Futon 101

The purpose of this page is to introduce you to the virtues of futons relative to conventional upholstered couches and/or sleeper sofas as well as review the basic features of futon furniture.

A complete futon consists of three individual components:

1. Frame

   (generally made of wood or metal or combinations)

2. Mattress

   (a decision based on main use and individual preference)

3. Cover

   (removable, protective and decorative)

All three components of a futon are independent of each other, and accordingly, can be mixed and matched and cost effectively replaced because the item wore out or to redecorate. Generally, the frame never goes.

Convertible (ie sit and sleep) frame style is either sofa (where you generally seat and sleep oppositely) or lounger (where you sit and sleep the same way). Both sofa and lounger style wood frames are recliners as well (metal good are not recliners).

• Chair 28"

  (synonymous with standard chair); always lounger style; cot size with ottoman; sit and sleep the same way

• Chair 39"

  (synonymous with oversize chair or Mother's Chair); always lounger style; twin/single size with either an ottoman or frame extension from front

• Loveseat

  always lounger style; full/double size with either an ottoman or pullout extension from front

• Full

  (synonymous with double); always sofa style

• Queen

  always sofa style

• King

  always only a platform bed (standard measures 76-78"W x 78-80"L and California at 72"W x 84"L); sizing is not appropriate for a convertible frame

Sizing varies somewhat frame by frame but the following dimensions cover most models: