Many of us don’t even realize what a variety of sofas there are. They are classified according to many criteria, from the place of use to the mechanisms of transformation. For many, choosing a sofa comes down to going to the store, where they already select a model based on the assortment. At the same time, many points are not taken into account and a number of requirements are not drawn up so that it fully satisfies the needs. So let's look at the characteristics of sofas.
A sofa is almost always present in the living room interior, and this piece of furniture can also be found in the nursery, bedroom, and kitchen.
In the main room of the apartment, it creates a cozy stop, serves as a resting place for all family members, and, if necessary, turns into a sleeping bed.
In the kitchen, the product together with the table creates a dining group and can be used to zone the space.
If the bedroom area is small, then a transformable sofa can be an alternative to the bed. Compact dimensions when folded will allow you to save more free space during the day, and at night it can easily be turned into a double bed.
In a nursery, which usually has modest parameters, a sofa with a folding function will provide the child with a decent place to sleep.
Types of sofas by purpose
According to the purpose of the room, all types of sofas can be divided into several categories:
- office;
- children's;
- kitchen;
- for the bedroom;
- to the living room.
Office products are made from budget materials, and there is usually no folding device.
A soft object for a child's room is made with rounded corners and equipped with a simple and durable mechanism. An easily accessible place to store toys would be a nice addition. The internal filling of the mattress, frame, and upholstery fabrics must meet environmental safety requirements.
Models for the kitchen require practical upholstery, synthetic filling, and drawers. Elements such as armrests are not provided.
If a sofa replaces a bed in a bedroom, then it must withstand daily unfolding. Latex and spring elements are preferable as fillers. To make the frame, you should choose durable, environmentally friendly materials, the same rule applies to the upholstery. A linen compartment is welcome.
If the product is often laid out in the living room, then you should pay attention to the strength of the transformation mechanism. The service life of the sofa is increased by spring blocks and a wooden frame. Quite often there are models filled with polyurethane foam, latex, synthetic fluff, holofiber, etc. The upholstery is made in different versions: from fabric, leather and its artificial analogues.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a sofa, you first need to decide on the design of this structure. If you plan to install it in the living room, then be sure to take into account the type of other elements; perhaps you have a wall, a table, then it should match the style of these components. But, in addition to this, it must have no less important qualities that also need to be taken into account:
- frame;
- internal filling;
- transformation mechanism;
- materials.
Frame
When choosing a sofa with an orthopedic mattress, first of all pay attention to the frame. Whatever mechanism it has - roll-out or folding - it must be of high quality, because this is the basis of the entire structure.
Qualities of such a frame:
- it must have a durable design;
- On expensive models, a frame made of chipboard is usually used; this material has a short service life;
- Luxury products use plywood with moisture-resistant plywood and natural wood.
Most often, the following materials are used to make the frame:
- oak, beech or birch are the best option for this type of structure;
- multilayer plywood is a relatively cheap option that is not of high quality;
- MDF or chipboard - it is better to abandon this option, which will not last even ten years.
It is best if the frame consists of slightly curved wooden planks located across the bed. Thanks to this, an excellent orthopedic effect is achieved.
Tree
Chipboard
Plywood
Internal filling
Internal filling is an important criterion, because you will have to sleep on this product. Therefore, its basis should be of high quality and comfortable.
Modern orthopedic structures have three types of fillers:
- spring bases;
- polyurethane foam filling;
- combined type filling.
Spring and polyurethane foam fillings are of the same quality. They are very comfortable. The main thing is that they are made of high-quality material - soft blocks, in addition to springs and polyurethane foam (foam rubber), latex, felt, and batting are used. Products with this base will be comfortable for the child. They are suitable for girls and boys aged 5 years and older.
The filler can also be:
- natural - materials such as batting, latex, felt are not destroyed, and therefore will last quite a long time
- artificial - foam rubber, polyurethane foam will make the cost of the product lower, but are unlikely to withstand active use.
Felt
Latex
Polyurethane foam
Foam rubber
Transformation mechanism
You should carefully select the transformation mechanism of the product. The mechanism can be different - a folding sofa book, a Eurobook, a dolphin, an accordion, a mini sofa for a child, a saber, sedaflex and so on. When choosing a transformation mechanism, consider important conditions:
- if the product will be installed in a nursery for a child - a girl or a boy, then it is better to choose small pull-out mini sofas;
- be sure to choose one with a drawer - it will serve as a place to store linen;
- a book, a Eurobook, a saber is suitable for a summer residence;
- In the living room it is advisable to install classic models - a dolphin, an accordion, a Eurobook, a book.
Upholstery
A sofa for daily use should be covered with high-quality and, most importantly, wear-resistant fabric. Fabrics such as flock, microvelour, and all types of Teflon-impregnated materials will best cope with this task.
Leather, microfiber, velor, artificial leather, jacquard and other materials can also be used as upholstery. When choosing, it is important to remember that each material has both a number of advantages and disadvantages. For example, leather upholstery is not suitable for daily use, since such covering is not comfortable enough for sleeping. Natural materials, although good, lose their attractiveness with frequent use. As for the colors, it should be chosen based on the preferences of the home owners and be combined with the overall style of interior design.
Leather
Velours
Jacquard
Faux leather
Microfiber
According to the method of placement in the interior
Depending on the selected area of space for installing the product, two groups are distinguished.
The usual option is to place it near a wall. The designs come in straight and angular shapes. The first ones are usually purchased for small rooms. Corner models are best chosen for large rooms. Pros: versatility, affordable price. The downside is some cumbersomeness.
The sofa, which is located away from the walls, looks interesting. Such models are called island models. Their distinguishing feature is their equally attractive appearance from both the front and rear.
It is important to provide access to the furniture from any side, which is possible provided there is a significant amount of free space. Weaknesses of island models: high cost, lack of sleeping space.
Elements of upholstered furniture
Upholstered furniture, depending on the type, consists of a frame, headboard, backrest, armrests, as well as filling, upholstery, fittings and decorative elements. The highest quality and most durable frames are made from hardwood, such as oak, beech or birch. Frames made from solid wood of these trees are distinguished by their strength, natural beauty, wear resistance and very high price. Furniture made from such materials can easily be classified as concept options in the expensive segment.
Models that are much cheaper are made from pine or alder; frames made from these wood species also have high consumer properties, but the wood for them must be well dried, otherwise after a while the furniture will creak like the floors in a village hut. Indestructible forged frames made of solid metal or metal tubes are very popular in use, as well as a budget option - welded or prefabricated metal structures.
The most inexpensive options include plywood, MDF and chipboard, which are used both in combination with wood (to reduce the cost) and separately, for the most inexpensive furniture. Elements made from birch plywood are considered the most durable.
Since very often buyers make a choice in favor of universal furniture, in its design they use fittings and metal mechanisms for transformation, it is believed that the simpler the mechanism, the better. They are divided into several types, for example, fittings for a sofa-book, where the backrest leans back and the seat moves forward. There is also a roll-out mechanism for extending the lower part of the sofa, and a so-called recliner for chairs, where the backrest of the seat is reclined to a reclining position and an additional footrest is pulled out.
The most commonly used fillers for upholstered furniture are spring blocks, foam rubber and polyurethane foam, which have different elasticity and density, which each consumer chooses personally for himself. Also, latex, synthetic winterizer and polystyrene are widely used. Furniture fur, natural or artificial leather, flock, chenille, jacquard, as well as tapestry are used as external upholstery. The upholstery can be made of fabrics with a shimmer or shimmering effect, as well as rough and velvety, with ornate or straight patterns, what it will be in your case will depend only on the flight of your design ideas and decorative imagination.
What shapes do sofas come in?
The sofa models are quite varied in terms of their design.
- Straight products are suitable for any style and can comfortably accommodate 2-3 people. The presence of a transformation mechanism turns the sofa into a double bed.
- Corner structures have decent dimensions, so they are suitable for large companies. They need space to unfold. Manufactured in left- and right-handed versions. There are also universal products.
- U-shaped ones consist of separate modules that are combined with a sofa. Such models are very roomy, equipped with drawers, shelves, and a minibar. Thanks to the roller supports, it is easy to change the configuration of the sofa group if necessary.
- In the shape of the letter "C". Represents the previous version, but with rounded outlines. They look stylish and unusual, but there is no sleeping place provided.
- Round sofas can consist of individual elements or represent a solid structure.
- Oval models serve as interior decoration, but at the same time are quite practical.
Separately, it should be said about structures of unusual shape. They will undoubtedly add originality to the interior, but require that the remaining furnishings support the overall design concept.
Roll-out mechanism
The transformation mechanism of a roll-out sofa bed allows the structure to maintain its original appearance even when unfolded. In order to turn the seating area into a double bed, you need to pull out the seat, after which the structural links hidden inside the body will also begin to take the desired position. Due to the fact that, with a roll-out mechanism, the backrest remains motionless, the sofa will fit perfectly into the interior of any living room, and it can stand either close to the wall or in the center of the room, creating interesting functional zoning solutions.
The disadvantage of this design is the not very convenient organization of the sleeping plane. Due to the fact that the sofa extends in length, the sleeping area is formed from several segments, which create small differences in heights and gaps.
Types of structures
Upholstered products are stationary, modular and transformable.
The first group includes models that do not change either shape or size.
Sofas made according to the principle of a designer consist of separate modules. The latter can be arranged at your discretion.
Next, let's look at what types of sofas there are according to the method of transformation. A special device allows you to change the configuration of the product, turning it into a comfortable sleeping bed. Depending on the principle of operation, the following types of mechanisms are distinguished:
- click-clack;
- book;
- accordion;
- pantograph;
- dolphin;
- telescope;
- puma;
- lit;
- French folding bed.
Main types of upholstered furniture
It is impossible to imagine human life in the modern world without upholstered furniture; it is present almost everywhere: in the interiors of apartments, houses, offices, hotels, etc. Moreover, all of them can differ significantly from each other in shape, purpose, design and materials used in manufacturing. Therefore, before purchasing this or that piece of upholstered furniture, you should get acquainted with its main types and classifications in order to know exactly what you need.
Design and purpose
Most often, this type of furniture is classified depending on its design, which is closely intertwined with the purpose of a particular model. The following types of upholstered furniture are currently known:
- classic sofas;
- sofa beds;
- modular sofas;
- sofa;
- ottoman;
- canapes;
- ottomans;
- poufs;
- armchairs.
Classic sofas are usually placed in living rooms, lounges and waiting rooms; small models can be found in children's rooms and kitchens. Moreover, they can have a straight or angular shape. They are intended mainly for the comfortable rest of owners or guests.
Sofa beds have a dual purpose: when folded they are used as regular ones, but when unfolded they turn into a comfortable sleeping place.
Sofas consisting of sections are called modular; their main difference from previous models is that they can change shape and size depending on specific tasks.
The sofa is characterized by low armrests and a low back. As a rule, for this type of furniture, the base, together with the pillows, seems to move out from under the wide soft seat. This is quite austere-looking upholstered furniture, which is used in classic interiors or office buildings.
The ottoman is completely distinguished by the absence of a backrest, although sometimes manufacturers still make a low backrest. For this reason, it is often used in hallways and dressing rooms.
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Canapés are distinguished by their elegant shape and modest size - usually such furniture is designed for two seats. This is a compact sofa that will decorate any interior.
A soft ottoman with a small cushion under the head and a low back is usually used in rest rooms, less often in hallways. This is very comfortable and stylish upholstered furniture for easy relaxation.
Ottomans, which are a soft stool, often with storage space under the seat, are usually used by ladies in front of dressing tables. There are classic frame models and frameless ones. The latter are made in the form of a case filled with lightweight material that takes the shape of the body.
Armchairs are very comfortable single-seat upholstered furniture, which is often included in sets as an addition to a sofa; however, there are also independent models with a folding bed. In any case, this is very comfortable furniture, which is ideal for relaxing in front of the TV, reading books and other relaxing activities.
Frame material
Having decided on the type of upholstered furniture, you should move on to choosing the materials from which it is made; in particular, you should pay special attention to the frame, on which the strength and durability of the product will depend. Today, frames are usually made from:
- Wood;
- Metal;
- Composites
Each of these data has its own advantages and disadvantages, however, it is still better to prefer wooden products - they are more environmentally friendly and stronger than composite materials, and more flexible and soft than metal ones.
Upholstered furniture these days can be made without a frame - the cover (bag) is filled with a special filler and easily takes on the contours of the body. Such models are not applicable everywhere, but this is an excellent option for children's and youth rooms, since the absence of hard parts makes such furniture safe to use.
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Upholstery and fillings of upholstered furniture
It is equally important to choose fillings and upholstery for upholstered furniture. As for the first, the best option here would be horsehair, felt, fluff, and feather. Modern materials that replace natural materials in mass production, for example, synthetic polyester and foam rubber, are much cheaper, but under intense loads they quickly sag. If you are going to use the sofa for sleeping, it is better to give preference to a traditional spring block - it is more reliable and durable. However, various options for multilayer polyurethane fillers have also proven themselves to be the best.
The following materials are used for upholstery of upholstered furniture:
- fabrics;
- leather;
- leatherettes.
You should not purchase upholstered furniture with cheap and low-quality upholstery: if you choose fabric, then flock is better, if leatherette, then only high quality. In addition, in some cases, it makes sense to sew special protective covers for upholstered furniture - this will extend the life of the furniture.
Remember, upholstered furniture will last you a long time only with the right choice and quality care!
Types of frames
The classification of sofas according to the following criterion divides them into frame and soft.
The first type includes products with a rigid skeleton. It determines the shape and is responsible for strength. The material for production is:
- tree;
- metal,
- plywood;
- wood boards.
Products with a wicker frame are included in a separate group. They are made from natural materials: willow vine, rattan. The advantages of such models are as follows:
- durability;
- environmental friendliness;
- light weight;
- easy care;
- attractive appearance.
Due to their increased rigidity, they are supplemented with soft pillows.
Frameless sofas appeared not so long ago. Essentially, they are a bag that is filled with polystyrene foam in the form of granules of a certain size. On top there is a cover made of fabric with dirt- and water-repellent properties. Such products are distinguished by: lightness, safety, practicality, originality, and affordable price. However, not everyone likes the low seat height and poor back support. You should be prepared that volume loss occurs over time. To restore the original parameters, you will have to add filler.
Types of upholstery materials
All types of upholstery that are available can be divided into several groups.
- Natural. These include: cotton fabrics, leather, silk, jacquard.
- Blended. They are obtained from fibers of different origins. For example: flock, chenille.
- Synthetic. The composition contains only artificial fibers.
When choosing upholstery, you should take into account performance indicators: wear resistance, sensitivity to dirt and moisture, cost.
Most often, furniture makers use such materials.
- Flock tolerates loads well, but is able to absorb and retain odors.
- Velor is pleasant to the touch, resistant to wear, and practical.
- Cotton promotes air circulation and is completely environmentally safe, but quickly loses its original appearance.
- Jacquard gives furniture a rich look. Thanks to the increased density, it will please you with durability. Another plus is insensitivity to fading under the influence of sunlight.
- The tapestry tolerates any influence well, except sunlight.
- Chenille is designed for long-term use and can be easily cleaned if dirty.
- Leather will give the product solidity; it is easy to care for, but it is too expensive. Artificial analogues are cheaper, but inferior in properties.
Filling options
Depending on the filling, there are two types of sofas: with a spring block and without.
In the first case, metal springs, which can be located separately or connected into blocks, are responsible for comfort. The latter are often attached to a common frame. This design is durable and comfortable for sleeping.
The second option is considered budget, and is not very suitable for a night's rest. The following materials are used as filler:
- foam;
- polyurethane foam;
- latex;
- polystyrene foam granules.
Fortunately for buyers, a large number of sofa products are produced, which allows you to select a product taking into account all requirements.
It would be a good idea to test the model you like, check the operation of the mechanism, and evaluate the quality of the upholstery and filling. © 2021 Furniture-one.ru — Copying materials is strictly prohibited.
Methods and mechanisms of transformation
A sofa bed for daily use has many positive qualities. But before purchasing this product, it is worth considering its transformation methods and mechanisms. They are diverse, but at the same time have distinctive features.
Book
The classic book sofa is a folding structure with a simple folding mechanism. This model can be easily converted into a bed with two sleeping places. The design has two components, which can be upholstered in dense fabric material.
The components of the sofa are connected by hinged elements. The base of the product is made of durable material. The frame can be made of wear-resistant wood or ordinary plywood. This model can be installed in a small living room or children's room.
How to unfold and fold a sofa:
- to unfold the structure, you need to lift the seat until it clicks;
- after this, the seat lowers and the sofa unfolds;
- folding the product is also simple - the seat rises until a click appears;
- then it lowers and the sofa returns to its original position.
The positive features include the following:
- For folding products with a book mechanism, the design is as simple as possible, which can be easily raised and lowered;
- Due to the fact that the product has a simple design, you can make a sofa book yourself. But first, you should carefully study the drawings;
- a compact sofa allows you to install a closet and a table nearby;
- varied design - the sofa can be upholstered in different materials, which may differ in color and pattern.
Eurobook
A sofa bed with a Eurobook transformation mechanism will be an excellent area for meeting guests in the living room and a sleeping place for two at night. This design can be roll-out or folding.
Due to the fact that products with a Eurobook transformation mechanism are multifunctional, practical and wear-resistant, these products can be used for home and garden use. They can become an excellent vacation spot for adults and children.
Unfolding a sofa with a Eurobook mechanism is quite simple. The seat needs to be moved forward, for this it has special roll-out rollers. A niche is formed inside, into which a part of the structure is placed, which acts as a backrest. The result is a spacious double bed.
Positive qualities include:
- small dimensions allow you to install a sofa bed in the kitchen, living room, or children's room;
- when unfolded, the structure takes up the same space as when folded;
- The set includes an additional drawer that can be used as a place to store linen, as well as various things.
Dolphin
On sale you can find an interesting model with a dolphin regulation mechanism. It is considered new, but has already gained increased popularity.
The unfolding is done like this:
- in order to unfold the sofa, you need to pull the hinges that are attached to the section under the seat;
- you should pull up and towards yourself;
- the section is then pulled out and placed next to the seating section. The result is a spacious sleeping area.
The advantages include:
- the presence of a comfortable sleeping surface;
- the presence of an additional drawer for linen, which is located in the non-roll-out part;
- simple and easy folding;
- Possibility of installation in any room.
Sofas with a roll-out mechanism
Sofas with a roll-out transformation mechanism are considered the most reliable and comfortable. This model is perfect for small apartments, where every free centimeter is important.
The main features of a sofa with a roll-out mechanism include the following:
- When unfolding the sofa, you need to pull the strap that is attached to the seat. You need to pull it all the way;
- the seat of this model consists of several layers, which, when transformed, are converted into a mattress for a sleeping place;
- the model may have armrests;
- When assembled, the sofa is small in size and can be easily placed in a small living room, bedroom, or children's room. A similar sofa for a kitchen with a sleeping place is especially often used;
- the additional space inside the product will eliminate the need to purchase an additional locker for storing bedding.
Accordion
A stylish sofa bed with an accordion transformation mechanism has two sleeping places. However, it has a high cost, which is associated with the cost of fastening elements. Externally, this design is a sliding frame made of metal material, which has side orthopedic slats. A soft part made of a polyurethane base is installed on the surface of the side lamellas.
The main features of the product include:
- the method of disassembly is similar to withdrawable models. During disassembly, you need to lift the upper part and pull it slightly towards you. After this, the mechanism rolls out independently and locks in the desired position;
- after the transformation, a spacious and flat sleeping surface is formed, which has no bumps or depressions;
- A one-and-a-half sofa with an accordion design is perfect for children. It can be installed in a room for a boy or girl aged 5 years and older;
- models are available with a spring block and an orthopedic mattress, so there is no need to spend extra money on purchasing a mattress.
French folding bed
The French folding bed has a triple folding mechanism, which is located under the seat cushions. This model is new and not yet widespread. Before unfolding a sofa with this mechanism, you need to remove the pillows. After this, you need to pull the handles and pull out the lower part, and only then the structure gradually unfolds.
Be sure to study the main characteristics of the sofa:
- the sleeping place is a frame, which consists of three sections connected by hinged elements. It is complemented by a soft orthopedic mattress;
- a multifunctional sofa with this transformation mechanism when assembled is small in size, so you can easily install it in rooms with a small area;
- it is more suitable for guests. With frequent use and if the permissible load is exceeded, sagging of the mattress may occur;
- The products have a significant drawback: they do not have internal storage space. This model may be without armrests or may have these elements.
