When you are considering your options for a comfortable night sleep you may not always think of a futon as an obvious contender. Futons, however, have come a long way and they can be a very sensible alternative to a regular bed or a pull-out couch as they are much more affordable and offer great flexibility.

For a complete futon you will need to purchase a frame, mattress and mattress covering. The frames can be made out of many materials that range from affordable pine through to expensive hardwoods for a more luxurious finish, via exotic materials like wicker or even metal.

The comfort element itself is determined by the mattress. Futon mattresses range from a simple one layer which would be fine for occasional sitting and the odd catnap through to multi-layered, foam and spring supported versions that would compete with traditional bedding if you are looking for regular use as a bed.

Where things can get quite creative is when you start considering the cover options. With a regular sofa you are usually stuck with the cover you pick when you purchase the piece. With a futon, on the other hand, you will have many more option. The manufacturers usually offer a broad range of coverings but if you want to have some serious fun with your décor you can select the cover of your choice by picking bed sheets and blankets to dress it to match your design tastes and personality. Best of all you can change the theme easily as often as you like.

Futons can be found locally in most areas, from specialist futon stores through to regular furniture stores. Prices vary according to the materials used and comfort level, but you should expect to pick up a frame, mattress and cover from about $500. Do have a look online before you buy locally though, as you may be able to save quite a few bucks or go for better quality with the same budget: online retailers have less fixed expenses than local stores and usually pass the savings on to you. Also they will deliver to your house, often free of charge, and you may even be able to save on local sales tax if they ship from out of state.

Whether you buy your futon on the internet or locally you can get yourself a really clever piece of furniture that doubles up as a comfortable bed.