Sofas with French clamshell mechanism

Sofas with the French clamshell transformation mechanism are very popular among consumers. They not only allow you to comfortably accommodate a late guest, but also often act as a central element of the interior.

The main differences of the "French" design from other folding mechanisms are compactness, practicality and ease of operation. The folding part of such models consists of three modules, sequentially interconnected and forming in the unfolded form a full one and a half or double bed.

The frame of the movable elements of the "French folding beds" is made of metal, which gives the products special strength and durability. However, children are not recommended to lay out such sofas on their own, which is due to the presence of springs and metal joints, which can lead to injury if the folding is inept.

It’s quite easy for an adult to put out a “French folding bed”. To do this, remove the decorative cover, remove the pillows (on some models, move the armrests), lift the upper module and slightly pull it onto you. For ease of transformation, most frames have a leather or fabric loop. Sections obediently leave the sofa and smoothly unfold. The main thing is to check the correct position of the metal legs and prevent them from being bent accidentally.

Stable consumer demand for “French folding beds” It is explained by a number of important advantages of these simple and convenient models.

• Compared to other transformation mechanisms, the “French” options are notable for their low cost. due to the simple and unpretentious design of folding modules. This allows you to buy a beautiful and functional sofa with a spare berth for guests for little money.
• Sofas with such a mechanism are available in a wide range, that allows you to choose a model for every taste and color. Most of them are equipped with large soft pillows, have comfortable armrests and are available in direct and in angular versions.
• "French folding beds" Ideal for both large spaces and small spaces. A full-fledged sleeping place for two people is completely hidden in the sofa and saves space in the room.
• Some types of folding structures allow you to put orthopedic mattresses on them and able to withstand weight loads up to 200 kg.
• The flooring retains its original appearance longer and does not deteriorate.

Among the disadvantages of sofas with the transformation mechanism "French clamshell" can be noted the absence of a linen box, in place of which there are folding modules, as well as a not too long berth, not exceeding 187 cm. In addition, the mechanism is not designed for daily use, which is why sofas are more suitable for sitting and can not be considered as a permanent place to sleep.

But as a guest option, they fit perfectly, allowing you to organize a full bed. It should also be noted that most models are equipped with thin mattresses up to 6 cm thick made of foam rubber or a slightly more advanced modification of it - polyurethane foam, which also does not allow them to be used for constant sleep.

Although recently appeared strong models designed for daily folding. They are produced on a reinforced frame and are much more expensive than "guest" samples.

Among the other disadvantages of the "French folding beds" can be distinguished their creakiness, due to the friction of metal joints under the influence of weight load, as well as sagging sleeper at the tent bases.

Classification of sofas with the mechanism "French folding bed" produced by the device of the transformation mechanism and has 4 types.

• Tilt or mesh base It belongs to the economy class category and consists of a metal frame and a high-strength polypropylene tent or woven metal mesh. The design resembles the clamshells of the Soviet era, almost immediately begins to creak, quickly stretches and sags. The maximum weight load on such a base is 80 kg.

• Tento lat bed also consists of a metal frame and is reinforced with lamellas, which are made by pressing glued veneers of birch or beech. Awning is stretched over the lat, which thanks to them does not sag and allows you to more evenly distribute the weight load. The design easily withstands weight up to 120-130 kg.

• Plate constructions equipped with a much larger number of slats than the previous version, but do not have an awning. Models are designed for weight up to 150 kg and have a pronounced orthopedic effect.

• Welded or spot-welded grill is the most reliable design of the "French folding bed" and allows you to use the sofa for daily sleep. The metal mesh is mounted on springs and is designed for a weight load of up to 200 kg. Welded structures are designed for laying spring orthopedic mattresses with a thickness of 15-18 cm.

For the manufacture of sofas with the transformation mechanism "French clamshell" using different materials.

This part of the sofa is made of hardwood (pine, spruce), impregnated with an antibacterial composition, particle boards or glued plywood. The wooden base is environmentally friendly, however, using low-quality wood can cause many problems. For example, some manufacturers forget to impregnate a tree with an antifungal drug, which is why a tree can infect a fungus when the sofa is in a damp room.

In addition, unscrupulous manufacturers often use not very high quality wood, which has knots and cavities. Elements with such defects often do not withstand high loads and burst in a knot or in a crevice.

As for plywood, it does not nourish moisture, has no internal voids and is not susceptible to fungus, however, it is not ideally safe from an environmental point of view. This is due to the use of synthetic resins, which are used to glue thin sheets of plywood and release harmful substances into the surrounding space.

As a filling for sofa cushions use foam rubber, furniture polyurethane foam and synthetic winterizer. The first is notable for its low cost, but it crumbles and loses shape very quickly. PUF is a more modern material and is a foam sponge-like mass, more durable and elastic than regular foam. The synthetic winterizer consists of polyester fibers and gives the sofa cushions and armrests volume and elasticity. Its use significantly reduces the cost of the product, but poorly affects its durability.

In addition to sintepon, sometimes they use holofiber, which in its operational properties is similar to natural down and feather. In expensive models, a struttofiber is used - a synthetic material that gives the soft elements of the sofa a large volume and quickly takes its original shape after compression. Synthetic materials are environmentally friendly and approved for allergy sufferers.

Synthetic fabrics, natural and artificial leather and textile materials are used as upholstery. The most common upholstery fabrics are tapestry, gunny, microfiber and jacquard. They have good performance, abrasion resistance and good cleanability. Leather and eco-leather models look very solid and quite easy to care for.

The modern market for upholstered furniture offers sofas with a French folding mechanism in a wide range. A wide variety of colors and designs greatly facilitates the selection and allows you to choose a model for any interior style. So, for classic direction models with leather or velor coating, elegant legs and decorative elements made of noble woods are suitable.

In modern minimalism a small sofa will fit well without armrests and extra details, decorated with plain textiles. For environmental or scandinavian style. A good option would be a model with the maximum number of parts made of natural wood, and upholstery from a mat in a large cage or with an ornament.

The width of the sofa "French folding bed" usually varies from 140 to 160 cm, which allows you to use the model as a full double bed. Along with full-size options, there are also small sofas, the width of which is only 130 cm. Such instances are very convenient for small rooms and kitchens, where most of the time they are used as seating and are extremely rare for guests.

As for the length, in the “French” models it is quite constant and amounts to 180-187 cm. The exception is some Italian samples, the length of which does not exceed 160 cm. Such mini-sofas are designed for daytime relaxation, watching TV, reading books and at night sleep is not calculated.

When buying a sofa with a French clamshell mechanism You need to pay attention to a number of important details.

• If you plan to use the sofa as the main berth, then the only acceptable option is a clamshell made of welded mesh.
• When buying a bedroom model it is better to dwell on products upholstered in leather or textured fabrics, such as a tapestry or jacquard. For the kitchen, eco-leather models are suitable, which is easy to clean and does not absorb odors.
• Should pay attention to the manufacturer and do not buy too cheap models of unknown companies. The service life of such products, even with rare use, does not exceed 2-3 years.
• When buying, it is necessary to carefully examine the movable clamshell elements and make sure there is no backlash and distortions. If the design unfolds too tight or creaks, then it is better to refuse to buy such a sofa.

Sofas with the “French folding bed” mechanism can harmoniously fit into any interior, and in some cases play the role of its central element. The main thing is to choose the right colors and successfully combine them with the colors of the walls, home textiles and other furniture.

• Sofa with orthopedic mattress Looks great in a modern bedroom.

• "French clamshell" with eco leather upholstery - rich and functional.

• Corner model in a traditional interior.

• Folding sofa with reinforced frame able to replace a full bed.

• Light leather kit - a spectacular decoration of the living room.

See how the sofa mechanism of this type unfolds in the next video.