The French folding bed is a cozy and convenient option for small-sized apartments in which every centimeter in the daytime matters.
A brief excursion into history
French clamshell - a mechanism that is very popular. However, five years ago, the model was not in the privileged shopping list, as it had a less reliable design, not designed for regular use.
Sofas were equipped with woven nets, then manufacturers replaced them with awnings, which were uncomfortable and short-lived (quickly sagging). Therefore, they were used extremely rarely, and because of their shortcomings, they gained a reputation as a sleeping place for "guest" use.
A few years later, manufacturers released French clamshells with a more convenient and durable package of four lat and an awning. The two plates, installed in the central part of the mechanism, have the main load, so they quickly lose their original bend and are deformed, sagging.
Frequency of use and design: dependence of indicators
For daily use, French clamshells consisting of ten lat and one awning are suitable. In this case, each armor has much less load, therefore, such models serve much longer, even with constant use. They can be used even under severe loads (up to 180 kg). But they are also considered not very convenient: folding is much more complicated due to the presence of ten lat.
Some manufacturers offer their own version of French folding beds for daily use, which consist of a welded mesh that can withstand weight up to 200 kg. However, these sofas in stores are quite rare.
French clamshell: principles of transformation
French clamshell - a mechanism that can be integrated not only into the sofa, but also into the chair, however, the first option is the most common. But in either case, the principle of transformation remains unchanged.
It straightens out in several steps: removing the pillows, removing the mattress placed on a strong frame, and unfolding the berth, folded in three layers.
Converting a “daytime” option to a “sleeping” one takes literally a minute thanks to a convenient handle and automatic metal support legs integrated into the mechanism. The French clamshell (the photos posted below demonstrate the principle of folding) can easily be transformed even for a fragile girl.
First of all, it is necessary to remove all the pillows from the sofa, then the mechanism can be easily lifted due to the convenient handle, which is located in front of the berth.
Next, the two upper sections are deployed behind the support legs in two stages. The section located close to the back of the sofa is called the head section and rests on a special mounting corner through hinges.
The head section is followed by the middle section, then the foot section, which are fixed on supporting metal legs having a U-shape.
Due to the ties, the support legs are automatically displayed during the transformation of the mechanism, then they are almost vertically mounted on the floor surface.
It is possible to tilt the support legs towards the foot section, this position is considered the norm.
French clamshell package
The most common folding beds include a fairly thin mattress (its thickness is not more than 60 mm), which is made from sheet foam. After a thorough search or pre-order, you can purchase models with foam mattresses up to 75 mm thick, which are installed on a welded mesh base with very large cells.
The French clamshell mattress should ideally match the width of the frame, otherwise the berth will add up with great difficulty.
To increase the service life, the transformation mechanism must be carefully protected: it must be folded simultaneously with the mattress and very carefully.
Existing differences between French and American folding beds
It is difficult for an unprepared buyer to see the difference between the sofas offered in stores: their assortment is so large that only preliminary preparation will help make the right choice.
The French clamshell transformation mechanism is different from the American prototype.
The American folding bed includes two stages of decomposition, therefore it has the ability to use a thicker and more comfortable mattress (up to 15 cm). The thickness of the berth, built into the French version, is up to 6 cm. Because of this, American-style sofas are considered a more mundane option for permanent use, and the French - guest.
However, the American version has a significant minus: non-standard sizes of the proposed models. In case of damage resulting in a breakdown of the frame, it is very difficult to replace it. In this regard, the French clamshell sofa transformation mechanism is much more economical: furniture items are produced in standard sizes. This greatly simplifies the process of replacing the mattress and frame.
There is a similarity, it is laid down in the principle of folding the sofa “French folding bed”: the mechanism consists of several identical sections, which are connected by hinges, and it is laid out perpendicular to the back.
In addition, both American and French models are very diverse: you can find armchairs, corner and straight sofas.
French clamshell. Mechanism: advantages and disadvantages
Briefly outline the pros and cons of the "French folding bed" sofas.
Briefly outline the pros and cons of the "French folding bed" sofas.
Benefits:
- Compactness.
- Profitability: relatively low price; the kit is supplemented with standard sizes, which significantly reduces costs (and chores) with the possible replacement of a berth.
- Design solution for appearance. Corner or straight sofas ergonomically combine coziness, comfort and can perfectly complement any interior.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of linen drawers.
- Designed for a maximum of seven years of operation, after which you will have to replace the sofa. The French clamshell mechanism wears out quickly and breaks.