Anyone with somewhat limited space who enjoys having friends and family visit will think twice about purchasing one of those sleeper sofas. Not only are they expensive and incredibly heavy, they are uncomfortable as a couch and often tortuous to sleep on. A far better solution is to consider a futon mattress.
Baby boomers may think of the futon as a hold-over from college days and something they’ve worked hard to move up from and leave behind. While it may have been a staple of the 60’s and 70’s, it is by no means in the same category as bean bag chairs and beaded room dividers.
Japanese legend teaches that futons were created by samurai who could not quite get the hang of sword fighting and had to look for work other than that of being a warrior. While the truth of that may be debatable, it is known that futons have been used in Japan for centuries. Normally placed directly on the floor for sleeping, futon mattresses are then folded away during the day allowing the room to be used for other purposes.
The popularity of the futon in the United States has recently shown signs of increasing. Several years back when houses were getting larger and larger, there was little need for items designed to create flexibility in room function. However, as folks are downsizing and even consolidating households, the futon mattress is making a comeback.
While traditional Japanese futons are relatively thin fabric exteriors stuffed with cotton, wool, or a synthetic batting, the American versions are considerably thicker and usually contain at least some foam rubber. We generally incorporate a frame, also, rather than placing the mattress directly on the floor. Frames come in a variety of styles and materials and usually bend so that they can double as a couch. Some models actually fold up completely so that the futon frame and mattress can both be stored somewhere out of sight.
Removable and replaceable futon mattress covers can be purchased in just about any fabric or color imaginable. This makes cleaning easy, as most of them are washable, and allows for a change in décor without the necessity of replacing furniture.
There is one final point to consider when making the choice between sleeper sofa and futon that goes beyond the cost savings, versatility and appreciation of your guests. There may come the day that you are obliged to temporarily give up your own bed for some reason. Having the futon mattress to fall back to will make what is likely an unpleasant situation a bit easier to take.
