The interior of any office or apartment is complete without a sofa. You can sit on it or use it to relax. In any case, this product brings warmth and comfort.
Purchasing this piece of furniture is a serious matter. Such a purchase should be treated with all responsibility. After all, the sofa should serve more than one year. And if this purchase turns out to be unsuccessful, that is, it soon falls apart, falls apart, turns out to be unfashionable or, even worse, unhe althy, then this will bring a lot of trouble to the owner. That is why, before you go to the store, you need to find out for yourself the main questions that may arise when purchasing a sofa.
Selection criteria
Currently, manufacturers offer sofas that differ in the type of upholstery, design, and also the way of transformation. But in any case, this piece of furniture must certainly be comfortable for each of the family members, fit well with the interior and please with its functionality for a long time.
First of all, a sofais a recreation area in which you can comfortably settle down after a hard day's work. It is also a place for watching movies and for friendly gatherings. Very often sofas are used for night rest. That is why people mostly choose their folding varieties. And even if the apartment has its own bed for each family member, such a sofa can always come in handy. After all, situations in life are different. In addition, later, after buying a new sofa, the old one can be sent to the country and used as a bed there.
Most often, when customers come to the store, they look at the appearance of the product. However, it is more important to verify the quality of the material used for its manufacture, as well as the reliability of the unfolding mechanism.
Before you go shopping, you should answer yourself a number of questions, namely:
- how much space will be allocated for the sofa, not only assembled, but also unfolded;
- how often this piece of furniture will serve as a bed;
- what is the expected mode of use of the sofa (daily or as a guest option);
- Will it be necessary to have a place to store linen in upholstered furniture;
- which product will be most acceptable - a budget option or one that has reliable parts and sophisticated sofa transformation mechanisms;
- how much money is supposed to be allocated for the purchase
Types of unfolding mechanisms
Sofas designed to equip a bed can be:
- retractable or roll-out on rollers, for example, "eurobook" and "dolphin", "pantograph" and "conrad";
- folding - "elf", "book", "tango";
- deployable - Spartak, American or French cot.
Which of these sofa transformation mechanisms is more reliable? What are their pros and cons? Consider some types of sofa transformation mechanisms.
Book
There is evidence that the first sofas were made in the East in the Middle Ages. And only some time later, in the 17th century, this piece of furniture began to be used in European countries. Gradually, it became a thing indicating the luxury of the interior. For a comfortable pastime, sofas began to be stuffed with sheep's wool and took swan's down for this. However, the Europeans still believed that this piece of furniture was designed solely to sit on it.
In Russia, the first sofas appeared in the 18th century. The fashion for them was introduced by the statesman, Prince Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin. Russians earlier than Europeans began to lie on sofas. Despite this, the first folding furniture of this type appeared in France. It happened in the 20th century. Sofa models with a folding mechanism "book" became the best option that buyers preferred to purchase in order to save space in their home.
This design is no less popularand in our days. After all, on such a sofa it is convenient not only to sit, but also to sleep. In the folded position, this is a comfortable place to sit. And if you need to expand it, then the sofa-book transformation mechanism will work quite easily. To do this, you just need to lift the seat up, wait for a click, and then gently pull it towards you. As a result, the sofa will take a horizontal position. In this case, a comfortable bed will appear in the room, suitable for a good sleep.
The advantage of the sofa bed transformation mechanisms is that they have a high level of reliability. Throughout the history of its existence, "books" have been tested by users and improved by manufacturers more than once. Thanks to this, the spring mechanisms for transforming sofas of this type ensure a long service life of the product.
Another plus of this design is its compactness. When folded, it takes up little space in the room. In this regard, book-type transformation mechanisms are an excellent option for one-room apartments.
Attracts buyers and ease of replacement of structural parts in the event of a breakdown. Although, as a rule, for the normal operation of this simple mechanism, it is enough to lubricate it or tighten the bolts with which it is attached to the frame.
The undoubted advantage of such models is the presence in them of a specially equipped compartment for linen. The only thing to consider when placing a sofa in a room is that between its back and the wall it is necessary to leavesmall gap. And then, when unfolding the entire structure, it will not be necessary to move it away.
Another important advantage of the sofa-"books" is its affordable price. As a rule, it serves as the main selection criterion for many Russian buyers.
Eurobook
Without any doubt, it can be argued that this is one of the best sofa transformation mechanisms. After all, it is reliable and has a long service life. Another undoubted advantage of sofas with the Eurobook mechanism is their low cost. This is why such pieces of furniture are popular with buyers.
Sleeping place is quite comfortable. After all, it is usually smooth and comfortable. At the same time, a folding sofa with a Eurobook transformation mechanism has a spacious linen box, which is very convenient for owners of small apartments, for whom it is very important to have additional storage space.
Unfolding the sofa with the Eurobook transformation mechanism does not require much effort. At the same time, unlike the design described above, you can put such a piece of furniture close to the wall.
How does the Eurobook transformation mechanism work? The design of the sofa is designed in such a way that its seat should be pulled out in the direction “towards itself” until it stops. Its movement takes place along special guides made of hard wood or metal. In this case, a niche is formed between the seat and the back. She opens the linen drawer with whichcan be used right away. In some models of the sofa, wheels are installed on the legs. This detail facilitates the unfolding process. After retracting the seat forward, the backrest is lowered to the vacant niche.
Eurobook refers to sofa transformation mechanisms for frequent use. At the same time, the product has the following advantages:
- high reliability due to the absence of moving parts and complex metal parts (if problems occur, they can be easily fixed without the help of a specialist);
- easy to use;
- affordable design.
However, in addition to the advantages, the sofa with the Eurobook transformation mechanism has some disadvantages:
- When unfolding, the legs of the sliding part may scratch the linoleum or parquet. Wheels solve this problem. They are attached to the legs. However, in this case they are not suitable for carpets. After all, the wheels crush their villi.
- In the bed of such a sofa there is a joint section. And although there is no drop in this case, this zone can still create inconvenience.
- Most often, you still have to leave a small distance between upholstered furniture and the wall. Otherwise, the unfolding process will be somewhat difficult.
When buying a sofa with a Eurobook transformation mechanism, you should pay attention to the fit of all its parts. If a finger calmly passes between the armrest and the seat, then such an acquisition will most likely not serve its owners for long.
"Tick-tock"("pantograph")
To the consumer who is going to purchase upholstered furniture for daily use, it is necessary, first of all, to study the options and models offered by the modern manufacturer. With its simplicity and affordability, a sofa with a tick-tock transformation mechanism (pantograph) can attract. It is comfortable and affordable, as well as functional upholstered furniture that can last for a long time.
There was a mechanism for transforming the sofa "pantograph" as an analogue of the "Eurobook". Its special difference is the layout scheme, in which roll-out rollers are not used.
The pantograph sofa transformation mechanism works quite simply. To create a bed, the seat must be pulled up a little. All. Then the mechanism will handle itself. At the same time, the landing part will rise above the floor, and then fall on it. The seat of such a sofa stands on supports, while freeing up space. The back of the product falls horizontally into such a niche.
The mechanism in question got its name for its simplicity. This sofa unfolds in two clicks or steps. At the same time, sounds resembling old clocks are heard. They sound tick-tock. The main feature and attractiveness of such sofas is to obtain a spacious sleeping area after unfolding. In addition, the product is in high demand by customers due to the following:
- Compact shape and size. Such characteristics allow you to install upholstered furniture, including insmall room. Such transformation mechanisms are often used in corner sofas. Such products fit perfectly into both small and spacious rooms. In this regard, such sofas are one of the most popular types of upholstered furniture. Unlike classic straight designs, they can be placed in an unused corner space of the room and lean against the wall, store more things in them and seat even a small group of people who have gathered to watch a sports match or celebrate a special date.
- The lack of wheels. Such sofas can be safely installed on any floor covering. Indeed, in the process of unfolding, the section will not ride on a carpet or parquet, as happens with a roll-out sofa transformation mechanism.
- Equipping the design with a capacious compartment designed to store linen.
Among the shortcomings of the "tick-tock" ("pantograph") mechanism, one can single out the likelihood of a quick failure of low-quality parts. Otherwise, we can say that this sofa is one of the best for daily use.
Accordion
Manufacturers offer their customers a huge selection of a wide variety of modern sofas. However, the classic system of a similar design, equipped with an accordion mechanism, still remains the most popular and in demand on the market. The main advantage of this model is its ease of use. A sofa with an accordion transformation mechanism has an elementary three-stage layout. Turn it into a bed withouteven children can work. It unfolds by simply lifting the canvas and pulling it forward. This is facilitated by the swivel mechanism installed in the sofa, the action of which is based on the principle of stretching or folding the bellows of musical instruments such as accordion or accordion.
The design has three parts. They are blocks fastened in a certain sequence. The first two of them are sleeping quarters. When folding the sofa, they turn into its back. The third part is the seat. But it's only folded. When unfolding the sofa, it extends its sleeping area, the length of which can reach 2 m. This length allows you to comfortably rest for people who are tall.
A sofa with an accordion transformation mechanism has the following advantages:
- Its front shelf as well as legs have rubber wheels. This solution prevents damage and scratches on the laminate or linoleum.
- Designed with a spacious drawer for storing bedding.
- For the process of transformation into a bed, you do not need to move the sofa. After all, the mechanism lays out all the details only forward.
- Some models have additional shelves built into the armrest.
- The sofa is located on the minimum space. You can put it in almost any room.
This sofa has some disadvantages:
- Significant physical effortwill need to be attached when folding the bed.
- If the inner arm is damaged, the sofa cannot be assembled.
- When folded, the back has an impressive thickness that looks disproportionate to the rest of the details.
- When unfolded, the sofa takes up a lot of space in the room.
Click-clack
The basis of the sofa with a similar mechanism is a steel frame. Seats are attached to it, as well as a back made with wooden panels (armor). The support for the frame is the upper edge of the linen compartment.
Sofas with click-clack transformation mechanisms are very easy to disassemble. To do this, just lift up the seat. The back will then begin to lower itself. When it comes into contact with the laundry box, it will take a horizontal position. But the seat will continue to move, gradually reducing the angle of inclination.
After the mechanism makes its first click, it will be in the relaxed rest position. And even if the seat continues to move, the latch will continue to be in an intermediate position. At the same time, a person can take a half-sitting or reclining position.
If you continue to raise the seat, the mechanism will make a characteristic sound a second time. This click will indicate that the sofa latch is out of engagement and is not held by the structure. The backrest will remain in a horizontal plane, and the seat will continue to move until it is fully unfolded.
For the reverse transformation of the sofa, you will need to perform the same steps. They only happenin the opposite direction. After the second click of the mechanism, the product will take the form necessary for sitting.
Outwardly, the click-clack sofa is very similar to a book-type product. However, it differs from it in that:
- Able to assume three positions. In addition to the sofa and bed, it is also relaxation, in which the back of the product is at a gentler angle.
- The back and seat of the sofa-books are two frames made of wood, interconnected by a transformation system. In "click-clack" the contours are made of a steel profile pipe.
- On click-clack models, removable mattresses are installed. They fasten with Velcro to the metal frames of the back and seat.
What are the advantages of sofas with click-clack transformation mechanisms?
- After being installed in the same plane of the seat and backrest, these parts form a completely flat surface on which a polyurethane mattress is placed. At the same time, the whole structure looks like a single spring block.
- The steel frame of the product has increased strength and gives the mattress orthopedic qualities.
- The linen box has a large capacity.
Among the shortcomings of such models, one can single out the need for mandatory free space between the back of the model and the wall. This area is needed in order to freely carry out the process of transformation. In the absence of such space, you will need to constantly move the sofa away when converting it into a sleeping area.
Dolphin
Such a systemtransformations can mainly be found in corner sofas. But sometimes it is installed in direct models. The sofa with the dolphin transformation mechanism has a variety of modifications. It owes its name to the fact that the process of its transformation into a sleeping place is as follows: the half of the mattress, located in the pull-out section, emerges, as it were, in order to take a position flush with the seat. This movement is similar to that of a dolphin.
What is the principle of operation of such a mechanism? Under the main seat of the product, a pull-out section is provided. It contains the second half of the future mattress. When unfolded, both parts of the sofa form an impressive sleeping place.
The drawer has wheels. With their help, this part easily takes its working position. The inner part of the pull-out section is a frame made of metal pipes, equipped with a system of levers and springs. Thanks to them, the retractable part of the sofa rises to the level of its seat, and is also firmly fixed in a horizontal position.
Transform into a bed and back into a seating area effortlessly with just one movement. To do this, pull on a special loop that is hidden behind the front edge of the seat. This allows you to push forward the inner section of the sofa. For the same loop you need to pull up. After that, the inner section will be flush with the seat. As a result of these manipulations,a spacious sleeping area with a perfectly flat and very comfortable surface for sleeping.
Reverse transformation is also easy. It is enough to lower the retractable half with the help of a loop inside the structure and slide it under the seat.
A sofa with a dolphin transformation mechanism has many advantages. Among them:
- Reliability and long service life. Sofas with a transformation mechanism for daily use without any complaints can withstand up to several thousand transformation cycles.
- Durability and ease of use of the mechanism. This factor leads to the durability and reliability of the sofa itself.
- Ease of transformation. It is made with one hand movement and is very easy. Getting an even and large bed in size.
- In corner sofas, where, as a rule, a similar mechanism is used, there is a volume for the compartment in which the linen is stored.
Among the disadvantages of such products, one can single out difficulties in rolling out the inner section if the floor is covered with a carpet or rug.
Puma
The transformation mechanism of the selected sofa must be convenient and simple. The practicality and functionality of upholstered furniture largely depends on this. Sofas with the puma transformation mechanism have such advantages. They are designed for frequent use and are used for a long time.
The principle used in the puma mechanism is very simple. To turn the sofa into a bed, you will need to find it on the front panela secret niche and pull it, making a movement a little up, and then towards you. This will put the seat in front. The inside of the sofa will take its place.
The advantages of this design are:
- easy operation;
- failure to damage the floor;
- comfortable sleeping part, which has a flat surface;
- using only high-quality material when creating the mechanism, which increases its service life;
- safety in operation of the sleeping area, the main element of which is a reinforced steel leg.
One of the disadvantages of such sofas is the lack of a box for linen. A similar problem is eliminated in corner structures.
Venice
Upholstered furniture equipped with this mechanism is perfect for both a spacious house and a small apartment. Most often, these models are equipped with soft armrests and high backs in a classic style.
Thanks to the combination of ease of use, quality and style, sofas with Venice transformation mechanisms are popular with buyers. Most often, these are corner models that are designed for daily unfolding. Their design is a platform to which a movable frame is attached. The movement of the elements of the product is provided with the help of rollers, which are attached to the guides located in the sofa box. The principle of operation of the whole structure is as follows:
- An additional section is located under the main seat of the sofa.
- The inside of the productrolls out and rises through a special loop, taking a horizontal position flush with the seat of the sofa.
- The previous manipulations allow you to form an even and free bed.
As you can see, the Venice transformation mechanism is similar to the Dolphin design. And there is nothing surprising in this. After all, it was created on its basis. However, in sofas with the "Venice" mechanism, an improved anti-skew system is used, located in the outgoing part. This contributes to the application of less effort when creating a sleeping block.
Sedaflex
Taking the form of a seat, such upholstered furniture will require a small area. But in the evening, the product easily turns into a full-fledged double bed.
Sofas with sedaflex transformation mechanisms are also called American or Belgian folding beds. As a rule, these are two-, and less often three-fold structures. When creating a bed, its mattress is solid and does not have transverse seams. Meralat is located inside such sofas. This is a folding bed. Its base is a wire mesh. The bed is folded in half or three times, placing it inside the sofa.
A similar sofa is used as a guest sofa. With frequent use, the mesh base stretches and then sags.
In order to decompose the structure, it is pulled up and further towards itself. The section inside unfolds and rests on steel legs.
The frame in modern sofas is made of durable material. Toat the same time, orthopedic wooden panels of armor are attached to the base of metal tubes. The elasticity of the surface located in the legs is given by the elastic straps located there.
Cheap models are equipped with a mesh base with small or large cells. In addition, there are products with a combined welded grating, as well as tension belts.
