Convertible sofa beds have become more popular in the last decade than they were in the decade before. I believe part of the reason for this is the change in design. Gone were the heavy and clunky hide-a-beds of the 70's and 80's. You know the style, the bed that pulls out from the couch with the metal bar that you could feel in your back through the wimpy mattress. Though this style is still available,other options are available. Such as the click clack sofa beds where the back of the sofa lies flat. Though this is actually a resurgence of a style of convertible bed that was around in the 1940's and 50's. The new style that really hit the market in recent years that led to a big market change in convertible sofa beds is the popularity of the futon.
At one time, when I thought of a futon, I thought of the special that you could find at discount stores. Black metal frame with a thin, 4" mattress. Not very comfortable as a sofa or a bed! But great for college students, newly married couples or anybody on a budget. But some people were able to see beyond the basics and the potential, and a couple of those guys were Mark Markos and John Widly. In 1986 they started American Furniture Alliance manufacturing bean bag chairs. But only a year later they expanded into futon convertible sofa beds. However, not the type mentioned above, but a real quality product that anybody would love to have in their home.
Walnut Coffee Tables
Gone were the tubular, metal frames that bent easily (especially in the middle where most people would sit), and in their place were all solid wood, or metal and wood frames of various styles. Styles range from solid sides with curved or angular lines to Mission style varieties, to sides with magazine holders and much more. There is also a wide variety of finishes available, from a light honey oak to a rustic finish to medium and golden oak, and if you like really dark wood, then go with a beautiful walnut or espresso finish. Their futons are stylish and durable, all hardware is hidden with wood plugs, and these convertible sofa beds are made only using select cut timber and tempered steel.
Not only is the frame great quality, but gone is the wimpy 4" foam mattress, and in its place is a 6" to 10" real mattress. Not only are there different thickness' available, but also different building components depending upon how much you want to spend and how much your futon will be used as a bed. All mattresses are made up of layers, and these layers can include convoluted foam, flat foam, density support or visco memory foam or even an inner spring coil like a standard mattress. All mattress insides are then wrapped in cotton before being placed inside the futon cover.
And talking about covers, I cannot even begin to describe the choices available! From solids to stripes to wonderful prints. Or you may choose micro fiber or leather. Let me just say that there is something for everybody and that they will have some type of upholstery that you will like.
Before American Furniture Alliance, a futon was a separate piece of furniture, but now it can be a part of a complete furniture set. Along with the futon, you can get a matching chair, that also reclines like the futon sofa, and can become another sleeper (especially for a child) when paired with the matching ottoman. Then complete the set with matching coffee and end tables.
Yes, convertible sofa beds have come a long ways, and so have futons. If a futon would serve a great purpose in your home, then check out American Furniture Alliance and what they have to offer. You will be pleased by the great variety of styles, finishes and upholstery choices available.