Futon Buying Guide

We offer over 150 different styles of futons including standard frames, futon chairs and complete futon living room sets. Our futons add a unique and functional aspect to any living area. Let our handy buying guide help you select the right futon to accent your home décor.



Step 1: Select a Futon Frame

Selecting a frame for your futon is the first step in choosing the right piece to fit in your space and match your overall home decor.

Definitions:



Slat Rack: The platforms on which the futon rests, essentially the slat rack is another name for the entire futon frame.

Back Rest: The part of the futon you lean against when the futon acts as a couch.

Seat Rack: The part of the futon you sit on when the futon acts as a couch.

Frames:

Standard

The standard futon can also be called a bi-fold futon. This means the frame consists of only two slat racks; the one you sit on and one you lean against. The standard frame accommodates a bi-fold mattress, meaning the mattress folds only once along its length.

LivingRight™

This frame, crafted by Simmons, features a number of accessories that you can't find on a standard frame. LivingRight™ has built-in springs on both the back rest and seat rack of the futon frame. This allows for a more comfortable sleeping surface and a longer life for your mattress. LivingRight™ frames also have a futon gripper to keep the mattress from sliding down the frame while using it as a couch. This frame also has a completely finished back giving it the option to be the centerpiece of your living room.

Lounger

This futon is also called a tri-fold futon because it is built with three slat racks. This allows for an additional folding position you can't get with the standard frame. With the lounger frame, the futon mattress can hang over the back rest, fold under itself on the seat rack, or lay flat like a chaise lounge.

Futon Chairs

Futon chairs are great accents to any living room. If you plan to use your full-sized futon as a sofa, think about adding a futon chair to complete your living room set. Futon chair frames are not as wide or as long as a standard twin, but with the addition of an accenting ottoman, a futon chair can be used as a sleeping surface.



Step 2: Find a Futon Mattress

A futon is a great piece of furniture because of its ability to be a bed and a sofa while being stylish and easy to use. After choosing the frame to fit your needs, finding the right mattress is the next important step.

Definitions:



Firmness: Description of how the mattress feels, also how resistant it is to pressure.

Rigidity: Indication of how well the mattress maintains its square edge. The rigidity of a mattress will tell you how well the futon cover will fit; the more rigid the mattress the less the cover will sag or bunch.

Flexibility: How easily the mattress folds when converting from sofa to sleeper. Some mattresses are cut along the fold to make this easier, feel free to call us with questions about these mattresses.

Mattresses:

Traditional Foam/Cotton Interior

Cotton mattresses are what you could call the traditional mattress for the futon. These mattresses contain a cotton or polyester filling constructed with different layering techniques. A cotton/foam mattress is great for use year round because the cotton fabrics allow the mattress to breathe keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These mattresses are perfect for the lounger frames because of their great flexibility.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses most resemble traditional bed mattresses because they are crafted with springs like a traditional mattress. Most of the innerspring mattresses we offer have pocket springs which consist of a grid of springs each in their own fabric pocket. This minimizes transfer of motion and noise. Innerspring mattresses are best suited for standard futons that do not require the mattress to fold more than once. If you intend on using your futon for sleeping on a regular basis, or if you need a mattress for a platform bed, our innerspring mattresses are the perfect fit.

Memory/Latex Foam

These foam mattresses are usually made of several layers of medium to high density polystyrene foam or latex in flat or egg-crate styles. Unlike traditional coil or fiber-filled futon mattresses, foam mattresses have open cells in the foam support layer that allow air to flow through the mattress when impacted. As a result, it re-shapes, rather than bounces, as it responds to your body's movements.



Step 2: Select Your Accessories, Relax, and Enjoy

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Orignal From: Futon Buying Guide