Futon covers can be purchased almost anywhere that futons and furniture are sold. Popular online store items include Ikea futon slipcovers and Targets online inventory of futon decor. What’s the benefit of looking online first though if you can simply go to these stores in person? Mainly, in that internet shopping allows one to compare prices and the opportunity to find a more unique cover.

photo credit: Genna G

A cover may be fitted or may simply drape over the furniture. Different fabrics and thousands of colors and patterns. A futon cover is useful to protect the furniture. Another option is to use covers to change the design of the futon. This allows one to make the futon match the rest of the room’s decorating scheme. Different covers can be alternated with the seasons or for special occasions. Prices will vary depending on the quality of the fabric the cover is made from but may range up to a hundred dollars. There are many options, including cotton, suede or synthetic materials.

Caring for a cover may be simple. Some covers can just be thrown in the washing machine. However, others may require more care, such as spot cleaning or gentle sponging. A leather cover will not be likely to need maintenance and can simply be wiped clean if one spills something on it. Most covers should be kept out of the sun, so it is best to not put the futon near a window or in direct sunlight. One should read and understand the directions listed on their item’s tag or packaging.

Guest Post Courtesy of The Futon Cover Guide.

Consisting of a few pieces, futons are easier to transport from inside to outside, and from room to room. If a doorway is too narrow to bring a traditional couch into a room, a person will most likely have a better experience trying to move an unassembled futon into the room and by setting the unit up, once inside. Likewise, if wishing to store an unused couch in an attic or garage, transporting a futon up a ladder or down basement stairs is easier that moving a much heavier sofa.

In addition to facilitating an easier transport and move time, futons have dual uses. While it is possible to sleep on a couch, sleepers would first have to remove a sofa bed’s cushions, store them, and then unfold the halved-bed in place while adjusting its sharp, metal legs. Having a thicker handle and requiring a shorter set-up time, futons are more comfortable than a sofa bed and have a thicker mattress. When finished, they are easy to convert back to a quick seating area.

Finally, if needing to clean a couch’s upholstery, this can require either a professional cleaning by an upholstery servicing outfit or by having a person painstakingly clean it using a steamer. Unfortunately, some types of upholstery must only be cleaned by professionals. When owning a futon, futon covers are removable and allow the owner to wash and update the futon’s appearance as desired. This is very helpful when relocating a futon from one room to another or when passing it down from one family member to the next.

photo credit: walkmanFADES