Japanese Futon Mattress

Whether your style and home décor tastes are more modern or eclectic, you can probably appreciate the simple elegance of Japanese inspired rooms.  There is just something about the clean lines and clutter free spaces that make them welcoming and relaxing all at once.  Specifically, if you look at traditional bedroom furnishings, you’ll quickly note the Japanese futon mattress and where it is positioned.  If you’ve been to a more modern hotel in the last few years, you’ve likely seen some influences from this type of styling.  In a way, modern looks appeal that same type of Japanese simplicity.  Many spas and resorts have Zen gardens and other hints of the Far East invading their spaces.

Much of the placement and orientation of spaces is and has been for several years, inspired and influenced by the principles of Feng Shui.  This technique is all about alignment and position of objects within specific places in each space of one’s home and business.  The orientation and placement relate to auspicious areas where good fortune will come when harmonized correctly.  Whether you believe in such traditions or not, you will likely find the balance and orientation in Japanese homes to feel pleasing to you.

Traditionally, the futon is placed low on the floor and is positioned on tatami mats. These mats were once reserved for the luxury of the nobility. Tatami mats originally were made of rice straw but newer construction has them made of compressed wood and even Styrofoam. The mat is used as a flooring in the traditional Japanese home.

Futon bed frames are traditionally quite simple and consist of nothing more than the slats to support the futon mattress itself. Now, you can find more modern versions of these frames with storage, shelving and even headboard designs. If you want to keep a traditional Japanese look, then you would be best served of keeping your frame simple. Also, these futon frames are made of wood. In most cases, the frames are made of an unfinished wood like cedar or other locally sourced wood. Metal futon frames and the futon armrest frame are really more Western inventions or takes on the traditional Japanese futon.

The traditional way that a futon mattress is composed is using a two-layer approach. The bottom mattress layer is called the shikibuton and the thicker upper quilted futon cover is called a kakebuton. Combined, they form the traditional Japanese futon mattress or just futon. Regular hanging outdoors is necessary to clean these two components of the bedding. In Japan, it is customary to use a bamboo stick or pole to hit them to help clean them more fully.

There are several differences between the traditional Japanese futon and the ones we most commonly see here in the West. As just alluded to, the type of mattress we use is much thicker and is usually associated with a larger frame that can be used as a sofa or couch for extra seating. In this case, the futon is usually folded in half and can be covered with any number of specially made futon covers in a variety of styles and fabrics. The Western futon is used more as a guest’s bed or for extra sleeping in a home office or den. They may also require sofa bedding so that they fit properly. Rarely is the futon used as one’s primary sleeping arrangement here in the U.S. However, with advancements made in futon mattress materials and design, the type being made here are on par with the conventional mattress.

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