How to Buy a Futon

Futons offer affordable versatility to any home. Most commonly thought of as furniture for dorm rooms, studios and college apartments, futon beds provide a comfortable seating area that can convert easily into a bed. Futons differ from sofa beds by, typically, being much cheaper and more lightweight, as the futon uses the same frame and cushions for each function; whereas, a sofa bed has a separate mattress and frame for the bed that is not used when the furniture is acting as a sofa.

Buying a Futon:

1. Know what you are getting. You will want to check whether you are getting a futon mattress with the frame or just the futon frame. If you can't find a complete futon set that you like, you can buy a futon frame and mattress separately.

2. Choose a good mattress. A mattress should be at least six inches thick to support an adult. Buying too thin a mattress will lead to you never wanting to use your futon. Futon mattresses with inner springs offer a greater level of support than those with just a fiber filling. A mattress with cotton batting and foam provides a reasonable amount of support and should hold its shape.

3. Protect your futon's mattress. If your futon has a removable mattress, consider buying a futon cover to protect the futon mattress from spills and stains. The futon mattress is usually covered in a thick canvas material, but spills may still seep into the futon filling, causing mildew and a foul smell. Washable futon covers are made to protect the mattress, and you can purchase them in a variety of materials, including microsuede, leather, denim and cotton.

4. Choose a frame. A hardwood or steel frame will be more durable than a frame made from aluminum or particleboard. You should also consider how well the futon frame will match the rest of your furniture.