Posts by Michele:
Japanese Rain Chains
February 11th, 2011If you’re looking for a great way to add some of that Japanese design to the exterior of your home, one of the simplest things to add are these rain chains. They’re sometimes called Japanese rain chains because they originated there and have since been found in many places around the world. What makes them typically Japanese is their simplicity.
This is the hallmark of this culture, simple and clean lines with designs that are both functional and artistic, almost because of their simplicity. What you’ll immediately notice is how they can transform an ugly or plain rain gutter into a work of art.
These can be nothing more than rings that are hanging from the gutter with a special attachment piece. For more
A simple set of rain chain rings - simple yet elegant.
ornate designs, there are cups, flowers and other figurines that can be strung to create a whimsical or pleasing design.
The more common of the materials is copper because it is easier to work with, lighter in weight and also develops a wonderful patina as it ages and weathers. Most copper rain chain segments are sold in 10′ lengths, but they are easy enough to cut if this is too long or add more sections if your roof line is higher.
They are easy to install, requiring nothing more than a pair of pliers and (depending on your gutter attachment hardware) a screwdriver. The hardware is designed to allow the chain to attach to the gutter while still allowing the full flow of the water to flow down the chain.
Besides the look of these gutter chains, they are also functional. They serve to allow water to flow from the gutter into your landscape design. You can have potted plants or plants in the ground around the bottom of the chain or have them drop into a barrel or water source. Some people prefer to have them drop into a pond or stream that meanders around their landscape.
No matter how they are used, you can utilize these objects to add a special touch of elegance to your garden or patio area. The sound they make is also another dimension that is not always brought up. When water is flowing down them, they make a very soothing sound, much like a trickling stream does. Then, when the rain stops, you’ve still got a beautiful piece(es) of art in these Japanese rain chains.
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Futon Mattresses For Athletes
February 10th, 2011From time to time, there are people that are either taller than the average ‘Joe’ or just have special needs when it comes to sleeping on a futon. The title of this article has to do with futon mattresses for athletes because, quite often, these are the folks who need these larger or specialty sized mattresses. So, you may wonder, “Are futons actually comfortable enough for professional athletes?” or something along those lines. There is a common misconception that a futon mattress is cheap or made inferior to a more conventional style of mattress. This is simply not true.
What an extra large futon consists of is just more material. Today, as we’ve discussed in other articles on this site, the futon is as well made and plush as the common type of mattresses that most people sleep on. This is due to the fact that modern futons are made by larger manufacturers, the same ones that make those traditional mattresses.
When an athlete or someone who has other needs with regard to height or weight, the company can specially make a mattress that is suited for them. The same process can be done with traditional mattresses, of course. The reason is that an athlete’s futon mattress needs to be supportive – maybe even more so than the non-athlete some might say – because of their profession. Since sleeping is such an important element of our biological process, this will ensure that their bodies – like ours – can rejuvenate, heal and rest until their next competition.
It is important not to overlook the benefit of this type of Zen bedroom appeal as well. There are elements of Japanese design and decor that have qualities of restfulness and calm about them. This is just another way that an athlete or any other individual can incorporate this type of platform bed design into their bedroom space.
If you’re not interested in a Japanese style bedroom, you can still have a futon and enjoy all of its comforts and conveniences. Keep in mind that these specially manufactured futon beds will not likely be able to fold into a couch for seating. In most cases, the twin or queen is the largest size of normal futon available. To order one, you’ll have to contact one of the mattress manufacturers and ask them what their process is for special orders on these types of beds. Hopefully, this addressed some of your questions about whether there was such a thing as futon mattresses for athletes and how to get one. Best wishes to you and sleep well!
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Shikibutons: The Traditional Japanese Futon
January 18th, 2011The Oriental decor style of interior design is very popular, but many people are confused about what traditional furniture from that culture they can install in their home, while maintaining comfort. One of these type of furnishings is the Shikibuton, or traditional Japanese futon. What we call the futon mattress in the West is quite a bit different from what is used in Asian cultures.
Shikibutons are typically cotton or wool stuffed mattresses, approximately 3 inches thick. The color schemes available are many, but, traditionally, muted colors are used.
They are used at night as a mattress to sleep on, and then traditionally hung out to beat and air in the morning sun. Then, they can be rolled away or put somewhere for storage during the daytime. This allows the space in the room, which would normally be taken up by a bed and mattress set, to be used during the day.
An advantage of rolling it up and putting it away is that, when this is done, the fibers inside are stretched, which keeps the inside from clumping together. The shikibuton is also very easy to reposition, flip over, and clean.
These traditional mattresses are available in multiple sizes, matching the normal bedding sizes found in the West, such as twin, full and Queen sizes. So, though the shiki is an unconventional way of sleeping, any bedding that is already owned can be used to cover it.
While a shiki futon gives a nice, firm sleeping surface, they are not for people that require a plush or fluffy sleeping area. Since the betting lays close to the ground, as well, they would not be for people who have a difficult time getting out of bed.
However, it is possible to stack multiple shikibutons on top of each other, which will give an additional amount of comfort. This is not the way that they are used in many Asian cultures, but it could certainly be used this way. Combined with cotton for the interior material, this gives the potential for surprising amount of softness.
Other materials typically used in shikibutons sold in the West, include organic cotton fibers, latex, synthetic fibers, or wool. When laying the mattress down, a mattress pad can go underneath the covers to give additional softness.
Shikibutons are also easy to care for, with some types even being machine washable. They can be very easily aired out, and, since the mattress will be rotated and flipped regularly, there will be no parts of it that are more worn than others. This will increase the lifetime of it dramatically.
Purchasing a Japanese futon mattress would be a great first step in getting involved in the traditional Japanese style of decorating a home, and will allow you to take advantage of the many benefits that sleeping on a shiki futon can give.
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What About Futon Chairs?
August 30th, 2010If you’ve found this article, then you already know the many benefits of the futon mattress. How do we know this? Well, if you are actually searching for a futon chair, then you know that the futon is a very practical, comfortable and affordable option when it comes to the sofa-bed market. As is the mattress, so goes the futon chairs as they say. In
This is what we refer to as the 'elegant futon chair'.
other words, the same great qualities that you know and love about your sofa-bed can be found in chair form as well.
Before we talk specifically about their qualities and styles, it might be helpful to realize that there are a wide variety of applications for having one in the home. Your particular use might be more for a home office or den where you can accommodate a guest on short notice. However, you might also be someone who enjoys a little afternoon rest in a cozy little nook of your home with a book and a cup of tea nearby. The chair futon can also be a great option in a child’s room for the occasional – or frequent – sleepover guest. Paired with one of the futon bunk beds on the market and you can actually get quite a bit of extra sleeping space in a relatively small room.
Styles of the Futon Chair
The styles range from the simple to the elegant. What we would call ‘simple’ means that the chair resembles a very basic style of futon unit – essentially, the mattress folded over that fits on a wooden slat frame structure. The twin or single is what is used for these chairs.
This is a more modern looking futon chair bed.
In some cases, the chair takes on more of a chaise lounge style or like one of those old day bed looks. In more elegant styles, the chair has a more formal look about it; proper arm rests and a back and really resembles a chair more than it does a fold-away bed. For the latter of these two styles, you can expect to pay somewhere between $250-500 USD. They come in a variety of wood choices and stains as well as covers for the chair mattress. Just like with any futon cover, these can be cleaned and come in a variety of styles to suit your home decor.
Chair Function
While the main functions are obvious, sitting or sleeping, we can take just a minute to highlight some of their benefits. While you might be looking for one only to use in a guest room, as you just read, the more elegant looking chairs can be displayed and used comfortably in your living room. The more relaxed or simple style of chair can fit right in with a retro or post-modern decor theme and allow for great lounging. You can even pull this one outdoors in the right season to enjoy some great outdoor living with yours. Enjoying futon chairs is as easy as what you have come to expect from the flexible and adaptable futon.
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Using A Latex Mattress Topper and A Futon Cover
August 22nd, 2010The futon has found a new importance and popularity in homes. More people are discovering how futons have the versatility to add more pleasure and usefulness to their furnishings and enhance their lifestyle. Home and apartment dwellers’ new found affection for futons has increased the need for futon covers to protect them. Manufacturers have responded by creating a futon cover for any home’s decor and color scheme, with a wonderful variety of materials, colors and styles to enhance the enjoyment and usefulness of this clever type of furniture.
These covers will guard the futon mattress, as well as allowing the owner to express their decorative skills. Futon furniture styles have come a long way since they first made the long journey to the U.S. from Japan in the 1980′s. They were perfect for college dorm rooms or crowded apartments that needed to maximize the usefulness of every bit of living space. They became associated with people just starting out in the world and who were on a tight budget for furnishings. Now, futons have experienced a renaissance as chic decorating suggestions by classy home decorating publications. They are welcome in fine homes and now include options of superior latex mattresses and matching latex pillow. Manufacturers have created new futons that appeal to lovers of fine things. They have upped the quality of construction and the strength and artistic variety of the frames that now often are extremely decorative and suit many styles.
Futon mattresses are currently manufactured using the finest materials and workmanship, using the latest and most up to date manufacturing techniques. The availability of these superior futons has enlarged the market for them, since they come in so many different styles, and the covers for them are so elegant, colorful and perfect for any home or home. The beauty of the futon is its usefulness as both a bed and an attractive couch for the living room. They make the perfect home addition for those who need an extra bed on occasion for a guest, but need to use the guest room space when not entertaining. This multiple-use capability makes them especially valuable for furnishing small areas. When not converted to a bed they can then provide seating in the home or office areas where additional seating and attractive furnishings are a plus.
Care of Your Lovely Futon
Whether the main purpose for purchasing a futon was as a couch or bed, or regular use as both, the appearance and lifespan will both receive great benefit from futon covers. Most futon mattresses are manufactured from materials such as foam and cotton which will readily absorb any liquids, whether human perspiration, oils or spilled drinks and food. The cover not only shields the futon from stains but from damage caused by sharp or heavy objects possibly causing a rip in the mattress. The mattress can stay clean and looking like new.
Economical
You may choose to invest your money in the latex futon mattress topper. However, in order to protect your futon and receive many more years of use, futon covers make a smart, cost effective purchase. They are very reasonably priced, from as little as $20 up to the larger and more decorative ones that could be $300. When you investigate the variety of covers available you will be delighted with the incredible selection in any style, color and price range you could desire to coordinate with your home or room’s color scheme, decor theme and your budget.
Simple to Use and Maintain
Makers have ensured that their futon covers will give convenient use as well as long use. They are designed to come off the furniture and wash easily so they can be used again and again, and the mattress constantly feel refreshed to the user. Many include a zipper that goes around the perimeter so that it can fit snugly around the mattress but be easy to unzip and take off, then put back on and zip tightly shut. Some use buttons for securing the cover to the mattress, but the security is only as good as the buttons which can get loose. The beauty of covers is that the instant a child drops their drink or the dog jumps on it with muddy paws, you can whisked it off, launder and put it back on. The covers may be hand washable if made of certain materials; many are machine washable, a great advantage to the homemaker who otherwise would constantly worry about accidents by the kids and the family dog.
Decorating Versatility
The advantages of a futon for decorating are many. The furniture makes an extremely attractive sofa and can be purchased in a style that matches any decorating preference, or to coordinate with any existing furniture. Then, if needed, rather than rent furniture or put up a guest on an uncomfortable couch, it becomes a very comfortable bed with a very comfortable mattress, such as a natural latex mattress. If the owner decides to locate the futon to a different room, the simple addition of a new cover can allow the futon to coordinate perfectly with the new room, as if she had purchased a new futon. You can switch the couch covers to suit the occasion, such as brighter colors around certain holidays. Covers come in different fabrics that can give the futon a totally different look. A den where teenage friends gather may want a more rugged look. When the cover wears out or you cannot wash out the stains anymore, simply replace it and the futon stays clean and fresh for use. Replacing covers is a wonderful decorating advantage over replacing an entire piece of furniture.
Fabrics for Futon Covers
You can find any desired look for your futon in the incredible variety of fabric types and styles, from real leather and suede to faux leather and suede, from vinyl to silk or denim and any other fabric imaginable. The fabric should be selected according to the use – an easy to clean material for one that is going to get lots of use by the family animals or by active teenagers; an elegant one for special occasions such as the suede or silk material that feels so wonderful to the touch. A leather cover makes the futon into an impressive leather couch. Since the futon’s cover is not like upholstering that cannot be removed, a new look is just a quick cover change away. The covers can create a comfy, inviting ambiance, a party atmosphere or make a statement if in leather or silk or other eye-catching designs and styles available. The covers can change as tastes and needs change.
For those who want to go green, there are covers made from organic materials such as hemp. These organic futon covers are especially helpful when the futon is used to furnish a bedroom. Since they are free of chemical dyes and artificial materials, they will not cause allergies or emit any strange odors from chemicals. They use only natural dyes, and cotton grown without the use of pesticides. If you know the futon is likely experience water or drink spillage, or is where the pool users will be entering the house and sitting down, then you want a cover that is waterproof to preserve the mattress. Covers are available for those who are very sensitive to allergies, with totally non-allergenic materials that will deter dust mites from occupying the mattress. The mites leave residues that are frequently the cause of skin problems and allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to allergens.
Color and Style Choices
The popularity of futons has encouraged manufacturers to market a wonderful array of futon covers in every color and style. Every individual can indulge their own personal preference and artistic bent. They can change their futon with their mood by just turning the cover over; many are reversible. One side may be one color, the other side a fun pattern. Futon covers are easy to find, with ample selections of sizes and colors but for those who have a special decorating need, or want a themed cover for a special occasion, they can be custom made. There are fabric samples available to choose from so you can pick out the perfect shade and fabric texture to suit some special occasion, or to perfectly coordinate with a different piece of furniture. One popular new design idea is covers with skirts attached to them. The nest effect is to make the futon look like a piece of upholstered furniture, by adding a skirt to both the front and the back of the bed frame. The cover can either be used to completely conceal the frame front and back, or it can be pushed below the mattress in front to display just the frame’s front.
Sizing the Cover
Most covers will fit mattresses up to 8 inches deep. If your furniture’s mattress is 6 to 8 inches, the standard cover size will work. If you have an extra thick mattress, perhaps 9 to 10 inches, you may have to special order the size from the maker. You will need to specify the exact measurements of your mattress so that the manufacturer can make a cover that will fit as you wish. Measurements for a cover include just the mattress, not the entire piece of furniture. The mattress covers come in the standard sizes of twin, full and queen; king is rarer. There are futons made that serve as baby cribs, sofa ottomans or loveseats and chairs, and covers are available for these furniture styles also. The only difficulty will be narrowing down the different colors and styles and making the final selection. The variety can make owning a futon an even richer and more satisfying experience for the home owner, who, with each new cover, has an unlimited number of futons to decorate their home.
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Futon Bunk Beds Are A Great Option
August 15th, 2010If you are already a fan of the futon, then you are likely aware of all the changes that have taken place with regard to this highly utilitarian piece of furniture. There have been great innovations in design and mattress materials over the past 20 years or so since the futon made its mark in the West. So, it should come as no surprise that another innovation in the futon world has made an impression here. These innovative futon bunk beds make the most of the traditional Western sofa-bed style with the added benefit of the traditional bunk.
Look at the photo to get a better idea of what it is that we’re talking about. While you are certainly not unfamiliar with the concept of a bunk bed, there are some specific features that may make a futon bunk even more of an attractive option. There are also several different styles of these bunks available making them even more suitable for a host of different bedroom arrangements. We’ll discuss those different options here as well.
To begin with, let’s discuss some of the main features that make a futon bunk bed a better choice than a traditional mattress bunk. For the most part, the reason has to do with the futon mattress itself. Because of the wide variety of enhancements in mattress design and materials, the futon has some unique advantages. There is the traditional futon mattress material like a foam core with cotton or wool wrapped batting. This is probably the least expensive kid’s futon option and can give a child a very supportive and comfortable sleeping environment. Just make sure that your child’s mattress is made of the higher quality foam and that the cotton-poly blend or wool is thick enough to maintain its shape and padding over time. What gave the older futons their bad rap was the way that they would flatten out rather quickly, leaving you with the ability to feel the futon bed frame itself digging into your back. We all know how those sofa-couches have that notorious metal bar that jabs into your back – avoid this problem at all costs!
The most popular style of the futon bunk is with a twin futon mattress up top and the same size futon bed down below. The one below is the sofa-bed style that has made the futon such a comeback in recent years. There are additional styles as well, as alluded to above.
There are also loft style bunks. These are similar to the full size mattresses above, on an elevated frame, with space below. Often, this area can be used for a desk or other storage area. It makes for an elevated bed and a way to keep the other items that accumulate in a child’s room out of the way when not in use.
The last type of futon bunk is quite similar to the ‘original’ model but it uses a twin up top and a full size futon below. This allows for an older or taller child to sleep on the bed below.
All of these traditional bunk bed styles range in price, depending on the type and size of mattress, in addition to the bed frame materials and brand. However, they are roughly in the $350 – 750 USD range. In a child’s room, the bottom sofa-bed portion can be used as an area for friends to hang out on when playing. In this situation, you’ll want to make sure it is covered to be protected as much as possible. There are futon covers that are made especially with a child or teenager’s interests in mind. You can find these covers in a variety of colors and themes to match most any type of decor or bedroom theme. Since you know about the futon bunk bed, maybe you are ready to consider a futon chair purchase as well. These chairs can further compliment a room with a bunk or make an adult’s room or study more flexible as well.
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Various Futon Cover Sizes and Dimensions
August 8th, 2010Are you searching for the exact futon cover to match your futon mattress and room decor? You may have been looking far and wide, offline and online. Perhaps you need covers for futon chairs rather than sofa or bed. There is no shortage of variety. There is a futon cover size and shape in any kind fabric and a wonderful variety of colors to suit
The size of the futon cover depends on both the mattress size and thickness - the thickness is really something to pay attention to.
whatever taste you need to please. We want to help you consider some additional ideas you may not have thought of and that will help you pick the ideal futon covers.
You need to line up the following facts and figures about your futon in order to do a successful hunt: what is the particular size of your futon that you need a cover for? If you are looking for bedding for futons, and you have a king size futon mattress, then those are somewhat uncommon and may be tougher to track down in a great variety of fabrics and colors. Single or queen futon covers are more common and you will find a wonderful selection available for those futon cover dimensions or sizes. Most king or California king bed mattresses are traditional types, rather than futon, a very understandable decision for those who are not ardent futon fans like some of us. The twin size is really easy to locate online because makers tend to mix full/twin language at will when describing their products in catalogues.
When you start hunting for the right cover, keep in mind this question: What kinds of furniture or you may say “futo-niture,” have futon covers made just for them? Are you furnishing the guest room, the living room or an entertainment area where the kids can play their games and hang out? These are very popular choices for futons and futon sofa covers allow you to effortlessly coordinate your futon with everything else already in the room where you plant to locate it. For example, cotton twill futon covers and very attractive, comfortable and easy to care for. They are much less costly that suede or leather – you can have several in different colors or patterns so your futon can have a different look for different occasions or times of the year.
Coordinating your futon couch covers with other decorating themes enhances the overall effect of the room. If you have a fun theme or a holiday theme, the couch can make or break it. The futon’s practicality and attractive appearance have led to its being used as the manufacturing style for more than the typical futon mattress with frame.
There are futon chairs, futon loungers and other furniture items that embrace futon’s multiple use format. Their versatility is becoming more and more popular in the current economy as people need to get more out of everything they buy, and can’t invest a fortune in any one item. When more people are living or visiting in a dwelling, there is no need to go rent a room at a motel or rent furniture, or invest in a bunch of furniture. The futon can be used non-stop whether there are guests in the home or not. Guests feel more welcome when they know the futon is always available, and their visit is not going to create a hardship. You can have covers that cater to your different guests’ color preferences or interests. If you need a full futon cover, there is room for a large colorful theme on it for a visiting couple. Visitors will think your guest room has been furnished with just them in mind. The wonderful variety available in futon furniture, covers and bedding gives your artistic imagination plenty of freedom, so enjoy.
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Learning About Futon Bed Covers
August 1st, 2010An important topic for anyone selecting futon mattress covers is the safety and health features that some futon bed covers possess. You want futon covers with these characteristics whether using them for yourself or your guests. Concern about materials being introduced into the environment and the need to keep products eco-friendly applies to these mattress covers and slipcovers also. You have choices in the types of organic materials that compose you or
your visitor’s bedding. For example, there have been reports in the media about potentially harmful or irritating off-gassing from chemicals used in manufacture. Many people are not aware of the health effects of mites and dust that accumulate in certain environments. Their effects could be seen in unexpected areas such as snoring, although this is not definite. Some treatments for snoring include oxygen tanks and uncomfortable masks to wear all night. It is possible that simply having cleaner, healthier air might alleviate sinus and similar air passage issues caused by inflammation and irritation.
It is a fact that common, well know and frequently purchased “traditional” type mattresses are manufactured with techniques and products whose chemicals and materials create off-gassing, particularly when they are brand new and not had time to “air out.” The vast majority of mattresses purchased are new. Futon bed covers are not going to be the solution to prevent these products from generating their gas by-products. They are porous, being fabric, and permeable to air and gas. However, if you have invested in a health-smart organic futon mattress, then you want your futon slipcovers and bed covers to enhance the total benefits of your organic mattress.
You may wonder what is different about the materials and manufacture of these organic sheets, covers and bedding, compared to non-organic ones. There are plenty of other brands and kinds of futon slipcovers. However, organic ones, made of natural cotton, have genuine health benefits you and your guests should want to enjoy. If you have certain guests who you don’t want to get too comfortable, that is a separate issue – can’t help you there, sorry! But honestly, you spend a great deal of your life on your futon, whether using it as a couch or for sleeping or for your friends. Your face, mouth, eyes, the air you breathe while laying down and your skin will be in the close environment of your futon many hours each day.
Constant contact with some inorganic fabrics or out-gassing materials can cause irritation whose origin may have been a mystery. Bedding made with organic cotton, free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers will make these close areas less irritating, safer, more comfortable and more inviting to you and those who you have invited to use them. You are also doing your part – and every contribution is important–to expose the environment of everyone on the planet to toxic chemicals, since pesticides and chemical fertilizers pollute the air and soil as well as the plants they are used on.
Organic does not equal dull – most companies who specialize in healthy, earth-friendly fabrics and materials make them visually appealing, with natural dyes and lovely embroidery or stitching, so they are truly a pleasure to own. Responsible companies who care about the environment, and cater to consumers who care, are generally better employers, who do not run “sweat shops,” but form closer partnerships with their employees, who appreciate that their jobs are valuable in many ways. The effects of your going organic and natural reach beyond just the healthy effects in your own environment.
There are choices of manufacturers for these futon covers so you need to do a little online research to find out which ones are truly conscientious about keeping their products genuinely “green.” Other tips to keep in mind, so you will enjoy your slipcover more: make sure the metal used in zippers is brass for superior performance. Also, when measuring your futon mattress to determine the cover size, add 2 inches to the height, since you can expect some shrinking when you wash and dry the cover. When washing futon covers, use a detergent that is mild, biodegradable, and that contains no bleach. Tumble dry in the low heat setting and remove promptly to prevent wrinkling.
There is a wonderful variety of futon cover prices–online is your best source for checking out the various prices, and what higher price merchandise may offer in the way of higher quality, or what special deals are available. Prices should never exceed a few hundred dollars. The size of your futon mattress and the materials of the futon bed cover are the greatest determinants of the price.
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Futon Slipcovers Are Essential Mattress Companions
July 25th, 2010A futon gives the appearance of a sofa or chair until it is unfolded into a convenient bed for guests, kids’ sleepovers, or just for lounging in the living room or den. College students enjoy these stylish yet simple space savers in their college rooms or studio apartments. A vast assortment of futon covers are also available to suit the needs of children and adults.
The futon mattress originated in Japan as stowable bedding to be easily stored away during the daytime. This concept was introduced to the western world and evolved into this space-saving furniture as a chair or sofa with the capability of flattening out into a bed. Frames are made from wood, metal, or incorporate both into the design. Mattress sizes tend to be slightly larger than that of standard mattresses. The thickness of the bedding is also much thicker and is offered in a range of 4” to 10” thickness. More comfortable and less expensive than an air mattress, this bedding features soft, medium, or firm support. The Japanese version consists of an interior of cotton, wool, or synthetic batting. The Western style uses batting with multiple layers of foam, memory foam which shapes itself to the body, extremely soft latex foam, or coils as utilized in standard mattresses.
Purchasing a removable futon cover protects the mattress from dust, dirt, food and beverage spills, pet hair, fleas, and other insects. This durable bedding will last even longer when a slipcover is used. It is also an inexpensive way to change the decor of a room at a moment’s notice.
Futon mattress covers are available in endless colors, prints, themes, and materials. The futon slipcover can be manufactured from cotton, cotton and polyester blend for less shrinkage, durable corduroy, and 100% cotton denim which is a heavier material offering extra durability. Hemp coverings are also very durable yet more costly than other materials. Leather futon covers are made from flexible vinyl which stays cool for a comfortable night’s sleep. Its realistic leather grain appearance repels water and is easy to keep clean. Even faux suede and animal print covers are available. Many covers also include a set of matching pillows. Most coverings are machine washable and can be line dried or tumbled in the dryer on a non-heat setting. These covers fit over the bedding and zip closed on three sides. Even with the covering in place, the furniture can still be easily folded back into being a chair or sofa.
This innovative furniture is not just for the bedroom or den. Many people enjoy its benefits in the living room, home office, or enclosed porch. One futon cover or multiple coverings can be easily purchased from department stores, specialty stores, or online for very reasonable prices. Preparing an area for an out of town guest is as easy as changing the slipcover in a matter of seconds.
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Futon Covers In Organic Cotton and Hemp Materials
July 18th, 2010If you are an old hippie, man, this article was written for you. Think: futon. Don’t think: smoking futons. There are those who continue to think that “hemp” means only smoking funny tobacco or “down with the establishment,” but, really folks, those days are gone and we will do well to give hemp a chance to redeem itself by letting it serve humanity as it has done in ages past. Hemp has an entirely different and legal use and it has been serving mankind for
Various looks at the hemp before it is made into the cover fabric.
hundreds of years. Even our founding fathers knew about and used hemp rope and hemp oil. What is called “industrial hemp” has many uses.
So why would anyone use hemp to cover a futon mattress? Hemp is green. Meaning, it is environmentally friendly and is making a comeback, especially in the clothing industry. This also means that hemp fabric is now much more available for other uses. It used to be a rather expensive material to purchase, but the cost has been coming down and there are assorted vocal celebrities who are touting and supporting their love of hemp and hemp clothing to a few award shows. Did you ever think to see a tuxedo made out of hemp?
Why would hemp be the fabric of choice for anything, let alone futon covers? Industrial hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC does not have the same drug-like properties as its cousin the joint and really is meant for common household use. It is often blended with some other conventional fabric ingredient to make a smoother and softer piece of material. This means that hemp and cotton may be spun together to make smooth, comfortable, and breathable fabrics that wear like iron. Hemp is grown and used all over the world because it is so easy to cultivate.
Some folks swear by “organic.” Hemp – being organic – is also hearty. It can tolerate harsh growing conditions, without the need for chemicals to keep the crop profitable and “durability” is hemp’s middle name. You can abuse it and even mistreat it without actually harming it. That is what makes it a great fabric for futons. And it grows really fast. Bamboo fast. It can be planted, grown and harvested in a never ending cycle making it a very “sustainable resource.” Oh yes, hemp is green all right.
If you like the wear of denim – which is cotton, then you are likely to enjoy the wear of hemp – especially if it is mixed with cotton. The usual ratio is 55 percent hemp and 45 percent cotton. They both age very gracefully. The feel of hemp when it is new is slightly stiffer than cotton but with wear and use it softens up becoming very comfortable, just like your favorite denim jeans do. Except that hemp is not blue, it usually comes in its own natural tan color and its own highly organic texture. Pair this type of cover with your organic cotton futon and you’ve got the makings of a healthy and organic ‘sleep system’ – next, the sheets! You can throw this in the laundry just like any cotton item, too. So when your organic hemp futon cover “ripens” you can toss it in the wash without fear. Give hemp a chance. You may find you like it better than plain ordinary cotton for a futon cover.
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