Right from the initial stages of the futon industry futon beds have played a major role. These early days were dominated by the search to provide a suitable sleeping surface for the futon mattress.

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It's never been a wise move to put a futon mattress on the floor, moisture gets trapped between the floor and the mattress and will create damp and then mould will grow. A timber slatted bed frame was the answer, so air can circulate around the bed and keep the sleeping environment dry and healthy. Even pallets were used as they provide a similar but cruder surface.

Futon Convertible

Through the 70's and 80's futon furniture in general experienced huge growth, penetrating markets in North America, Western Europe and Scandinavia. Futon beds made from softwoods and hardwoods were however much more popular in European countries where consumers had a much broader vision when confronted with new products and concepts. Futon furniture was for any room in the house or apartment whereas in North America futons generally were bought to use in second bedrooms and spare rooms.

Different size beds have always been offered, from single sizes 76cms/2'6" and 90cms/3'0" through to King size 180cms/6'0" wide. Production during the first 20 years of the futon industry was usually made by small companies using facilities in the back of the shop or in basements and thus tended to be flexible. If customers wanted a special size it was easy to accommodate them. The last 20 years has seen supply of futon beds and frames monopolised by Asian economies, and consequently given the distances involved are inflexible and not interested in tooling up for a few pieces..

A cost effective way of creating futon beds is to use a pine futon sofa bed frame out as a bed permanently. Many customers like the idea of sleeping low to the floor, as in Japan, and the above makes it possible.

Ultimately it doesn't matter what kind of surface the bed has, timber or steel what is crucial is that it has slats, mesh or bars so that air can pass through the nice and thick futon mattress and keep it aired, these are the fundamentals for futon beds.

Futon Beds

Futon Convertible