A Futon Loveseat May Be Just What You're Looking For

You might be in the same boat I was in last year when I started looking at furniture for my guest bedroom. My wife Noelle and I were trying to furnish our guest bedroom but we weren’t really feeling the traditional bed and night stand arrangement that , well, really limited the usefulness of the room in our eyes. So, naturally, we started looking into futons for our space.

At first we looked at traditional bifold futon frames, you know the ones that are oriented in the same manner as your traditional sofa (aka: takes up lots of wall space). Well, we quickly scraped that idea (we own in a 1920’s home with small rooms and doorways) and started looking at futon loveseats.

Some of you may be asking yourselves “what is a futon loveseat?” A futon loveseat is a futon frame that is oriented in the opposite direction than a traditional futon frame. Futon loveseats take up less wall space, and still offer you or your guests a full or queen size bed to sleep on when you fold it down. Just what we were looking for, a frame that didn’t limit our guest bedroom, and still offered our guests a comfortable nights sleep.

Here’s a little side note on futon loveseat style mattresses. The futon mattresses that are used on a futon loveseat are generally split up into two cushions, one that covers the seat and back portions of the frame and one that covers the ottoman. Never fear though, futon covers can be ordered in loveseat sets, and a fitted sheet fits over both pieces when you fold your frame down into bed position keeping everything snug.

I hope , once again, that this article has helped any readers in their search for the perfect futon.

Futon Frames: Metal vs. Wood

Have you seen all the futon frames on the market today? There are so many that it can be hard to tell what’s good and what to stay away from. Today we’re going to discuss frame material. Futon frames are generally made in two mediums, metal and wood. Metal frames have made some vast improvements over the years: they have taken on a very modern look and you’ll find them in a wide variety of finishes and styles. Wooden frames have also improved over the years, as the selection of sizes, finishes, and styles on the market are on the rise everyday. So let’s take a look at what makes a good futon frame.

If you’re looking at a metal frame, be sure to check the slat width. The slats on a futon frame are part of the seat and back “decks”, the part that your mattress rests on. As a rule of thumb, slats should be at least two and a half to three inches wide. Slats that are thinner will not provide adequate support for your mattress and can even damage your futon mattress. Also, take a look at the distance between the slats; they should be no more than two and a half to three inches apart as well. Try to steer clear of those “mega mart” metal frames that use bars as slats. They’re usually too far apart and the shape of the bar slats really provide no support. Another thing to look at when shopping for metal frames is the construction. Do the welds look solid? How is the frame connected together? Make sure you take a good look at how the frame you’re looking at is put together; bad welds and connection points can be a real headache in the future.

When looking at wooden frames, you’re going to follow the same advice as for metal. Check the slats - you want the width to be the same as with metal, two to three inches wide with an equal distance apart. Also important in wooden frames is the material used in construction; look for frames made out of hardwoods (maple, ash, and birch). Futon frames made out of hardwoods can be expected to give your futon frame a longer life and they are generally nicer looking frames. Solid hardwoods can also have very beautiful grain patterns that really set them apart from the softwood and metal futon frames. That isn’t to say that metal and softwood futon frames don’t have a place in the market, but they don’t have that nice classic feel you get with a solid hardwood futon frame. With wooden frames, take a good look at the construction, see how the frame is put together. I always tell my customers to look for frames that feature mortis and tennon construction as opposed to lap joints. Mortise and tennon joinery will provide a solid futon and extend the life of your frame.

Ok, we’ve been over the basics, now the last thing to consider, besides ‘Do I think this frame will look good with my paint color?’ is the warranty. Any frame worth its salt should have at least a five year warranty or even higher. Most of the manufacturers that I deal with have at least a five year warranty, some with a warranty for twelve years! That’s almost unheard of in the futon frame industry. If a manufacturer is willing to stand behind their product for that long, you should shop with confidence and know that you are going to get a great frame that will last you for years to come.

Well, thanks for stopping by to read my latest article and stay tuned for our next look at futon mattresses: natural fibers vs. high density foam.

Trifold Futon Mattresses

Trifold futon mattresses are available in several sizes and made in a variety of materials. Trifold futon mattresses are flexible enough to be on a-frame style futon frames and supportive enough to sit / sleep on everyday.

Stratosphere Futon Mattress

If you're looking for a sleek futon mattress that makes a great sofa and occasional guest bed, the Stratosphere futon mattress is for you. At seven inches thick, this medium soft futon mattress makes up for it's size with it's over stuffed foam core.

Mattress Fire Satety Tests

As some of you may know, in July of 2007 the Federal Government enacted new fire codes that apply to all mattresses and futons made after July 1st. Violet Township Fire Department, based in Ohio put the new mattress to the test, along with a mattress made in 2002 and an old mattress covered in a fire suppression cover.

The Verdict?

The New mattress had no fire penetration at 7 minutes. The protective cover also suppressed the flames. The mattress made in 2002 was burning uncontrollably at 9 minutes.

Note: Please do not attempt to duplicate this test under any circumstances.

Futon City?

This might just be a recurring theme, but I've seen quite a bit of traffic over the last few months from a site called "futon City". Well, having seen Weird Al's UHF, this made me think of Spatula City (not to sure what that says about my thought process). Anyhow, when I checked it out, I was disappointed. It was just another proxy site that runs adsence. Oh well. :)

The Futon Expo Is Coming, Are you ready?

Ok, most of you probably haven't heard of the futon expo, but it is the High Point of futon retailers. Hundreds of futon manufacturers and distributors display their new wares in a mammoth convention center in Las Vegas twice a year, and this time I'll be there. If any other retailers check out this blog, feel free to leave a comment about your favorite "futon expo" happenings.

The Futon Expo is Coming, Are you ready=?

Solid Maple Side Tables

If you're in the market for matching side tables that are eco friendly our Solid Maple Tables are right for you. Made in Oregon out of sustainably harvested pacific maple, these tables are skillfully crafted and finished by hand.

Micro Suede Futon Covers

Our faux suede, micro fiber futon covers are some of our more popular futon covers on the site. They are super soft, generally machine washable and wear extremely well. Swatches are available for all faux suede futon covers on the site.

Lacquer Finishes and VOC's

I've had a few people asking about finishes and VOC's in the last month, so I think it's a good idea to discuss the issue here. Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC's are produced in lacquer finishing when the wet lacquer dries and the solvents evaporate into the air. The futon frames that I carry are properly cured before shipping, meaning that any VOC's are evaporated and the finish is completely dried before any packaging. Thus, your frame is VOC free when it arrives at your location.

We also offer quite a few of our frames unfinished, for those of you who may have chemical sensitivities. Just because you don't want a futon frame that has a lacquer finish, it doesn't mean you can't get a beautiful piece of furniture.

Galaxy Innerspring Futon Mattress

Another great offering from Otis Bedding, the Galaxy futon mattress is a firm innerspring futon that can be used on both bifold frame and bed frames. Rated for ten to twelve years of everyday use, the Galaxy retains it's shape and feel over time.

Stay Tuned For New Futon Covers

One of my manufacturers just called me to let me know that they have a new futon cover update on the way. We already have over 700 fabrics on the site, but I still enjoy adding new futon covers to the site. Check back often to see our new additions.

Space Saving Futon Lounger

The Kd Lounger offers so much at a great price. This versatile futon frame can go anywhere, from dorm rooms to rec-rooms and it's tough enough for frat brothers. Twin, full, and queen size frames available for $99 to $135

Visco Plush Futon Mattress: Cotton & Memory Foam Combine

The Visco Plush futon mattress is the perfect blend of memory foam, high density foam, and US cotton. Available in twin, full, queen, loveseat, and chair sizes from $238 to $499

Dillon Futon Frame

The Dillon futon frame is a minimalist's dream. Sleek armless design combines with a gorgeous finish to produce a beautiful futon frame. Available in full and queen sizes for $399 to $469

Classic Mission Platform Bed

The Berkshire platform bed is the quintessential mission style bed. Featuring a grand headboard with evenly spaced vertical pickets, over ten distinct finishes, and a twelve year warranty the Berkshire bed is a great deal at $449 to $579

Eco Friendly Futon Mattresses

The foam core of the Athens futon mattress utilizes a unique construction process. Called Fibre Foam, the core of the Athens is made from pure cotton that is bonded together by poly material and heat. This process steers away from polyurethane based foams and still yields a 2.0 pound high density foam thats easier on the environment.

Skirted Futon Slip Covers

Most futon covers on the market today only cover your futon mattress, leaving the back of the frame exposed and limiting your options. Until now, that is. Skirted Futon Covers allow you to place your futon frame anywhere in your space, nicely concealing the less photogenic portions of futon.

Affordable Memory Foam Mattress

If you've been looking for a memory foam mattress, but you don't want to take money from your children's college fund to pay for it the Otis Pulsar may just be the mattress for you. A top layer of Visco Memory Foam provides the cushiness over a firmer layer of High Density Foam which gives the Pulsar a firm foundation. It's the perfect blend of soft and firm.

The Orion Futon Frame

There's been quite a buzz among futon shoppers about the Orion Futon Frame. Featuring a completely unique look, the Orion is mission style, sideways. A fully finished back panel means the Orion can just as easily float out in your room as it can go against a wall.

Charleston Platform Bed

Much like the Nomad Bed, the Charleston is an unfinished, tulip poplar platform bed. It is, however, a dressed up version with a generous headboard. Available in twin, full and queen sizes for $189 to $229.

Our Futon Cover Have Matching Pillow & Bolsters

If you're in the market for a new futon cover, don't forget about pillows. Pillows and bolsters are the finishing touches to your futon set. Accessories can take you're futon set to the next level. Available in a wide variety of fabrics, sizes, and colors.

Futon Frame With Built in Side Tables

Sometimes finding the right matching tables for your futon frame can be a real pain in the neck, but the DaVinci futon frame has just made the choice a little easier. Convenient flip up side tables make the DaVinci one of the most versatile futon frames at Goodnight Moon Futon.

Extra Loft Futon Covers

I've had a lot of people asking about extra loft futon covers and why they may need one. Well, the answer is simple. Standard loft futon covers fit any futon mattress up to seven inches thick. Any futon mattress over seven inches will need a cover with extra loft. Visit Goodnightmoonfuton.com if you need any assistance or if you have any other questions about futon covers.

Futon Storage Drawers

Futon Storage Drawers are coming back in a big way. Our newest futon frames are all available with matching drawers, like the ones pictured under the Monet futon frame. Full size drawers ship anywhere in the lower 48 states for $199 per pair.

Rattan Furniture Is Making A Comeback

I've seen a surge in futon furniture that incorporates some type of rattan in it's design in the last six months or so. Surprisingly, some of it actually looks good. Take our California tables, they have a nicely balanced rattan embellishment that doesn't make the table look cheap.

Basic Platform Bed: The Mansfield

The Mansfield Platform Bed is a basic, no frills bed with a twist. It is only available in sustainably harvested Ash or Maple. With over ten finishes and four sizes, the Mansfield ships anywhere in the lower 48 states for $339 to $469

Otis Futons: High Density Foam Futon Mattresses

Futon mattresses sure have changed in the past 10 years, in the us at least. Most futon mattresses now have a foam core, which gives added support and longevity. Otis Bedding, has taken foam futon mattresses to a new extreme, making mattresses that are primarily foam. Does this make a difference? You bet, almost all Otis futon mattresses have a ten year warranty and are rated for ten to twelve years of everyday use.

Futon Loveseats, The Perfect Option For Your Guest Bedroom

Are you expecting guests this holiday season, but don't want to fill your guest bedroom with a bed or pullout one of those air mattresses? Maybe you should look into a futon loveseat for your office, study or guest room. Futon loveseats take up less wall space and still fold down into twin, full, and queen sized beds. Now you can get more use out of your space and still make your guests feel comfortable.

But beware, futon loveseats can be so comfy your guests may never leave. :)

Haley 110 Futon Mattress: The Jack Of All Trades

The Haley 110 futon mattress is a great, all around high density foam futon. Good for everyday sitting and sleeping, this eight inch thick futon is firm enough for sleeping, yet not so firm that it's too hard for sitting. One of the best sellers at Goodnight Moon Futon, the Haley 110 futon mattress is a fantastic deal.

One Holiday Down, Two to Go

I hope everyone who had guests staying with them over the Thanksgiving holiday had ample seating and sleeping accommodation's. For those of you who found yourself short, now's the time to plan for the other upcoming holidays. Goodnight Moon Futon has the perfect futon for all your guest sleeping needs.

Great Guest Platform Beds

The Fold platform bed is the most economical platform bed that we carry at Goodnight Moon Futon. Available in Twin and Full sizes, the Fold platform bed ships anywhere in the lower 48 states for $99 - $117. Now you don't have to spend a fortune on a bed you might use twice a year.

Futon Frame With Built in Side Tables

Sometimes finding the right matching tables for your futon frame can be a real pain in the neck, but the DaVinci futon frame has just made the choice a little easier. Convenient flip up side tables make the DaVinci one of the most versatile futon frames at Goodnight Moon Futon.

Futon Storage Drawers

Futon Storage Drawers are coming back in a big way. Our newest futon frames are all available with matching drawers, like the ones pictured under the Monet futon frame. Full size drawers ship anywhere in the lower 48 states for $199 per pair.