Finding The Right Futon Covers
A futon cover is one of the essential elements of a futon bed.
Though it is meant to be primarily decorative, it is also the
component of the futon which protects the mattress from dirt,
spills and other agents which may wear out the futon.
When buying a futon cover for a futon bed or mattress, there are
a few things you need to watch out for. Your first task should
be measuring the length, width, and thickness of the futon.
Futon mattresses come in sizes such as Full, (54" X 75"), and
Queen, (60" X 80"). Thickness is usually between 4" to 5", 6" to
8", or 9" to 10". So know the right dimensions of your futon
before ordering the cover.
The fabric and design is important if you are going to place
your futon in a conspicuous area of the house. However, you
don't have to spend a fortune because of it. For example, Piping
or Welting is a bead of the same, or a coordinating fabric that
goes around the edges of the futon cover to give it a more
finished and formal look. This can be expensive so only consider
buying such a design if you can afford it. Futon covers usually
cost between $30 to $150 or more, so decide on a price that fits
in your budget.
It is also helpful to get futon covers fitted with zippers (many
of them have three sided zippers) since this makes it more
convenient to put on, and remove the cover for cleaning or
changing.
Types of Futon Covers:
Print All Over: The print on these futon covers is on the top,
the edges, and the bottom of the cover. The futon mattress with
this type of cover can be flipped, and rotated without turning
the futon cover.
Print Top or Inlay: The top side of the futon cover is the
print. The sides and the back are of coordinating fabric. Print
or Inlay futon covers can be flipped and use pillows with the
same print.
Solid Back or Inlay: With this type of futon covers, the print
is on the top, the edges, with a solid color on the back panel.
The only difference between the Print Top and Solid Back is that
in the Solid Back cover, the solid fabric would be the top, and
the print would be everywhere else.
Window Pane or Window Panel: The print is only on the top
without covering the whole top. The back and edges are of solid
color, and there is about a 10" border on each side. The fabric
is only 54" wide and the stripes needed to be vertical with this
type of futon cover.
End Cap or Window Panel 2 Sides: This futon cover's only
difference with Window pane type is that the print wraps all the
way around the top, back, front and rear edges of the futon
cover.
A-Frames or Love Seat: This futon cover is customizable so you
need to specify the type of print you want before ordering it.