Blog Post

Futons: The Modern Furniture Solution

Nov 11, 2022

Futons are an incredibly ingenious piece of furniture. They can be used as both a bed and a couch. If you are not familiar with what futons are and how versatile they can be, click on the following sections to learn more.

Futons

1. What Is a Futon?

Futons are sewn together using tufting

Futons originated in Japan. They were a traditional style of bedding that consisted of a mattress and a duvet that could be folded in half and stored away in a large closet when you weren't sleeping on it. Traditional Japanese futons were laid out on the floor on top of rush mats.


In the 1980's, futons started to become popular in the West. Western-style futons are made in a similar fashion to their Japanese predecessors. They are made of cotton batting that is covered with cotton ticking. They are they sewn together using through-thickness stitches, called tufting, to hold the material in place. Unlike Japanese futons, Western futons are placed on slatted frames made of wood or metal to lift them off the floor.


Futons are similar but different from sofa beds. Unlike a sofa bed that has its mattress hidden underneath the frame when you are using it as a couch, the futon mattress sits on top of its frame.

2. Benefits of Getting a Futon

Futons are multi-purpose pieces of furniture

Futons can be a great addition to your home or apartment. They come in a wide variety of styles and sizes to suit almost any decor. Here are some of the wonderful benefits of purchasing a futon.


Versatile:


Futons are multi-purpose pieces of furniture that can give you options when it comes to additional sleeping and sitting solutions. You can put a futon in a variety of rooms in your home such as:


  • Home Office
  • Basement
  • Garage
  • Attic or Loft
  • Family Room
  • Den

They are a great way to optimize your space in your multifunctional areas. When you have extra overnight guests, they can turn into your room into the perfect extra bedroom.


More Comfortable than a Sofa Bed: 


Futons usually have a much thicker mattress than sofa beds do. This is because the sofa bed mattress has to be thin enough to fold up completely inside of its frame. For this reason, a futon is usually much more comfortable to sleep on. 


Great for Small Spaces:


A futon is a great option if your space is tight. They work well in:



Because you can use them as both a couch and a bed, then you only need one piece of furniture in your small space instead of two. This will give you much more floor space. In addition, if you choose an armless model, then you can fit your futon into even a tighter spot.


Easy to Operate:

Most modern futons, like the one above, are easy to operate

Most modern and well-made futons are very easy to operate and convert from a seating position to a sleeping position and vice versa. For many models, you simply need to press the back of the futon down or lift the front of the futon up to turn it into a bed. To bring it back into a sofa position, simply lift the back up or push the front down.


Come in a Variety of Sizes:


Futons come in a full range of sizes including:


  • Single
  • Double
  • Queen
  • King


If you have a unique space that you want to put your futon in, then some companies like the Futon Shop can even make a custom size for you.

3. How Much Do Futons Cost?

Futons are usually less expensive to buy than a bed

A small futon will usually cost somewhere between $600 to $800 for the frame and mattress, where a larger one made of hardwood could cost up to $1,500 or more. The price you end up paying for a futon depends on a several factors including:


  • The quality of the materials used to make the futon
  • The quality of the craftsmanship
  • The size of futon you want
  • The style you choose
  • The manufacturer


Futons are a great investment because they are generally less expensive than buying a traditional bed and you are getting two pieces of furniture for the price of one.

4. Different Futon Styles

Here are just a few of the great futons you can choose from at The Futon Shop. Click here to see our complete gallery.

SAIGON BIRCH


Our Saigon Birch futon is uniquely modern with its lovely sloping arms and slender design. 


It's made from durable birch hardwood and crafted here in Canada. 


You can order it as a double, queen or loveseat. It even comes in a chair size that you can purchase on its own or combined with a loveseat to make a matching set.


MISSION STUDIO


The Mission Studio futon features a beautifully finished pine frame with your choice of multiple wood finishes, including this classic grey look. 


It can be used as a double bed, lounger, or cozy loveseat. Its mission-styled arms give it a totally finished and classic look. 


It's the perfect futon for smaller spaces and quiet corners.



TORONTO HARDWOOD OAK


The natural beauty of solid oak really comes to life in this gorgeous hardwood oak futon package. 


Designed with traditional mission-style arms, this piece is sure to look stunning in any room. 


You can even order it with a matching side chair.


UNFINISHED PINE L-FRAME


If you like a more natural look, check out our unfinished pine options. 


This L-frame design features no arms for a very contemporary and minimalistic look. 


It comes in both a double or queen-sized version.


5. Why Buy a Locally-Made Futon?


There are many advantages of buying a locally-made futon. 


It helps the local economy:


Buying locally-made futons helps the local economies where the products are being manufactured. Not only will you be helping to provide more local jobs, but employees of locally owned businesses also tend to spend money where they live and work.


More environmentally friendly:


When you buy local, you are also helping the environment. If you buy locally, then you are helping to decrease your carbon footprint as your purchase will not need to be shipped as far as it would if you bought it from a foreign manufacturer. In addition, Canadian logging has stricter regulations than other countries to ensure that eco-friendly policies are being followed. 


Better Quality:


Futons made in Canada are usually of better quality than those made abroad. One reason is that Canadian manufacturers pay their workers more and they tend to be more skilled at their trade. In addition to this, imported furniture is often made from particleboard and veneers that are made to look like wood.


However, these materials are less durable and less attractive than real wood. If you do find imported furniture that is made from real wood, you may run the risk of the wood cracking or warping. 


Futons by The Futon Shop


The Futon Shop has the largest and best selection of Canadian-made futons Hamilton, Ontario, and Canada has to offer! We also sell futon covers, bean bag chairs, mattress protectors and so much more.


At the Futon Shop we know how amazing our futons are because we are both the manufacturer and the retailer! Since 1984 we have been manufacturing our own line of high-quality futons in a wide variety of styles and sizes. If you prefer, we can also make a custom size to meet your exact requirements. 


All of our futons are crafted right here in Canada at our Burlington location, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last. We are the largest futon manufacture in Canada, and we have been building our own line of high quality futon mattresses as well. You can come see our incredible lineup at our Burlington location or you can shop for all of our products online. We even ship all across Canada. 

Start Shopping

"We purchased from here instead of getting something shipped from Amazon because we were hoping for better quality & better customer service, not to mention supporting local, and we were not disappointed. Everyone we spoke with was super kind & helpful, our order was ready quickly and they fully loaded it into our vehicle, and when we had a slight issue with our order they were extremely quick to resolve it. The futon looks great and the mattress is really comfy. We did go with the Tahoe Pine frame which is not the best quality wood, but that’s to be expected in our price range - opt for better if you can afford it. Overall, worth the extra drive to Burlington (or the shipping cost if you get delivery).

."

- Kathleen Pacheco


Read more reviews


The Futon Shop Burlington Showroom Business Hours

Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am - 4:00pm   |  Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00pm     Sunday - Monday: Closed


5205 Harvester Rd, Burlington, L7L, ON, Canada



Futons Hamilton
By Dawn Sherwin 06 May, 2024
Fussy sofas and cumbersome beds have met their match in the versatile and stylish futon. With a unique blend of functionality and comfort, futons have cemented their place in modern spaces, becoming a favored furniture item. Simultaneously, it captures the essence of convenience and style for many households. Here are eight compelling reasons why the futon captures hearts and reveals why it's not just a college dorm staple anymore.
Futons Burlington
By Ron Becker 15 Apr, 2024
Futons have garnered a devoted following for a myriad of reasons, chief among them being their unmatched versatility. Ideal for small spaces, futons effortlessly transition from a cozy sofa by day to a comfortable bed by night, making them a perfect solution for guests or those living in studio apartments. They also offer an aesthetic appeal, with designs ranging from traditional Japanese styles to modern, minimalist looks that can complement any decor. Furthermore, the affordability of futons compared to conventional beds and sofas allows individuals to furnish their spaces on a budget without compromising on style or comfort. Beyond practicality and style, many appreciate the simplicity of a futon's design, which promotes a less cluttered and more mindful way of living. In addition to their practical and aesthetic benefits, futons are also celebrated for their environmental friendliness. Unlike traditional furniture that can be cumbersome and often requires complex assembly or specialized disposal methods, futons are typically made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and latex. This not only makes them more sustainable but also easier to recycle or repurpose at the end of their life cycle. Many futon owners find peace of mind knowing they have chosen a piece of furniture that aligns with their environmental values. With the increasing awareness and concern for the planet, the choice of a futon becomes not just one of convenience and style, but also a proactive step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Futons are not just for students! The notion that futons are merely for college dorms or temporary living situations is quickly becoming outdated. Families, professionals, and retirees alike are discovering the practicality and comfort that a well-chosen futon can offer. Whether it's for a spare room that doubles as an office, or as a primary bed in a minimalist living setup, the adaptability of the futon caters to a wide demographic. This shift in perception underscores a broader trend towards multi functional furniture that doesn't compromise on either form or function, reflecting a more versatile approach to interior design and living spaces. The evolution of futon designs has also played a significant role in their surging popularity. Today's market offers a range of styles, from traditional Shikibuton, a type of Japanese mattress that can be folded and stored away, to the more substantial, sofa-like convertible futons that are common in Western homes. This diversity ensures that there's a futon for every taste and requirement, whether one prefers the minimalist aesthetic of a floor mattress or the practicality of a convertible couch-bed. High-quality futons now incorporate durable, comfortable materials that rival those used in standard mattresses and sofas, ensuring that choosing a futon no longer means sacrificing comfort for convenience. Coupled with the rise of small-scale living and the minimalist lifestyle movement, futons are increasingly becoming a symbol of thoughtful, intentional living. They reflect a rejection of the unnecessary, encouraging a focus on what truly adds value to one’s living space. For many, a futon is not just a piece of furniture, but a choice that supports a lifestyle free from the encumbrances of excessive possessions. This paradigm shift towards valuing simplicity and functionality has propelled futons from the fringes of furniture choices into the mainstream, aligning perfectly with contemporary life's demands and philosophies. When you’re ready to add a futon to your home furnishings, take a trip to The Futon Shop in Burlington. Futons are their specialty and you will love the selection of futons and accessories. The Futon Shop 5205 Harvester Road, Burlington (905) 633-9697
By Dawn Sherwin 21 Feb, 2024
Originating from Japan, the futon is a traditional style of bedding that comprises a padded mattress and duvet, both of which can be folded and stored to save space. The Western adaptation has morphed into a multi-functional piece of furniture that doubles as a couch and a bed, ideal for small living spaces or as a cost-effective furniture option. Ensuring versatility and comfort, futons have become a staple in dorm rooms, guest rooms, and minimalistic living environments worldwide. Futons are not only practical but also renowned for their simplicity and minimalist aesthetic. When selecting a futon, consumers consider the quality of the frame, typically crafted from wood or metal, for durability and support. The choice of futon mattress varies from traditional cotton to modern foam options, offering different levels of comfort and resilience. Accessories such as covers and pillows can be added to enhance the futon’s comfort and match the interior decor, making it a versatile choice for any room. The functionality of a futon is further extended by its ability to seamlessly fit into tight spaces and multipurpose rooms. This quality makes futons an ideal solution for urban living, where every inch of space is valuable. Beyond the practicality, the futon culture embraces a philosophy of simplicity, frequently associated with the minimalist movements and sustainable living practices that advocate for less consumption and a de cluttered way of life. Hence, futons not only serve a functional purpose but also represent an environmentally conscious choice for consumers who wish to minimize their ecological footprint. Maintaining your futon in good condition requires simple yet consistent care. Regularly cleaning the mattress by vacuuming can help keep dust and allergens at bay. If the futon cover is removable, be sure to wash it as per the instructions—most are machine washable—which helps in maintaining its appearance and hygiene. For the frame, wiping it down with a damp cloth can prevent the accumulation of dirt and preserve the material. Additionally, rotating and flipping the mattress periodically will ensure even wear and can prolong the life of your futon. Proper maintenance not only increases the longevity of the futon but also enhances your overall comfort and satisfaction with this versatile piece of furniture.Futons are widely recognized for their cost-effectiveness, offering a budget-friendly alternative to traditional beds and sofas. Their economical appeal is particularly evident when considering the dual-purpose. When you’re ready to enter the world of futon ownership, the experts at The Futon Shop are here for you! They are proud to manufacture futons at a location in Burlington so your futon is locally made. They can also arrange your futon to be shipped across Canada. No matter your budget or style, there is sure to be a futon to fit your needs! The Futon Shop is here for you! Take a visit to The Futon Shop in Burlington to get inspiration for your interior decorating using futons and their accessories. Call the friendly stall at 1-844- 93 FUTON!
Futons Burlington
By Dawn Sherwin 30 Jan, 2024
Futons are often thought of as just a piece of furniture for students or a small and cheap option for those on a budget. However, futons have come a long way since their humble beginnings and can now be found in many homes around the world.
a room with a couch and a sign that says the futon shop
By Dorcus Srivaram 11 Dec, 2023
Looking for great gift ideas this holiday season, consider gifting a futon to your loved ones. The futon shop is here to make your work easy, read more to explore the futon gift.
Futon Home ideas
By Dorcus Srivaram 20 Nov, 2023
Futons are versatile pieces of furniture that can be perfect for any home. They offer a comfortable spot to sit and relax, and they can also be used as a bed for an overnight guest.
Comfortable Futons
By Dorcus Srivaram 17 Oct, 2023
Are you tired of your living space being cramped and uninspired? If so, it's time to consider a futon. Not only does it add a stylish touch to your home, but it is also extremely versatile for small spaces.
Futon Maintenance
By Dorcus Srivaram 27 Sep, 2023
Futons are a popular choice for many people as they provide both seating and sleeping options for small living spaces. They also offer a stylish and modern look that can be easily incorporated into any home décor.
Small room interior designing with futon shop
By Dorcus Srivaram 07 Aug, 2023
A futon is a type of furniture that originated in Japan and has become increasingly popular in Western countries.
Napping
By Chelsey Smith 11 Jul, 2023
Find out what the perfect nap time is, and the benefits of a good old cat nap!
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