How to choose a sofa with a clamshell mechanism?

Sofas with a clamshell mechanism are popular among the population. Stable consumer demand for such models is due to the ease of transformation, acceptable cost and ease of use.

Externally, "clamshell" sofas look quite respectable. They are equipped with voluminous cushions and armrests and are available in various designs. The transformer structure is reliably hidden from view under the seat, which in some varieties is also part of the frame. "Clamshells" have a stable consumer demand, which is due to a number of positive properties of these convenient and practical models.

• Huge assortment with a wide variety of shapes, colors and designs allows you to choose a product for any interior, and a wide price range makes it possible to purchase a sofa at a comfortable cost. As for the shape, the "clamshells" are produced both in the traditional straight version and in the angular version.
• Due to the fact that the transformation mechanism unfolds forward, the width of these sofas is not too wide. This makes them very popular with owners of small spaces where installing full-size specimens is problematic.
• Most of the models are distinguished by low cost, which makes it possible for a reasonable price to get a guest bed, as well as a comfortable sofa for daytime relaxation.
• Some types of "folding beds" are transformed into a spacious double bed that can replace a bed... Moreover, many of them, equipped with reinforced modules, are designed for the installation of orthopedic spring mattresses that can withstand up to 200 kg.
• When unfolding the berth, the body of the sofa remains in place and does not move relative to the wall (unlike, for example, a sofa-book). This allows the flooring to remain intact and attractive for a long time. However, despite the fact that it is quite easy to fold and unfold such sofas, it is not recommended to trust small children with such work. This is due to the fact that the movable joints of the clamshells are vulnerable to lateral loads, and inept handling can lead to breakdown of the mechanism.

Despite the obvious advantages, folding sofa sofas still have disadvantages. These include the absence of a box for linen inside the body, the place of which is occupied by folding modules of the transformation mechanism, as well as a short sleeping place, which rarely exceeds 185 cm.Taking into account the dimensions of standard pillows, we can conclude that such sofa models are not suitable for tall people. Moreover, many types of "folding beds" are not intended for the organization of a permanent bed and can be used as a guest option.

It should also be noted that not all models are capable of being used in combination with orthopedic spring mattresses - some of them are designed to accommodate thin (up to 6 cm) foam or polyurethane foam samples.

Another disadvantage of folding sofa sofas is the fact that in the unfolded state, the legs, on which the bed frame rests, under the influence of the weight load, push the carpet, leaving ugly prints on it. Crumpled pile spoils the appearance of the floor covering and requires constant brushing.

However, the main disadvantage of many "folding bed" sofas is their creakiness due to the friction of the metal parts of the structure with each other. In addition, budget models, the base of which is made of an awning, stretch out very quickly from the influence of the weight load and begin to sag. However, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that the considered disadvantages are more inherent in one of the varieties of such sofas - the "French folding bed". Other types are considered quite reliable designs and can compete on equal terms with other transforming mechanisms, as well as with double beds.

Folding sofas are available in French, American (Belgian) and Italian. They all have different performance characteristics and differ from each other in design and service life.

Sofas of this kind are quite cheap and are in high demand among consumers. The transformation mechanism in such models is made of a metal frame and includes 3 frames connected in series, which, when folded, completely hide under the seat. By their design, "French folding beds" are of three types - awning, awning-plate and welded.

• The first variety outwardly resembles a Soviet-era clamshell and consists of an aluminum, less often a steel frame, on which an awning is fixed with springs. This type belongs to the category of the most budgetary and is intended for rare use. If such a sofa is laid out daily, then the awning will quickly stretch and sag, which will make it uncomfortable to sleep on it. Awning models are designed for weight up to 120 kg.

• The second type of "French folding beds" consists of a frame, wooden slats (lat) and an awning designed for a more even distribution of weight... Such models are much more durable than awning, but they are also not suitable for permanent use. But as a guest option, awning-lat models are the best option, allowing you to quickly organize a spacious sleeping place. Despite the reinforced structure, such models are designed for thin foam or polyurethane foam mattresses with a thickness of 6 to 10 cm, and are not used with spring models. This is another good reason why tarpaulin structures are not suitable for everyday use. The carrying capacity of such samples does not exceed 150 kg.

• The third type of "French folding beds" is equipped with a folding mechanism consisting of a frame and a welded mesh. These structures are considered very durable, can be used with orthopedic mattresses up to 18 cm thick. They are well suited for daily use as a permanent bed and can replace a bed.

This type of folding mechanism, called sedaflex, also unfolds forward, consists of two parts connected in series and is equipped with a thicker mattress. Compared to the "French" look, the "American" is much more durable and can be used as a permanent bed. Mattresses can have not only foam, but also spring design, and the length of the sleeping area can reach 200 cm.

In many models, the pillows are securely fixed to the frame and unfold with it. The frame itself consists of a metal frame, the headboard and the middle part of which are equipped with bent glued battens, and the footboard - with elastic straps. "American clamshells" are much deeper than "French", which is why they require more space for installation. The average distance from the wall to the front edge of the sofa seat is 100-110 cm, while the seat depth is at least 82 cm.

This type of transformation is, in fact, the same "American folding bed", consists of two modules and assumes the presence of a thick mattress up to 14 cm high. In contrast to the "French" version such models are well suited for daily use and have a fairly sturdy construction. In order to unfold the sofa, it is enough to pull on a special loop - and the structure obediently comes forward.

Such models represent a reinforced structure and are designed for long-term daily use. They, like the "American" species, are double-folding, however, they are unlike any other kind of "clamshell" in the way of unfolding. In the process of unfolding, the back of the sofa is first laid on the seat, and then turned over with it and installed on the support legs. Thus, it is under the seat, which folds out into 2 parts, lifts on springs and levers, forming a rather high and spacious berth.

For such an unusual transformation mechanism, these models received the unofficial name "Italian shape-shifter". Sofas with such a mechanism are the most expensive among the "folding beds", however, despite the high cost, they are in high demand. The height of the mattress in such samples reaches 15 cm, and the length of the berth is not less than 200 cm.

Sofas with a folding bed transformation mechanism are laid out forward, and therefore are not very wide. Most of the samples have a width of 140 to 160 cm, which allows you to form a full-fledged sleeping bed, in no way inferior in area to spacious double beds. Quite often there are mini-sofas with a width of 120 to 130 cm. They are very convenient for small rooms such as kitchens and children's rooms.Most of the time, these models are used as seating areas, and on rare occasions they can be laid out for guests.

Regarding the length of the sofas, we can say the following: most of them when unfolded reach 180-187 cm, which is quite enough to accommodate people of average height. A too tall person over 190 cm tall will be problematic to sleep on a cot, regardless of its type. And also it should be noted non-standard models of imported (mainly Italian) production, the length of which in the unfolded state does not exceed 160 cm.

When choosing a sofa with a folding bed transformation mechanism, it is necessary to build on the purpose for which this model is purchased and in which room. If you plan to sleep on it every day, then you should purchase "American" or "Italian" options. The purchase of "French" is allowed only on the basis made in the form of a welded mesh. The first two varieties are already equipped with a thick comfortable mattress, and the third can be used with a double orthopedic mattress up to 18 cm thick.

In the role of a guest option, the "French" model, equipped with a light awning or awning-lacquered folding mechanism, is quite suitable.

Another important selection criterion is the carrying capacity of the sofa. It should be borne in mind here that a weight load of 200 kg can withstand the "American" and "Italian" versions, as well as "French" models equipped with a base in the form of a welded mesh... And you should also take into account the height of the person who will use the sofa as a place to sleep: if his height exceeds 185 cm, then you should buy only an "Italian folding bed".

Sofas with a folding bed transformation mechanism are produced in a wide variety of colors and shapes, which allows you to purchase a product for any room design. With the right choice, such a sofa will serve not only as a place to relax, but also as a harmonious addition to the interior, and in some cases will become its central element:

• "French folding bed" in the interior of the bedroom.

• sofa with "Italian" mechanism - stylish and functional;

• The "American" model will not only decorate the living room, but also replace a full bed;

• a folding sofa couch will be an excellent option for a kitchen or a small room;

• spectacular leather "clamshell" in a modern interior.

For information on how the mechanism of the "French folding bed" sofa unfolds, see the next video.