What are sofas called? Sofa designs: their features, advantages and disadvantages

The sofa is an integral element of the interior of any apartment. At first glance, they are all the same. However, the mechanisms for folding sofas are fundamentally different from each other. This question can play a decisive role in choosing one particular model. Therefore, it is important to understand this topic in advance, and only then go shopping.

There are three main layout options. All of them are popular and are regularly found in the furniture market. There are the following ways of folding and unfolding:

• Withdrawable;
• deployable;
• Folding.

Each of them has its own characteristics. Moreover, all of them are divided into many types, differing both in folding itself and in ease of use. All these varieties you need to know in order to choose the most suitable sofa for yourself.

Withdrawable

This type is very easy to use. All you need to do is pull the loop on the front of the sofa, after which it will roll forward. The roll-out mechanism requires accuracy, but with proper operation it can last for many years. A simple classic sofa of this kind will give the owner comfort during sleep and coziness in the house, achieved due to its compactness.

Eurobook

The Eurobook type is very convenient to use. Unfolding is very easy: the front extends and the rear manually lowers.

Advantages:

• Life time;
• Convenient folding process;
• Smooth surface;
• Inner storage box.

The disadvantages include large dimensions, due to which some people may feel discomfort when sitting. In most cases, "Eurosophy" becomes a good choice.

Pantograph

"Pantograph", which is also called "Tik Tak", is still the same "Eurobook", but has some improvements. When pulled out, the front side of the sofa does not roll on the floor, but is pulled out in the form of a small semicircle.

This type of layout avoids the risk of scratching the flooring. A separate advantage is considered a flat surface for sleeping.

The third name for this unfolding is “butterfly”.

Telescope

Such a mechanism unfolds very quickly: it is enough to pull the edge of the sofa, after which all its components will alternately stretch out in the same way as a telescope.

The telescopic sofa has its advantages:

• Sleeping height;
• Linen compartment;
• Compactness.

The disadvantages include a very large weight.

Conrad

The "konrad" mechanism is identical to the telescopic one. However, it is characterized by a higher bed height and increased convenience. When extending the elements, damage to the floor is excluded.

This is the most reliable mechanism, but its cost is completely unattractive.

Dolphin

In recent years, the "dolphin" has become popular. In the process of unfolding, the movements of the elements resemble a dolphin's dive. Often this type is used in corner sofas. You can also unfold it by pulling on the loop.

• Suitable for daily use;
• Sleeping area;
• Ease of operation.

There are no significant downsides to this design.

Kangaroo

This transformation mechanism is almost identical to the previous one. The only difference is the increased height of the supports. Sofas with such unfolding allow you to get the most comfort from sleep.

The pros and cons come down to the increased height of the supports, which gives more convenience, but reduces the level of reliability.

Ankara

Ankar operates on the same principle as the previous two. You need to pull the seat towards you and pull out the block by pulling it up. It is distinguished by increased reliability and spaciousness of the bed.

Animation of the transformation of sofa mechanisms - video:

puma

The design of the puma pull-out sofa is very simple. You just need to pull up the seat, after which the base will stretch behind it. "Puma" has a high demand in the market, thanks to the safety of the floor and convenience.

Advantages:

• Silent folding / unfolding process;
• Ease of use.

Corner models are supplied with a special box for things, which is located on the back.

Sedalift

Sedalift is easy to use. It is ideal for sleeping, but many models suffer from low durability. The instruction manual calls for the lower part to be rolled out, the folded fabric section to be laid out over the extended base.

• Large bed;
• Ease of unfolding.

Of the minuses: the risk of scratching the floor, as well as low suitability for regular sleep.

deployable

All types of unfolding are comfortable, but this one causes a special feeling for many. The reason is the elegant appearance of the furniture when folded. This type is perfectly characterized by the word "clamshell". It is also often used in Russian names of subspecies.

In the unfolded state, the sofas resemble a folding bed familiar to many. The berth rests on supports and consists of a rather thin material. It is made up of three elements. It is only necessary to pull the edge of the seat so that the transformer sofa takes on a different look, and its two additional parts stand on supports.

What are the mechanisms of sofas - video:

This fastening does not allow you to use the sofa daily. It has reduced strength, and is also not very comfortable when lying for a long time. As a rule, they are used only in assembled form, and rarely laid out.

french book

This is the main representative of such a mechanism. The French book is unfolded by stretching the main part, which leads to the displacement of the other two on the supports.

• Express unfolding.

• unreliability;
• Irregularities on the surface.

It is worth acquiring it only if you have to lie on it extremely rarely. In other cases, it is better to prefer a forward-folding mechanism.

Spartacus

This subspecies was developed by the joint efforts of designers from Russia and Italy. This is the best unfolding sleep mechanism. It is a more durable French clamshell, reinforced with a metal grill.

• Strength;
• Comfort and suitability for daily sleep.

Of the minuses, only that the lifting mechanism requires you to remove the pillows before unfolding.

Rich

This mechanism, also called "American book", is similar to the French version. You just need to pull the seat towards you, after which everything will decompose. It differs in that it consists of two blocks, not three. It also has a thicker surface.

• High strength;
• Compactness.

It has another name - "sedaflex". Of the minuses, only the absence of a linen box.

As the previous version, the sofa of such a plan consists of two parts. The difference is that the transformation requires not raising the seat, but moving the back forward, turning the structure over so that the sofa rests on the legs.

• High reliability;
• The presence of springs.

• High price.

The spring mechanism allows you to extract maximum comfort from the furniture.

Accordion

Another popular option resembles, in its principle of action, the musical instrument of the same name. The design stretches in the same way as accordion bellows. Gradually, the sleeping place is pulled out, leaning on the legs. It is similar in size to a large double bed.

• Compactness;
• Ease of lifting;
• Reliability;
• Department for things.

• Risk of floor damage.

"Accordion" is very convenient to use and has an acceptable cost.

Caravan

The mechanism is based on a metal frame. Unfolds by pulling the seat up. At the same time, two platforms are pulled out under the base. After unfolding, it is comparable in size to a large bed. You can assemble a folding sofa very quickly.

Pluses in durability and simplicity. The only downside is the lack of a linen box.

Ribalto

The popular ribalto folding option is distinguished by a well-thought-out design. It attracts attention with its simplicity and convenience. The process of folding such a sofa is simple: you need to lower the back to the seat, then turn them over, laying them on the floor. This is how the bed is formed. There are models with automatic folding.

• Quick and easy folding;
• Space.

There are no significant disadvantages of the mechanism. Also called "slider" in the angular version.

Folding sofas

Modern folding mechanisms include a third type - folding. It is familiar to anyone who has had an ordinary inexpensive sofa. The main plus is the presence of a large size linen box.

Tango

Such a sofa is very functional, because when unfolded it is able to take several positions. It looks like a book. You need to pull the lower part, after which the back will lower.

• Intermediate folding options;
• Flat sleeping surface.

Of the minuses, only the inability to put the sofa close to the wall. There is also a recliner option with a retractable footrest.

Butterfly

"Butterfly" combines retractable and folding mechanisms. Allows you to fold and assemble the sofa as quickly as possible. First, the lower part is pulled out, then the upper one leans back.

• The speed of the mechanism;
• Bed size.

The disadvantages of a sofa of this form include the risk of damaging the rollers used when rolling out. According to the method of unfolding, the mechanism is very similar to the Eurobook.

Book

The classic mechanism for most people is a book. It is very easy to unfold and fold the sofa book. You need to fold the back back, after which it will lower, increasing the area for sleeping. This sofa consists of a metal or wooden frame.

The parameters allow you to fit inside a section for a large linen box. Other advantages include strength, simplicity and low cost.

Dominoes

The mechanism called "domino" combines rolling out, eurobook and dolphin dive. The lower part is extended, the back is folded and in the form of diving it goes down, forming a place to sleep. The characteristic of the sofa does not allow to include a department for things in the design, which makes the mechanism less attractive.

The main advantage of this triple design is the height of the bed.

Conclusion - the final choice

The sofa has become an integral and absolutely necessary part of our home life. But, if it will be used as a sleeping place, its choice becomes an even more serious task. Choosing the right sofa bed for any of the rooms of an apartment or house is very important. After all, you have to deal with him every evening and morning.

In this article we will talk about choosing a sofa folding mechanism and which layout mechanism to prefer. We will tell and show how sofas are laid out.

How to evaluate the mechanism for turning a sofa into a bed

There are four criteria for this:

1. how the bed is located relative to the back - perpendicular or parallel;
2. whether the mechanism is so reliable that it can withstand daily use, or is it only suitable as a guest sofa;
3. how convenient is it to lay out the sofa;
4. is it possible to quickly fix the mechanism if it breaks.

It should be noted that with the location of the bed parallel to the backrest, it will always be narrower than that of a sofa that unfolds forward (perpendicularly). Indeed, with an increase in the width of his bed, the depth of the seat and the height of the back of the sofa increase accordingly, and it becomes uncomfortable to sit on a folded sofa. While the width of the perpendicular berth is equal to the width of the sofa.

Eurobook

Eurobook is one of the most popular sofa folding mechanisms.

When unfolded, the bed is located parallel to the back.
To expand the sofa, the eurobook seat stretches forward.
The back rests flat and rests on the seat.

Characteristics:

• the bed is stable and comfortable;
• the eurobook sofa usually has a box for linen;
• The Eurobook sofa mechanism is reliable, can withstand loads up to 240 kg. But, if it still breaks, then it is not repaired;
• it folds out easily and quickly, but this requires the sofa to stand a short distance from the wall or it will have to be moved back and forward again daily (will this cover your floor?).

Accordion

Accordion sofas are valued for their high compactness, reliability and comfortable sleeping place.

To unfold the accordion sofa, its seat must be pulled out by a special strap, and the back folded in half unfolds like an accordion.
To fold the accordion sofa, the front part must be raised until the mechanism is activated, and then lowered by pressing on the edge to fold the back, and slide in.

Characteristics:

• high and wide berth with a box for linen;
• the sofa mechanism "accordion" is easy to use and reliable;
• sofa "accordion" is inconvenient for laying out on carpets with a long pile;
• breakdowns are easily eliminated, but the mechanism requires periodic lubrication;
• at loads over 180 kg daily transformation is not recommended.

Dolphin

A popular and widely used sofa folding mechanism, especially in corner models.

The deployment is parallel.
The lower section of the "dolphin" sofa is pulled out and put forward for a special loop.
The section rises up and becomes part of the bed.

Characteristics:

• sleep comfortably;
• corner models are equipped with linen drawers;
• daily transformation is possible, but on carpets with long pile it is difficult;
• the mechanism of the sofa "dolphin" is reliable, easy to manage, quickly changes in case of breakage;
• withstands a load of up to two hundred kilograms, but the stationary and retractable parts after some time can sag to varying degrees.

click-clack

Click-clack sofas are the most comfortable for relaxing due to the presence of a relax position of the back or armrests.

The deployment is parallel.
When unfolding, the sofa is tilted onto the back and moved forward. The seat is lowered horizontally.
The back of the "click-clack" sofa can be fixed in the third position (except for lying and sitting) - half-sitting.
There are also single models of click-clack sofas, in which only the sides fall.

Characteristics:

• a narrow place to sleep without a back;
• in the unfolded state, most often there is no support for the pillow and head, since the sidewalls in most models are also lowered;
• there is a linen box;
• to expand the sofa, you need to move it away from the wall;
• click-clack sofas are inexpensive;
• the click-clack mechanism is reliable for daily transformation, it is easy to replace if necessary;
• if there are no retractable legs and the sofa is laid out, then it is not recommended to sit on the edge.

Cot

Sofas with a folding mechanism - a choice for a living room with a bed "just in case".

The spread is perpendicular.
There are several types of such mechanisms with slight differences. The most common French and American models.
The clamshell sections unfold sequentially. Each of them is mounted on metal legs.
The strongest are American folding beds. But in any case, they are not suitable for daily transformation. This is a guest sofa.

Characteristics:

• compact when folded;
• have a box for linen;
• the sleeping surface is not very flat;
• daily transformation is contraindicated, frequent use leads to loosening and sagging;
• the folding mechanism of the sofa is simple and easy to repair.

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture use a variety of layout mechanisms for sofas. There are no universal options. Depending on the method of operation, the size of the room and some other conditions, one or the other is chosen.

In order not to make a mistake, you need to listen to the advice of experts. They will help you understand what factors you need to pay attention to in the first place. All groups of mechanisms are classified according to certain criteria. This makes it much easier to figure out which model is best suited.

studying, which mechanism for transforming sofas is better a number of recommendations should be taken into account. There is a generally accepted rule. All sofas are conditionally divided into guest types and designed for daily sleep. If the mechanism is chosen correctly, the furniture will last a long time. Its operation will be comfortable.

If the sofa will be laid out often (sleeping variety), you should not purchase products with a complex layout procedure. In this case, it would be useful to remember the golden rule: the simpler the better. Guest sofas, on the contrary, are not designed for the daily movements of the system. Therefore, their mechanism will not be as strong as that of sleeping varieties.

Attention should also be paid to such criteria as the maximum load of the bed, the orthopedic qualities of the model, its appearance, the layout procedure, the comfort of the bed, and also the convenience in the sitting position. So sofa transformation mechanism is an important factor influencing the choice.

Guest models

Guest type sofas have a design that does not take up much space. The appearance of such furniture is very unusual, interesting. Such mechanisms include "French folding bed", "Sedaflex", "Dionysus", etc. The main purpose of such furniture is to surprise guests, ensuring their maximum comfort during their stay in the hosts' house.

Comfort in a sitting position is important, but you won’t be able to kill two birds with one stone, you will have to sacrifice comfort when laying out. Mechanisms for transforming corner sofas require a significant investment of time and effort in order to transform furniture into a place to sleep. First you need to remove the seat cushions. After that, the mechanism is activated.

If you believe the reviews, rest in such a bed leaves much to be desired. These types of sofas are usually cheap. You can sleep on them, but not all the time.

Sleeping sofa

The second group includes furniture designed for daily sleep. When laying out, you do not need to spend a lot of time. Sleep will be comfortable. Devices of this type include the "book" and its main variations. The most famous of them are "click-clack" and "Eurobook".

This type includes angular varieties. The most popular in this group is recognized the transformation mechanism of the sofa "dolphin", well, or"puma". Also bright representatives of furniture for daily sleep are sofas "telescope" and "ribalto".

Such mechanisms are very easy to operate. Their transformation is quick and easy. The sleeping place has sufficient rigidity. It is flat and comfortable. Such mechanisms are designed for a large number of transformation cycles.

"Book" or "click-clack"

One of the simplest is sofa book. Transformation mechanism involves raising the seat. At this point, a click occurs. The sofa comes back down already unfolded.

Click-clack models are a slightly improved version of the book. Such devices have an intermediate position. At the same time, a person can be in a “relaxation” position. The back does not go all the way down. Therefore, a person is located on the sofa half-sitting.

The advantage of the presented models is reliability and durability even with daily transformation. This option is ideal for apartments with a small area. Floor covering can be anything.

The disadvantage is the limitation in design, simple appearance. The back and seat of such models must be identical in length. A variety of "click-clack" should not be placed close to the wall.

"Eurobook"

One of the most common models today is the Eurobook. The sofa transformation mechanism is considered one of the most reliable. When folding, the seat is pushed forward. Under it opens a space for storing bed linen. The back rests on the vacated space.

The advantage of such a system is the minimum number of mechanical elements. Therefore, there is practically nothing to break in such furniture. According to consumers, these are durable reliable products. The sleeping area is very spacious. In addition, there is a rather large box below. It is convenient to store bed linen and bedding here. The sofa can be installed near the wall.

As for the disadvantages of such products, people note that the seat slides on the floor. Therefore, special attention is paid to the coating. In general, the "Eurobook" is a solid reliable mechanism that will serve its owners for many years.

"Pantograph"

One of the analogues of the "Eurobook" today is the "pantograph". The sofa transformation mechanism is also quite simple. It is necessary to raise the seat at an inclination of about 45º. Then it is lowered and pulled down and towards itself. The back goes down. This is how the bed is made.

Below is a laundry compartment. Some models of the presented variety can be transformed from a direct to a corner version of upholstered furniture. And it doesn't matter if you want to turn it right or left.

The advantage of this mechanism, judging by the reviews, is that the seat does not roll out on the floor surface. It simply slides out without touching the flooring of the room. The improved design causes an increase in the cost of such sofas.

"Cot"

The "clamshell" type has several popular design options. The principle of transformation here is simple. The bed is located directly under the seat. For the front panel, which is located below, the seat moves forward. There is a French and an American folding bed. Their principle is very similar.

The French one is pulled out in the form of a scroll, which unfolds in 3 stages. This mechanism is compact in size, so it is built into even very sophisticated sofas. However, this model is not used on a daily basis.

The American clamshell is designed for heavy loads. This sofa is practical and durable. However, this feature significantly raises the price of this furniture. To transform the sofa, you need to lift it a little, and then pull it towards you. This type of mechanism does not harm the flooring, but it needs to be lubricated periodically to avoid squeaks.

Withdrawable mechanism

One of the best options for sleep is considered roll-out sofa. Transformation mechanism here is very simple. The berth is obtained by rolling out additional sections from under the base. Due to its simplicity, the presented mechanism is called one of the most reliable.

Another advantage of such products is the absence of requirements for the size of the room. It is installed even in small rooms. Moreover, in the unfolded state, the place to sleep will be long and even.

The disadvantage of such mechanisms is the exactingness of the type of flooring. It should be strong, not sag under the weight of the sofa. In the process of transformation, the base slides on the floor. Nothing should interfere with this movement. It is better if the selected model of the presented type has rubber wheels.

Equipped with a special built-in mechanism that allows you to turn each of them into a bed in a matter of seconds. The choice of this mechanism depends on the area of ​​​​the room, the frequency of use, as well as on various additional advantages (ease of layout, the presence of drawers for linen, etc.). All models can be conditionally divided according to the type of mechanism into rolling out, unfolding and unfolding. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Sofas with folding mechanism

This is a widespread and one of the oldest mechanisms. His bed is formed thanks to the back and seat. They are stacked horizontally when transformed, forming a double bed. The most popular types are "click-clack", "eurobook", "book".

"Book"

This is a very simple layout. It is necessary to raise the seat until it clicks, then lower it, after which the back takes a horizontal position. These types of folding sofas are designed for daily use. They create a high bed, and also suggest drawers designed for bed linen. These sofas are not the most reliable, as they wear out quickly enough. To expand the "book", you will need additional space. If it is located against a wall, then it will need to be moved away. Therefore, when it is best to immediately leave a distance behind the back of the sofa, so that later, when laying out, it does not have to be “carried” around the room.

"Click Clack"

Views with the "click-clack" transformation method have the same mechanism as the "book". At the same time, there is an intermediate position of the back, which allows you to remain in the “reclining-semi-sitting” position. This gives an additional advantage and makes this piece of furniture for relaxation even more comfortable. To move to the relax position, you need to raise the seat to the 1st click. Raising it to the 2nd click, you can expand the sofa completely.

"Eurobook"

Such types of folding sofas require practically no effort during the transformation. The seat is pulled forward, while the backrest fits into the free space. They are convenient, when laying out they do not require a lot of space (they can stand against the wall). Compared with the same "book" they form a wider, even bed. They also have drawers for laundry. A feature of such sofas is that they do not have such a mechanism as the "book". Thanks to this, they practically do not break. Their only drawback is that with everyday use, the seat rollers can spoil the floor surface.

Sofas with unfolding mechanism

This is quite popular, although not the most popular. Such types of sofas suggest that the bed remains inside under the seat when folded, and when transformed, it first moves forward, and then unfolds to form a bed. The most common type is a folding bed, as well as its varieties: "sedaflex", French folding bed.

French cot

This is a triple folding mechanism located under the seat cushions. Before unfolding it, it is necessary to remove the pillows, then pull out the lower part by the handle, and then gradually unfold it. His bed is a frame, which consists of three sections connected by hinges, and a mattress. These types of sofa mechanisms are widely used in models that differ in design and price. They are very small and do not affect the appearance in any way. It does not assume the daily use of furniture. Such a sofa is more suitable for guests (exceeding the permissible load and frequent use will lead to sagging of the mattress). In addition, these models do not have a place to store linen.

"Sedaflex"

Similar types of transformation of sofas resemble a French folding bed. Although they are more expensive and durable. During the layout, you need to slightly raise the mechanism, and then pull it towards you with force. This is one of the most reliable models, it is able to withstand heavy loads without changing the frame. Such designs allow you to form a fairly high and wide berth, despite the fact that when folded, the sofas are very compact. The only disadvantage of such models is the lack of storage space for linen.

Types of sofas with roll-out mechanism

This type of mechanism is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease of use, high strength and spaciousness of the bed. It is very convenient to lay out such a sofa, since the berth is pulled simply forward. But when acquiring such a model, you must carefully consider all the components of the mechanism. For example, experts say that a good sofa should have closer springs, then it will last a very long time. Models with a roll-out mechanism have one characteristic drawback - a low berth that can push through and scratch the floor during transformation. Common models: "dolphin" ("kangaroo"), "accordion".

"Accordion"

Similar types of transformation of sofas are based on the “accordion” principle: in this case, the seat rises to a slight click, and the double back folded into a house stretches like an accordion, thereby forming a flat bed with a seat. Such models are very easy and quick to unfold, have covers for each of the elements and drawers for linen.

"Dolphin" ("kangaroo")

This is a mechanism that is installed more often than others in various types of corner sofas. When laying out, a platform rolls out from under the seat, which then rises, forming a flat bed with a seat. These types of sofas are very durable, they can withstand high loads, which is why they are considered one of the most durable. But such models cannot be called compact.

Design features

It should be noted that the shape distinguishes island, straight and corner sofas. The latter are installed in the corners of the room. They are great for small rooms. This is one of the most modern and fashionable types of upholstered furniture. As soon as the sofa is in the room, it immediately becomes much more comfortable.

One of the advantages is the ability to vary the design and shape as desired. I must say that everyone, having considered the types of corner sofas, will be able to choose the one that suits him. The sides of such models can be the same or different in length.

Island sofas are most often sold in a rounded shape, and therefore, they cannot be placed in a corner and leaned against a wall. They should occupy a central place in spacious rooms.

Appointment of sofas

Such upholstered furniture for its intended purpose is conditionally classified into the following models:

At the same time, the mechanisms and types of models may differ, therefore, it is necessary to choose a specific thing that is directly suitable for your purposes. Often it is the types of sofa upholstery that determine their purpose. For example, models sheathed in leather are designed for kitchens or offices. For children's rooms, sofas are covered with bright and practical fabrics, from which it is easy to remove stains.

Types of sofas by size

All models are divided into compact and large designs. However, there is no single standard. One manufacturer makes a two-seat sofa 1.6 m long, and the other - 1.9 m.

It is necessary that the model that you like does not occupy all the free space in the room, does not block the balcony door. Before buying, measure the area of ​​\u200b\u200byour room and compare it with the dimensions of the sofa.

We hope the tips in this article will help you make the right choice, and your sofa will serve you faithfully for many years. Good luck with your purchase!