Futon covers are both decorative and functional. They are a great way to add style and life to your futon. The strong fabric cover will also serve to protect the futon below it and help give it a longer life. When purchasing a futon cover there will be a few things to consider. The first thing you should do is to measure your futon mattress.
 
 Look at all the dimensions including the thickness. Futons are available in many different thicknesses and you want a cover that will provide a good fit for your mattress. Skipping this step is a real mistake as you could wind up buying a cover that you cannot use. Futon covers with zippers are the best choice as they can be easily removed and washed.
 
 Take a look at the colors and patterns in the room where you have your futon. The futon cover you select should blend in with the rest of the décor of the room. There are many different wonderful futon covers available for low prices so it should not be hard to find one that fits your décor and your budget.
 
 Futon covers will usually run between $30 and $150. It is a good idea to set your budget before you go shopping so you can only look at the ones you can afford. Some styles of futon cover have a print covering both sides. These are great if you plan to flip your futon mattress on occasion.
 
 Another style of futon cover includes a solid color on one side and a print on the other side. All you need to do is turn it over to give your space a somewhat different look. Window pane futon covers have a print on the top that does not go all the way to the edges. A solid color will be on the back and all along the edges.