Whenever friends come over to visit – think parties, birthdays and catch-ups – the age old question is always “where are we going to fit so many people?” – it’s a discussion that happens the world over. A great option for the home is always a Futon. Smart, handy and doubling up as a sofa, a Futon is perfect to make use of space in your home. We’ve broken down the different types of Futon for you below.
1. What Is a Futon?
A Futon is an old, Japanese-style long seat that has the ability to slide and fold out into a mattress. The cushion on the original sofa is used as the padding for when it becomes a mattress. There are a couple of styles, there are Japanese styles or Western style, that doubles as a sofa, sometimes what we call a sofa bed.
2. What Makes Up a Futon?
A futon is made up of a few things. The Western futon is made up of a frame, usually wood or metal, and hinges that allow the futon to change from a sofa to a bed. As well as this you have the mattress of the bed, which is the cushion that makes up the sofa, and often pillows for sleeping. Most futons are different to each other, for example you can get the leather look that has a homier feel, or a material futon that would fit perfectly in a spare room.
3. Frame
In this picture you can see a Futon frame. As you can tell, the frame is made up of a metal base that folds away to make up a single or double bed. The frame does not have springs, it has fine metal piping to give the sleeper sturdiness. When folded to a bed, the centre base pushed central and used the armrests as the headboard base.
4. Mattress
The Futon mattresses come in many different sizes, but the great improvement in quality means that you will get a really good night sleep from something that is essentially a make-do mattress and a pull-up bed. The technology of Futon mattresses means that you can even get memory foam, which adds that extra bit of comfort at night.
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5. Cover
Working with a good wooden frame is as good as any other style of frame. The solid hardwood construction means it will be extremely sturdy and last a long time in your home, which will also support you sufficiently while sleeping. The customisation of the bed, with drawers underneath, is another great feature to the wooden Futon frame.
Frame Materials
6. Wood Frame
Working with a good wooden frame is as good as any other style of frame. The solid hardwood construction means it will be extremely sturdy and last a long time in your home, which will also support you sufficiently while sleeping. The customisation of the bed, with drawers underneath, is another great feature to the wooden Futon frame.
7. Metal Frame
The metal frame as seen above is a solid, steady frame which also has a base that gives you a little more give and comfort while sleeping. Because the metal is slightly more flexible than solid wood, it moves around more with you when you move. Available in many colours, a metal frame is sure to fit the design on your home.
Other Frames
8. Bifold Futon Frame
The bi-fold frame is an interesting frame and a more toned down sofa bed. Much more obviously bed than sofa, this frame works with 8 base slats to provide a steady night sleep. With no headboard either side, this is a very basic style of frame.
9. Loveseat Futon Frame
The Loveseat frame is a really lovely, comfy and stylish type of bed. As you can see – and almost opposite to the bi-fold piece, it is heavily designed to look like a sofa. The sofa cushions double up as a mattress which will save you space and money on a standard mattress, while it is a little smaller than a normal Futon, it will usually fit two sleeping children on perfectly.
10. Trifold Futon Frame
The tri-fold bed is not dissimilar in style to the bi-fold, except – obviously – it folds out three ways. With the same wooden slats, it is designed to sleep 13 different positions, depending on your favoured way to sleep. A hugely adjustable seat bed, it is highly comfortable.
11. Adjustable Arms
The adjustable arm Futon is really awesome, as it allows for extra comfort from an area of the bed that would otherwise be wasted. This is best for people who have more pillows and like to sleep on a higher incline, but with the arm reclining all of the way down, it adds extra length and comfort for any user.
Styles
12. Traditional
The traditional Futon is a basic seat/sofa bed made from a metal or wooden frame. This folds out to make a bed, and either includes a mattress or one is bought separately. A very popular appliance for someone who might have regular guests.
13. Lounger
A lounger Futon is a really interesting, different style that the standard. The lounger, looking a little like a doctors chair, is already set out like a bed, so no assembly is needed. Simple add a duvet cover and your guest will be set for the night.
14. Bunk Bed
A bunk bed style Futon has the standard seat underneath, with a frame supporting a bed above the sofa, making for a handy bunk bed. This is a traditional child’s Futon.
15. Armless
The armless style is beautiful, neat and almost handier in style as a bed then the others, because the set-up is easy and basic. The cushion on the seat already will be used as the mattress.
16. Outdoor Futon Frames
The outdoor frame, although slightly smaller, is a comfy, fold-out option with a water-resistant cover for outdoor use. This piece of garden furniture can quickly turn into an extra bed for the home, while the rest of the year round it makes for a great piece of furniture.
Conclusion
A futon is a really great piece of furniture to have around the house because of it’s multi-functional use in being a sofa and a bed. And as you see, there are many styles to choose from – and many areas of the home to use them in. If you have the chance, try the set out before you buy and find the right fit for you and your home.