Chances is now you’re sleeping on a super cool latex mattress, but if you are old enough to remember the 1970′s, then you remember when futon beds began to gain their popularity, especially in the United States.  Futons originated in Japan, where they would use a thin mattress on the floor as to not take up unnecessary room with a bed.  They simply rolled it up each morning and put it away.  This simple idea was transferred into our modern day futons.

Futons were popularized by college students and apartment dwellers that may not had a lot of space for a bed and couch.  The futons designed were made from simple wood frames and sometimes-steel frames that could be folded down to create a bed and folded up to create a couch.  Using a futon mattress for cushioning, these were not only space savers but economical as well.

These beginning models provided great uses.  They were sturdy, comfortable, and affordable for those on a tight budget.  We soon saw many stores opening featuring Futons and especially IKEA highlighted the new convertible couches.

We have made many strides in the designs, styles, and mattresses for Futons.  Today we can see many new fabrics; utilizing wood or steel frames and the mattresses have made many improvements.  With the quality of the Futon, you will not be able to tell that you did not spend a lot of money on it.  Futons are no longer just for small spaces, they are being used in many homes for their beauty and style.  In addition, they will provide that extra sleeping area for guests.

The wonderful thing about buying a Futon is that you buy the frame and mattress separately.  This is a great way to be able to match the frame and mattress to the rest of your furniture.  It will also allow you to create a unique look based on your design flare.  The many different types of frames will meet anybodies likes.

Today we can find Futon frames in a variety of styles.  Still engineered with durable products, the styles have definitely improved and there are many to choose from.  You will still find the frames in a bi-fold or tri-fold fashion.  You can get a solid wood frame in a variety of wood grains.  Whether you need the darkness from Mahogany or the light look of oak or pine, you will find Futon frames made of these.  You may like the sleek modern look of black wood frames as well.  The styling can be very simple.  Some frames may not have armrests, while others come complete with armrests.  There are some models that the armrest turns over to provide cup holders and a place for that often misplaced remote control

The frame can be decorative in nature.  You can find the simple lines of the frame or there are the curved rounded corners to give room softness.  You can find frames that match many kinds of decor.  There are country cottage style, ultra modern, traditional and simple.  The frames can also include amenities like magazine racks and storage underneath.  Each of which are great space savers.

You will also be able to find the Futon frames made from metal.  These frames will give a classy and elegant look to the Futon.  Whether it is gold, silver, black, red or Chrome, this design style will create the look you want.  Using the black can give that room the ultra modern look; the red will give the Oriental flare while the traditional gold and silver will blend well with other furniture and accessories.

You can also purchase Futon chairs.  These chairs work just like the Futon sofa beds.  They have the same type of frames and use a Futon style mattress for the cushion.  These chairs will also fold down to create a twin sized sleeping or lounging area.  The frames can be purchased to match the larger Futon sofa bed.  Often you can even buy the Futon couch, Futon Chair, and an accent piece as a set.  Creating a great living room or family room and still providing extra sleeping venues.

One of the newer types of Futons is the Futon bunk beds.  These are a great resource for dormitory rooms and children rooms.  The top bunk is often a twin bed, while the lower Futon bunk can be either a twin or full sized bed.  When not in use for sleeping, the lower bed folds up to create a couch.  This is great way to save space and makes for a cool bedroom.  The bunk bed Futon may have underneath storage and normally the mattresses are sold separately.  They will include the ladder to gain access to the top bunk The frames for the Futon bunk bed are available in solid woods and metal frames.  You can find a variety of wood grains and colors to match any room.

Normally you will purchase the Futon mattress separate from the frame.  This is actually a good thing because you will be able to choose from a much larger selection of mattresses.  The important thing to remember is to make sure you purchase the correct size to fit the style of the frame.  There have been many improvements to Futon mattresses.  Originally, the mattress was not the most comfortable thing to sit or sleep on.  Today we can find many options for Futon mattresses and lately even latex mattresses have been associated to futons frames.

Buying a Futon mattress is just like buying any other mattress.  You will need to decide how soft or how firm you want it, what type of fibers and foams for filling and the thickness.  You should try the mattresses out to make sure that it is the right one for you.  You can find many of the mattresses that are over eight inches thick.  This will give added support and comfort, whether in the couch or bed mode.  You can find Futon mattresses filled with natural fibers, fiber and foam, latex foam and cotton.  There are mattresses that are also made for anyone with allergies to certain fillers.  There are mattresses that have wool to provide additional warmth.  Often you will find the futon mattresses in several solid colors.  You can also find mattresses with designs that will compliment your decor and frame design.

The great thing about Futon mattresses is that it is very easy to change the color or design.  There are many Futon mattress covers available.  You can choose from solids, floral, safari, abstract, and modern, just to name a few.  You can even change the cover each week by having several covers on hand.  This is a great way to keep your room fresh and exciting.

Futons are much more than a cheap alternative to a bed.  They are an elegant and classy design style that will add flare to your living room, family room, and bedroom.  You can find many selections at local stores or you can shop on the Internet and find many stores that offer Futons, mattresses, covers and furniture sets.  Enjoy the functional beauty of a Futon today.

Source: Latex Mattress Center