Past and present of a queen size futon

If you imagine a thin, large Japanese mattress when you hear about a queen size futon, you are right … and wrong.  In fact, long ago futons were soft mattresses that were used as beds right on the floor.  The tradition came to us from Japan, but was “modified” by trying different designs.

Today, queen-size futons are fixed underframes that fold and unfold, and a mattress over them.  You no longer sleep on the floor, but instead use the same Japanese beds that are so compact and comfortable.  The dimensions of 80 x 60 inches are referred to as queen size.  The large queen-size futon resembles a queen-size bed when it is open and ready to welcome its owner to sleep.  These units are inexpensive.

If you have a base at home (some masters build these bases themselves), you can choose any suitable futon.  Only the size is important, not the design.  You can use a futon mattress without a pad if you want: just for fun (some people like to sleep on the floor) or as an extra bed for guests if your buddy unexpectedly comes up to you and stays for a night or two.

Modern queen-size futons can do a great job of replacing couches and even couches in modern apartments and studios.  Some large futons are designed so that they can be used without a base: they transform into a chair or armchair, an ottoman and an extra mattress.  To extend the life of these mattresses, you should buy or sew a cover for them.  In the case of stains, simply open the zipper and wash in the washing machine.

Queen size futon