25.07.2019
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In this article we will briefly and informatively talk about the most common mechanisms for transforming sofas, which are presented on our website. Our goal is to help you quickly navigate these not always clear names and find the option that suits you.
To do this, we will look at sofas from the consumer’s point of view, and these are just 2 main criteria:
1. convenience of daily unfolding of the sofa; 2. possible load on the sleeping place.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE LAZY TO READ:
mechanisms that are not suitable for daily use are labeled "guest".
Now let's list the most common sofa mechanisms:
1. Book; 2. Tick-tock; 3. American folding bed (Sedaflex); 4. French folding bed (Mixotoile); 5. “3-fold mechanism”; 6. Spartak.
Roll-out mechanisms:
7. Eurobook (Eurosopher); 8. Dolphin; 9. Kangaroo; 10. Conrad (telescope).
"Book".
The principle of using this mechanism is simple: you need to raise the seat until it clicks, and then lower it - the backrest will also lower. The “book” is the simplest mechanism in terms of use - it is easy to unfold and difficult to break. Maximum load up to 200 kg.
Pros:
the sleeping place is located along, and not across the wall.
This folding mechanism is perfect for small spaces because it does not take up much space, both assembled and disassembled. Cons:
when unfolding the sofa, you need to move it away from the wall, which is completely inconvenient for daily use. There is a risk of damaging the floors if you do not lift the sofa. In the place where the back and base connect, a bump or indentation may form, which interferes with comfortable sleep and limits space.
"American folding bed" or Sedaflex.
Here the sleeping area consists of two sections. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove all the cushions, pull the seat up and towards you using a special handle and unfold the sections until they rest on the supports. The sofa unfolds in two steps: first, the first section opens, and behind it the second section unfolds. Maximum load - 240 kg.
Pros:
reliable transformation mechanism made of high-quality wear-resistant materials.
The Sedaflex sleeping place turns out smooth without creases or bends. This sofa has a reinforced metal frame and mesh, which provide high structural rigidity and comfortable sleep. This model also allows you to use high-quality 12-centimeter mattresses. Cons:
There is no linen drawer, and the sleeping surface may have seams.
"French folding bed" (Mixotoile).
This transformation mechanism is similar to an American folding bed, but unlike its “American version” it consists of three parts, and otherwise the folding principle is absolutely identical. The “French folding bed” has a completely metal frame, to which a high-density canvas awning is attached using springs. Under the tarpaulin there are special wooden slats that give the sofa an orthopedic effect. The maximum load on the mechanism is 180 kg.
Pros:
soft sleeping place, equipped with a 50 cm thick mattress.
Cons:
uneven sleeping place, does not have a linen drawer.
"Spartacus".
The mechanism is structurally identical to the “French clamshell” - it also consists of three sections and unfolds in the same way. However, there is a significant difference that can affect your purchasing decision. "Spartak" is equipped with a reinforced metal mesh, which allows it to withstand high loads, and you can use the sofa for daily sleep. Maximum load up to 240 kg.
Pros:
Due to the reinforced frame, the model is highly durable, and therefore its durability is higher.
Has a spacious sleeping area. Cons:
like all clamshells, the Spartak mechanism does not have a very aesthetically pleasing side view when unfolded. Due to the improved quality, the mechanism will cost more than clamshells.
"Tick-tock."
The main advantage of tic-tac is its ease of use. The mechanism unfolds in two steps: pull the seat up and forward, and then lower the backrest to the vacant seat. This can be done even with one hand! In this case, the maximum load on the berth is 240 kg.
Pros:
The mechanism provides a spacious sleeping area and does not touch the floor covering when unfolded.
Cons:
when folded, the sofa has a fairly wide seat, which is not always comfortable. If the mechanism breaks, repairs will cost a fairly large sum.
Three fold mechanism
and the “French clamshell” mechanism are essentially the same. They lay out the same and look the same. But many manufacturers separate them, explaining that they use different materials for manufacturing. Therefore, when choosing a sofa with such a mechanism, check what it is made of in order to avoid surprises later. The maximum load on the bed is 180 kg.
Niches and storage boxes
Sofas are often called additional wardrobe. Due to its size, the pantograph fully corresponds to this name: under the entire seat there is a spacious drawer for clothes. Not only bed linen is laid here, but also pillows, rugs and blankets.
A storage niche can also be found in the backrest. Most often, a corner module is used for this. In this case, the seat is reinforced to serve as a table if necessary.
Roll-out mechanisms.
IMPORTANT! Pay attention to the rollers and supports on “roll-out” sofas. They must be made of soft materials - this will ensure the safety of your floor!
"Eurobook"
- This is an improved version of the “book” mechanism. It is worth saying that this is one of the most popular vacant mechanisms on the market. The model consists of two parts: a back and a seat, and also has a spacious box for linen. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove the back cushions, roll the seat towards you all the way, and lower the backrest into the free space. All parts of a sofa with such a mechanism must fit tightly to each other, but if gaps appear in the sofa, this indicates low quality of the product. Maximum load is 240 kg.
Pros:
such a sofa looks good both against the wall and in the middle of the room (it can be used to zone a room if space allows).
"Eurobook" provides a full-fledged spacious sleeping place. Cons:
when extended, the seat “rides” on the floor and can damage the floor covering.
"Dolphin"
- perhaps one of the most convenient and widespread mechanisms on the market. It unfolds very simply: just roll out the additional section from under the seat and pull the fabric handle towards you - the sofa is ready for use. The maximum load on the mechanism is 200 kg.
Pros:
Robust design guarantees longevity of the mechanism.
The sofa provides a spacious sleeping area, and there is a spacious linen drawer. Cons:
When unfolded, there is a barely noticeable joint between the seat and the roll-out section.
"Kangaroo". This mechanism is very similar to the previous one in terms of folding. Its only difference from the “dolphin” is its higher sleeping place.
Pros:
durable construction, wide berth, large linen drawer.
Cons:
when unfolded, there is a joint between the seat and the roll-out section.
"Conrad" (telescope).
This mechanism consists of three sections. To unfold, you need to pull the lower roll-out part (the first section), behind which all the others will pull out. After you have pulled out all the sections, you need to take the top of the first section and unfold it to lay it on top of the second. IMPORTANT! The “telescope” is very compact compared to other mechanisms, and also has an orthopedic grille. The maximum load on the bed is 180 kg.
Pros:
compactness when folded and space when unfolded.
Cons:
difficult to move - the mechanism and the sofa are heavy.
Sofa "Pantograph" in the interior
It’s quite easy to fit a “Pantograph” sofa into the interior. It has no special restrictions on the availability of free space for transformation and the method of placement.
Installation of a corner sofa “Pantograph”
The corner sofa “Pantograph” will fit perfectly in any size room. In a small room, it will successfully occupy an empty corner. A corner pantograph can easily divide a spacious room into functional zones. At the same time, the sofa itself will successfully lead the relaxation area. In addition, the corner model is more spacious and can easily accommodate the whole family or guests.
Placing a corner sofa “Pantograph” is relevant for living rooms and bedrooms. A fairly functional model that will perfectly complement any interior. For children's rooms, hallways and kitchens, installation of a pantograph is possible only if there is sufficient square footage. In small rooms the model will look too bulky.
Installation of a straight sofa “Pantograph”
The classic model of a straight sofa can easily be placed in any room. A special feature of the placement of the “Pantograph” sofa is its independence from the walls and floor. This means that the sofa can be easily installed close to the wall and not be afraid that during the transformation process it will touch and ruin the wall or floor covering.
The straight model has a slightly smaller capacity, but is easier to install in small rooms such as a corridor and hallway.
In a spacious room, the straight Pantograph sofa can be complemented with other pieces of upholstered furniture without fear of excessive overloading of the space and lack of free space after the transformation.
The modern range of upholstered furniture includes many interesting models. Many of them have complex mechanisms, which, even when using high-quality materials, increases the risk of breakdown. Thanks to the simplicity of the Pantograph mechanism, the service life of the product as a whole increases. And the variety of shapes and designs makes it possible to choose the ideal option for any interior.
And finally, a few more tips on how to choose a suitable quality sofa.
1. If funds allow, choose a sofa frame made of hardwood (oak, beech, birch). 2. Carefully inspect the mechanism; there should be a manufacturer’s mark on it. Unfold and fold the sofa, and all the positions of the backrest and armrests specified for the model should work. 3. If you are looking for a sofa “for a long time”, then it is better to choose a model with an independent spring block; it is much more durable than a regular “snake”, dependent spring block or simple polyurethane foam (PPU). 4. When buying a sofa with a mechanism on a wooden base, give preference to oak, beech or birch - their wear resistance is much higher than that of other types of wood. 5. Remember, the length of the bed depends on the design of the sofa. If you are tall, pay attention to Eurobook type sofas or sofas with roll-out mechanisms. Their kinematics make it possible to make a sleeping place longer than two meters.
