Furniture Types
Futon
The futon originated in Japan as a thin mattress placed directly on tatami floors, but Western futons evolved into convertible sofa-beds with frames. This dual-purpose furniture provides seating by day and sleeping surface by night, making it invaluable for small spaces and guest accommodations.
Modern futons range from basic dorm-room fare to sophisticated furniture pieces that rival conventional sofas in style. The key to futon satisfaction lies in choosing quality mattresses and sturdy frames that perform well in both configurations.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Converts between sofa and bed
- ✓Fold-down or fold-out mechanism
- ✓Mattress sits on frame
- ✓Space-efficient design
- ✓Twin to queen sizes available
- ✓Various frame styles
Types & Variations
Bifold futon (folds in half)
Trifold futon (folds in thirds)
Loveseat futon (smaller, two-seat)
Futon with storage (drawers below)
Wall-mounted futon (murphy-style)
Common Materials
Metal frameWood frameCotton mattressFoam mattressInnerspring mattress
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Ensure adequate space for full extension when converted to bed. Consider traffic flow in both positions. Wall placement works for occasional use; floating placement if used as bed frequently.
💡 Pro Tip
Invest in mattress quality over frame aesthetics—you'll sleep on the mattress. An 8-inch thick futon mattress with innerspring or high-density foam provides better long-term comfort than thin cotton batting.