The Japanese are the ones who started the futon bedding system. Actually, they used the word shikibuton, meaning mattress; it was the Americans who named it a futon. Unlike the Japanese, the American concept included the mattress, the convertible furniture it sits on, or both.

Basically, a futon acts as a sofa during the day and is converted into a sleeping space at night. Some of the futons have wooden frames that can be folded and put away to save space. The futon sofa has cushions that are usually stuffed with cotton batting and that can be found in a wide range of colors, sizes and fabrics. Those used to sleeping and sitting on a futon sofa rave about the good back support it provides. Another plus point of futon mattresses and cushions is that they can be conveniently moved outdoors to air out. Sometimes, the futon sofa may need some assembly. The most important thing to do while assembling the sofa is to take your time; it is best to devote a whole afternoon to assemble it. It is advisable to take an inventory of the parts of the sofa before starting. And, you should read the instructions not once, but twice for clarity. If using power tools while assembling the sofa, be careful as these tools are so strong that they may over-tighten or strip out the hardware used to hold the frame together.

The Americans first became interested in futons in the early 1970s, due to the increased interest in Eastern culture and because the inexpensive furniture produced a novel furnishing idea. Most of the futon sofa users are students, first-time homeowners and apartment dwellers saving on space. The American futon has improved with the usage of top-of-the-line hardwoods for the frame with a wide palette of wood finishes from oak to mahogany. In the beginning, futon mattresses were covered with durable but plain materials; however, today, its covers are available in luxuriant colors and fabrics from rich brocades to lush tapestries. Futon furniture, and futon sofas, have become quite popular and are here to stay for quite some time.