Before purchasing a mission futon, it is important to understand what makes a futon a mission-style piece of furniture. Be sure to research the mission style for its distinguishing features, such as straight, clean lines and attractive wood with a prominent grain, and determine how accurately you want your mission futon to reflect this style. Sometimes a futon can be modified to take advantage of the mission style while making subtle changes to enhance the comfort or aesthetic of the furniture. The best futon will do more than just look good: it will also function well and be sturdy enough for regular use.
The real attraction of a mission futon over other styles of futon is the simple, sleek look of mission furniture. The frame of the futon will often feature vertical slats at each side of the piece, and the back and bottom of the futon may also include these series of parallel slats or bars. Be sure to choose a mission futon that is made from high quality materials, such as hardwoods. Remember, however, that some woods will be more expensive than others, so choose a futon that is within your price range. This may mean choosing a sturdy but less attractive wood that is painted rather than stained.
The most attractive feature for most people considering purchasing any type of futon is its ability to fold from a couch into a bed. When choosing your mission futon, be sure to test out the functionality of the futon frame. The futon should be easy to manipulate from one form into another, and the frame should be sturdy in both positions. The mattress of the futon should be thick enough to be comfortable for sitting as well as for sleeping, but thin enough to be folded quickly and easily into either position. The mattress should also feature a removable slipcover that can be washed in a washing machine.
Be sure to carefully consider the size of your mission futon. Measure the room in which the futon will be placed, and remember that the futon will be much larger when folded out into the bed position, meaning more space will be required in the room. Futons come in a variety of sizes, so you will need to consider not only how much space you have available for the unit, but also how the futon is likely to be used on a regular basis. If you expect guests to sleep on it regularly, you may want to consider a larger futon, but if it is primarily for sitting, a smaller futon may suffice.
