News Article From Home Magazine, on July 20, 2007

Design Notebook: The Multifunctional — and Underrated — Futon
By Rebecca Juretic

The futon has gotten a bad rap since it gained popularity in the 1960s. Some view it as entry-level furniture, best suited for the dorm room. But futon purveyor Thomas Aronsohn has set out to change that notion.

He and his wife, Tina, opened San Luis Obispo furniture store Futon and Bed in February. As the store’s name suggests, it specializes in two things: futons and platform beds.

Aronsohn, who has been in the futon business for ten years, believes that the futon remains popular because of its versatility as well as affordability.

“It’s always been a cost-effective product that serves three functions: a bed, a sofa and a chaise longue (when open),” he said.

Today’s futons come in more sophisticated and stylish forms than earlier models with aluminum frames and thin polyester batting-filled mats.

Shopping for futons at Futon and Bed is like selecting options on a car. There are more than 30 styles of wood frames including Mission-inspired, country rustic, modern and rattan-embellished models. You then choose the stain color for the frame as well as any extras such as storage drawers that slide underneath.

Mattresses are another matter, and possibly the most important when comfort is considered. In addition to traditional cotton-filled mattresses, there are some with inner springs that feel more like a traditional bed. Others are a combination of foam and memory foam, which Aronsohn says can make for comfier seating than a traditional sofa.

Covers are the most customizable feature, with about 100 options that include canvas, tapestry prints and microfiber.

As for beds, Aronsohn decided to stay with platform models, which, he believes, are like futons in their versatility.

“They serve a dual purpose,” he said. “With two pairs of drawers under them, they can be a bed and a chest of drawers,” he said.

Futon and Bed offers a line of mattresses as well as ten bed models that begin with a simple platform minus the headboard and also include more sophisticated options, including one that sports a sleek leather headboard. Beds can be ordered in any size and finish. Matching dressers and night stands are available to round out a set.

Futon and Bed is not a high-end furniture showroom; Aronsohn likes to keep prices low to attract a wide array of customers. The store is a natural fit with the town’s student population, but that’s not the store’s only target.

“Our customers range from people on fixed incomes to millionaires,” he said.

Futon and Bed is located at 3220 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, 548-8555.

Thank you for reading about our store.  We serve the San Luis Obispo and surrounding Pacific Central Coast area -- Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Bakersfield, Baywood Park, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Five Cities, Golita, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Hollywood, Isla Vista, King City, Lompoc, Los Angeles, Los Osos, Monterey Park, Monticito, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Oceano, Oxnard, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Shell Beach, Santa Maria, San Simeon, Templeton, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura -- with the best values in Futons, Sofa Beds, Platform Beds, Futon Loungers, Livingroom Sets, Bedroom Sets, Loveseats, and Recliners.  We also carry folding futon pads.