Folding sofas: types and tips for choosing

The sofa is an invariable symbol of special coziness and comfort in an apartment. Correctly chosen, it fits perfectly into various interiors, perfectly and for a long time performing its functions. Folding sofa options are a great way out for small-sized housing.

Nowadays, the functionality of sofas has been significantly expanded - in the unfolded position, they represent a comfortable place to relax, and in addition can be equipped with drawers and niches, tables, mini-bars with lighting and other auxiliary structures.

Today, products are presented in a huge assortment - in the form of corner, modular, P and L-shaped models, banquets, sofas, "books" and many other products... Such a variety often creates difficulties when choosing a product for a particular room.

The methods (schemes) of folding modern sofas are different in their design:

• folding;
• roll-out;
• retractable;
• swivel;
• without folding mechanism.

Let's take a look at some of the more popular folding systems.

A folding type of sofas, the advantages of which are compactness, the presence of compartments for storing items, and a relatively low cost. In order to unfold the product, you need to raise the seat up to a characteristic clicking sound, and then lower it down.

Qualitatively improved "book" which is a sliding mechanism using rollers.

Foldable model "Eurobook" with a sliding mechanism, providing a more accurate attitude to the flooring - the rollers do not move on the floor, and the seat follows the path of movement in an arc.

Consists of 3 fabric-covered modules, folding forward movement of the seat until it stops... Among the advantages of the product, it is worth noting ease of use, small dimensions, the possibility of using a removable cover and low weight (up to 180 kg).

You can unfold the product by pulling on the strong special loop located at the bottom of the seat. Roll-out sofas are reliable, take up little space and have a large sleeping space.

It is produced in 2 constructive types of bringing into a sleeping version: American and French. The options are slightly different, but similar in that in the starting position, the sleeping area is located under the seat. In the second version, the seat is pulled upwards, after which the sofa can be fully deployed, after removing the pillows. In the initial position, the product takes up little space. At the same time, the sleeping space is significant in area.

Triple folding device, equipped with a forward folding mechanism. Reminiscent of the "American clamshell", unfolds in 3 stages, is installed on special internal supports.

The structure is equipped with a polyurethane foam mattress and a metal mesh, which guarantees a comfortable stay.

A product with a complicated, expensive, but reliable folding mechanism. When unfolding the sofa, pull out the block located under the seat.

Comfortable for sleeping as it is equipped with spring devices. To disassemble the sofa, the part located under the seat is pulled out, which pulls the rest of the structural elements along with it. Pros - the sleeping area is similar in design to orthopedic mattresses. The product makes it possible to save space when folded, with a relatively large sleeping area.

For small rooms, compact couches-sofas that can be disassembled to the side are most convenient.

In terms of shape, sofas are divided into straight, round, semicircular (oval) options. Moreover, they can be large and small.

• Direct... Of the advantages, it is worth highlighting the variability of length, the use of various folding mechanisms and a significant range of prices. In addition, straight types of sofas are universal when choosing them for the interior. Among the shortcomings - small roominess, narrow seat, frequent loosening of the armrests during operation, not quite "marketable" appearance of the rear side.

• Round - original, provide the desired level of comfort, safe, equipped with storage compartments. Among the disadvantages are high prices, significant dimensions, the need for a special selection of bed linen.

• Semicircular... Pros - a variety of types (monolithic, modular, rounded, with a back, legs, armrests, drawers, minibars), originality of design.

The design of sofas is diverse - from classic, designer models to stylish modern ones, made in modern style or soft, antique ones. The range of colors of manufactured products is also varied - from white and light to dark shades.

The materials used for the manufacture of frames must meet the criteria of strength, wear resistance, environmental friendliness and naturalness. Most of the frames are made from chipboard, plywood, wood and metal.

• Chipboard, perhaps the most short-lived material, not intended for significant and frequent loads.
• Plywood much stronger, has a denser structure and deforms little during operation.
• Products with steel frame are in the top of the rating in terms of reliability, but greatly increase the weight of the structure.
• Durable, environmentally friendly and long-lasting timber frames... This is a classic, but the most expensive one.

Among the fillers for sofas, the following can be used:

• spring blocks - springs distribute the weight of a person correctly, providing the required degree of comfort;
• PPU - the material is environmentally friendly, eliminates allergic reactions, has an optimal balance of hardness / softness and high air permeability;
• sintepon - one of the practical and budgetary options, but with a short time of possible operation;
• holofiber - excellent filler for children's furniture (hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, with a long service life);
• foam rubber - short-lived.

Upholstery used for sofas, in addition to high quality, should have a dense texture. Jacquard, flock and chenille are especially popular nowadays.

• Flock most suitable for families with small children and animals. This upholstery is durable, water-resistant, easy to clean, but intensely absorbs various odors.
• Jacquard - looks elegant. The material is versatile, moderately tough and practical, produced in rich colors and patterns.
• Chenille - aesthetic, environmentally friendly and durable.

Dimensions and other parameters of products depend on their types, where each of them has its own characteristic features. Corner options usually have significant dimensions, they are characterized by massiveness. Occupying a corner of the room, they do not require large areas and are placed in small rooms, and in the open position they regularly serve for sleeping.

Features corner options.

• They are produced, as a rule, without armrests, less often with them.
• Standard seating areas are 140, 150, 130, 170, 190 or 200 cm wide. Selection options are determined by the number of people accommodated.
• The dimensions of sleeping places are varied: if a product is purchased for children, then they are limited to a length of 150 cm, for an adult user - 190-210 cm.
• Corner options include three parts: a corner and two rectangular elements, each with its own dimensions. The longest part is usually 130, 140 or 150 cm. Products can also be produced with a different size range.
• Corner sofas also have different widths - they are more often found with sizes of 90 or 70 cm.
• They are certainly equipped with special linen niches.

Straight sofas are more often the choice of the consumer. This a folding object is often used for sleeping and is selected for spacious rooms... It is usually placed along the wall. Often, products with one sleeping place are also placed in kitchens. Typical sizes are selected for standard rooms, and for original rooms, the product is chosen exclusively according to the required dimensions. High back options available. In this case, the cost of the product rises, and the parameters are carried out according to the drawings. In straight products, as a rule, the mechanism is used "book" (with a folding back), "dolphin" or "accordion".

When choosing a product, they take into account: height, depth and other actual dimensions. The choice of a suitable option is based not so much on its dimensions as on the parameters of the desired place to sleep. In this sense, the following sizes are most preferred.

• For kitchens - 130 cm, 150 cm, and sometimes 160 cm.The products are small-sized and quite acceptable for kitchens.
• For an apartment in which a large family lives, sofas are purchased with a length of 170 cm or 2 meters, and for large living rooms - a length of 290 cm.
• A width of 90 cm is most suitable for straight models, less often they are bought with a width of 70 cm.

The sleeping places for models that fold forward have a considerable length - 170, 180, 190, 200 cm. The width is different, often sofas of 90 cm or 140 cm are purchased for installation in rooms of significant area. Devices with a depth of 80 cm or more are in demand, since they are comfortable... This type of product can reach sizes up to 3 m (multi-seat options).

Couches are a light, single-seater type chosen for non-standard situations. As a rule, they are laid out lengthwise, therefore the smallest size is 180 cm.But large options are also possible - 190 or 200 cm.In the starting position, their typical lengths are 135, 140, 150, 170, 190 cm.

For rooms of significant area, couches with a size of 210 cm are available. A comfortable depth for them is a size of 80 cm.

The sizes of children's models are largely determined by the design features of the transformation mechanisms. So, products that fold forward are usually produced in a length of 170 cm. If they are transformed along, then their length can reach 2 or 3 m, depending on the features of the model range. Modular sofas include several parts that are fastened together, the dimensions of which are determined by the types and shapes of products. The typical size of one module varies between 60-100 cm.

The size is also influenced by the number of seats.

• For single (short version) standard - 130.140 cm.
• For double, for example, for a married couple (rest and sleep) the length is at least 170 cm, but a model with dimensions 190 and 200 cm will be more comfortable.A sofa 180 or 210 cm long would be a good purchase.
• In triple products, the length can reach 300 cm. Their common length is 2-2.5 m, and the width is 80-110 cm. When choosing a specific model, you need to take into account the footage of the room.
• Manufactured 4-, 5- and 7-seater products, the dimensions of which, with the exception of length, differ little from standard options. The style of performance also greatly influences their dimensions. So, a high-tech sofa will have smaller dimensions than its analogue, executed in the Baroque style.

The main criteria for choosing sofas include the purposes of use, types, types and shapes, design features, materials, possible auxiliary functions, cost and brand of the product. According to the areas of application, products are distinguished for living rooms, kitchens, children's rooms, corridors, for arranging office and entertainment premises.... In addition to the traditional uses of sofas, they are also used to create separate zones in rooms.

The sofa in the living room is a comfortable product for relaxation, which is also an interior decoration. When choosing it, take into account the dimensions of the room.

• For spacious rooms Corner options with a wide seat and high back will be appropriate. Five seats will probably be the most suitable option. Moreover, if the family is hospitable.
• For small living rooms usually choose small sofas, bright colors that accentuate the attention on the sofa, distracting guests from the size of the room. If the product is planned to be rarely used for sleeping, then any mechanism for its unfolding will do.

When choosing a corner or straight option for kitchens, it is important to focus on functionality, practicality and ergonomics of the product.

The office environment is characterized by respectability in products, combined with maximum comfort.... We must not forget about practicality. It is advisable to choose laconic products with leather upholstery of the same tone. In narrow spaces, two small sofas will look good. For spacious, medium-sized products are suitable. Sofas look good in light neutral shades and muted dark ones, giving the furniture a solidity.

The level of hardness of furniture (including with a mattress) is chosen based on the individual vision, sometimes taking into account the recommendations of medical experts. It is recommended to choose the frame from wood, which is better dried - the sofa will be stronger and quieter during operation. For competent zoning with sofas, attention should be paid to the area and layout of the room.

Children's furniture, apart from other general requirements for reliability, should not contain sharp fragments. It is better to choose rounded products.

Bearing in mind the transforming mechanisms and their reliability, it is recommended:

• for daily unfolding - "pantograph", "dolphin", angular versions of the "cougar";
• for living rooms - "books" and "accordions".

The transforming part of the structure must necessarily be light, otherwise various breakdowns and regular failures during operation are inevitable. It is better to choose materials for frames that are natural, strong, wear-resistant and environmentally friendly.

For the correct choice of overall dimensions, we advise you to take into account a number of recommendations:

• the presence of a folding device strongly affects the dimensions of the object;
• number of seats should be calculated in advance, and if this parameter is uncertain, modular options are most convenient;
• length of the product in the initial position depends on the metric of the room in which it is installed - for spacious rooms this parameter sometimes reaches 300 cm.

Sofas are traditionally produced in standard sizes, designed for users with average height and weight. Such indicators turn out to be uncomfortable for excessively tall or short people if the acquisition is planned for sleep. Any centimeter is relevant here. For users of small stature, the length of the sleeping bed can be 130 cm, which is typical for children's seats. Often, in such cases, products of 170 cm are chosen.For tall and very tall people, the length of the bed reaches 190-210 cm, and sometimes 300 cm. The depth of the sofas is 80 cm.

There are special standards that set the depth of devices, which corresponds to 450-600 mm for non-folding furniture and 500 mm for folding furniture. The length of the bed is at least 1860 mm, and the width is 700 mm. Width 650mm is only allowed for guest models.

High places in the ratings of high-quality furniture are occupied by manufacturers:

• Belarusian "Pinskdrev";
• Italian Bentsony;
• Swedish IKEA;
• Ukrainian Dlinestyle;
• Finnish Pohjanmaan.

The best domestic firms are:

• "Pegasus";
• Rival;
• "Slavmebel";
• "Sapsan";
• Lerroy.

Popular companies are also Kristie and Anderssen.manufacturing high quality corner products. The products of these companies deserve attention, they are characterized by a variety of forms and mandatory warranty service. The price range for all these firms is diverse.

• Corner sofa.

• Gray straight sofa.

• Wide three-seater sofa.

• Eco-leather sofa.

• Dolphin green sofa.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the mechanisms for transforming sofas.