Monday, July 20, 2009

The History and Evolution of Futons

Futon is a specific term used to describe traditional Japanese styles of bedding. Like most other styles these also consist of stuffed mattresses and blankets. The only difference is that they can be folded so as to make the room available for other purposes as well. The stuffed mattress (shikibuton) and the blanket (kakebuton) are together called a "futon".

The history of futon and its evolution into what it is today is discussed in brief in the following paragraphs.

Futons were originally designed to be placed on the floor and were folded and kept away in the closet in order to allow the room to be used for other purposes. They were put out in the sun and beaten regularly using a tool made from bamboo, quite like a carpet beater.

There are a variety of futons available in various sizes such as single futons, double futons and futon beds.

Evolution
Futon beds and furniture have evolved a lot since their early days. The western version has several modifications. Western futons are placed on a wooden or a metal frame and can be used both as a bed and a couch. The frame is foldable in the middle allowing it to be used as a couch. The western futon is larger and thicker than its Japanese counterpart. These have become very popular with western buyers owing to its flexibility and low price and the frame and the mattress are mostly sold together as a complete bed set.

Benefits
Futon beds are cheap and are preferred especially by people who live alone, like college students. But now days, beautiful and smart variants that have flooded the market have made them a favorite among buyers who want to enhance the look of their living or study rooms.

If you do not have the money to spend on a bunk bed for your children's room, then a futon bed is your best bet. Cheap, as it is, you can get a good quality futon bed in less than a hundred dollars. Put a set of futon sofa beds in your drawing room and make sure you are always ready for those unexpected guests wanting to stay overnight.

A lot of furniture buyers have a set thinking about futon beds not being comfortable. Now, this is a misconception. These beds can be as comfortable as a regular bed with a conventional mattress and come at less than half the price.

The conventional futon sets and its many variants are available in your nearest furniture mart but to avail great discounts and a wider choice, don't forget to go and look for them online.