Futon Bed

Futon beds have gained much popularity in recent years because of their versatility and space saving features.  Futons come in an assortment of sizes and styles and prices range from inexpensive to costly high end designer quality.  Whether you are looking for a convertible living room sofa, a rugged family room daybed or a space saving bed for the guest room you will find a futon to meet almost any need.

Many people think of a futon bed as a metal frame with a futon mattress on top that folds and converts to a sofa.  This style of futon sofa bed can be an inexpensive alternative to a traditional sofa bed.  While this is often the case, many futon frames are constructed from wood and are stylish and heavy duty.  For smaller living quarters, such as efficiencies or studio apartments this particular style of futon would double as a sofa in the daytime and a comfortable, heavy duty bed at night.

For families who have children sharing a bedroom, futon bunk beds are a wonderful addition to any youth décor.  In a futon bunk bed, the top bunk is usually standard twin size while the lower bunk opens out to a full or queen size mattress. During the day the bottom can be folded up and serves as a sofa.  This is a tidy space saving feature that a futon bunk bed offers, especially in crowded, toy laden children’s bedrooms where space is already at a premium.

One drawback in many futons, especially if you are thinking of a futon bunk bed, is the mattress quality, or lack thereof.  Inexpensive futon beds generally come with a thin futon mattress that is hard and uncomfortable to sleep on.  Inexpensive metal frames tend to buckle and bend with time so comfort definitely becomes an issue.  Fortunately there are thicker, plusher mattresses available that come in standard sizes which could be purchased and used instead.  The thickness and weight of the mattress should be considered, though, when substituting it for the one provided by the manufacturer.  Some of the lighter weight, metal framed futon beds may not be able to withstand the additional weight for any length of time.

Many futon mattresses have zipper style covers that can be removed and laundered so when used as a sofa it stays fresh and clean.  They are made of heavy duty fabric and wear well over time with heavy use.  This is especially helpful in young people’s rooms.

In the end, if you opt to use a futon bed instead of a sofa bed, daybed or even a futon bunk bed, comfort and durability should be a key factor in the choice you make.  If your futon bed will be used on regular basis then plan on spending a bit more money but it will be worth it in the end.  Look at it this way, since it is a sofa and a bed wrapped up in one, the extra expense is worth it.  That’s like getting two for the price of one!