Sofa Position
Provides upright, everyday seating with a compact footprint. It is designed to fit easily against a wall in apartments, studios, or home offices, offering a dedicated seating area without dominating the room's layout.
Lounger Position
The backrest reclines to create a deep, angled seat. This position is ideal for reading, watching TV, or resting, offering relaxed, extended support that a standard upright chair cannot provide.
Flat Bed Position
Folds completely flat to create a stable sleeping platform. When paired with a 4-inch futon mattress, it creates a comfortable, 7-inch-high twin-size bed that functions as a proper sleeping surface for overnight guests or daily use.
A Foundation Built to Last
Most tri-fold frames on the market use lightweight, fast-growing woods like poplar. We chose 100% solid European beech for a reason. Beech is exceptionally dense and tight-grained, meaning it won't flex, creak, or split at the joints under everyday stress. We built the Hitachi to be a generational piece of furniture, and that requires a foundation that actually holds up to real life.
A Finish That Respects Your Home
Many conventional folding beds coat their frames in synthetic varnishes that can off-gas VOCs into your bedroom. We believe your furniture shouldn't introduce toxins into your home. Instead of sealing our wood under a clear coat, we nourish it with a plant-based oil finish. It protects the frame from within, allows the wood to breathe, and preserves the natural, tactile warmth of the grain—without a drop of synthetic chemicals.
Crafted With Intention
In an industry dominated by "fast furniture" and automated mass-market imports, we took a different approach. The Hitachi is manufactured in Ukraine using traditional woodworking techniques. Our craftsmen understand how to work with solid hardwood, ensuring every joint and slat is shaped with the kind of precision and patience that high-volume overseas factories simply can't replicate.
Gallery
Hitachi Tri-Fold Futon Sofa Bed • Natural
Hitachi Tri-Fold Futon Sofa Bed • Natural
Hitachi Tri-Fold Futon Sofa Bed • Natural
Hitachi Tri-Fold Futon Sofa Bed • Natural
Hitachi Tri-Fold Futon Sofa Bed • Natural
Frequently Asked Questions
What size mattress does the Hitachi Futon Frame accommodate?
The Hitachi Futon Frame is designed to accommodate a twin-size futon mattress. It offers a compact and space-saving solution, making it ideal for smaller rooms or multi-functional spaces.
Is the mattress included?
The frame is sold separately, but our recommended 4-inch all-cotton and cotton-and-wool mattresses are available as easy add-ons right on this page. Whichever mattress you choose, stick to 4–6 inches in thickness — anything thicker, or mattresses with foam, latex, or
spring layers, won't fold cleanly with the frame in all three positions.
Is this good for everyday sleeping?
Yes. The flat bed position creates a stable, fully-supported platform. When paired with one of our 4-inch futon mattresses, it creates a comfortable 7-inch-high twin bed—functioning as a proper everyday sleeper, not just a makeshift emergency guest surface.
Does the Hitachi Futon Frame require assembly?
Yes, the Hitachi Futon Frame requires assembly. It comes with all the necessary hardware and easy-to-follow instructions, making the process straightforward. With basic tools and a little time, you can set up your futon frame for use.
How does the tri-fold design work?
The tri-fold design of the Hitachi Futon Frame allows the mattress to be folded into different configurations, providing versatility as a sofa, lounger, or bed. This makes the frame perfect for those who need flexible seating and sleeping options in one piece of furniture.
Where is the Hitachi Futon Frame made?
The Hitachi Futon Frame is made in Ukraine, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Like other natural futon frames from this region, the Hitachi frame is built using traditional woodworking techniques to ensure durability and a long-lasting product.
Why do you use solid beech instead of other hardwoods?
Many futon frames use softer, less expensive woods like poplar, which are vulnerable to flexing and wear over time. We use 100% solid, FSC®-certified European beech because it is exceptionally dense, tight-grained, and built to withstand the daily stress of converting from a sofa to a bed without splitting or wearing down at the joints.
What does "hand-rubbed natural oil finish" mean?
For our Natural, Walnut, and Smoke options, a plant-based linseed oil is rubbed directly into the wood fiber rather than applied as a surface coating. It protects the wood from within, preserves its tactile feel, and contains zero synthetic chemicals or VOCs. We also offer an Unfinished option for those who want the pure, bare wood or wish to apply their own custom stain.
Want to learn more before deciding?
Hitachi vs. Nirvana vs. KD Frames: Which Tri-Fold Is Worth Buying? — a detailed side-by-side comparison of the three most common tri-fold frames on the market, covering wood species, finish, construction mechanism, platform height, and mattress ecosystem.
Bi-Fold or Tri-Fold: How to Choose the Right Futon Frame — if you're still deciding on the format, this guide breaks down the key differences in mechanism, footprint, and use case to help you land on the right frame type before committing.
How to Choose a Futon Mattress Based on Your Frame and Setup — once you've chosen the frame, this guide covers what to look for in a mattress: thickness, fill material, foldability, and how to match it to the way you'll actually use it.
