Living with several family members may not always be easy. Dealing with growing kids, playful pets, and plenty of chores can take a toll on your nerves. You would like your furniture to be in top shape, both from aesthetics and usability perspective. How do you keep your living room furniture free of dust, dirt, mud prints, and food spills easily? That is where the futon couch fits the bill. This flexible, space-saving furniture easily adapts to the evolving rhythm of family life.
However, keep in mind that futon couches also come in a variety of styles. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and the variation in color and design can be equally diverse. You need to find the model with the right material, a suitable design, and the required durability for the ideal experience. The right one will be able to withstand years of wear and tear, stains, and the playful antics of pets and kids.
Why Using Futon Couches in Households with Kids and Lets Makes Sense?
There are many reasons why families with growing kids and active pets prefer futon couches. Those are:
- Versatility and space-saving – Futon couches are like the Swiss Army knives of family furniture! They are ideal for prolonged seating, movie-watching, light office work, or spending leisurely days reading books and newspapers. The convertible design makes these couches a wise choice for families living in apartments, rented accommodations, and other types of dwellings. They can be utilized by individuals seeking temporary remote work opportunities.
- Easy maintenance – The majority of futon couches found on the market are lightweight and can be easily moved from one location to another. This can be bliss for families who live in rented places or need to relocate from time to time due to job requirements. Some such couches also come with removable or machine-washable covers —a boon for households with furry pets and growing children.
- Storage – Some futon couches come with hidden storage compartments inside. This helps store blankets, pillows, and other materials that are used occasionally. You may also hide delicate and valuable stuff inside the storage section of the couches when there are pets around.
Factors to Check When you Shop for Futon Couches
To ensure you buy the right futon couch for family usage, look into the following factors carefully:
- Material – This couch will be used extensively by family members, guests, pets, and others year after year. Therefore, selecting the right material is crucial. Microfiber is quite durable, stain-resistant, and relatively easy to clean. Polyester blends are also good but try to avoid materials like leather or faux leather. These can be scratched easily and tend to crack after some time.
- Durable build – A futon couch for family use must be built rugged. Kids and pets often enjoy bouncing on these couches and jumping from them. Therefore, look for units with high-density foam or innerspring cushions. Also, look for units with solid wood or steel frames. If the futon unit you choose has a single- or dual-click mechanism for reclining, ensure it is sturdy and secure.
- Safety issues – This couch, intended for use by both young and senior users, must be safe for use. Avoid buying units with sharp edges and opt for those with rounded edges and corners. Also, make sure the unit you choose has non-slip feet. This is more relevant if the house has hardwood or tile floors.
Tips to Use and Maintain the Couch Without Hassles for Long-term
Ensure that you implement the below-mentioned tips:
- Positioning the futon couch in your room is also essential. Placing it in the corner can be ideal if you want enough space for the kids and pets at the center of the room. Placing it against a wall adds stability and helps prevent it from flipping or shifting.
- Layer the couch with suitable covers to enhance its longevity and appearance. Use machine-washable throws or slipcovers to add both style and safeguard the exterior from messy users. You may also consider using waterproof liners underneath fabric layers to protect from spills or accidents.
- Keeping the couch clean may seem a challenge, but consistency is what you need to succeed. For daily cleanup, you can use lint rollers and microfiber cloths. Every week, perform a dry cleanup with a handheld vacuum cleaner. There are various types of cleaning fluids for different upholstery fabrics, and it is essential to select the right one. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service once or twice a year to thoroughly clean your couch and other furniture.
- It would be helpful to keep a low-pile, washable area rug underneath or in front of your futon. This is ideal for catching the food grains, fur, and the occasional spill. Continue washing it weekly to maintain hygiene. Additionally, consider keeping a wall-hanging basket or storage container to store magazines, pet toys, and other items.
- Pets can be difficult to control, but you can train them to use a specific area of the couch. You may also keep a blanket or cushion for the pet at one corner of the sofa to get the animal habituated.
When Should you Repair or Replace This Couch?
Some signs of damage to the futon couch may be visible to the naked eye, while others require careful inspection. Scratches and dents caused by wear and tear are typical, but be mindful if the couch makes unusual sounds when you sit on it or get up. That may indicate the internal parts are becoming worn out. Also, watch out for excessive sagging in the middle of the futon sofa bed.
Summing It Up
Futon couches offer families an adaptable, budget-friendly means to create cozy, functional spaces. When purchasing versatile furniture, focus on key aspects such as usability, durability, and safety. With proper and consistent maintenance, such futon couches will last you for several years, even with playful toddlers and furry pets being around. Ensure you check the brand warranty and reviews posted by other buyers before zeroing in on a model.
