Depending upon where you live on the globe, you will have very different ideas regarding the futon beds frame that you are sleeping on.  The type we are used to have armrests, storage, shelving and even headboards.  These are not like the traditional Japanese futon mattress frames.

In Japan, the futon mattress consists of two parts that are placed on the floor on tatami mats.  These mats are made of rice straw, traditionally, but now can be found with compressed wood and Styrofoam.  This is hardly the futon frame you know here.  But, with differing needs come different uses.  We use our futons for both sleeping – mostly guests – whereas in Japan, the futon is used as a primary sleeping arrangement.  Sure, you can find a more sturdy and ‘permanent’ bed frame in Japan.  However, what you will find is that these bed frames are usually much more simple in design with the frame being essentially flat and made of unfinished wood.  The wood will be finely sanded and crafted, but not typically painted.  The traditional look would be of a cedar or other locally harvested wood source.