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Choosing A Futon For Your Home - Should It Be Traditional Or Western?
A futon, simply put, is a small couch which
turns into a bed when unfolded. It is actually one type of mattress
that makes up a Japanese bed, sold at specialty stores called futon-Ya
in Japan and other department stores. A Japanese futon set usually
costs under 10,000 yen (around $83).
Traditional Futon and Western Versions:
A traditional Japanese futon set generally consists of a mattress
called a shikibuton, a comforter called Kakebuton, and a pillow
called makura. The makura is usually filled with beans, buckwheat
chaff, or plastic beads. The 4 to 5 cm thick futon itself is flat,
having a fabric exterior stuffed with cotton and/or synthetic
batting.
Futons are designed to be laid on Tatami - a traditional Japanese
flooring created from individual woven straw mats of uniform size
and shape, bordered by brocade or plain black cloth, and packed with
straw. Styrofoam may also be used with the recent ones. The futon
can be folded away and stored in a closet called oshiire when not in
used.
There is also a futon alternative called a "zabuton" (za, sitting +
futon) which is a cushion for sitting, on tatami floors.
Western futons are thicker and larger than Japanese traditional
futons, typically filled with foam and batting in a number of
layers, and closely resembling conventional furniture that most
people would not know if a western futon is actually a "futon".
Unlike traditional futons, western versions are not designed to be
stored away when not in use. It is actually a bed –cum- couch to be
placed on a configurable frame for the dual purpose.
The western style has also gained some popularity in Japan. These
futons are constructed primarily out of cotton and usually handmade.
Though having close resemblance with conventional mattresses, they
lack the same type of springs and synthetic casings. The western
futon version is a cheaper and more convenient substitute to
conventional beds.
Basic Elements of a Western Futon:
There are three main elements of a western futon – the frame, the
mattress and the cover and pillows.
The frame is the foundation for strength, durability and ease of
use. It has to be made of a strong, dense wood which can withstand
the stress of frequent conversions. The Futon frames are of three
types – Bifold, Trifold and Loveseat frame.
In the Trifold frame, the mattress folds in thirds the long way
while in the Bifold frame, the mattress folds in half and is best
for couches and everyday conversion from bed to couch. In the
Loveseat frame, the mattress comes in two parts - couch and ottoman
– and is best for small spaces.
The mattress is the seat cushion to provide comfort for both sitting
and sleeping. Futon mattresses have to be of good quality in order
to avoid hard and uncomfortable futons.
The cover and the pillows are the finishing touches for looks and
protection. The futon cover is supposed to be essentially decorative
but it is also the component which protects the mattress from dirt
and spills.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
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conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
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