From this article you will learn:

• What are the styles of sofas for different interiors
• Which sofas in different styles are the highest quality and best
• How to choose a sofa
• What are the sofas depending on the shape
• Sofas depending on the design and folding mechanism
• What are the most unusual sofas

Over the past 60-70 years, several completely new stylistic solutions have been born in the interior. Everyone has their own fans, and today styles such as minimalism and hi-tech, loft, modern and art deco are deservedly popular. All these areas are distinguished by maximum practicality, external beauty in this case is in second place. This rule necessarily applies to any furniture, including sofas. It should be noted that some models with a modern design may be very different from traditional, generally accepted options. Today there are a variety of configurations and styles of sofas. Their review is in our material.

Various styles of sofas for any interior

The sofa is rightly called the compositional center of the living room. The look of a person entering the room first of all stops on the sofa. Therefore, when choosing this piece of furniture, you need to make sure that it fits perfectly into the overall style of the room, without even the slightest conflict with other elements of the decor.

• Sofas in eclectic style, kitsch.

They are distinguished by the variegation characteristic of postmodernism, the fusion of textures and colors. Such sofas can be decorated with many original elements, including details from other styles. Creating a similar interior space, you can not get carried away. Otherwise, it is easy to place absolutely incongruous objects next to each other, and the room will look tasteless.

• High-tech sofas.

The English phrase "high tech" means "high technology". Furniture in high-tech style and looks accordingly: a rectangular product with elements of glass and chrome.

• Art Deco sofas.

This luxurious and romantic style, which appeared in the middle of the last century, is a kind of combination of sophisticated decor and majestic forms of products. Decorative buttons, wide armrests, curved details are used as decoration elements.

• Sofas in the style of minimalism.

Sofas made in this style do not have unnecessary elements; the configuration of such furniture is extremely simple. The direction of minimalism implies the ideal functionality of furniture and the almost complete absence of any decorations on it. Most companies producing such sofas offer customers modular product options, assembled from separate blocks of the correct geometric shape.

• Sofas in modern style.

"Modern" is translated as "modern", although this direction is more than a hundred years old. Pieces of furniture made in this style are plastic in form, have a large number of curved lines, and are decorated with elegant fittings. Modern as a style can be opposed to the classical direction in its main parameters.

There are actually a lot of design styles for sofas. Some of them are more popular, others less, but all have their own admirers. Today, most people prefer the following models:

Style with a special atmosphere. Provence is rural motifs and almost fabulous village houses, bright sun and blue sea.

Sofas in Provence style perform several functions:

• They decorate the living room.
• Complement the overall picture of the room.
• Due to their comfort, they allow a person to have a good rest on them.

In terms of dimensions, such sofas can differ significantly from each other, but compact models are now more popular.

Sofas that are in high demand these days. The name of the style is translated as "attic". A room equipped in this way necessarily contains some industrial details: brickwork, various types of pipes, etc. There are no partitions in the loft, and open space is most often zoned with furniture. Therefore, there is nothing surprising in the fact that preference in this case is given to overall island-type sofas.

The traditional form of furniture is still relevant today. Many lovers of antiquity purchase furniture stylized as historical samples: leather covering, natural upholstery, frame made of expensive wood. However, in the production of most classic-looking sofas, the most modern materials are used, and this is quite satisfactory for buyers.

Rustic style has always been popular even in city apartments. Today, country is still in vogue, and not only living rooms, but also bedrooms, children's rooms and even baths are furnished in this style.

Sofas made in country style have their own characteristics. Among them:

• Ease of execution.
• Rough shape with a predominance of straight lines.
• No lacquering or polishing.
• Artificially aged headset.
• Light-coloured upholstery with fine patterns.
• A minimum of decorative carvings.
• The presence of patination, brushing, painting.

In addition, such furniture can be wicker and even forged.

The best sofas in the most popular styles from Belfan

The main thing for this direction is conciseness and simplicity of lines. These models have wide armrests and a very comfortable back. The set also includes decorative pillows that look great. from the side and provide additional comfort. There is also a special pouffe, which can be used both as an add-on module and as a separate piece of furniture.

The sofa called "Rochester" has a gracefully rounded shape of the armrests, figured legs, as well as an attractive edging finish. Such a sofa will look good not only in the living room, but also in the dining room, creating real comfort in any room. The sofa comes with two decorative pillows.

To make it easier to take care of the sofa, the manufacturers made the back and seat cushions removable. Despite the rather strict configuration, "Rochester" is very soft and comfortable. The model is equipped with a reliable New Roller transformation mechanism and is equipped with a thick 14 cm mattress, which allows the owner to easily unfold the sofa and sleep well on it.

Another popular Provence style sofa is the Raphael model. It also easily transforms into a full-fledged sleeping place, and when assembled it looks great in the living room, dining room or spacious lobby of a country house. The back cushions and armrests have a rounded shape, which makes the product look very original and harmonizes perfectly with the rest of the furniture in the Provence style.

The frame of the sofa is made of natural wood, and anti-allergic fiber is used as a filler for pillows, which keeps its shape well and does not allow moisture and odors to pass through. The sofa transformation mechanism is convenient and easy to use. The presence of removable covers increases the life of the furniture and greatly simplifies the care of it. In addition, by removing (or, conversely, putting on) covers, you can easily change the interior of the room.

The Grace collection offers a fairly roomy sofa and a large armchair that will look great both in a country house and in a city apartment. Moreover, it is not difficult to choose the option to your taste: a double sofa, a triple or an armchair.

Furniture "Grace" looks really luxurious. However, it is very comfortable and reliable.

Another excellent sofa model in a classic style has a somewhat speaking name - "Fleuron". Such a sofa could well decorate the royal living room. It is unlikely that anyone will argue that furniture should not only be comfortable, but also look beautiful.

Sofa "Fleron" fully meets these two requirements. It has a graceful line of the back, smooth outlines of the sidewalls and legs of the original shape.

Sofa "LaRouche" is able to surprise guests not only with its appearance. Any person, having settled down on such a sofa, will instantly be able to appreciate its convenience. Soft armrests and an impressive width make this sofa truly comfortable.

Sofa "Caesar" has a fairly compact size, and therefore is perfect for not too large rooms, halls of country houses and even dressing rooms. Some models are equipped with a built-in French folding bed transformation mechanism, thanks to which the sofa can be turned into a full-fledged sleeping place without much effort. The frame of the product is made of pine, and the charm of the country style is emphasized by massive turned legs.

A set called "Marseille", consisting of a futon sofa and a comfortable chair, our customers are willing to buy for country houses. However, if the city apartment is furnished in a country style, this furniture will also look very organic in it. A big plus of the product is that the buyer has the opportunity to independently choose the color of the tapestry by looking at all the fabrics offered in the catalog.

5 important criteria for choosing a sofa

When choosing a sofa for a particular style of room, first of all visit furniture stores or specialized shopping centers that have proven themselves well in the eyes of consumers, and therefore are trustworthy.

This approach will save you from purchasing a low-quality sofa, which after a short time will lose its attractive appearance or even fall apart. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers now produce truly high-quality products, and this applies not only to the strength of the sofa frame, but also to the materials used for upholstery.

When choosing a style sofa, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Look at the price of the item. Today in stores you can find any furniture, ranging from its budget options to elite ones. Of course, when choosing a sofa, you should focus on your financial capabilities, but at the same time not be seduced by very cheap models. Most often, too low a price indicates that the furniture is made of low quality materials. There is virtually no chance that it will last long enough.
• Ask your manager or sales consultant what exactly the model you are interested in is made of.
• Carefully examine the quality of the upholstery material. Try to understand how durable and practical it is.
• Ask the seller about the style sofa filler.
• Find out the dimensions of the sofa - they must meet pre-calculated parameters. In general, try to measure the dimensions of the purchased furniture with the size of the apartment. In a small room, a huge sofa will take up all the free space. Take a close look at the color of the sofa. It should match the overall color scheme of the room.

And more advice. When choosing a sofa made in a particular style, pay close attention to the shape and design features of the product. Let's talk about these parameters in more detail.

Sofa shapes

The most common are the following:

It is considered the most compact type. The double model is easy to place even in a small room by moving it against the wall. If the size of the room allows, the sofa can be made a compositional center by placing all the rest of the furniture around it. Triple models are quite large in size, so they are best purchased for spacious rooms.

A corner sofa, made in one style or another, is suitable for almost any room. Even an impressive size product can be placed in the corner of the room, and there will still be a lot of free space in it.

Such sofas are often preferred by large families living in small apartments. If the living room in the house is spacious enough, then it is good to use such a model for zoning the room. Among other things, when unfolded, the corner sofa is a wide and comfortable bed.

This is a kind of constructor, from the parts of which you can assemble a corner sofa, a straight sofa with a pouffe, and an island composition. In addition, in some stores it is possible to purchase different parts of such a designer to choose from, which is very important for buyers who design the interior of a room in one style or another.

• Semicircular sofa.

Such sofas, in whatever style they are decorated, are not very popular. The fact is that due to the peculiar configuration, these products are not very convenient: they cannot be attached to the wall, they almost never can be decomposed to form a sleeping place. But if the living room is spacious enough and furnished in one of the popular styles (hi-tech, minimalism, etc.), then a semicircular sofa will look very good in it.

Designs and mechanisms for folding sofas

Sofas made in one style or another can also differ in the type of folding mechanisms.

Book

Such models are able to take two positions: for sitting and for sleeping. It is enough to recline the back of the sofa, as it turns into a full-fledged sleeping place. But when planning to place such a sofa in the room, please note: you will have to leave a small gap between the wall and the back of the product. Only in this case, the structure can be decomposed without moving it away from the wall. The sofa itself is quite simple. It consists of two frames (made of wood or metal) with fixed spring blocks or some kind of soft filler. Most of these products are equipped with drawers for storing linen.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa is very durable and reliable.
• Uncomplicated to use.
• It has a fairly long service life.

Disadvantages:

• It can take only two positions.
• It cannot be pushed close to the wall.

Tango

A system reminiscent of a classic "book", but with a more beautiful name. There is only one difference from the previous model: in addition to the two main positions, such sofas can take intermediate ones. The backrest, at the request of the owner, is set at the desired level, it is very convenient. Similar products are also equipped with a box for storing bed linen.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa is compact.
• Can be fixed in different positions.
• After unfolding, it has a flat surface.

Flaw:

Eurobook

This is a sofa, the seat of which is pulled forward on roll-out rollers. Pillows that previously played the role of a back are placed in the niche formed in this case.

Advantages of the model:

• The transformation mechanism is very reliable.
• The sleeping place is quite spacious.
• The storage compartments are very spacious.

Flaw:

• The sofa seats are too large, so children and people of small stature, not being able to lean on the back, will not feel comfortable enough.

Dolphin

The transformation mechanism with which such sofas are equipped is considered one of the most popular. To disassemble the sofa, you just need to pull up and out on the hinges fixed in the section under the seat. After the section rolls out, a spacious berth is formed. The sofa is also equipped with a box for things, located in the stationary part of the seat.

Such a transformation mechanism must necessarily be made of high-quality wood, since the load exerted by the device on the body is quite large.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa can be expanded without much effort.

Flaw:

• With the constant use of the transformation mechanism, the life of the sofa is very limited.

Pantograph

A similar folding mechanism is also called "puma" or "tic-tac". In general, this system is a variant of the "Eurobook", but without roll-out rollers. To transform the sofa, you need to take hold of the edge of the seat in the middle and pull it up. The seat will slide out, the legs of the support will open. After that, it is enough to put pillows from the back into the resulting niche, and the bed is ready.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa folds out easily.
• There is a spacious drawer for bed linen.
• The floor covering is not scratched by rollers.

Disadvantages:

• The sofa has an overly wide seat.
• The transformation mechanism is quite expensive.

French cot

Such sofas are not recommended to be used as a bed too often, as the folding mechanisms are not strong enough and wear out quickly. But as a sleeping place for guests, such products are very comfortable. To expand the sofa, you just need to pull the edge of the seat, after which a plane of three sections is formed.

Advantage of the model:

• When assembled, the sofa is quite compact.

Disadvantages:

• The bed is not level enough.
• There are no drawers or niches for storing linen.
• Not too long service life.

The body of the product has two sections. If you pull on the bottom of the sofa, they will roll forward. The pillow must be folded into the vacant seat.

Advantages of the model:

• When assembled, the sofa takes up very little space.
• It has a very reliable transformation mechanism.
• The bed is very comfortable.

Disadvantages:

• The floor covering can be damaged by the rollers.
• The sleeping area is too low.

Accordion

The folding mechanism is somewhat reminiscent of a well-known musical instrument, for which it got its name. When the sofa is folded, it is quite compact, but it needs a lot of free space to push it forward. After the transformation, the sofa stands on mobile legs. Bed linen can be stored in the compartment located in the backrest area.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa is quite easy to lay out.
• The transformation mechanism is very reliable.
• The product has a long service life.

Disadvantages:

• There is no box for linen.
• Due to the operation of the withdrawable mechanism, the floor covering may be damaged.

Spartacus

A similar sofa, made in any style, is great for sleeping. Thanks to the improved design, the bed is long, comfortable and very reliable. By and large, this is a French clamshell bed supplemented with a welded metal grate. To disassemble the sofa, you need to pull on the seat. It will unfold in three steps and stand on extended legs.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa can be expanded without any difficulty.
• The transformation mechanism is quite reliable and able to withstand frequent use.

Disadvantages:

• There is no drawer or niche for the bed.
• The sofa is disassembled only after the pillows are removed from it.

Conrad or telescope

The sofa unfolds like a telescope, hence its name. It is worth pulling the bottom of the product, as the sections roll out one after the other and stand on the supports. The berth of this model is located slightly higher from the floor than that of roll-out sofas.

Product advantages:

• The sofa is quite small.
• There is a box for linen.
• The transformation mechanism is able to withstand daily use.
• The sleeping place is very comfortable.

Flaw:

• The folding mechanism is quite heavy, which is reflected in the weight of the sofa.

The Konrad sofa, unlike the traditional sedaflex telescope, is equipped with a roll-out mechanism and a dolphin system at the same time. It is somewhat reminiscent of a French folding bed, but has a thicker mattress and is transformed from three, but from two sections.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa is very compact.
• Has a comfortable mattress.
• Equipped with a durable folding mechanism.

Flaw:

• There is no box for bed linen.

Elf

Sofas of this type have a rotary transformation mechanism. To get a sleeping place, you need to part the armrests on the sides. Moreover, for convenience, they are adjustable in height and are able to take various positions.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa is very compact.
• The place to sleep is very comfortable.
• Thanks to the use of lamellas, an orthopedic effect is achieved.
• Armrests can be adjusted.

Disadvantages:

• The sofa cannot be pushed close to the wall.
• The bed is the same as the seat.

Recliner

"Recline" is translated from English as "lean back." Inside the sofa there are mechanisms that allow you to adjust the backrest, extend the footrest and give it the desired position. Some models are equipped with pillows with vibration massage. You can even purchase a product with an electric motor, which is controlled using a special remote control.

Advantages of the model:

• The sofa is very comfortable in any position.
• They are easy to manage.
• It can be customized for you.

Disadvantages:

• The sofa is quite expensive.
• There is no possibility to transform it into a bed.

The sleeping area consists of two sections that are inside the body when the sofa is folded. To transform, you need to grab the inner edge of the seat, pull it up, and then gently pull it forward and towards you. The sleeping place will decompose directly on a floor.

Advantages of the model:

• The folded sofa is very compact.
• It costs less than other folding sofas.

Disadvantages:

• The bed is not comfortable enough.
• Nowhere to put bed linen.

As you can see, each type of sofa has its pros and cons. When choosing a sofa, it is very important to decide in advance which design suits you best. If there are difficulties with the decision, consult with the seller of the furniture store. He will tell and even clearly demonstrate all the strengths and weaknesses of various models.

10 most unusual sofas that will surprise you

Not only the styles of sofas can be different, but also design solutions too. Some of them are truly amazing. We offer you to get acquainted with the selection of the most unusual sofas.

It took dozens of teddy bears to make such a sofa. The resulting product looks very nice, it is soft to the touch and voluminous in appearance. The sofa looks very romantic, but it’s not easy to take care of it.

• Sofa-mountain by Gaitano Pesque.

Designer Gaetano Pesce loves mountains. But he does not encourage everyone to become climbers without exception. This is not necessary when you can buy a hyper-realistic sofa that gives the feeling that a little more - and you will hear the sound of a waterfall, feel a breath of fresh breeze on your face.

• Sofa-bed "White Moon" (LuneBlanche).

Lune Blanche sofa made from wisteria or deciduous creeper , will brighten up any living room. Only here it is not very comfortable to rest on it, and this is a huge minus of the model.

The design is based on wooden slats bent at different angles. They are covered with silky upholstery, with many soft pillows on top. Very comfortable sofa. In addition, if necessary, its upholstery can be easily replaced.

• Sofa for cats and their owners.

Cat Tunnel Sofa is the work of Korean designer Sen Ji Moon. The highlight of the sofa is that not only people feel great on it, but also animals - for example, cats. The armrest of the sofa is at the same time a mink in which your beloved pet can comfortably sit.

• A series of creative sofas by Jonas Jurgaitis.

Jonas Jurgaitis has created a series of sofas that only vaguely resemble traditional furniture. The main thing for Yones is creativity, especially since it does not leave many people indifferent.

• Sofa that takes the shape of the body.

The sofa is made in a classic style, but still very unusual. The material of the product - viscoelastic foam with "memory" - is able to take the form of a person sitting on it, thereby providing maximum comfort.

Popcorn style furniture was created by Belgian designer Carl De Smet. The polyurethane from which this sofa is made is also able to remember the shape. The chair must be plugged into the outlet and wait until it reaches the desired size. If the furniture suddenly does not like it, its shape is easy to change. When the need for the product disappears, it can simply be blown away.

• Flower sofa.

The flower sofa was created by Moscow designer Albina Basharova. Such furniture looks quite extravagant, but this does not prevent it from being very functional. If you recline the back of the sofa, you get a comfortable place to sleep. Flower petals can be used as armrests or laptop stand. The built-in stamen lamp creates additional comfort.

• Sofa from the Spiritof 427 series.

Luxurious leather sofa, produced by the Polish design studio LA Design Studio, is designed for connoisseurs of retro cars. When creating a sofa, designers used original spare parts for cars of the 60s of the last century. The symbiosis of furniture and automotive parts looks very interesting.

• "BELFAN" is a combination of modern classics and the most fashionable trends.

We closely follow the novelties in the world of interior design and produce furniture in accordance with the latest trends. What you will see at the Milan Fair in April will be available in our store in autumn.

Furniture from the company "BELFAN" remains relevant and does not go out of fashion for many years. Our clients do not have to regularly update the interior. It is enough to add new elements or swap modules (for example, if we are talking about hanging living rooms).

• Natural wood furniture.

Our products are environmentally friendly and safe, thanks to the natural materials used in the production. You and your loved ones will certainly appreciate the health care. And the pleasant aroma and energy of natural wood in the apartment will fill it with an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.

• Wide range of products.

Here you will find furniture for the living room, bedroom, hall, nursery, and you can also choose complementary interior items.

A ready-made interior solution will save your time. Moreover, with us you do not have to spend a budget on the services of designers. Our specialists will be happy to draw up a plan for arranging furniture that will meet all your requirements.

• Comfort every day.

In the manufacture of furniture, the company "BELFAN" uses the best modern fittings. You do not need to make any effort to open or close the drawer or door. Mechanisms made in Austria will ensure the absence of annoying sounds.

In addition, the inside of the drawers is upholstered with high-quality velor fabric, so you can carefully store your personal belongings.

• Decent quality at the best price.

We produce furniture at partner factories in Russia and Belarus, so we are ready to offer our customers comfortable prices.

Think about whether you are ready to overpay for foreign-made furniture. Our factories produce furniture from such a world-famous brand as IKEA, the quality of which is beyond doubt.

With us, you do not overpay for the brand, but get excellent quality for a reasonable price.

• Most items in our range are in stock.

And this means that by placing an order today, in a couple of days you will receive our furniture with home delivery. You don't have to wait for long weeks.

• The company "BELFAN" has been successfully operating in the market for 15 years.

We represent a federal network that produces furniture under several brands (BELFAN, Velij, Loft). The company's products are in great demand, which allows us to expand production even in times of crisis. They come back to us, they recommend us to friends.

High-quality after-sales service and the provision of a guarantee are two more undoubted advantages of cooperation with BELFAN!

I suggest you get acquainted with the most common mechanisms for transforming a sofa into a bed. You will learn the pros and cons of each and will be able to choose the type of sofa bed that suits you.

• Book

  The type of sofa layout familiar to everyone since Soviet times. Outwardly, the sofa resembles an open book.

  Pros: With proper execution, it forms a fairly comfortable sleeping place. Large laundry box. It is possible to use high-quality spring filling. Suitable for daily use.
  Minuses: Restrictions in design - the seats and back are a sleeping place, which means they must be even and close to a rectangular shape. The bed is narrow. If the width of the bed is increased in the model, then when unfolding it is necessary to move the sofa away from the wall, which is already inconvenient. A large number of mechanisms from different manufacturers. When the "book" mechanism fails, it is not always possible to find a suitable replacement.

• click-clack

  Modernized version of the book. In addition to the "lying" and "sitting" positions, it has a third intermediate "reclining" variant. Do not confuse with "Tick-tock" - this is a completely different mechanism.

  Pros: There is a laundry box. Suitable for daily use. Only two types of mechanisms (locks) - it is very easy to pick up and replace if it fails. It is also easy to replace the wooden battens of the sofa base.
  Minuses: The same as the "book" - the need to move the sofa away from the wall when unfolding, design restrictions. It is carried out on a metal frame with wooden battens (lamellas), which break when the point load is exceeded. However, broken lamellas in such sofas can simply be replaced with new armor.

• Eurobook

  Perhaps the best option if you need a sofa bed for daily use. It has all the advantages of the "book", but is deprived of its disadvantages.

  Pros: A fairly reliable mechanism, due to its simplicity, or rather the absence (usual loops are used). Wide bed. It is possible to use high-quality spring filling. With proper execution, there is no need to move away from the wall. Large linen box. The best option for daily sleep.
  Minuses: When folded, additional back cushions must be used.

• Tick-tock (aka Pantograph)

  Variety of "Eurobook". It differs in that the seat does not roll out on wheels, but steps forward with the help of a mechanism with springs.

  Pros: This is the same eurobook, only there are no wheels rolling on the floor.
  Minuses: Unlike the usual eurobook, a walking mechanism is installed, which makes the product more expensive.

• Accordion

  There are mono modifications of this type of mechanism. From those based on ordinary hinges and wooden frames using a "book" lock mechanism to factory-made all-metal frames with birch battens.

  Pros: Any bed width. Suitable for daily use.
  Minuses: Design restrictions. It's more of a youth style.

• Dolphin (aka Microlift)

  Easy to use mechanism. Most often used in corner sofas.

  Pros: It just unfolds. Reliable enough. Suitable for daily use when used correctly.
  Minuses: There is no drawer for linen (in corner sofas this is usually compensated by the presence of a side drawer). Often, manufacturers put much thinner filler (foam rubber) on the roll-out part than on the other parts - it is inconvenient to sleep on such a design.

• Vykatny (aka Telescope)

  10 years ago it was a very common system. Has several modifications.

  Pros: Ease of unfolding. As a rule, there is a small box for linen.
  Minuses: Hardware often fails. In the vast majority of models, there are strong differences in the thickness of the pillows across the bed, as a result - reduced comfort. The bed is low. This is rather a guest option, and not for daily sleep.

Details Category: All about sofas Views: 163607

Mechanisms for transforming sofas - briefly about each

First, let's define what a sofa transformation mechanism is. Another name is often used - the sofa folding mechanism. Professionals prefer the concept of transformation, so I will use it further.

Under these names lies an element that transforms the sofa into various shapes and positions. For example, a sofa from a sitting position turns into a sofa bed or into a sofa for "relaxation" with a partially reclined back. Another example of transformation is changing the shape of a sofa. For example, a corner sofa can be turned into a straight sofa or vice versa.

Why is it important to choose the right sofa transformation mechanism?

• The mechanism is one of the main ones, therefore the overall service life of the transformer sofa also depends on its reliability.
• The mechanism affects the convenience and ease of converting the sofa into various positions.
• Depending on the transformation mechanism, different free spaces in the room will be required to bring the sofa into the desired positions.
• Depends on the type of transformation mechanism and . After all, it is under it that the mechanism is hidden from our eyes.

Sofas without transformation mechanisms

Such sofas, by definition, do not contain transformational elements and are not able to unfold. Sofas without mechanisms are used to create seating for two or more people. You can offer this option for a small size. Less often they can be found as a sofa for sleeping. Although for people without excess weight, the use of a sofa in this capacity is quite acceptable.

Non-folding sofas can be used as separate sofa modules. By applying several similar modules, especially of different sizes, you can change the shape of a sofa made up of modules.

Monolithic sofa suitable for hallway, for the living room and decorate the kitchen or dining room. Often this type of sofa can be found in public places.

Pros: there is no mechanism, which means there is nothing to break. The service life of monolithic sofas is longer than the service life of folding sofas.

Minuses: no mechanism, no possibility of transforming the sofa. Monolithic sofas are not suitable for organizing sleeping places, especially if you need to put two or more people.

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Book"

Sofa "Book" is laid out in two positions: a sitting sofa and a sofa for sleeping.

The sofa is converted into a sleeping position by tilting the back of the sofa back.

During unfolding, you will not have to move the sofa away from the wall, but keep in mind that the design of the sofa requires free space between the wall and the back of the sofa.

The folding parts of the sofa are wooden or metal frames with spring blocks attached to them. In addition to the spring blocks, another filler can be used - foam rubber or latex. A sofa with a spring block is preferable, as it has the best performance in terms of service life and comfort.

Sofa "Book" often contains a section for bedding inside

Advantages: durable, reliable, time-tested mechanism. Suitable for frequent use and organizing a bed.

disadvantages: the sofa can only be unfolded in two positions - sitting and lying down. During transformation, in the part where the folding parts of the sofa are connected, a bulge or indentation may appear, which will negatively affect the comfort of sleep. The “book” cannot be placed tightly against the wall, since the unfolding mechanism requires free space between the wall and the back.

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Tango"

When preparing this article, I came across the fact that manufacturers invent their own names for mechanisms of the same type in terms of properties. Because of this, confusion occurs. So is the case with the Tango mechanism.

The click-clack (clack) mechanism has similar properties. In fact, both mechanisms are similar to the "Books" already described above.

The main difference from the "Book" consists in the possibility of "Tango" ("Click-clack (clack)") to take intermediate positions of the back of the sofa when unfolding.

The backrest, in addition to full horizontal unfolding, can be in a reclining, half-sitting position. This feature creates additional convenience for relaxation.

Sofas "Tango" have a section for storing the bed

Advantages: the mechanism allows you to fix the back of the sofa in several positions, sofas "Tango" are small in size, when unfolded into a plane, the sofa creates a surface without bumps and bumps.

Disadvantages: there is no way to put the sofa tightly against the wall; when transforming the back, you need a place for unfolding.

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Eurobook"

The work of the mechanism: the sofa seat is pushed forward on roll-out rollers, a niche is formed in shape and size identical to the back cushions of the sofa. Pillows fit into a niche, resulting in a flat surface of the bed.

Advantages: ease of converting the sofa into a bed, the simplicity of the mechanism itself - read its high reliability, large and even place to sleep, large niches inside the sofa for storage and bed.
disadvantages because of the wide seats, it is not convenient to sit on the sofa leaning against its back, especially for people with short stature.

Sofa transformation mechanism "Pantograph" ("Tick-tock", "Puma", "Walking Eurobook")

With the "Pantograph" the same story as with the "Tango" sofas. Apparently, for the sake of a red word, sellers and manufacturers have come up with a number of bright names for essentially the same mechanism. So, what else did I manage to meet under the mask of "Pantograph" - "Tick-tock", "Puma" and even "Walking Eurobook". In order not to get confused, I will continue to call the mechanism "Pantograph" (sounds somehow solid and mysterious))) .

"Pantograph" originated as a variant of the "Eurobook" mechanism. The difference is that there are no roll-out rollers in the "pantograph". Otherwise, it has parameters similar to the "Eurobook". Equipped with internal storage niches, it has a large and even bed.

The principle of operation of the mechanism: For unfolding, it is enough to pull up the sofa seat by holding its edge in the middle. Often sofas are equipped with loops - handles for easy unfolding. By pulling up the seat of the sofa, you activate its mechanism, which pushes the seat up and forward and at the same time opens the legs of the support and stands on them. The pillow back is placed in the formed niche. The result is a flat, without visible joints, a place for two people to sleep.

Advantages: sofas with "Pantograph" have a comfortable place to sleep. The mechanism is easily laid out. Such a sofa will not spoil your flooring, because when unfolding, parts of the sofa do not ride on the floor.

disadvantages: the mechanism is expensive because of this, and the cost of the sofa becomes higher. Due to the wide seat, sitting on the sofa is not comfortable, you need to use additional pillows

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "French folding bed"

The principle of the mechanism: The sleeping surface of the sofa consists of three sections. You need to pull the edge of the seat and stretch them forward. Sections will open and stand on legs - supports. When folding, the sections hide inside the sofa body.

Sofas of this series are not suitable for frequent use because the mechanism is rather weak to wear.

These sofas do not have a place to store the bed - the entire interior space of the sofa is occupied by a folded bed.

When assembled, the "French folding bed" is small in size, but unfolding will require free space (at least 1.50 meters) in front of the front of the sofa

Advantages: in the assembled state it has small dimensions.

Disadvantages: uncomfortable sleeping surface, no bed storage, short service life (about five years)

Conclusion: you can use the "French folding bed" to organize seating and for rare use as a bed - the option of unexpected guests lingering and staying (they won't sleep on such a sofa for a long time and will soon run away))).

Sofa transformation mechanism American folding bed (Sedaflex, Sedaflex)

The principle of the mechanism: The place to sleep has three parts-sections. You need to pull the seat of the sofa, as a result of which the sections of the bed will open and stand on the supports. Unfolding goes in two stages - first one section will open, and then the next one.

In fact, this mechanism is identical to the "French Clamshell" mechanism.

Reliability is its main difference..

The frame of the sofa and the mechanism itself are made of wear-resistant materials. This makes it possible to regularly use "Sedaflex" as a transformable sleeping bed.

Advantages: easy to operate, has good performance of reliability and durability.

Disadvantages: there is no place for linen, the surface of the bed has seams.

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Italian folding bed

This transformation mechanism belongs to the double folding mechanisms as well as the American clamshell. The double folding mechanism is a mechanism that is brought into working position in two steps.

The principle of operation of the mechanism

To unfold the Italian folding bed from the sofa to the bed, you need to pull the upper part of the back of the sofa towards you (usually the back has a special loop for this purpose).

• At the first step of unfolding the back of the sofa, together with the pillows, leans forward and then lies down and rests on the seat of the sofa.
• At the second stage the inner part of the sofa design makes a turn around its axis, this is reminiscent of unwinding a mattress rolled into a roll. After this turn, the support legs open, which were previously hidden and folded inside the structure and the formed sleeping place of the sofa rests on them.

Due to the reinforced springs, the mechanism can be folded and unfolded without significant effort.

Advantages of the Italian folding bed: this mechanism is the most reliable and durable of folding beds, it became possible due to the use of reinforced metal pipes in the frame of the mechanism, the sofa in the folded state has a compact size, when unfolding there is no need to remove the pillows from the seat of the sofa, Italian folding beds among other folding beds have the thickest and most comfortable a mattress for sleeping, in addition, lamellas and belts are used in the frame, which create an orthopedic effect.

disadvantages lack of storage space for linen, high price

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Accordion"

The principle of operation of the mechanism: "Accordion" got its name for its similarity to the principle of operation of accordion bellows (stretch back and forth). The sleeping space of the sofa also stretches forward, as it were, while bringing the sofa to the sleeping position, and rests on the extended supports. After the transformation, we have an even, although with minor seams a spacious place to relax and sleep.

The convenience of the sofa "Accordion" in its compact size when folded. But we must not forget that to unfold the sofa you will need free space in front of its front part (you need at least 1.50 meters)

Models "Accordion" are often equipped with an additional cabinet for storing bedding. Such a cabinet is located near the back of the sofa.

There is no storage space inside the sofa itself, the space is occupied by a folded sofa.

Advantages: Reliable and load-resistant mechanism that increases the life of the sofa. Supplied with additional cabinets for storage. Ease of bringing the sofa to the sleeping position.

Disadvantages: the sofa, when brought into the sleeping position, rides on the floor, so it can damage the flooring.

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Spartacus"

The principle of the mechanism: Triple folding mechanism. It is necessary to pull the seat of the sofa and it will decompose in three steps while standing on extended legs.

The design of the mechanism was developed by Italian engineers. This mechanism belongs to the metal-frame mechanism. The frame is made of shaped pipes on which a dense mesh made of metal rods 4 mm thick is mounted. The frame consists of three sections. The mesh creates a good orthopedic effect. On top of the mesh is a polyurethane foam mattress. It is comfortable to sleep on such sofas. The design of the mechanism provides a large bed in length, which is especially important for tall people. The mechanism is very reliable because it does not contain wooden and plastic parts.

Advantages: reliability and durability, easy to unfold, can be used daily, flat and large bed
Disadvantages: there is no place to store bedding, since the mechanism occupies the entire interior space of the sofa when assembled, you need to remove the sofa cushions before unfolding.

Sofa with unfolding on the floor

The principle of operation of the mechanism The sleeping place consists of two sections. When folded, the sections are hidden inside the sofa body. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull up on the inner edge of the sofa seat. Then, pull the sections forward towards you. The berth has no supports and unfolds directly on the floor.

It cannot be said that the sofa is comfortable for sleeping, since the joints of the sections are noticeable and the bed itself is located very low. Therefore, such models can be used for occasional use as a bedroom. But for sitting it is quite an acceptable option.

Advantages: compact dimensions in the assembled state, the cheapest type of folding sofas.
disadvantages: not comfortable to sleep, no storage space for bedding

The principle of the mechanism: The sleeping place consists of two segments. In the assembled state, the segments are in the sofa body. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull the bottom of the front. After that, it will roll forward into the working position. All that remains is to fold the pillow into the vacant seat. As a result of the transformation, a comfortable place to sleep is formed.

Roll-out sofas are durable and reliable models. Well suited for frequent use. Contain internal space for storage of bed linen.

Advantages: the most reliable, have a comfortable place to sleep and compact dimensions when assembled.

disadvantages: roll-out sofa rollers can ruin the flooring when unfolding, the bed has a low height

The folding mechanism of the sofa "Konrad" ("Telescope")

The principle of operation of the mechanism: "Konrad" consists of three sections. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull the lower part of the sofa from the front. In this case, the sections roll out one after the other. Because of this feature, the mechanism was nicknamed the "Telescope". Sections roll out and stand on supports.

"Conrad" is a subspecies of a roll-out sofa. The main difference is the large height of the bed.

Advantages: reliable mechanism suitable for daily use, sofas have a compact volume, equipped with a box for linen, comfortable for sleeping

Disadvantages: mechanism and sofa are heavy

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Dolphin"

The principle of the mechanism: To unfold the sofa, pull the front of the sofa from below. As a result of this, a section hidden inside the sofa body will roll out onto you. Inside the roll-out section there is a pillow with a strap. You need to grab the strap to pull the pillow up. She will "emerge" and stand on the same level with the cushion-seat of the sofa. Voila, the sleeping place is ready.

The Dolphin mechanism is mainly used in the construction of corner sofas. Places for storing the bed are not located in the roll-out part of the corner sofa. The mechanism exerts a significant load on the body of the sofa, so when buying, pay attention to the material of the body. Knots are not allowed if wood is used.

Advantages: ease of unfolding, the optimal height of the bed.

disadvantages: not durable.

The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Elf"

The principle of the mechanism: The mechanism unfolds easily. Armrests are bred on the sides and a berth is formed.

"Elf" refers to metal-frame mechanisms. The frame is made of metal profiled pipes. Wooden slats. Armrests are adjustable in height and have several positions. This feature allows you to create the most comfortable position of the armrests for the reclining position.

Advantages: compact model of sofas, a good flat bed, the lamellas give a good orthopedic effect, the armrests are adjustable, you can create a sofa for yourself.

Disadvantages: you can not put the sofa close to the wall, the bed is in the same place as the seat.

Sofa transformation mechanism "Recliner"

"Recliner" got its name from the English word recline - reclining or leaning back

The principle of the mechanism: The sofa transformation is controlled by complex mechanisms hidden in the sofa body. With their help, you can adjust the inclination of the back of the sofa and extend the footrest to a predetermined distance and at a certain angle.

Some models have vibration massagers built into the sofa cushions. Particularly advanced sofas have built-in electric motors that control the transformation of the sofa using a remote control.

There are models with "memory" that can adjust and remember the settings of the mechanism made directly for your body.

Advantages: very easy to manage, have fine settings - you can create a sofa for yourself.

Disadvantages: high price, used only as a place to relax, as there is no place to sleep

General conclusions

• Pay close attention to the mechanism when buying a sofa. The ease of use and life of the sofa will depend on choosing the right mechanism.
• Match your needs with its capabilities. How often will you lay out the sofa, what space do you have allocated for installing the sofa, especially when unfolded.
• Do not take a sofa with a obviously inappropriate mechanism just because the color is cool or because the neighbors have one. Choose individually for your needs.

Sofa transformation mechanisms - video review

For greater clarity, I also want to offer a video plot that describes the mechanisms of sofas. True, they have already been discussed above. But, as they taught at school - "Repetition is the mother of learning)))", and this video will facilitate and consolidate your understanding of the topic.

Now you know everything you need to make an informed choice about the mechanisms for transforming sofas. Hope it was helpful.

Purchasing a new sofa is a major purchase that raises many questions and doubts. As with the choice of most pieces of furniture, the buyer wants to find a model that is equally comfortable, practical and stylish in appearance. The best way to choose the most comfortable sofa is to visit a furniture showroom and feel like the owner of a particular model.

• Some models of sofas are designed to perform only one function - they serve as a place to relax in a sitting position. These are the so-called guest sofas.
• Another variety are models that transform into a bed. When buying such a model, be sure to familiarize yourself with the mechanism of its operation to make sure that it is suitable for the conditions in which it will be operated.

Varieties

The folding mechanism of the sofa makes it easy and simple to turn it into a bed. Currently, there are many such options. However, before buying a sofa with any of the transformation mechanisms, you need to carefully study their properties, as well as find out what material they are made of. These characteristics will allow you to judge how long-term and comfortable the operation of the sofa will be. In the case of complex mechanical devices, the choice of transformation mechanisms made of reliable steel grades will be the most preferable option.

According to the type of layout, the sofa can be:

1. Turning, which is also called a transforming sofa or modular;
2. Folding, this category includes both folding sofas (French or American) and “Eurobook” sofas;
3. Withdrawable, which can be straight or angular;
4. with lifting mechanism, which happens on hinges, springs or can be carried out using a gas shock absorber system;
5. With walking mechanism, which is also called stepping; such designs include tick-tock, tango, and pantograph sofas, which are variants of the improved Eurobook model;
6. "Scissors"- most often these are corner structures;
7. "Butterfly", which is also called the "versailles" mechanism.

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"Dolphin"

One of the most convenient and frequently purchased sofa layout mechanisms. The base of this sofa is on a retractable platform. While the design is in the form of a sofa, the platform is invisible, because it is hidden under its seat. In order to unfold the sofa, you need to roll out this platform and lift its edge a little up by pulling on the special loops. This will ensure that the surface of the platform is leveled at the same height as the seat. The resulting bed has an elastic base and a comfortable height.

Folding such a model is very simple: you need to pull up, holding the belt of the retractable base, it will rise and the mechanism will take it inside the roll-out platform. The platform itself then slides down under the seat. Such a mechanism is very reliable, allows you to get a comfortable resting place for two people, suitable for use every day.

Sliding sofas "dolphin" can be either straight or corner. In the latter case, they are supplied with a box for things located under the ottoman.

"Eurobook"

This layout is also known as "alternative". This folding model, in fact, does not have any mechanism that ensures its transformation, being an example of simplicity and reliability. The movement of parts of the structure occurs due to the rollers that move in the grooves of the base. This option is simple and suitable for long-term use.

To turn the eurobook into a bed, you need to remove the pillows and push the seat forward. Then it remains to lower the section, which was the back of the sofa, and you get a classic bed. To return the sofa to its original position, you need to do the same operations in reverse order: first, the backrest rises to its original position, and then the roll-out base moves towards it.

Under the seat there is always a compartment for storing bed linen, which is very convenient for the owners. Such models can be angular or straight type.

"Pantograph"

The mechanism called "pantograph" (also known as "Tick-tock" or "Tango") is an updated and improved version of the well-known "Eurobook". To turn this model into a bed, as in the case of the Eurobook mechanism, you need to push the seat forward. However, to do this, the seat must first be lifted up slightly by pulling on the hinges. Thanks to the folding mechanism, it will automatically take the desired position. The extended seat is placed on the floor and then the back of the sofa is lowered.

It turns out a wide and elastic bed on a spring block. The reverse transformation can be done by putting the backrest in the normal position, and then lifting the seat and moving it close to the backrest. The mechanism is designed for daily use. Sofas of this type are suitable for those who have high pile carpets at home, because the transformation takes place without moving the furniture directly on the floor.

In the case when the model with the pantograph mechanism is angular, it has a box for storing bedding.

"Puma"

A very simple and softly working spring mechanism of sofa expansion, which in terms of smoothness of movement really resembles the steps of a wild cat, after which it is named. During the transformation, the seat of such a model rises and, as it were, takes a step forward. In order to do this, just pull on the loop mounted at the bottom of the seat. At the same time, an additional platform hidden there will move out of the depth of the sofa, which, having taken the vacant seat, will transform the sofa into a full-fledged bed. This transformation occurs through a single movement gently and smoothly, which is facilitated by properly selected springs, equipped with a synchronizer.

Folding this model is also very simple. The folding process is carried out in one movement, for this the same sewn-in loop is used. Raising the front of the bed with it, you need to make a slight push back to the back of the sofa, and the built-in mechanism will lower both platforms into place. This mechanism is ideal for everyday use.

A straight sofa-"puma" does not allow to have a place for storing linen in the design, however, in the corner modifications, equipped with an ottoman, such a compartment is present.

"Conrad"

This type of transformation is also called high-rise roll-out.

The mechanism consists of three fragments, folded compactly packed in the back of the sofa. The outermost part of the bed is a frame structure, the middle part is a platform, completely standing on the floor and serving as an assembled seat, the head part is in the back.

When laying out such a sofa, you do not need to remove soft pillows, they will not interfere with pushing out of the depths of the structure and installing three retractable parts. The frame part is pulled out to the level of the legs first, it pulls the seat behind it, which, moving, gives impetus to the extension of the head of the bed. Special rollers with brackets moving along hardwood guides and a well-oiled mechanism allow such a transformation to be carried out without much effort. In order to fold the “konrad”, you need to lift the frame part by the built-in loop and push it towards the back.

However, with everyday use, such a model may not seem very convenient in the layout. This will be especially problematic for a woman or a child, since the retractable parts are of considerable weight.

The advantage of this model is its compact and elegant appearance, the creation of a comfortable and reliable bed without kinks and the presence of a box for storing linen built into the back.

Since the Konrad mechanisms are not produced in the Russian Federation, this affects their cost: sofas with similar components have a fairly high price tag.

Transformer

This is a sofa with a swivel transformation mechanism, which is also called "scissors". Usually these are large corner sofas with an ottoman. Outwardly, they are not too distinguishable from corner sofas of other designs, but if you look closely, it becomes clear that the ottoman of such a model has a slightly longer length than usual. With the pillows removed, its length will be about 190 cm, thus this part of the structure can simultaneously serve as a sleeping place without any additional transformations.

If you move the main part of the seat at an angle of 90 degrees and move it close to the ottoman, you can get a full-fledged sleeping place, already designed for two people. For ease of movement on the floor, the sofa-transformer is equipped with rubberized wheels. For reliable fixation, the wheels are equipped with brakes, which are installed as needed.

You can move the seat not only close to the ottoman, but also in the opposite direction, getting a U-shaped design. For some models of transformers, the back is additionally lowered, so the buyer can choose exactly the option that seems optimal to him. Each of these models has two spacious storage drawers and is an alternative to the usual roll-out sofas.

"Accordion"

The accordion folding mechanism is strong and durable, when unfolded, it turns the sofa into a full-fledged bed. It works on the principle of an accordion, for which it received its name.

When assembled, it has a double-fold back, which, when unfolded, straightens and creates the basis of a bed. In order to unfold the "accordion", the seat is lifted slightly up (until it clicks), then the mechanism begins to move forward, stretching the back folded in half. For stability and reliability, such models are usually equipped with armrests.

The assembly of the "accordion" takes place without much effort, but requires some skills. In order to start the assembly mechanism, you need to lift up the extreme part of the structure and push it towards the back: the "accordion" will curl up.

This model is usually straight, has a box for storing linen, when folded it is very compact and takes up a minimum of space. Such models are designed for daily layouts.

"French" folding bed

The transformation mechanism called the "French" clamshell has a second name: such designs are called "mixotual". This is the so-called metal frame mechanism. It consists of steel tubes of various thicknesses (in domestic designs it is 1.5 mm, in imported ones - 0.8 mm), an awning made of durable fabric (most often it is polypropylene) and equipped with transverse support strips - "armor" (made bent plywood) and equipped with a polyurethane foam mattress, which is in a fabric cover.

When laying out and folding, the mattress remains inside the structure, since it does not have its own frame. To open the "mixotual" almost no physical effort is required, for a start it is enough to pull up and forward the very frame of the mechanism, which is also the edge of the seat of the sofa. Then the whole mechanism must be lifted up and “rolled out” forward, like a regular clamshell. At the same time, sections folded into each other will straighten out, each of which is equipped with folding legs-supports made of metal semicircular tubes. Thus, a sleeping place is laid out, designed for a weight of about two hundred kilograms and dimensions of 185 * 145 cm. Sofa cushions are removed before transformation.

When assembling, the outermost segment of the structure first rises, which is “wrapped” onto the middle one, and then both of them are placed on the base of the sofa. The mattress is not removed, but bed linen, pillows and blankets must be removed to avoid damage to the mechanism.

"French folding bed" is a convenient and easy-to-transform mechanism, designed for use from time to time, the so-called guest version of the bed. In many ways, the service life of this model depends on the quality of the steel fittings located at its base, the reliability of the laths and the density of the awning.

"Sedaflex"

This mechanism has another name - it is often called the "American" clamshell.

This design is copyrighted by Sedac, hence the name "sedaflex". It is an improved version of the “mixotual”, while the mechanism is not divided into three, but only into two parts. Another innovation is the filling of the mattress with a spring block, which increases the comfort and stability of the bed. Thicker tube-legs, which have a thickness of 3 mm, also contribute to reliability.

Another advantage of the "American" is the fact that sofa cushions do not need to be removed before transformation. The design is designed in such a way that when laying out the sofa, the pillows turn over, ending up on the floor, and thereby increase stability and save time and space for the owners. Also, as an advantage of the "sedaflex", we can mention the fact that it was decided to replace the reiki-lats in it with elastic belts.

The transformation of the "American clamshell" is similar to the transformation of the "mixotual", both models are laid out forward with the help of physical effort. By pulling the edge of the seat of the folded sofa, it is lifted up a little and the entire structure is laid out with a fixed mattress.

The dimensions of the Sedaflex are somewhat larger than those of its French counterpart, which contributes to the greater popularity of this particular model.

A box for storing linen is not provided in any of them, since the entire internal space in the sofa is occupied by the mechanism itself. However, if the clamshell models come with an attached section, which can be located on either side, then in this section it is possible to place linen for storage.

"Telescope"

This mechanism got its name due to the resemblance to the unfolding of a telescope. When it is implemented, the transformation occurs as follows: first, pulling on the mounted hinges, the lower tier of the structure, previously hidden under the seat, is rolled out. This will be the basis for the bed, or rather, the part where the legs of the sleeping person will be located. When extended, it will pull the platform behind it, which will become the middle part of the base of the bed.

To assemble the structure, the spring block is first returned to its original place, then the lower part of the sofa is pushed in. It is worth noting that in the first pull-out section there is a place for bed linen or clothes.

One of the disadvantages of the telescopic design is the fact that it is not suitable for a large sofa. First of all, these are two- or three-seat sofas that are good for a nursery.

How to choose?

Any sofa, even folding, even non-folding, has similar design features that must be considered when choosing:

1. There are no standard sizes for them. The height, width and depth of such upholstered furniture vary depending on the type of sofa layout and whether it is angular, straight or modular.
2. When purchasing such furniture, you need to take into account the size of the room: the model for daily sleep should fit freely in the room in the unfolded state.
3. Types of such sofas are divided into straight and angular. The latter can have different angles: left, right or the so-called universal angle.
4. You can choose either a model for every day, or a guest option, for this you need to decide how often you need to transform the sofa into a bed.

Immediately before buying, it is advisable to visit furniture stores in order to “live” inspect various models and personally check how convenient and easy the transformation mechanisms work. At the same time, you should not stand and watch the process of unfolding the sofa by a consultant, it is better to ask the seller to show the layout principle and then do this procedure with your own hands. Only in this case, you can understand whether it will be convenient to perform such actions daily.

For every day, it is better to choose the most easy-to-transform mechanisms, such as, for example, “Eurobook”, “telescope”, “pantograph”.

The service life that a sofa will withstand without repair depends entirely on the quality of the materials from which its base, body and folding mechanism are made.

Be sure to make sure that the interior parts of the sofa are made of solid wood, and not chipboard or plastic, because in this case they can deform and crack. The quality and type of wood is also very important. Softwoods such as pine are cheap and are used in inexpensive sofas, but they can warp or dry out after a while, usually after five years. More expensive woods, such as kiln-dried oak, ash or beech, will make the sofa durable and keep it beautiful.

Therefore, be sure to carefully ask the consultant and carefully examine the inside of the sofa. In this case, it is worth paying attention to how the joints and joints are attached. It is important to remember that the design, in which the constituent parts will be held with screws, dowels or on special furniture pegs, will last much longer than the one whose parts are fixed to each other only with glue or fixed on simple self-tapping screws.

An important factor when buying a folding sofa, of course, is the availability of space in the apartment for its transformation. If you have limited space, but need extra beds, then instead of one huge sofa, it would be preferable to purchase two small folding sofas.

In addition, the firmness of the sofa mattress is another important factor to be taken into account when choosing a model. This largely depends on personal preference. But, as a rule, a firmer mattress will be healthier, and when using this sofa as a bed, it will make it possible to get a good night's sleep.

The next important factor is the elasticity of the sofa. It also has to do with personal preference and choice. Some people don't like bouncy sofas, and some don't. In order to evaluate the future acquisition from these positions, it is worth sitting on it even before the purchase, and it is even better to lie down.

If there are animals in the house, which, of course, will certainly be happy to lie on a brand new sofa, it is worth choose your upholstery carefully. Contaminants such as pet hair and fluff are well removed from flock and leather, but get stuck in the tapestry; on such a coating as a shinil, there are puffs left from their claws.

And finally, the weight of the sofa is another important aspect that the buyer should consider.

Reading 11 min. Views 1.2k.

Folding models of upholstered furniture have practically ousted other options from the market. Their versatility and practicality form a steady consumer demand. Responsible for these characteristics are the mechanisms for transforming sofas, which are being improved every year thanks to the innovative developments of specialists. Modern upholstered furniture has become more reliable and durable. And now a fragile woman and a child can turn it into a full-fledged sleeping place without any problems.

Purpose

Folding sofas are necessary to save usable space in the room. They can be used as the main bed, and the universal model will help out if guests arrive. During the day, such furniture is usually in a folded position and performs its direct functions.

The design, dimensions and folding mechanism determine the function of the sofa in the interior. For example, "Click-clack" requires more space against the wall, and "Tango" will take over the functions of the main bed in the nursery.

You can count several dozen modern mechanisms for transforming sofas. Each of them has its own design features and advantages. At the same time, the basic device of any sofa is approximately the same. Upholstered furniture consists of several basic elements:

• back;
• seat;
• armrests;
• frame;
• filler;
• upholstery.

In addition, it can be additionally equipped with pillows or drawers for storing bed linen and other things. The transformation device is a set of parts that includes a articulated lever mechanism, guides and rollers. Its main task is to increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe bed. Usually the design is placed in the back and middle blocks of the sofa.

Overview of popular models

All types of sofas differ in several ways. By design, they can be angular, straight, modular. By the number of places - double, triple and more. Also, the furniture is equipped with a different mechanism for laying out sofas.

Depending on these criteria, products differ:

• dimensions;
• convenience;
• bed size;
• design.

Having studied the design features and clearly knowing your own needs, you can make a smart choice. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the regularity of operation - whether the furniture will be laid out daily or from time to time. In the first case, the most reliable mechanism is needed. And in the second, the main thing is that the furniture fits into the interior when folded.

Books

The most common type of upholstered furniture. By design, products can vary significantly, but the basic principle remains the same - the design of the sofa allows you to fold and unfold it like a book. The furniture consists of two halves moving relative to each other, which provide for two or three positions. To fix the sofa in any of them, just pull one of the parts towards you.

There are several types of this mechanism:

1. The usual "book" is the oldest of the existing models. Identical furniture options were still sold in Soviet stores. They have only two fixed positions and a simple transformation mechanism. This model is budget friendly. Inexpensive fabrics are used for upholstery, chipboards are used as a frame. The main drawback is the insufficiently even and spacious surface for sleeping. In addition, a similar mechanism for a sofa implies that the product will have to be constantly moved away from the wall. This is quite difficult, given that ordinary "books" are often equipped with storage boxes.
2. "Eurobook" differs from the usual "book" in that it does not need to be moved away from the wall. The folding mechanism allows you to roll out the front part, then the back fits into the resulting opening. The furniture is characterized by more impressive dimensions, it can comfortably accommodate two people. The sofa with the Eurobook mechanism can be used as a comfortable bed for one person, even when folded. The cost of such furniture is much higher than that of the previous model.
3. "Tango" ("click-clack") - options that are comfortable for sleeping, the main feature of which is the absence of a pronounced joint between the two halves of the "book". The furniture looks like a single whole, both folded and unfolded. The model is often equipped with armrests, which, when unfolded, can be lowered and raised at an angle in the form of a headrest. These types of sofas are often used as beds, that is, they are not folded in the morning.
4. Pantographs are the most complex mechanisms of "book" type sofas. There are several varieties of them. You can unfold the "Puma" sofa in one motion, without using rollers (which means that it is impossible to spoil the floor). The seat is pushed forward, the backrest is lowered, at the same time the legs of the support are lowered. You can fold everything back with the help of special handles. The pendulum device underlying the "walking eurobook" allows furniture to be transformed by simply pulling on the loop. To unfold the model with the tick-tock mechanism, it is enough to pull the seat towards you and slightly up and gently lower the structure to the floor.

Among the advantages of models equipped with a "pantograph" is the smoothest movement of the mechanism among the "books".

Scheme of the mechanism
"Book"
"Eurobook"
"Tango"
"Walking Eurobook"
"Tick-tock"
"Pantograph"

Roll-out structures

The roll-out mechanism means the presence of wheels. Part of the structure - two segments - in the folded state is inside the sofa. In order to spread out the furniture, it is necessary to roll out this half from the body, and then raise it flush with the seat. The quality of the videos is key.

Clamshells

The transformation of any "clamshell" occurs according to the principle of familiar furniture of the same name. The "French folding bed" in the unfolded state looks a bit like the Soviet model. You just need to stretch three sections forward, and it will stand on the metal supports hidden in the body. This is a lightweight, but quickly wearing mechanism, which can be mechanically damaged if the weight of the sleepers is too large.

Some of the problems were solved in the "American clamshell" model (sedaflex). It differs from the French one in that the transformer mechanism does not stretch out, namely, it unfolds according to the principle of a sandwich. First one section folds out, then another. Between them are supports. When installing sections on supports, a berth is obtained. This is one of the most convenient and reliable mechanisms for transforming sofas.

The main drawback of the "American clamshell" is the lack of a storage system. Inside the sofa is only a bed.

Scheme of the mechanism
"French cot"
"American cot"

Accordion

In a way, this is also a clamshell. But if the latest types of transformation mechanisms hide additional sections in the lower part of a piece of furniture, then the “accordion” is in the back, which consists of two sections. For unfolding, it is necessary to push the lower part forward, and the back will decompose.

When folded, the "accordion" looks attractive and compact. And the absence of a mechanism at the bottom makes the sofa more reliable. Drawers for linen are not provided in the model, so it is often equipped with additional cabinets. The sleeping surface is flat, but its size is limited by the height of the back. Another significant drawback is the possibility of damage to the flooring during the transformation process.

Sofas equipped with a mechanism such as "accordion" are not very popular, so you won't be able to immediately find a model of a suitable color and size.

Folding sofas with metal frame

Models on a metal frame are more difficult to manufacture, more expensive. But if all the connecting nodes and mechanisms fit exactly, such sofas can last longer. The frame is based on shaped pipes, and cushions are placed on a metal mesh up to 0.5 cm thick. Due to the increased strength, such a frame is the most reliable for daily use.

Spartacus

"Spartak" is equipped with a mechanism that unfolds forward. The triple folding device is somewhat reminiscent of the "American clamshell", that is, it unfolds in three stages, standing on the supports inside the frame. An additional advantage is the presence of a polyurethane foam mattress and a metal mesh base, guaranteeing a comfortable sleep. Such elements are recommended by orthopedists for people who have problems with the musculoskeletal system.

In the Spartak models, not just a reliable transformation mechanism, such sofas are designed taking into account medical recommendations.

Elf

Sofas "Elf" with a metal frame have an orthopedic effect. An additional plus - models with a stepper mechanism increase the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe bed due to the sections located at the bottom of the piece of furniture or in the back. And the "Elf" is laid out due to the armrests. They are bred on the sides - the design becomes longer. The frame is made of profiled pipes. The base for the pillows are curved wooden transverse slats.

The most complex and functional products

Sophisticated models of folding sofas are equipped with universal mechanisms and electronics that allow you to give the sleeping position the most comfortable position for a particular person. Among all types of folding furniture according to the type of transformation, the most multifunctional can be called the modification options "recliner". They are equipped with a control panel that allows you to fix the footrest at the desired angle, push it only a certain distance. The backrest angle is also adjustable. Recliners are supplied with vibration massagers. Smart models with electronics can remember settings. The disadvantages of recliners are obvious. They are expensive, in the event of a breakdown, repairs will also cost a round sum. In addition, this is more of a place to relax, not to sleep - there is no full-fledged sleeping surface.

Even a superficial acquaintance with what the sofa folding mechanisms are like leads to the conclusion that there are no universal tips for choosing. It all depends on many factors:

• housing conditions;
• frequency of use;
• financial opportunities;
• the required sleeping area.

It is definitely impossible to answer which sofa mechanism is better. Each has certain advantages and disadvantages. Simplicity of design can be a plus when it comes to constantly using an inexpensive mechanism. And a disadvantage if the main criterion is the comfort for sleep.

Expensive models equipped with an electric drive and a vibration massager will help you relax after a working day. But sleeping on them is hardly more comfortable than on a regular "book", which is much cheaper. In addition, the simple mechanism of the sofa is the most reliable, because there is nothing to break.

For regular sleep, it is better to choose a reliable and comfortable model of upholstered furniture. As a guest sofa, you can use a design that occupies a minimum of usable space.

In the store, you need to check the serviceability of the transformation mechanism. It should not make extraneous sounds or jam. To determine the quality of the assembly, you need to try to expand and fold the furniture several times.

Before giving preference to a particular model, it is worth deciding how exactly it will be used, prioritizing. Only then will it be possible to make an informed and reasonable choice. A wide range will allow you to purchase a product that meets all requirements.

The choice of sofa depends on living conditions and the frequency of use of the product.
The serviceability of the transformation mechanism should be checked before buying furniture in the store
For regular sleep, it is better to purchase a reliable and comfortable model of upholstered furniture.