Shedding the Stereotype

Over the years there have been a large number of consumer products that have come to be associated with a specific social-demographic group almost exclusively. Occasionally, this reality is not exactly to the liking of the manufacturer, who wishes to promote their product with a wider scope of generational or gender-based appeal.

Beginning with its N64 system in 1996, video gaming giant Nintendo began to be more associated with children gamers in comparison to its competitors. The company drifted further into this pre-conceived identity with its GameCube console in 2001, and, for a host of reasons, the company was seen to be losing adult gamers to its competitors - Sony Playstation 2 and Microsoft X-Box.

The marketing strategy that accompanied the Wii console in 2006 was an impressive one that seems to have shed this stereotype for Nintendo. While the radical new physical-response nature of Wii game play surely played a large part in reforming their image, Nintendo's advertising campaign was thoughtfully designed to bring older gamers into the mix like never before. The two stuffy suit-n-tie executives stating a simple "We would like to play" that led to a frolicking good time with young and old alike announced Nintendo's not just for kids anymore.

If only a certain furniture piece of similar Japanese origins should be so lucky.

Since its taking on widespread appeal, the futon has come to be cemented as the domain of cash-strapped youth, dormitories, second-tv basements and the like. Most of us think of bare bones, unfinished wood plank-on-plank assemblies when presented with the term "futon." In truth, however, the futon has grown from its humble origins to be a functional furniture piece that is stylistically viable as well.

A visit to www.morefutons.com will quickly validate this reality. Individuals looking to have the convenience of a hidden bed without the weight and permanence of a convertible sofa will be pleasantly surprised. They'll be pleased to learn that a futon can be as decor savvy an alternative as a sleeper sofa, particularly with the variety of tastefully designed wooden futons and metal futons offered to discerning customers at MoreFutons.

Night and Day Hardwood Futons are an excellent example of competitively-priced wood futons that embody the stylish modern contemporary vibe that is so sought after in today's living spaces. August Lotz wood futons are exceptionally well-crafted and have a similarly distinctive contemporary feel that is more than capable of keeping up with an upscale interior. Big Tree futons are right up this alley as well; refined and attractive to the point where you might think "wow, that's a futon frame?" The fact that they include Simmons mattresses, renowned for quality, is another plus.

Metal futons blend well with more modern themes, and Elite Products makes a number of attractive and modern-styled varieties that feature both quality construction and unbeatably reasonable pricing. For those looking to add the convenience of a futon to an ultra-modern, expressive living space, Innovation USA has the best in eye-catching and artistic / architecturally influenced designs.

There's no limitlessly-funded marketing campaign forthcoming, but perhaps it's time you re-thought the futon.