8 Futon Tips You Need to Know!

There are few things more cozy than sleeping on a futon. That’s why they have become incredibly popular among college students and young adults who live in apartments or small homes. With a little bit of knowledge, you can make sure your futon stays comfortable, functional and affordable all at once. Read on for some useful tips that will help you get the most out of your futon. Whether you have just purchased your first futon or already own one and are looking to expand its usage, there are several things you should know about them. These sofas transform from couches to beds with the simple removal of a few cushions. Keep reading to discover 8 facts about these practical pieces of furniture.

1. You Should ALWAYS Purchasing a Quality Mattress with Your Futon

While a futon may seem like a great option for a dorm room or small apartment, you can’t rely on it as a long-term solution without buying a quality mattress. The futon itself will likely last you a decade or longer, but its spring-based frame will definitely need to be replaced over time. However, it is important to note that a futon mattress doesn’t last quite as long as a traditional one. Thus, it is essential that you get a high-quality mattress for use with the futon. You will be glad that you did when the time comes for you to replace the futon frame. A quality mattress will last a lot longer, even after you replace the frame.

2. You Can Find Futons in Various Shapes and Sizes

Once you have decided to buy a futon, you will find that you have many options to choose from. You can buy a twin-sized futon that is ideal for children, or you can get a king-sized model that can accommodate two adults. You can also buy futons in various shapes, such as a j-shaped futon or an o-shaped futon. You can even find futons with built-in drawers or storage compartments, which is convenient for small spaces. If you are purchasing a futon for your child’s room, you can choose a smaller option. If you want a more versatile piece of furniture that can quickly be turned into a guest bed when visitors come to visit, you should look for a larger option.

3. Know the Differences Between Upholstered and Non-upholstered Futons

An upholstered futon will have a cover that you can remove for washing. It can be tossed in the dryer, and it will be clean and ready to use in about an hour. You can also use it for outdoor events, since most upholstered futons are made of durable materials. A non-upholstered futon is covered in a durable material that can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. While it may not be as comfortable as an upholstered futon, it is a great option for anyone who needs a quick-cleaning solution. If you have small children or messy guests, a non-upholstered futon is an ideal choice.

4. Always Test the Firmness of a Futon Before Buying It

Before you purchase a futon, test the firmness of the mattress. This can be difficult to do in a retail environment, especially if the store hires inexperienced salespeople. You can ask the salesperson to put the mattress on the frame and let you try it out for a few minutes, but this is not always feasible. If you are at a loss for what to do, bring a friend who is honest with you. Tell them that you want their honest opinion about the firmness of the mattress you are considering. If they say that it is too soft, you can look for a firmer option. Likewise, if they say it is too firm, you know not to buy it.

5. You Should Expect to Repaint After Owning a Futon for Some Time

Even the best-quality futons will experience some wear and tear over time, which is a natural part of the process. Once you notice the paint beginning to chip or crack, you will know it is time to repaint. While you can typically paint the futon with a brush, it is a good idea to invest in a spray paint can. This will help you to paint the futon more quickly and efficiently. When repainting futons, it is important to use latex paint. Oil-based paint will not dry as quickly and can chip off the futon’s surface after a few years.

6. A Good Frame is Equally Important as the Mattress it Supports

A futon frame is just as important as the mattress it supports. The frame determines how easily you can open and close the futon, how sturdy it is and how long it will last. You can typically find frames at furniture stores that specialize in futons. There are various types of frames to choose from, and they each come with their own benefits and drawbacks. For instance, a wooden frame is more traditional and looks more like a traditional sofa. However, they can be heavy and difficult to move. A metal frame, on the other hand, is lighter and easier to move around. However, it typically doesn’t look as nice as wooden frames.

7. The Cost of a Good Frame Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

You don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality frame for your futon. However, you may have to spend a little bit more than you are used to. While you can find cheap frames, they are often not as sturdy or long-lasting as frames that are a little bit more expensive. You can typically get a quality frame for less than $300. If you want to choose a wooden frame, you can expect to spend a bit more. However, it is well worth the money, as it will last for decades without needing to be replaced like cheaper frames will.

8. Dorm Rooms Are Ideal for Using futons

If you are a college student who is looking for a practical and affordable way to furnish your dorm room, you can use futons with twin-sized mattresses. In fact, many universities recommend this type of furniture for students, since it is easy to move around and doesn’t take up too much space. As long as you make sure to choose a model that is approved for dorm use, you can use futons in your dorm room. You can also use futons in offices, since they are great for guest seating. However, make sure that you buy a model that is large enough for adults to sit on.

Conclusion

The futon is not a new concept by any means, but it has become increasingly popular as a practical solution to small living spaces. Futons are versatile pieces of furniture that can be used for sleeping, lounging and even as an extra guest seat. These items are not nearly as complicated or difficult to use as many people think. With a little bit of knowledge, futons can be a great addition to any home, big or small. It’s important to know that futons are not all created equally. You will get what you pay for, so make sure to invest in a high-quality model. This will ensure that it will last for years to come, even with frequent use. With the right futon, you’ll never want to go back to the traditional sofa again!