If the kitchen in your home is not only a production room where food is prepared, but also a place for relaxation and cozy gatherings, then you cannot do without a sofa. It is this furniture that will add charm to the kitchen and make it a place of attraction for the whole family, as well as for your guests. In addition, the sofa will add functionality to the kitchen: you can store all sorts of kitchen little things in it, and it will successfully separate the dining area from the work area.
Types of sofas for the kitchen
Sofas of different shapes differ in functionality and purpose.
Straight
The classic model looks organically in any space and interior. It can be placed along the table or in the seating area. See if there are armrests, what height they are and what material they are made of. You can lean on them while eating.
Angular
A corner sofa will help if you need to create comfort in a small space. It will not take up much space and can accommodate several people. They do not transform into a sleeping place, but they almost always have storage drawers.
Modular
A modular sofa can be disassembled into parts, so it is often chosen for small rooms - any free space can be filled with a modular part. You can combine it in different ways: make two benches on different sides of the table or place it in a corner.
Folding
Folding sofas in the kitchen allow you to equip a sleeping place in the kitchen. If you are choosing furniture for a small room, pay attention to compact mechanisms - accordion, dolphin and eurobook. Sedaflex and mixtoil mechanisms are inconvenient to use in a small space, since the pillows have to be stored separately when unfolded.
Couch
The couch is uncomfortable for sitting at the table, so it will not replace kitchen chairs. But it is suitable for relaxing or sleeping.
Ottoman
Thanks to its unusual shape, the ottoman will become the highlight of the room. It can be placed at the table or in a separate seating area. Such furniture does not take up much space and forms one sleeping place; the ottoman usually has a drawer for storing things.
Types of construction
Of course, a corner kitchen sofa cannot boast all the variety of shapes and adaptations that sofas for the living room have, but here there is plenty to choose from.
Models with compartments . Under the seats there are several drawers in which the hostess can store, for example, kitchen towels and tablecloths, groceries, cereals, dishes, etc. Such drawers can occupy the entire space from the floor to the seat, or part of it. The top covers are removable and hinged.
Sofa with drawers . Such models are considered more convenient, and all due to the fact that, in comparison with the previous option, it is easier to organize storage in them.
Sofas with shelves . On the side or back of the sofa there are niches with shelves. Such models are ideal for large kitchens, as they need to be placed in the center.
Modular corner sofas . This type of sofa is quite difficult to find. This is because a kitchen corner is considered to be something compact, stationary, designed to save space. On the other hand, such models are an excellent option for studio apartments. You can use them to make either a large corner, for example, if guests come over, or a small one. Or you can even turn it into a couch or chair.
Folding design . Not the best option for a kitchen, especially a small one, since when unfolding it you will need to think carefully about where to put the table and stools, but still, such a sofa may be needed. When purchasing it, you should pay close attention to the mechanism.
The most reliable models are those with a roll-out lounger or a Eurobook. They can be laid out and folded at least every day. But in a folding sofa, the fastenings are not so strong, but it costs less.
Choosing upholstery for a small sofa in the kitchen
The sofa in the kitchen, first of all, should not be easily soiled - it should be easy to clean and not absorb odors.
Natural and artificial leather and anti-claw are suitable for these purposes. Genuine leather looks presentable, does not absorb odors or moisture, is easy to remove stains from and is wear-resistant. The only negative is that furniture made from genuine leather is expensive.
Faux leather is similar to natural leather, but costs less. At the same time, it has more disadvantages: it gets scratched and wears out faster.
If you have pets, anti-claw material is suitable for you. It is scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant, but stains are difficult to remove from this fabric.
Another option is a kitchen sofa with a removable cover: you can wash it in a machine and, if necessary, replace it with a new one.
Options for filling and upholstery of a kitchen sofa
These are the most important parameters to consider when choosing a sofa. Kitchen furniture bears a huge number of loads, and in order for it to withstand all of them with honor and serve for many years, you need to choose the upholstery and filling very carefully.
As for the filler, there are three main options, which we will tell you about now.
- Foam rubber. This option is the cheapest, but the quality leaves much to be desired. This material wrinkles very easily, and as a result, kitchen furniture loses its original shape and dents form in it. Of course, you can buy a good corner made from foam rubber, but you need to choose the manufacturer very carefully.
- Polyurethane foam. This material is already better. It is quite durable and is also considered safe for health. One of the distinguishing features of polyurethane foam is that it is fire resistant.
- Holofiber. This option is considered to be optimal, since it, having all the advantages of polyurethane foam, also holds its shape better than its “brother”. Long-term loads are not a problem for it, and such material will serve for many years.
When it comes to upholstery, there aren't many options. The kitchen is exactly the place in the house where things most often fall and spill, leaving behind dirty, greasy stains. So most experts advise choosing leather or a leather substitute . This material is easy to clean and does not absorb grease or dyes.
If this option does not suit you, but you want something more interesting, you can choose another material. But in this case, you need to buy furniture with removable covers that can be unfastened and put in the washing machine, otherwise the cleaning process will turn into real hell.
Variety of styles and colors
Straight and corner sofas are suitable for any interior style; they look organic in traditional kitchens. If you want to add an unusual detail to the interior, take a closer look at furniture of a non-standard shape or color.
A couch and ottoman will fit well into Provence, country and ethnic styles. For experimental high-tech, loft and modern, laconic models in calm natural colors - beige, gray, dark blue - are suitable.
Psychologists say that different shades have different effects on the perception of food. Red, yellow and orange colors increase appetite; blue, gray and purple - reduce and cause drowsiness. Choose bright colors for get-togethers with friends, dark and calm colors if you primarily relax in the kitchen.
Manufacturers of upholstered furniture
Upholstered furniture for the kitchen is produced by both large and small enterprises. In almost any furniture showroom you can find exhibitions of such major manufacturers as:
- “Furniture of the Chernozem Region”;
- “Good style”;
- "Your style";
- Classen et al.
Buying furniture from large factories has its positive and negative sides. Ordering a sofa from a well-known manufacturer guarantees high quality, low price, and free delivery. However, if the kitchen dimensions are non-standard or a special design is needed, large factories are unlikely to be able to satisfy such a request. We will have to turn to small manufacturers working on individual projects.
Tips for location and photo options
Think about how to place the sofa and what elements will be located around it. You shouldn't hang a mirror in front of him: most people get embarrassed when they see their reflection while eating. But a TV will fit well in this place.
A small sofa in the kitchen should perform several functions at once. Choose a model with built-in drawers, so that it becomes both a place for sitting and storing things. Additionally, shelves can be built under the armrests.
Place upholstered furniture close to the wall so that it takes up less space. A good option would be a “corner”. Placed against two walls, it will save free space and accommodate more people than would fit in the same area on chairs.
Another option for a small kitchen is a daybed. It is more compact than a small sofa in the kitchen. At the same time, couches also come with built-in drawers, folding mechanisms and armrests.
Before buying folding furniture, calculate the area of free space. It may turn out that there is not enough space to lay out the sofa.
In the dining room, a sofa will help separate the kitchen from the dining area.
How to calculate the required amount of fabric for upholstering a sofa yourself
The easiest way to find out the right amount of upholstery material is to remove the old upholstery and measure with a tape measure. Measurements of non-standard furniture shapes are taken using the largest pieces of fabric in the widest and longest parts. Then the vertical parts are measured.
Up to 20% is added to the resulting data - this is the length of the fabric. The width is made up of the dimensions of the widest part of the upholstery. Standard width up to 150 centimeters. There is always a margin for seam allowance. Fabrics with a pattern are purchased with a reserve, as adjustments to the pattern may be required.
Cases in which it is better to buy fabric with a reserve:
- The presence of a complex pattern, stripes on the surface.
- Fitting directly on the product is expected as there is no pattern.
- Complex, non-standard form of furniture.
- Large armrest width.
- Bulk material that requires turning.
Natural materials
Genuine Leather
Let's consider the most popular upholstery materials made from environmentally friendly raw materials. These fabrics are the safest for health; they will not harm either allergy sufferers or people suffering from bronchopulmonary diseases. Natural textiles breathe, absorb moisture from the air, and reduce static electricity.
Cotton
Cotton cover is soft and tactilely pleasant
Cotton A popular textile made from plant fibers of the cotton plant. This matter is one of the most common in the world, known since ancient times. It is used in almost all industries.
The advantages of cotton are its hygroscopicity and breathability. The matter is harmless and safe. It lends itself well to dyeing, so there are dozens of colors and prints.
Many people like the low price. The approximate service life with average wear will be no more than 5 years. Buy a sofa with cotton upholstery only if it is coated with a special anti-wear compound.
In addition to its short service life, an important disadvantage of cotton is flammability. It ignites very quickly and smokes heavily. Good upholstery fabric must be treated with fire-resistant impregnation.
Jacquard
Jacquard fabric has a relief texture
Jacquard Jacquard fabric is created by complex weaving, which simultaneously involves more than 24 intertwining threads. This allows you to create exquisite and ornate designs, unusual patterns, and intricate ornaments. The texture of such matter is very dense and embossed.
It is incorrect to call the fabric jacquard, as it is more of a weaving method. Therefore, both natural and artificial threads can participate in it. For furniture textiles, cotton, linen, wool or silk fibers are often used, combining them with synthetics.
Polyester makes the material strong, strong and durable. It does not fade in the sun and is highly breathable. Jacquard is treated with dust-repellent compounds, which makes it easier to clean.
Among the disadvantages, we note the high price, difficulty in care (the fabric does not like wet washing), and it is also slippery and cool to the touch.
Tapestry
The tapestry looks expensive and solid
Tapestry A textile fabric created by weaving many colored threads and simultaneously folding them into a pattern. The material turns out to be heavy, dense, two or three layers. The art of creating tapestries is the oldest applied craft, known since the times of the Egyptian pharaohs.
This upholstery has a very long service life and looks rich and expensive. Like jacquard, it contains a small percentage of synthetic fibers to improve physical properties. The disadvantage is the tendency to abrasion and fading in direct sunlight.
Silk
Fragile silk helps create a sophisticated atmosphere
Silk Smooth natural silk is used to decorate antique furniture or sofas in the artsy baroque style. The canvas is famous for its hypoallergenic and antistatic qualities. And it also looks chic, expensive, elegant.
Unfortunately, silk is very fragile and is not suitable for furniture that is used every day. The material is cool to the touch, this nuance is also considered a disadvantage.
Leather
Ideal for a study or office
leather is the most expensive and noble way to decorate your sofa. Such furniture is placed in living rooms, offices, and official rooms. Leather gives it a spectacular appearance, creates an atmosphere of prosperity, and makes a solid impression.
It can be matte, rough, glossy. There are many colors, options with a combination of shades. Gold or silver embossing, logos, and fabric stitching look good on the leather.
PROS:
- Durability (with proper care)
- Easy to clean (just wipe with a soapy cloth)
- Luxurious view
- Waterproof (within reasonable limits)
MINUSES:
- Price
- Flammability
- The surface of the material sticks to bare skin
- The coating is easy to scratch
- Will crack over time
What qualities should upholstery meet?
Combining contrasting colors and different prints looks impressive
Some fabrics are easier to clean or wash, others are more durable, others look more luxurious or noble. Price also matters, because modern upholstered furniture is not cheap .
Most importantly, remember that the best fabric for a sofa is one that is safe for health, especially if the furniture is intended for a children's room.
Catalog of textiles for upholstered furniture
Furniture textiles are produced using special technology. Fabrics are different: with an unequal ratio of natural and artificial threads, with increased or standard strength characteristics, woven and non-woven, with or without synthetic fibers. All indicators are displayed in the technical document of the material and are indicated in a compressed form on the label.
Let's consider the parameters by which the material is evaluated:
- Resistance to wear of pile, rubbing of threads. This parameter determines whether the seats on the upholstery will become thinner, and whether they will then contrast with the back or armrests
- Color fastness . Good fabric does not fade over time and does not fade under the influence of UV rays
- Stability . The material should compress freely and immediately expand. Slight elasticity is welcomed for increased wear resistance
- Peelability . An unclear word means resistance to pile rolling and pellet formation.
- Availability of special impregnation. Most often, the fabric is treated with water-repellent compounds, as well as means to increase its strength.
- Fire resistance. There are impregnations that make raw materials slightly flammable. This is an important indicator from a fire safety point of view.
- Environmental friendliness . The highest rates are for natural materials. This upholstery is hypoallergenic
- Air permeability . Fabric that interferes with air circulation quickly becomes unusable. Over time it cracks and tears
