The interior of any office or apartment is complete without a sofa. On it you can sit or use for relaxation. In any case, this product carries with it warmth and comfort.
Purchasing this piece of furniture is a serious matter. Treat this purchase with all responsibility. After all, the sofa should serve more than one year. And if this purchase is unsuccessful, that is, it will soon come loose, fall apart, become unfashionable or, even worse, unhealthy, then this will cause a lot of trouble to the owner. That is why, before you go to the store, you need to find out for yourself the main issues that may arise when purchasing a sofa.
Criterias of choice
Currently, manufacturers offer sofas that differ in the type of upholstery, design, as well as the method of transformation. But in any case, this piece of furniture must certainly be convenient for each member of the family, successfully approach the interior and for a long time please its functionality.
First of all, the sofa is a relaxation area in which you can enjoy sitting after a hard day's work. It is also a place for watching movies and for friendly gatherings. Very often sofas are also used for night rest. That is why people basically choose their folding varieties. And even if even in the apartment each family member has his own bed, such a sofa can always come in handy. After all, situations in life are different. In addition, later, after buying a new sofa, the old one can be sent to the cottage and used there as a bed.
Most often, customers who come to the store look at the appearance of the product. However, it is more important to verify the quality of the material used for its manufacture, as well as the reliability of the folding mechanism.
Before you go shopping, you should answer a number of questions, namely:
- how much space will be allocated for the sofa, not only in assembled, but also in the unfolded form;
- how often this piece of furniture will serve as a berth;
- what is the intended use of the sofa (daily or as a guest option);
- whether it is necessary that there is a place for storing linen in upholstered furniture ;
- which product is most acceptable - a budget option or one in which reliable parts and sophisticated mechanisms for transforming sofas are installed;
- how much money is supposed to be allocated for the purchase
Types of folding mechanisms
Sofas designed for sleeping equipment can be:
- retractable or withdrawable on rollers, for example, "eurobook" and "dolphin", "pantograph" and "konrad";
- folding - "elf", "book", "tango";
- deployable - "Spartacus", American or French clamshell.
Which of these sofa transformation mechanisms is more reliable? What are their pros and cons? Consider some types of mechanisms for transforming sofas.
"Book"
There is evidence that the first sofas were made in the East in the Middle Ages. And only after some time, in the 17th century, this piece of furniture began to be used in European countries. Gradually, he became a thing indicating the luxury of the interior. For a comfortable pastime, sofas were stuffed with fleece and they took swan fluff for this purpose. However, Europeans still believed that this piece of furniture was intended solely to sit on it.
In Russia, the first sofas appeared in the 18th century. Fashion for them was introduced by a statesman, Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin. Russians earlier than Europeans began to lie on sofas. Despite this, the first folding furniture of this type appeared in France. It happened in the 20th century. Models of sofas with the “book” transformation mechanism became the best option that customers preferred to purchase in order to save space in their home.
A similar design enjoys no less popularity today. Indeed, on such a sofa it is convenient not only to sit, but also to sleep. When folded, it is a comfortable place to sit. And if you need to expand it, then the mechanism for transforming a sofa-book will work quite easily. To do this, you just need to lift the seat up, wait for a click, and then gently pull it towards you. As a result, the sofa will take a horizontal position. In this case, a comfortable bed will appear in the room, suitable for a full sleep.
The advantage of sofa bed transformation mechanisms is that they have a high level of reliability. Over the entire history of its existence, the “books” have more than once been checked by users and improved by manufacturers. Due to this, spring mechanisms for transforming sofas of this type provide a long service life of the product.
Another advantage of this design is its compactness. When folded, it will take up little space in the room. In this regard, the mechanisms of transformation of the "book" are an excellent option for one-room apartments.
Attracts buyers and the ease of replacement of structural parts in the event of a breakdown. Although, as a rule, for the normal operation of this simple mechanism, it is enough to lubricate it or tighten the bolts with which it is attached to the frame.
An undoubted advantage of such models is the presence in them of a specially equipped compartment for linen. The only thing to consider when placing the sofa in the room is that a small gap must be left between its back and wall. And then when unfolding the entire structure, it will not be necessary to push it back.
Another important advantage of the sofa, "books" is its affordable price. As a rule, it serves as the main selection criterion for many Russian buyers.
Eurobook
Without any doubt, it can be argued that this is one of the best mechanisms for transforming the sofa. After all, it is reliable and has a long service life. Another undoubted advantage of sofas with the Eurobook mechanism is their low cost. Because of this, such furniture items are popular with buyers.
The berth is quite comfortable. After all, it is usually smooth and comfortable. At the same time, the folding bed sofa with the Eurobook transformation mechanism has a roomy linen box, and this is very convenient for owners of small apartments, which it is very important to have additional storage space.
Unfolding a sofa with the Eurobook transformation mechanism does not need special efforts. In this case, unlike the design described above, it is possible to put such a piece of furniture close to the wall.
How does the Eurobook transformation mechanism work? The design of the sofa is designed in such a way that its seat should extend in the direction of “toward you” until it stops. Its movement occurs along special guides made of hardwood or metal. In this case, a niche is formed between the seat and back. She opens her eyes to the linen box, which you can immediately use. In some models of the sofa, wheels are mounted on the legs. This part facilitates the folding process. After taking the seat forward, the backrest is lowered onto the vacant niche.
“Eurobook” refers to mechanisms for transforming sofas for frequent use. Moreover, the product has the following advantages:
- high reliability due to the absence of moving parts and complex metal parts (in case of problems they can easily be eliminated without the help of a specialist);
- ease of use;
- Affordable design.
However, in addition to the pluses, the sofa with the Eurobook transformation mechanism has some disadvantages:
- When unfolding, the legs of the extension can scratch linoleum or parquet. The wheels allow solving such a problem. They are attached to the legs. However, in this case, they are not suitable for carpets. After all, the wheels crush their villi.
- In the berth of such a sofa there is a section of the joint. And although there is no difference in this case, but still this zone can create inconvenience.
- Most often, between the upholstered furniture and the wall still have to leave a small distance. Otherwise, the folding process will be somewhat difficult.
When buying a sofa with a Eurobook transformation mechanism, you should pay attention to the tight fit of all its parts. If a finger passes quietly between the armrest and the seat, then such an acquisition is likely to serve its owners briefly.
Tick-tock (pantograph)
For the consumer who is going to buy upholstered furniture for daily use, it is necessary, first of all, to study those options and models that a modern manufacturer offers. With its simplicity and affordability, a sofa with a tick-to-tack (pantograph) transformation mechanism can attract. It is comfortable and affordable, as well as functional upholstered furniture that can last for a long time.
There was a mechanism for transforming the pantograph sofa as an analogue of the Eurobook. Its special difference is the layout scheme, in which roll-out rollers do not find use.
The mechanism for transforming the pantograph sofa works quite simply. To create a berth, the seat must be pulled up a little. All. Further, the mechanism will cope on its own. The landing part at the same time rises above the floor, and then falls on it. The seat of such a sofa stands on the supports, while freeing up space. The back of the product horizontally falls into such a niche.
The mechanism under consideration received its name for its simplicity. Such a sofa folds out in two clicks or steps. In this case, sounds resembling ancient walkers are heard. They sound "tick-tock." The main feature and attractiveness of such sofas is the receipt of a spacious sleeping area after unfolding. In addition, the product is in high demand by customers due to the following:
- Compact shape and size. Such characteristics make it possible to install upholstered furniture, including in a small room. Such transformation mechanisms are often used in corner sofas. Such products fit perfectly in both small and spacious rooms. In this regard, such sofas are one of the most popular types of upholstered furniture. Unlike classic direct designs, they can be placed in an unused corner space of the room and leaned against the wall, stored in them more things and seat even a small group of people gathered to watch a sports match or celebrate a special date.
- The lack of wheels. Such sofas can be installed without any fear on any floor covering. Indeed, in the process of folding, the section will not ride on the carpet or parquet, as happens with the roll-out mechanism for transforming the sofa.
- Equipping the design with a capacious compartment for storing laundry.
Among the shortcomings of the tick-to-tack mechanism (pantograph), we can single out the probability of a quick failure of low-quality parts. For the rest, we can say that such a sofa is one of the best for daily use.
"Accordion"
Manufacturers offer their customers a huge selection of a wide variety of modern sofas. However, the classical system of a similar design, equipped with an accordion mechanism, is still the most popular and sought-after in the market. The main advantage of this model is its ease of use. The sofa with the accordion transformation mechanism has an elementary three-stage layout. Even children can easily turn it into a bed. It unfolds by simply lifting the canvas and pulling it forward. This is facilitated by the swivel mechanism installed in the sofa, the action of which is based on the principle of stretching or folding the bellows of musical instruments such as an accordion or accordion.
The design has three parts. They are blocks fastened in a certain sequence. The first two of them are a berth. When folding the sofa, they turn into its back. The third part is the seat. But it is only folded. When folding the sofa, it lengthens its sleeping area, the length of which can reach 2 m. This length allows people with high growth to comfortably rest on vacation.
A sofa with an accordion transformation mechanism has the following advantages:
- Its front shelf, as well as legs, have rubber wheels. This solution allows you to prevent damage and scratches on the laminate or linoleum.
- The design provides a roomy drawer in which you can store bedding.
- For the process of transforming into a bed, you do not need to move the sofa. After all, the mechanism lays out all the details only forward.
- Some models have additional shelves that are integrated into the armrest.
- The sofa is located in a minimum space. You can put it in almost any room.
Such a sofa has some disadvantages:
- Considerable physical effort will be required when folding the bed.
- If the internal lever is damaged, it will become impossible to assemble the sofa.
- When folded, the back has an impressive thickness, which looks disproportionate to the rest of the details.
- When unfolded, the sofa occupies a considerable space in the room.
Click Gag
The basis of a sofa with a similar mechanism is a steel frame. Seats are mounted on it, as well as a back made with wooden panels (armor). The support for the frame is the upper edge of the linen compartment.
Sofas with click-gag transformation mechanisms are very easy to understand. To do this, just raise the seat up. The back will begin to lower itself. When it comes in contact with the laundry box, it will take a horizontal position. But the seat will continue its movement, gradually reducing the angle of inclination.
After the mechanism emits its first click, it will be in a relaxed rest position. And even with continued movement of the seat, the latch will continue to be in an intermediate position. At the same time, a person can take a half-sitting or reclining pose.
If you continue to raise the seat, the mechanism will make a distinctive sound a second time. This click will mean that the sofa latch is out of grip and not held by the structure. At the same time, the backrest will remain in the horizontal plane, and the seat will continue its movement before it is fully unfolded.
For the reverse transformation of the sofa, you will need to perform the same actions. Only they occur in the opposite direction. After the second click of the mechanism, the product will take the form necessary for a sedentary rest.
Outwardly, the click-gag sofa is very similar to a book-type product. However, it differs from it in that:
- Able to take three positions. In addition to the sofa and bed, this is also a relaxation, in which the back of the product is at a flatter angle.
- The back and seat in the book sofas are two wooden frames, interconnected by a transformation system. In the "click-gag" contours are made of steel profile pipe.
- On models "click-gag" install removable mattresses. They fasten with Velcro to the metal frames of the back and seat.
What are the benefits of sofas with click-to-hook transformation mechanisms?
- After installation in the same plane of the seat and back, these parts form a completely flat surface on which the polyurethane mattress is placed. At the same time, the whole structure looks like a single spring block.
- The steel frame of the product has increased strength and gives the mattress orthopedic qualities.
- The linen box has a large capacity.
Among the shortcomings of such models, one can single out the need for mandatory free space between the back of the model and the wall. This area is needed in order to freely carry out the transformation process. In the absence of such a space, you will need to constantly move the sofa when converting it into a sleeping area.
"Dolphin"
Such a transformation system can mainly be found in corner sofas. But sometimes it is installed in direct models. A sofa with a dolphin transformation mechanism has a variety of modifications. , : , , , . .
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Reverse transformation is also easy. Enoughly extend the half with the loop to lower it into the structure and slide it under the seat.
A sofa with a dolphin transformation mechanism has many advantages. Among them:
- Reliability and the long period of operation. Sofas with a transformation mechanism for daily use without any complaints can withstand up to several thousand transformation cycles.
- Robust and easy to use mechanism. This factor leads to the durability and reliability of the sofa itself.
- Ease of transformation. It is made with one movement of the hand and is very easy. Getting a flat and large bed.
- In corner sofas, where, as a rule, such a mechanism is used, there remains volume for the compartment in which the linen is stored.
Among the disadvantages of such products, it is possible to single out difficulties in rolling out the inner section if the floor is covered with a carpet or a rug.
Puma
The transformation mechanism of the selected sofa must be convenient and simple. The practicality and functionality of upholstered furniture largely depend on this. These advantages are possessed by sofas with a “cougar” transformation mechanism. They are intended for frequent use and are used for a long time.
The principle that is used in the operation of the “puma” mechanism is very simple. To turn the sofa into a bed, you will need to find a secret niche on the front panel and pull it, making a movement a little up, and then towards yourself. In this case, the seat will be in front. The interior of the sofa will take its place.
The advantages of this design are:
- simplicity of operation;
- inability to damage the floor;
- comfortable sleeping part, which has a flat surface;
- using only high-quality material when creating the mechanism, which increases its service life;
- safety in operation of the sleeping area, the main element of which is a reinforced steel leg.
Of the minuses of such sofas can be called the lack of a drawer for linen. A similar problem is eliminated in corner constructions.
"Venice"
Upholstered furniture equipped with this mechanism is perfect for both a spacious house and a small apartment. Most often, such models are equipped with soft armrests and high backs in a classic style.
Due to the combination of ease of use, quality and style, sofas with Venetian transformation mechanisms are popular with buyers. Most often these are corner models that are designed for daily folding. Their design is a platform to which a movable frame is attached. The movement of the elements of the product is ensured by means of rollers, which are attached to the guides located in the box of the sofa. The principle of operation of the entire structure is as follows:
- Under the main seat of the sofa is an additional section.
- The inside of the product rolls out and rises behind a special loop, occupying a horizontal position flush with the sofa seat.
- Previous manipulations allow you to form a flat and free berth.
As you can see, the mechanism of transformation "Venice" is similar to the design "dolphin". And this is not surprising. After all, it was created on its basis. However, in sofas with the “Venice” mechanism, an improved anti-skew system is used, located in the traveling part. This contributes to less effort when creating a sleeping unit.
Sedaflex
Taking the form for the seat, such upholstered furniture will require a small area. But in the evening hours the product easily turns into a full-fledged double bed.
Sofas with transformation mechanisms “sedaflex” are also called American or Belgian folding beds. As a rule, these are two-, and rarely three-folding structures. When creating a berth, its mattress is solid and does not have transverse seams. Inside such sofas there is a meralat. This is a folding bed. Its base is a wire mesh. The bed is doubled or tripled, placed inside the sofa.
A similar sofa is used as a guest. With frequent use, the mesh base stretches and then sags.
In order to decompose the structure, it is pulled up and further onto itself. The section inside is expanded and mounted on steel legs.
The frame in modern sofas is made of durable material. At the same time, orthopedic wooden panels of the armor are fixed to the base of metal tubes. The elasticity of the surface located in the legs is given by the elastic straps located there.
Cheap models are equipped with a mesh base with small or large cells. In addition, there are products with a combined welded grate, as well as with tension belts.