Humanities desk
< February 16	<< Jan \| February \| Mar >>	February 18 >

Welcome to the Wikipedia Humanities Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages.

February 17

In Japan, how common is the combination futon and murphy bed?

Murphy beds seem to be ideal for Japanese futons. Japanese would tend to hang the futon in the morning, to occupy less space and air it. However, maybe due to my scarce knowledge of Japan, I don't remember to have seen such combination. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Scicurious (talk • contribs) 23:35, 17 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]

I don't see how you can combine them, as a Japanese futon lacks a frame, and Murphy bed requires a frame. The Western futon does have a frame, so is that what you mean ? StuRat (talk) 23:49, 17 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]

You could always somehow attach the bottom of the futons to the frame. It is not a must to let the futon lose on the bed. --Scicurious (talk) 23:51, 17 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]

If the futon was stretched and attached to the frame it wouldn't be a Japanese futon, it would just be a mattress. The point of futon is that it's soft and light and portable, and when in use you are relying on the floor for support. --PalaceGuard008 (Talk) 10:50, 18 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Agreed. That's a bit like saying "why can't we change a bicycle to have 4 wheels instead of 2, an enclosed passenger compartment for multiple passengers and cargo, and an engine". Well, we can, but then it's a car, not a bicycle. StuRat (talk) 14:11, 18 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]