Children's sofas: features, types and choice

Children's furniture for sleeping needs to be chosen especially carefully. Indeed, the development and health of the child in the future depends on whether the child will sleep comfortably, whether his spine will be in the anatomically correct position. Today we will talk about what to look for when choosing a children's sofa.

When purchasing a soft sofa for a nursery, pay attention to the following features of this type of furniture:

• such a sofa is compact, which is a plus when installed in a small room;
• due to the fact that children often use their sleeping place for outdoor games, for example, jumping, the movable mechanisms of the structure are reinforced, providing it with reliability and strength;
• a small sofa is easy to fold and unfold, this will not be a problem even for small children;
• on the modern market, you can find a model of almost any color, shape, size, and there are also products on sale equipped with a spring block, an orthopedic mattress and other useful additions.

Let's consider the main pros and cons of children's sofas. Let's start with the positives.

• The sofa perfectly saves the usable area of ​​the room. In addition to the fact that it itself takes up little space when folded, many varieties are equipped with additional drawers in which you can place bedding, books, shoes, toys.
• The sofa is safer than the bed. Its construction is more durable - it can withstand jumps, pillow battles, dance steps.From the point of view of hygiene, a sofa is preferable, if only because the sheet, blanket and pillow are securely hidden in the box, which means that children will not jump on them in “street” clothes.
• The width of the sofa is suitable for two children. This is very helpful for parents who have same-sex children of the same age or with an age difference of 2-3 years, and the living space is small. In this case, children can be put to sleep together.

Of course, there were some drawbacks:

• changing the mattress is impossible if the baby suddenly gets dirty;
• you will have to assemble and disassemble the sofa every day;
• bedding will also need to be cleaned and pulled back twice a day;
• if the sofa is not equipped with a special mattress, then its orthopedic qualities are at a rather low level.

Now let's take a closer look at the varieties of sofas, depending on their characteristics according to one criterion or another.

There are many different models to be found on the market today.

• Couch. This is the name of a compact sofa equipped with a low back and one armrest at the head. Most often, the couch cannot be expanded - it is a single sofa, but there is a box for linen below.

• Sofa chair or chair bed. It is also a one-place design. Folds forward. An excellent solution for small-sized premises, as it takes up very little space when folded.

• Ottoman. This variety is similar to a couch. Often, sofa cushions and soft ottomans act as additional elements. And also many models are equipped with niches or roll-out drawers, in which it is convenient to store toys, bedding.

• Loft bed. An interesting two-tier option. Most often, a sofa for relaxation or a computer table is located below, and a sleeping place like a bed is located on top. By the way, this design is also suitable for accommodating two children (if there is a sofa at the bottom). "Attic", as a rule, is completed with a ladder, sometimes shelves, a cabinet.

• Sofa bed with sides designed for the smallest - those who can, turning carelessly, fall to the floor.

• Transformer. An interesting solution that includes the transformation of the sofa into a dining, play or work area with a table and several ottomans. Available with or without armrests, high and low. You can also choose a two-seater transforming sofa equipped with an additional roll-out berth.

• If the area of ​​the children's room allows, you can purchase a corner sofa... Its main difference from an adult sofa is its small dimensions, but the layout mechanism is identical. It can also easily accommodate two children.

• Frameless modular sofa... It is somewhat reminiscent of children's cubes, from which you can make various designs. Depending on your wishes, you can put the modules in the form of a double bed or two single beds, or install one module near the wall, thereby creating a sofa with a soft back.

• Sofa-sill... This variety is intended for relaxation, but not for sleep. Strictly speaking, this is an ordinary wide window sill, converted into a sofa and supplemented with decorative pillows and a soft seat. Children, as a rule, love to sit on such a sofa, having closed the curtains and fenced off from the rest of the family, in their cozy "house". By the way, it can be supplemented with cabinets (on the sides or bottom), shelves, low back and armrests.

• Growing sofa. Its feature is the ability to "grow" with the child by folding additional sections of the structure.

• Separately, it should be said about sofas equipped with additional removable orthopedic mattresses... They are designed to level all the irregularities that arise when the structure is unfolded.

Children's sofas, depending on the purpose, can be:

• intended for relaxation - meeting with friends, reading books or watching movies;
• a full-fledged berth with additional drawers for storing various accessories;
• play or thematic - they have a solid wooden frame, bright vinyl leather upholstery, often found in childcare facilities.

The main feature of XXI century furniture is its functionality. Very often you can find products "2 in 1", "3 in 1" and even "5 in 1", thanks to which it is possible to save square meters of living space. Children's sofas have not spared this trend either:

• whenever possible, always choose a "lorry" or two-seater model - even if the child sleeps alone, he will like a wider and more comfortable sleeping place;
• give preference to sofas with a box for linen - so you will not need to rack your brains over where to put bedding;
• the simpler the transformation mechanism of the selected model, the better.

They do not differ from the mechanisms with which adult models are equipped, but we will mention those that are best for children.

• Roll-out. Differs in ease of assembly and disassembly. Pull the special strap - and the front of the sofa will roll forward, and the rest of the structure will decompose behind it.

• "Accordion"... It unfolds according to the principle of sliding the furs of the musical instrument of the same name: first, the lower part of the seat is lifted, then the sofa moves forward on its own.

• "French clamshell". When assembled, it takes up very little space.

• "Book". Perhaps the most primitive sofa folding mechanism. The seat rises to an angle of 90 °, the back rests horizontally, and then the seat.

• "Click-gag". A very interesting sofa model. Its layout is similar in principle to the previous one, but there is one improvement - the "relax" position, when the back is slightly raised. This can be achieved by raising the seat to the first click.

• "Dolphin". It is often used in the manufacture of children's models. The lower part of the sofa is pulled out by a special loop, after which it is lifted and installed on a par with the seat. This structure is supported with metal supports.

• "Eurobook". It has a very simple folding mechanism: the seat moves forward, and the backrest is put in its place.

• "Sedaflex"... The principle is similar to the "French clamshell". When unfolded, it is placed on very strong and reliable metal legs.

For the manufacture of the sofa frame, wood-based raw materials are most often used.

• Natural wood (pine, spruce, oak, ash, beech) - excellent environmentally friendly material. Long-lasting, expensive. Furniture on a wooden base is massive, heavy, withstands stress well.
• Chipboard... Compared to wood, it has a shorter service life, but it is also much cheaper. However, if you plan to change the sofa as your child grows every 3-5 years, choose this option - it will be much more profitable.

The types of fillers can be very different.

• Natural - down and feather of a bird, horsehair, sea grass, various plant fibers. They are losing ground due to the high cost, difficulty in care and possible allergenicity.
• Polyurethane foam. Synthetic fiber, eco-friendly, durable, breathable and hypoallergenic. The most recommended filler for children's sofas.
• Sintepon. Not a bad material, but can "crumple" over time.
• Holofiber - another synthetic material. They are most often stuffed with cushions and non-folding backs.

The upholstery is also quite diverse.

• Teflon. This fabric is rightfully the leader among upholstery materials for children's upholstered furniture, as it is famous for its resistance to dirt and ease of cleaning the surface.
• Chenille... It practically does not wipe off (and this is very important in the presence of mobile, always fidgeting children), it cleans up quite well.
• Plush upholstery children will like it because of the wonderful tactile sensations that she is able to give. Most often, looped and embossed plush is used for these purposes.

It is not recommended to purchase sofas upholstered in leather, eco-leather, jacquard, synthetic materials.

The place where you can "roam" is when choosing a design solution for a children's sofa. Of course, it will be great if you go shopping with your child, but if the child is still young and uncomfortable to take with you, we will give you some "starting points" for choosing a product.

• A sofa that can become a big toy is every kid's dream! That is why boys are so fond of products in the form of boats, cars, rockets, with the symbols of superheroes, and girls - in the form of a princess carriage, a flower or a dollhouse.

• If the product is not intended for sleeping, but for relaxation, give preference to the sofa-canapes. This model is distinguished by its compact size, the presence of a back and armrests (sometimes one) and is available in a variety of colors.

• Sofa wall - a functional solution that combines a sleeping place, open shelves and closed cabinets, assembled into a single complex. When choosing a sofa-wall, you do not have to think about choosing other furniture for the nursery, however, the installation of such a complex is impossible in a small room.

• Sofas in the form of cute animals - bears, bunnies, kittens - will appeal to preschool kids.

Of course, before you buy a children's sofa, you must decide on its location in the room. However, no less, and maybe a more important parameter will be the age and height of your child at the time of purchase:

• 120 (sleeper length) by 60 (width) centimeters - the standard size for babies in the first year of life;
• for children from 2 to 4-5 or even 6 years old, you can purchase a model 140x70, 160x70, 190x80 cm;
• from 7 to 15 years old, the optimal bed size will be 190x90 cm, and if the child is tall, then the length can be increased to 200 cm;
• choose a sofa for two - pay attention to one-and-a-half models with a width of 70-90 cm or double (from 90 to 120 cm).

In general, there is the following rule that should be followed when determining the dimensions of a children's sofa: the length of the berth is determined by adding 50 centimeters to the child's height (in cm), and the width should be such that, being in a supine position, he can freely spread his arms to the sides.

For upholstery of children's sofas materials of almost all shades are used: pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and their various combinations. Teenage variations are presented in more muted pastel colors: girls choose the color of caramel, lavender, ash pink, blue; guys - gray, dark blue, black, brown.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with 4 manufacturers of children's sofas that deserve your attention, and also with the most successful models from each of them.

• Wally Tally, online store... Country of origin - Russia. Best Model - Wally Tally Sleep. The sofa has a bed size of 160x80 cm, does not fold out, designed for children aged 1-8 years. The model is equipped with a side, thanks to which even a small child will not fall to the floor, a drawer at the bottom and shelves on the side. The maximum permissible load weight is 150 kg.

• Furniture factory "Asti" - Russian company with a 10-year history. It has branches in Moscow, Lipetsk and Chaplygin. The most popular is the Asti-6 model, equipped with an orthopedic mattress. The dimensions of the bed are 190x120 cm. The function of extending the protective side is provided. The frame is made of natural pine wood.

• Factory "Style"... Another Russian furniture giant. The best model of the children's sofas he produced is Kochi-Tinki. It has an interesting transformation mechanism with the possibility of extending one or two corners.

• Elado. And the last company, also based in the Russian Federation, is Elado, representing the Rainbow model. It is equipped with a padded wave back and headrest-armrest. A spacious box for bed linen is provided below.

When choosing a sofa for a child to sleep for every day, try to adhere to simple rules.

• The dimensions of the sofa should be suitable for the baby in height: the length should be at least 50 cm larger, the width should be in the span of the arms.
• If you have problems with the musculoskeletal system, consult your orthopedic doctor about purchasing a product with an orthopedic mattress.
• A product without springs with a mattress thickness of at least 10 cm is best suited for a child under 10 years old; a teenager can be offered a sofa on a spring block.
• Choose models made from hypoallergenic materials. If possible, those whose upholstery is easy to clean, since if the mattress is heavily soiled, it will be impossible to change.
• Follow your child's taste preferences. If he's a Lightning McQueen fanatic, don't force the steamer couch on him.

Now let's take a look at a small selection of children's sofas.

• Decoration of a playroom for a girl. The upholstery of the window sill sofa is identical to the upholstery of the sofa next to the table with chairs. Curtains that look like a theater curtain and a chandelier with "candle" bulbs complement the interior, giving it a special chic and fabulousness.

• A colorful light green sofa with images of cute teddy bears for a little creative personality. It goes well with "cartoon" pictures on the walls, a play rug with "classics", soft toys.

• Modern teenager's room. The deep dark blue tone of the sofa upholstery "echoes" beige and red, creating a kind of nautical theme of the interior.

• A little princess lives here. Everything says it: pastel shades of wallpaper, curtains, sofa upholstery and pillowcases; print in the form of a crown on the pillow and cornice, a wardrobe made in the style of a doll house.

• An interesting combination of a sofa upholstery pattern in ethnic style and the "geographical" theme of the room: there is a map of the world on the wall, the walls are painted in a pleasant greenish-blue color, soft animals are placed on the shelves.

For information on how to choose a children's sofa, see the next video.