What is it that you look for in a furniture? Comfort? Beauty? Rustic Charm? I, for one, have an unfortunate impulse control problem. I see something cute, I race it to the checkout before any other impulse buyer gets their grubby paws on my find. However, when it comes to purchasing a furniture, I’m very well aware that it is far more important to be happy in the long term. To be able to label your purchase the “best buy” is always the goal.
Furniture pieces are designed to give comfort to users. If you look around a house, you’ll know there are several furniture categories depending on the function. Speaking of comfort, only one thing comes to mind. Ever heard of futons? It’s the best of two categories: sofa and bed. Futon is a couch-like furniture that can be converted into a bed— a very versatile piece and probably the one that will give you the most comfort. Other people simply call it a sofa-bed. Interested in this ultimate dual-function furniture? Here are some things to keep in mind before you shop for one.
Comfort Level And Quality Of The Mattress
It is important to really look at the comfort level of a futon. Since it is a furniture meant for you to relax and even sleep in, you would want to get one that feels the most comfortable for you. Of course, you would also want it to last. Think about how it might feel in a year. I make sure that I check the futon pad/mattress. If it looks like its going to sag five minutes after plopping down on your brand new piece of paradise, I would opt for a separate mattress, or pad. That is the beauty of a futon, they are very versatile. There are different styles, colors, sizes, and of course levels of comfort.
If the purchase is for a college dorm room, perhaps old Saggy McDroopy is the perfect answer to keeping that college kid from having too many overnight guests. Not that he’d be embarrassed. But if it is going to be something you want around for a while and something to have as an extra bed for house guests, make sure that fanny is happy and choose the best futon that you can afford. I personally love memory foam, so that is what I look for in a futon. There are many other combinations you can seek out. Perhaps you prefer a pillowy down type cushion. Maybe you are Fred Flintstone and prefer a slab of slate. Whatever your preference may be, you will be able to accommodate your prima-donna princess, your college partier, or even your grumpy granny with that futon.
Frame Strength And Finish
Feel the resistance in the cushion. Look at the construction of the frame. Scratch the finish with a fingernail to see if it will withstand regular wear and tear. These are the basic things to double check if you want a good futon. You should make sure the frame is strong and without wobble, squeaks, and flimsy parts. Also, is it easy to convert to a bed and back to a sofa? Will it be neutral enough to match any decor if you change your fickle mind and decide against cows in every corner of your home? Now, I love to sew. I would make a beautiful duvet cover or special quilt for it to wear to Sunday Supper. I’m sure for those of you who aren’t very artistic, there are plenty of options to purchase.
I favor a natural wood frame, I think it just looks, well, natural. It reminds me of growing up in the Northern California forest. No, not crawling around on all fours, raised by deers, but we did have a home smack dab in the middle of 96 acres of untouched forestry. Now back to what I was saying, the natural wood finish on a futon is my personal favorite, but I did see a different style in a magazine recently that was similar to a chaise lounge, a daybed, and a futon all squished into one, like a perfect pillowy cloud staring at me. A single tear skidded across my cheek and my heart skipped a beat.
If you like, you can also set the futon up similar to a daybed, with cushions or pillows lining the back and a nice chenille throw along the seat. You know, if that’s how you roll.
Finally, kick the tires and load her up, let the good times roll. You have made a decision. Yay you!
