Even with the most ascetic design of a living room, there is always a sofa in it. Often this piece of furniture performs two functions: during the day it serves as a relaxation area, and at night it turns into a sleeping place. If you need to buy just such a folding sofa, choose it not only by the color of the upholstery.
Durability largely depends on which transformation mechanism is used. If you plan to constantly lay out the sofa, then it should be a comfortable, simple and reliable design. Almost all models that can be bought can be divided into main types of sofas according to the type of transformation. Based on these criteria, you need to make an initial choice, and then decide on the color scheme and texture of the sofa upholstery
Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Book”
One of the oldest designs, on the basis of which other sofa folding mechanisms were developed. The book sofa is a time-tested classic at an affordable price, which still remains one of the most popular.
Pros: reliable mechanism that can be used often without damaging the components. Easy to use and almost instant layout.
How to put the mechanism into action: everything is very simple. The seat rises up until there is a characteristic click, then falls down. The back and seat of the sofa form one horizontal plane. The reverse transformation follows the same principle.
What to pay attention to: it is impossible to move the sofa close to the wall, because due to the design features, a small gap is needed between the wall and the back.
Read more about sofas with book mechanism
Sofa transformation mechanism “Click-clack”
This is one of the modernized varieties of sofa-book. The mechanism earned its unusual and funny name thanks to the sounds that arise during unfolding. Unlike most folding sofas, the click-klyak can be transformed into three positions: a regular sofa, a bed and a reclining position.
Pros: Ideal for small rooms. It is convenient to sleep on it, since when unfolded it is completely devoid of any joints.
How to put the mechanism into action: the mechanism is very similar to the one in the sofa-book. The seat is raised to a certain level, then lowered.
What to pay attention to: even the shortcomings of this design are similar to those of a book sofa. For free use, you need to leave some free space near the wall.
More information about sofas with a klyak klyak
Forms and types of fillers
Before you start assembling the structure, you need to familiarize yourself with the main types of sofas.
Straight
Such products are considered the most common, and therefore they are found in almost every apartment. Furniture of this type is considered universal, as it is suitable for both the living room and bedrooms. The advantages of straight sofas include:
- variety of models;
- attractive appearance;
- affordable price.
Angular
Recently, corner varieties of sofas have become popular. They are ideal for installation in large bedrooms or living rooms. Such furniture is not suitable for compact rooms, as it is very large. Among the advantages of corner products are:
Modular
A modular sofa is furniture that is made of several removable modules. The distinctive features of the product include:
- the ability to independently model the appearance;
- mobility;
- Possibility of installation in compact and large rooms.
Spring
The oldest sofas are those that use ordinary springs as the main fillers. Nowadays they are rarely purchased, since modern sofa models use other, higher quality fillings.
Foam rubber
Most sofas add a filler such as foam rubber. Such products have the following qualities:
- Density. Furniture with high density has a long service life.
- Elasticity. Foam products are quite elastic.
- Reliability. Foam rubber is considered a reliable material that does not deteriorate for a long time.
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Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Accordion”
A sofa with an accordion folding mechanism can be found in any store, because this is one of the options in demand among consumers. The name “accordion” means that the parts of the sofa are assembled and laid out like an accordion.
Pros: the bed is wide and high, and when folded the sofa does not take up much space. Can be placed close together.
How to put the mechanism into action: the working surface consists of three parts. In the sofa position, one of them serves as a seat, and the other two form the backrest. The sofa folds forward in one motion. All three parts are laid horizontally, forming a continuous berth.
What to pay attention to: transverse joints can cause discomfort while sleeping, especially after using the sofa for several years.
Read more about sofas with accordion
General recommendations
When studying which mechanism for transforming sofas is better, you should take into account a number of recommendations. There is a generally accepted rule. All sofas are divided into guest types and those intended for daily sleep. If the mechanism is selected correctly, the furniture will last a long time and its operation will be comfortable.
If the sofa will be folded out often (sleeping type), you should not purchase products with a complex folding procedure. In this case, the simpler the better. Guest sofas, on the contrary, are not designed for daily movement of the system, so their mechanism will not be as durable as that of sleeping varieties.
You should also pay attention to such criteria as the maximum load of the berth, the orthopedic qualities of the model, its appearance, the layout procedure, the comfort of the berth, as well as the comfort in the sitting position. Therefore, the sofa transformation mechanism is an important factor influencing the choice.
Mechanism for transforming the sofa “Roll-out”
A roll-out sofa consists of armrests and three moving parts connected to each other. The very first part, which just pulls out, is a wooden roll-out frame that serves as a seat or base for the legs. The other two parts unfold after the first, taking their position.
Pros: simple, convenient, reliable. When folded, it takes up little space.
How to put the mechanism into action: you just need to pull the seat towards you, the other parts will also begin to move. The remaining free space, depending on the design, is filled with pillows or a sofa backrest.
What to pay attention to: After unfolding, the height of the bed becomes lower. For tall people, a roll-out design is not the best option, as it is uncomfortable to sit on the bed.
Read more about sofas with a roll-out mechanism
What should be the filling of a sofa for sleeping?
To understand which sofa is best for daily sleep, you need to learn about some of the features of their fillings. They can be spring or foam.
Spring blocks
Springs provide elasticity to the seat and have orthopedic qualities. But at the same time, during operation they can begin to creak, wear out, sometimes break and pierce the outer upholstery. Therefore, you should not save on spring blocks. There are two types of spring blocks that are used in the manufacture of sofas - dependent and independent.
Bonnell type spring blocks consist of dependent springs. This is the cheapest version of a spring block, in which when one spring is pressed, all the others also begin to move. This is the main disadvantage of this spring block. In addition, after a certain time, such spring blocks can greatly stretch in the middle part, creating the effect of a hammock. For these reasons, such blocks have a poor orthopedic effect, but a lower price.
For daily sleep, it is recommended to use blocks with independent springs. Such spring blocks have a different design. Here, each spring is sewn into a separate fabric case. Then the springs are formed into strips from which the entire block is assembled. The service life of such a block is longer, and the springs move independently of each other. This achieves a good orthopedic effect. The mattress takes the shape of your body, does not squeak or sag.
Foam fillers
Soft fillers made of silicone, padding polyester or foam rubber are considered hypoallergenic. The foam seat is comfortable to sit on – it is soft and cozy. However, the filler sags very quickly and loses its shape; it must be replaced. Naturally, such sofas are not suitable for constant sleep. You will constantly feel that there is a hard base underneath you, against which your bones will rest.
Transformation mechanism for the “Dolphin” sofa
Most often, corner types of sofas are found with such a mechanism. In them, the second berth is located in a box that is hidden under the seat.
Pros: after adjusting the mechanism, you get a full-fledged double bed.
How to put the mechanism into action: to unfold the Pelican system sofa, you need to pull the block that is hidden in the seat. When it comes out all the way, you need to move the second part of the bed up and down.
What to pay attention to: the basis of the design is wood, the durability of the sofa will depend on its quality.
Read more about sofas with dolphin mechanism
Criterias of choice
When choosing which sofa mechanism is best for every day, Russian furniture buyers take into account:
- reliability of design, operational durability;
- dependence of the cost of the sofa on the complexity of the design;
- how much effort needs to be applied for transformation (relevant for women, old people, children);
- size, comfort of sleeping place;
- good wear resistance of upholstery, filler materials.
The design of a sofa bed is practically independent of the folding mechanism; for a certain interior style you can find sofas of various designs.
Classification by folding type
Separate categories include:
- folding sofas;
- roll-out structures;
- rotating (modular) transforming sofas;
- step structures;
- lifting transformation mechanisms.
Among each type of transformable furniture, there are several models that are extremely popular due to their qualities.
Mechanism for transforming the sofa “French folding bed”
This option has proven itself well in the last century and remains just as popular today. One of the explanations for this is the affordable price. There are both corner models and regular ones. The French clamshell mechanism provides for transformation in three stages.
Pros: when unfolding, it is impossible to scratch the floor covering.
How to put the mechanism into action: first remove the cushions that serve as a seat. Under them is a mattress folded in three. The mattress unfolds and is supported by metal legs. To turn a bed back into a sofa, all steps are repeated in reverse order.
What to pay attention to: this is primarily a guest option, which is best used if you urgently need to arrange an extra bed for guests. Firstly, the mattress itself turns out to be thin and uncomfortable for daily sleep, and secondly, from frequent use it will wear out faster and become unsuitable for sleeping.
You can pre-select the most suitable option for yourself using the photos that are in the catalogs of furniture stores. It is better to buy only after checking their reliability in action in the store.
More information about sofas with a French folding
"American flip phone"
This mechanism works on the same principle, but has a more massive frame.
To eliminate the need to remove pillows, the Sedaflex modification uses a double-sided frame with upholstery with soft fillers. When the sofa is folded out, the seats go under the bottom of the bed.
But with daily use, standard mats easily wrinkle, forming deep folds. Therefore, expensive models are equipped with a removable orthopedic mattress.
Transformation mechanism for the Puma sofa
Sofas with a folding mechanism “Puma” appeared relatively recently, but have already gained well-deserved popularity. The design principle of its operation is based on the graceful and swift movements of a puma during a jump. Such models are very easy to move and durable.
Pros: thanks to the features of the walking mechanism with a synchronizer, the loads are distributed evenly. Unfolding the sofa does not require much effort, and the process itself takes no more than three seconds.
How to operate the mechanism: it is necessary to remove additional cushions from the seat. Pull the seat towards you while lifting it. The section moves forward and is lowered onto legs or a retractable support. The hidden lower section is simultaneously lifted into the vacated space.
What to pay attention to: the design does not provide built-in drawers for linen.
Read more about sofas with Puma mechanism
Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Venice”
A new product from furniture manufacturers with the poetic name of the “Venice” mechanism quickly gained popularity. With a few simple movements, a small comfortable sofa turns into a comfortable sleeping place of a decent size.
Pros: to expand the bed, the sofa does not need to be moved away from the wall, and the structure itself can easily withstand a load of up to 300 kg.
How to operate the mechanism: minimal effort required. Simply pull one or two sewn-in loops on the front side of the lower block. The activated mechanism simultaneously extends the top section and the hidden headrest. As soon as the sections are extended all the way, you need to pull the outermost block up to the level of the others.
What to pay attention to: When moving forward, the blocks rest on wheels, which can leave marks on carpets, parquet or laminate floors.
Read more about sofas with Venice mechanism
Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Pantograph”
Sofas with the Pantograph transformation system have long and firmly occupied their niche, being in demand among consumers. A simple and reliable mechanism guarantees long-term and impeccable service of the products, and the variety of models offered only fuels interest in this type of folding sofas.
Pros: during the transformation process, the supporting elements do not come into contact with the floor, preserving the appearance of the floor covering or carpet. The design provides for linen drawers.
How to activate the mechanism: only three steps are required. The seat is raised using special handles and pulled towards itself. After which it lowers to the floor in a smooth, arched movement. The backrest is lowered into the free space with the back side up.
What to pay attention to: on straight models with standard seat widths and backrest heights, only one person can sleep lengthwise. And the wider options are uncomfortable to sit on.
More information about sofas with a pantograph mechanism
Features of the frame, upholstery and design
Upholstery suitable for daily sleep
Upholstery is made from natural, synthetic and mixed fabrics. Please note some features of the materials:
- leather upholstery looks beautiful and lasts a long time, but bed linen slides on it, rolls up or bunches up at the feet;
- fabric with natural wool does not slip, but can be pricked;
- The best choice is a mixed fabric containing synthetic and cotton fibers;
- beautiful velor or flock fabrics wear out over a couple of years from frequent use and lose their luxurious appearance;
- jacquard upholstery is quite resistant to abrasion and fading, but it is quite expensive.
The most common fabrics used for sofa upholstery:
Flock
Chenille
Velours
Gozhka
When choosing upholstery, the color of the fabric is also taken into account. On fabric with a pattern, stains are less noticeable, plain fabric looks more stylish and is suitable for the living room, and for a nursery it is better to choose a two- or three-color option.
What is a quality sofa frame made of?
The frame of a sofa intended for constant sleep must be durable and of high quality. The best option is a wood frame. But all manufacturers are trying to reduce production costs. Therefore, most often the frame is made of wood and chipboard. When choosing a sofa, you need to make sure that the chipboard used to make it is laminated or coated with paint.
The thing is that chipboard, especially new ones, can emit formaldehydes, which are harmful to health. Therefore, it is prohibited to use non-laminated chipboard for furniture production, but some manufacturers may ignore this requirement.
In addition, pay attention to the build quality of various components. All parts must be fitted accurately and securely fastened.
Sofas without transformation mechanism
Fixed sofas are solid structures on a durable frame that do not have built-in mechanisms. The maximum that manufacturers offer is lifting seats, under which linen drawers are hidden. Nevertheless, often the purchase of just such a sofa is completely justified.
Pros: the absence of complex mechanisms affects the cost and characteristics. Such models, as a rule, have budget prices. They weigh less and are more compact. They have more comfortable, ergonomic backrests that support the back of a sitting person. Such products last longer, since there is simply nothing to break in them. And even after ten to fifteen years, it is enough to reupholster them, replacing the filling, so that the sofa finds a new life.
What to pay attention to: you won’t be able to sleep comfortably on such a sofa, since it is not intended for sleeping.
