Posted on 11/22/2016
The #1 Dictionary.com definition for futon is a bit passe’: “a thin mattress, usually filled with layers of cotton batting and encased in cotton fabric, placed on a floor for sleeping, especially in traditional Japanese interiors, and folded and stored during the day.” It is true, though, that traditional Japanese futons were cotton-filled mattresses used for sleeping on floors and folded to clear floor space during the day.
Modern futons, of course, are a bit different from that. Originally a form of bed roll often used when families lived in one-room homes and needed to move the bedding out of the way during the day, the futon was both comfortable and able to be “efficiently rolled up and stowed when not being used.” Western soldiers introduced to futons during World War II gave way to this bed style’s transformation and increased global popularity.
Modern Futons
While today’s futons are typically used with frames and are too thick to be rolled up, they still serve two important purposes linked to their original uses: They offer a comfortable sleeping surface and take up less space than many other bedding options. Of course, today’s futons aren’t completely out of the way when they’re folded; they serve a different function as extra seating during the day. Since futons cost less money than a typical pull-out bed and take up less space than a full-sized bed, they’re quite economical.
Many people today use futons as fold-out guest beds, in either their home offices or living rooms, in order to preserve floor space while providing a sleeping surface that most find more comfortable than an air mattress — or a simple bed roll. Futons are also popular with the college crowd and in studio apartments due to their ability to serve double duty in very limited living spaces.
Futons for Kids
A unique niche within the futon market is that of Futon Bunk Beds, in which the bottom bed can be converted into a sofa. When you consider the extra space-savings provided by a Futon Bunk Bed, you may find that it’s an excellent option for you.
Not only does The Bedroom Source offer two styles of Futon Bunk Beds, but you can also create your own with an existing futon. Many Loft Beds can be purchased without any added furniture beneath the bed, allowing extra floor space that’s perfect for a small futon. Either a pre-made Futon Bunk Bed or a DIY version can be used for either a single child and a potential guest or two children; the bottom bed simply provides an added function for the space, during the day.
As always, you want to consider Bunk Bed safety when choosing to have a child sleep higher than a foot or two off the floor.
The Bedroom Source
Located near the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, The Bedroom Source is your source for the best collection of children's and teen bedroom furniture. From flexibly configurable Maxtrix furniture to fashionable Smartstuff collections, The Bedroom Source offers high end furniture and professional design assistance to create the bedroom of your child's dreams.
Contact the friendly staff at The Bedroom Source by calling (516) 248-0600 or by submitting our online contact form. We're a local family owned mom & pop store. When you shop with us, you're dealing directly with the owners. We professionally assemble everything we sell. We deliver to Nassau, Suffolk, the 5 Boroughs, Southern Westchester, Southwestern Connecticut & Northern New Jersey.