to futon or not to futon? (tile, stairs, porch, wooden)

[NewColony]

Hi all,
The size of my home increased fourfold when I moved to Raleigh, and now my lack of furniture is quite apparent. Among the items I need are a nice sofa for TV watching and a guest bed. Naturally, my thoughts drifted to futons... from the traditional wood-armed ones to the newer ratchet-backed loungey ones that Target carries. So... any advice on if a futon is really worth the trouble? Do you have a personal experience you can share that would persuade or dissuade me? Any recommendations for good futoneries in the area? Much appreciated!!

[Nickc121]

Futons are cheap but I don't think many people like to sleep on them

[fierce_flawless]

I think they can be great IF you invest in a more expensive, higher quality futon mattress.

My son (sixteen) has the wood arm kind of futon with a "better quality" mattress (i.e. thicker) and he is fine with it. It seemed like a good idea for him because he's a teen and when he moves out and gets his own place he'll have something versatile in case he has limited space (which I think often is the case with a first apartment!).

At my age though it kills my back. We bought that for him when he needed a bed, and he keeps it out in "bed" form They sell much more fancy innerspring futon mattresses, and you can always add a memory foam topper that the cover would hide.

Invest in a good mattress and a quality futon (the last frame we had broke.. the wood slat parts just split) and it can be a good idea.

Likewise you could always keep an air mattress handy to put on top of the futon mattress when it's being used for guests.

[Poltracker]

I have a high quality Futon (wood frame) with the thick mattress. It is very nice to sleep on and I myself sleep there when my back is bothering me and my guests prefer it to the guest bed. I like it because I can change the cover and throw pillows when I change the decor. I also have a cheap futon (metal framed) which I cannot wait to get rid of. It was only meant to be temporary anyway. That thing is uncomfortable to lounge on. If it is high quality, I would recommend it.

[Irishtom29]

The only thing worse than sleeping on a futon is sitting on one. I think a futon for guests to sleep on is OK but no way in Hell I'd use one as a serious couch.

[allforcats]

Futons aren't really meant to be sit-on things. They're meant for sleeping -- and they're great for sleeping if they're high quality!

[pitt_transplant]

I agree dont get a cheap one.
They can be used for sitting no problem if its not a cheap one. Go with a wood frame, gripper pads to help keep matress from sliding.

Can throw this on top of cheaper futon matress to make it really comfy:
Memory Foam Mattress $329 for Twin Size, Queen Size only $459. BedInABox.com - America's Highest Quality Memory Foam Mattresses at The Lowest Price Possible.

If I had a house I would get a double sized futon while searching for a heavy duty and on sale couch or a real pull out couch.

[findinghope]

why not get a sleeper sofa? much nicer and better for tv watching, and there is always a guest bed when you need it.

[skbs]

My hubby had a futon when I first met hime and I found it to be the most uncomfortable contraption ever invented... and moving it was a pain as it kept opening and shutting (we moved it to a guest room upstairs when I moved in).... I would buy a sleeper sofa if you want to use it for multipurpose... the newer sleepers are more comfy than a futon anyway.

[Threerun]

We have a quality solid wooden frame and spring mattress futon in our covered porch / Florida room.

It's the most comfortable sofa in the house! It doesn't have that wicked sunken back like a lot of thin mattress futons.. It's rather supportive. One pillow in the small of your back and you can sit comfortably all day..