Even with the most ascetic design of a living room, there is always a sofa in it. Often this piece of furniture performs two functions: during the day it serves as a relaxation area, and at night it turns into a sleeping place. If you need to buy just such a folding sofa, choose it not only by the color of the upholstery.
Durability largely depends on which transformation mechanism is used. If you plan to constantly lay out the sofa, then it should be a comfortable, simple and reliable design. Almost all models that can be bought can be divided into main types of sofas according to the type of transformation. Based on these criteria, you need to make an initial choice, and then decide on the color scheme and texture of the sofa upholstery
Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Book”
One of the oldest designs, on the basis of which other sofa folding mechanisms were developed. The book sofa is a time-tested classic at an affordable price, which still remains one of the most popular.
Pros: reliable mechanism that can be used often without damaging the components. Easy to use and almost instant layout.
How to put the mechanism into action: everything is very simple. The seat rises up until there is a characteristic click, then falls down. The back and seat of the sofa form one horizontal plane. The reverse transformation follows the same principle.
What to pay attention to: it is impossible to move the sofa close to the wall, because due to the design features, a small gap is needed between the wall and the back.
Read more about sofas with book mechanism
Common sofa models
English sofas / English style sofas / English rolled arm style
Features - conservative shape, spacious seat, low, rounded armrests, high-quality upholstery, most often in natural colors, brown, beige, gray, olive. English sofas are placed in halls, lobbies and living rooms, complemented by armchairs. A light English sofa with a folding mechanism is suitable for the bedroom; English-style sofas of compact size and practical upholstery are good in the dining room and children's room. Suitable styles are English proper, classic and neoclassical, retro, eclectic and fusion.
Bridgewater
Sofa models - Bridgewater
A type of English sofa. Features – a skirt (loose fabric from the armrests), low bolsters on the sides, removable pillows in covers, lush, somewhat “puffy” lines. Where to put it. In halls, living rooms, bedrooms. Suitable styles are English, Provence, retro.
Vis-a-vis / confidential / tete-a-tete
A piquant sofa model, invented, according to legend, for intimate dates. Peculiarities. It is a combination of chairs located in relation to each other in half a turn. Where to put it - in a spacious living room in addition to a regular sofa, bedroom, boudoir. Suitable styles are historical (empire, baroque, rococo), classic, antique vintage.
Oriental sofas
They can be rigid and frameless, since both are popular in the East. Features: rich wood color, carvings, curly legs, bright, rich upholstery with velvet or brocade. Oriental sofas are located in lounge areas, tea drinking corners, and bedrooms. Suitable styles are Arabic, Moorish.
Desados
Antique salon sofa. Peculiarities. The model consists of two small seats on either side of a common backrest. Desados was created for large living rooms and state rooms. Suitable styles are historical, vintage, retro.
Cabriole
A small sofa, popular in the second half of the 18th century. Features - the height of the back and sides is the same, the legs are curved, and there is a wooden trim along the top. Where to put it – convertibles for salons, living rooms, dining rooms. Suitable styles are historical, classic, lounge, pop art, fusion.
Kemelbek
The work of English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale. Features: an elegant back with a raised center. Where to put it - in hallways, living rooms, offices, libraries. Suitable styles are historical, English, classic.
Chaise
An old-fashioned two-seater sofa for conversation (causette means "to talk" in French). Peculiarities. The back is made of two parts and a decorative lintel between them. The transition points between the backrest and the armrests are smooth and rounded. Where to put it - in halls, lobbies, salons, living rooms and bedrooms, duplicating ancient interiors. Suitable styles are historical.
Daybed / chasey lounge
Antique and medieval prototype of a sofa for one person. Types of couches - duchess-breeze, meridien, recamier, chaise longue. It is a bed with a headrest, often with a separate footrest. Where to put it - in large living rooms, boudoirs adjacent to bedrooms, bathrooms. Suitable styles are historical, classic, vintage.
Knol
A small sofa of original shape. Features – the side armrests are located at an angle. Where to put it - in the living room, personal office, library. Suitable styles are classic, modern European.
Lawson
Sofa models - Lawson
Named after the financier Thomas Lawson, for whom it was developed at the beginning of the last century. Features: low, springy seat, soft armrests, removable pillows. The sofa can be straight or angular. Where to put it - in large living rooms, home offices. Suitable styles are traditional, retro and modern classic.
Lovesit
Sofa models - Love Seat
A laconic two-seater sofa “for lovers”. Features: narrow seat and armrests that extend into a high backrest. Where to put it - in the hallway, living room, bedroom instead of an armchair, in a reading corner. Suitable styles are vintage, romantic, classic.
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Sofa transformation mechanism “Click-clack”
This is one of the modernized varieties of sofa-book. The mechanism earned its unusual and funny name thanks to the sounds that arise during unfolding. Unlike most folding sofas, the click-klyak can be transformed into three positions: a regular sofa, a bed and a reclining position.
Pros: Ideal for small rooms. It is convenient to sleep on it, since when unfolded it is completely devoid of any joints.
How to put the mechanism into action: the mechanism is very similar to the one in the sofa-book. The seat is raised to a certain level, then lowered.
What to pay attention to: even the shortcomings of this design are similar to those of a book sofa. For free use, you need to leave some free space near the wall.
More information about sofas with a klyak klyak
Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Accordion”
A sofa with an accordion folding mechanism can be found in any store, because this is one of the options in demand among consumers. The name “accordion” means that the parts of the sofa are assembled and laid out like an accordion.
Pros: the bed is wide and high, and when folded the sofa does not take up much space. Can be placed close together.
How to put the mechanism into action: the working surface consists of three parts. In the sofa position, one of them serves as a seat, and the other two form the backrest. The sofa folds forward in one motion. All three parts are laid horizontally, forming a continuous berth.
What to pay attention to: transverse joints can cause discomfort while sleeping, especially after using the sofa for several years.
Read more about sofas with accordion
Why is it so important to choose a reliable mechanism?
If the internal mechanisms become unusable, then it will not be possible to use upholstered furniture as a bed.
Daily use means heavy loads on the transformation device. The stronger it is, the longer the furniture will serve its intended purpose - as a permanent sleeping place.
Pay attention to other factors that affect reliability: materials, device complexity, manufacturer reputation, and price. A product that is too cheap is unlikely to last long.
In addition to strength, a mechanism for daily use must have the following qualities:
- Be easy to use on a daily basis. It is unlikely that anyone would want to start or end the day with a long, painstaking assembling and disassembling of the bed.
- Have a simple design. The fewer parts, the less the risk that something inside will become unusable. A simple design is easier and cheaper to repair.
To find out which sofa layout mechanism is the most reliable, let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Mechanism for transforming the sofa “Roll-out”
A roll-out sofa consists of armrests and three moving parts connected to each other. The very first part, which just pulls out, is a wooden roll-out frame that serves as a seat or base for the legs. The other two parts unfold after the first, taking their position.
Pros: simple, convenient, reliable. When folded, it takes up little space.
How to put the mechanism into action: you just need to pull the seat towards you, the other parts will also begin to move. The remaining free space, depending on the design, is filled with pillows or a sofa backrest.
What to pay attention to: After unfolding, the height of the bed becomes lower. For tall people, a roll-out design is not the best option, as it is uncomfortable to sit on the bed.
Read more about sofas with a roll-out mechanism
Categories and types
All sofas can be divided into two groups: classic and modern. Modern sofas are:
- folding;
- roll-out;
- sliding or unfolding.
Sofas are also divided into frame and frameless (bivans): the former have a strong base, a rigid, fixed shape, and the latter consist of soft blocks.
Continuing the theme of design, sofas are classified into monolithic, which can be straight or angular, sectional and modular.
Sofas are also distinguished by the style of the era (Empire, Baroque, Art Nouveau, etc.), by “nationality” - Oriental, English, Scandinavian, Provence...
What styles of sofas are there, list with photos
In addition, sofas vary in size, functionality, body and upholstery materials, filling, shape and color. We will now tell you about the most popular ones.
Transformation mechanism for the “Dolphin” sofa
Most often, corner types of sofas are found with such a mechanism. In them, the second berth is located in a box that is hidden under the seat.
Pros: after adjusting the mechanism, you get a full-fledged double bed.
How to put the mechanism into action: to unfold the Pelican system sofa, you need to pull the block that is hidden in the seat. When it comes out all the way, you need to move the second part of the bed up and down.
What to pay attention to: the basis of the design is wood, the durability of the sofa will depend on its quality.
Read more about sofas with dolphin mechanism
Conrad
The Conrad mechanism is the most versatile and functional. It allows you to adjust the layout of the sofa. The technology is similar to the previous one, but with a few differences. Firstly, along with the additional section, the main one can also be extended - it is enlarged due to another retractable section under the backrest.
Photo: analyticstrainings.com
Secondly, the “Conrad” technology allows the sofa to be partially unfolded, rather than completely. The first method: you don’t have to pull out the main seat of the sofa, then the folding mechanism will be exactly the same as that of the “dolphin”. The second method: you need to pull out the upper additional section from the backrest, and push the lower one back under the seat. You can also expand all the sections and get a huge sleeping area.
Mechanism for transforming the sofa “French folding bed”
This option has proven itself well in the last century and remains just as popular today. One of the explanations for this is the affordable price. There are both corner models and regular ones. The French clamshell mechanism provides for transformation in three stages.
Pros: when unfolding, it is impossible to scratch the floor covering.
How to put the mechanism into action: first remove the cushions that serve as a seat. Under them is a mattress folded in three. The mattress unfolds and is supported by metal legs. To turn a bed back into a sofa, all steps are repeated in reverse order.
What to pay attention to: this is primarily a guest option, which is best used if you urgently need to arrange an extra bed for guests. Firstly, the mattress itself turns out to be thin and uncomfortable for daily sleep, and secondly, from frequent use it will wear out faster and become unsuitable for sleeping.
You can pre-select the most suitable option for yourself using the photos that are in the catalogs of furniture stores. It is better to buy only after checking their reliability in action in the store.
More information about sofas with a French folding
A sofa bed is perhaps one of the most versatile and cozy interior items. You can relax on it with the whole company, have a cozy time watching exciting films, and you can also sleep on the folding sofa. When choosing a new sofa bed, it is important to pay attention not only to the external attractiveness of the furniture, but also to the type of transformation mechanism, on which the convenience, ease of use and service life of the product depend.
All sofas can be divided into two groups: non-folding and folding. We will focus in this review on folding models. Depending on the transformation system, they can be retractable, folding or unfolding. Each subgroup has a number of mechanisms with their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at each type of design.
- Pull-out sofa models
System "Dolphin" (or "Venice")
One of the most common options for transforming sofas, especially in corner models.
First you need to pull out the block with the additional section, and then use the hinges to lift it up and pull it towards you. The result is a spacious bed. Sofas with a similar mechanism are equipped with a niche, which is located in a non-retractable area and is intended for storing pillows and blankets. However, these niches are often very small. The advantages of "Dolphins" lie in their simple operation and spacious sleeping area. Cons - with frequent use, sofas quickly become unusable due to the unreliability of the mechanism.
Eurobook system
These sofas have a very simple and therefore wear-resistant mechanism. It is enough to push the seat forward, it moves due to rollers, and cover the resulting free space with the back of the sofa. The transformation does not require a lot of free space, which is a significant plus. Other advantages include the presence of an area for bed linen, the wear resistance of the mechanism, and the primitiveness of the transformation process. The disadvantage of the sofa will be noticeable only to people of short stature and, partly, to children - due to the wide seat, it is uncomfortable for them to lean on the back.
System "Conrad" (or "Telescope")
Even a child can turn this sofa into a bed - to do this, you just need to pull the seat forward to the limit. When you pull the seat by the hinges, the sections come out one after another and become in the correct position. Speaking of advantages , it is a high-strength mechanism and performs well even with daily use. In addition, there is space for storing bed linen, but the sofa has a relatively modest size in the “sitting” state. Its disadvantages include its heavy weight, which is explained by the massiveness of the mechanism.
System "Pantograph" (or "Tick-tock")
Mechanisms of this type are also called “Puma” or “Ticks”. According to the principle of modification, it has much in common with the Eurobook, only in this case the seat does not have a roller mechanism. To change the position of the sofa, the seat is first pulled up and then towards itself - this activates the transformation process, and the platform will move to the floor. The resulting free space is covered with the back of the sofa.
Pros of the Pantograph: ease of use and comfortable sleeping surface. Since the seat does not move out, but moves in the air, it is safe for the floor covering. Cons : a rather wide seat, which not everyone will find comfortable to sit on, as well as the high cost of the mechanism.
- Folding sofa models
System "Book"
Such sofas can only be in two positions: for sitting and for sleeping. The transformation into a bed occurs quickly - the sofa is folded back, and then the raised part of the seat is lowered back. All this takes just a few seconds, and the bed is ready. Like most sofas, the Book has space for storing linen.
The strength of the “book” system is its durability and ease of use. Such models can be actively used on a daily basis without fear; this will not make them serve any less. But the disadvantages lie in the paucity of positions accepted - “sitting/lying” - and the inability to install the sofa close to the wall. Or you will have to move it every time.
Elf system
The folding principle of this mechanism is simple. To bring it into a “lying” position, you need to move the armrests apart and remove the pillows from the back. The Elf system is a combination of a metal frame and wooden slats. By the way, the armrests of such models can be adjusted to suit you so that your sleep is comfortable.
The advantages of "Elves" include their small size, ease of use, a flat and fairly spacious surface for sleeping and the ability to adjust the height of the head. But the minor disadvantages include the fact that the sofa seat and the sleeping area are one and the same place.
System "Tango" (or "Click-clack")
The mechanism is very similar to the “Book”, but slightly improved. “Tango” can take middle positions, and not just “sitting/lying”. In this case, the owners set the position of the backrest at an angle that is comfortable for them, but the method of transformation remains unchanged. The advantages of the “Tango” sofa are its miniature size, the ability to choose the position of the backrest, for example, “reclining/half-sitting”. It is a pleasure to relax on such a sofa. It is also worth noting that in the bed position the surface of the sofa does not have any bumps or irregularities, and this is a significant advantage. But “sick” spot for “Tango” is that it cannot be placed close to the wall.
- Folding sofa models
Accordion system
To expand the accordion sofa into a bed, its seat must be pulled out towards you. The structure will fold out and stand on its own on small supports. Sofas with the “Accordion” mechanism are distinguished by a spacious sleeping surface, although not perfectly flat, since there are still joints here. Often models are equipped with drawers located in the back of the sofa, but this is not a necessary condition for them.
The strength of the design is its strength and wear resistance. “Accordions” can be converted into a bed without much effort and last for quite a long time. But their only drawback is that during sleep they can slide on the floor, which over time leads to damage to the floor covering.
System "French folding bed"
The sleeping area of the “French cot” includes three sections. To transform the sofa, the seat is pulled up and towards you, and then lowered, releasing the sections. Together with the latter, the legs of the bed will also come out. This kind of sofa is not recommended for frequent use, since the mechanism is rather impractical. Being in a “sitting” position, these models have modest dimensions, but to turn them into a bed you will need to free up a lot of space: at least half a meter in front of the structure.
Compactness when folded is the only advantage of such sofas. But disadvantages here - a mechanism that quickly breaks down with frequent use, the lack of a storage niche, and an uncomfortable sleeping area.
System "American folding bed" (or "Sedaflex")
When unfolded, this sofa also consists of three sections and unfolds identically to its French “colleague”. However, the American version of the folding bed is considered durable and reliable. To unfold the mechanism into a bed, you need to pull the seat towards you, which will open the folded sections, which will then stand on supports. Unfolding includes two stages - unfolding the first section, then the second.
Strength and durability of the design, as well as ease of use, are the main advantages of “American folding beds”. The disadvantages include the same lack of niches for storage, as well as the presence of seams in the sleeping area.
System "Italian folding bed"
The design has much in common with the “American” and “French” versions, but in this case, to transform, you need to pull not by the seat, but by the back. The system is designed in such a way that before unfolding there is no need to remove the pillows from the sofa - they are clamped by the backrest during the unfolding process. Sofas with the “Italian folding bed” principle have a frame made of reinforced pipes, which makes them quite durable.
Of course, the obvious advantages of such furniture include the presence of a comfortable thick mattress, as well as slats with belts, due to which an orthopedic effect is created. The sleeping place is in no way inferior to a full bed. There are probably no design flaws
System "Spartak"
The design, created by Italian specialists, has a metal frame on which a dense metal mesh is fixed, creating an orthopedic effect. Comfortable sleep is ensured by a polyurethane foam mattress laid on top of a metal “skeleton”. The sofa unfolds simply - the base is pulled forward and opened in three stages. Models with the Spartak mechanism stand out due to the length of the sleeping area, which will be relevant for tall people.
advantages here. “Spartaki” is easy to unfold, and given that the design is devoid of wooden and plastic elements, the sofas are very strong and durable. In the bed position we get a flat and comfortable sleeping area. The disadvantages include the lack of niches for storage, as well as the need to remove the pillows before unfolding the structure.
Transformation mechanism for the Puma sofa
Sofas with a folding mechanism “Puma” appeared relatively recently, but have already gained well-deserved popularity. The design principle of its operation is based on the graceful and swift movements of a puma during a jump. Such models are very easy to move and durable.
Pros: thanks to the features of the walking mechanism with a synchronizer, the loads are distributed evenly. Unfolding the sofa does not require much effort, and the process itself takes no more than three seconds.
How to operate the mechanism: it is necessary to remove additional cushions from the seat. Pull the seat towards you while lifting it. The section moves forward and is lowered onto legs or a retractable support. The hidden lower section is simultaneously lifted into the vacated space.
What to pay attention to: the design does not provide built-in drawers for linen.
Read more about sofas with Puma mechanism
Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Venice”
A new product from furniture manufacturers with the poetic name of the “Venice” mechanism quickly gained popularity. With a few simple movements, a small comfortable sofa turns into a comfortable sleeping place of a decent size.
Pros: to expand the bed, the sofa does not need to be moved away from the wall, and the structure itself can easily withstand a load of up to 300 kg.
How to operate the mechanism: minimal effort required. Simply pull one or two sewn-in loops on the front side of the lower block. The activated mechanism simultaneously extends the top section and the hidden headrest. As soon as the sections are extended all the way, you need to pull the outermost block up to the level of the others.
What to pay attention to: When moving forward, the blocks rest on wheels, which can leave marks on carpets, parquet or laminate floors.
Read more about sofas with Venice mechanism
Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Pantograph”
Sofas with the Pantograph transformation system have long and firmly occupied their niche, being in demand among consumers. A simple and reliable mechanism guarantees long-term and impeccable service of the products, and the variety of models offered only fuels interest in this type of folding sofas.
Pros: during the transformation process, the supporting elements do not come into contact with the floor, preserving the appearance of the floor covering or carpet. The design provides for linen drawers.
How to activate the mechanism: only three steps are required. The seat is raised using special handles and pulled towards itself. After which it lowers to the floor in a smooth, arched movement. The backrest is lowered into the free space with the back side up.
What to pay attention to: on straight models with standard seat widths and backrest heights, only one person can sleep lengthwise. And the wider options are uncomfortable to sit on.
More information about sofas with a pantograph mechanism
Sofas without transformation mechanism
Fixed sofas are solid structures on a durable frame that do not have built-in mechanisms. The maximum that manufacturers offer is lifting seats, under which linen drawers are hidden. Nevertheless, often the purchase of just such a sofa is completely justified.
Pros: the absence of complex mechanisms affects the cost and characteristics. Such models, as a rule, have budget prices. They weigh less and are more compact. They have more comfortable, ergonomic backrests that support the back of a sitting person. Such products last longer, since there is simply nothing to break in them. And even after ten to fifteen years, it is enough to reupholster them, replacing the filling, so that the sofa finds a new life.
What to pay attention to: you won’t be able to sleep comfortably on such a sofa, since it is not intended for sleeping.
