futon frame

Size:  First determine the size of the frame and how big you want the futon.  Futon frames come in many sizes – a smaller chair size, a twin size, a full size, and a queen size frame.  Similar to determining the mattress size, the size of the frame will dictate how much space you need in the room.  Don’t forget that you will be able to open and close up the frame.  Therefore, when checking the space in your room, don’t just consider the size for sitting in a futon like a couch, also remember that you will want to use the futon as a bed and open it up entirely.  The frame will be larger than a mattress since it needs to support the mattress.  Therefore, choose a size that will fit your comfortably for both options.

Material:  Futon frames come in many different types of materials.  You will want to think about the type of material, but also

Wood futon frame

consider how heavy that material is.  Depending on who will be using the futon, you do not want to pick a frame that is too heavy for the person using it.  Otherwise, he or she won’t be able to take advantage of the futon and opening and closing up the futon will be very difficult for them.  If you would like a wood futon frame, think through what type of wood.  There is hardwood, pine, oak, rattan and tropical wood.  Each of these woods comes in different colors and some are sturdier than others.  Also note that different wood is a different weight and the sturdier wood may be much heavier to lift.  The other material is metal.  Metal is much lighter and easier to handle than wood.  In general, a metal frame is pretty sturdy.  It won’t look as nice as the wood frame, but it is useful and easier to maneuver than wood.  Those who want a lighter futon that they can easily open and close or move frequently, may want to consider a metal frame.

Types of futon frames:  

A futon frame comes in two main types:  the bi-fold and the tri-fold.  

Bifold futon frame

Bi-fold futon frame:  The bi-fold is the most common futon frame.  Here, the futon mattress is folded in half the long way.  This means that you would sit on the long length of the mattress and the futon couch would therefore have more sitting space.  These types of frames are easily converted from a couch to a bed and back since you only have to fold the futon once.  These frames also come in many sizes include the full, queen or chair size frame and the futon loveseat and futon bed.

Tri-fold futon frame:  The tri-fold frame is less common and manufacturer’s are not making as many these day.  These frames are great for small spaces because they fold up smaller.  Here, the futon mattress is folded in thirds with the bottom third folding under the middle.  Therefore, the seating area is shorter since you fold the mattress the long way in order to accomplish the folds.  Because you have to fold the mattress three times, the futon mattress on a tri-fold is a lot thinner and it is harder to convert from a couch to a bed.  Most people choose these frames if they plan on using the futon as a couch and less frequently as a bed.

Futon sizes

Mattress Size: Twin, Full, Queen, King

First off is the size of the mattress.  If you’ve already purchased a futon frame, then you’ve probably already made this decision.  However, if you are purchasing the two items together, then you should think through this decision.  Size is key to the entire product.  First, think about where you want to put the futon.  Is the space small or pretty large?  Is it for a living room or bedroom?  Second, consider what you want to use it for.  Are you thinking of it as a guest couch and guest bed or a bed for yourself or someone in your family?  The advantage of a larger frame and mattress is that it sleeps more people versus a smaller one.  However, a larger one definitely takes up more space.  Finally, think about how much you want to spend.  If you have more money to spend, you could probably afford a Queen or King size.  If you have less money, but still want to sleep more than 1 person, then consider a full size mattress.

Use:  Daily; Often, but not everyday; Once in a while

Next, think about how much you will be using the futon.  If you are using it everyday, then you need one that is built to last.  Consider going with a higher quality futon that has a thicker mattress.  Also consider paying a little bit more.  If you are using it often, but not everday, you can get away with a futon in the mid-priced range.   The futon will not have to be as thick and the construction not as detailed.  Finally, if you are only using a futon once in awhile, consider a budget or even a used futon.  There are plenty of futons on sale on Craigslist and other similar sites that you may consider purchasing.

Folded futon mattress

Core material:  Cotton, Innerspring, Memory Foam/Latex

Futon mattresses are made of many different materials or a combination of them.  The main ones are as follows:  cotton, memory foam/latex, and innerspring.

Cotton – The cotton mattress is usually the traditional mattress for the futon.  It is made with cotton or a polyester filling.  These mattresses are great to use ear round because the cotton allows the mattress to breathe and will keep people warm in the winter and cool during the summer.  This material also makes for a very flexible mattress which makes it perfect for those planning to use the futon frequently as a couch.

Memory/Latex Foam – The foam mattress is generally made of high density polystyrene foam or latex layered in a flat or egg crate style.  Foam mattresses let air flow through when you touch, sit or lean on the mattress because of the open cells in the layers of the foam.  Therefore, the foam mattress will shape to a person’s body more easily than other mattresses.  These are the newest kinds of mattresses and are generally more expensive than other mattresses.

Innerspring – The innerspring mattress will feel the most like traditional bed mattresses because they have springs, just like the traditional mattress.  Therefore, if you want to use a futon as your bed, and don’t really intend to fold it up a lot for use as a couch, then the innerspring mattress could be perfect.   These mattresses are usually heavier and keep their shape so they remain full and pretty well suited for most futon covers.

Futon bed

Mattress Support:  Soft, Medium, Firm

Similar to buying a bed, when purchasing a futon mattress consider whether or not you want a soft, medium or firm mattress.  This really depends on personal preference, although there are benefits to certain ones.  Some studies have shown that the best type of mattress for a person is one that is medium firm.  This is because that mattress tends to adjust to fit your body better, but still provide support.  There is also better pressure distribution so that there is no one point of too intense pressure on your body.  A soft mattress will definitely adjust, but may not provide enough support.  A firm mattress tends not to adjust, but will also provide support.  Some orthopaedic surgeons recommend the firm mattress to their patients.  Other studies show that the firm mattress helps a person’s lower back and will decrease back pain.  Consult your own doctor if you have issues of back pain.  Otherwise, go with what feels best for you.

Futon Pros

Fun futon

Double use:  The futon and mattress provides utmost flexibility for a home, office, apartment or dorm.  The main thing is that it can be used as a couch or a bed anytime the person chooses.  In the daytime, the futon can be converted into a wonderful couch.  Add a few pillows and a throw and the futon becomes a great accessory to decorate a room and for sitting and relaxing.  At night, open up the futon and the mattress becomes a great bed.  The size of the bed is larger than what is used to sit on.  Therefore, if you have guests, the futon becomes a much better bed than a couch.  Also, since the futon can open up, oftentimes, the futon mattress bed can fit more than one person.

More space:  Because the futon can be folded up, it is perfect for anyone with a smaller room.  The compactness of a futon allows you to put it in the room as a couch, but convert it into a bed at anytime.  Futons tend to be more compact than couches of similar sizes.

Price:  Futons tend to be much cheaper than couches or beds.  You can sometimes get a futon for half the price or even less versus a couch or bed.  Therefore, the futon is not as big of an investment.  If you don’t have as much money or don’t want to spend as much, consider buying a futon.

Moving a futon

Easier to move:  Futons are easier to move because you can take them apart.  You can move the futon frame and then the futon mattress separately.  The frame becomes much lighter without the mattress.  The mattress becomes much easier to move around without the futon.

Easy décor change:  The futon is a great item to easily decorate.  Countless futon covers are sold and the covers fit well.  Unlike a couch that comes in a specific color, you choose your futon cover and can choose the accent pillows as well.

Futon cons:

Mattress is not as comfortable:  The futon mattress is usually not as durable as a bed or couch since you haven’t paid as much.  Therefore, it is oftentimes not as comfortable or soft unless you buy a high quality futon mattress.  

Uncomfortable futon bed

Not a bed:  The futon is not a traditional bed, therefore, it does not sleep as well unless that mattress is an innerspring mattress.  Even then, a mattress bed usually has a box spring and is not made to be flexible.  A futon mattress usually has to be flexible so it can be made into a couch.  Because of this, and the fact that you tend to open and close it to become a bed or couch, the futon mattress experiences more wear and tear.  In the long-term, it tends not to be as good as having a traditional bed.

Hard to open and close:  Although the futon provides a lot of flexibility, it tends to be hard to open or close, especially for young children or people who are not as strong.  If the futon is larger, it requires 2 people to open and close it.

Frame is hard:  Unlike a couch, the futon frame is hard.  The couch has soft arms that you can lean on.  The futon frame has to act as a bed and couch.  It has to support the mattress differently.  The arms are not soft since it needs to open.