What You Need to Know When Shopping for Futons

Futons in the last 25 years have gone from simple pine frames that were part of the floor to evolving into matching sofas, loveseats, chairs and tables. They have gone from being a simple fad into a real furniture category all their own. Buying a futon though is not always as simple as purchasing an upholstered sofa and many consumers aren't aware of the options available when making a buying decision about futon furniture.

When purchasing a futon you'll most likely be in what is called a specialty store. What is a specialty store and why is it so special? Well, most mainstream furniture like sofas, beds and dining are sold in every furniture store in one form or another. Futon furniture is a little more unique in the available choices for the frames, mattresses and coverings and stores that carry a wide selection of the different offerings are often referred to in the industry as a "specialty store" since the specialize in a particular product.

The first thing you'll have to decide on is the frame. Futon frames have six main parts to them that are broken down into two arm sections, two stretcher rails and two decks which make up the seat and back sections. These are connected together with steel hardware mostly consisting of steel bolts and round barrel nuts that connect together through predrilled holes in the arms and bored out holes in the rails. Frames are available from simple metal frames to wooden frames that feature a wide assortment of designs and finishes. In wood frames you'll find softwood frames like pine as well as hardwood frames like oak or maple.

After you've picked out your futon frame you'll need to decide on a mattress. You can go with softer cotton or cotton/polyester filled mattresses. These often include a foam core in the middle of the mattress or is made up of several layers of foam to help it better keep it shape and provide additional support. Innerspring mattresses are also an option. These have real steel coils inside of them and are designed to feel just like a regular coil mattress. A hinge is designed into these mattresses to allow them to bend on a frame. Newer mattresses are being developed everyday to take advantage of new technologies that are available for mattress designs.

The last component to your futon is the covering. These futon covers have zippers or velcro that help to secure it over your futon mattress. Many of the today's popular fabrics are available in futon covers like velvet, suede, microfiber and even leather. There are usually hundreds of fabrics to choose from and matching accessories like pillows and window treatments are often available in the same or coordinating designs.

So if you've decided to go shopping for a futon, remember the three things you're looking for. Frames that are available from metal to wood designs which will be the foundation for your futon. Mattresses which can be anything from cotton and foam to innerspring models which feel just like a conventional mattress. Lastly futon covers which can zipper or velcro on over your mattress to give your futon a look that is uniquely yours. Keeping these things in mind when shopping for a futon will start you out on the road to helping you find the right futon for you.

Phil Pendleton is a furniture professional with over 15 years in the industry. He has been involved with furniture sales, production and distribution and continues to work with other furniture professionals to help promote new trends in furniture and futons.