East West Futons

A few things that ranked our experience at East West Futons the best, and why we ultimately chose to buy our futon here.
1. Friendly staff or owners. If the two guys working the day we visited were not owners, the behaved as if they were.
2. In stock selection. Not only was our frame and mattress in stock, but there were plenty of covers and pillows ready to take away too. We ended up custom ordering our cover but there was a huge selection of fabric in stock as well.
3. Good price. We were visiting from Peterborough and the selection in town wasn’t great and the price was a bit steep. We saved quite a bit even considering the gas to get down.
4. Nice store. The tunes and high ceilings and bright light from Bloor St. was a joy on a cold winter day.
5. Recommendation from my sister in law who bought at least one futon here.

I decided it was finally time to get rid of my mediocre IKEA futon this spring (after multiple hints from my wife and her parents…)
I looked online and found only a couple of good-​looking futon places in the city, and luckily they are practically right beside each other!
I ended up choosing East West because prices were the same (and usually slightly less) than the other store down the street, but most of all because the vibe and feel of the store was great. We had a great shopping experience here! The staff were friendly and helpful, even on a busy Saturday afternoon with several customers in the store.
We ended up buying a Bristol hardwood frame with no arms which was recommended by the staff due to our space constraints. We felt that the foam piece/​mattress was important too, so we did upgrade to a better quality. They have futon upgrades anywhere from $ 30-​$ 200 I believe. We stayed in the middle of that range and have a super comfy mattress now.
All in all, with adding a good fabric cover, a better mattress, and delivery, we spent just over $ 600, which I think is a steal for the quality and the use we will get out of it.
I definitely recommend East West for futons, and also for any other condo/​apartment furniture you need. We were looking through catalogues and they have some really retro, well-​priced barstools which is next on our furniture list. I’m sure we’ll be back there again soon!

When you need a couch that converts to a bed futons are the choice when you don’t want to deal with the weight and bulk of a fold-​a-​bed couch. After checking out The Futon Store just a few doors east, EW Futons seemed to have a more interesting selection. One futon that jumped out was a metal framed one that had arm rests that clicked into several positions from flat to straight up. That way you could lift one side up slightly to simulate a pillow, or give the look of a day bed. The staff was friendly and very helpful too.

There seems to be only a few places in Toronto where you can get good quality futons, this store, next door and IKEA (but we didn’t like any of the designs there).
It’s quite pricey, about $ 500 up for a good frame, mattress and cover. Cheaper and more versatile than a couch, but depends the reason you’re buying a futon. We did contemplate one at Canadian Tire, but having a good quality, firm mattress was important to us.
You can buy the futon here in pieces, and mix and match the frame, mattress firmness and covers (about $ 40 – 100 ranges). There’s lots more selection here than in the other store. The prices are comparable (this store being a little cheaper) — but they have a longer warranty and a boxing day sale which got us a free cover ($ 50 value).
There’s something about the store that is much more appealing than the dingy old one next door. Bright lights, high ceilings and catchy tunes does make all the difference.
They sell more than just futons here. There are cute animal ottomans (which I“ve only seen at the One of a Kind Show), tables, beds, art, buckwheat pillows etc. I actually got a great glass kitchen table here for my first apartment.
Futons styles vary all over the place, and there is also a type where you can do a custom stained wood frame. If you’re looking for something with a wooden frame, this is your best bet.
Working with the owner, she was extremely helpful with deciding, and we bought one on the spot. We also saved the delivery charge as she helped us load it to the back of our car. Gave us twine (to tie) and extra instructions and nuts and bolts to put it all together. She was so helpful.
Is it worth the value of money? If you want a good standing piece of furniture for the basement or guestroom or apartment you intend to keep, it’s worth it. If you’re planning on replacing it within a year, don’t bother.

East West Futons is slightly confusing because:
a) It will likely be mistaken for «The Futon Store» which is about 4 shops down from East West Futons
b) It really does not even specialize in futons
What East West Futons really does have is a nice assortment of furniture. A few futons, couches, chairs, nesting tables, coffee tables, mirrors, shelving, bookcases and area rugs.
The inventory is modern and some of it appears to be sourced by local craftsmen/​carpenters.
Moderately priced.