Futons in the US typically means the convertible frame that alternates from a couch/chair into a bed. Ranges in sizes from chair (27" wide) to queen (80" wide) sizes. Often made with solid hardwood, although metal frames are also a popular selection. Similarly, the futons in the US are also designed for space-saving. Most popular in smaller apartments, or shared homes. One of the favorites for college students. The typical futons come in 3 separate parts, the frame, the mattress and the futon cover.
Futon Frame:
Usually comes in solid wood, is the foundation of the futon. The unique design allows the futon to interchange between it's upright couch position and flat bed position. Most designs also comes with a lounger position, which is slightly tilted making it a bit lower than the upright position. There are two main categories that describes the positional design of the frame; A-frames (aka Tri-Folds) and Bi-Folds.
The Bi-Fold is the more recognized model design of the futon frames. The "Bi" refers to the "Two" folds that the frame goes under when it is in its upright position; first fold is where you sit on, second fold is the back support. A typical bi-fold frame has stoppers on the bottom to lock the frame in its many positions. The two main "locked" positions are the upright as well as the bi-fold's version of the lounger position. Not to be confused with the A-Frame's version of the "Lounger Position," the Bi-Fold's version is really just a slanted upright position to allow the back to fully rest on the futon mattress as you sit back.
In Mid-2008, Yan's introduced the new Loveseat Lounger Pull-out option for the Bi-Folds, which allows the A-Frame's more comfortable lounger position to be used on a Bi-Fold Frame. The pull-out option allows a third fold (on the frame) to be pulled out, extending the frame to provide a leg support.
Futon Mattress:
Built for comfort, and designed to bend yet holds it upright shape. Most futon mattresses used for the upright futon frames are in between 8"-12" thick. Usually stuffed with a mix of cotton blend and foam, whereas newer designs include visco, inner-springs, wool and poly-blends as well.
For Bi-Folds, a typical suggested futon mattress has to be 8" thick or more. Due to the upright position that the Bi-Folds hold, a thinner futon would simply not hold up its shape. While sitting on the Bi-Fold, depending on its main usage-purpose, different cares may be used. When mostly used as an upright couch or lounger position, the futon mattress should be turned 180 degrees (swapping the seat section with the back) every 3-4 weeks. When mostly used as both flat bed and upright positions, in addition to the 180 degrees turns, you should also flip the futon (back to front) every other month*.
For A-Frames, suggested futon mattress is from 3" up to 6" thick. Unless the upright-chair position is not used, anything thicker than 6" would not layover across the top of an A-Frame (thus the back sticks out). The typical A-Frame futon is mainly cotton-blend materials, or a wool mixed with cotton blend. Due to the limit on the thickness of the mattress, it is a less-popular design for a standard home use. Yet, due to the lower costs and the versatility, along with the third lounger position the frame offers, it is typically the most popular among college students.
*This method does not work for our ComFourPedic selection due to the visco topper is one-sided. 180 degrees turns will be enough for the ComFourPedic selection.
Futon Covers:
Nothing completes the futon like its cover. The cover brings out the unique fashion of the futon, personalizes the furniture to fit in any setting. Selections usually comes in two main categories, solid or printed design. A Yan's original design features a print-in-lay option, which is a canvas design to fit the compact Japanese fabrics into the wider futon mattress covers.
Solid covers are single color, plain covers that uses both 100% cotton material, or micro-fiber suede. Additional selections includes the vinyl fabric, as well as poly-blended materials.
Printed fabrics are split into two main categories, Japanese or Domestic US prints. The traditional Japanese prints uses a higher thread count cotton fabric, gives a more silky smooth feel to the cover. Whereas the domestic prints uses a more upholstery material that tends to be stronger and thicker cotton blend which is typically better suited in homes with pets.
Solid with print in-lay design was first introduced by Yan's (at the time known as Miwa Futon) back in 1991. The design featured a 3 fabric-selection option. Main selection is the printed fabric that is the center-piece of the entire design. The piping and border fabrics that follow accent the printed fabric and brings out an unique design that personalizes the cover. This design was to allow the more compacted Japan-imported fabric to fit into the wide 6'-7' bi-fold futons.
Lastly, there is the 2-sided feature, that either uses a print/solid design, double solid design or double printed design. The 2 sides allows variety in the cover design of the futon. Being able to use either side, the cover gives a 2-for-1 deal.
In addition to the cover designs listed above, custom designs are also available for the customer's choosing. Be unique, be creative and create your own signature design!
For a complete list of our Fabrics and Accessories, check HERE.
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