Now, that being said, you might not have the skills or the time to make your own so you are probably searching for a good place to purchase futon covers.

Basically, you want to find a pattern, material and size that fits your futon. But you should be somewhat conscious of the stitch quality. If you’ve had a futon before and you are replacing your cover, it is probably for one of three reasons:

1. You stained your cover,
2. You tore the material,
3. or, you are redecorating.

In the first two cases, you probably could have found futon covers that would have prevented the problem. There are lots of futon covers on the market that are stain resistant. If you have small children (or teenagers for that matter!) it is a pretty good idea to get a stain resistant futon cover. Some of them have a plastic lining on the inside which leaves only the cover to become moist which can save your futon mattress. If you have a quality mattress, this is a pretty important characteristic.

Futon mattresses that are used for beds are mostly susceptible to moist build up which is the primary issue that causes the mattress to wear our. The futon cover can literally add 5 years to the mattress life. To a lesser extent, this is also important to the futon mattress used as a sofa, but it is more common to have a problem with tearing of the fabric during moving. It is often easiest to grab the cover when moving, so a quality stitch is quite important if it will be converted between the sofa and bed configurations frequently.

As far as materials go, more durable fabrics like corduroy and polyester will reduce the wear. However, if you are okay with replacing the cover periodically, any fabric (with some stain resistance) is fine. This really allows you to match the decor in any room for relatively cheap.

To put into perspective the cost of these futon covers, it is typical to spend around $70 USD for a quality full size cover (a double mattress).  Most futon covers have the option of including throw pillow covers with them.

There are some discount futon covers around with $50 or less. These are suitable if you only use a futon mattress irregularly (like in a guest room for example). If you have a cheap futon mattress like a 100% cotton one, you may not be so concerned with protecting it as much.

Essentially, if you have a quality futon mattress, it is a really good idea to have a futon cover that matches its quality. Protecting your futon mattress will add many years to its life and leave you most satisfied.

Here are a couple of futon covers that I would recommend for a quality mattress:

This cover, “Microsuede Futon Cover Set with Double Cording” will both resist stains and last for a long time. There are many colors to choose from and comes with matching throw pillow covers. It will set you back slightly more the $100.

Microsuede Futon Cover with Double Cord

This Brushed Walnut futon cover is surged and safety stitched adding great durability. Heavy fabric and solid price at $55.

Brushed Walnut Futon Cover

If you are looking for a discount futon cover, this Cotton Twill cover is pretty decent for the cash. It will set you back about $35. The stitching is not as good, but again, if you need a cheap futon cover, this is probably the best you will find for the price.

Cotton Twill Futon Cover

Happy Hunting!

Futon chairs in particular make great lounger’s which is great for reading a book, taking a nap, or putting on one of your favorite movies. With multiple configurations it is extremely functional in addition to looking great. The appearance can be diverse from antique to modern looking and since most have optional futon covers you can purchase, the futon chair can be made to suit any room.

There are advantages over the futon couch for its ease of conversion. The futon couch is often much heavier as the mattress is much larger in size.This can be frustrating when converting between the two which often leaves the frame never being fully used! If you have some help, futon furniture in general can be simple to transform.

They are also widely available in a number of different frame designs as well as some differences in the futons themselves. If you plan to convert the layout often, it may be in your best interest to get the mattress with the rigid bottom. It allows the mattress to be more firm making it easier to switch between each of the styles; (a difficult to modify mattress is a common complaint among futon users). A futon mattress can be floppy and help is often needed to move it between the convertible styles.

Baxton Studios Sophie Convertible

This design by Baxter Studios is a good example of how slick the these can be. Great for times when you need an extra bed, cuddling up with a good book or movie, or put it up to save some space during the day. The choice is yours.

Futon chairs also have the benefit of being easy to repair should they have rips, tears or problems with cats peeing, etc. Each component is usually available to purchase individually. So replacing a mattress after one is worn out or spoiled is a simple transition.

With many of the population moving to condo’s and apartments these days, futons offer a convenient way to utilize your space. They are comfortable, diverse, simple and trendy.

Check on websites like us-mattress.com for a great selection and find one that fits right with your home.

If you are a handy person, the frames for futons can also be made really simply to accommodate your particular living space. Look for construction plans online!

Good luck!