Spring block sofas: features, types and selection
In stores, you can often find sofas with a spring block. It is fundamentally impossible to equate them with models similar in name that were produced several decades ago - a lot has been done since then. Attention should be paid to the features and types of spring furniture, it's time to figure out how to make the right choice.
Features, pros and cons
Sofas with a spring block can have quite different designs. But in any case, they are better than the springless and foam rubber options already because they serve for a long time. True, we are talking only about situations when all parts are made soundly and have no flaws. The build quality is also critical. However, these points are no less relevant for springless structures.
But the fact that the product looks impressive and soundly is no less important. On the flat surfaces of the spring sofa, different parts of the body do not sag. The design is designed to withstand significant loads.
Another of the advantages can be noted:
- decent ventilation of the internal volume;
- excellent moisture exchange;
- subjective convenience;
- adaptation to the user's body shape;
- positive effect on bone tissue;
- increased resistance to deformation.
But there are also some downsides. So, if the loads are higher than expected, after a few years the springs often begin to creak. Various small details can also squeak. In addition, the cost of spring sofas is often quite high.
Views
Much depends, of course, on what type of spring sofa is used. Straight constructions can have a variety of dimensions.They allow you to use the space as efficiently as possible.
A characteristic feature of the straight design is the large size of the seats and their considerable depth. If the developers have responsibly approached the solution of their problem, then the product will be soft and comfortable.
Many straight sofas are equipped with folding mechanisms. This further simplifies everyday life and saves money on the purchase of a separate bed. But which mechanism is used is of great importance. Its features can both help and hinder people.
If purchased corner sofa, then its seats are usually stiffer than that of a direct analogue.
However, a lot here already depends on the specific performance. A number of corner models fold out and can be used as a sleeping area. But due to the specific features, they will still take up a lot of space. Transportation and storage of corner furniture is difficult. It is desirable to put it in a suitable corner of the room.
Corner sofas can be a great sleeping area for young children. Models in which the corner is separated from the main body are especially well suited. In this case, separate sleeping places are formed. A handrail can be attached to the corner, providing reliable protection.
The corner sofa can be equipped with various additional components that increase the overall functionality.
So, both folding and non-folding sofas are sometimes supplied with a box for linen. This is a very convenient addition - provided that its size meets the needs of the consumers. Some modifications can even be equipped with built-in bars and shelves. The difference manifests itself both in the composition of the materials used and in the color of the sofa.
But the most important difference between the individual versions is still the pivots.
Spring types
Some models still use dependent holders. There are many facts indicating that this solution is outdated. However, convenience and relatively low price justify many of its disadvantages. The springs are rigidly connected with strong wire. The impact on one of them immediately captures all the other springs, which is not always convenient.
Bonnel
This type of dependent spring block is the most popular. It is often found in the economy segment. The carefully thought-out design is comparatively solid.
Bonnel lasts longer than simple dependent springs. The increased comfort of the sofa is also guaranteed.
Spring blocks of this kind are made by forming twists with two cones. All parts are made of high-carbon, high-quality steel. She is quite strong and flexible at the same time. After the applied load, the metal easily returns to its original position. A special platform made of durable sheet materials - plywood, MDF, particle board is placed under the springs.
Thanks to this design, the spring blocks are stiffer. Effective protection against subsidence and deformation of the lower part will also not be superfluous. "Bonnel" is also found on corner sofas. But they usually use polyurethane foam boxes on the sides. After them, layer-by-layer foam rubber, felt, batting and front finishing material are placed.
Independent
Such springs are much more common in modern sofas. This is the solution that orthopedic specialists welcome. Reviews confirm that it is better to sleep on a sofa with independent spring elements, it is easier to recuperate even with a short rest, you only feel vigor and freshness, not overshadowed by any negative sensations.
Professionals, preparing a new design for a sofa with independent springs, must immediately decide:
- how many such springs are needed;
- what is the required twist diameter;
- how many turns will need to be done;
- what is the optimal size of the spring pack.
In some cases, the so-called biconical spring... Such constructions can hardly be called a novelty - they have been used since the beginning of the twentieth century. But you always need to calculate how many reference points you need to put on one square meter. In serial products, springs with a diameter of 0.02-0.06 m are most often used. A good support block contains at least 435 springs.
The smaller the diameter of the coil, the quieter the furniture will become. Steel hardening is critical. If it is insufficient, the part will quickly sink. If it is excessive, there is a high risk that the product will burst in the middle.
The service life of a decent modern Bonnel block reaches 10 years, after which the busiest sections will quickly collapse.
The covers are designed and manufactured at the factory so that they fully reproduce the features of the spring blocks. If this rule is not followed, the product will quickly fail. All springs and fabric pockets are carefully matched to each other. Only after that, the twists are placed in the designated places.
Snake
This is also a traditional mechanism, but of a relatively simplified form. All springs are secured by a specially provided frame. According to the opinion of engineers, shared by many consumers, an optimal balance of rigidity and reliability is guaranteed. A pronounced repulsive effect is also noted. Soft material is located above the "snake".
Foam rubber and felt are often used for this purpose. "Snake" belongs to the budget class. However, these spring units are gradually being phased out.
They are not able to withstand significant loads. The snake is categorically unsuitable for full sleep.
Transformation mechanisms
It makes sense to consider not all possible varieties, but only high-quality, well-proven devices. The traditional solution is "book", captivating with its simplicity and reliability. The seated part is raised, making a click. When it is then lowered, the back is lowered at the same time.
"Books" are very reliable (it is almost impossible to break them) and will be able to withstand a load of up to 200 kg.
Features of such a system:
- placing the sleeping area along the wall;
- optimal suitability for small rooms;
- the need to move the sofa back before unfolding;
- quite a significant amount of space required.
A pleasant alternative is "American clamshell", which has another name "sedaflex". The sleeping area is divided into a couple of sections. After removing the pillows, the seated part is pulled up and towards you. The sections should be turned until they are installed on the supports.
This design can withstand loads of up to 240 kg and has no bends, but does not allow the use of containers for laundry.
Deserves attention and Tick-tock... These sofas are very easy to use. After pulling the seat up and forward, lower the back to the vacant seat. You don't even have to use two hands. The highest load is the same as for sedaflex furniture.
However, not only retractable, but also withdrawable mechanisms can be used. Among them, special attention deserves "Eurobook", that is, an improved conventional "book". For normal operation, all parts must adjoin each other as tightly as possible. The design is equipped with a capacious linen box.
Important: if the slightest cracks or irregularities are noticed in the "Eurobook", then you cannot buy it.
Widespread and Dolphins... They are appreciated for the ease of the nesting process. You just need to understand that the maximum permissible load is no more than 200 kg. In addition, the seat and roll-out section have a small joint after folding.
If a slightly higher berth than the "dolphin" is required, the "kangaroo" system should be preferred.
"Konrad", aka "telescope", will only hold 180 kg. These sofas have 3 sections. Lay them out by pulling out the bottom block. The rest of the units will rush after him.
It is difficult to move furniture with such a mechanism, but it is very compact and is usually equipped with a lattice with an orthopedic effect.
Dimensions (edit)
Corner sofas with a spring block usually have a corner length of 1.3-1.5 m. The width of the berth of typical models is 1.4-2 m. Large and smaller sizes are usually purchased on order. The width of the main part of the sofa is usually 0.7-0.9 m.
If you plan to provide a seating area for one person, a length of 1.2 m is sufficient.
In another version, when you plan to use a sofa for sleeping, you need to choose a model with a length of 170 cm.But it is better to focus on products from 180 cm or even a little more. A double sofa bed can be folded a little less. This will not prevent you from using it fully. For a large family or people who often invite guests, you need to choose sofas with a length of 220 cm or a little larger.
There are very long models for 4-7 seats.... They do not differ in width from the standard versions. The height of the backrest is selected according to the height of the users. Children's modifications are not too high - you can even pick up options below 0.6 m. The height of an adult modular sofa is from 0.7 m, monolithic models are larger.
Manufacturers
Popular corner sofa "Malta 108", belonging to the type "Eurobook". It is upholstered in velor. The frame is made of chipboard or special furniture beams. The presence of spring blocks "Bonnel" of moderate rigidity is provided. The capacity of the laundry drawer is large enough.
The "Eurobook" is also good models "Montreal"... The straight structure is upholstered with matting and is designed for 3 seats. It is designed in a modern style. The size of the berth is 1.4x1.9 m.
Important: you will not be able to use Montreal if the doorway is already 0.8 m.
But it is equally important to consider the main brands of sofa manufacturers. Firm "Pinskdrev" supplies straight and angled models for 2 - 3 seats. Consumers can choose versions with leather or fabric upholstery to their liking.
Products of this brand are relatively inexpensive. But transforming sofas from "Pinskdrev" can have pronounced joints.
In this regard, it is much better Laguna products... In terms of external characteristics, they are also not bad. Transforming mods do not squeak when used.
The mechanical strength of the furniture is noted. But its soft parts are not very reliable.
Lovers of high quality can pay attention to the products company "Shatura Furniture"... This company is very popular throughout Russia. The high cost of models is largely justified by their variety. The goods themselves hardly cause any complaints.
You can also pay attention to sofas:
- Rival;
- Anderssen;
- Kinway;
- Songdream;
- Century Furniture.
How to choose?
A number of firms could be listed for a long time. But it is much more important for consumers to know what to prefer for daily use. Just in case, it's worth repeating again: for daytime, dependent spring blocks are good, but for sleep, independent execution is better... However, you will have to pay a higher price for it.
No matter how high quality the sofa is, it will wear out. And it will be possible to replace the cover on a number of models only in the factory. It can come as an unpleasant surprise if consumers do not specify such a point in advance. As for the anatomical fitness, it is provided only on sofas with independent spring units. And even then not at all: you need to be interested in quality and safety certificates, and even better - to consult with doctors.
Paradoxically, many buyers measure the space to install furniture only when problems arise with it. It is very important to measure everything in advance and also make sure that full passages remain. It is worth considering design points: sometimes bulky furniture in a small room looks like an alien monster.Upholstery should be assessed not so much for aesthetic properties (although they are important), but for practical ones: for example, moisture resistance is very important in the kitchen.
You don't need to save too much. But buying pretentious super-expensive sofas is frankly impractical. Better to stick to the golden mean.
Of course, you should inquire about the manufacturer's and the seller's warranty and study the reviews on the models you like in advance.
Customer Reviews
Straight sofa Dallas 018 with an independent spring block is praised for its compactness. Moreover, even after folding it is easy to rest on it. The quality of upholstery sewing is up to the mark. Together with this model, it is recommended to purchase thin mattresses. They will create the feeling of a sofa bed.
Corner model Barcelona 118 looks very nice. It is praised for its convenience. The overwhelming majority of consumers do not find significant problems in this model. The compactness and spaciousness of this product are fancifully combined. Only occasionally do complaints arise about the accumulation of static charges by pillows (which is easily solved after treatment with furniture antistatic).
Also deserved positive ratings:
- "Amsterdam Next 051";
- "Stelf";
- "Your style is Charlie NEW";
- Asti-6;
- Elado Rainbow;
- "Ascona Family";
- "Mebeliko Atlantis".
For an overview of the sofa with a spring block, see the following video.