What Is the Origin of the Futon?

History

• The word futon originated in Japan between 1875 and 1880. Also called a shikibuton, the futon was created to be a thin cotton bedding for use at night; it was folded away in storage during the day due to limited housing space. Futons are traditionally 2 inches thick and are made from long staple cotton, the most expensive type of cotton.

Types

• All futon mattresses are thin, filled with cotton and designed to be placed on the floor. Futons do not have wire springs and lack the chemicals with which conventional bedding is manufactured. The traditional Japanese futon is made from the firmest cotton, while Western-styled futons offer softer cotton bedding options. Western-styled futons include additional layers of cotton batting as well.

Functions

• Japanese-styled futons continue to be used as cotton bedding that can be stored away during the day Western futons are known more for their appearance than for traditional style. The Japanese style lies directly on the floor and folds compactly for storage; a Western futon folds to a position in which it can be used for seating.