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What are the major differences between futons?
Home » Furniture » Futons » What are the major differences between futons?Within the last forty years, Americans have imported the Japanese futon and turned it into a favorite in homes and dorm rooms alike. Traditionally, futons are simply a pad of cotton padding, but the common futon today is the modern version of the sleeper sofa. Instead of hiding the bed within a couch, however, futons simply convert from a sofa into a bed and back again. Though its basic purpose remains the same, however, the futon appears in various different ways:
• Futon Types:
o Bi-fold: The bi-fold futon folds in half across its length; thus it provides the largest seating area among futon types and it looks the most like a traditional sofa. Frames and mattresses come in full, queen, or chair size.
o Tri-fold: A tri-fold futon folds in thirds, so a third of the mattress either hangs over the back of the frame or provides doubled cushioning while you sit. The width of the mattress is the seating area, and it comes in twin, full, and queen sizes.
o Loveseat: A loveseat is the smallest futon on the market and is only available in full and twin sizes. It is a two-part mattress divided into a small couch and an ottoman; thus, it works especially well for small spaces.
• Mattress Material:
o Cotton: Cotton mattresses absorb moisture and will compress over time, so they work best for owners who won’t regularly move the futon.
o Cotton/Foam: These mattresses are lighter than all-cotton futons but still hold their shape as long as they have at least four inches of foam. In general, cotton/foam futons are among the best for everyday use.
o Cotton/Polyester: This blend is another excellent choice for everyday use, as it is a light and flexible mattress.
o Cotton/Wool: Cotton/wool futons are very soft, but they are not very flexible.
o Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses combine cotton, foam, and springs like a traditional mattress. Thus, they feel like a traditional mattress, but they are also more expensive than traditional futons.
o Foam: All-foam mattresses are also similar to some traditional mattresses; they may even offer memory foam, which “remembers” and conforms to your body’s shape.
The final distinction between futons is in the size of their mattresses. You can purchase a futon with any of the traditional mattress sizes: king (76” x 80”), queen (60” x 80”), full/double (54”x75”), and twin/single (“39”x75”). In addition, however, you can purchase a smaller chair-size mattress (35”x54”), and you can request a custom size from many manufacturers.
Despite all these differences, however, the basic form of the futon continues to consist of the frame and the mattress. The frame (which is traditionally made of finished wood) has a low seat and a back made up of slats. A quality frame is both strong and easy to assemble and convert. A futon mattress, likewise, should simultaneously be firm and comfortable.
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