Futon: How to choose the best in 2022

Today we are going to talk about futon, a versatile, uncomplicated piece that combines with different styles of decoration and is common in houses from East to West.

The futon brings warmth to any environment, indoors or out. The larger models, with wooden base, replace the sofa and even the bed. The smaller ones can be used as cushions on benches.

Are you interested in buying one for your home? Then continue reading this article, as we will talk about the different models, how to combine them with your decor, give some buying suggestions and much more.

First, the most important

• There are five futon models: shikibuton, kakibushi, zabuton, zafu and Turkish puff. Each model has its own shape, size, coating and indication of use.
• The main feature of the futon is the malleability, which makes it not take up so much space at home. Roll it out to use and roll or fold it up to put it back.
• The futon support unit is also low. This structure is usually made of wood, but you can find versions of metal, steel, masonry and pallets.

You may also like:

• Sofa bed: how to choose the best in 2022?
• Cushion: How to choose the best model of 2022?
• Pillow: All about the best 2022 models

 

Ranking: The 4 best futon models

The futon combines comfort, functionality, simplicity and practicality, characteristics valued by oriental culture. You can find models in different formats, sizes and directions for use. We selected the best for this ranking.

Buying Guide

A cozy corner is ideal to rest after a long day at work. Chairs, armchairs and sofas are good options for relaxing, but have you thought about buying a futon? In addition to being soft and versatile, it gives a touch of beauty to the decoration.

If you don’t know the product, check out our Buying Guide. In addition to presenting the various futon models, we will give you some tips on how to use them in different environments of the house, suggestions on where to buy them and notions of price

What is a futon?

Many people do not know it by name, but the futon is a quilting, which can be used as a sofa, replacing the mattress, covering benches and chairs and as a puff indoors and outdoors.

The futon is low, malleable and flexible, these characteristics allow it to be folded in different ways. And you can easily store it, because of the straps on the sides.

The filling varies from one model to the other, but it can be foam, cotton or materials of synthetic origin. The outer covering can be cotton, polyester, canvas and fine fabrics such as silk and linen.

Which futon style suits me?

The term futon is used to designate other pieces, such as Kakibushi, Shikibuton, Zabuton, Zafu and Turkish puff. We will talk about the characteristics of each model throughout this section.

Shikibuton

The shikibuton is the most used type, as it replaces the mattress. This model is rectangular and can be dense or malleable. It should be placed on a mat or structure to provide comfort.

 

 

Did you know that in Japan, people believe that sleeping close to the ground ensures that the earth absorbs the bad energies, renews the good ones and provides a more peaceful sleep?

 

The traditional shikibuton is thin, but very firm and, combined with the lower height of the bed, brings some health benefits such as improved blood circulation, muscle relaxation and correct sleeping posture.

Kakibushi

The Kakibushi is a type of foldable puff which can also be used as a small mattress. It is ideal for those who have little space at home, as it can be easily stored.

Zabuton

The zabuton has a format similar to a cushion, so it is used on seats, sofas or chairs. This style of futon can be made of cotton or fine fabrics such as silk and linen.

Zafu

The zafu is also similar to a pillow, the big difference is the round shape. The zafu is often used as a meditation cushion, it helps to maintain balance and good posture.

Turkish pouf

The Turkish puff is ideal for outdoor areas, as it can be used directly on the floor and is thicker than other models. The coating is generally made of materials resistant to moisture and heat.

Where can I use the futon?

The futon can be used in various rooms in the house: in the living room, children’s and adult rooms and in external areas such as balconies, balconies and gardens.

In the living room, you can place the futon on a rug or on a wooden frame. In this environment, the futon serves as a sofa, but does not occupy as much space, as it is smaller and lower.

An excellent option for the living room is kakibushi , replacing the sofa. You can also distribute some zabutons or zafus on the floor for people to sit on.

In the bedroom, the futon can serve as a single or double bed, if placed over a mat or structure. The futon is also an excellent option if you usually receive guests at home.

In the children’s room, the futon is an excellent option, as it gives the child freedom to move without the risk of falling from great heights, stimulates learning and the ability to observe.

This is the philosophy of the Montessori method, which suggests replacing the conventional crib with a futon, so as not to confine the little ones between crates. If testing the method, it is worth consulting a specialist.

For the bedrooms, we suggest that you choose a Shikibuton futon , you will find single or double models.

In outdoor areas it is recommended to look for a futon covered with acrylic fabric, waterproof or at least buy a cover with these characteristics, to protect the futon from the action of sunlight and moisture.

Our suggestion is to use a Turkish puff, developed for outdoor environments. You can also add a kakibushi to be used as a sofa or puff .

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a futon?

The futon has numerous advantages in addition to the versatility of use. One is that it takes up little space, giving the feeling that the room is bigger. In addition, as a neutral object, the futon adapts to any style of decoration.

The futon is easy to handle, as it is light and flexible, so you can change its position whenever you want, to test new possibilities of use. In addition, this quilt is ideal for those who do not adapt or do not like very high beds.

A negative point is that the proximity to the floor makes the mattress more susceptible to dirt (this is one of the reasons why Japanese people do not wear shoes at home).

If you are going to buy a futon to sleep ( shikibuton ), choose carefully, as some models are uncomfortable. The ideal is to buy a model with greater thickness, so you can adapt gradually

How to keep the futon?

In order to prolong the useful life of the futon, certain precautions must be taken. Cleaning should be done dry, using a vacuum cleaner and never with water, as the lining and filling are made of fabric.

Any dirt and stains must be removed with a little water and mild soap, but the procedure must be done quickly, so that moisture does not penetrate the layers of fabric.

Sporadically, try to turn it over, just as we do with the mattress, to avoid deformations in the structure and the fading of the piece unevenly.

In order to avoid the smell of mold, it is essential to place the futon to “take air” from time to time. The sun will also do well in this regard, but avoid leaving it for a long time, as the sun’s rays damage the tissue.

 

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How much?

Futon prices vary, the cheapest are the zabuton and zafu models , which cost from R $ 15. You can find excellent quality options for up to R $ 50 and more expensive versions, which reach R $ 200.

The kakibushi also has affordable prices, there are cheaper models between R $ 80 and R $ 150. If you choose one that already comes with a solid wood structure, the price will increase to around R $ 1,500.

The shikibuton is the most expensive model, it costs between R $ 700 (single) and R $ 1,000 (double), but these prices do not include the structure.

Where to buy?

You can find several futon models in online stores such as Amazon.

 

 

If you prefer to buy over the internet, take a look at the following online stores: Amazon,

 

Purchasing criteria: Factors to compare the different futon models

Now that you know the different futon models, it’s time to know what features to take into account when buying, to choose the right model according to the environment, your home decor and preferences.

• Model
• Structure
• Design
• Base

We will explain each of the items below.

Model

There are five futon models: Kakibushi, Shikibuton, Zabuton, Zafu and the Turkish puff. We explain the characteristics of each one and the indications for use in the table below, check out:

Structure

The structure of the futon varies, there are thinner models, with a thickness of 5 cm and taller with about 15 cm, enriched with latex to avoid deformations in the structure.

The filling can be made of cotton, foam or synthetic materials. The lining can be cotton, polyester, acrylic and sophisticated fabrics such as silk and linen.

Design

You can find futon models in several styles: plain, geometric, floral, stripes, etc. You can mix prints from the same color palette to make the room elegant.

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You can also find models in just one color pattern:

• White : Gives a neutral touch to the decoration;
• Red : Brings personality to space;
• Blue : Ensures a modern look;
• Gray : It is an excellent option for children’s rooms, as it disguises dirt.

Base

The base of the futon can be made of wood, metal, steel, masonry or pallets of different materials. The platform can be adapted to receive shelves and drawers, to optimize the organization of the room.Choose the structure of the futon well, pallets, for example, are cheaper, but the durability is low. If the platform is complete, ventilation will decrease and care with cleaning and hygiene will double.