Convertible sofas: features and varieties

Convertible sofas are a very promising type of furniture. It saves every square millimeter of free space. But at the same time, only taking into account the main features and selecting the optimal variety can really solve the problem. Let's take a closer look at the features and varieties of transforming sofas.

A transforming sofa, like any similar furniture, is an excellent solution for a small space. And it happens both in the old "Khrushchev" houses, and in a number of modern new buildings. But transformers can also come in handy in multifunctional rooms. True, there is no special need for such furniture for a spacious home. The only exception is when it is required to organize auxiliary sleeping places for arriving guests. A high-end transformer will look decent both folded and unfolded. Most often, a sofa is combined with a bed.

Convertible sofas can have unusual geometric shapes and custom designs. But it should be understood that they are inferior to monolithic products in the following parameters:

• increased price;
• the ability to use at the same time only in one of the options;
• the need to spend effort on laying and folding;
• the probability of breakage of built-in mechanisms (but here a lot depends on the specific implementation).

Relatively simple sofa bed is the best solution for a small apartment. It is comfortable to sit on it during the daytime, and lie down and relax at night. This solution is also ideal for studio apartments. A sofa that transforms allows you to compensate for the lack of a full bedroom. This design is very suitable for both the guest room and the children's room.

Recently, one of the non-standard novelties is two-level sofa bed. Only complex composite layout mechanisms can provide this functionality. Depending on the design features, the upper floor can be formed using the following elements:

• back;
• base;
• seated part.

However, regardless of this, transformation will require a strict sequence of actions. But significant physical effort is not required to use a bunk sofa. The designers made sure that the springs and gas lifts took over the bulk of the mechanical work. From people only the application of the initial impulse is required. The rest will be done by the built-in mechanisms of folding furniture.

It should be borne in mind that some versions are also designed for the "single-tier bed" position. But this option is not always found. All manufacturers develop the mechanics for 2-in-1 bunk convertible sofas from scratch. There is no rigid classification, as in single-tier models, here yet.

The three-in-one design implies the presence of not only a built-in bed, but also a wardrobe, most often in a wall version. You should not only confuse this wall with the old-fashioned solutions under the same name, which were actively produced several decades ago. This is a completely different product, primarily in terms of the quality of its construction. Important! 3-in-1 models only seem very complicated - in fact, they are already being actively made not only by factories, but also by individual “craftsmen” in home workshops.

The typical composition of the wardrobe-sofa-bed includes the following elements:

• the actual closet equipped with shelves and alternative storage systems;
• facade;
• sofa block;
• a reclining bed (sometimes equipped with a mattress);
• separate headboard;
• transforming mechanisms with lifting and folding functions;
• bed legs extending in a horizontal plane.

However, one should not forget that such transforming sofas place very high demands on the premises where they are used. So, you will definitely have to level the floors to perfect condition... It will not be possible to attach such furniture to a gypsum plasterboard wall, even made according to all technological rules.

The facades of the cabinets play an important role, since both direct perception and the overall functionality of the product depend on them. In cheap models, chipboard is used for decoration. The same designs, regardless of price, are typical for a minimalist style.

Slightly more expensive are MDF products. The increased price is fully offset by the improved performance characteristics. Doors made on the basis of MDF can be easily adapted to any interior style. But more interesting are plastic and glass facades, which are distinguished by excellent design possibilities.

Models of the "four in one" type most often, along with a folding two-mode sofa, allow you to use a table and a bench (pouf). The result is a complete set of furniture for a small dining area. Such a product will suit the owners of studio apartments. But it makes no sense to talk a lot about such constructions.

They are still rare and are most often made to order. This furniture is for those who clearly understand their needs and how they should be implemented. More importantly, all variants of transforming sofas do not need to be removed from the wall. They are either very compact, or even hide themselves inside the walls.

Modern high-tech development - modular (assembled from blocks) transforming sofas. This performance promises truly limitless design and practical possibilities. A striking example is modular transforming sofa "Tetris". To create it, a number of ottomans with soft upholstery and special holes were used.

Ready-made elements are assembled in a variety of designs, both straight and angular to your liking. It will also be possible to make a bed, an armchair, and a number of other furniture options. Magazine or bookshelves are sometimes screwed onto ottomans on the side. And also "Tetris" allows you to make a giant bed of 6 modules, the dimensions of the sleeping area on which are 1.5x2.25 m.

Convertible sofas, as is already clear, can have a variety of designs. But their main part is not assembled from finished parts, but is converted using special devices. Often the folding mechanism is made using coil spring.

For its manufacture, steel with a high carbon content is used. A similar solution it can easily survive even very powerful loads and withstand tens of thousands of opening and closing cycles.

Another option is gas lift. It contains a special compressed gas. When transformation occurs, it is the force generated by the gas that does the bulk of the work. Modern gas lifts are very resistant to wear (no worse than first-class spring mechanisms). Squeaking during the operation of such a lift is excluded completely regardless of the degree of its wear. To be able to use coil springs, you need a niche (recess) 0.25 m deep.

Vertical convertible sofas (as well as horizontal models) are relatively simple and do not cause problems in use. They include a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a table (optionally, instead of a table, there can be something else). Rotary execution is much less common. It allows you to save a lot of useful space in the house. However, such a solution is quite expensive.

Speaking about the transformation mechanisms, it is necessary to mention those devices that are responsible for working with the sleeping place itself. Most often, the following mechanisms are used in this capacity:

• traditional book;
• eurobook;
• accordion;
• American folding bed sedaflex;
• French clamshell;
• pantograph;
• tango.

The dimensions of transforming sofas are no less important than what is installed inside them. A small sofa with a single worktop can be converted into a bunk bed. In length, such furniture reaches 2.12–2.3 m. The width is most often 0.9–0.95 m. The height is determined by the position in which the transformer is located: folded - 0.77–0.8 m, in the form of a bed - from 1.52 to 1.55 m.

The upper and lower berths reach 0.8–0.9 m in width. In length, they are usually 1.95–2 m. The mini-version implies the location of the sleeping area at right angles to the back. There is usually an "accordion" knot inside. In length, such transformers range from 0.9 to 1.5 m, the width is determined by a specific position.

A double large sofa bed becomes a real salvation for two if they do not know how to furnish an apartment and not clutter it up... Often such furniture goes into a plasterboard box, which is made in the wall. This option is appreciated for its simplicity and comparative economy. Usually they try to turn this box into a "wall" containing shelves and drawers.The result is comfortable furniture that does not violate the aesthetic harmony in an apartment or house.

But in small apartments, you can pick up other types of models. Much depends on personal taste and preference. In some cases, it is more practical to choose solutions with a size of 90x200 cm.In others, if the room is quite long, 160x200 cm is considered the optimal proportion.

You can find a good transforming sofa in both modern and classic interiors. But all this may not help if mistakes are made when choosing a color. It can both help to emphasize the necessary stylistic moments, and interfere in this matter. Colors that excessively reduce or excessively enlarge rooms, thereby highlighting their shortcomings, are unacceptable.

In small-sized housing, painting is the most appropriate solution. white gloss, allowing you to visually expand the walls and create an optimistic mood. But a light sofa will not suit those who have children or pets at home. Both of them can ruin an expensive thing, finding themselves out of control for literally a few seconds.

Important! It is worth considering whether a particular color will irritate after a while, and especially after 3-4 months, when the “effect of the first freshness” will finally disappear. Problems in this regard are created by solutions such as:

• geometric patterns and ornaments;
• unnecessarily bright colors;
• large prints.

The psychological impact of a particular color must also be taken into account.

• Gray tones contribute to spiritual harmony. But under unfavorable conditions, they can increase apathy and suppress will. White is traditionally fresh and dynamic. But in lonely people, it often provokes internal emptiness.

• Almost always, with very rare exceptions, green color. It simultaneously creates an optimistic mood and allows you to internally relax. It is the perfect combination for the best motivation for a variety of daily activities. In addition, green is less harmful to the eyes than other tones. It will allow you to cope with excessive arousal, calm agitated nerves.

• In black designers do not recommend getting carried away. With an excess of such color in the room, it will look gloomy and unnatural, like some kind of crypt. Black leather upholstery will also create a sense of inappropriate formality, more of an institution.

• Beige tone - a universal classic, invariably approved by psychologists. This coloring will allow you to calm down and tune in to the right thoughts.

For all the importance of the color of the transforming sofa it plays a secondary role when compared with style... Eclectic, kitsch furniture amazes the imagination with postmodern variegation of various colors. But the passion for this style must be carefully dosed. An excess of these motives, most likely, will create a feeling of a fair amount of frivolity and insufficient thoughtfulness of the interior.

Convertible sofas can be made and in high-tech style. The best way to demonstrate compliance with this style is by using metal and glass inserts. All basic structures must have a rectangular shape, otherwise the standard canon is violated. The hi-tech style is popular as it perfectly expresses a modern vibe.

And the following items are also welcome:

• mirror fittings;
• vinyl or smooth textile upholstery;
• general design ergonomics;
• rejection of catchy, expressive decorative parts.

Some people prefer art deco... This style is luxurious and elegant, emphasizing the sophistication of the room. Art Deco décor should have sophisticated, graceful forms. The geometry of the furniture inspires thoughts of something majestic and amazing. Wide armrests and curved details are encouraged.

The products of the "New Age" firm deserve attention. For example, you should pay attention to Smart model, including bed, wardrobe and sofa. The wooden product has a size of 2.87x1.9x2.28 m. The height of the seat is 0.38 m. 2 people will be able to sit or lie on this piece of furniture.

The following features are noteworthy:

• linen box;
• mattress stuffed with polyurethane foam;
• upholstery with leatherette, natural or ecological leather of your choice;
• execution in modern style or in modern style by choice.

An excellent alternative is sofa-transformer "Circe", supplied by the Italian company Clei. The set includes a folding bed for one and a half. Above her head is a pair of long shelving units. The transformation takes place in minutes. The model has only one drawback - very few people can afford it.

Another option is Detal Master “Bela 1”. This combination has the following parameters:

• sleeping place 1.4 m wide and 2 m long;
• vertical design;
• bed coloring - in wenge color or white;
• the width and depth of the bed is 2.428 and 2.024 m;
• upholstery of the sofa with Arben fabric;
• box for linen is provided.

The model can also become an attractive solution. Veritas ii from the firm "Little Place". The sofa in this set is made with a simple and laconic design, so it will not be difficult to fit it into any interior. Additional storage systems are provided on both sides of the cabinet. The main link of the product is the bed. Transformation using silent mechanisms is provided.

Detal stands out among all the above companies. It is she - the only one in our country - that produces excellent combined headsets with automatic control. The remote control greatly simplifies everyday life.

Products under the Smarti brand can also be considered a good choice. It entered the Russian furniture market relatively recently, but has already managed to gain impressive momentum. A good 3 in 1 option is Atom model with a minimalistic laminated chipboard facade. Side cabinet facades are made of selected MDF. When creating both this and other modifications, we tried to provide maximum free space.

You can choose any of the above models - all of these manufacturers have been working for a long time and have managed to prove themselves from the best side. But you need to pay attention to the subtleties of a particular device. So, for adults, models with an orthopedic mattress are almost always better suited, since they allow you to sleep better and relax emotionally during the daytime. Important! It is imperative to require a quality certificate for the supporting and transforming parts. If they are faulty, it will become simply dangerous to use combined furniture.

As in ordinary sofas and beds, in combined ones they have long preferred to use independent spring blocks. This technical solution is many times better than both dependent springs and the most elite varieties. polyurethane foam... And with foam rubber it becomes somewhat inconvenient to compare it. It is considered a very good filler latex... However, it comes at a cost to use.

If dependent springs are still used, a special pad must be located above them. It will soften the feeling and increase the comfort of the furniture.If the bed is in a tilting arrangement, independent springs cannot be used. They will wear out a lot in one of the main positions. But the sleeping accommodations in the combined convertible sofa are not all.

You should also carefully approach the choice of the front part (cabinet). It should fit perfectly into the design of the room and not create any dissonance. Facades are usually made of the same materials in all components. Structures faced with chipboard will ideally suit connoisseurs of minimalism and strict laconic lines. Wishing to diversify the situation and make it lighter, it is necessary to give preference to mirrored facades. They are attractive in their "original" form, but you can always use additional decor and significantly improve the impression.

Mirror facades are often made as follows:

• colored;
• matte;
• decorated with various photo printing.

A more functional option is when the facade becomes a full-fledged "wall" with additional storage systems. These may include shelves, boxes of various sizes, and even racks. Sometimes there are backlit models. Along with a purely decorative function, LED lamps and strips serve as a night light.

This photo shows an eye-catching latest generation sofa bed wardrobe. A skillfully chosen combination of light woody and lilac tones in itself attracts. Visual duplication of the color of the upholstery in the color of the wall is characteristic.

The light shade of the cabinet corresponds to the light floor. At the same time, the side storage systems are very laconic and do not attract much attention.

But you can also combine a rich red sofa with a pure white wardrobe. There is a clear visual relationship between the color of the upholstery and exactly the same doors of the side additional cabinet.

The storage system (shelves) is located on top and on the side, so it does not distract attention. A very light glossy floor turns out to be quite an appropriate background in such a composition. Even local lights and figurines play a role.

It is also possible to use a bright red transforming sofa in the interior. The multi-colored pillows put on it look extravagant. The rest of the room allows you to extinguish the excessive emotionality of such colors.

The part of the floor decorated "in a zebra pattern" and laconic decor smooth out the richness and riot of colors. The glossy white floor and light walls with vertical lines help to complete the composition.

In the next video, you will find a brief overview of the 3-in-1 transforming sofa (sofa-table-bed).