Futon History

Futons have become more and more popular in homes and college dorms because of their space-saving style and economical price. Also, they can offer an additional bed when needed. The ever-popular futon satisfies the needs of people who value its simple beginnings; yet innovations in style, material, and function attract progressively more people all the time.

The Simple and Traditional Japanese Style
Japanese futons fit right into the cultural ideal of function and versatility. Futons were once stuffed with available soft materials like cotton or silk. When it came time to sleep, futons were placed over tatami mats anywhere on the home's floor. Tatami mats provided padding and served as architectural guidelines (houses were designed to hold a chosen number of mats). To entirely clear the room for other functions, futons could be easily folded and stored away inside closets built solely for futon storage.

The Futon Comes to America
Futons became extremely popular in the 1960s, with people wanting a simpler way of life. Futons were inexpensive (many were handmade) and they were perfect for small, compact areas. Futons continued to gain in popularity, therefore futon manufacturing increased. Amazingly, futon manufacturing now occupies a healthy share of the furniture industry.

A Brand New Type of Futon
Today you'll find a new type of futon. Wool, cotton, polyester or other synthetic materials are used to stuff the futon mattress. Today's futon is much thicker and can be more rigid than those of the past. Futons can be purchased in several different weights, thicknesses and support, depending on the stuffing materials used. The convertible sofa/bed frame which is commonly sold for use with a futon was actually developed in America.

The contemporary futon found on the market today may seem a lot more sophisticated and comfortable than the futon of the past, but the idea of simplicity and versatility can still be seen. Futons offer simple convenience of seating and sleeping without taking up a lot of space.