The interior of the apartment is impossible to imagine without a sofa. It creates coziness, warmth for the whole family. All family members relax on it, watch TV, read, talk and even sleep. The first folding sofas were invented in the 17th century; this happened in France. To turn the sofa into a place to sleep, it was necessary to remove the armrests. Some sofas could change the position of the head. Soft options for sitting and sleeping can be attributed to long-serving transforming furniture, therefore, when choosing such products, all parameters and functions must be taken into account. Today, many choose a sofa that unfolds forward.
Features
The folding upholstered furniture is multifunctional. A double sofa can be a place for sleeping one or two people, it can be with a box for linen, in some cases it can become a table, a workplace. Such a product is located on a small area, so it is used in small apartments. The folding upholstered furniture can be divided:
- By the type of transformable mechanism. A variety of such mechanisms allows you to choose a folding sofa depending on its purpose, shape and size of the room. Foldable models are more common.
- According to their design, sofa beds are straight and angular. Currently, U-shaped products with a place for linen are being created, which are installed in a spacious room.
- By functional purpose, sofas are office, for the living room, for the kitchen, in the hallway and for the nursery. The sofa can be an ornament in the cottage's living room, can be used as a guest version of the sofa-transformer. In a small or ordinary apartment, such upholstered furniture can be operated daily - like a bed for sleeping. This option is especially popular.
- By size and seating, sofas are selected in accordance with the area of the room and the number of family members. A compact ottoman is designed for 2-3 people, and a larger version - for 5 or more. The sizes of sofas in each company are different.
Dimensions
The couch folding forward has various sizes; it is intended not only for sitting, but also for sleeping. A 2-seat ottoman has a width of 140 cm, a triple one is 191 cm wide. Corner models are compact, they are usually installed in the corner of the room. If the sofa is installed in the kitchen, it can be single (width 130, 150 cm). For a berth, it should be 160 cm wide.
The sofa is selected in accordance with the area of the room. The sofa, which is laid out forward, is placed in a spacious room. Simple double sofa design "Accordion" installed along the wall, has a small surface. The standard size of such a product is considered to be 150 cm wide, but there are also small single options - 140 cm wide. For a small room, a double "Accordion" 150 cm wide.
A double ottoman can be placed in a room for children. Although it is double, it takes up little space. Unusual and original in the room for children look double round sofas. For several children, a double bunk sofa is suitable. Currently, there are a lot of models of upholstered furniture that can act as a single, double bed or a lorry.
Classification
The main types of classification of sofas:
- By type of transforming mechanism. Furniture can be laid out, rolled out or unfolded. The choice of a sofa on this basis depends on the overall dimensions of the room, its purpose, degree of operation.
- The form:
- corner (such sofas compactly occupy a place in the corner of the room),
- direct (the most common, classic version),
- island (have an oval shape, therefore, most often located in the central part of the room).
- Destination. Depending on the location, sofas can be made for a children's room, hallway or corridor, office, living room, bedroom. Such models differ in size, shape, material of manufacture, color, additional features.
Models
The number of seats directly depends on this indicator. The standard model allows you to simultaneously accommodate 2-3 people. More compact options can be single or double, spacious models are designed for 5 or more people.
The forward folding sofa can have the following transformation options.
Book
The first option is a folding sofa. Even when folded, it is great for sitting, lying or sleeping comfortably on it. The variant got its name for the similarity of the laid out sofa with the open book.
To open the sofa, you need to slightly raise it until a click appears, and then lower it back.
The sofa folds in the reverse order: lift until it clicks and fold into its original position. The unfolded model is a fairly spacious and comfortable sleeping area.
In addition, most models come with a linen box at the bottom.
The disadvantage of this model: in order to bring it into an unfolded state, it is necessary that the sofa is approximately 10 cm further from the wall. That is, it is not possible to put furniture close to the wall.
Click gag
Furniture got its name for the specific sound that occurs when unfolding. The model is similar to the first option, but more advanced. Its big plus is the ability to fix the back in several positions at different angles.
This creates opportunities for a more comfortable stay.
Among the advantages of these two options:
- reliable mechanism
- ease of use
- comfortable sleeping area
- affordable price,
- compact overall dimensions.
Disadvantage: the inability to push the sofa tightly against the wall due to the design features of the folding process.
Eurobook
The obvious similarity of the names (book - eurobook) gives nothing to do with the principle of operation of these mechanisms.
The sofa is laid out as follows:the seat stretches toward itself, and the back rests in the free part.
The model is located close to the wall or in the center of the room. Very often it is used to design a work area or living room. Sofas are often equipped with decorative pillows for a more convenient pastime.
The advantages of this option include:
- perfectly flat bed surface,
- optimum height of a berth,
- reliability of the mechanism (only hardwoods are used for its manufacture),
- long service life
- easy and quick folding process,
- the presence of a deep and spacious box for bedding.
Disadvantages:
- when unfolding, the seat moves along the floor or carpet, so it may damage or scratch them,
- quite overall model.
Dolphin
The design consists of two separate parts: the main and for sleep. When folded, the model is a corner sofa. When unfolding, it is necessary to pull on a special loop and jerk out the berth.
Of the advantages of this model, it can be noted the simplicity of folding, small size, flat, sleeper bed, convenience and reliability in use.
The disadvantage may be the use of such a model in a room with a long-hair carpet - decomposing the lower part to get a berth will be problematic.
Roll-out
Roll-out sofas are presented in a wide model and size range. They allow you to choose the ideal dimensions of a berth for a particular room. The mechanism of such models is very convenient and easy to use, but from daily folding it can quickly fail.
Accordion
The folding mechanism resembles the principle of a musical instrument. The structural strength and ease of use allows you to use this model for a long time.
Among the advantages of such a sofa:
- ease of folding and folding,
- flat, high and smooth berth,
- multifunctionality
- compactness when folded.
Disadvantages:
- carpet will accelerate the process of failure of the transforming mechanism,
- significant dimensions when unfolded.
Telescope
This option got its name for its resemblance to a telescope or telescope. All parts of the sofa are advanced from the inside in stages.
Almost all models are equipped with a special linen box.
Sofas of this design are very attractive in appearance, quite comfortable, ergonomic, provide a wide, spacious area for sleeping and relaxing with an orthopedic frame. However, the berth has a small height above the floor (no more than 28 cm).
Cot
The best option for infrequent use. For example, when it becomes necessary to place several people at home. Previously, for such purposes in each apartment there was a cot. Today, it was replaced by such light, compact sofas. The berth is a foam mattress, which when folded is inside the sofa.
The clamshell model is a “marching” option, lightweight, compact, inexpensive, but not very comfortable.
Such clamshells are found in several variations:
- three-fold french sofa
- American model, folding in two stages,
Italian sofa is the most expensive and comfortable of all presented in this category.
Verona
Verona is an improved combination of folding beds and roll-out models. To spread such a sofa is even for a small child - it is so simple and easy this is done through a special loop.
Conrad
The Konrad design combines the best characteristics of roll-out models and the Dolphin mechanism. Comfortable sleeping conditions are provided by spring blocks provided by the design.
Materials
The materials used to create the sofas can be divided into several groups:
- for the manufacture of the frame,
- transforming mechanism
- stuffing and decorative finishes.
As a filling for sofas, spring mechanisms, foam rubber or polyurethane foam usually act. The frame can be wooden, metal or combined.
Upholstery materials make up a significant part of the cost of the finished product. The most inexpensive options are synthetic and textile (jacquard, velor, satin). They are attractive in appearance, but impractical to care for. To care for them, only dry cleaning is required.
Of the more practical options, flock and microfiber can be distinguished. These materials are very beautiful, easy to clean, resistant to various kinds of pollution and even the claws of pets.
Natural materials (linen, cotton, leather) are highly valued for their high performance, hypoallergenicity, and excellent breathability.
Selection tips
For the sofa to serve faithfully for many years, it is necessary to approach its choice with great care:
- The material of manufacture. His choice depends on the functional purpose of the model. For example, for an office or kitchen room, it is best to choose the most practical and wear-resistant materials. For the children's room you need a sofa made of environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, bright and practical care material.
- The size. When folded and unfolded, the furniture should not impede free movement around the room or block the path to other furniture and interior items.
- Spring fillers will last much longer and more efficiently than filling with foam and foam.
- A sofa with solid blocks allows you to create a more even and solid berth than individual pillows.
- Upholstery is best to choose smooth. It is easier to care for than to remove dust between the fluffy villi. Smooth fabric and looks more attractive. The ideal option is a material with dirt and dust repellent properties.
- If there are pets in the house, then the upholstery of the sofa should have a very strong weave.
- The mechanism of transformation. If the sofa will be laid out / folded daily, then the mechanism should be as simple and easy to use as possible.
The most reliable sofas are eurobooks, spacious sofas are dolphins, compact ones are drawable, accessible are books, functional ones are eurobooks and drawers, comfortable for sleeping are drawable and accordions.
Forms and materials
In their form, sofas can be straight, angular, round and island. Corner sofas can have an angle to the right, an angle to the left, be with equal sides, U-shaped. An island sofa cannot be pushed into a corner or set under a wall. Sofas are lined with a special dense fabric, as well as artificial or genuine leather. The mattress is made of spring blocks or blocks of polyurethane foam, synthetic winterizer, foam rubber, batting. The frame is made of chipboard, wood or metal.
Transformation mechanism
The folding classic upholstered furniture with a simple design in the recent past was the only one on the market. Mechanisms are installed on this furniture. "Book". For transformation, it is necessary to fold the seat up to a sound click and lower it back; the backrest leans back horizontally. Such a product has a compartment for linen, it can be operated daily, because it is reliable and durable. The disadvantage is the installation at a distance of 10-12 cm from the wall. Mechanism Click Gag transforms like "Book", but has a more advanced mechanism and modern design. These models have an attractive price and they easily fit in small apartments.
The pull-out sofa is easy to handle, it is very reliable and can be used daily. With careful handling, it can last a very long time. It can be converted into a bed by pulling the seat on the loop. The transformation mechanism itself will bring everything into the correct position. The back remains in the same state. This mechanism is most often used in large and angular models. The disadvantage is the low location of the place to sleep and the fact that the wheels often scratch the floor.
Model Eurobook, folding forward, may be of interest in a simple design and attractive price. It can be installed in narrow and small rooms. Easily disassembled to get a berth: you need to pull the seat toward yourself, and the backrest - move to an empty seat. Under the seat is a space in which you can fold the bed and linen. This model can be installed in the middle of the room, you can put it against the wall, decorated with pillows. When unfolded, it takes up a lot of space.
Mechanism "Pantograph" can be called A walking eurobook. It has a modern design, but its construction is more complicated, it costs much more. Mechanism "Dolphin" reliable and can last a very long time. When the soft couch is rolled forward, the product becomes a spacious and even berth. The transformation system is very simple and often used in corner models. Suitable for installation both in small apartments and in spacious rooms. The disadvantage is the lack of space for bedding. This product is difficult to lay out if there is a fleecy carpet.
Storage space for bedding for the model Puma absent, it is only in corner models. In the mechanism Verona Improved mechanisms are connected - withdrawable and folding bed. This sofa is very easy to transform, but inferior Konrad. Reliable sofa Conrad easy to fold forward. It consists of three parts. This model is compact, comfortable, but has a heavy weight. Its device combines a withdrawable mechanism and design "Dolphin". Even the child will sort such furniture.
Unfolding models are french, american, italian folding beds. Unfolded, these models resemble a cot. To lay out the French cot, you need to remove the seat cushions and disassemble the mattress in three steps. The American clamshell is disassembled in two steps. The area for sleeping is an orthopedic mattress made of spring blocks. The Italian clamshell is more expensive than all these models, seat cushions are not removed. The device is not simple and is designed for a certain weight of a person. The disadvantage is the sagging of the mattress disassembled. For daily use, these products are not very durable and do not always have storage space for linen. Sleeping on them is not very comfortable.
Products with a mechanism "Accordion" resemble a musical instrument. These products are durable and reliable, have a simple device. They are very compact in assembled form, have a curbstone in the back. They are laid out lengthwise, so they can be put in a narrow room. It transforms into a sleeping flat place if you lift the seat and pull it towards you. Such options are very popular among young people.
Where to put?
Usually they put the sofa where it fits. But designers pick up the interior around the sofa. In the small living room, you can put a sofa back to the window. It will be better if the back is not higher than the windowsill. All three walls are in sight. If this is a sleeping place, then it’s not very good you will fall asleep by the window and the battery. Most often, the sofa is placed back against the wall. In this case, you need to beautifully decorate the wall with a picture or panel. To divide the room into zones, the sofa can be placed with its back to the middle of the room and facing the wall to watch TV. In this case, it is necessary to ensure an approach to it from all sides. If there is a beautiful view from the window, you can put the sofa so that the view opens.
How to choose?
To choose upholstered furniture, you need to know for what purpose it is intended: for a berth, for watching TV or for the interior. For relaxation, a folding model is suitable for use instead of a bed. The sofa can be folded forward three times. You can put it in a small room. If upholstered furniture will be used daily, you need to choose upholstered furniture with a strong transformation mechanism and an orthopedic mattress.
It is necessary to determine the quality of such a product: from what material the frame, upholstery and filler. The frame is better to choose a wooden one, with transverse beams. The filler must be tight. When choosing upholstery, it is necessary to take into account environmental friendliness, ease of care, density, wear resistance. If the leather upholstery, then you need to pay attention to the seams, the needle should not be thick. It will be better if the sofa is covered with removable covers that can be cleaned at any time. The filler should be hypoallergenic, it is better to choose a polyester fiber. It is better to choose a spring mattress, it will last longer.
It is necessary to determine the shape (straight, angular, island) and the size of the sofa - in accordance with the area and design of the room. When buying, you should have a measuring tape with you. Some models occupy a fairly large area in the unfolded form, they need to be placed in a spacious room. Mechanisms that require physical effort when opening, for the elderly and children will not work. Particular attention should be paid to the transformation mechanism. The seller must show you how the product is transformed.
The sofa should not only fit into your interior. It should also be practical, have armrests, a compartment for storing linen. To determine the color of the sofa, you must take into account the size of the room. For a small room, it is better to choose soft colors. In order not to show any deterioration on the upholstery, it is better to choose a fabric with a pattern. If you need a sofa of a non-standard size, you can purchase it on order.
When buying a sofa you need to sit on it. Inspect it from behind; there may be the smell of dry wood. There should be no curved seams or stitches on the product. The choice is yours.
In the next video - an overview of the sofa folding forward.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of a folding sofa are obvious. During the day, this piece of upholstered furniture is folded, so it takes up a minimum of space, saving free space and allowing ergonomic use of the room. Due to the compactness of such furniture and a huge number of different models, you can choose a comfortable sliding sofa according to the size of the room, which easily fits both in a large room and in a small room.
Fold-out sofas are currently in greatest demand since their transformation mechanism is reliable and easy to operate. In addition, such sofas are often equipped with an orthopedic mattress, providing a healthy night's rest. Among the shortcomings of such designs can be called not enough flat berth, consisting of several segments in some models of sofas.
Another important drawback of sofas this is the possibility of damage to the floor or the formation of rolled tracks on the carpet when sliding the movable part. In addition, such designs provide for the presence in front of a large free space.
Transformation mechanisms
All transformation mechanisms differ from each other both in terms of user performance and degree of reliability. This is an important parameter that you must pay attention to when choosing the right model, because the durability of upholstered furniture depends on the proper operation of all parts. So, here are the main types of sofa transformation mechanisms:
- rolling out (retractable),
- unfolding (rotary).
Since in our article we are talking about sofas, folding exclusively forward, we will consider the models on which the first two types of transformation mechanism are installed.
Couch
Such a mini-sofa has only one armrest, due to which this thing can be put where even a regular “book” sofa will not go. Due to its compactness, very often couch sofas are placed in children's rooms, allowing as much as possible to free up space for active games of the child. Retractable or sliding models are highly reliable and provide a comfortable night's rest. Among these models, there are both simple and more complex designs.
Tick-tock
It is an improved version of the Eurobook. Its difference is that when unfolding, the sliding part does not roll on the floor, but rises, makes a peculiar walking movement and falls to the desired distance, while avoiding damage to the floor covering. Like the “eurobook” model, the seat depth of the “tick-tock” sofas is quite large, which makes the model not quite comfortable when sitting. However, this drawback is solved by the pillows included in the product kit.
Criterias of choice
In order to choose this necessary and quite expensive piece of furniture, it is necessary to take measurements of your premises, as well as the entrance and interior doors. For a thing to serve the owners for many years, pay attention to the quality of the product. Inspect the seams, they should be smooth and durable. The easiest way to do this is on the armrests, of course, if the armrests are covered with fabric or leather.
Ask the sellers what materials the frame and the filler of the sofa are made of. Sit on the sofa - the seat should be quite comfortable, and after you get out of the sofa, quickly take the previous shape. This fact indicates the quality of the filler. Upholstery should match the interior of your room, be strong enough and easy to clean.
Fold out and fold the sofa several times - the transformation mechanism should work smoothly and easily. Otherwise, refrain from buying this model.
The children's model must comply with safety requirements: not have sharp and hard angles, the mechanism should work easily and eliminate the risk of injury to the child.
About what are the mechanisms of transformation of sofas, see the video.
