What is a Futon?

Futon is the expression Americans use to refer to the traditional Japanese bedding system. Japanese use the word shikibuton, meaning mattress. The American concept expanded to a broader definition, which includes either the mattress, or the convertible furniture it sits upon, or both. A futon serves as furniture during the day and can convert to a sleeping space at night. A futon can take the form of a bed, couch, or chair, which provides a comfortable and sturdy space for sitting or sleeping. Some futon furniture comes with wood frames that can be folded and put way to save space. Futon mattresses are also constructed to be easily folded and stored away. They are usually stuffed with cotton batting, and are available in a wide range of colors, sizes and choice of fabrics. Many people who are accustomed to sleeping on a futon rave about the good back support, and devotees especially appreciate the fact that a futon can be conveniently moved outdoors for frequent beneficial airings. ...  more

The answer to that question is actually fairly simple: the Japanese word for a traditional bed is futon, so to us, a futon simply means "bed". The parts include the shikibuton - the bed; the kakebuton - the comforter; and the makura - the pillow. The shikibuton is the ancestor to what Americans call a futon. Traditionally, the cotton-filled futon is only about three inches thick, which is a good firm bed, though a little too firm for larger, curvy westerners who sleep on their sides. The Japanese sleep ritual includes laying the futon out on tatami mats on the floor, then folding them up and putting them away in the closet, or oshiire, when sleeping is over. Americans often think of a futon as a sofa that doubles as a guest bed. In the 1960s, people who wanted a simple, natural bed brought 'futons' to the US. In subsequent decades, frames were developed for futons that convert from bed to couch. This versatile idea caught on with people who wanted to maximize limited space and ...  more

A futon is a convertible sofa sleeper, a piece of dual-purpose furniture that can be used for both sitting and sleeping. The modern American futon is a descendent of Japanese sleeping mats. Now a futon is a three-component structure of frame, mattress, and fabric cover.  more

Futons are modern day sofa beds that have three basic parts: • A Futon Frame - Is the base of the futon usually made of wood or metal • A Futon Mattress - The pad that you use to sit or sleep on • A Futon Cover - The covering that goes over the mattress to protect and decorate it When you shop for futons, you select each of these three components to make your own customized futon sofa. Online, you do this by adding each of the futon components to your shopping cart. We have provided you with navigation and recommended items to help you along your way.  more

The word "futon" essentially means bed in Japanese. Unlike ordinary spring mattresses, futons have a unique flexibility allowing them to fold neatly onto a specially designed wooden or metal frame. The frame can be adjusted and because the futon mattress is malleable, it can bend with the adjustment of the futon frame. The way in which these two components operate together provides the functionality of outdated sleeper sofas without the sleepless discomfort and potential back problems associated with them. When selecting a futon, it is vital that you recognize there are many poor quality futons on the market. For this reason, you are urged to shop at professional futon shops where you are most likely to find knowledgeable futon sales people. Having a knowledgeable futon sales person is probably the single most important thing in obtaining a quality futon that is right for you.  more

A futon serves as furniture during the day and can convert to a sleeping space at night. A futon can take the form of a bed, couch, or chair, which provides a comfortable and sturdy space for sitting or sleeping. Americans first became interested in futons during the early 1970s, perhaps because of an increased interest in Eastern culture-or because the inexpensive furniture provided a novel home furnishing idea. The market for futons still remains strong among students, apartment dwellers saving on space, and first-time home owners. But a futon can also provide handy lodgings for visitors, making the futon an ideal addition to any den or extra room. The quality and styling of the "American futon" has dramatically improved since its first appearance. Today, futon furniture is made from top-of-the line hard wood to sturdy metal, with your choice in a wide palette of wood and metal finishes. There have also been improvements in futon mattresses. While early versions were usually ...

Futons are thick mattresses that originated in Japan but have long been popular in western civilization. They may or may not use a frame. Many people have couch frames on which the futon rests, but when the couch frame is unfolded, the futon doubles as a sleeping mattress.  more