The sofa is one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture. It is unlikely that anything else can compare with it in terms of comfort. It is much more functional than a bed. Due to the fact that there is a mechanism for unfolding the sofa, you can arrange an additional sleeping place for an adult or a child.
Most apartments allow you to place such a piece of furniture without sacrificing free space. During the day, the sofa usually serves as a comfortable place to sit, like an armchair, but you can also “recline” on it, and even sleep if suddenly sleep overtakes you at an inopportune time.
Content
- Types of sofas by purpose
- Types of sofas by design features
- Types of sofas by transformation type
- Sofa transformation mechanism "Book"
- Click-clack sofa: increased comfort
- Sofas "Lit" and roll-out type
- Choosing a sofa depending on the size of the room
- Quality of mechanical parts
- Using the sofa
- VIDEO: How to choose a sofa? Video review of transformation mechanisms, filler, upholstery
- Sofa Design Mechanisms: 50 Photo Ideas
Types of sofas by purpose
The furniture familiar to everyone has many modifications today. It is chosen by owners of commercial establishments, apartment owners, and residents of country cottages.
Sofas are divided into a number of types, depending on their purpose:
- kitchen;
- for children;
- for the living room;
- for the office;
- for the hallway.
The mechanisms of transformation of sofas for living rooms and children's rooms provide an increase in comfortable space. If necessary, it turns into a sleeping place. The child can play on the floor, and then lie down to rest or read.
Office, kitchen and hallway models usually do not have additional folding parts - there is no mechanism for transforming the sofa in them, because visiting these places does not involve spending the night.
Types of sofas by design features
The variety of designs allows you to choose stylish and practical sofas to suit your taste.
There are several types of structures that differ in shape:
- angular;
- straight classic;
- island.
Corner furniture is convenient for small rooms where there is a free joint between two walls. Such sofas take up a minimum of space and can have additional modules (removable if necessary).
The straight model is usually located near one of the wide walls. Not all models have unfolding mechanisms for a sofa with such a design. To provide an additional sleeping place, it is necessary to choose furniture with an unfolding system.
The types of island sofas can be different. The modules fold out into the desired position, providing a wide area for lying down.
Types of sofas by transformation type
The type of sofa unfolding significantly affects the level of comfort. If the sleeping area is planned to be large, then the design should be chosen based on the area and layout of the room.
The transformation mechanisms of sofas dictate the type of layout:
- "Book";
- "Tango";
- "Lit";
- "Dolphin";
- "Puma";
- "Pantograph";
- "Folding bed" etc.
When choosing, you need to proceed from the ability of a particular layout to the family members, since tight and complex mechanisms can jam and require more physical effort.
Sofa transformation mechanism "Book"
One of the most popular types of sofas. Bringing the structure into a horizontal position takes a minimum of time. You need to pull the seat towards you, and by lifting it until the lever is triggered, you can easily unfold the sofa for sleeping.
The mechanism of transformation of the sofa "Book" is reliable and simple, as it provides a sleeping place very quickly. The furniture can be used for a long time without losing its performance characteristics.
Types of sofas that transform for a comfortable position and sleep:
- straight;
- corner ("Eurobook" or "Tango").
The latter have a shorter head section, the long (narrow) one unfolds flush with the head section – it turns out to be a solid area for comfortable rest. The mechanism of transformation of the “tango” sofa is similar to the mechanism of unfolding a straight “book”. It is necessary to pull the seat towards you and up until it clicks.
Click-clack sofa: increased comfort
A type of sofa that resembles a "book" in its layout. To bring the bed into a horizontal position, you need to pull the seat up until you hear a characteristic sound.
The transformation mechanism of click-clack sofas is as simple as that of the previous type.
To unfold the sofa into a horizontal position for subsequent sleeping, you do not need to apply much effort, unless the structure has become very deformed from long-term use.
Of the sofa transformation mechanisms, this one is one of the easiest. Such models can often be seen in a teenager's room or bedroom.
The sofa will provide an extra sleeping place if relatives or friends come to visit.
Sofas "Lit" and roll-out type
Two types of designs - "lit" and roll-out are also very popular due to the quick unfolding for sleeping. The "lit" sofa is easily transformed. The armrests can be placed for a child's bed, and to arrange a comfortable sleeping place for an adult. To bring the sofa to the desired position, you need to pull the seat towards you, fixing it after the lever is triggered.
Roll-out furniture does not require any effort, the load is on the rollers. When moving towards you, the parts are transformed into a horizontal position, all that remains is to align them and place the pillows for convenience. The sofa provides an additional sleeping place for an adult or two for children.
Puma and Dolphin mechanisms
The "Puma" type of layout is also a leader among simple control systems for sofa mechanisms. The structure is brought to a horizontal position in one or two movements. It is enough to pull it towards you until it stops - an additional part, previously hidden inside, will appear. The third part is filled with a back.
The sofa with the Dolphin mechanism is also characterized by similar compactness. The difference is that the additional block is pulled out from the bottom of the furniture, which then becomes flush with the surface. The sleeping area turns out to be large, and when folded, the piece of furniture is very ergonomic.
Choosing a sofa depending on the size of the room
When purchasing folding furniture, you need to focus on the area of the room where you plan to place it.
- Single-folding sofas such as "book", "lit" or roll-out sofas are suitable for children's rooms. The size of the sofa also matters. For children's rooms, choose furniture in specialized departments of stores, since the goods there undergo strict environmental certification. The furniture will also be safe from a mechanical point of view.
- For large living rooms and bedrooms with a square layout, double sofas are convenient. They provide a bed replacement if necessary, and you can sit on them with greater comfort.
- Fold-out sofas are a great alternative to beds in a country house with several small guest rooms. You can sit on them during the day, reading a book or watching TV, and sleep comfortably at night.
Quality of mechanical parts
When choosing a sofa bed, give preference to reputable manufacturers, and in the store, repeatedly check the mobility of the mechanisms, since standard models may contain defective parts. If the mechanics are tight, there is a feeling of looseness of the guides - the question arises about the poor quality control on the part of the manufacturer.
The best option would be to have a custom sofa made. With this approach, you can not only buy a quality item according to the individually stated dimensions, but also control the progress of the work. In most cases, you will also avoid overpaying. The furniture will undergo careful inspection before you receive it in finished form.
Using the sofa
Despite the warranty provided by the sofa manufacturer, under certain influences it may become unusable much earlier. It is necessary to handle the folding sofa carefully - try not to pull the folding parts and not to move them to the sides, shaking the transformation mechanism.
Since the hinges and levers are mostly metal, they do not tolerate excess moisture. Therefore, when cleaning the sofa, try to use a squeezed sponge or a slightly damp brush. If caustic detergents get on the mechanisms, they can cause corrosion of the metal.