Futons as Stylish Living Room Seating

futons have become trendy for stylish living room seating. Their simple yet chic look blends into both modern and traditional decors seamlessly. Futons make smart choices for small living rooms in need of space-saving furniture too. With some creative styling, they can become the focal point of your living room. Let's explore some tips for decorating with futons to create a fashionable living room.

Choosing the Right Futon for Your Living Room

When incorporating a futon into your living room, first consider the size and layout of the space. Measure the room to ensure the futon will fit comfortably without cramping the area. Frame styles like wood, metal, or foldable impact the futon's look and function. Opt for minimal arms for a sleek, modern vibe or wood arms for a traditional touch. The mattress also affects comfort and aesthetic. Cotton and foam pad futon mattresses tend to look more sofa-like while innerspring models provide greater support.

Futon Styles to Match Your Decor

• Metal or wood frames in black, white, or natural finishes
• Low profile styles with thin arms suit modern spaces
• Tufted cushions and wooden arms for traditional living rooms
• Bold colored or patterned mattress covers for an eclectic look

Consider Your Needs

• Sofa seating for guests and family time
• Occasional extra bed for visitors
• Compact size for small living rooms
• Match with your existing furniture pieces and color scheme

Creative Ways to Place Your Futon

How you position your futon impacts both aesthetic appeal and function. Here are some placement ideas:

Standalone Futon Styles

• Float futon in the center of the room for flexible use
• Place against a wall as a sofa alternative
• Angle facing the TV for movie nights
• Face it toward a conversation area

Incorporate into Sectional or Lounge Area

• Pair with chaise lounge for relaxed seating
• Include in U-shaped conversation pit
• Use as part of L-shaped sectional
• Blend futon frame with sectional system

Be sure to leave room to open the futon fully if using it as a sleeper. Floating the futon away from walls makes it easy to access both sides.

Styling Your Futon for Maximum Appeal

With the right styling, your futon can become a beautiful living room focal point. Use accents like slipcovers, pillows, and throws to add visual interest.

Styling Tips

• Add colored or patterned accent pillows
• Layer on cozy throws and blankets
• Use a futon cover for protection and easy changes
• Incorporate tufted cushions for classic style
• Add skirts or drapes for a soft, romantic vibe

The color palette, fabric textures, and patterns you choose help tie your futon into the overall room decor. For a harmonized look, coordinate with pillows, wall art, area rugs, and other accents.

Futon Solutions for Small Living Rooms

Even the tiniest living room can benefit from futon seating. The compact size and adaptable nature of futons make them perfect small space solutions. Some ideas for incorporating futons in tight quarters include:

Compact Futon Styles

• Thin mattresses take up less visual space
• Low profile or armless frames maximize room
• Foldable futons tuck away easily when not in use
• Wheeled bases create movable seating

Creative Positioning

• Float off center rather than flat on the wall
• Place diagonally in room corners
• Use as banquette seating below windows
• Put vertically to divide space in studio apartments

The versatility of futons enables you to adapt them to the unique dimensions of your small living room.

Complementary Pieces and Finishing Touches

The right decorative accents can take your futon living room decor from basic to beautiful. Here are some ideas for accessories that work well with futons.

Warm Lighting

• Floor lamps for soft illumination
• Pendant lights above futon seating
• Table lamps for reading nooks
• String lights for whimsical flair

Focal Point Wall Decor

• Gallery art prints or family photos
• Framed mirrors to open up smaller rooms
• Wall tapestries or macrame hangings
• Floating shelves for plants or decor items

Finishing Furnishings

• Area rugs in natural fibers or colorful patterns
• Coffee or side tables in wood finishes
• Poufs or ottomans for extra seating
• Plush throw blankets and patterned pillows

The right mix of accessories creates a pulled-together look while reflecting your personal style.

DIY Futon Ideas

Put your creative stamp on a futon for the living room with these DIY ideas:

Futon Frame Makeover

• Paint or stencil fun patterns onto wood or metal frames
• Add trim pieces along the arms or base for dimensional detail
• Attach caster wheels for easy mobility
• Spray paint metal frames bold colors like red, turquoise, or gold

Stylish Mattress Covers

• Sew a slipcover from bold patterned fabrics
• Use fabric glue to attach decorative trim or appliques
• Stencil patterns, shapes, or images directly onto covers
• Add rows of pom poms, tassels, or other embellishments

DIY projects allow you to create exactly the futon style your living room needs.

Buying Guide and Budget

High quality futon frames range from $150 for basic metal frames to over $600 for intricate hardwood styles. Plan at least $100 for a 6-inch cotton futon mattress or $200 to $1,000 for thicker pocket coil mattresses. Measure your space carefully before purchasing. Buying directly from reputable manufacturers often means better prices than furniture stores.

Cost Considerations

• Hardwood frames cost more than metal or composite woods
• Natural fibers like cotton or wool cost more than synthetic futon covers
• Thicker mattresses provide more comfort and support
• Added accessories like pillows and throws increase price

Focus first on an adjustable, well-made frame paired with a comfortably supportive futon mattress. Then accessorize affordably.

Caring for Your Futon

With routine maintenance, a quality futon frame and mattress can last over 10 years. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for cleaning the futon cover and vacuuming the mattress. Flip and rotate the mattress regularly to prevent sagging and increase longevity. Check hardware on the frame occasionally and tighten as needed. Consider professional mattress cleaning every few years.

Futon Maintenance Tips

• Spot clean stains on mattress covers as soon as possible
• Vacuum under and around futon regularly to remove dust
• Air out futon mattress in the sun occasionally
• Test cleaning products on small hidden area first
• Steam clean mattresses once a year for freshness

With simple care, your stylish futon can stay looking great for years of use.

Futons provide versatile, adaptable seating perfect for contemporary living rooms. With an adjustable frame, comfortable mattress, and decorative touches, they become as stylish as any conventional sofa. Clever placement and accessorizing allows futons to complement both small and large living room layouts seamlessly. So consider futons as you design or refresh your living room decor for the perfect mix of fashion, function, and comfort.