multi-dimensional and because they can withstand a good deal of wear and tear.

To protect the futon and add some flair to a tired room, try these value-packed, affordable covers.  The owner can change the color to match the season or use the cover to make sure that frat parties or dorm parties can play out without staining or damaging the futon’s original fabric.

Futons have a way of tantalizing pets.  If the buyer intends to make the futon cover pet friendly, he or she may want to select a vinyl covering or at the very least a washable, non-shrinking fabric.

Here are some tips for purchasing a futon cover:

  • Consider your goal. Is it to add life to a room or is it to be used in a dormitory? Are pets or children likely to challenge the futon?
  • Choose your fabric first. While all fabrics are designed to protect against wear and tear, the buyer must understand what fabrics perform well against the expected users’ behaviors.
  • Select your pattern. Some of the patterns in cheap futon covers might be splashy for the home but perfect for the dorm.
  • Select your color. The color ties the whole package together.
  • Know the size of your futon when you are shopping for a cover.

Do not let the term cheap futon cover confuse you.  These cheap futon covers may be less expensive than other futon covers but the options and choices are within your budget and will assure a long and happy life for your futon mattress.

Cheap Futon Covers Transform Their Setting

19 Jul

Whatever use the futon plays in your home, it only makes sense to protect your furniture with the purchase of a cheap futon cover.  The demand for futons has increased immeasurably and the demand for cheap futon covers is also on the rise.

Today’s futons play an important role in the household.  The multi-purpose piece of furniture provides the extra seating capacity the owner has been looking for and can also serve as a bed for guests.  Given their flexibility and space saving, futons are very popular on the college scene.

There is no doubt that the futon is a piece of furniture that is exposed to many users.  To maximize the return of investment on your futon, purchase a cheap futon cover.  These covers come in interesting color schemes and designs that can help blend your futon in with the room.  Cheap futon covers come in multiple colors, patterns and textures.

Cheap futon covers are not lacking in quality but they are designed for the budget-minded owner.  There are many more advantages to a cheap futon cover.  For the practical purchaser, the futon will be used often.  Futon covers will not only protect the futon but will also extend the life of the futon.  There is no need to worry about the cover’s ability to take a beating.

Most futon covers are washable, because it is equally important that the futon and the cover be clean. Also, using cheap futon covers allows the owner to change colors as often as possible. This is significant because, after all, variety is the spice of life.

So two things are certain: the futon will be used often and is usually the main furniture centerpiece in the room.  By varying the futon cover, the owner can alter the look of the entire room in one easy motion.  There is value in those cheap futon covers that will dress up your room, provide a clean bed for a visitor, and give you the exact versatility and style to fit your decor.

Cheap Futon Covers: Stylish and Versatile

17 Jul

Futons are furniture that serves dual purposes – to be used as a couch, lounger or chair by day and sleep-beds by night.  Due to a number of key features such as being compact and practical for limited spaces, futons have become one of the major furniture additions in many western households.  In past decades, futons were more commonly used in studio apartments and college dorms where practicality prevailed over all other necessities.  However, in recent times, manufacturers have designed futons, mattresses and cheap futon covers that not only fulfill their original purpose of practicality, but also come with the slick and elegant look a customer would expect from a living room or guest room furniture.

Due to continuous exposure to regular use, futon-tops may show wear and tear quickly, sometimes within a few months.  You can use a futon cover to make a futon more durable and less prone to long term damage.  An important point of futon covers is that in the futon industry, cheap futon covers do not necessarily indicate low quality or second-grade materials.  Rather, low-price futon covers can provide with elegant solutions for customers with a limited budget such as college students or recent graduates.  You can also opt for these inexpensive futon covers since they can be just as versatile and comfortable as more expensive ones, while being stylish and low-price simultaneously.

The reason cheap futon covers are so popular is that not only do they protect the futon mattress from long-term damage, they also enhance the interior of a room to quite some extent.  A tastefully chosen cover, keeping with the theme and arrangement of a room can prove to be pretty stylish.  You can also change and alternate between futon covers from time to time, having light colors for summer, dark shades for the winter, and cool designer ones for decorative purposes.

Futon covers can be purchased in a number of ways. First, of course, there are local and online resellers of low-price futon covers.  Often these stores have sales where futon covers are sold in bulk.  This might be the perfect opportunity for people who are looking to buy several at a reduced price.  Also, garage sales, classified ads and yard sales as well as your very own neighbor moving out and not wanting to keep a futon may be a good source to buy an inexpensive futon cover.

View a quick demonstration of just how easy it is to change a futon cover!

  1. What sort of material is used
  2. The seaming and stitching quality
  3. Whether it’s comfortable or not
  4. Flame retardancy rating
  5. Hygiene issues – Is it washable?
  6. Pest infestations (try to avoid bedbugs)
  7. Closures – zipper, snaps, etc.
  8. The most important issue is, “Will it fit?”

The futon is truly an inexpensive and versatile piece of furniture. A futon cover can enhance or detract from your room’s style. A cheap futon cover that enhances a room’s ambience can bring a smile to the homeowner!

How To Buy A Futon

14 Jul

Buying a futon can be a fun, stress-free process if you have a bit of knowledge before you shop.

Futons come in three parts: futon frame, mattress, and cover. This makes customizing your room versatile and fun, as well as easy!

When looking to purchase a futon frame, it’s important to think about size. Measure the doorway area to make sure you can get the  frame through the door. Also measure the room the futon will be in and see how much room you have with other furniture and walk-ways. Keep in mind that some  frames open from the front and close from the side, so be sure there is room for you to maneuver around the futon frame after it is opened!

Besides the size, it’s also important to consider style. Futon frames range in style from contemporary to traditional and everything in between. Be sure to look for a  frame that will coordinate well with the overall feel of the rest of your space.

The futon mattress won’t need to match anything (you will be covering it with a futon cover), but you will still want to pay close attention to this portion of your purchase because this is all about your personal comfort level! Futon mattresses are generally made from cotton and foam, instead of the traditional bed mattresses that use coils or air bladders. Most futon stores recommend that you lie down on the futon mattress for at least 10 minutes to be sure the futon mattress is right for you, especially if this is going to be your primary sleeping surface. Be sure to ask about the quality of the materials and the construction. You want to make this a good investment that you will enjoy for years to come.

Now comes the fun part, the futon cover! You can really transform the look of your space in a matter of minutes with your  cover choice. Covers range in price from $30-$300+ and come in just as many colors, textures, and materials as frames (even more!) Solid leather, faux leather, and suede are popular high-end choices, while printed cotton and velour are less expensive options. You’ll want to choose a futon cover that is easy to clean (many are machine washable) and matches your current décor.

And of course, as with anything else you shop for, look around, check out sales, ask friends and neighbors about their experiences, ask your futon store about payment options, warranty (about 5 years) and delivery options. In the end, you will have a great experience and a beautiful, versatile new piece of furniture to show for it!

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!