Faux Suede, Mirco Fiber Futon Covers

Faux suede futon cover and micro fiber covers are usually the same style of futon cover described a different way. However you choose to say it, faux suede futon covers are durable, super soft, and available in a wide variety of colors.

December Top Futon Sellers

This December has had a few surprises when it comes to my customers futon preferences. The Haley 110 futon mattress was by far our top selling futon mattress, followed by the Cloud futon mattress. Not surprising was the dominance of the KD Lounger futon frame followed by the Picasso futon frame. Both are great frames at great prices.

Murphys Bed with a twist

The Zzz Chest is an innovative new product that offers elegant looks with a solid guest bed. The pictures say it all.

Geometric Futon Covers

Looking for a futon cover with a geometric theme? Well, check out our geometric futon covers, stylish colors and shapes for any space.

Sustainable Lumber and the Futon Industry - Part Two

Like a lot of other industries, an unavoidable fact in the futon industry is that natural resources are consumed to keep the gears of industry moving. There is a movement in the futon industry to keep that impact down, through the use of sustainable forestry practices. Wheeland lumber, a supplier for our eco-friendly futon frames is a participant in the Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the organization that sets guide lines for sustainable practices.

So, that's a lot of big talk with not a whole lot of info, so here's the deal. The guide lines draw a blue print of what the acceptable practices of sustainable forestry are. Such as not clear cutting forests to harvest, only harvesting trees that are a certain age, and replanting after harvesting.

This is one step in the right direction for the futon industry.

Sustainable Lumber Platform Bed - The Essex

The Essex Platform Bed combines Mission and Asian styles with sustainable lumber. Twin, full, queen, and kings sizes are available in over ten finishes.

Happy Holidays

I'd like to wish all of our customers a happy holiday and thank you all for making this a great year. We'll be back on Wednesday the 26th, so if you have any questions or need any futon help, don't hesitate to give us a call.

Now this is a fantasic futon cover

The futon cover in the above video is stunning. It's modeled after an antique Japanese design. Very nice imagery and craftsmanship.

Get ready, this may be the corniest futon comercial ever!

While this commercial does have an abundance of energy, it is pretty corny. Enjoy.

Demo on How To Convert Your New Futon Frame

Here's a nice demo of the conversion process for your new futon frame. Things have gotten a lot easier. Enjoy.

Google Checkout Seems Like a Good Idea Too Me

I figure most merchants must be in a similar situation to the one that I am in when it comes to credit card processing fees. And Google Checkout may be a solution for all the merchants out there that are paying an arm and a leg in credit card processing fees while paying Adwords at the same time.

Till January 31st Google is offering free processing on all credit cards and after that you get 10 times what you're spending in Adwards in total processing. So if you spend $3000 a month on Adwords you can process $30000 with no processing fee. Sounds great to me, I'm signing up.

The Best Time Of Day For Blogging

I just read an interesting article about the most productive times of day for blogging, something I had never really thought about until now. :) So, I asked myself when do I usually post in the futon blog and after really thinking about it, I was surprised it was an irregular occurrence. Today's the day that I will start to be more regular about my posting schedule, so here goes.

1. A lot of bloggers say it's good to post before work, but I'm not sure if that'll work for me. If I have orders to take care of I know I'm going to post shoddy material. So I won't post while I'm distracted by my business, but I will make a point to post every morning once things are squared away.

2. After lunch seems like another opportunity to get in another post, I'll be well fed and I should be able to focus on my work.

3. I'm going to make a point of posting again in the afternoon, after Noelle and I get to spend some time together. I found, in retrospect, that all of my posts were done in the AM and the blog was left hanging until the next day in most cases. Tonight will be different.

Hopefully I'll be able to stick with that plan and squeeze in a few more posts during the day if I have time.

Armless Futon Frames

A lot of my customers have been looking at armless futon frames this holiday season and I have a few styles to look at. Armless futon frames have come a long way in terms of style, their are various sides and finishes on the market today, like the Monet and Dillon Futon Frames. Theres are also unfinished / no frills options on the market today, like the KD Lounger or the Studio Bifold.

So, whichever style you're looking for, we have the armless futon frame for you.

All Cotton and High Denisty Foam Futon Mattresses

All cotton futon mattresses have been around forever, they remain a staple of the futon world and will for the foreseeable future. High density foam futon mattresses are a more recent addition to the futon industry. HD futon mattresses are, in my opinion, a vast improvement over old fashion all cotton futon mattresses. All cotton futon mattresses tend to wear more quickly than HD futon mattresses, cotton batting will change much faster than foam.

So, if you're a traditionalist about you futon mattresses stick to all cotton, it'll feel the way you remember and give you exactly what you want.

Holiday Goodies

This is the moment I've been waiting for, well, one of them anyhow. Every holiday season manufacturers will usually send holiday goodies to their retailers, thanking them for another successful year and such. At my former job, any holiday treats would go to the store, where the owners would get their choice, then the sales staff would descend, clearing out the rest. Two or three days latter, the warehouse guys would see the remnants in the back room and be allowed to take their stale sugar cookie or maybe a sour quince log. No canned truffles or tasty pastries for them. When I first got into the futon business I started at the bottom of the ladder (in the warehouse) and as such I never really had the chance to taste the rewards of running a successful business until today, when one of my manufacturers sent me a box of baklava for the holidays. A Christmas miracle.

BTW, I'm giving most of them to the senior center where my grandmother lives rather than hoarding them for myself. :)

The Window Is Closing For Your Holiday Bedding Needs

Hopefully everyone has thought ahead this holiday season and taken care of any bedding needs they may have had. I know a lot of my customers have planned ahead and purchased their holiday bedding well in advance.

If you're in a bind, and need a mattress or platform bed or futon frame before Christmas, contact me now and we can discuss the options that I have for you.

The Mission Rim Futon Daybed - Classic Styles Meet Innovation

The Mission Rim Futon Daybed Frame features the same finished back panel that our daybed futon frames do, but it also comes in several sizes. Now you can have a daybed futon in any space.

The Real Scoop Behind Wall Hugger Futon Frames

A hot term in the futon industry over the last few years has been "Wall Hugger Futon Frame". Lots of people are looking for them, even if they don't know how they came to be. The short story behind wall hugger futon frames goes like this: the futon industry made design changes in an attempt to compete with sleeper sofas which don't need to be moved out from the wall when pulling the bed out. To most people this seemed like a great idea, but I personally don't think it was too hard to move my futon frame out from the wall when converting.

Just thought a little back ground info would be nice, enjoy the post.

Adriana Daybed Futon Frame - A Futon With A Twist

The Adriana Futon Frame is pulling double duty as a futon and a daybed. It features a gorgeous finished back panel, allowing it to look great even out in any room. You don't have to push your frame up against the wall anymore.

The Studio Bifold Futon Frame - December Best Seller

The Studio Bifold Futon Frame has been a December Best Seller at Goodnight Moon Futon. We're not sure why we've sold so many, it could be the economic climate or how well the Studio is priced. Either way, my customers are getting a great frame at an even better price.

Holiday Bedding Needs: Part Two

If you're tired of having your holiday guests sleep on uncomfortable air mattresses, it may be time to upgrade to a real platform bed. The Fold Platform Bed is perfect for guest bedding, it can be stored away when not in use and it provides a solid platform for your futon mattress. You can still get one before Christmas if you order today.

Striped Futon Covers - More Classic Styles

Striped Futon Covers are still going strong, in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Check out all of our Striped Futon Cover options here.

Eco-Friendly Platform Beds - The Reverse Arch

The Reverse Arch Platform Bed is one of our eco-friendly platform beds. Made in Oregon from pacific northwest maple, the Reverse Arch only uses sustainably harvested lumber. The Reverse Arch is hand finished and positively glows. Twin, full, queen and king sizes available.

California Futon Frame

Now, I'm not normally a fan of Wicker or Rattan, but the California Futon Frame adds a modern twist. Solid arm posts combine with rattan detailing to produce a unique look.
Matching tables are also available.

Visco Plush Futon Mattress - Memory Foam and Cotton Combined

The Visco Plush Futon Mattress is the perfect blend of memory foam, high density foam and natural cotton fiber. A medium firm futon mattress, the soft memory foam is balanced by the firm, precompressed cotton and the high density foam.

Enjoy The Snow

This morning I woke to another nine inches of snow, the second storm this week. While I can't speak for everyone I really like the snow and hope for more soon. Sorry, I forgot, keep your futons warm this winter. :)

Otis Bedding Gemini Futon Mattress

The Gemini Futon Mattress is one of the thickest futon mattresses at Goodnight Moon Futon. About nine and a half inches to be a little more exact. The Gemini futon mattress is great for sitting and sleeping, with a soft supportive feel that doesn't bottom out.

Free Shipping - How does my competition do it?

Every Internet Retailer is offering free shipping, they have been for a while, but lets be honest, it's not really free is it? Sorry about the sarcasm, but I have a hard time seeing sites tell you that the shipping is free but when you look at their return policy they tell you that shipping is non-refundable. I think that one's hilarious.

Oh yeah, on a whim I called my UPS rep to try and get free shipping since all the other futon retailers were offering it, but, he told me I was crazy. :)

Plaid Futon Covers - Traditional Style

Plaid Futon Covers have been around forever, they don't change too much over time. As such, they're not everyones cup of tea, but if you're looking for a classically styled futon cover that fits in most spaces, a plaid futon cover is for you.

The KD Lounger, An All Wood Tri-Fold Futon Frame

The KD Lounger is one of the hidden gems at Goodnight Moon Futon. Constructed from solid Tulip Poplar and made in the US, the KD Lounger is a frame that can't be beat.

Futon Mattresses Are Better: Reason Two

If you tried to replicate the sceen above with an old innerspring mattress, that baby would be in trouble. Just another reason the futon mattresses are better.

Plan your move in advance

The two guys in the video could have benefited from a little planning before they tried to move their futon mattress. It doesn't even look like they used a bag or anything to protect their mattress. Yuck.

Your holiday guests will be arriving soon, do you have somewhere for them to sleep?

If you're in a jam, with Christmas only 11 days away, and presents still to be purchased and wrapped, you probably haven't even thought about where your in-laws will be sleeping. Luckily, we can take care of everything and get you the perfect guest mattress and bed before your company arrives.

DaVinci Futon Frame

The DaVinci Futon Frame not only provides solid seating, it also include built in side tables and an arm side magazine rack. Check three items of your list with this great futon frame.

Blizzard Of '07 Blankets The North East.

Ok, I don't know if it was that bad, I grew up in northern Vermont so I don't tend to think the snow is that bad but we did get a good covering of snow last night. Over a foot to be precise. What does this have to do with futons? Not much except, I was warm and toasty in my futon bed last night. :)

King Size Futon Covers

While king size futon covers aren't a size I sell very often, they do sell on occasion. Most people who purchase a king size futon mattress are using it primarily for sleeping and just stick to fitted sheets. I do think futon covers look much nicer than a fitted sheet, but sometimes they are not necessary.

How Green Is My Website?

Eco-friendly and green are just a couple of the buzz words in the fight against global warming. If you've ever wondered how green your website is, CO2Stats has a neat tool you can place on your site. I hope they take the fact that I only use 100% recycled paper into account. :)

Futon Weight Limits

I'm not sure if there's a connection or not, but I've noticed a surge in customers asking about weight limits on futon frames right after Thanksgiving. Seems like some people may have put on a few pounds after their Holiday feasts'. :D

But, anyhow, down to the nitty gritty. None of my manufacturers do any destructive testing on their futon frames to determine what the maximum weight limit is. They all, however, assert that their futon frames regularly hold the weight of three adult men and the futon mattress that they're sitting on. That's roughly 600-700 pounds.

Traditional Japanese Futons - A modern Update

Here's another great video I found, the gentleman in it shows us traditional style, Japanese futon mattresses as well as the tatami support. Enjoy.

Haley Futon Mattresses Let You Choose Your Frimness

The Haley Futon Mattress lane from Otis Bedding has three levels of firmness for you to choose from. The Haley 90 futon mattress is soft, the Haley 150 is firm, and the Haley 110 is in the middle.

Chenille Futon Covers

Soft and durable, our Chenille Futon Covers are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. We have the right futon cover for you and your futon mattress. Come explore our selection :)

Are Cheap Futons Really The Way To Go.

Right now you may be asking yourself "what is a cheap futon?" So lets take a look.

There are tons of futons on the market today, at varying prices and made from different materials. Some futons are designed to last five years, some ten years or more. And, guess what, while the prices between the two groups may be different there's not a huge price gap between a futon that's designed for five years and a futon that'll last ten years.

Now, if you haven't already, you need to ask yourself if it really makes sense not to upgrade your futon selection. If you can double the life span of your futon by spending a little more in the beginning it'll pay off in the end.

Nomad Platform Bed

Sturdy and dependable are just two of the descriptions I've gotten for the Nomad Platform Bed. Available in twin, full, queen and kings sizes, the Nomad Platform Bed also has matching storage drawers or a trundle bed to boot. You get so much bed for a fantastic price with the Nomad.

Twin Loveseat Futon Frames

If you're looking for a futon frame for a tight space, but you don't want to sacrifice style to fit it you should definitely check out our twin loveseat futon frames. They can fit the tightest space and give you a stylish look.

Sustainable Lumber and the Futon Industry

Here's a little info about the Eco-Friendly futon frames that I carry. All of the eco-friendly futon frames are made with lumber from the Wheeland Lumber Co., in Pennsylvania. These futon frames are a little easier on your karma.

Traditional All Cotton Futon Mattresses Are On The Rise.

I tend to specialize in high density foam futon mattresses, but in the last couple months I have seen a recent surge in the demand for All Cotton Futon Mattresses. Reasonably priced and available in seven optional colors makes it easy to understand.

Exciting New Futon Frames

I just saw this video with some new futon frame designs. Hopefully I'll see some of these at the Futon Expo in Janurary

A Trundle Bed is Perfect For Any Kids Room

A new addition, the Nomad Platform Bed is now available with a matching trundle bed. Perfect for sleepovers and extra bedding when company is in town.

A Beginners Guide To Choosing The Right Futon Mattress

Finding the right futon mattress can sometimes feel as hard as searching for the holy grail, but it doesn't have to. Here are a few pointers that should help you in your quest.

1. Establish the type of use your new futon mattress is going to get. Certain futon mattresses are designed for different purposes (sofa vs. bed).

2. Determine the firmness that you prefer. As a rule of thumb most people like a firm bed and soft sofa. Not everyone by any means, but knowing your taste and selecting from the futon mattresses that fit you criteria will really narrow your search.

3. Futon mattresses are available in a variety of materials, in varying thicknesses, and at different price points. Determining your budget and the material you're looking for in a futon mattress will also help you pin point the mattress for you.

4. Make sure the futon mattress you're leaning towards has a warranty. Most futon mattresses on the market today have at least a five year warranty, some even more. Make sure the manufacturer and the retailer stand behind their products.

Hopefully this article will help you make a educated decision in the quest for the perfect futon mattress.

Otis Bedding and the Cornell Mattress Test

Every Futon Mattress Made by Otis Bedding has to first pass the Cornell Mattress Testing Machine (shown above). Before any futon goes into production it must first be subjected to a lifetime of abuse in only a few hours and still retain the characteristics that make us want to sleep on them in the first place.

Futon Covers and Matching Accessories

One of the hardest choices you'll have to make when purchasing a futon cover is "will this fabric match my existing color scheme?" Well, Goodnight Moon Futon has a couple options that will make the choice easier. We've always offered fabric swatches on the site, but now we've added additional yardage to the options. Now you can make your own matching window treatments or use fabric from the same dye lot for whatever projects you have that you'd like to match you new futon cover.

Mattress Protector Soap Opera?!

Ok, the video above is a pretty bad infomercial skit, but Protect-A-Bed mattress covers really do, well, protect your mattress. I have a video around somewhere that shows one of these covers getting coffee spilled on it, yet the mattress underneath stays dry. I'll try to find it and post it soon.

Cute Dog Under a Futon

Here's the rest of the video, with the dog playing under a futon with a cute baby watching and laughing. Check it out.

Luxury Futon Mattress

The Luxury Futon Mattress from Otis Bedding, is another popular offering at Goodnight Moon Futon. A mix of Hypoallergenic Polyester Batting combines with 2.0 pound high density foam to produce a futon mattress with a high end feel.

This Is Why Futons Are Better Than Sleeper Sofa's

Ok, there may be a few cases where the title doesn't apply, but this is a very touching video that couldn't take place under a sleeper sofa. Just my two cents.

Futon Video

I found this interesting video on you tube showing the futon making process and I thought I'd share. Feel free to let me know what you think.

Holiday Bedding Needs

As your extended family prepares to invade your home for a few days in December, don't forget about extra bedding. So far this month all of my holiday shoppers have gone for the Studio Bifold, a no frills futon frame that folds down easily to a perfect guest bed. Available in full and queen futon frames, the Studio ships anywhere for $126-$144

Surge in Faux Leather Futon Covers

Recently my customers have been looking really hard for leather futon covers. Most of them are searching in vain, real leather futon covers will cost an arm and a leg, but at least they'll have something to lay down on afterwards :D

What I do carry is faux leather futon covers. Made in a variety of materials, colors, and textures, faux leather covers cost a lot less and save a cow or two.

Futon Covers 101 - The Materials

Have you seen all the futon covers on the market today? With the hundreds of colors and materials to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming without some basic information. Did the website you’re shopping at tell you the pros and cons to the various materials? I didn’t think so.

Futon covers break down into four different overlapping categories. The
materials futon covers are made of break down into two groups. You will find futon covers in Natural Fibers: cottons and linens; or Synthetics: polyesters, nylons, rayons, and so on. When it comes to care there are washable covers and dry clean only covers. In terms of durability, Synthetic Fibers definitely have the upper hand, but they sometimes aren’t as comfy as a Natural Fiber. Let’s go over some of the common futon cover materials.

Here are the Natural Fibers:

Cotton is a Natural Fiber; it generally has a comfy, soft feel, but it doesn’t always wear very well.

Linen is another common Natural Fiber found in futon covers today; it is more durable than cotton but isn’t quite as soft.

And here are the Synthetic Fibers:

Polyester is one of the most common Synthetic Fibers used in futon covers today. Polyester is highly durable and takes vibrant dyes well, so the range of colors is very wide. Polyester isn’t quite as soft against the skin as a cotton or a linen.

Nylon is stronger than most fibers on the market today without the bulk because of it’s light weight design. Nylon is a versatile Synthetic that is often washable as well as durable.

Rayon has many of the same qualities of cotton, but is more durable. Rayon has a smooth, silky feel to the touch , and you’ll often find it in many “faux silk” covers.

Olefin is one of the most durable Synthetics on the market today. You may frequently see Olefin used in covers designed for weather resistancy in mind. Olefin is often used as a component in blended fabrics, as it can be a bit stiff on its own.

Washable fabrics vs. dry clean only fabrics are pretty self-explanatory. Washable covers have the potential to save you a lot of money in the long run, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. I almost always recommend a washable cover to anyone with pets or children. My Great Dane Jay loves lounging at home on our futons, so needless to say, the washable covers save us time and money. If a cover that requires line drying goes into a machine dryer, it could be too small to fit the mattress when it’s done, so be careful. The same goes for dry clean only covers, they are listed as such for a reason and could be ruined in household washers and dryers.

Ok, we’ve discussed the most common fabrics used in the futon cover industry today, as well as washable fabrics vs. dry clean only fabrics, and now there is one other point to think about when purchasing a futon cover. Is the fabric in my cover upholstery “grade”? If the website or store you’re shopping at doesn’t specify, ask and if they don’t know, don’t buy it. Upholstery grade fabric is designed to be used as a seating surface and as such should wear better and longer than non-upholstery grade fabrics.
If you’re unsure about a fabric that you’ve seen online, ask for a sample swatch. Most websites charge a nominal fee to ship you a fabric swatch and it can be worth it to see a fabric in hand before you buy. I know I’ve sold countless swatches to countless customers, and it’s an invaluable service that gives you the opportunity to see a specific fabric for a small fee. Many websites offer a credit towards the purchase of a futon cover for previously purchased swatches, so check to see if your retailer does too.

I hope this article has given you a little food for thought in your quest for the right futon cover for you.

Honing In

I wanted to point out an extremely helpful feature on the site which rates mattresses to purpose (i.e. sofa and bed). After clicking from the main page to browse at the mattress selection a small orange box appears, reading "Click Here To View Our Futon Ratings Chart", in the upper right-hand corner. It's a quick way to get a comprehensive overview of which mattresses are best suited for what; taking into account firmness, how it fairs both as a sofa and as a bed, and what type of frame - bifold, trifold, platform bed - it's suited to. It'll send you off toward the perfect mattress to fit your needs. I think it takes a chunk of headache away from the decision-making process by nudging you in the right direction.