How to make a sofa with your own hands at home - drawings, step-by-step instructions, videos with master classes

DIY sofa bed

A sofa bed is one of the most practical pieces of dual-use furniture. We have prepared for you a selection of examples of how to make a sofa bed from wood with your own hands - the best options for home projects. There are many different styles of sofa beds that you can make yourself - with storage drawers, simple daybeds, wooden futons, sectional sofas for guests, pull-out sofa beds and there are probably many more designs. Whether you're a hobbyist looking to save money or an experienced woodworker, here are some interesting options to choose from to suit your tastes. If you have a plan and step-by-step instructions, making a sofa bed is not difficult. You can even come up with your own design by combining aspects of different projects. Just get creative, but remember to measure twice and cut once!

Types of modern sofas

The range of sofas is incredibly diverse. They differ in design, type of material and method of upholstery, construction, and shape. Models are classified according to the following criteria:

configurations;
purpose;
number of seats;
type of transformation.

According to the configuration, sofas can be straight, corner, island and transformable. Classic straight products are perfect for arranging rooms of any shape and size. You can place a model of a suitable size against a wall, in a corner, in front of a window or in the central part of the room. They are considered the most popular among all.

Corner sofas are L- or U-shaped. This allows you to use the space in the corners of the bedroom, which are most often empty. The models occupy a minimal amount of usable space, so this is an excellent option for small spaces.

Island ones can have a U-shaped or round shape. They are designed specifically for installation in the center of a certain area of the room. Such models are suitable only for spacious rooms, as a place to relax. And folding products are an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

Transformable sofas easily turn into a full-fledged sleeping place. There are quite a few folding mechanisms, the most famous among them: book, euro-book, dolphin, click-clack, clamshell, accordion. In addition, there are non-standard transforming models. For example, a wardrobe-bed-sofa or a product that becomes a pair of armchairs with a small table.

According to their purpose, sofas are distinguished for relaxation and sleep. The former, as a rule, do not fold out, and the latter are divided into models for daily use and guest ones.

According to the number of seats, sofas can be compact, designed for 2-3 people, and large, designed for 5 or more people. However, there is no single standard for size. Products from different manufacturers differ significantly in the size of one seat.

If you want, you can make any sofa with your own hands. The main thing is to take a serious approach to the selection of materials, transformation mechanism, and type of pillows.

Design advantages

Furniture that has several functions will help out if you need to place a fairly large number of sleeping places in a house or apartment, but at the same time there is a desire to preserve free space. In general, this model is popular among owners of compact living spaces. Small-sized apartments and studio apartments are vivid examples of how using a sofa bed you can increase the usable area and make it attractive using bright upholstery colors and eye-catching decorative elements.

Sofa beds are relevant for almost every family member, with the exception of those who should sleep exclusively on orthopedic mattresses.

When folded, the sofa bed is compact

What you need to make your own sofa

So, how to make a sofa in order to end up with a beautiful and high-quality product? Work should begin by completing a drawing of the future model, preparing the necessary tools and materials.

Having settled on a specific design, shape, and size of the product, you need to draw a diagram of each part indicating the dimensions. This will help to correctly calculate the amount of materials for the frame, sealing, upholstery fabric, select the transformation mechanism, fittings, and decorative elements.

In the process of work you will need the following basic tools:

jigsaw or wood saw;
hand or electric drill;
pneumatic stapler or furniture nails with special heads;
screwdriver or screwdriver;
grinder or plane;
knife, scissors, tape measure, pencil.

You will have to stock up on the following materials, the configuration of which depends on the type of sofa, its design, and type of seat:

wooden beams with a diameter of 40-50 mm;
plywood, boards, slats, furniture boards, sheet chipboard, MDF;
screws, nails, drills, furniture glue;
foam rubber with a thickness of at least 50 mm;
batting, padding polyester or any other sealant;
upholstery fabric;
one type of seating: ready-made mattresses, spring blocks, polyurethane base.

Scheme and drawing

Before manufacturing any piece of furniture, it is necessary to prepare a competent drawing with all dimensions . There are different methods for this:

You can find a suitable option on the Internet. Most people prefer this option. Depending on personal wishes and preferences, the found drawing can be modified and improved.
You can contact a specialized company for the manufacture and assembly of furniture. Here they will not only make a truly thoughtful diagram of future furniture in all projections, but will also offer to cut out the necessary details. All that remains for you is to assemble the furniture correctly, according to the diagram you have on hand.
Use special computer programs. They will accurately calculate all dimensions and provide a drawing in three variations.

Each user chooses the best option for himself. Some even prefer to draw the diagram of the sofa themselves on a piece of paper. But for this you need to have some experience in making furniture items.

Do-it-yourself corner sofa - step-by-step instructions

Making a corner sofa with your own hands is not at all difficult. Using these step-by-step instructions, you can make a classic model in a standard size.

To work, you will need the tools specified in the previous paragraph of the article, and the following materials:

timber 50 mm thick (frame);
Fiberboard (bottom);
Laminated chipboard (base, armrests);
plywood (frame covering);
foam rubber 100 mm thick, padding polyester;
agrotextiles, upholstery fabric;
fastening screws, self-tapping screws, corners, nails;
legs (stable, low);
furniture glue, nylon thread.

Stages of work:

Draw a drawing indicating the dimensions of each design detail.
Cut out the side parts from the fiberboard and cut the timber.
Align the two sides of the long part of the sofa, attach horizontal and vertical bars to them using fastening screws. Each post must have four attachment points.
Using the same principle, assemble the short part of the product.
Sheathing of frames. All elements are fastened with self-tapping screws. Attach laminated chipboard to the backs. Cover the seats with plywood, the bottom with fiberboard sheets.
Assemble the armrest frames, attach them to the main structure with corners, and cover them with chipboard.
Attach four legs to the bottom of each part using corners.
Cover the seats and backs with foam rubber. Sidewalls - one layer of padding polyester, armrests - 3-4 layers of padding polyester. For strength, stitch the joints of the seal with nylon thread.
Upholster the product with agrotextiles. This will prevent premature wear of the sofa surface and foam rubber. Then attach the main fabric.

The whole process can be clearly seen in the video below:

Note! When upholstering, it is important to ensure that the material is evenly stretched and the pattern matches.

Back

Frame corner sofa
No less important in this matter is the collection of a strong back for the sofa. Since this version of the sofa is quite simple and does not provide for a folding system, the backrest is made in the same way with a frame base. The backrest is fixed to the base using thick metal corners as tightly as possible. How much the back will be tilted is up to you to decide, based on your feelings.

DIY sofa bed

As a rule, such models are chosen in studio rooms or when it is not possible to fit a double bed in the bedroom. Comfortable, healthy sleep can only be ensured by a product that has orthopedic properties. Therefore, it is better to buy ready-made mattresses for a homemade sofa bed.

The choice of method for transforming a model into a full-fledged sleeping place depends solely on the wishes of its creator. Using the example of making a sofa with the easiest-to-use “Eurobook” mechanism, you can study the main stages of work.

For this you will need the following materials:

two mattresses;
beam;
Chipboard, fibreboard, plywood;
thin foam rubber, synthetic winterizer;
legs;
agrotextiles;
upholstery fabric;
glue;
fasteners, nails, screws;
folding mechanism (2 pcs.)
tools.

First you need to assemble a rectangular base box from fiberboard. Attach the legs and timber guides to the inside of the sidewalls, close to each other. Install a fiberboard spacer in the center of the box and cover the bottom with plywood.

Next, the frame of the retractable part is made from timber, the surface of which is covered with a sheet of plywood. Support bars are attached to the structure, and legs are attached to them. At the corners of the inner part of the frame there are small bars up to 10 cm long that prevent it from jumping off the base. A mattress is placed on the frame, its edging is connected to the surface using a furniture stapler. The seat is ready.

Then the upper parts of the folding mechanisms are screwed onto strips of fiberboard measuring approximately 15x30 cm with self-tapping screws. Four through holes are drilled in the corners of the boards.

To attach the resulting parts to the back, you need to “open” the mattress upholstery from the sides, gaining access to its spring blocks. Using a strong wire, the fiberboard is connected to the internal elements of the mattress. Now the lower parts of the mechanisms can be secured to the base.

At the final stage, the wooden parts are covered with foam rubber and synthetic padding. Next comes upholstery with sealing and decorative fabric. A seat is placed on the base. That's it, the sofa bed is ready. For convenience, the model is equipped with large pillows and armrest bolsters.

Note! This sofa can be made with armrests. To do this, you need to build two low boxes, cover them with foam rubber and fabric, and attach them to the box.

Where can it be used?

In addition to the varieties of models, when deciding to make a sofa yourself, it is worth deciding on its place of use. Any sofa can be made for installation:

To the gazebo (to the terrace).
This place is the most favorite among owners of private houses. A sofa in a gazebo should be: aesthetic, practical and as comfortable as possible to use. Folding, stationary and corner models are suitable here. They can be built from: pallets, solid wood, boards, timber.
The main thing is that the product is light in weight, compact and mobile . After all, in the winter season it will need to be moved to a heated room. Also, the sofa in the gazebo should be made of moisture-resistant materials. When choosing wood, it will need to be carefully prepared: treated with antiseptics and pest repellents.
To the balcony.
Here preference is given to interesting and original models: bench, chest, cabinet, sofa cabinet, window sill and other interesting options. You can make balcony furniture in different sizes. It all depends on the dimensions of the room itself. For balconies combined with rooms, corner sofas are an ideal choice. If space allows, you can make a folding model and use it as an additional bed (provided that the balcony is heated and glazed). The most popular models for balconies are sofas with storage drawers. It would be appropriate to store winter supplies, off-season items and other accessories here.
To the dining room (to the kitchen). According to the type of design, such products are divided into: straight, folding, corner, modular, benches. For spacious dining rooms, preference is given to corner products .
A good choice would be to make not just a corner sofa, but one with semicircular edges. They are distinguished by functionality, originality and are suitable for studio apartments.
They can be supplemented with shelves, drawers and other additional elements. If the room is tiny, it is better to opt for a small straight product. It will bring a special atmosphere of warmth and comfort to the interior.
To the garage. To make the time spent in the garage pleasant and comfortable, you will need to arrange some furniture items here. One of them is the sofa. Of course, you can take the old sofa from the house into the garage. But it is unlikely to diversify the interior. Therefore, the easiest way is to make a new sofa from available options, for example, pallets, timber and boards, old car tires.
Outdoors (garden). Since such furniture will be used in the fresh air and will be exposed to negative environmental factors, the choice of materials for its manufacture will need to be approached with full responsibility. It is better to choose wicker options made of wicker, wood (pre-treated with antiseptics), and metal. Pallets are also suitable for outdoor use as consumables . They will add some mystery to the exterior and will suit landscape design in the style of loft, Provence, and country.

DIY folding sofa

To make a folding sofa with your own hands, you should learn in more detail what transformation mechanisms are available. This will allow you to choose an option for the bedroom, taking into account its dimensions and the location of other interior items.

Let's look at the main types of folding sofas.

The book is the most common and popular model. The product turns into a wide berth by raising the seat to a vertical position. In this case, the backrest moves to the lying position, the device lock is activated (accompanied by a click). After this, the seat returns to its original position.

Click-klyak (book) is an excellent model for relaxation and sleep. A unique mechanism allows you to bring the sofa into a “half-sitting” position. This is very convenient for those who like to sit for a long time reading or watching TV. When you need the bed, you need to apply a little force and bring both parts into a horizontal position.

Eurobook is a modern, improved interpretation of the book sofa. The seat is raised above the floor by 1-2 cm and moved forward. The back rests on the base of the sofa.

The accordion is lightweight and easy to use. To transform into a sleeping place, you just need to pull the loop at the bottom of the seat. When it starts to move forward, both parts of the backrest follow.

The retractable (roll-out) mechanism is similar in principle to an “accordion”. Using a special hinge, the seat, equipped with wheels, rolls forward, setting in motion a kind of platform hidden under it. Then the folding part of the seat cushion is placed on it.

Sofa bed. In order to convert such a sofa into a bed, you need to remove the seat. Then remove it from the box and unfold the hidden structure. Such models are not suitable for daily sleep.

Having chosen the transformation option, you can begin to create a sofa according to your own measurements. The principle of manufacturing any frame model is taken as a basis.

Shield

Self-assembly of a sofa
This method is suitable for people who do not have skills in working with wood. This option is a little simpler and to implement it you need to stock up:

two used door leaves;
metal staples;
wood hemp;
foam;
upholstery material.

Wooden version

The base and back of this sofa model will be two used wooden door leaves. You will need to first clean them of old coatings and dirt, and then treat them with a grinding machine.

Next, the doors are painted in the color of your choice, while trying to ensure that it matches the overall interior of the room in which the sofa will be installed in the future. You may prefer finishing the wooden surface with veneer.

Using nails, fasten one sash to a wooden stump of the appropriate size, and then use metal staples and glue to secure the second part (the back) to it.

After this, start making the mattress: cut out the foam rubber of the same size as the seat and cover it with thick fabric (matting is ideal for this). Already on top of this material a bright fabric of good quality will be stretched.

The main requirement is the construction of the most durable and reliable frame foundation. It bears the entire main load, and if you neglect this requirement, you can get injured during operation, and it will not last long. Based on this, you can choose a different base material that meets the requirements.

You can play with the finished design in any way you like, it all depends on your preferences and imagination.

DIY frameless sofa

Frameless products appeared more than forty years ago. Currently, they are considered a trend in modern furniture fashion. Such sofas and armchairs are original, practical, quite durable, and easy to maintain. It is very comfortable to sit and lie on them, as the products completely follow the curves of the body. The design options for frameless furniture are endless: from classic models to ultra creative ones.

Making a frameless sofa with your own hands is very easy. There are two main options for such furniture: made of polyurethane or covers with filling.

To create a model that holds its shape, you will need 3 layers of polyurethane, thick braid, and fabric. The seat is made of two layers of sealing, which are connected using belts or strong tape.

The back is one layer of polyurethane. According to the sizes of both parts, it is necessary to sew covers with zippers around the perimeter of the back part.

To fasten both parts of the sofa, you should sew two detachable zippers on the back edge of the large cover and on the small cover at a height equal to the height of the seat. Then the covers are put on the seal, the back and seat are connected together.

The second method of making a frameless sofa is even simpler. The inner and outer covers of any shape are sewn from thick fabric. They should also be fastened with a zipper. All kinds of patterns can be found on the Internet or come up with yourself. Next, the inner bag is inserted into the outer bag and filled 2/3 with filler - foam balls with a diameter of 4-6 mm. If necessary, the “filling” can be added or replaced with a new one.

We create furniture upholstery

Palette for choosing materials for upholstery

Before you start upholstering furniture, you need to decide on the material - leather or fabric. Financial capabilities also influence the choice. You should not choose leatherette - it will not last long. Remember the rules: furniture elements must be covered with fabric before you begin to assemble the structure; when cutting, you need to take into account hem allowances (about two centimeters); Before you start cutting the material, make blanks.

Drawing of a frameless sofa chair for self-production

Having made the necessary measurements, we calculate the required length and width of the material. To make the upholstery last a long time, choose dense fabrics - chenille, tapestry, jacquard. They are better suited for work. We lay out the blanks on the selected material, outline them with chalk, not forgetting about the allowances, and cut them out. In this way we make patterns for the back, armrests, and back wall. We sew it on a sewing machine and put it on furniture elements, then we assemble the entire structure. Cushions on the sofa are sewn in the same way.

Elements of cut parts for upholstery of furniture

DIY sofa made from plastic bottles

Designers manage to create unusual, comfortable models from various available materials. For example, you can make a sofa with your own hands from plastic bottles.

Important! All bottles must have screwed caps!

To do this you will need: identical bottles, tape, scissors or a carpenter's knife.

First, half of the bottles are cut exactly in the middle. Then the resulting bottom is put on the upper part of the whole bottle, and the neck is put on its lower part. The joint is sealed with tape. Such manipulations are done with the remaining elements.

Next, blocks consisting of 4 pieces each are formed from the obtained elements using adhesive tape. Then, as from the parts of a construction set, a base of the required size is assembled. If 1.5 liter bottles are used, then two tiers will be needed to seat the sofa.

All components of the structure are held together with several layers of tape. Then the back and armrests are formed from the parts. The result is a plastic sofa that needs to be made soft. To do this, the entire structure is covered with foam rubber and covered with fabric.

You can make a sofa of any size and shape with your own hands from plastic bottles. For example, a minimalist model with wide sides that are used as a tray stand.

A product with a high back can be given a solemn look by using noble fabrics and carriage screed for upholstery. This sofa will fit into the interior of a classic-style bedroom.

Finishing

The finishing treatment of the sofa bed is:

Nailing non-woven fabric onto the slats and laying 6 cm thick foam rubber on top.
Next, the covers are sewn and put on the seat.
Now the sides are attached to the seat and the sofa is completely ready for use.

Tip : instead of a sofa bed, you can try making a convertible bed or a chair-bed. And even more space will be saved by folding or folding tables.

DIY wardrobe-sofa-bed

A bed that disappears from the room is a great way to solve the problem of lack of space. It’s even better when a sofa appears in this place.

It is quite possible to make such a multifunctional design with your own hands. Of course, you will have to put in quite a lot of effort and spend time, but the result is worth it. In addition to saving space, a hand-made model, made to the required dimensions, will fit perfectly into your bedroom-living room. In addition, it will cost much less than factory furniture.

Such multifunctional furniture is suitable for any modern style. Additionally, the model can be equipped with shelves instead of bulky bedside tables.

You need to start making the model from the cabinet. It is usually a tall shelving unit with closed shelves and a niche for a bed in the middle.

Then a box for the mattress is made, which is equipped with furniture slats or a spring mesh and a pair of legs.

A lifting mechanism is attached to it. It is better to choose a piston type mechanism. It is much more durable than other analogues, and also completely prevents the bed from spontaneously falling out. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your safety when you’re near a closet or sitting on the sofa.

Then the cabinet is connected to the box, installed on the wall, and securely attached to its surface. The mattress is placed on the frame and tied with strong straps.

After the main part of the structure is ready, they begin to create the sofa. This can be a frame model or a frameless specimen. A soft back of the sofa is attached to the lower part of the bed box from the side of the room. It can be replaced with pillows of any shape.

Photo

The end result may look strictly individual, but it will always delight you with its convenience and beauty:

DIY transforming sofa

Sofas that can easily be transformed into other pieces of furniture are perfect for one-room apartments and studio rooms. There are quite a few varieties of them, but not all of them can be made independently. The model consisting of individual elements is considered the easiest to implement and most convenient to handle. The sofa modules can be rearranged in any way. The result will be a full-fledged sleeping place or two separate sofas, several armchairs, a coffee table, and poufs.

The modules have different shapes and sizes, but their surface is usually perfectly flat. Using the example of making a transforming sofa consisting of squares, the principle of creating such sofas with your own hands is based.

To work you will need:

beam;
plywood or fiberboard;
laminated chipboard measuring 1m x 1m;
screws, furniture fasteners;
thick foam rubber, synthetic winterizer, upholstery fabric, any dense material for the bottom (tarpaulin, eco-leather);
pillows;
tools.

First, a frame is made from beams 0.5 m high, 1 m wide and 1 m long. It is sheathed on all sides with plywood or fiberboard.

Foam rubber is glued to the surface of the resulting module, and padding polyester is glued to the sides.

A cover is sewn from fabric (without a bottom), put on the product, and secured to the bottom using a furniture stapler.

Dense material is nailed to the lower part. For our model we need to make 5 more such modules.

If desired, you can attach low backs to several segments of the sofa. This should be done at the frame manufacturing stage. But this type of model leaves fewer options for transformation.

The function of the backrest will be performed by 3 large pillows measuring 1 m x 0.7 m. Covers with zippers are sewn for them from upholstery fabric. Armrests can be made from bolster pillows, for which you will also need to sew covers.

Ready-made modules can be installed in any way you like: line them up in an L-shape, arrange a spacious sleeping place, two chieftains, place one cube in front of the sofa, put a sheet of chipboard on it and get a coffee table.

The final stage is decoration

Large bed with soft headboard and soft upholstery, made by yourself

Decorating is one of the best options to give the atmosphere uniqueness, elegance, and update the interior. If you have the desire and imagination, you can easily do this work yourself, without the help of designers.

Beautiful covers and pillows to decorate a soft corner

Nowadays, the decoupage technique is widely used - using thin napkins, you apply various patterns and designs to the surface of furniture.

The idea of decorating furniture using improvised means using the decoupage technique

Replacing the filling and fabric for a chic antique chair

If the upholstery is outdated or has become unusable, you can sew new covers and make decorative pillows. It is necessary to choose the fabric for upholstery carefully - it should not fade or smell strongly, and the pile should not fall off. In fact, there is nothing difficult in choosing. To make the furniture look impressive, partner fabrics of a single color are chosen for upholstery. They are used to upholster the armrests and bottom lines; for other parts, fabric with a picture or a different color is used. To reduce fabric consumption, choose a material that is plain or has a small pattern.

An example of decorating upholstered furniture using covers

Filling plays an important role in decorating upholstered furniture. If it has lost its elasticity and sagged, it must be replaced so that the furniture is not only beautiful, but also comfortable. Inexpensive materials include foam rubber, batting and padding polyester. The last option is the most common; using it as a filler, you will decorate the furniture in a short time. A high-quality padding polyester should be of the same thickness, fairly dense and odorless. Foam rubber is no less popular; it must have a fine-porous structure. If, when pressed, it is instantly restored, then such a filler will last quite a long time.

Replacing filler during furniture restoration

If the upholstery on your favorite sofa has become worn out or stains have appeared on it that cannot be gotten rid of, but you feel sorry for throwing it away, since the furniture is still quite strong and can last for many more years, then you can reupholster it by buying another fabric. If this work is difficult for you, but you sew well, then why not make new covers yourself, you can add drapery elements. If they get dirty, they can simply be removed and washed.

Beautiful headboard for a bed with your own hands

When choosing a material, take into account the general environment, interior style and, of course, your taste. It is better if you use fabrics of soft colors and sublime shades for decoration. The fittings must match the color of the material. By decorating furniture with your own hands, you will give it a second life, and the decor in the house will be original and unique.

Restoration and renovation of a comfortable and familiar soft chair

How to convert a bed into a sofa

Outdated or tired furniture is perfect for making a new piece of furniture. By being smart and giving free rein to your imagination, you can create real hand-made masterpieces.

So, how can you make a sofa yourself from an old bed? First of all, it is necessary to inspect its design. Determine how strong the base is, whether the mattress is worn out, which parts need to be replaced and which need to be restored. If the mattress is placed on a solid surface or frame, there is not much work to be done.

In addition, you should purchase the following materials: chipboard, foam rubber, plywood, self-tapping screws, nails, screws, fabric. If the mattress is unsuitable, you will have to spend more money on purchasing it.

First, you should cut out a piece of chipboard that matches the dimensions of the bed base. Connect these parts with furniture screws.

For the backrest you will need a sheet of chipboard approximately 1 m high, with a width equal to the length of the future seat, which is also attached to the base.

The next stage is making 3 back cushions. You need to make 3 rectangles from plywood, the width of each of which is equal to 1/3 of the length of the seat. And the height is chosen at your discretion. Thick foam rubber is glued to the front parts of the blanks.

In addition, you can make sidewalls for the sofa. This is done by analogy with pillows, only the sizes change.

Now you should upholster each element with fabric using a stapler, and install the pillows to the back of the sofa.

Making a sofa with your own hands is a rather troublesome process, but quite doable. To summarize, I would like to note the main thing:

design a sofa;
draw up a diagram of all the components with dimensions;
select building materials, sealing, upholstery, folding mechanism, fittings;
strictly follow the step-by-step instructions.

The result of painstaking work and effort will be an exclusive, stylish sofa that will decorate the bedroom and make it more comfortable.

I hope my material will inspire you to create original furniture for sleeping and relaxing. Ask any questions you have in the comments below. Special thanks to those who repost or give 5 stars for my efforts.