blog.futon.org

TODAY’S FUTON is more versatile because one can opt to place a futon on a convertible futon frame to make a fabulous sofa sleeper, or you can place it on a platform bed, in a chest, on a boat, in an RV, or you may even tuck it away in a closet until needed. Consumers can change the look of a room with new upholstery grade covers. Reupholstering a traditional sofa can cost hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. Not only that, but futon beds can be easily moved in and out of a home, apartment, or room, unlike the bulky and often very heavy traditional style mattresses and sofa beds.

TODAY’S FUTON is more comfortable because futon mattresses are manufactured in more hi-tech facilities and with a new focus on ergonomics.  Incorporating new flexible innerspring designs, and by using the latest synthetic and natural latex and temperature sensitive (visco elastic) foams the Futons of today are made for comfort and have increased dramatically their viability as a stand alone primary sleep surface in the bedroom.  Futon naturalists can rest assured that even the “original” cotton futon has evolved, but remains to be a great option for those with allergies.   Futons, even more now than ever, compete “comfortably” in the specialty sleep and sofa bed worlds.

Decorators are uncovering the real futon furniture and are placing them inside countless homes, office buildings, and as props for popular sitcom and movie sets. Futon furniture adapts well in many rooms. Today, the comfortable and stylish futon and its matching furniture is one of the best value options for the bedroom, living room, home theater, home office, guest room, and is a mainstay in the den or TV room. Futons have not exactly been lying down on the job over the past several years.

Futon sofa sleepers can meet the needs of any shopper who wants a comfortable place to sit, sleep, and entertain. Surprisingly, the futon mattress can even be stored in closets, dressers and underneath beds if you need added space during the daytime hours. The mobility of a futon is incredibly desirable because futon furniture can follow you anywhere—even in those tight walkways and narrow stairways.

Futon furniture—whether purchased at high-end bedding/furniture stores or specialty shops— has been called a decorator ’s dream for several reasons:

• Comfortable: A range of comfort from plush to firm in any size is available.

• Functional: Futon furnishings are great for any room of your home to fit your lifestyle—a new meaning for one-stop shopping.

• Versatile: You can put a comfortable futon mattress on a convertible futon frame to make a fabulous sofa sleeper; or on a platform bed as a primary sleep surface, on a boat, in an RV or even tucked away in a closet or chest until needed.

• Stylish: You can change the look of a room quickly, easily and inexpensively by changing the cover or the frame!

• Value: Futons generally have a cost savings when compared to conventional mattress sets and sofabeds.

To learn more, visit www.futon.org.

Versatile Home Furnishing Item Suitable for Every Room in the 21st Century House

Americans can be forgiven for thinking the translation of “futon” is “spare bed” or “dorm room.” While the closest translation of “futon” is “bedding,” the futon and its accompanying frame is much more than just a bed. Simply put, a futon is a mattress, though it does not have the rigid construction of a conventional mattress.

The outer layer of a futon tends to be a sturdy, canvas-weight cotton, and the filling is commonly densely-packed cotton batting. Other fillings can be foam or Visco (also known as “memory foam”) or even spring coils. It is the futon frame and cover that allow this sleeping surface to easily transform into a beautiful piece of furniture.

Wood and metal futon frames are available in every imaginable style. Rustic wood evokes an Adirondack lodge and is an ideal seating choice before a great room’s stone fireplace. Polished aluminum’s clean, minimalist lines are at home in an urban loft-inspired seating area. Futon covers complete the transformation: velvet flocking, textured weaves, sleek microfiber, bold stripes, solids in hundreds of colors and fabrics.

Futons, frames and covers are available at all price points, making ownership of futon bedding and seating within the reach of nearly everyone’s decorating budget. Additionally, a wardrobe of covers can be had for many hundreds of dollars less than the cost of reupholstering one sofa. The futon is at home anywhere.