Wooden sofas: characteristics, varieties and selection tips

Wooden sofas are not an old-fashioned relic, as it might seem. Their characteristics are quite high so that even in the late 2010s they will be a successful offer in the market. Therefore, it is very important for consumers to know the key varieties of such furniture and take into account the nuances of its selection.

A specific feature that any sofas made of wood have, and even just with a solid wood base, is the traditional appearance and reliability. Of course, if you use high-quality wooden material.

Like any other wooden furniture, the sofa will immediately create a feeling of coziness and comfort. Even where nothing else has to do with it. The surface of the array looks gorgeous - and it almost does not need to apply special processing techniques. But you must understand that the tree is sensitive to moisture (even if we talk about expensive tropical species). To some extent, compensation for this shortcoming can be considered a high mechanical strength.

It is also worth noting:

• environmental friendliness of wooden models;
• quite a long service life;
• emphasized expensive appearance;
• the probability of damage by insects and rodents of various species;
• low thermal conductivity.

Surprisingly, not all wooden sofas come with a back. In some models, this seemingly necessary attribute is missing. More precisely, much more often under the name of a sofa without a backrest, furniture is sold that is not equipped with armrests. Therefore, it is always necessary to check with sellers what exactly they mean.

However, you need to understand that they sometimes scratch the floor if they are moved without raising furniture. Less hazardous for wheel flooring. But a simple installation (without additional supports) is the worst; in this case, any movement can damage the floor, even if you do not apply much effort. Finally, it is worth remembering the difference between folding and non-folding sofas.

The geometric configuration of upholstered furniture is unlikely to bring noticeable surprises. It is traditionally believed that a corner sofa should be placed close to the wall, and a straight line is better suited as a visual divider in the middle of the room. But if space allows, you can safely violate these rules.

What is more interesting is that manufacturers are not limited to the most common configurations, as they often think.

Even from wood you can make sofas in the form of:

• whole or separate circle;
• oval;
• shoes
• cars;
• stone;
• cube and so on.

Along with the usual folding, there are sliding sofas. But it is much more correct to focus on the features of a particular mechanism. In the guest category fall “French clamshell”, “sedaflex” and “Dionysus”. Such mechanisms are designed to make guests more interested, while ensuring optimal comfort. It is a pity only one thing: this comfort is guaranteed only when landing.

After unfolding, lying on a guest-type sofa and relaxing is unlikely to work. And the transformation itself is not as simple and easy as marketers often try to convince people. But it turns out a cheap and relatively simple design. If it fails, then replacement is not difficult.

Sofas designed for daily sleep are completely different. There is already a bar requirements for the layout mechanism rises. Most often in this category they take a "book" and its advanced modifications. You just need to clearly understand how the same "click-gag" differs from a simple "book". If you have the opportunity to spend time every time to move the sofa off the wall, and such a need does not annoy people, the conclusion is understandable. In this case, it makes no sense to pay extra money for benefits that are still not required.

The advantages of mechanisms of this category (also include the "dolphin", "telescope" and some others) are:

• ease of use;
• optimal stiffness;
• smooth surfaces;
• initial calculation for a large number of transformation cycles.

The bottom line is that to prepare for a night's rest you just need to roll out the sections located below. Everything is very simple and therefore very reliable. The problem is that rolling out quickly spoils the floor. Even the most durable varieties of linoleum and laminate will not be able to resist it for a long time.

But here is a suitable mechanism for transforming a wooden sofa selected. Next in line is what the furniture itself should be made of. Even if there seems to be a clear answer - from a natural massif - you need to deal with specific breeds already.

The advantages of massive structures are:

• reliability and attractive appearance;
• increased environmental friendliness;
• quite a long service life (when compared with particle boards and even solid MDF grades);
• ease of repair and reconstruction upon detection of almost any defect;
• mechanical strength;
• minimum probability of breaking or splitting something.

Among the negative aspects include:

• suitability rather for a classic interior (and dubious appearance in a modern setting);
• high demands on the microclimate and lighting;
• quite complicated care;
• the complexity of production and a rather high price;
• the difficulty of giving the original form.

For garden use, wooden furniture on a frame made of metal elements is often made. But this is a topic for another discussion.

As for specific species of wood, the cheapest among any worthy is pine. True, its wood is too soft, and the uniformity of properties is not about pine. It is very difficult to select the parts of the pine massif that are suitable for the characteristics, and therefore, even in the budget segment, they try to choose other species.

Sofas of medium hardness are made from beech or cherry. Most oak species, by the way, also belong to the middle group.

But the hardest workpieces used for furniture are made from:

• maple tree;
• merbau;
• exotic breeds.

Keep in mind that high mechanical strength is not all. So, a strong beech tree suffers greatly from moisture. For a relatively soft teak, on the contrary, it is practically safe.

Plywood, oddly enough, is more expensive and Chipboard, and even wood. However, this material is lightweight and especially reliable. Under normal conditions, quality plywood does not deform. There is only one minus: it is impossible to glue it. Therefore, large sofas with a plywood frame do not even make to order; use either chipboard, or MDF, or an array.

MDF practically does not warp. This is a fairly durable material that does not dry out. It is resistant to moisture. Furniture made of MDF will suit even those suffering from chronic allergies. But systematic or very long contact with water should be avoided, if only because it leads to swelling.

A soft filler plays an equally important role.

But also traditional foam rubber It should not be discounted. The latest versions of this material fully comply with current standards. There are both hard and lightweight types of foam. Sometimes it is even molded.

Often there are designs with holofiber. Due to the unique microscopic structure (spatial spiral), this material perfectly retains its shape and quickly restores it as needed.

And also sofas can stuff:

• synthetic winterizer;
• Durafil;
• skyron.

The conversation about the style of sofas is special, not the same as in general with respect to the interior or even to other furniture. There are specific styles that are not used anywhere else.

English style always means the use of rounded armrests. Such a solution looks appropriate not only in English, but also in a neoclassical room. But if you choose a perfect classic in the interior, you need to pay attention to other solutions. English sofas are predominantly covered in plain upholstery.

Convertibles the shape just resembles a car body of the same type. Often they are used in a post-modern setting, in the styles of fusion, lounge. Allowed to use in other glamorous interiors. Users will have to choose between simple solid colors and the use of large ornaments, eye-catching patterns.

In some antique-furnished rooms it is appropriate to use sofas Chesterfield style. Both the back and the armrests are rounded off.The legs are made strictly of wood, and not only are not masked - they turn into an expressive external element.

Sheathing allowed:

• velvet
• natural skin;
• flock;
• velor;
• skin substitute.

Camelback speaks for itself: its back is like the back of a camel. Typically, such furniture is covered with velvet, velor or flock upholstery. It will look good in small urban apartments with an aristocratic style in the interior. Camelbacks in the Scandinavian style and in reproducing the spirit of the 1960s are appropriate.

In the USA and Europe it is very popular lawson. Despite the active changes made by developers and designers in each company, it is easily recognizable. Such sofas harmoniously enter not only into the American, but also into the minimalist and Asian interiors.

If the room is furnished in the spirit of Scandinavia, the most logical source of fresh ideas will be the assortment of the IKEA store. Sometimes, however, you just have to buy a finished product there and not suffer from the torment of search.

Chinese style The sofas are outwardly concise and simple. It is even amazing how it is possible to maintain such a delicate balance of functionality and sophistication.

Specific traits:

• low height;
• mainly the absence of legs;
• hard fillers;
• plain color upholstery.

You can also think of other styles:

• Provence
• nautical;
• American;
• Empire.

For a terrace, where the whole family and even guests often gather, it is worth giving preference to large corner furniture. An alternative is a non-folding sofa with pillows, a high back and a wide seat. If you need to furnish the house, you can opt for folding models with the most common transformation mechanisms.

It is these decisions that have proven themselves from the best side.

Picking up sofa in the bath, as well as the kitchen, special attention should be paid to models with waterproof upholstery. Equally important is the ease of care. The more natural the upholstery, the better and safer. It is very good if hydrophobic impregnation will be used.

When choose a sofa in a country style room (and its branches of Provence), we must abandon the models with upholstery. They are decorated with pillows or special blocks. Open wood looks impressive and pleasant. It is advisable to use oak, nut, cherry massif. Sometimes mahogany is also used.

Country sofas country-style painted brighter than designed for the city. They actively use fringe and ruffles, small pads. If you don’t like monophonic solutions, you can use checkered and floral motifs. It is necessary to understand what is the allowable load on the surface.

A good frame is one that does not creak or stagger. No sounds should be heard when landing. And also pay attention to:

• manufacturer's reputation;
• Feedback
• upholstery quality;
• clarity of the picture;
• build quality.

Elegant sofa in a traditional style. Moreover, carved elements accentuate the retro spirit as clearly as possible. The predominant dark colors are well balanced. Pillows do not make a bad impression. In general, the interior is also built on the basis of wood colors.

Low-key light brown straight sofa looks very good. An optimal balance is ensured between its coloring and the coloring of pillows and upholstery. Clear and straight lines are perceived gracefully. Compatibility with classical components (paintings, lamps and plants) is close to ideal. A combination of sofa and carpet deserves approval.

In the next video, watch an overview of a classic-style wooden sofa.