Author: Belfan

Issues discussed in the material:

• What to consider when choosing a sofa?
• What shapes and sizes of sofas are there?
• Which sofa is better to choose based on the transformation mechanism?
• What color of the sofa should I choose?
• What material should you choose a sofa from?

In modern interiors of living rooms or bedrooms there is always a sofa. It is installed as a place to rest and sleep. The range of this furniture is represented by many models of different types. Sofas may differ in their assembly mechanism, upholstery material, design, purpose, etc. Each furniture has its own service life, and sooner or later there comes a time when it requires replacement. In this article we will tell you how to choose a sofa that will suit you best in terms of its properties.

Where to start choosing a sofa

Few buyers have extensive experience and knowledge in choosing upholstered furniture. Before buying a sofa, it is important to understand what its main purpose will be. Many people choose a sofa as a bed for sleeping every day. In other cases, the product plays the role of a place to relax. The next step is to decide on the quality of the sofa.

To assess the quality of upholstered furniture, experts check the frame, filling and upholstery. The color and appearance of the sofa should be selected to match the existing design of the room. Basically, this furniture is purchased based on the shade of the walls of the room. The sofa should look harmonious in the room.

Before choosing a sofa for your home, you should carefully consider the concept of the room's interior. All elements of furnishings and decor must be interconnected. Any addition needs to be thought through. If you are leaning towards classic models, you can consider sofas with a wooden frame. They usually have upholstery in universal shades, suitable for any interior. If you want to see a more modern model in your room, pay attention to high-tech furniture. But here you need to thoroughly think through the design of the room so that the sofa looks appropriate.

Sofa shapes

Types of sofas by shape:

• straight;
• corner;
• with ottoman;
• modular;
• island.

• Straight sofas are the most common and versatile option. You can choose the color and size of the product to suit any interior.

Straight sofas are most often installed near walls. The design may include built-in countertops, minibars and folding shelves. These models are also used for sleeping.

• A model such as a corner sofa is also popular. When choosing this product, you should not confuse it with another design - a sofa with an ottoman (a wide soft ottoman). This is a separate element and usually has a niche for storage.
• Sofas with an ottoman are usually installed as corner sofas. At the same time, there is a significant saving of space in the room. Such sofas are convenient to choose as a place for daily sleep.
• A modular product is a combination of several blocks that are assembled into a single structure. The modules can also be used separately. A modular system may include a sleeping place, but usually their main purpose is to relax and complement the interior.

There are a large number of such sofas on the market with different types of designs. The model will be a good option for a small studio apartment.

• In stores you can also find such a model as an island sofa. This furniture is chosen by special connoisseurs, as the products really look noble and chic. The shape of sofas can be round, semicircular, oval and rectangular. They are installed in living rooms as a relaxing place. The products should be positioned in such a way that they can be easily approached from all sides.

Top best models with Eurobook layout mechanism

GRAND Dallas

A high-quality model, created using high-quality materials. There are two sleeping places. A convenient transformation method will prevent damage to the mechanism and main parts. Decorative pillows included. There are comfortable armrests that do not lose their attractive appearance over time. Birch plywood and coniferous timber were used to make the frame; these species are known for their good strength characteristics.

The average cost is 58,700 rubles.

GRAND Dallas

Advantages:

• Convenient transformation;
• Removable pillow covers;
• Good filling;
• Linen box;
• Durability.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Sofa League Chester

A good and budget option that is suitable for installation in a corner. The design is double and can withstand high loads. The height of the product is 90 cm. The corner location can be either on the right or on the left, which is a convenient solution. Sold in 5 popular colors, so finding a product to suit your own decor will not be difficult. Fabric upholstery has good wear-resistant parameters and will last for a long time.

The average cost is 39,500 rubles.

Sofa League Chester

Advantages:

• Low cost;
• Attractive execution;
• Reliability;
• Durable design;
• Convenient transformation;
• Location of corners.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Solo-M “FRANKO”

Attractive design that is made of durable materials and will last for a long period. The product is suitable for installation in both the living room and bedroom. Sold in several colors, including orange, which will add unusualness. Spring block type - independent springs. Back cushions included. Below there is a linen drawer, which has good capacity.

Average price: from 39,000 rubles.

Solo-M “FRANKO”

Advantages:

• Attractive execution;
• Optimal height;
• No need to move away from the wall when transforming;
• Wall back;
• Convenience;
• 120 kg per bed.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Sofa sizes

Before purchasing a product, you need to determine what size sofa you need. The model can be two- or three-seater. The first option can be chosen by those who live alone and rarely receive guests. The three-seater sofas are very spacious. They are purchased by families with children. The double model can be complemented with comfortable armchairs, as a result you will have a full-fledged place to relax.

Take measurements of the room in advance and determine where the sofa should go. There are often cases when the purchase was made thoughtlessly, and the product turned out to be too large for the room.

Which sofa is better to choose based on the transformation mechanism

Transformation mechanisms include sofa layout options. If you have never encountered the choice of upholstered furniture, at first it may be difficult to understand what complex names and descriptions of products mean. However, dealing with this issue is quite simple.

Which sofa mechanism to choose? There are three product options: folding, rolling out and unfolding. The first group includes sofas of the “book”, “eurobook” and “click-click” models. The second category includes models of the “telescope”, “tick-tock”, and dolphin types.” The last group includes “accordion” and “folding bed” sofas.

The most popular are rotary designs. Corner sofas are made on their basis: one part is rotated to the second, and the result is a solid surface.

• “Book” and “Eurobook”.

Many people are familiar with the “book” and “eurobook” designs, since such sofas were produced back in Soviet times. A product of this type is unfolded by moving the part of the sofa close to the wall. Usually there is a storage niche under the seat.

The “eurobook” model is a complicated mechanism of a simple “book”. The layout system is almost the same, the difference is that here the seat moves forward. The design is considered one of the most reliable. If you are thinking about which sofa to choose so that it will serve for many years, you can choose this model.

• Click-clack.

You can choose a sofa of the “click-clack” model. What are the features of this design? In addition to the main ones, the product has intermediate layout options: “reclining” and “half-sitting”. The components of the sofa are a metal frame and wooden armor. The latter elements are prone to breakage under heavy loads. This sofa can be purchased for children or for entertaining guests.

There are models with a similar design - “lit”. These sofas have armrests that fold out and the backrest remains in place.

• Telescope (roll-out).

The telescope design consists of three blocks. Two of them form the seat, the third - the back. The sofa unfolds like this: first you need to pull out the bottom of the seat, then lower the back, and fill the remaining empty space with a mattress. Disadvantages of this model: the sleeping place is located very low; frequent layouts leave scratches on the floor.

• Accordion.

You can choose a sofa with an accordion layout. How does this design work? The product consists of three elements (a seat and two parts that form the back). To lay out the sofa, you need to pull out the seat until all three elements are in the same plane.

Accordion-type structures are made on wooden frames with metal hinges and on solid metal frames with wooden armor. The second design option is suitable for daily use.

• "Tick-tock" (pantograph).

This model has a mechanism similar to the “Eurobook”. The difference is that in the tick-tock design the seat is pulled out by a spring. This model is more expensive, but it has an undeniable advantage - the absence of wheels, so the floor does not get scratched. This sofa is convenient to purchase as a main bed.

Dolphin

"Dolphin" unfolded.

More often, “dolphin” is found in corner models. To unfold, you need to pull the strap on the bottom of the seat, under which there is a hidden section. It seems to “emerge” from under the sofa, which is why the mechanism got its name. The result is a flat bed without joints. To fold it back, you need to pull the strap up at an angle, and the section will fold inward. The additional pillow is located inside the structure, so in straight models there is no space for a linen drawer.

Pros:

• The backrest does not fold, you can lean on it comfortably - like on the high headboard of a soft bed.
• The “dolphin” does not require free space near the wall to operate.

Minuses:

• Straight models do not have a linen drawer.
• The inner section can weigh a lot (depending on the size and features of the specific model). It will be more difficult for children to unfold such a sofa.
• In cheaper models, the levels of the inner section and seat may vary. Because of this, the sleeping surface may be uneven. Be careful when choosing.

Which sofa color to choose

An important aspect of choosing upholstered furniture is the color of the product. When it comes to choosing the color of a sofa, expert advice will help you. Here are popular combinations of shades of furniture and the surrounding interior:

• Monochrome. The upholstery fabric is the same color as the wall. But the shades should not be completely repeated. Use a darker tone for the sofa, for example green, then light green for the walls.
• Neutral tones of the sofa in combination with any interior color. Sofa upholstery in neutral shades harmonizes perfectly with any color combinations in the interior. Often, designers use neutral-colored furniture to offset the brightness and richness of the walls.
• A bright sofa combined with neutral tones in the interior. The contrasting color of the upholstery will act as a kind of accent in the room. The picture will be complemented by decorative items in the same shade.
• Combined. If you don't know what color fabric to choose for your sofa, you can try the following design solution. Furniture is chosen in a color that is completely different from the overall composition in the interior. This makes the design look bright and stylish.

Which frame is better to choose for a sofa?

Before choosing a sofa, you need to decide on the material of the frame - the main part of the furniture, on which the quality of its functioning will depend. The main base options are made of wood, metal or chipboard.

• The wooden frame is characterized by high strength and long service life. The cost of the final product will depend on the type of wood. Particularly high quality are sofas with frames made of beech, oak, walnut and ash. Any wood used in furniture production must be thoroughly dried. Otherwise, the furniture will soon begin to creak and deformations will appear.

• The metal frame is characterized by high strength and reliability. These sofas look stylish and modern. To choose a truly high-quality model, review all connections and welds before purchasing. It is better to choose products with anti-corrosion or chrome coating.
• The chipboard frame is not very durable. Such products do not last long, and after a couple of years you will have to go shopping for a sofa again.
• Frameless sofas. Such models do not have a rigid base, so they easily take the shape of the body. The sofas are easy to care for and are completely safe and reliable. If you are thinking about which sofa to choose for installing in the nursery, this product can be a great option.

Additional items

• Linen box. This is a convenient addition to upholstered furniture, with which you can compactly and safely store children's toys, bed linen, and demi-season items. The most spacious linen drawers are found in sofas with a Eurobook mechanism.
• Niches and shelves. You can place books, magazines, and TV remotes in them. In addition to the practical function, they also perform an aesthetic one. Candles, unusual figurines, collections of children's toys, photographs, and flower arrangements can be conveniently placed in shelves or niches.
• A coffee table is also built into the furniture. This design allows you to simplify the process of drinking tea and make it easier to work on your laptop.
• Some sofas are equipped with spot or LED lighting. It creates a unique atmosphere in a dark room. Manufacturers also build compact minibars into their furniture. They are used for short-term storage of alcoholic beverages.

Which filler to choose for a sofa

All main elements of sofas (back, seat, armrests) have filling. The most popular are foam rubber and polyurethane foam. There is also latex and spring filling.

Products filled only with foam rubber are not reliable or durable. Sofas with solid foam padding perform a little better: they last longer, but after a few years they still sag.

The most popular filling option is polyurethane foam. It is similar in cost to the previous option, but is more durable.

Polyurethane foam filler can be block (sandwich) or cast. In the first option, the main parts of the sofa are glued together. Cast products are cast in factories using special molds.

Many people are concerned about the question of which sofa to choose so that it is both durable and environmentally friendly. We advise you to pay attention to sofas with latex filling. This material is highly elastic, follows the shape of the body and immediately restores its original position. The surface of the sofa is not electrified, mold does not form in it, and the material is hypoallergenic. Latex is the most popular type of padding for orthopedic products.

Spring filling makes the product comfortable, reliable and durable. However, this is only possible if the manufacturer used high-quality spring blocks.

Today, multi-layer filling of sofas is also popular. In this case, different elements are made with different filling densities. Basically, the lowest level is made the densest, then the density of the material decreases - and the surface of the product turns out to be soft and comfortable.

What upholstery to choose for a sofa

An equally important question is what fabric to choose for upholstering the sofa. Buyers are interested in ensuring that the surface of the product can maintain a presentable appearance for a long time. We can say that the durability of a particular sofa model directly depends on the quality of the upholstery material. Leather is considered the highest quality.

Modern manufacturers offer us other upholstery options, which, like leather, satisfy the buyer’s needs for durability and wear resistance. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right sofa upholstery material.

Experts recommend paying attention to the following fact: the presence of Teflon impregnation in the upholstery. This substance gives the sofa water-repellent properties. If you accidentally spill any liquid on the seat, it will not be absorbed into the fabric, but will simply flow down it. Teflon impregnation ensures the product's resistance to dust and dirt. Such sofas have an undeniable advantage - ease of care, which is practically not required.

There are also models with Teflon coating, which performs the same functions as the impregnation described above. But the spraying mechanism itself is simpler, so the final price of the sofa will be lower.

The next material is chenille. It is often equated to skin. Like leather covering, chenille is a very high-quality and valuable material. It is soft, comfortable and highly durable. Many experts recommend purchasing such sofas for installation in a nursery. The coating is stain resistant. If you prefer real luxury and nobility, you should choose leather sofas. Some manufacturers, in order to further increase the cost of the product, cover even the back elements of sofas with leather. It is worth paying attention to this fact in the store to protect yourself from unnecessary overpayment.

Famous companies issue a passport for each of their products. It usually describes the main properties of the model. Before choosing a sofa for your home, you should carefully check the described characteristics. The furniture must also be inspected from the outside. The leather covering should not contain visible scratches, damage or stains.

Another type of upholstery is microfiber. The material is considered modern, as it is not used in production for long. Microfiber is a reliable, wear-resistant fabric. The production of products includes Teflon treatment, which makes them resistant to any kind of contamination. Microfiber is a very durable material that is difficult to deform. Such sofas do not fade in the sun, and the fabric does not fade.

A popular type of furniture upholstery is flock. Just as in the previous version, it is used because of its high strength and wear resistance. This material is perfect if you keep animals in your home. The fabric is resistant to scratches and other deformations. The range is presented in various textures that will brighten up any interior. A flock sofa will harmonize with both classic and modern interior design. The only drawback of this upholstery is that it absorbs odors well. The sofa cannot be installed in the kitchen or dining room.

If you love colorful colorful pillows, consider chenille. The range includes materials with all sorts of textures and patterns. Chenille is an ideal upholstery fabric for pillows: the material is not magnetic, does not fade in the sun, is soft and pleasant to the touch.

Beautiful, noble fabric for furniture – velor. The material has a fleecy surface, which makes it look very elegant, while at the same time creating comfort and warmth. This is a high-quality fabric, as it does not shrink, does not stretch, and is highly durable. The disadvantage of the material is susceptibility to contamination.

Matting is a solid, noble fabric. Upholstered furniture made from matting looks very voluminous. This upholstery is durable and easy to care for. Thanks to the special texture of the fabric, small stains are practically invisible. Therefore, such furniture can be safely installed in the hallway or kitchen. If you are thinking about which sofa to choose if there is a pet in the house, it is better to pay attention to other models. Scratches cause the matting to tighten, and this damage is almost impossible to remove.

The most popular upholstery material is tapestry. It belongs to wear-resistant fabrics. Soft and comfortable, it is easy to care for: it can be washed and treated with chemical compounds. Tapestry sofas are chosen for installation in children's rooms or country houses. Manufacturers produce a huge range of colors and textures of this material.

Linen products are slightly less popular. The material is practical and environmentally friendly, but the appearance of linen fabric is not so attractive - it is nondescript and hard to the touch.

How to choose a sofa for the living room, nursery and kitchen

• Living room.

The most advantageous option for a living room is a corner sofa with high backs and armrests. It is better to choose soft and deep seats that clearly follow the shape of the body. Wood is suitable as a frame. Choose natural, breathable upholstery fabric. These are linen, cotton, a mixture of wool and synthetic fabric. Materials such as flock, velor, and velvet are also suitable.

Which sofa to choose for a seating area with a TV? A model for 2-3 seats is suitable. It is better to choose a metal frame, since such models are more compact. Choose the degree of softness of the seat and the height of the backrest at your discretion. It is better that the seat covering is resistant to stains, since many people like to eat in the living room. For example, it can be leather or leather substitutes, as well as polyester and acrylic.

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• Children's room.

The criteria for choosing a sofa for installation in a nursery are brightness, colorful upholstery, as well as safety and environmental friendliness of materials. Solid wood sofas are suitable. For upholstery, choose hypoallergenic, lint-free fabrics (linen, cotton, chenille). To choose a truly high-quality piece of furniture, it is better to immediately go to a good, reputable manufacturer. Don't skimp on children's furniture. The shape of the sofa should also be safe. Make sure that the product does not have sharp corners or hard edges.

• Kitchen.

Manufacturers offer a huge range of corner sofas for the kitchen. It is better to choose models with high seats (50 cm from the floor) and medium-hard pillows. Give preference to sofas with a metal frame. Metal parts must be chrome-plated or painted or made of stainless materials. When purchasing wooden structures, you should understand that they require more complex maintenance. In this case, it is better to choose moisture-resistant models (oak, larch) - they are usually made to order.

If you are deciding which sofa to choose for small kitchens, it is better to purchase products with storage systems under the seats. It is convenient to store kitchen utensils, as well as cereals and some products.

When viewing sofa options in a store, carefully study the properties of the upholstery. The advantage is moisture-resistant fabrics that are stain-resistant. It is important that the surface of the kitchen sofa does not absorb odors. Good options would be eco-leather, microfiber, and synthetic materials. Linen or cotton materials are also suitable, but only if they are pre-treated with a water-repellent solution.

Before the purchase

There is no need to buy the first option you like right away. It is important to know that most models are divided into two types:

• Guests. The peculiarity of this option is its low cost. But the furniture is intended for infrequent use, as the mechanism wears out quickly. Therefore, the choice should be approached with caution.
• For daily use. This is an excellent, but usually expensive option that will last a long time. The retractable mechanisms are convenient and do not wear out as quickly as in the previous model.

The purchase will be profitable and enjoyable only if a person is willing to take the time to study some of the characteristics. There are not many of them here, but you should know about them, as they will help you find a suitable option in a short time.

Dimensions

To find a suitable option, the area of ​​the room is taken into account, after which the dimensions of the sofa are determined. If a person has an average build and short stature, then finding a good option will not be difficult, it is only important to know:

• For one person, the optimal size is 80x200 cm;
• If you buy a double version, it is recommended to pay attention to models where the dimensions are 150x200 cm.

The dimensions described above may be inconvenient for tall people; in this case, you need to select a sleeping place based on your height. There is nothing complicated, especially when calculating the length, because you need to add 20 cm to your height. But you will have to try hard to determine the width. To begin, the user needs to fold his arms across his chest, then spread his elbows to the sides. Next, you will need the help of a second person to measure the distance from one elbow to the other. Adds 10 cm to the result obtained.

Where is it better to buy a sofa: in a regular or online store?

If you have already decided on the sofa model and are familiar with the properties of the designs and upholstery, you can order the product in the online store. Here you can quickly select the right option, since all models are before your eyes. In an offline store, in the halls, only a small part of all models is usually displayed. To see all the options, you will be offered catalogs, and you will learn about the characteristics of the sofas from the consultant’s story.

How to choose and buy a sofa in an online store? Internet services usually do not require upfront fees. After receiving delivery, you will have the opportunity to evaluate the product and, if it does not suit you, refuse to purchase. Before ordering, you can go to the store’s showroom, where you can better examine and monitor the quality of the models. If you don’t know what kind of sofa you need and want to inspect it, as well as find out the cost, you can visit a furniture center with furniture from leading manufacturers.

• What marketing ploys should you not believe?

Some sellers offer favorable low prices for goods in an online store, but you will not find such a product in a real center. The consultant will inform you that this furniture is out of stock, and then try to lure you with another product, but at a higher price.

• Do I need to require a guarantee and for how long?

According to the standard, the guarantee for upholstered furniture items is 18 months. However, what is important here is what the seller promises after this period. If the product was purchased from an intermediary, it is quite possible that if the sofa breaks down, they will refuse help and refer you to the manufacturer. It will be extremely difficult to get any action from the seller. Therefore, before purchasing a product, it is important to make sure that the store has its own service team, which will repair the sofa.

Breakage and damage to upholstered furniture is, unfortunately, a common problem. All sofas are assembled by hand and therefore have their own service life. Before choosing a sofa, you should make sure that the seller is ready to fulfill its obligations to correct defects.

Popular manufacturers

In the ranking of the best sofas, the first lines are occupied by the following manufacturing companies:

• "Pinskdrev", Belarus;
• Bentsony, Italy;
• Bellus, a Scandinavian concern;
• Ikea, Sweden;
• Dlinestyle, Ukraine;
• Pohjanmaan, Finland.

The best sofa manufacturers in Russia are Slavyanskaya Mebel, Pegasus, Sapsan and Lerroy. In addition, KRISTIE and ANDERSSEN are on the list of popular companies; they are considered to produce the highest quality corner sofas. The products of each of the listed brands are worthy of attention; they are characterized by the highest quality, a variety of shapes and sizes, and the availability of certificates of conformity and warranty cards. All furniture companies have different pricing policies, so when choosing a sofa you should also take into account the budget allocated for its purchase.

Rival

Slavic furniture

Bellus

Bentsony

Pinskdrev

Final tips on how to choose the right sofa

• The first step is to understand where you want to install the sofa. It is necessary to take measurements of the room and the area where it will be installed. This will make it easier for you to correctly determine the required dimensions of the product.
• The second step is to decide what you are buying a sofa for (for relaxing in the living room or as a main sleeping place). It is important to take into account the weight of the person for whom the model is being purchased (child or adult). These factors will help you choose the necessary transformation mechanism for the product.
• When purchasing, you need to check the quality of the transforming mechanism. Metal elements must be thick enough (from 3 mm). Monitor the quality of all connections.
• Before choosing a sofa, see if its density suits you. To do this, you can sit down or even lie down on it. The sofa should not creak - this indicates errors in the assembly of the frame.
• All seams and staples must be straight. Also evaluate how well the back surface of the product is upholstered. This indicates the seller's integrity.

How to extend service life

Any expert will confirm that a high-quality sofa should last at least 15 years, and only then start to break down. If this happens earlier, it means either the person used the design incorrectly or bought a low-quality product. Even a cheap sofa can last 10 years if you care for it properly. To do this you only need to perform a few steps:

• Never exceed the maximum bed load. The sofa is sensitive to any changes. You shouldn’t think that if a person weighs a little more than permissible, then there won’t be any problems.
• Children should be explained that the sofa is not a trampoline, so they cannot jump on it. And adults are not recommended to stand up to their full height, as this spoils the inside.
• In order for the mechanism to serve for a long period, it must be periodically maintained: cleaned of dust, dirt, lubricated dry places, etc.
• The fastening must be periodically tightened or simply checked. This will help avoid unforeseen situations;
• To clean the sofa, you do not need to use folk remedies; it is better to use a special vacuum cleaner or contact a cleaning service. It is important to understand that dry cleaning will cost less than completely replacing upholstery materials.