Ottoman with a lifting mechanism: types, sizes and secrets of choice

Ottoman can be considered the progenitor of sofas. It came to Europe from Asia in the 18th century and was a spacious bed without a back, which began to be called in the Persian manner the ottoman or in Turkish - the ottoman. The modern piece is much smaller, it looks like a wide and low sofa with features designed for sleeping and relaxing.

The ottoman is more diverse today than its past counterparts. There are no hard and fast standards for this product. It may or may not have a backrest, armrests, pillows, an extra mattress. The model is often equipped with a lifting mechanism that gives access to the linen drawer, or a folding system, with the help of which two berths are obtained.

The ottoman is not as grand as a full-fledged sofa, it is lower, more elegant, but it has its own advantages, which are many:

• compactness allows it to replace sofas in small apartments;
• the product simultaneously serves for daytime rest and night sleep;
• folding options provide two berths;
• the couch often has a large roomy linen box that is easily accessible using a lifting mechanism;
• the simplicity of the product makes it easier to use and ensures durability, there is practically nothing to break;
• low seating position is popular with children and the elderly;
• the ottoman is endowed with a solid wide berth, it is convenient to use it every day instead of a bed, for these purposes you can choose a product with an orthopedic mattress;
• the furniture industry produces a wide range of products, they are easy to match to any stylized setting;
• the cost of an ottoman is lower than that of a sofa of the same size.

The product has only one drawback, if you use it for daily sleep, bedding will have to be hidden in a drawer, and not covered with a blanket, as is the case with a full bed.

An ottoman is a type of upholstered furniture with a wide but low berth. According to its purpose, it is more suitable for the role of a bed than a sofa, especially if it is endowed with a transforming device. Models with curly backs, wooden sides become an interior decoration during the day and a comfortable sleeping place at night.

Such models do not have a transforming device, but are endowed with a lifting mechanism that allows the use of spacious boxes located under the seat. To use the ottoman for sleeping every day, it is better to get an orthopedic mattress.

Has a wide berth, complemented by one headboard, backrest and handrails or a headboard and backrest.

A convenient option for an ottoman, on which you can sit, lie or recline, covered with pillows during the day, and sleep well at night. The model is wide enough for relaxation, but, thanks to its graceful shapes, does not look bulky in the interior.

In addition to the size of the berth, the ottoman may differ by location and design features:

• the straight model is installed under the wall;

• the corner one occupies the corner of the room, it is endowed with a headboard and a back;

• an ottoman with shelves performs several useful functions at once;

• a model with a bedside table or bedside table is convenient;

• Thanks to the folding device, the transforming ottoman becomes compact during the day and spacious at night.

The seat must be raised to reach the laundry drawer. For this, the models are equipped with one of three types of mechanisms: manual, spring and gas shock absorbers. Choosing an ottoman, you should familiarize yourself with each of them in advance and decide on your preferences.

The simplest and cheapest mechanism, although far from comfortable. The base and the upper part with the mattress are connected with ordinary loops. The mechanism is reliable and strong, but lifting is done manually and requires some effort.

This system is more complicated than the previous one, it also applies to the budget. With its help, lifting the berth is more convenient and easier. Coiled springs are used as shock absorbers. But they have a drawback - the springs stretch over time and eventually require replacement.

The most expensive lifting device, in fact, does not require effort, you need to make a small movement, and then the heavy seat will rise on its own, without human intervention. Shock absorbers work on the basis of compressed air, which provides the mechanism with a smooth ride. The device is reliable, the warranty period for products from a good brand is designed for 50 years, it raises the weight up to 100 kg. The disadvantage is the high cost.

When choosing an ottoman, you should pay attention to the reliability of the latches (for any type of lifting mechanisms) that hold the seat in the upper position.

Different materials are used for the manufacture of the ottoman, since it consists of a frame, filler, upholstery and a lifting mechanism.

A frame made of an array of hard varieties of trees is considered strong and reliable: larch, walnut, oak, plum, beech, maple. Strong and durable, it will last for generations of users. But such an ottoman is not cheap. If you use less durable wood for the frame, for example, pine, the product will become cheaper. For very budgetary options, pressed plywood is used.

The use of particle boards will also significantly reduce the cost of the product.

The spring device and gas shock absorbers are made of metal, and the frame is often reinforced with it. Some transforming mechanisms also have elements of aluminum and steel.

Fillers affect the durability of the sofa, the comfort of rest and the quality of sleep. Today there is a large selection of fillers of different density, texture and cost.

• Polyurethane foam has an average rigidity, refers to inexpensive materials, practical, with a moderate service life. It is safe in everyday life, does not cause allergic reactions.

• Durafil also hypoallergenic, moisture-repellent, non-flammable, smolders and goes out. Durafil mattresses do not have ticks, bugs and other insects. The filler is tough, durable, and has a positive effect on the condition of the spine and back muscles during sleep.

• Holofiber in its pure form, it is not suitable for filler, it is too soft, the mattress with its contents quickly sags. It is used in a mix with other hard materials. If the balance is right, the sleeping place will be perfect.

• Latex - one of the most expensive fillers, it has orthopedic properties, moderate rigidity, moisture resistance and durable.

• Foam rubber is capable of sagging and does not apply to durable materials, moreover, it is slightly toxic. The only advantage of foam rubber is a significant reduction in the cost of the total cost of the ottoman.

• Spring blocks are popular with the population. But they are different - dependent and independent. The first option is not very pleasant to use. The springs connected to each other cannot fully respond to the load; if one of them is pressed, others are deformed. This process does not occur with separately spaced springs; they form a more comfortable sleeping place.

The upholstery material also affects the durability of the ottoman. There are very durable fabrics that can repel water and dirt. There are other materials that allow water to pass through, get dirty easily and are susceptible to clues, but they "breathe", are environmentally friendly and tactilely pleasant. The most popular types can be noted.

• Jacquard - beautiful lightweight fabric with intricate patterns, can be matte or glossy. Consists of a complex weave of different threads - silk, wool, cotton, linen and synthetics.
• Velours similar to velvet, but with a shorter pile, it contains a lot of synthetics, diluted with woolen and cotton threads. It is harmless, pleasant to the touch, and relatively inexpensive.
• Matting seemingly rude simple fabric with textured weaving. Suitable for rustic, ethnic and ecological styles. But having hooked on a thread, it is easy to pull it out of the canvas, so such upholstery is not recommended if there are animals in the house.
• All types of leather are popular - natural, artificial, eco-leather. They are easy to care for, water-repellent and easy to clean, but difficult to restore. The difference in price between natural and other types of coverings significantly affects the total cost of the ottoman.

Considering the need for different parameters of upholstered furniture, an ottoman on sale can be found in all possible sizes. When choosing, the capacity of the room and the purpose of the sofa are taken into account. In small rooms, a large structure will hide the space. If there is a need for a sleeping place, the ottoman should be chosen small, but with a transformation function.

The oversized double model is endowed with dimensions of 90x200 cm when folded and 180x200 cm when unfolded. Such a product can comfortably accommodate two tall adults. A single ottoman should be 100x200 cm.As a wider option, you can consider the parameters of 110x200 cm.For teenagers and women, they choose products that are more compact (80x190) or slightly shorter, but wider - 90x160 cm.

Before you go shopping, you need to find and measure a place for an ottoman in your home. Then pay attention to the situation, the model must match it in color, style, texture, shape or other criteria.

The amount of funds available can affect the choice of the lifting mechanism, upholstery material, filler. If the possibilities are not limited, it is better to choose a frame made of solid solid wood, it will last a long time. The mattress for a comfortable sleep is suitable with latex, birch slats or independent springs with orthopedic properties.

An overview of the ottoman "Artek" with a lifting mechanism is presented below.