Japanese culture is known, among other things, for its simplicity—a way of focusing on the essentials. Their interiors often feature a understated, minimalist elegance. The bedroom is no exception. Traditionally used in Japan, the futon is a thin mattress typically placed directly on the floor. The Japanese futon has a persistent reputation for being rather austere. Indeed, it doesn’t conform to the usual standards we’re familiar with—namely, a cozy, plush bed and everything associated with the concepts of softness and enveloping comfort. All of this is supported by a raised bed frame that enhances the cocoon-like effect. The traditional futon is eco-friendly since it’s made from natural materials such as cotton. Of course, you need to choose it carefully and ensure that it has been ethically manufactured by socially responsible companies.
What is the origin of the futon?
Originally, the Japanese futon was a thin mattress made primarily of cotton, which originated in India and was imported to China, Korea, and then Japan—hence its name. The word “futon” means “round mat” in Japanese. Historically, the futon was a luxury reserved for nobles, who could sleep on a padded futon instead of simple mats.Then, starting in the 19th century, the futon became more widespread as cotton was imported on a large scale, marking the beginning of industrialization. It could be found everywhere in Japan and was traditionally placed on tatami mats. The futon thus became a Japanese way of life that was increasingly exported and adapted, among other things, to the Western market. In the 1970s, the Japanese futon was adapted to meet the needs of Westerners: it became softer than its original version. It found its place in small apartments or was used as a guest bed. However, the futon offers many little-known benefits.
What factors should you consider when choosing a Japanese futon?
- Composition Traditionally , Japanese futons were made of cotton. Today, there are various types of fillings, which we will introduce to you.
- Cotton: Traditionally used, cotton remains a very common material for the filling of futon mattresses. In some cases, it consists of layers of organic cotton, meaning it is not treated with chemicals during cultivation or manufacturing.
- Wool: You can also find wool futons. If made using traditional methods, the wool can be washed with water only, without soap or chemicals.
- Latex: We’ve also noticed that other, less traditional materials are being used more and more, such as latex, for example. Unfortunately, few manufacturers bother to use 100% natural latex, which is more eco-friendly but also more expensive. The use of this material thus strips the mattress of its artisanal character and the craftsmanship that goes into it. Other synthetic fillings have also emerged, such as memory foam and latex…
- The Cover: The first Japanese futons were made from cotton. Today, we’re seeing more and more manufacturers opting for linen. This material is ideal because growing it requires very little water and no chemical treatments. Furthermore, when manufactured in France, linen supports local consumption and promotes short supply chains. In addition to being eco-friendly, this material is both attractive and durable.
- Thickness: Back then, Japanese futons were fairly thin, ranging from 5 to 10 cm in thickness. This thinness provided a fairly firm sleeping surface. To make them more comfortable for Westerners, futons are generally between 13 and 17 cm thick.-
- Firmness/Comfort: As mentioned, the futon offers unmatched firmness. It is therefore ideal for people who have trouble sleeping on traditional mattresses, which are often too soft for their needs. It provides incredible support and can relieve certain types of back pain thanks to its optimal spinal alignment. Like mattresses, the firmness of Japanese futons should be chosen based on body weight.
In fact, the heavier the weight, the firmer the mattress needs to be to provide optimal support. The firmness level is often indicated, but the type of filling can also give you a clue:
- Cotton filling: To create a cotton filling, the fibers are separated and then twisted together to provide a very firm sleeping surface, rated 10/10.
- Wool filling: Washed and then compressed to make wool futons, this type of filling offers a firmness rating of 9/10. To give you a choice of firmness, Kipli offers two types of natural futons: one made of cotton and one made of wool.
More details
- Care: The futon is a product designed in a fairly traditional way. As a result, it requires fairly careful maintenance at first. To prevent it from losing its shape, we recommend flipping it from head to toe throughout the week and then once a month. In some cases, it can be refilled after a few years to ensure long-lasting use and greater cost-effectiveness. What kind of base should you use for a futon? For a Japanese-style setup, the futon can be placed directly on a tatami mat. If you’re looking for a bit more height, you can place your futon on a slatted bed frame. If you don’t want to use it as a daily sleeping surface in your bedroom, it can also serve as a sofa bed. Can a futon be folded? While easy to store, a folded futon can quickly become damaged. We recommend consulting the manufacturer for advice on this matter.
The futon therefore still has a place in the range of mattresses on offer. It stands out for its simplicity, which provides optimal comfort and unparalleled support. Practical—and often eco-friendly—it’s the perfect choice for minimalist enthusiasts who prefer a firm sleeping surface.
Si vous pensez que ce produit peut vous convenir, vous pouvez découvrir le modèle Kipli sur notre site, ou bien le tester dans l’une de nos boutiques.