Sofas with a berth in the kitchen: types and tips for choosing
A kitchen sofa with a sleeping place is a convenient and practical invention that makes the kitchen even more comfortable and cozy. Thanks to the sliding mechanism, the compact and neat "daytime" sofa turns into a full-fledged sleeping place at night and can be used as both a guest and a permanent option.
The purpose
The creation of extra beds is a fairly common problem for residents of small-sized housing, which they encounter not only during the arrival of guests, but also when placing their family members for the night. In this case an excellent solution would be to purchase a kitchen sofa equipped with a full-sized berth... For example, this option will be a real salvation in families with newborn children, providing a normal sleep for a working father of the family.
In addition, a fan of nighttime television viewing or an active Internet user who often interferes with sleep for the rest of the family will gladly "move" into the kitchen. This problem is especially relevant in one-room apartments, when there is no way to leave a restless family member in another room.
However, such a sofa will not stand idle in the daytime. A large group of friends can comfortably accommodate on it, or someone from the household can lie down. Moreover, most of the folding sofas are equipped with built-in drawers for storing various things, which in a small living space will be a pleasant bonus.
In spacious kitchens, zoning of the room is carried out with the help of a sofa, dividing the working and dining areas.
Advantages and disadvantages
High consumer demand for kitchen sleeper models due to a number of indisputable advantages of this comfortable and practical piece of furniture.
- The presence of such a sofa allows you to comfortably accommodate a late guest or a nonresident relative, placing him in a room separate from the owners. In such conditions, neither the hosts nor the guests will be in cramped conditions, as is the case when guests are placed for the night in a room on the floor.
- It is much more convenient to eat on the couch, which will especially appeal to those who like to eat in front of the TV. Now for this you will not need to carry the plate into the room in order to enjoy watching in a comfortable environment. It will be enough just to buy a TV for the kitchen and the problem of mugs and crumbs in the living room or the only room will be finally solved.
- Thanks to a wide range of with a wide variety of shapes, designs and colors, it will not be difficult to choose a model for a specific interior and room color.
- Availability of a sofa gives the kitchen extra coziness, making it comfortable and functional.
- Lightweight construction cleaning floors under kitchen sofas does not cause any difficulties: they can be easily moved aside and allow you to carry out a full-fledged wet cleaning.
- Wide price range models presented on the market makes it possible to purchase a product in accordance with their material capabilities. The range of kitchen sofas includes both expensive leather items for spacious dining rooms and modest mini-models designed for small kitchens.
However, along with the obvious advantages, kitchen sofas still have disadvantages. These include high risk of contamination of the upholstery dripping fat from cooking food, the possibility of spilling various liquids and the need to equip kitchen ventilation or hoods... The latter requirement is due to the tendency of soft filler and fabric cover of sofas to absorb various kitchen odors that do not add comfort during sleep.
Another disadvantage of models equipped with a berth is their size in comparison with simple kitchen sofas. Therefore, for the free placement of such a sofa, a kitchen of at least 8 m2 is needed, since it will be problematic to squeeze such a product into a smaller room.
Views
The classification of kitchen sofas with a berth is made according to several criteria, the determining one of which is product shape. According to this criterion, several varieties are distinguished, the general characteristics of which will be discussed below.
Corner models
This type of furniture is very popular among the owners of small kitchens, in which the installation of a classic straight sofa is impossible or difficult. The angular design makes it possible to efficiently use the limited area of the kitchen without prejudice to its main purpose - cooking and eating. The presence of a corner sofa makes the kitchen space as close as possible to the living room, adds coziness and comfort to it. In addition, a dining table can be moved to the corner sofa, at which a large family can freely sit.
The corner sofa is installed in a free corner of the kitchen, preferably not by the window. Otherwise, the massive sofa will overlap the heating radiator located under the window, and besides, it will not be very comfortable to sleep in the immediate vicinity of the window.
The best option would be to install furniture in the opposite corner from the gas (electric) stove, where soot and grease will not reach the sofa.
The product should also be placed as far away from the sink as possible so that splashes from washing dirty dishes do not fall on the upholstery. Very often corner models are equipped with spacious compartments for storing bedding, kitchen utensils and small household appliances. This is very convenient when it is impossible to place wall cabinets and install a pencil case; it allows you to put a large number of things necessary in the kitchen into the sofa.
Sofa-couch
Such models are ideal options for tiny kitchens, they are often purchased by the owners of "Khrushchev" and other small housing. The design of the couches does not provide for the presence of boxes for linen under the seat, and when folded, the details of the structure do not interfere with the legs of a seated person. Outwardly, such a model is a light and compact couch that does not burden the space, but at the same time it is highly functional and convenient.
Modular designs
Such sofas are formed from separate modules, which, if necessary, are quickly assembled into a berth, and in the daytime they are used as free-standing poufs. The component parts of the module are movable and can slide under the table or roll out into another room. They can be used to make a sleeping place of any configuration, which is very convenient in small spaces or spaces too crowded with furniture.
The modules are equipped with special hinges, with the help of which they are securely fastened to each other, forming a flat sleeping place.
Straight sofas
These models are a lightweight form of a traditional room sofa and are in high demand among owners of large and medium kitchens. Unlike a classic sofa, such models often do not have sidewalls and armrests at all. or have them on one side only. This significantly saves space in the kitchen and allows you to sit on the sofa from either side. However, straight specimens are less convenient when placed at the table of a large company, which requires more chairs and stools for seating them.
Folding mechanisms
Today, 5 types of sliding mechanisms are used for kitchen sofas with a berth: "French clamshell", "dolphin", "accordion", "book" and "eurobook".
"French clamshell"
In most cases, this type of mechanism is installed on straight sofas. Under the seat of such models there are three modules stacked on top of each other, which can be easily expanded into a very spacious berth. To do this, you just need to pull forward and up a special belt located at the junction of the upper and middle modules, and bend the legs at the metal frame. Such sofas look quite compact, can be equipped with sidewalls and have a small width.
but due to the fact that the structure unfolds forward, clamshells require free space in front of themequal to the length of the berth plus at least 50 cm per aisle. In addition, such sofas do not have built-in drawers for storing linen, and therefore "French folding beds" are more suitable for spacious kitchens, in which there is a place to lay out the sofa, and there are wardrobes and pencil cases for storing various things.
The disadvantages of this type of sofas include the inability to achieve an absolutely flat berth due to the joints between the modules, and therefore it is recommended to use a mattress on them.
"Dolphin"
Sofas of this type are well suited for permanent use and are therefore in high demand. The principle of operation of the mechanism is as follows: the berth is hidden under the main seat and equipped with wheels. If it is necessary to expand the sofa, the lower structure rolls out, and the second part of the berth seems to emerge from under the seat, forming a single berth with it.
The draw-out mechanism is very easy to use, thanks to which even children are able to cope with it. The main thing is to pull out the lower part, and then the mechanism will take care of itself so that the module falls into place.
"Accordion"
The sleeping place of these sofas consists of several parts folded in the form of an accordion. Such models are also suitable for everyday use, but, like "French clamshells", they require a sufficient amount of free space. When folded, the sofas look quite compact and fit well into the interior of the kitchen.
"Book"
A sleeping place in sofas of this type is formed from a back and a seat, which are folded out according to the principle of an open book, resulting in a spacious bed. Such models do not require a large space in front of them and are the best option for narrow kitchens. The folding mechanism itself is quite simple and reliable, which allows you to use the sofa as a permanent place to sleep.
"Eurobook"
This mechanism is considered to be very strong and durable. The seat in such models moves forward (towards itself), and the backrest fits into the vacant space, forming a wide berth with the seat.
A huge advantage of such products is the presence of spacious built-in drawers for storing various things.
Materials (edit)
For the production of kitchen sofas with a berth, the same materials are used as for the production of ordinary room models, but taking into account the specifics of the operation of the products. This mainly concerns the upholstery, since the interior arrangement of both sofas is almost identical. The use of wear-resistant upholstery fabrics is due to the presence of kitchen models under the influence of aggressive factors such as high humidity and high temperatures.
Besides, furniture in the kitchen is much more susceptible to pollution than indoor furniture, and therefore should be practical and undemanding to maintain... For this reason, upholstery is used eco-leather, natural leather and innovative materialswith high resistance to dirt and moisture.
These materials are very durable and can repel spilled liquid and grease. Upholstery maintenance is reduced to wiping with a damp cloth and removing greasy stains with warm soapy water.
The most practical and popular of the listed fabrics is eco-leather, which, unlike natural leather, is breathable and has a low cost. Its only drawback is the high vulnerability of the material to sharp objects.
Natural leather looks very rich and is a sign of wealth and good taste of the owners. However, sitting on a leather sofa for a long time, especially in hot weather, is very uncomfortable, in addition, the cost of folding leather models is very high.
Quite often, for kitchen sofas, a material with an "anti-claw" effect is used, which prevents the appearance of puffs from the claws of a pet, as well as microfiber - a soft and damage-resistant material that is easy to clean and is not afraid of stains.
Popular upholstery fabrics such as velor, velvet, jacquard, flock, chenille and tapestry are practically not used for the production of kitchen sofas. This is due to their tendency to absorb various kitchen odors, which will inevitably cause discomfort during sleep. Although, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that many of them clean very well and have a pronounced dirt-repellent effect.
The frame of kitchen sofas with a berth is made of hardwood, MDF and fiberboard... Products with a natural wood frame are durable and can last up to 20 years. Models made of wood-based panels are less reliable than wooden ones, but they are lightweight and low in price.Often, the frame also contains metal parts made of high-strength steel, which make the sofa strong and reliable.
Sintepon, foam rubber, holofiber, polyurethane foam and periotek are used as a filler for kitchen models. To give the base an orthopedic effect, the materials are combined in different combinations, laying them in layers.
Dimensions (edit)
The modern market for upholstered and cabinet furniture offers kitchen sofas with a berth in a wide variety of sizes. This allows you to choose a sofa that folds out to the side and provides one berth, and a full double "book" that can accommodate two people.
However, even in the smallest products, the width of the bed cannot be less than 60 cm, since even a child cannot fully sit on narrower models... The maximum bed width is usually 175 cm. The seat depth varies from 50 to 65 cm, depending on the sofa structure and design. The length of the berth is usually 190-200 cm, which allows a rather tall person to fully accommodate and meets sanitary and hygienic standards.
Design
A kitchen sofa with a sleeping place often not only complements the overall composition, but also acts as an independent element of the interior. So, in kitchens with a predominance of natural textures, models of laconic design look very harmonious. coffee, linen, anthracite, cream and chocolate shades, as well as ivory. Stylish red, crimson, azure, sapphire and lemon sofas with a low back, as well as a modular transformer with no sidewalls, will perfectly fit into most modern interiors, such as hi-tech, modern and minimalism.
For the Scandinavian and ethnic style, the purchase of models with an ornament would be an excellent option., and for Art Deco, Provence and Country, a beautiful white sofa would be an ideal choice. White and brown quilted models made of genuine leather, as well as options with striped and checkered upholstery, will look good in a classic interior.
Features of choice
Before proceeding with the selection of a kitchen sofa with a sleeping place, it is necessary to take measurements of the kitchen, on their basis, determine maximum permissible dimensions of furniture. You should also make sure that the unfolded bed will fit into the space planned for it. Besides, it is necessary to determine in advance where it will be possible to remove the dining table when using the sofa for the night.
And it is also advisable to measure the distance from the furniture to the kitchen door and make sure that the sofa, when unfolded, will not block the opening.
After the dimensions of the product are determined, you need to select the type of folding mechanism.
- If you need permanent accommodation for two people, it is better to dwell on the "book" construction.
- If the sofa is supposed to be used very rarely as a sleeping place, then a "French clamshell" would be a good option, the folding mechanism of which is rather weak and wears out quickly.
- Sofas with accordion mechanism suitable only for large rooms, since it will be very problematic to lay them out for sleeping in a small space.
- When choosing "dolphin" you should pay attention to the presence of spring-closers.
- If you decide to purchase a "Eurobook", then the best option would be to have profiles instead of rollers. These models are more durable and last much longer.
- The quality of the upholstery should also be given special attention. So, if there are animals in the house, then it is better to refuse from models upholstered in eco-leather or to take care of purchasing covers in advance. The most suitable option in such cases would be to buy a sofa covered with Teflon flock or micro velor - materials that are least affected by the claws and teeth of animals.However, these fabrics can absorb kitchen odors and therefore need regular maintenance.
- And the last criterion for choosing a sofa is its price. The cost of folding kitchen models starts from 10,000 rubles and ends with 100 thousand or more for exclusive items made of genuine leather.
In the next video, you will find an overview of the sofa with a sleeping place for the kitchen.