Futons are flexible and foldable frames with mattresses that double as couches. The style you buy will depend on whether it will be used as a couch, a bed or both, depending on the needs of their owners.
Futons fold flat when needed for sleeping and sit upright for use as a chair or sofa. It is necessary to keep both potential uses for the piece in mind when choosing a futon.
- Measure the space available for your futon in the desired room. The measurements are necessary to ensure that your futon can lie completely flat without leaning into walls or other furniture.
- Consider the materials you would like for your futon. Basic metal frames are inexpensive and great for dorm rooms but look out of place as part of a wooden living room or bedroom set. Wood and metal are the two most common futon frame types.
- Choose a frame model from a variety of futons in different styles, colors and price points. Choose between a bi-fold and lounger frame. A lounger is folded twice and uses the width of the mattress as the couch. A bi-fold is folded once and uses the length of the mattress as the couch, providing more seat room.
Check the mechanism used in a frame, the ease with which you can change its position. Inexpensive frames may look nice but may also be very difficult to operate. - Select a futon mattress according to thickness and comfort. Inexpensive mattresses may be so thin that you are able to feel the frame beneath. Thicker mattresses are more comfortable but may be harder to fold and more expensive. Also, see what the futon mattress is made of — usually either cotton, a cotton-foam combination, a cotton-polyester blend or a cotton-wool combination.
- Get a futon made of cotton and foam if you're looking for a mattress that weighs less. This combination also holds its shape and doesn't sag.
- Try a cotton-polyester blend if you're looking for an even lighter mattress. It's flexible and soft and holds its shape.
- Think about buying a cotton-wool combination if you want a super soft mattress. But keep in mind that cotton-wool is not very flexible.
- Consider an innerspring mattress made of a spring unit that sits between layers of foam and cotton. It's flexible and gives the feel of a traditional mattress. However, it does weigh more than the cotton and cotton combination futon mattresses.
- Purchase a washable cover, pillows, and other accessories to protect your investment and accent your décor.
For your convenience, we offer great deals on futon sets that come with a futon frame, a mattress, a non-slip pad and optional covers and pillows because all of them are necessary parts of the futon.
Now when you know how to choose a futon that is right for you, let's look closer at the main components. For your futon, you will need 3 main parts: futon frame, futon mattress, and futon cover.
Most futon frames include a futon body and a set of arms. Though sometimes the futon frame doesn't need arms. In any case, first of all, you need to choose which kind of body you need according to your wall space and the way of use.