futon buyers advice guide 2014

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Don’t Buy Your Next Futon Until You Read This.

The Futon Buyer's Advice Guide

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A futon may appear on the surface to be a simple purchase. But if you are not fully in possession of some key facts to help you make a good decision, then you

are in danger of throwing hundreds of pounds down the drain.

My name is Keith Holleyman, I’m the owner of futonsonline.co.uk. I have spent more than 34 years involved in all aspects of the futon furniture marketplace and I’d like to share that experience with you.

Although my opening paragraph may seem dramatic, I can assure you that people are definitely throwing a lot of good money away by making poor buying decisions. Not understanding the differences in structure, quality and materials can make your futon purchase rapidly turn into an item of furniture you grow to loathe and eventually give away or take to the tip.

You want your futon to be a sofa bed that gives you the best quality product at a reasonable price. Getting that balance right is much easier when you understand the key decisions involved. Once you have read through this indispensable guide you can make the right choice, which means a futon you will be happy to offer friends and family a comfortable option when they stay.

INTRODUCTION

“ONCE YOU HAVE READ THROUGH THIS INDISPENSABLE GUIDE YOU CAN MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE.”

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The futon as we know it today originated in Asia, and the word itself means “rolled up mattress” in Japanese. Long ago when Japanese families were larger and

houses consisted of little more than a single room, space was at a premium. The futon has evolved from the desire for a versatile living space and something that can meet the sleeping needs of an extended family.

The futon that is familiar to us in the West is actually very different to the original Japanese version where only cotton with lots of air “blown” into it was used. In Japan after use at night the mattress was folded or rolled up and put over something like a banister or railings to “air” during the day.

However, the futons we buy now are truly multi-purpose furniture items that are both functional and can also look attractive as versatile pieces of furniture.

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A FUTON?



Since the late1960’s designers in Europe and North America developed frames that were designed to be used in conjunction with a futon mattress. Japanese

futon mattresses are totally different to anything we see in Europe but the concept is similar, a healthy and versatile mattress that can be used by all the family.

Over time the addition of other materials for filling the mattress and the use of buttons or tufting to keep the mattress filling in place has meant that a futon is much closer to a proper bed mattress than its original Japanese form.

These changes in the shaping of the mattress made it easier to design folding frames, which in turn allowed the futon to evolve into a truly multi-purpose furniture item in homes worldwide. With the use of latex, coir, high density foam, lamb’s wool and even pocket springs, a futon sofa bed is now suitable for constant use, both as comfortable furniture to sit on and bed for healthy restorative sleep.

HOW A FUTON IS STRUCTURED

“JAPANESE FUTON MATTRESSES ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT TO ANYTHING WE SEE IN EUROPE BUT THE CONCEPT IS SIMILAR”

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In the past decade futon retail prices have remained quite static. In that time, the quality and versatility of this type of furniture has improved dramatically, but not so much at the

budget end of the market.

The first thing to determine is at what price point do you stand a chance of buying a futon that will last you more than a couple of years, or be acceptable to use more than very occasionally?

You may have seen futons as low in price as £150.00. But before you shout “bargain” and run off and buy one, consider why they seem such a bargain. These budget pieces of furniture are usually sold by the big retail chains such as Argos, Tesco or online giants such as Amazon. If your entire buying decision is based around price alone, then you may well fall into the trap of buying a futon that is not actually fit for purpose.

Those cheap futons are usually made with substandard timber and low quality fillings in their mattresses. On top of that, the mattresses are usually very thin, sometimes as thin as 4”/10 cm. A cheap mattress will also usually lack the required density for a meaningful and comfortable sleep.

Your futon frame at that low price point will be cheap but not very cheerful. It will not be designed for comfort and support. It will usually be low to the ground, potentially straining you as you get on and off it, both when used as a chair and a bed.

UNDERSTANDING FUTON PRICING: HOW TO GET VALUE FOR MONEY

“THE QUALITY AND VERSATILITY OF THIS TYPE OF FURNITURE HAS IMPROVED DRAMATICALLY”



UNDERSTANDING FUTON PRICING: HOW TO GET VALUE FOR MONEY

Even if you think “that will do”, have you really considered who may sit and sleep on it? You might get on and off it, but what about eighty year old Aunt Mavis?

There is also the problem that if low quality wood or metal is used in the construction of the frame warping could occur, meaning bending or breakages are far more likely.

And it’s not just the mattress quality, or the frame quality you have to think about when you compromise completely and buy at a low price point. Budget futons only offer a permanent cover. Removable covers that can be easily put on or taken off give a more flexible option. 100% cotton drill futon covers can be machine washed at low temperatures, but washable removable covers are an extra cost so are not part of the “buying cheap” mindset.

Because the domination of big chains translates to pushing purely low end products, people have become used to seeing futons available at low prices. So it has become accepted by the general public that the cheap futon price point is “normal”, when in fact it is

not. You get what you pay for and as the love of my life tells me, “there’s no free lunch”.

Low price points and promotions has led people to believe that futons are cheap and functionally limited items that you should simply replace every two or three years, rather than quality furniture items with a lot of choice that represent real value for money.

The reality is that for a little more money you can pick up a product that will last a long time and deliver a very high quality experience. In terms of what you should be paying, it is possible to pick up a good quality 2 seat double futon for as little as £300. At the higher end, a three seat futon with a good quality mattress and cover will be in the £450.00 region, more or less, including delivery.

Although these prices are obviously higher than your £150 bargain futons, the difference is that you and your loved ones will get a good quality night’s sleep on a decent mattress and your futon will last for at least ten years rather than two. Worked out year on year, the higher priced futon can actually workout cheaper.

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It is amazing, but the last thing people usually think about when they buy a futon is how it will feel when they sleep on it Go to a bed shop and watch people agonise over the

purchase of a £100.00 regular bed mattress. They lay on it at all angles and take an age to decide if it’s right, even if it’s for a guest room that is rarely used. When have you ever laid on a futon before buying it? Do you know anyone who has?

As with any mattress one of inferior build will compromise the quality of your sleep and potentially have negative health benefits now and in the future. You could easily get a bad back or suffer from overheating. If you can excuse the pun, buying a cheap futon may mean you are sleepwalking into poor health for you or your loved ones.

A quality futon mattress will give you the best chance of healthy, restorative sleep. This of course will mean you awake feeling refreshed and invigorated.

The density of a high quality mattress will also mean better support for your back during the night. Just one night on a poor quality mattress can give you health issues that last a long while, so for the sake of a little extra money is it really worth taking that risk?

In addition to health issues, is of course the importance of comfort for your guests. Do you want them to wake up feeling stiff and uncomfortable? I’m sure you would prefer them to have a good night’s sleep and to then be able to genuinely

CONSIDER THE HEALTH AND SLEEP QUALITY OF FUTONS



thank you for your hospitality, rather than grunt misgivings as they hobble out the door.

By spending a little more money for a high quality futon mattress, you will benefit indefinitely from proper support for your spine, hips and shoulders during the night. Look for a mattress that is around 6”/15cms deep for a 2 seater and 8”/20cms deep for a 3 seater futon.

The filling of the mattress is important. One made entirely from man-made materials will be cheaper, but usually will not last very long. The filling will compact more easily and be unable to recover its shape and form. As the futon is used and the filling flattens out, the mattress will become harder and harder over time. When this happens in combination with the purchase of an already firm mattress, it can make the sleeping surface almost unbearable in a surprisingly short space of time.

Our futon mattresses have no chemicals in the filling whatsoever and yet still adhere to UK fire regulations. The Natural Futon Mattress we offer uses a wool/hemp mattress casing, a unique feature for those with allergies and environmental concerns.

A good futon mattress will use mostly natural materials, such as lamb’s wool, enriched cotton and coir.. Nowadays a good quality futon mattress will also contain layers of different materials, such as latex, High Density foam and even pocket springs.

You should also be aware that most futon mattresses will require little maintenance, but like any mattress regular rotation will help more even wear across the surface and interior, maximising the life of the product. Sunlight beating down through an open window or outside in an open space is the very best way to care for any mattress and eliminate moisture, although never do this on a humid day.

“LIKE ANY MATTRESS REGULAR ROTATION WILL HELP MORE EVEN WEAR ACROSS THE SURFACE AND INTERIOR”

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The latest development in our mattress filling department is the use of low profile pocket springs. These can be used in a Regular 6” thick futon mattress, suitable for use with 2 seat double size frames, or even single chairs. The individual flexi pockets are sandwiched between layers of other materials, creating a combination mattress, one that mixes the excellent “recovery” properties of a futon mattress with a greater degree of comfort.

It’s really easy when viewing a futon to be driven in your decision-making by the look or visual appearance and how it will fit within your home and decor. Hopefully, you will now understand that the choice of mattress you get, or purchase with the sofa bed frame, is actually more important.



An important consideration is how versatile and durable your futon will be. This covers the three main areas of its construction:

• The quality and durability of the cover• The quality and construction of the mattress• The quality and construction of the frame

The Quality And Durability Of The CoverWe’ve already covered the considerations in choosing a good quality mattress, so let’s talk about the cover on the mattress.

Unlike a normal bed, a futon may well have to deal with being used as an everyday sofa or chair as well as a bed. So not only does the fabric have to be tightly woven for strength and comfort it has also to be durable and have those properties that will make it suitable for use as a sofa and bed.

A good quality futon cover or mattress casing is usually made from a relatively thick and high quality 100% cotton drill. The texture of these covers often resembles twill or cambric, giving it the resilience it will need.

Of course you don’t have to have a purely functional cover. Removable and washable covers, in a variety of fabrics, will allow you to get a perfect fit. They will also allow you to get the exact look that you want for an item of furniture that blends with your decor, without sacrificing practicality.

VERSATILITY AND DURABILITY



The Quality of The FrameA long-lasting and durable wooden futon frame will have no visible knots within the timber and definitely no weeping sap or warping.

If possible go for a hardwood frame, consisting of something like American Oak or Rubber wood. Hardwood offers the best chance of lasting a long time and being robust for everyday use.

In cheaper products, generally made of soft wood using lower grades of pine, you will see wood pieces that contain unnatural finger jointing, this is where two or more pieces of wood are hammered and glued together using a zigzag interlocking pattern. This obviously does not create the strongest piece of wood and should be avoided.

Some futon frames are made completely of steel, or a combination of steel and wood. In the distant past metal frames suffered from extreme quality problems, especially at the budget end of the market. Mostly uncomfortable and poorly built, those metal frame futons suffered from a poor reputation and rightly so. The manufacturers in China used lower grade materials and cheap labour to keep price points low.

In contrast, a good quality hardwood frame or top quality metal frame may well come with a guarantee of up to 10 years. This will give you confidence that your futon is a long-term investment, rather than an often replaced stop-gap option.

So by all means consider a metal frame if it is from a reputable source, but a high quality hardwood frame should always be a consideration as well.

“A GOOD QUALITY FRAME MAY WELL COME WITH A GUARANTEE OF UP TO 10 YEARS”



In these environmentally conscious times, the sustainability of the materials used to create your futon needs to be part of the equation.

Here in the UK, wooden frames are mostly imported from Malaysia and Vietnam. Steel frames invariably come from Europe or China.

It tends to be the case that the more you pay, the greater the likelihood the materials used in the construction of your futon mattress and frame will be sustainable. This is because at this higher price point sustainability can be a built in consideration, whereas at the budget end of the market decisions are taken to keep costs down.

Frames fall into four categories:

• Softwood frames• Hardwood frames• Metal frames• Wood and metal combination frames

If sustainability is important to you then you should always look for a futon that carries proper sustainability certification. Kite marks and FSC timber are guarantees that the materials

used are from sustainable sources and that accreditation is highly prized.

The same applies to covers and mattresses; companies that have an eco-friendly approach and are environmentally aware are more likely to want to use natural fillings such as latex, wool, coir and similar quality materials.

Although you will be paying a premium for these products you should get a correspondingincrease in quality from that investment.

SUSTAINABILITY OF MATERIALS



When buying a futon there are several points that you should look out for, so that you can avoid purchasing an inferior or completely unsuitable product.

FrameYou shouldn’t consider cheap metal frames from Asia. European constructed metal futon frames tend to use thicker steel and are almost always a higher quality than those from the Far East. The Beech laminated slats in the better constructed metal frames tend to be high quality and deliver a high level of comfort, whereas cheap imported frames use bonded wood off cuts, or even worse just a thin metal mesh or bars for support.

Look for frames that are obviously sturdy in their construction and that have a good level of finishing, both in terms of the look and feel of the materials used.

When looking at futon frames there will be clues as to the level of workmanship used. Check the quality of the workmanship and materials by looking at the bolts and fixings used on the frame. Look out for scratches and imperfections. Most importantly, check any long spans of timber that overly flex. Flat packed quality frames usually have about 6 pieces, any more can point to an inferior frame.

PITFALLS TO WATCH OUT FOR AND AVOID



MattressTo make sure the mattress is a quality item in terms of its safety, look at the labels on it. One of those should relate to fire retardency regulations. Although UK laws are very strict about this issue and most futon mattresses sold in the UK are also made in the UK, it has been known for cheap imports that do not meet our stringent regulations to be put on sale. This situation can be made worse when own brand labels are then attached, making them sound safer than they actually might be.

As we’ve already said, look for a mattress construction that is not entirely man-made or extremely heavy and hard. Any sofa bed mattress should have enough filling to enable comfortable sitting and sleeping for a number of years.

Futon coverWhen you choose your futon mattress make sure that it has a cover made from durable fabric. The mattress casing should be buttoned or tufted so that the filling won’t move. Unless made from a quality textile, it will stain or mark easily.

If your futon is being used mainly as a sofa it’s preferable to purchase a removable fitted cover at the same time. Also avoid non-standard size covers that cannot be replaced easily.

Make sure it fits in the room!One obvious consideration that can sometimes be partially or fully overlooked is how big your futon will be in its sitting position and when extended into its bed position. Most people tend to make a decision based on the dimensions of the futon as a sofa, this could lead to a situation where your futon fits snugly into the space you visualise, but isn’t quite so good once it’s actually being used as a bed.

“WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR FUTON MATTRESS MAKE SURE THAT IT HAS A COVER MADE FROM DURABLE FABRIC”



I’m sure most people during their lives have a memorable experience of stumbling round a temporary bed that is the wrong size for the room it’s in. As well as being annoying, especially after a few drinks or in the dark because you don’t want to wake your partner, it is also potentially dangerous as it can cause falls and injuries.

So always make sure you know the dimensions of the room in which your new sofa bed will be situated, then you can see how the futon will fit into that space as a sofa and also laying down as a bed. At the very least there should be 30cms or 1 foot of space around all sides, but 60cms or 2 feet is a more realistic space so you’re not cramped when using your futon.



What will be the primary use of the futon I am going to buy?

• Who will mostly use it and what are their sleeping needs?

• What room will this futon live in? • Does it need to be purely functional

or look good as well? • Will it be used for sitting on a

regular basis or very little?

How often will it be used in a year?

• Will it be used daily? • Weekly? • Is it there just in case someone comes

once every few months?

What space will the futon have to be used in?

• Will it fit in well both when used as a sofa and a bed? • How much room around the futon will there be when it

is in the sleeping position?

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF



Does it need to match the other furniture?

• Will it need a removable cover? • Will covers need to be made? • How important is it that the futon integrates with the

look of a room, or complement existing decor? • What is my budget?

What is my budget?

• How long are you looking for the futon to last before buying another one?

• Will the budget you have match the frequency of use and therefore wear and tear?



Hopefully this guide has educated and entertained you enough to make your futon purchase an easy and enjoyable experience.

Always look for a quality item and aim to buy it from a specialist source. That way you know you are dealing with a company who understands everything we have discussed in this guide and who will only sell the quality futons you will now be considering.

Don’t make a rushed decision and always discuss your purchase in detail with the company you are considering buying from. Use the information in this guide to gauge their knowledge and always check on their guarantees and after sales service.

Happy futon buying!

SUMMARY

futon buyers advice guide 2014

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