Have You Thought About A Futon For Your Space?
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When I first got into the Futon business about six years ago, I was under the impression, as a lot of folks are, that futons weren’t nice enough for anywhere other than college dorms and first apartments. Well, things have certainly changed. This is not to say that those unfinished tri-fold frames with thin all cotton futon mattresses don’t exist anymore, they do, but there are also some very nice frames, mattresses, and futon covers in today’s market.
I believe that futons are some of the most versatile pieces of furniture on the market today. Are you looking for something for your guest bedroom? A sofa that can convert into a bed when company’s over? Would you like a beautiful piece of furniture for your small space? Maybe your door way is not wide enough to get that expensive sofa through? If you’ve asked yourself any of those questions, a futon is for you.
Futon frames and mattresses can go just about anywhere, I haven’t seen a space that they don’t accommodate. I’ve seen the frames I sell go into third story rooms in those gorgeous 1800’s New England Colonials. While they are beautiful homes, they are quite a chore to move anything into or out of. I have sold many Futon Frames and Mattresses to customers in New York City, where space is at such a premium, that I’ve lost count. Don’t forget those rural areas, where going to the furniture store is sometimes a day’s drive.
So, you like what you’ve heard so far? Well, it gets even better. The majority of frames, mattresses and covers that I sell are made in the USA. A claim that those mega marts won’t even try to make. I strive to sell as much product that’s made in the USA as possible. I live here, and want to promote American made products.
There are a few things that you need to consider if you are looking for a futon. What is my frame made of? How long will my frame last? Always look for a futon frame that is made from solid hardwoods, avoid any frames that are made from particle board or MDF. Measure width and the distance between the slats on the back and seat decks. Slats should be at least two and a half inches wide and if the spacing is more than three inches, forget it. Even with the best mattress on the market you’ll feel slats that are too thin, or to far apart. If you use a futon frame with substandard, unsupported slats you run the risk of ruining your mattress. Try to look for frames that feature mortise and tennon joinery and metal on metal connections, they’ll only add to the life of your frame.
Futon mattresses are a whole other ball game. Do you want something soft, firm, or in between? What are the pro’s and con’s to natural fibers vs. foams? How long should my futon mattress last? Feel is a rather subjective term; someone’s firm could be too soft for another. As a general rule of thumb, my customers like a firm futon for sleeping, a soft futon for sitting, and in between mattress for a sofa that converts into a guest bed. Foam futons usually retain the firmness they have when purchased, but only if the foam is of an acceptable quality. Look for foam that has a density no less than 1.2 pound per cubic foot. With foam, higher density usually equals a long lasting mattress that retains it feel. Natural fibers, mostly cotton, are good for futons that need more flexibility. For those of us that are traditionalist’s a natural fiber and foam blend is a good choice when looking at a futon mattress.
The futon cover is the piece that buttons up the look of the futon. It is the one part that is not 100% essential, but at the same time can improve your frame by 200%. Today you can find futon covers in a wide variety of colors, patterns, prints, and materials. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when looking for a futon cover. Do I need a cover that is washable? What is the difference between a natural and a synthetic fibers? I always recommend a washable cover to anyone that has pets or young children. I know my washable cover has save my family ton’s of money with my Great Dane, Jay, bless his slobbering heart. Dry cleaning can be expensive, and if you fit into the same category that I do, you’ll want to sacrifice those beautiful patterns for a cover that you can clean yourself. With the money you’ll save on dry cleaning you’ll be able to purchase a new cover when the time is right, because futon covers are replaceable! Cover materials do make a difference in how your cover feels and wears over time.
Natural fibers, cotton and linen are nice and soft to begin with, but can wear faster than synthetics. Synthetic fibers; polyester, nylon, rayon and such; might not be quite as soft but they last longer than natural fibers. Synthetic fibers have come a long way, they are constantly being improved and they hold vivid dyes that cotton and linen can’t. A good compromise between Natural and Synthetic fibers is blends of the two, which are in abundance in the futon cover market.
To make a long story short, I’ve sold futons across the country, to a wide variety of people and homes. I’ve seen futons go to college kids in their dorm rooms, and to families in their living rooms. I am proud to provide a service that is appreciated by so many. So take a look at the futon frames, mattresses, and accessories on the market today and find the futon that is just right for you and your needs.
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Source by Matthew A Tuttle
