A traditional Japanese bed consisting of a padded mattress and duvets that can be folded and stowed. According to Japanese tradition, samurai who could not master the sword made these beds.

The word we call futon derives from a Japanese word “shikibuton” to describe the mattress part of the bed. These beds are quite different from the ones we use in the United States. The construction is then thin, two to three inches thick and made from cotton flower heart. The use of cotton as a material dates back 7000 years. Which has been found in archaeological sites and has been collected by man for many applications.

A futon is a flat mattress called a “shokibuton” that is filled with cotton, wool, or synthetic wadding. Then there is a “kakebuton” quilt, a blanket called a “taoruketto”, a lighter top sheet called a “muf”, and a pillow usually filled with buckwheat or beans called “makura” that are sold as a set. They are placed on tatamis. They are pads made of rice straw that are about two inches thick, two feet wide, and six feet long, which is a type of floor covering. Futons are traditionally folded and stored during the day to take advantage of the living space. It should be ventilated in sunlight on a regular basis. Also, many Japanese beat their futon mattress on a regular basis to soften it and keep it fit and use a type of bamboo to beat rugs called “futon tataki.”

Western style sofa is very different from Japanese bed style, but futon sofa is a combination with several important differences. They are made from a type of wooden, metal or bamboo frame that can turn from a sofa to a bed when placed horizontally.

During conception by furniture manufacturers, these beds were cheap and disposable like those used in collage-style bedrooms and small apartments where space utilization was needed. Many of these beds have improved in quality and comfort. Today they have moved away from cotton-style filling to a durable high-density foam and polyesters in a multi-layer combination where it does not compact like cotton fiberfill. Futon covers can complement your home’s style and décor.

The need for extra space for guests to stay in the office or in the office when working long hours comes at a cost – the futon fits perfectly into a multi-functional piece of furniture where comfort is needed to sit or sleep.

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