Picking the right Futon for your space

A futon can be a great addition to any living space and can double as a bed and seating area.  However choosing the right one can be a challenge given the number of choices available.  Narrowing your options is an important step and with a few guidelines it is an easy task.When buying a futon, first decide what type of frame you want and how it will work with your space.  Wooden frames are study and durable and work best in earth tone spaces.  They are typically made from pine or oak, pine being the lighter of the two.  Make sure there are no loose boards and that all joints are secure.  Metal frames come in a variety of colors and work well in contemporary spaces.  When choosing a metal frame it is important to make sure the welding is done properly to ensure durability.  With any futon, you should examine its ease of use to make sure that is does not require additional strength to operate.  The function of your futon is also an important factor to consider.  Futons that are used as a seating area only will take about half the space of those being used for beds.  If your futon will double as a seating area and a bed, make sure there is enough space to sleep comfortably and allow for ample seating.  If its a single purpose piece, pick a futon that is appropriate for its specific use.  The last and most important factor is comfort.  No matter what purpose your futon serves, the thicker the mattress, the better.  Over time, the mattress will compress from sleeping or sitting on it frequently and a thick mattress will be more durable and retain comfort longer.  For futons that will be used for sitting only, a firm mattress will hold up better.  Futons used for sleeping should have mattresses that fits the comfort of the sleeper.  Dual use futons should have mattress that accommodates for multiple functions.  Overall, be sure to choose a futon that matches you style, fits comfortably in your space, and remains functional.