Do you remember futons?  It seems like every college dorm and bachelor pad seemed to be donned with a metal framed, stained, uncomfortable futon.  When I use to hear the word, I would cringe at the thought of having one in my house.  However, my husband recently suggesting getting one for our office to have a place for guests to sleep while not taking up much room.  I agreed to look into them and I was quite pleasantly surprised.

Many people, including me, think of the cheap black metal frames, when they hear the word “futon,” but these days, there are many different styles of futons, and each part has multiple variations, allowing for an infinite amount of combinations, and in turn ensuring there’s a futon that’s perfect for you.

Take for instance the frame, while many futons do have a metal frame, they’re also available in wood. Wooden frames are sturdy and look good in many different settings. Also, wooden frames use slats to support the mattress which results in a more even and therefore a more comfortable, surface to lie on.

Speaking of the mattress, they’re no longer limited to cotton and polyfil. You can get them with an exterior made of several fabrics, including leather, and numerous fillings. Some have bed springs like traditional mattress, while others are made of space-age memory foam. They come in all levels of firmness from the most soft to the most firm, which means you can find one that suits you.

The last part of the futon is the futon cover. Most people either don’t know these exist. However they are an essential part, as they keep the futon safe and clean. They come in a wide variety of materials and designs.