Futon Buying Guide

Finding the right futon for your needs depends on several futon components; the frame, the mattress and fill materials, and the size. Read on about each to find that ideal futon:

Futon frames

There are two types of futon frames available on the market today: bi-fold and tri-fold. Bi-fold futon frames are the industry standard and the ones you're likely to find everywhere.

Bi-fold futon frames

Higher-end futon frames look much like sofa beds. They have arms and legs and, unlike lower-end futon frames, which sit directly on the floor, are much more comfortable. Some bi-fold futon frames use a simple one-point pivot at the connections of the seat and back rest, which requires a pin through the back of the arm to keep the futon in a sitting position. Most of the bi-fold futon frames you'll find now have a more sophisticated system of rollers that allows the futon frame to be converted from the sitting position to the sleeping position smoothly. This is known as a "slider" mechanism.

Wall-hugger futon frames: A disadvantage to the traditional convertible bi-fold frame is the need to pull the entire frame away from the wall to make ample room for the back-rest to drop down into the sleeping position. Because of this, wall-hugger futon frames have been created that convert from sitting to sleeping without needing to be moved. Wall-huggers are very easy to use and, for small spaces, are ideal.

Tri-fold futon frames

Tri-folds were actually the first frames on the market. These futon frames fold three times, instead of two. Some have legs, and some sit directly on the floor (picture someone kneeling and sitting on their heels). The higher-end tri-folds have legs and unfold into a nice large sleeping area, as do those that sit on the floor.

Futon frame construction and material

Unlike a sofa bed, futon frames have an exposed exoskeleton, either metal or wood.

Wood futon frames: Wood futon frames are made from clear wood, which means they have no knots or bark, to keep the aesthetic value of a wood frame. Because of this, wood futon frames can be a little more expensive, especially finished woods.

Metal futon frames: Metal frames are durable and attractive, as well as being less expensive than wood frames. While you're online shopping for a metal futon frame, beware of cheap futons. Cheap futons and discount futons are different, especially in quality. Your quality discount futon will last a lot longer, work smoothly and look much better than a cheap futon for $39.99.

Futon frame tips

Because futons can be converted from sitting to sleeping differently, choose the futon which converts easily and know the mechanisms:

• Kicker: The "kicker" is a mechanism where a small piece of wood or plastic wedges itself between the seat rack and back so the futon frame can be converted from a sleeper to a sofa in one fluid motion. You pull or push the seat back to a 90-degree angle, then once the kicker locks, the back can lay flat.
• Ratchet/click-clack: This mechanism is very European in design and converts easily from sitting, to reclining, to sleeping and back again from the front.
• Sliding or moving pivot point: This mechanism is used largely on wall-hugger futons. The design allows the futon to convert from sofa to sleeper without moving the entire frame away from the wall.

Futon mattresses

When futons were first introduced, an all-cotton futon mattress was the only choice. Now, futon mattresses are softer, plusher and better in quality. Select your futon mattress based on the level of firmness, rigidity, flexibility and the weight of the filling materials.

• 100-percent cotton futon mattress: This is the traditional futon mattress. All-cotton futon mattresses are heavy, and the thicker the mattress, the more difficult it is to fold. This futon has great flexibility and medium rigidity, but can sag after prolonged use as a bi-fold sofa. The firmness starts out soft, but becomes firm after a few months of use due to compacting.

• Cotton and foam futon mattress: These are the best selling futon mattresses which combine the comfort of foam and the firmness of cotton. Cotton/foam futons are lighter than 100-percent cotton, have excellent rigidity and they don't sag.
• Cotton and polyester futon mattress: Polyester and cotton-poly blends are a light-weight choice for futons that keep loft better, are flexible and soft. With cotton-poly blends, the more polyester added, the more rigid the futon is.
• Cotton and wool futon mattress: An all-wool futon is the closest you can come to "sleeping on a cloud." Wool is resilient and provides great support. It is light weight and has great rigidity, but not much flexibility. For the best of both worlds, try a cotton/wool futon with a wool top and bottom and cotton middle. Wool futons will be more expensive.

• Innerspring futon mattress: This design is targeted to consumers who are comfortable with more "familiar" furniture. These offer a level of comfort that you can only get with an innerspring mattress construction. They are a bit heavier than most other futons and are a bit more expensive than other futon mattresses.

Futon mattress sizes

Futon mattresses are very similar in size to regular mattresses. When online shopping for a futon, take into consideration the mattress size and seating size. Make sure that, no matter which function your futon is currently in, the sitting and sleeping areas will be sized well for you.

Mattress sizes:

• Twin/single: 39 inches x 75 inches
• Full/double: 54 inches x 75 inches
• Queen: 60 inches x 80 inches
• King: 78 inches x 80 inches
• California king: 72 inches x 84 inches

Seating sizes:

• Chair: 28 inches x 54 inches
• Full/double loveseat: 54 inches x 54 inches
• Queen loveseat: 54 inches x 60 inches
• Ottoman: 21 inches x 28 inches
• Full/double ottoman: 21 inches x 54 inches
• Queen ottoman: 21 inches x 60 inches

The measurements listed are the standard sizes for all mattresses as designated by the International Sleep Products Association.

Futon covers

Futon covers have many advantages over leaving your futon mattress as-is.

• In homes with kids, furniture will get dirty. Having a futon slip cover over the mattress will make cleaning your futon a snap as well as hide any preexisting stains.
• These removable covers also look fantastic. If you decide to change your home décor, all you'll need to do is change your futon cover to match.
• For furniture protection, nothing beats a slip cover. Use a futon cover to protect your new futon from daily wear.

Futon slip covers come in many colors, fabrics and styles. Browse online and find the color, size and fabric that will work best in your home.

• Microsuede is easy to clean; just wipe off the spill.
• Chenille is soft, but more difficult to clean.
• Tapestry is comfortable and durable and a heavy fabric.
• Jacquard refers to the fabric weave. It is heavy, but not as heavy as tapestry.
• Cotton and cotton blends are generally machine washable and, depending on the weave and blend, durable.

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