When I began looking for a way to convert my home office into more of a multipurpose area, which could serve as a guest bedroom, as well as an office, I thought that adding a futon to the room’s décor could be an easy and inexpensive way to go. When I started my research to find a good deal, I discovered that there was a lot more to know than I thought. My understanding of futons was limited to the styles that were produced in the 70’s as inexpensive, temporary furniture. Unfortunately, they were very cheaply made.

As you will see, today's futons are perfect guest beds, and also make very attractive furniture options in many homes.  Simply put, futon beds are far beyond just being cheap furniture options for college students.  And while the young person who just moved out of his parent's house may still like the cost of a futon, Mom and Dad should consider one too for their home!

The name “futon” originated from the Japanese and means bedding. In Japan, the futon or shikibuton, was the mattress on which people slept. Because homes in the heavily populated country are small, the thin cotton mattresses were kept in a closet, and brought out and unrolled at night onto the woven mat covered the floors. The mattresses, though thin, were made of very good quality cotton. They provided good support for the body and the breathing quality of cotton provided comfort. The mattresses had to be professionally washed and recovered once a year.

In the 70’s, a furniture designer, William Brouwer, adapted a futon design to fit the American lifestyle. Americans would not sleep on the floor or wash a mattress once a year. Brouwer designed a bed frame, which could slide together to be used as a couch or a bed. The frame was elegantly crafted of fine wood and a much thicker mattress was created. The design won a national award.

Then some manufacturers saw the potential for inexpensive futons, which unfortunately were uncomfortable and didn’t last very long. But the futon, as a furniture style, has come a long way. There are many quality designs and options to choose from.

As with anything, the quality of furniture will determine the price you will pay. Futons can range in price from approximately $200 to over $1000. Prices will usually be marked separately for the frame, mattress, cover, and other accessories. Sometimes a package price including everything or several parts will be quoted. Package prices may limit your choices of mattress quality and pattern and/or color of cover.

Futon bed frames come in several types. Basic choice will be between a metal frame and a wood frame. If choosing a metal frame, be sure to look for good steel construction and quality welding. You will find over 30 styles to choose from, priced between $200-$400. The Cottage Grove futon frame combines a metal seat and back construction for durability with warm wood paneled arms and cross rails. It comes with either a Golden Oak or a Painted White finish. It retails for about $300.

There are over 100 wood frames to choose from. These include many styles, wood types, and finishes. You can find a futon frame in any décor style you are looking for, including contemporary, traditional, rustic, or tropical. There are at least eleven furniture brand names to choose from. Prices for these frames range from $150-over $800.

The Grand Teton is a rustic futon constructed of heavy, solid wood. It is made with solid lodge pole pine and has 6 stress support bars under both the seat and the back. It is finished with a 7-step process, and reclines in several positions. A matching chair is available. This furniture comes with a 10-year warranty. The price for this frame is between $400-$500, depending on where you purchase it.

Also, when shopping for a futon bed, please keep in mind that you should also ask about "folding beds", as this is what some companies call their futon-like bed lines.

When choosing a futon mattress, get the best quality you can afford. There are several decisions to make-thick is not necessarily better. You will need to determine how the mattress will be used-for an occasional guest sleeper, a couch, children’s room, etc. Will you prefer a firm mattress or a soft mattress?

Mattress construction should include two parts. Two layers of a foam core should be wrapped with good quality cotton batting. Choose a mattress with casings (the outer shell), tufting, and zippers that are well constructed and stitched to prevent unraveling. Also do not assume that futon mattresses with bed mattress brand names will be of the same quality you expect in the bed mattress. Companies may outsource their futon mattresses and may not necessarily be the same quality.

A futon cover will complete your decor. Since covers are removable, and either washable or dry cleanable, you could get two sets and change your decoration style with seasons or mood. You will have many choices of solid colors or print colors in categories from floral to southwestern. You will also find many types of fabrics. Again, choose the best quality you can afford. Prices will range from $50 to $180. Add matching decorative pillows and your ensemble will be complete. If you do not have the time or patience to choose the three essential components of your futon set, you can look for package deals where your choices are limited.