We offer to the attention of home craftsmen original design— a do-it-yourself sofa bed, adapted to fit the popular Japanese futon mattress. Far Eastern people have been sleeping on these thin mats stuffed with dry seaweed for 20 centuries.
The composition of the filler of modern futons has undergone changes, but remains of high quality. Now they are filled with natural latex, cotton, coconut coir or thermal fiber. But like the Japanese, we are not used to sleeping on the floor, even on futons. In this case, a do-it-yourself folding sofa, assembled from pine furniture panels, will help us out.
Preparing for work
The model shown here has a simple design. The frames of the main modules, seat and backrest are assembled in a similar way: 2 side walls are connected at the front and back by two boards. The base for the mattress, consisting of cross bars. Noteworthy functionality folding legs. When folded, they firmly support the backrest, and when unfolding the sofa, they serve as a reliable support for the sleeping area.
Detailing the sofa bed
Blanks from furniture panels:
- Sidewalls of the seat frame with dimensions 38x350x830 mm - 2 pcs.
- Longitudinal boards of the seat frame 38x130x2000 mm – 2 pcs.
- Longitudinal boards of the back frame 38x90x2080 – 2 pcs.
- Bars for strengthening the back frame 38x55x730 mm – 2 pcs.
The two sides of the backrest are made of furniture board 28 mm thick. Their final dimensions are 28x130x1050 mm.
Planed lumber blanks:
- Seat frame support bars 30x30x2000 mm – 2 pcs.
- Back frame support bars 30x30x2080 mm – 2 pcs.
- Slats for folding legs 20x50x640 mm – 2 pcs.
- Slats for folding legs 20x50x285 mm – 2 pcs.
- Pads for attaching legs 20x50x83 mm – 2 pcs.
- Slats for the backrest grid 14x30x655 mm – 28 pcs.
- Rails for the seat grille 14x30x609 mm – 28 pcs.
- Round block with a diameter of 22 mm, a length of 1960 mm.
Supplies you will need:
- Bolts M8x80 – 4 pcs., M8x70 – 2 pcs.
- Self-locking nuts M8 – 6 pcs.
- Washers 25x8.5x1 mm – 3 pcs.
- Screws 6x80 mm – 2 pcs., plus 6 washers for them.
- Wooden dowels with a diameter of 8 mm – 16 pcs.
- Sets of furniture ties – 8 pcs. The kit includes screws M5x80 mm (head with internal hexagon), washers and bushings ∅10x15 mm, internal thread M5.
- Various screws.
- Synthetic belt 25 mm wide, 8 m long.
- Sandpaper.
- Wood glue, furniture varnish.
To work you will need the following tools:
- Table saw.
- Jigsaw.
- Drill and drill bits.
- Screwdriver.
Sofa bed manufacturing process
Getting started with our task of how to make a folding sofa, first we cut out circular saw All necessary preparations. We round all the corners with a jigsaw and smooth the edges with fine-grained sandpaper. Before assembly, coat all workpieces acrylic varnish and dry it.
The sides of the seat are connected by longitudinal boards. The fastenings are 2 dowels with glue and one furniture screed. This gives the structure the necessary rigidity.
The back is assembled in the same way. Here it is necessary to measure with maximum accuracy the location of the holes for the axle bolts to rotate the back and legs of the sofa (in the drawing they are marked with crosses). Hinge joints are made using bolts and hexagonal self-locking nuts. To reduce friction on the back and side walls, we place washers 25x8.5x1 mm under the nuts.
Using screws and glue, bars with a cross section of 30x30 mm are attached to the longitudinal boards of the back and seat for laying the slatted base. Taking into account the thickness of the mattress (120 mm), we attach the longitudinal boards and the seat grid 45 mm below the upper level of the sidewalls. Then the height of the seat from the floor will be 425 mm. The question of how to make a sofa bed optimal for sitting has been resolved.
In the holes of the longitudinal boards ∅10mm we insert bushings with internal thread, taken from furniture sets. We screw M5x80 screws into them with a head having an internal hexagon. Tighten them with a socket wrench.
We connect the hinge joints of the legs on both sides using 80 mm screws, a ∅22 mm block and three washers.
We fasten the planks with belt tape. To do this, use clamps to press a long piece of board or block onto the workbench, which will serve as a stop. Measuring spacers can be made from leftover chipboard.
We connect the seat and back frames with bolts. To add strength to both internal sides We glue the bars on the sides of the backrest and press them with clamps until they are completely dry.
We fasten the cross slats with screws, screwing one on the left and on the right. The raised supports provide additional support to the back of the structure.
Let's try to move our sofa apart. You need to move the back slightly forward and pull the round beam connecting the legs towards you. The result will be a double bed with dimensions of 1600x2000 mm.
A futon mattress with natural filling is well ventilated through the lattice structure.
The back and seat seem a little disproportionate after assembling the sofa. However, having laid a 12 cm thick futon on the grates, we will fully appreciate the convenience of the design. In order for the mattress to hold well on the seat, it must be tied with fabric tapes to the lower longitudinal part of the backrest.
As a result, we got a folding sofa of an unusual shape, ideal for a Japanese futon. New item furniture will give the interior an oriental flavor and will become a favorite vacation spot for the family.
In this article we will talk in detail about such a thing as a futon. What it is? Believe me, this is very useful and necessary in Everyday life thing. Already want to know more detailed information?
Futon - what is it?
The so-called futon came to us from Japan. By the way, this is their most favorite and traditional sleeping mattress, distinguished by its rather thick cotton fabric.
In their beautiful and such unusual country It is customary to spread this bedding on the floor before going to bed, and in the morning (after sleep) roll it up and put it in the closet. Back in the 13th century, most Japanese from poor families slept on simple straw, while the rest of the rich people were already basking on their soft and expensive mattresses.
It was from that time that the first futons began to appear. They gradually gained more and more popularity among the entire Japanese population and in other countries of the world. Their fame began to spread more. And now, today, the traditional Japanese futon mattress occupies almost the most main role in creating oriental style interiors.
Minimalism as a lifestyle
The basic principle is a large amount of light, space and freedom, as well as a lot natural materials, placed wisely. People who grew up from childhood and were accustomed to European style and home design can sometimes be surprised to see how, for example, Japanese housing is equipped, which is characterized by absolute minimalism. They have practically no excess furniture, which significantly increases free space.
Also in such interiors there are big windows that give access to the sun's rays. Everything is laconic and extremely natural. Minimalism is a way to get rid of everything unnecessary, superfluous, in order to focus on the really important things in life and focus on real happiness, joy and limitless freedom from everything.
In a word, minimalism is not when your home lacks certain things, furniture, objects, and so on. This is the state when everything in your living space is the only thing that is truly necessary for complete comfort and satisfaction. This is exactly what the Japanese are leaning towards.
You need to be free and independent from many worldly things and pleasures. In this style there is a certain restraint, ascetic appeal, but at the same time the house is full philosophical meaning. There is complete fusion with nature here, and the home directly radiates harmony. That's what really matters! However, let's return to the topic of our conversation.
How to care for a futon?
A real Japanese futon is distinguished by its high quality and size. It is much larger and more voluminous than simple air mattress, which tend to deflate. So that your futon has good view and has not deteriorated, you need to take proper care of it. More precisely:
- Don't put it in a frame. Spread it only on a smooth floor (the set should include a special mat on which the mattress itself should be placed).
- To avoid getting it dirty, you should always lay a sheet on top of it.
- When you no longer need the futon (you’ve slept and don’t plan to touch it all day), you should fold it in three and carefully hide it somewhere inconspicuous: a corner of the room or in a closet. There are already blankets on top of the mattress itself, which you must fold 4 times and also place a pillow on them.
- It is not recommended to leave a Japanese futon unattended and unused for a long time, so that mites or mold do not grow there.
- Be sure to arrange a ventilation procedure for your mattress. Hang it in a light and sunny place where there will be a lot fresh air(the air should not be humid). Do this as soon as you get the chance. This is an excellent prevention of various types of mold or fungi. In addition, fresh outdoors the musty evaporates and bad smell. You can also resort to using a mattress beater.
- Regularly wash and clean the floor on which the futon is laid, and also clean the rug on which it lies. You cannot walk on it with shoes or dirty feet.
- Try to wash your own blankets and sheets as soon as necessary. You can wash the mattress itself. But, unfortunately, not everyone at home has double washing machines. Therefore, you can turn to dry cleaning for help. However, you need to find out in advance whether they clean a mattress such as a futon. “What is this?” - such questions can easily arise from non-professionals.
Japanese bedding is very useful!
Natural and traditional Japanese futons are made entirely of wool, linen, cotton, coconut sackcloth or buckwheat husks. They have supporters among modern youth. Why? Yes, because such mattresses have orthopedic effect, thus, they are very beneficial for the spine and overall health.
What other furniture is made from natural futon?
Modern technologies are developing, and the production of bedding also keeps up with them. For more comfort and diversity came up with new interesting and comfortable pieces of furniture. For example, a futon chair. It is very convenient, which means that many will like it!
It is also worth highlighting the futon sofa. Such products are basically laid out the same way as regular ones. They have a very simple mechanism. They never creak. At the base there is something like a wooden bench, on top of which lies the mattress itself. Due to the fact that a futon consists of many layers of combed cotton, which are combined with different stitches and covered with a rather rough fabric, such a thing is very useful for the back of any person.
Futon sofas are small-sized and practical, and armchairs are quite functional and also save space well. All products have unusual design and shape. Your guests will always be pleased to sit on such a Japanese invention made from a seemingly ordinary mattress.
The entire range of futon products for sleeping and room decoration always has a very good customer rating. Especially those who are trying to decorate their home in Japanese style or simply love minimalism.
Today, many, after reading reviews about futons, immediately decide to purchase such a miracle, which allows them to significantly save space. Natural Japanese futon does not cause allergies. In addition, it improves sleep, makes it calmer, more comfortable, and also aligns the spine, which is very useful.
Judging by the reviews, a person almost immediately stops complaining about constant back pain. If you really decide to think about your well-being and health, then you should give up the usual sofa or bed and buy yourself a futon sleeping product.
The main advantages of a futon
- Thanks to the quick folding and rolling of both the sofa and the mattress itself, you will have more free space and space for other purposes. This is a great option for small apartments.
- It has a significant impact on the condition and functionality of your body, in particular the spine.
- The collection of Japanese futons has different sets that correspond to each season of the year.
How to choose a good futon?
Now Japanese bedding is so popular that even European manufacturers have begun to produce them. Therefore, buy such a beautiful and a convenient thing you can do it almost everywhere. Many have adapted to shopping without leaving home, looking for this or that product on the RuNet. Well, this is also a good option that allows you to choose the perfect futon for yourself. Photos of the products, by the way, are also presented in this article.
Before you buy a mattress, think about what purposes it will serve you. In order to spread it out upon the arrival of guests and relatives, or to sleep yourself?
- Before purchasing, you should measure the room in which the mattress should be located, as well as the dimensions of the doorways.
- Decide on a style. Will the futon be traditional or more modern?
- If the mattress is intended for a children's room or your bedroom, you should pay attention to sufficiently strong and more comfortable models. For guests, they usually choose something simple that is pleasing to the eye.
The energy boost you need
Japan is an ancient and mysterious country with unusual traditions and a unique culture. We adopted a lot from there, diversifying original items and things of our modern life.
The Japanese style interior looks quite beautiful, high quality, harmonious and at the same time simple. Their design is somewhat reminiscent of so-called asceticism. The more free space and less unnecessary furniture, the more air and positive energy, circulating all the time in your home.
According to the Japanese, this is necessary for a happy and peaceful life. This style is dominated by light and non-provocative shades: sand, beige, pastel, cream, pearl and brown. Bright colors are rarely present. The most important thing is unity with nature. And here every detail is important. Furniture, flooring, and the same sofa for the futon - everything should be made of wood.
So, let's summarize. Futon - what is it? Now you can safely say that this is a special mattress that performs its functions well. It is suitable not only for Japanese style, but also for absolutely any interior in modern world, has a variety of decors to suit every taste. A futon can help you relax and make your posture much straighter and more beautiful.
Japanese futon mattress - traditional bedding. It consists of a cotton mattress, which is spread on the floor at night, and on daytime goes into the closet. Such a bed significantly saves living space, especially in small apartments. We invite you to learn more about what a futon mattress is for and why it is good.
Features of using a futon mattress
Today orthopedic mattresses Futons are used for sleeping on more than just the floor. In our society, people rarely sleep on the floor, so modern futons are usually placed on a bed or on top of a mattress. This allows you to do sleeping area softer and smoother. Also, instead of a bed, you can use a special frame (wooden or metal) together with a futon, which can be sold together with the mattress or made to order.
However, if you have a heated floor at home, then you can sleep on such a mattress there too - it’s quite comfortable. Futons are used not only as a mobile bed, but also as soft pillows for furniture, places for children's games. Often a futon mattress is purchased in order to take it with you on a hike, to the country house, on a picnic, etc.
