The History of the Futon

Futons function as both couch and bed.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "futon" as a mattress that is usually filled with cotton and placed on the floor or in a frame for use as a couch, bed or chair. The word originated in Japan in 1876. Futons remain a part of Japanese culture and have been assimilated into American culture since the late 1900s. Futons of today are multifunctional, comfortable, reasonably priced and available in different styles and sizes.

History

Ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians and Babylonians used cotton bedding because it was easy to produce and the cotton promoted warmth in colder temperatures and cool in warmer temperatures. Cotton bedding was absorbed into Japanese culture and evolved into the futon. The futon mattress became a part of Japanese tradition. The modern-day futon can be found on a frame instead of the floor and might be made from silk instead of cotton.

Japanese Futon

Made from long-staple cotton, the traditional Japanese futon was placed on the floor for sleeping and then taken up during the day to maximize living space. The mattress did not get lumpy or pull apart because of the quality of the cotton inside. The futons used by the Japanese emperor and family were made from silk. Futons of today should be aired outside on a regular basis and professionally cleaned yearly. In addition to cotton, other materials including synthetic fibers are used in futon mattresses.

Western Futon

Futons have become a staple in college dorms.

When the Japanese came to America, futons came with them. Westerners liked the space-saving and convertible qualities of the traditional Japanese futon but preferred to sleep and sit off the floor, so adjustable futon frames were invented. Futons became popular primarily in metropolitan apartments and college dormitories. Futons in the mid-21st century have evolved into mainstream furniture that does double duty for sleeping and sitting.

Covers

The original futon that was laid on the floor was durable, simple and plain. Today mainstream futon mattress covers come in different upholstery choices to match any decor and taste. Modern futon covers are available in cotton, polyester, leather, suede, animal prints, solids, patterns, plain and embroidered fabrics. Some are removable and washable.

Frames

By placing the futon on a frame, Westerners adapted the futon into a piece of furniture that acted both as a chair and a bed. Futon frames in the 21st century are made from different woods, finishes and folding mechanisms. The tri-fold frame folds twice and the newer bi-fold frame folds once. The mattress selection is important based on the type of frame. The frame can be folded by a front mechanism or a side mechanism. A tri-fold frame produces a shorter seat than a bi-fold frame.

Mattresses

Traditionally the futon was placed on a tatami mat made of rice straw, about 2 inches thick and about 2 feet wide by 6 feet long. The tatami mat accommodated one person. Modern futon mattresses come in full, queen, king and chair/twin sizes and soft, medium and firm support. They are made by major mattress manufacturers like Serta, Simmons and Gold Bond as well as others.

References

• History of Futons