The futon frame is the underlying structure . . .{read more}]]> When shopping for your futon sofa, it’s important to understand the 3 components that make up the furniture piece. The futon frame, futon mattress, and futon cover all work together to create the perfect sleep solution. Taking some time to choose the right components will result in getting something you will be happy with for many years to come.

The Futon Sofa Frame

The futon frame is the underlying structure for your futon sofa. It provides the conversion mechanism necessary to convert the sofa into a bed. It also provides support for you and acts as the foundation for the futon mattress.

The frame can be made of wood or metal and sometimes even a hybrid of both. Usually the arm design is what gives each style of frame its visual uniqueness. The two stretcher rails connect the two arms together and create the base for which the seat decks rest. You can think of them as the bed rails in a conventional bed setup where the box spring rest.

The back and seat decks of the futon frame is what supports the mattress. It contains wooden slats that work to provide proper support throughout the entire futon mattress area. In the up position, it provides the back and seating area for the futon sofa. In the down position, the two decks collapse flat to create the bed surface.

The Futon Sofa Mattress

The futon mattress is one of the most critical choices to make in getting a comfortable futon sofa. If budget is a concern, it’s wise to spend more on the mattress and spend less on the frame and futon cover.

Different mattress types are available for all types of budget and personal preference for firmness. You can choose from having soft support to firm support with anything in between. The ingredients used in creating the mattress are what changes how each futon feel. A combination of cotton, foam, springs, or wool can be used to create different types of futon mattresses.

Generally, a 6 inch thick futon mattress is consider a standard entry level futon. If you can spend just a bit more, I would recommend getting an 8 inch thick futon which will contain more cotton and layers of foam. This provides some extra reassurance that you will be happy with the comfort level as it will give it more cushion from the frame slats. The most common issue with complaints that a futon sofa is uncomfortable is the result of purchasing a cheap mattress which is too thin (they do come in 4 to 5 inches).

The Futon Sofa Cover

The final component to your futon sofa is the futon cover. This gives your furniture piece personality and makes it unique. When choosing a futon cover, I personally look at my room surroundings to see what goes well. The wall color, carpet, and wall art can be used to determine what colors should be on the futon cover to go well with your existing décor.

Besides just good looks, the cover does provide some functional purpose for your futon sofa. It acts as protection for the mattress from dirt, stains, and spills. It’s much easier to clean a futon cover than it is to clean the mattress itself. The cover has a zipper to go around all three sides of the mattress to make installation or removal of the cover easy. Usually, the zipper is hidden under a flap so it’s not noticeable and doesn’t take away from the aesthetics of the futon cover.

Futon Sofa – Frame, Mattress, and Cover

As you can see, all three components are important in the final makeup of the futon sofa. Take some time to decide on purchasing each of the three and you will be much more likely to have a futon sofa that’s comfortable and enjoyable for many years.

There was a floor model so I gave it a try to see how it feels. . . .{read more}]]> While I was out shopping this weekend, I came across a futon on sale at a big merchant store. I couldn’t believe the price. They were offering the entire futon set for just $169. That’s right…$169 for the frame and a futon mattress with a sewn on cover which comes in a single box.

There was a floor model so I gave it a try to see how it feels. I already liked the stylish cover it came with but want to make sure the mattress feels okay. When I started to lay down, the frame shifted and became off balance from my weight. I had to shift my body to the middle to keep the bed level.

Not a good start but I proceeded to lay there for a few minutes. I noticed I could feel some discomfort though my entire back like I was laying on something hard. I flipped up the mattress and found the problem to be the mattress support deck. It was made of metal with tubular bars which runs across to support the mattress. With the futon mattress already being thin, these bars didn’t help at all for comfort.

Well the price can’t be beat and I like the idea of having to deal with only one box so I can fit it in my car easier. The problem is by making everything being able to fit in one box, the mattress is much thinner than normal, the frame is in many pieces so you can assemble it at home, and the overall feel of the frame is flimsy.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad if you’re looking for a futon that only gets use twice a year. Perhaps have a small child take naps on it since they don’t weigh much. For me, I think I will stay away from the Futon-in-a Box idea.

On a rainy . . .{read more}]]> So you’re thinking of buying a futon for the next visit from your relatives. At first thought, you figure this will be an easy task as how many options can there actually be? You think back on all the futon frames you’ve seen in the past such as those in your college dorm or your neighbor’s guest house and remember they pretty much all look the same.

On a rainy weekend at home, you decide things are slow, why not search for that futon you’ve been putting off on buying. You fire up your computer and search for futon stores which come up with a few interesting prospects. As you make your way around each site, you notice the futon frames are put into certain categories: wood, metal, traditional, contemporary, size, etc. You’re surfing around, grab your coffee, and sit down to shop some more while getting excited on all the different possibilities. You glance at the clock and was shocked to see you just spent an hour online!

A futon frame is just a few pieces of wood put together to hold a mattress, right? Well maybe the one you remember at the dorm was certainly that way. However, futon manufacturers have been working for past many years to change this pre-conception of consumers by making styles that are appealing and of high quality so it won’t be an embarrassment in your home.

Using creative talent and innovative design applications, futon frames now come in a wide variety of styles and materials. If you want something better than a low end futon, you can find high quality frames made with thick solid wood construction, beautiful stained finish, and fine luxury grade details. Your futon can be a showcase in your room and not something hidden out of the way only to make its existence known on those rare occasions.

Stay tune for more upcoming articles on futon frames….