Make One Room Serve As Several With A Futon

Futons can be the answer for many homeowners needing to use one room for multiple functions. Using covers and creative furniture arrangements, a futon is the centerpiece of a room that needs to serve a family in more than one way. Sleepovers, comfy nights at home, homework, birthday parties, the holidays and visiting relatives can all be accommodated using these simple tips.



When arranging your futon and other furnishings, make sure that it is easy to fold out the futon for sleeping. If the room is too cramped you may never go to the trouble to use it as a bed. Use a light touch when adding floor lamps, end tables and other non-essential items to the room, leaving plenty of space for additional seating and folding out the bed.



Use futons with other easily moved furnishings, such as beanbags. You can create an attractive formal setting area with a futon, end tables or a coffee table and a few beanbags. Use an entertainment center or fireplace to group around, if possible. If it is a bedroom or guest room where no natural focal point stands out, group them around a window or in an open, relaxed circle. This makes a comfortable place to read, study or talk and easily accommodates larger crowds of kids or adults for games, parties or relaxing.

End tables or coffee tables with extra storage space are a great place for stowing away games, playing cards, CDs and DVDs, books and other things that clutter up the room. If they are in easy reach inside the end table or coffee table, the family is more likely to use the area for these activities. Cedar chests and other storage bins can double as a coffee or end table and still leave lots of room for extra futon covers, pillows and other items.



Have more than one cover for your futon. This gives you something to use while you wash, but it also allows you to decorate the room for different occasions. If you have a few covers to use for company and the holidays, you do not have to fret so much when the kids are using the futon for eating, drinking and rough play. Keep a few pillows on hand to match your nicer futon cover. Two to four throw pillows dress up the bed and give it a more formal appearance. Be sure to tuck them away to keep them looking nice.



Using futons in the den or spare room gives families lots of options for enjoying the room in different ways. A little forethought on how the room can serve multiple purposes helps you set it up so that it is easy to rearrange for any situation.