25.07.2019
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In this article we will briefly and informatively talk about the most common mechanisms for transforming sofas, which are presented on our website. Our goal is to help you quickly navigate these not always clear names and find the option that suits you.
To do this, we will look at sofas from the consumer’s point of view, and these are just 2 main criteria:
1. convenience of daily unfolding of the sofa; 2. possible load on the sleeping place.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE LAZY TO READ:
mechanisms that are not suitable for daily use are labeled "guest".
Now let's list the most common sofa mechanisms:
1. Book; 2. Tick-tock; 3. American folding bed (Sedaflex); 4. French folding bed (Mixotoile); 5. “3-fold mechanism”; 6. Spartak.
Roll-out mechanisms:
7. Eurobook (Eurosopher); 8. Dolphin; 9. Kangaroo; 10. Conrad (telescope).
"Book".
The principle of using this mechanism is simple: you need to raise the seat until it clicks, and then lower it - the backrest will also lower. The “book” is the simplest mechanism in terms of use - it is easy to unfold and difficult to break. Maximum load up to 200 kg.
Pros:
the sleeping place is located along, and not across the wall.
This folding mechanism is perfect for small spaces because it does not take up much space, both assembled and disassembled. Cons:
when unfolding the sofa, you need to move it away from the wall, which is completely inconvenient for daily use. There is a risk of damaging the floors if you do not lift the sofa. In the place where the back and base connect, a bump or indentation may form, which interferes with comfortable sleep and limits space.
"American folding bed" or Sedaflex.
Here the sleeping area consists of two sections. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove all the cushions, pull the seat up and towards you using a special handle and unfold the sections until they rest on the supports. The sofa unfolds in two steps: first, the first section opens, and behind it the second section unfolds. Maximum load - 240 kg.
Pros:
reliable transformation mechanism made of high-quality wear-resistant materials.
The Sedaflex sleeping place turns out smooth without creases or bends. This sofa has a reinforced metal frame and mesh, which provide high structural rigidity and comfortable sleep. This model also allows you to use high-quality 12-centimeter mattresses. Cons:
There is no linen drawer, and the sleeping surface may have seams.
"French folding bed" (Mixotoile).
This transformation mechanism is similar to an American folding bed, but unlike its “American version” it consists of three parts, and otherwise the folding principle is absolutely identical. The “French folding bed” has a completely metal frame, to which a high-density canvas awning is attached using springs. Under the tarpaulin there are special wooden slats that give the sofa an orthopedic effect. The maximum load on the mechanism is 180 kg.
Pros:
soft sleeping place, equipped with a 50 cm thick mattress.
Cons:
uneven sleeping place, does not have a linen drawer.
"Spartacus".
The mechanism is structurally identical to the “French clamshell” - it also consists of three sections and unfolds in the same way. However, there is a significant difference that can affect your purchasing decision. "Spartak" is equipped with a reinforced metal mesh, which allows it to withstand high loads, and you can use the sofa for daily sleep. Maximum load up to 240 kg.
Pros:
Due to the reinforced frame, the model is highly durable, and therefore its durability is higher.
Has a spacious sleeping area. Cons:
like all clamshells, the Spartak mechanism does not have a very aesthetically pleasing side view when unfolded. Due to the improved quality, the mechanism will cost more than clamshells.
"Tick-tock."
The main advantage of tic-tac is its ease of use. The mechanism unfolds in two steps: pull the seat up and forward, and then lower the backrest to the vacant seat. This can be done even with one hand! In this case, the maximum load on the berth is 240 kg.
Pros:
The mechanism provides a spacious sleeping area and does not touch the floor covering when unfolded.
Cons:
when folded, the sofa has a fairly wide seat, which is not always comfortable. If the mechanism breaks, repairs will cost a fairly large sum.
Three fold mechanism
and the “French clamshell” mechanism are essentially the same. They lay out the same and look the same. But many manufacturers separate them, explaining that they use different materials for manufacturing. Therefore, when choosing a sofa with such a mechanism, check what it is made of in order to avoid surprises later. The maximum load on the bed is 180 kg.
Cot
Includes the following types of sofa transformation: American and French. They have some differences, but are similar in that the assembled sleeping area is located under the seat.
French view
Mechanism: the seat must be pulled towards you and then up, after which the folded sofa must be “unfolded”. Before doing this, you need to remove the pillows.
Pros:
- When folded, it takes up little space.
- When unfolded, it has a fairly large sleeping area.
American look ("sedaflex")
Mechanism: unfolds similarly to the French mechanism, but there is no need to remove the headrest; it will move to the desired position on its own.
pros
- A more durable mechanism than its French counterpart.
- There is no need to dismantle structural elements.
Roll-out mechanisms.
IMPORTANT! Pay attention to the rollers and supports on “roll-out” sofas. They must be made of soft materials - this will ensure the safety of your floor!
"Eurobook"
- This is an improved version of the “book” mechanism. It is worth saying that this is one of the most popular vacant mechanisms on the market. The model consists of two parts: a back and a seat, and also has a spacious box for linen. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove the back cushions, roll the seat towards you all the way, and lower the backrest into the free space. All parts of a sofa with such a mechanism must fit tightly to each other, but if gaps appear in the sofa, this indicates low quality of the product. Maximum load is 240 kg.
Pros:
such a sofa looks good both against the wall and in the middle of the room (it can be used to zone a room if space allows).
"Eurobook" provides a full-fledged spacious sleeping place. Cons:
when extended, the seat “rides” on the floor and can damage the floor covering.
"Dolphin"
- perhaps one of the most convenient and widespread mechanisms on the market. It unfolds very simply: just roll out the additional section from under the seat and pull the fabric handle towards you - the sofa is ready for use. The maximum load on the mechanism is 200 kg.
Pros:
Robust design guarantees longevity of the mechanism.
The sofa provides a spacious sleeping area, and there is a spacious linen drawer. Cons:
When unfolded, there is a barely noticeable joint between the seat and the roll-out section.
"Kangaroo". This mechanism is very similar to the previous one in terms of folding. Its only difference from the “dolphin” is its higher sleeping place.
Pros:
durable construction, wide berth, large linen drawer.
Cons:
when unfolded, there is a joint between the seat and the roll-out section.
"Conrad" (telescope).
This mechanism consists of three sections. To unfold, you need to pull the lower roll-out part (the first section), behind which all the others will pull out. After you have pulled out all the sections, you need to take the top of the first section and unfold it to lay it on top of the second. IMPORTANT! The “telescope” is very compact compared to other mechanisms, and also has an orthopedic grille. The maximum load on the bed is 180 kg.
Pros:
compactness when folded and space when unfolded.
Cons:
difficult to move - the mechanism and the sofa are heavy.
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.
And finally, a few more tips on how to choose a suitable quality sofa.
1. If funds allow, choose a sofa frame made of hardwood (oak, beech, birch). 2. Carefully inspect the mechanism; there should be a manufacturer’s mark on it. Unfold and fold the sofa, and all the positions of the backrest and armrests specified for the model should work. 3. If you are looking for a sofa “for a long time”, then it is better to choose a model with an independent spring block; it is much more durable than a regular “snake”, dependent spring block or simple polyurethane foam (PPU). 4. When buying a sofa with a mechanism on a wooden base, give preference to oak, beech or birch - their wear resistance is much higher than that of other types of wood. 5. Remember, the length of the bed depends on the design of the sofa. If you are tall, pay attention to Eurobook type sofas or sofas with roll-out mechanisms. Their kinematics make it possible to make a sleeping place longer than two meters.
Where can I buy?
You can buy one of these sofas in the store of our partners “KupiStol”. Out of 205 positions, you will 100% find an option that you like :). We are happy to recommend this store to you. And we are sure that you will thank us. Be sure to write a review about the store in the comments. We hope you liked the article. See you later!)
How to choose a quality sofa (1 video)
Sofas with different mechanisms (40 photos)
With clamshell mechanismThe most popular sofa transformation mechanisms
The sofa is an integral attribute of a person’s home. It provides a comfortable stay for owners and guests of the house in the living room or recreation room.
In addition to classic variations, there are transformable sofas. They are classified according to design, type of opening, ergonomics and many other factors. To choose such a sofa, you should take them into account, choosing specifically for yourself. To make the right decision, you should know their main types. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the most popular sofa transformation mechanisms.
Advantages of the “Eurobook”, a popular mechanism for transforming sofas
The classic design of a sofa, called a “book,” is familiar to every resident of our country from childhood, even to those who are far from furniture production. It is rightly considered one of the most simple to use and convenient, for a long time remaining the most popular of all possible analogues. However, recently another mechanism for transforming a sofa has become widespread - the “Eurobook”, which has many more advantages. Of course, it costs a little more in comparison with the old version, but its long service life, strength and safety more than compensate for this minus.
