And the good thing about it is that they come in many colors and types of fabric, you can even change it as frequently as you want. But in choosing the right futon mattress cover to use, please consider a few things first like:

• Who will use the futon mattress regularly?

You have to determine this because there are special futon mattresses for kids and adults. If it will be used most of the time by your child but also will serve as an extra bed for adult guests then I would suggest you make it suitable for your child and have a handy futon slipcover so you can change it as needed.

• What is the primary function?

Will your futon mattress be mainly for sleeping or for sitting? If the function of the futon mattress is a double purpose like for sitting during the day and sleeping at might, then choose a fabric that will be suitable for both. A type of fabric that will be comfortable to sit on as well as to sleep on. A cotton fabric or poly/cotton blend will be good for both sitting and sleeping.

• What is the size of your futon mattress?

You need to have a futon cover that will fit your futon mattress or else it will not be nice to look at. Can you imagine a skinny person wearing an extra large shirt? Or the other way around, a fat person wearing a fit shirt? Looks funny, right? These covers will not only shield your mattress from the wear and tear but it can also give your place a new look.

So now do you agree that futon covers are important? Do not just get yourself any cover because it looked nice without taking into account the purpose. You have to think my dear, for your own good. Protecting your futon properly will extend its life span. And it is surely more beneficial and cheaper in the long run, rather than buying a new futon because you did not take care of the futon.

The one thing that you just have to make sure is that you protect your futon mattress. However, protecting your futon mattress need not be dull and simple. There are many different futon slipcovers in all sorts of materials and designs that are available in the internet like Corduroy, Chenille, Leather, Velvet, Silk and many more.

Here comes the fun part, the hunt for the perfect futon cover, a washable one is ideal so you can change it any time for any occasion.

• Material

You can have a choice of 100% cotton, denim, velvet, poly/cotton blends, micro-fiber and silk to name a few. A marine grade vinyl material is advisable when you have pets and young kids at home because this is easy to clean and washable too. Another good choice is a waterproof cover which is at the same time washable so you protect your futon mattress from any spills. This is the most important aspect when choosing the right futon cover for you, since the durability of the item will depend on it.

• Color and Design

So many colors and beautiful designs to choose from, but do be careful that the color you chose will not fade after several wash. You can have several slipcovers on hand so changing will not be a problem. In event of a formal gathering you can use your velvet or silk design.

• Price

Price of course varies depending on the design and material that you will choose. Also the price will be different based on the size of your futon. Easy designs with only one color might cost below $100. But of course there are also items on sale at $50 or less. Premium items will cost more than $150.

Just open your eyes and look around the many wonderful futon cover options available to spice up your old futon mattress as well as the room where you have put the futon. Before you buy, ask for the details of the item so you will not regret buying it. Have fun as you check out the vast array of materials, color and design that will meet your expectations.

If you can not make up your mind on the material and design then let us run through the futon covers options that you have.  The cover that you will get should compliment the futon mattress that you have.

When you will use your futon as a bed then a mattress protector, also called as a mattress cover will be more appropriate. The mattress protector is usually quilted, hypoallergenic and more permeable than a futon cover. The hypoallergenic mattress protector costs a bit higher than the regular mattress protector but it is better because dust mites or bed bugs that already exist in your mattress, will not be able to harm you.

Among the available options of a printed designs are:

•    Floral and tropical.
•    Ethnic and Asian
•    Mountain scenery
•    Southwest designs
•    Kid’s designs
•    Animal prints
•    Sports

Few of the available fabric your can choose are:

•    100% Cotton
•    Suedes and microfiber
•    Chenille
•    Leather and leather look
•    Twills and weeds
•    Denim

When the limiting factor in buying a cover is the price, then there are items that are on sale. The cheapest that you can buy may be below $50. So that you will not exceed your allotted budget then check the price first. It does not necessarily mean that just because it is cheap, you will have boring designs. However, the more intricate the design you want then the cost is definitely higher.

Before paying for the item that you have selected, ask for the details like if the item is washable or not. There are some fabrics that can and can not be machine washed so take note of this or you might ruin that beautiful cover.

Now it is time to put on that new futon mattress cover and start redecorating your living room, bedroom and even your child’s room. It will be cool to refurbish your house as the occasion calls for it.

However, getting suitable covers for your futons is very important.  A futon cover protects the underlying mattress from damages and dirt.  It serves as a protective layer to make your futons look lovely all the time.  It also adds elegance and style to your rooms because it opens new opportunities to change the ambiance of a particular room without buying new furniture.

To make it easier for you, here are some good tips to choosing futon mattress covers that can bring a new look, style, and elegance to your rooms.

1. First of all, you have to choose a futon covering that is easy to slip on.

It is best therefore to choose covers with Velcro fastenings or zipper enclosures.  These will allow you to easily pull over a cover on your futon with very little effort.

2. You must also pay particular attention to the fabric of the mattress cover.

Typically, the most common choices you have when buying futon coverings are cotton, silk, denim, or leather covers.  However, if you want to bring a classic elegance to your futons, it would be best if you can choose synthetic micro-fiber fabric.
This type of fabric has the feel and look of suede.  It would be very comfortable and skin friendly but at the same time it also exudes an executive look.  Your room therefore will look chic and very sassy.

3. Color themes are also important when you are choosing futon mattress covers.

In any retail shop, there are hundreds of color themes that will be presented to you.  Make sure that the futon coverings that you will buy will match the color schemes of your walls and other decors in your house.  It is also best if you can choose different color schemes so you can regularly change the ambiance of your room by simply changing the covers of your futons.

4. Price is also a big factor when choosing the right cover.

Never fall for cheap deals because the coverings could be knockoffs and of low quality.  You can look for different types of futon coverings on the Internet and find out if there are items that will be suitable for your budget.

It is true that choosing the best futon mattress coverings is difficult.  But if you can compare different covers form several offline and online shops, you can surely get the best covers for your futons.

To get the most out your slipcovers, you need to properly care for them.  Although they are cheaper than full size futon mattress covers, it would be really practical to take good care of slipcovers so you can get the most out of them.

So, here are some of the simplest ways to keep your futon slipcovers in top shape:

1. Regular Cleaning

Make it a point to wash your slipcovers after using them for two weeks.  To make your life easier, make sure that the covers are machine washable.  You should only use mild washing machine powder if your covers are made from linen or cotton.  It is also best to dry the slipcovers in low to medium heat only to avoid shrinkage.
If you have leather covers, always bring them to a professional cleaner.  Unless you have special machines to clean leathers, your leather cover might be damaged by regular machine or hand washing.

2. Always keep the slipcovers away from direct sunlight

This is particularly important for your leather covers.  The colors of your slipcovers will fade quickly if you allow them to stay under direct sunlight for extended periods.  On the other hand, leather covers will dry up and crack easily if you will always expose them to direct sunlight.

3. Repair minor damages immediately

When you see a run or threads coming out of the slipcovers, never pick them or pull them by hand.  You will only worsen the damage on your slipcovers.  What you should do is to get a small scissor or a sharp cutter blade and cut the protruding threads.

You should also fluff the mattresses as well as the slip covers once in a while to allow air to circulate through the fabric.  This will strengthen the fabric of the slipcovers so you can enjoy them for many years to come.  Fluffing the covers is also a good way to keep them free from dust.

These are the simplest ways to keep your futon slipcovers in top condition.  With good maintenance and proper care, your slip covers will always look brand new and elegant.