Futons: The Space Saver
Futons are known to come from Japan and it is considered as a more traditional form of bedding. The word “futon” is Japanese for “bedding” but the word “shikibuton” is actually what best describes the futon that we know today. More commonly seen as a mattress, the futon dates back to ancient history and ever since then, it has been an important part of any household, in Japan and other countries as well. Though the word is Japanese and futons are more commonly seen in Tatami rooms is Japan, its beginnings can actually be traced to ancient societies such as the Babylonians, Egyptians and Mesopotamians. These cultures were already using beddings made out of cotton because it is the most comfortable material out there and is also very easy to produce. Wool and Silk were also used but not as common as cotton.
History of Futons:
Even though futons or mattresses have been around for thousands of years, it was its popularity in Japan that eventually led to its rise in the western world. Japanese futons are thin with a usual thickness of 2 to 3 inches. These futons were made out of long staple cotton which is the part of cotton that is used to make textile. By using this type of material, futons are much more resilient and did not lose form easily. Being a small and populated country, every inch of space is important in Japan. The Japanese made their futons to be economical and space saving; these mattresses were used for sleeping in the night and then folded up in the day so that the space can be used for something else. This trait of the futon is the reason why it was well received when it was brought by the Japanese to the Western world.
Western Futons:
Trade between the East and West and the migration of people made it inevitable for the futon to conquer Western societies, including the US. The space saving characteristic of the futon made it very appealing and it was in the 1970s that a furniture designer merged the futon with the Western style of furniture. This designer was William Brouwer, a Boston native; he knew that a futon would be great in small apartments that were common in where he lived. Since Americans were not as keen as the Japanese on sleeping close to the floor, he designed a bed frame where the thin mattress will go to. What made this bed frame so special is that it is divided into three sections that when slid together will turn the futon into a couch or a sofa. This is the futon that is commonly found in furniture stores today and is also known as the sofa bed. Futons come in different shapes and sizes and is perfect for any room at home most especially in guest rooms. This amazing piece of furniture is also great for home offices and dens; its adaptability makes it a good investment. Futons today are also stylish, the need not to be hidden inside closets when not in use like their early Japanese counterparts. If you are looking for quality and affordable futons, then check out pplfurniture.com. We have an amazing collection of futons and other furniture perfect for your home!
