Children's sofas: features, types and choices

Children's furniture for sleep should be selected especially carefully. Indeed, on whether the child will be comfortable sleeping, whether his spine will be in the anatomically correct position, his development and health in the future depend. Today we’ll talk about what to look for when choosing a children's sofa.

When purchasing a soft sofa in a nursery, pay attention to the following features of this type of furniture:

• such a sofa is compact, which is a plus when it is installed in a small room;
• due to the fact that children often use their berth for outdoor games, for example, jumping, the moving mechanisms of the structure are reinforced, providing it with reliability and strength;
• a small sofa is easy to fold and unfold, it will not be a problem even for small children;
• on the modern market you can find a model of almost any color, shape, size, also on sale there are products equipped with a spring block, orthopedic mattress and other useful additions.

Consider the main pros and cons of children's sofas. Let's start with the good points.

• The sofa perfectly saves the usable area of ​​the room. Besides the fact that he himself takes up little space when folded, many varieties are equipped with additional drawers in which you can place bedding, books, shoes, toys.
• The sofa is safer than the bed. Its design is more durable - it is able to withstand jumping, pillow battle, dance steps.From the point of view of hygiene, a sofa is preferable if only because the sheet, blanket and pillow are safely hidden in a box, which means that children will not jump on them in “street” clothes.
• The width of the sofa is suitable for two children. This helps a lot to parents who have same-sex weather children or with a difference in age of 2-3 years, and the living space is small. In this case, children can be put to sleep together.

Of course, there were some cons:

• changing a mattress is not possible if the baby suddenly gets it dirty;
• You will have to assemble and disassemble the sofa daily;
• bedding will also need to be cleaned and pulled back twice a day;
• if the sofa is not equipped with a special mattress, then its orthopedic qualities are at a fairly low level.

Now we will get to know better the varieties of sofas, depending on their characteristics according to one or another criterion.

In today's market you can find many different models.

• Couch. This is the name of a compact sofa equipped with a low back and one armrest at the head. Most often, the couch cannot be laid out - this is a single sofa, however, there is a box for clothes below.

• Sofa chair or chair bed. It is also a single-seat design. Folds forward. An excellent solution for small-sized rooms, since when folded it takes up very little space.

• Couch. This variety is similar to a couch. Often sofa pillows, soft ottomans act as additional elements. And also many models are equipped with niches or drawers, in which it is convenient to store toys, bedding.

• Loft bed. An interesting two-tier option. Most often, below is a sofa for relaxation or a computer table, and above is a bed as a bed. By the way, this design is suitable for accommodating two children (if the sofa is located below). "Attic", as a rule, is equipped with a ladder, sometimes shelves, a cabinet.

• Sofa bed with sides Designed for the smallest - those who can, turning inaccurately, fall to the floor.

• Transformer. An interesting solution, which includes the transformation of the sofa into a dining, game or work area with a table and several ottomans. There are models with and without armrests, high and low. You can also choose a double convertible sofa, equipped with an extra roll-out berth.

• If the area of ​​the children's room allows, you can purchase a corner sofa. Its main difference from an adult sofa is its small dimensions, however, the layout mechanism is identical. It can also easily accommodate two children.

• Frameless Modular Sofa. Something reminiscent of children's cubes, from which you can make various designs. Depending on your wishes, you can put the modules in the form of a double bed or two single beds or install one module near the wall, thereby creating a sofa with a soft back.

• Windowsill sofa. This variety is intended for relaxation, but not for sleep. Strictly speaking, this is an ordinary wide window sill, converted into a sofa and complemented by decorative pillows and a soft seat. Children, as a rule, love to sit on such a sofa, closing the curtains and fencing themselves off from the rest of the family, in their cozy “house”. By the way, it can be supplemented with lockers (on the sides or bottom), shelves, low back and armrests.

• A growing sofa. Its feature is the ability to "grow" with the child due to the folding of additional sections of the structure.

• Separately, it should be said about sofas equipped with additional removable orthopedic mattresses. They are designed to level out all the bumps that occur when unfolding the structure.

Children's sofas, depending on the purpose, can be:

• intended for relaxation - meeting with friends, reading books or watching movies;
• a full bed with additional drawers for storing various accessories;
• play or thematic - they have a solid wooden frame, bright upholstery made of vinyl leather, are often found in child care facilities.

The main feature of the 21st century furniture is its functionality. Very often you can find products “2 in 1”, “3 in 1” and even “5 in 1”, thanks to which it is possible to save square meters of living space. This trend did not pass by children's sofas:

• whenever possible always choose a “one and a half” or a double model - even if the child sleeps alone, he will like a wider and more comfortable sleeping place;
• give preference to sofas with a box for linen - so there will be no need to puzzle over where to put the bedding;
• the simpler the transformation mechanism of the selected model, the better.

They are no different from the mechanisms that adult models are equipped with, but we will mention those that are best for children.

• Roll-out. Differs in ease of assembly and disassembly. You should pull on a special strap - and the front of the sofa will roll forward, and the rest of the structure will decompose behind it.

• "Accordion". It is decomposed according to the principle of spreading the bellows of the musical instrument of the same name: first, the lower part of the seat is lifted, then the sofa independently moves forward.

• "French clamshell." When assembled, it takes up very little space.

• "Book". Perhaps the most primitive mechanism for folding the sofa. The seat rises to an angle of 90 °, the back rests horizontally, and then the seat.

• "Click-gag." Very interesting sofa model. Its layout is similar in principle to the previous one, but there is one improvement - the “relax” position, when the back remains slightly elevated. This can be achieved by raising the seat to the first click.

• "Dolphin". Often used in the manufacture of children's models. The lower part of the sofa is pulled by a special eyelet, after which it is lifted and installed on a par with the seat. This construction is supported by metal supports.

• Eurobook. It has a very simple layout mechanism: the seat is pushed forward and a backrest is put in its place.

• Sedaflex. The principle is similar to the “French folding bed”. When unfolding, it is placed on very strong and reliable metal legs.

For the manufacture of the frame of the sofa, wood-based raw materials are most often used.

• Natural tree (pine, spruce, oak, ash, beech) - great environmentally friendly material. It serves a long time, is not cheap. The furniture on a wooden base is massive, heavy, and can withstand loads.
• Chipboard. Compared with wood, it has a shorter service life, but also costs much less. However, if you plan to change the sofa as the child grows every 3-5 years, stop at this option - it will be much more profitable.

Types of fillers can be very different.

• Natural - down and feather of a bird, horse hair, sea grass, various plant fibers. They give up their positions due to the high cost, difficulty in care and possible allergenicity.
• Polyurethane foam. Synthetic fiber, eco-friendly, durable, breathable and hypoallergenic. The most recommended filler for children's sofas.
• Synthetic winterizer. Good material, but over time it can “crumple”.
• Hollofiber - Another synthetic material. They are often stuffed with sofa cushions and non-folding backs.

Upholstery is also quite diverse.

• Teflon. This fabric is rightfully the leader among upholstery materials for children's upholstered furniture, as it is famous for its resistance to pollution and ease of cleaning the surface.
• Shenill. It is practically not wiped off (and this is very important in the presence of mobile, forever fidgeting children), it is well cleared.
• Plush upholstery children will like it because of the wonderful tactile sensations that it can give. Most often, a looped and embossed plush is used for these purposes.

It is not recommended to purchase sofas upholstered in leather, eco-leather, jacquard, synthetic materials.

That's where you can “roam”, so it is when choosing a design solution for a children's sofa. Of course, it will be great if you go shopping with your child, but if the child is still small and uncomfortable to take with him, we will give you some “starting points” for choosing the product.

• A sofa that can become a big toy is the dream of any kid! That is why the boys are so fond of products in the form of boats, cars, rockets, with the symbols of superheroes, and girls - in the form of a princess’s carriage, a flower or a dollhouse.

• If the product is not intended for sleeping, but for relaxing, give preference to a sofa-canapes. This model is distinguished by its compact size, the presence of a back and armrests (sometimes one) and is performed in a variety of colors.

• Sofa wall - a functional solution combining a sleeping place, open shelves and closed lockers, assembled into a single complex. When choosing a wall sofa, you don’t have to think about choosing other furniture for the nursery, but installing such a complex is impossible in a small room.

• Cute animal sofas - bears, bunnies, kittens - kids of preschool age will like it.

Of course, before you purchase a children's sofa, you must decide on its location in the room. However, no less, and maybe more important, will be the age and height of your child at the time of purchase:

• 120 (berth length) by 60 (width) centimeters - the standard size for babies in their first year of life;
• for children from 2 to 4-5 or even 6 years old, you can purchase a model of 140x70, 160x70, 190x80 cm;
• from 7 to 15 years, the optimal size of a berth will be 190x90 cm, and if the child is tall, then the length can be increased to 200 cm;
• choose a sofa for two - pay attention to one and a half models with a width of 70-90 cm or double (from 90 to 120 cm).

In general, there is the following rule that you should adhere to when determining the dimensions of a children's sofa: the length of the berth is determined by adding 50 centimeters to the child’s height (in cm), and the width should be such that, while lying down, he can freely spread his arms out to the sides.

For the upholstery of children's models of sofas materials of almost all shades are used: pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet and their various combinations. Teenage variations are presented in a more muffled pastel palette: girls choose the color of caramel, lavender, ash pink, blue; guys - gray, dark blue, black, brown.

We offer you to get acquainted with 4 manufacturers of children's sofas that deserve your attention, as well as with the most successful models from each of them.

• Wally Tally, online store. Country of origin - Russia. Best Model - Wally Tally Sleep. The sofa has a berth size of 160x80 cm, does not fold out, it is designed for children aged 1-8 years. The model is equipped with a side, thanks to which even a small child will not fall to the floor, a drawer from below and shelves on the side. The maximum allowable load mass is 150 kg.

• Furniture Factory "Asti" - Russian company with a 10-year history. It has branches in Moscow, Lipetsk and Chaplygin. The most popular model is Asti-6, equipped with an orthopedic mattress. Dimensions of a berth - 190x120 cm. The function of extending the protective side is provided. The frame is made of natural pine wood.

• Factory "Style". Another Russian furniture giant. The best model of his children's sofas is Koti-Tinki. It has an interesting transformation mechanism with the ability to extend one corner or two.

• Elado And the last company, also based in the Russian Federation, is Elado, which represents the Rainbow model. It is equipped with a soft back in the form of a wave and a headrest-armrest. A capacious box for bedding is provided below.

When choosing a sofa for a child to sleep for every day, try to follow simple rules.

• The dimensions of the sofa should be suitable for the baby in height: length - be at least 50 cm larger, width - in terms of arm span.
• If you have problems with the musculoskeletal system, consult an orthopedic surgeon regarding the purchase of an orthopedic mattress product.
• A child up to 10 years old is best suited for a product without springs with a mattress thickness of at least 10 cm, a teenager can be offered a sofa on a spring block.
• Choose models from hypoallergenic materials. If possible, those whose upholstery is easy to clean, as the mattress will not be able to be changed if it is very dirty.
• Follow the taste preferences of the child. If he is a fan of Lightning McQueen, do not impose a steamboat sofa on him.

Now let's get acquainted with a small photo selection of children's sofas.

• Design a playroom for a girl. The upholstery of the sill sofa is identical to the upholstery of a sofa standing near a table with chairs. Curtains that look like a theater curtain and a chandelier with “candlestick” bulbs complement the interior, giving it a special chic and fabulousness.

• Colorful light green sofa with images of cute teddy bears for a little creative personality. It goes well with "cartoon" paintings on the walls, a play mat with "classics", soft toys.

• Room of a modern teenager. The deep dark blue tone of the upholstery of the sofa “echoes” with beige and red, creating a certain marine theme of the interior.

• Here lives a little princess. Everything says this: pastel shades of wallpaper, curtains, sofa upholstery and pillowcases; print in the form of a crown on a pillow and cornice, wardrobe made in the style of a doll house.

• An interesting combination of sofa upholstery in ethnic style and the "geographical" theme of the room: the world map is hanging on the wall, the walls are painted in a pleasant greenish-blue color, soft animals are placed on the shelves.

See how to choose a children's sofa in the next video.