Sofa types. Types of folding sofas

It is difficult for any of us to imagine a living room without a sofa. This soft component of the interior gives people a feeling of warmth and comfort, a sofa in any home occupies one of the most important places. On it, people relax, play, communicate with family and loved ones, as well as read, watch TV and sleep. In order to decide on his choice, you need to clearly understand what models exist and what functions they perform.

Now more and more new corner models and designs for the house are being produced all the time. In such a number of offers, it is quite difficult for the buyer to make a choice and understand which type is right for him. In most cases, a person chooses a model based on its appearance and the material from which it is created. But with such indicators it is difficult to achieve complete comfort in using the sofa. For example, such a choice is suitable for furnishing a room and giving it aesthetics, but not used often. For the same purposes, there are monolithic sofas, otherwise they are called non-folding. They can be seen in public places and shopping stores.

It is a completely different case when a sofa is bought for frequent use in everyday life. So, we can assume that such a model will be laid out every day for sleep. . To choose the right model and not to make mistakes, you should know and understand what are the mechanisms for transforming sofas.

You should also provide for other criteria for the model you choose: the size of the space required for the sofa, the ease of transformation, the availability of space where to put the bed linen. You should also determine for yourself which type of sofa is better.

The classification of all designs of sofas is carried out according to:

Transformations.
Design features of furniture.
Appointment.
Size and capacity.

Types of mechanisms

Names of sofas

Classification by purpose

All models can be divided according to their purpose:

Office furniture.
Living room furniture.
Kitchen furniture.
Hallway furniture.
Furniture for a children's room.

With all these varieties, sofas and their mechanisms will differ significantly from each other, so you should accurately determine the design of the sofa and its purpose. In most cases the purpose can be determined by the material of which the furniture is made.

Those sofas that are sheathed in leather or more budget materials are usually located in offices or kitchens.

The sofa is the most used element of the interior. It is often used for several purposes at once - for sitting, relaxing or sleeping. Therefore, when choosing furniture, it is necessary to take into account not only the appearance, but also the varieties of sofas: classification, technical characteristics. This will help you choose a visually beautiful model that will complement the interior, but at the same time allow you to rationally use the space of the room.

What are there?

There is no strict classification of sofas, but there are generally accepted standards and terms. When choosing a sofa, as a rule, take into account its design indicators, functional features and spaciousness. Characteristics can be selected in a separate list and rely on when choosing your individual model, which will be especially important if the furniture is made to order.

By shape

It is recommended to choose a sofa of such a shape or design that it does not take up extra space in the room. This element of furniture should be located so as to fill the unused area of the room, and the aisles or, for example, the play area in the children's room, should be free. By design, sofas are conditionally divided into four types.

Corner. Such models successfully occupy unused corner niches, straight backs can be leaned against the walls. The corner shape is great for small, one-room apartments, small kitchens. In rooms with a large area, the corner design allows you to zone the space.

Direct or stationary- the most popular form of furniture due to the many placement options. Straight sofas are conveniently installed along the walls, in the center and corners of the room, small compact models can be easily moved around the room. Most straight sofas are folding or pull-out. Installed in the center of the room near the wall, if necessary, they can serve as a full-fledged double bed.

Modular sofas- the most mobile and multifunctional type of furniture, their design consists of several parts that can be used both together and separately. If necessary, the parts are combined in a different order, for example, a large corner sofa is disassembled into two straight lines or small separate modules are used as ottomans.

Island- these models are less popular in comparison with previous forms, since they mainly involve installation in large rooms. Made in the form of islands, they are installed in the same way - in the middle of the room, or in the corner in case of zoning the area. Island models occupy a lot of usable space, but they look presentable and help to implement bold design solutions.

When choosing the shape of furniture, it is important not to forget about its volume, the total area that it will occupy.

The sofa in the hall or in the kitchen should not be too wide; in these rooms it is better to leave more space for movement. In apartments where a folding sofa is planned to be used as a sleeping place, models with a wide seat are suitable, but for rest rooms they often choose designs not only with a wide, but also with a deep seat.

By appointment

The shape and design of the sofa is also selected taking into account the purpose of the furniture, the choice of the material of manufacture, as well as the total cost of the future product, will depend on this indicator. For example, models with inexpensive upholstery are suitable for the kitchen; for sleeping places, it is advisable to order sofas made from natural materials; in work or office premises, leather-covered products are more practical. By appointment, this element of upholstered furniture is classified into five types:

office, for working rooms;
for the hall, living rooms;
for kitchens and dining rooms;
in the hallway or corridor;
for children's and playrooms.

If additional beds are periodically needed, it is better to choose a stationary direct type of sofa, it is also suitable for office space.

In places of rest - in the living room, bedroom or dining room - a good solution would be modular version. Island models are convenient for zoning rooms- in the offices, such sofas are equipped with places for informal conversation, in the halls they are installed in front of TVs.

By size

The size of the sofa means not only its actual length and width in centimeters, but also the number of seats (or beds, in the case of a folding version). Compact models, as a rule, are designed for no more than 2-3 people, medium ones - 4-6, and huge modular sofas can accommodate a company of 7 to 10 people.

However, when choosing a finished model, where the dimensions are laid down by the manufacturer, it must be borne in mind that there is no single standard - one manufacturer can offer a double sofa 1.5 meters long, and the other 1.8 m.

An important indicator of the size of upholstered furniture is the height of the back and landing. Sofas for hallways have a low back or are produced without it at all, models with a low back wall and landing are also often installed in halls and bedrooms. In places where it is planned to only sit on the sofa - in the kitchen or in the office space, such options are selected so that the seat height is not lower than a regular chair.

The best choice for a small space would be sofa without side armrests and extra pillows, another trick to reduce the size of furniture without losing functionality is to purchase or order a structure without legs. The possibilities of use will become somewhat limited, it is difficult to clean under such a sofa, but its size will be minimized.

Types of transformation mechanisms

The place of possible installation will depend on the type of mechanism and the method of changing the design. Some models may take up little space themselves, but when transformed, they require much more space. The choice of how to lay out the sofa is also influenced by the purpose of the furniture, the frequency of its use - not all types of mechanisms are designed for frequent use. It is necessary to take into account the estimated weight that will be on the furniture in the unfolded state. That's why all sofa models are divided into four main types according to the name of the transformation mechanism.

Withdrawable

The assembled design of the roll-out model consists of three separate elements - the rear part in the folded state is a back, and after transformation into a horizontal position it becomes a place for the head. The seats pushed forward and the lower part hidden in the structure are used as the main lying place.

Such models of upholstered furniture are also called - sofas with a telescopic transformation mechanism, because the layout is done from the inside, like a telescope, individual parts are put forward and fixed one after another. Roll-out versions are mainly installed in large rooms, since in the unfolded state the width of the furniture increases by more than three times.

The transformation of the roll-out structure is carried out in several stages.

First, you need to pull the rag handle located in the lower transverse part of the seat, and push the entire seat frame outward. Then you need to level the sleeping surface of the furniture by lowering the back wall down. In some models, additional side pillows are used for these purposes - when assembled, they play the role of a second soft back. The retractable mechanism on such models, as a rule, is based on a roller system, less often - special springs are built into the design, which recline the seats after the lower part is extended.

Sliding

When assembled, sliding models are very elegant and compact, and when unfolded, they resemble a folding bed. After the transformation, the front part is installed on special folding supports, the backrest is lowered, and the assembled bed becomes three separate sections. There are several main types of sliding products.

"French" folding bed- the classic version of sliding upholstered furniture. When assembled, it takes up little space, but when laid out, the front part moves forward by one and a half to two meters, depending on the specific model. The "French" mechanism is not recommended for frequent use - a sofa can only occasionally serve as a sleeping place, but basically such models are designed more for sitting.

"American" folding bed. By its design, it is similar to the previous model - the beds are formed from three sections, which are put forward in turn and installed on special supports. The main difference is that the "American" version uses a more reliable and durable mechanism - the furniture is designed for frequent use. However, the cost of such sofas is much higher.

"Italian" folding bed. Unlike the previous varieties, the “Italian” folding bed is transformed not by lifting the transverse beam of the seats, but by pushing the back wall of the sofa forward. Then the sliding mechanism is also activated, and the surface is installed on the support legs. Compared to the "American" and "French" counterparts, furniture with an "Italian" type of mechanism is equipped with more durable legs.

The most common modifications include accordion mechanism. The principle of its operation is that, moving forward, the berths seem to be stretched with the help of special springs. Metal spring elements, fixed on both sides of the structure, also help to fold the sofa - they tighten the sections inward, setting each in its place. The transformation of these models requires minimal effort - you just need to slightly raise the lower beam of the seats and push it forward.

Just like the clamshell models, the "Accordion" has a very compact size when assembled, it is conveniently installed in small rooms. Another important plus is the presence of a cabinet for linen, located in the back wall of the furniture. Sliding mechanisms "Accordion" are equipped with reliable working elements, have a long service life, withstand considerable weight, are easy to transform, but they also have a drawback - when expanding, the supports slide along the floor and can damage the coating.

lifting

Upholstered furniture with a lifting mechanism consists of two identical parts and involves only two positions - a sitting sofa and a sleeping surface. Horizontal transformation is performed by lifting the seats and folding the backrest back. It is laid on a wooden frame, and the seat beam is lowered into place, in the raised state, the rear wall is fixed with special locking mechanisms.

Before installation, it must be taken into account that between the sofa and the wall, 10-15 cm of empty space will be required for the backrest when it is in the lowered position.

Swivel

Sofas with a swivel mechanism are one of the first to appear on the upholstered furniture market, they are compact and very easy to use, so they always remain relevant. The design involves a minimum of elements, there are no fragile parts, rollers. An important plus is the presence of a box for linen. Of the minuses - there should be a distance of 10-15 cm between the sofa and the wall, which is necessary when unfolding - the seats rise, and the back wall leans back, forming a place for the head.

Thanks to the stoppers, the backrest can be deployed, fixed in the middle position, which is why the models are called swivel.

From this article you will learn:

What elements make up the design of sofas

How sofas differ in design and purpose

What are the designs of sofas for unfolding

Usually a sofa is purchased for more than one year, therefore, it is necessary to approach its choice responsibly. New upholstered furniture should fully meet its purpose, be comfortable for the whole family and be in harmony with the interior. That is why, choosing this kind of furniture, you should pay close attention to the design of sofas.

What structural elements are sofas made of

As a rule, when purchasing a sofa, we first of all pay attention to its appearance, namely, upholstery fabric, color, shape, etc. However, when choosing a specific model, it is important to study the design of this piece of furniture, because its quality characteristics depends on how long the sofa will serve you.

What is the design of the sofa?

Armrest. Usually it is made of wood, chipboard, MDF, metal. The armrest can be upholstered in fabric or leather. When purchasing a sofa, give preference to models whose armrests are made of wear-resistant materials (wood, metal, MDF, leather).

Upholstery. It can be a special fabric, leather.

A layer of synthetic winterizer or batting.

Filler- foam rubber for furniture.

Polyurethane foam pad(PPU), which is necessary for increased wear resistance and uniform weight distribution. Such inserts give the sofa orthopedic properties.

spring block- This is the main shock-absorbing part of the sofa design.

Burlap or felt. These materials smooth out the friction of metal on plywood, thereby preventing the appearance of unpleasant sounds.

fibreboard(Fibreboard) - is the base of the sofa mattress.

sofa frame. It can be made of wood, metal or chipboard (chipboard). The frame is a structure that bears the main operational load and determines the shape of the sofa. Therefore, when choosing, pay special attention to the quality characteristics of the tree from which the frame is made. The presence of knots is undesirable, since in these places the wood can burst.

Interlining.

Roller rail. It can be located at the bottom of the box and be made of both wood and metal.

Box or niche designed for bedding.

Extendable part, which is used during the transformation.

Types of sofas by design, purpose, size and number of seats

Direct models are classics. Their main advantage is that the size of the sofa can be selected depending on the area of the room. They come with or without armrests, transforming or stationary.

corner sofas are well known and in demand among buyers. They are comfortable and functional, can be installed in various rooms, for example, in the kitchen.

When choosing this model, the question may arise about what to do if you need to rearrange the sofa to the other side of the room, how to properly disassemble the corner sofa. The design of many models for such a case suggests the possibility of reinstalling its corner part. The sides of such a sofa can be either different or the same length.

Modular pieces of furniture can be collapsible and, like a designer, be transformed at the request of their owners. This type of sofa has such a design, thanks to which it is easily modified in accordance with the interior of the room. This advantage will save you from having to buy new furniture in case of a move. The modular sofa is perfect for rest rooms with a home theater.

Island types of sofas are initially rounded, they are most often located in the center of large rooms. Furniture of this type is able to create a unique interior. Their special form is often harmoniously complemented by other furnishings.

All types of sofas according to their purpose can be divided into:

for the living room;

for kitchen;

for the hallway;

for children.

At the same time, the types of sofa designs are different, in this regard, it is necessary to choose a specific model that will suit you exclusively. Usually the upholstery of the sofa determines its purpose.

For example, upholstered furniture, upholstered in leather or similar cheap materials, is usually intended to be placed in offices or in the kitchen.

Sofas for children's rooms in most cases are covered with colorful, rich, but quite practical fabrics, from which various stains can be easily removed.

There are compact models of sofas designed for two or three people, and large ones for five or more seats. It should be noted that there is no single standard for the size of such upholstered furniture. For example, one factory produces a two-seater sofa, the length of which is 1.6 m, while the other one will have the same length of 1.9 m.

Sofa designs according to the folding mechanism

"Book"

Sofas of this design are transformed into two positions: sitting and sleeping. In order to expand the sofa into a bed, you only need to fold its back back. When unfolding, it does not have to be moved away from the wall, because when installed, a small gap is specially left between the wall and the back.

The design of the “book” sofa consists of two frames, which are made of metal or wood, with fixed spring blocks or other soft filler. The laundry compartment is usually located at the bottom.

Advantages:

long service life;

functionality;

ease of operation;

regular use without breakage and wear.

Disadvantages:

there are only two positions - lying and sitting;

cannot be installed against a wall.

"Tango"

This model of sofas is transformed by the “click-clack” method. And it is called "tango" because the manufacturers simply want to surprise the consumer with an unusual name. Although this design is very similar to the classic "book". However, there is one difference - when laying out such a sofa, there are not only “sitting-lying” positions, but also intermediate ones. The back can be set at the level that is most convenient for you, in addition, it has a box for bedding.

Advantages:

backrest in different positions;

compact size;

after unfolding, a smooth surface is obtained.

The disadvantage is the inability to install the sofa close to the wall.

"Eurobook"

The design of the Eurobook sofa makes it easy to recognize it among the classic models: it unfolds with the help of roll-out rollers that push the seat forward. In the resulting niche fits the back of the sofa.

Advantages:

ease of transformation of the sofa into a bed;

large niche for storing various items / things;

capacity;

the strength of the sofa design.

The disadvantage is that due to the sufficiently large seats on the sofa, people of short stature and children will feel uncomfortable, because they will not be able to lean on the back.

"Dolphin"

This is the most famous mechanism for folding corner sofas. The design of the sofa "dolphin" is quite simple. To transform it, you need to pull the loops that are attached to the section under the seat. You need to pull up and down at the same time. The section moves out and stands next to the seat, creating a spacious sleeping area. The linen storage compartment is located in the stationary part of the seat.

Advantages:

comfortable place to sleep;

simple and easy to unfold.

The disadvantage is a short service life with regular use of the mechanism.

"Pantograph"

This design of sofas is also called "puma" or "tic-tac". She appeared as a kind of "Eurobook", but without rollers for rolling out the seat. Inside there is a large storage box.

In order to expand such a sofa, you do not need to make much effort - just pull the seat up, holding its edge in the middle. Thus, the mechanism will begin to operate, which pushes the seat forward and upward and opens the legs of the support. In the opened niche you need to lay the back-pillow.

Advantages:

comfortable place to sleep;

simple and easy folding mechanism;

rollers without damaging the flooring.

Disadvantages:

high cost of the working mechanism;

pretty wide seat.

"French cot"

The sleeping area of this sofa consists of three sections. In order to expand them, you only need to pull the edge of the seat. For regular use as a bed, this type of furniture is not suitable, because these types of structures wear out quickly enough.

The advantage is the compactness of the sofa when folded.

Disadvantages:

uneven sleeping surface

lack of a box for storing linen;

short service life.

Roll-out sofa

The sleeping surface of this sofa consists of two segments hidden in the body. In order to expand it, you need to pull the bottom part - it will roll forward. You just have to lower the pillows into the opened niche.

Advantages:

durable and reliable design;

comfortable bed;

small assembled dimensions.

Disadvantages:

rollers for rolling out a berth can scratch the floor covering;

bed is low.

"Accordion"

This type of sofa got its name for some resemblance to the musical instrument of the same name. The sleeping place of the “accordion” sofa with this design characteristically spreads forward, leaning on retractable legs. In the initial position, the sofa takes up very little space; in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear back there is a box for storing bedding.

Advantages:

strong and reliable mechanism;

long service life;

does not require any effort when unfolding.

Disadvantages:

lack of a built-in niche for linen;

The withdrawable mechanism may scratch the flooring.

"Spartacus"

To transform the sofa to sleep, you just need to pull the seat, which unfolds in three steps and stands on mobile legs. Such a mechanism was developed jointly by Russian and Italian manufacturers. This furniture is ideal for sleeping, it is the best sofa design that provides the most spacious sleeping place. In fact, this is a French clamshell, but more reliable, reinforced with a welded metal grill.

Advantages:

reliability and long service life of the unfolding device;

ease of use;

the possibility of permanent use as a bed;

comfortable and spacious place to sleep.

Disadvantages:

lack of a box for storing bedding;

Before laying out the sofa, you need to remove the pillows.

"Konrad", or "Telescope"

You can unfold such a sofa by pulling its lower part: the compartments roll out one after another like a telescope and stand on supports. Such sofas differ from the classic ones in the greater height of the place to sleep.

Advantages:

durable mechanism;

the possibility of daily use;

compact dimensions;

availability of storage space;

favorable conditions for sleep.

The disadvantage is that it is too massive due to the volumetric folding mechanism.

"Sedaflex" ("American clamshell")

Such a sofa transforms like a French folding bed, but, unlike it, it is equipped not with a three-fold, but with a two-fold design and a thicker mattress.

Advantages:

reliable mechanism;

compact size;

quality ergonomic mattress.

Disadvantage: no niche for storing linen.

"Elf"

This sofa has a swivel mechanism. During the preparation of the place to sleep, the armrests are bred to the sides, and a comfortable sleeping place is obtained. By the way, the armrests are adjustable in height and have several positions.

Advantages:

compact size;

comfortable place to sleep;

thanks to the lamellas, an orthopedic effect is achieved;

armrest adjustment.

the place to sleep is in the same place as the seating.

Recliner

The name of this type of construction comes from the English "recline" - sit back. It unfolds through complex built-in mechanisms. Using them, you can adjust the backrest or extend the footrest. In addition, some models have special pillows with vibration massage. The most expensive samples have a remote-controlled electric motor.

Advantages:

ease of management;

the ability to customize ergonomic functions;

comfort in different positions.

Disadvantages:

high price;

no place to sleep.

Sofa with unfolding on the floor

The place to sleep consists of two compartments, which in the assembled position are located inside the sofa body. In order to unfold it, you need to pull the inner edge of the seat up, then forward and towards you. The place to sleep does not imply any supports and is located directly on the floor.

Advantages:

compactness when folded;

the cheapest type of folding sofas.

Disadvantages:

uncomfortable place to sleep;

lack of a niche for storing things.

Having studied the designs of sofas, the photos of which are presented in this article, you can determine which of the folding mechanisms has become the best in its class:

"Eurobook" - has the most durable mechanism;

"tango" - the most comfortable for sitting;

"Dolphin" - the most spacious;

"Pantograph", "accordion" and roll-out - it is most convenient to sleep on them;

"tango", "eurobook" and roll-out - equipped with special niches for storing things;

roll-out and "elf" - are considered the most compact;

"Book" - has the most affordable cost.

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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:

Turning, which is also called a transforming sofa or modular;
Folding, this category includes both folding sofas (French or American) and “Eurobook” sofas;
Withdrawable, which can be straight or angular;
with lifting mechanism, which happens on hinges, springs or can be carried out using a gas shock absorber system;
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;
"Scissors"- most often these are corner structures;
"Butterfly", which is also called the "versailles" mechanism.

photos

"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.