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Space-saving, versatile, and functional are only a few words that come to mind when describing a Futon. The origin of Futons can be traced all the way back to Southern Asia specifically Japan. Traditionally a Futon is a type of cotton mattress rolled out at night on top of a rice straw pad. The Western Futon is a modern and cheap alternative to beds or sofa beds. You can build a whole room full of furniture around your Futon. Futons are available in twin, full, queen and chair with ottoman sizes and a lot of compatible additional pieces.
In the United States a Futon generally means the futon frame only, meaning not the mattress. The most common futon frames avalible are all metal, metal and wood, or all wood. The cost of the Futon depends what material the frame is made of. Metal frames are the cheapest with few style choices. A variation of these are metal frame with wood arm rest futons. The best quality futon are all wood. Frames can also be classified by the difficulty of changing the different angles. One other factor to determine the cost of a Futon is the way all the parts are put together. The ones using a staper gun to attach slats to frame are the cheapest, another method is making a dowel and using glue to attach the pieces. The best way is to use a dovetail joint making the frame more like a regular piece of furniture that can take the most stress from use. These Futons are considerably expensive and not many manufacturers produce them.

A futon mattress is another important part of your futon. Futon mattresses have evolved over the last 10-15 years. Modern day Futon mattresses are made with coils, high-density foam mattresses, latex rubber mattresses and more. This wide selection of mattresses are very different from the flat firm cotton mattresses used in the old days.
One very helpful feature to Futon Mattresses is that they can be covered. This means you can customize your futon as many times as you like without breaking the bank. Mattress covers are available with quick closing zippers or even velcro. These covers are a great way to show off your personal style. Staying in style is as easy as switching a cover.
For more info about matresses, keep a look out for my new lens coming out soon.

To keep up with the market demand manufacturers are making a lot of different accesories that not only compliment the style of the futon but are useful. Night and Day Futon manufacturers make rolling storage drawers that fit under their futons, utilizing the space to the fullest. They also make matching evening and end tables. Some other accesories also include lamps to match your decor.

I manage the group For the House and Home. To visit it or join with some of your own lenses go to:

http://www.squidoo.com/groups/homefurniture