A sofa is something even the most undemanding people cannot do without. But the main difference between them is not even in design, but in how this furniture is arranged inside. In other words, in transformation mechanisms, on which it depends, whether they will curse a particular model or admire it.
Types of folding mechanisms, their pros and cons
There are a lot of options for mechanisms for folding upholstered furniture. They may be folding, retractable, rotary. We will analyze these modifications in more detail.
Folding
Book type sofa can be laid out in 2 main provisions. In one of them it is used during the day, and in the other it turns into a finished sleeping place. To turn the "book" into the sleeping area, you need to move the back back.
It must be understood that there should be a lot of free space to the nearest objects, otherwise the back will not be able to take the right position.
Layout provide wooden or metal frames. Traditionally, spring blocks are placed on these frames. In some modern designs, they are replaced with latex or foam rubber. But the spring solution is still the best option. It lasts longer and increases the comfort of this type of furniture.
Modifications of the “book” became such mechanisms of transformation of sofas as “Click-gag” and “Tango”. Experts even believe that these are completely identical designs, simply promoted by different manufacturers.
The peculiarity is that the back during folding can occupy intermediate positions.
It is impossible to achieve the same when using a simple “book”.
In the folding category fall and american clamshell. In a number of catalogs and promotional materials they are called the sonorous word Sedaflex. The berth here is divided into 2 clear sections. To lay out a sofa with such a mechanism, all pillows are previously removed from it. Two sections are laid out alternately, since it is technically impossible to move them “in one go”.
An important type of folding mechanism is "Accordion". Typically, a container for placing bedding is located in a niche hiding under the sofa. This solution is durable and can be used for several years in a row. The Accordion is transformed easily and without significant problems.
But since everything will move forward, you will have to devote a lot of space for transformation.
An alternative is the Pantograph. He is in other classifications referred to as the tick-to-tack mechanism. In this embodiment, the transformation is similar to the "Eurobook". However, withdrawable rollers are missing. As practice shows, it is quite realistic to push the sofa with the “walking” mechanism without them, and not even too difficult. The seat is simply pulled up, holding it in the middle.
A nice replacement could be Puma. This is an original and quite comfortable performance. When a sofa with such a mechanism is laid out, part of it moves forward and is placed on special supports. The rest of the sofa is put in the vacated space.
This design is designed for daily use.
The folding mechanism is also quite in demand. type "Saber". It can be decomposed, either fully or partially. In addition to the linen box, the advantage of such a solution will be a high berth. Different saber variants imply the allocation of two or three sections. The procedure is relatively simple:
- rolling out the seat;
- leaning back forward;
- lowering the auxiliary shelf.
For sliding sofas it is still periodically applied "Butterfly". Such a solution takes up relatively little space. And despite this, a full berth is provided. In addition, “butterflies” add a sense of attractiveness to the room.
Given the different designs, they can be used in:
- Offices
- rooms for children;
- guest areas.
Withdrawable
Another possible modification is Eurobook. Such a mechanism involves the division of the sofa into a frame and two auxiliary units. The seat extends, and the back after it is advanced is put forward on the vacated seat. The Eurobook sometimes has armrests. But it’s quite easy to buy a model where they are not at all.
Rollout is also popular "Dolphin". The description of working with such a device is quite simple. First, the section is rolled out, hiding in the normal state under the seat. Then they pull a special pen on themselves - and everything is completely ready.
The maximum load on such a sofa will be 200 kg.
Well worth a closer look at To the telescope. It is opened by pulling the lower element onto itself. The sections will move one after another, and they will sequentially stand on their legs. The height of the sleeping area will be quite large, and the mechanism itself is quite reliable. You can use it regularly, it is worth noting the linen box.
However, “telescopes” turn out to be very heavy, and it does not work to lighten them without giving up the advantages of such a system.
Sofa format mechanism "Venice" pretty close to Dolphin. Preparing for bed includes the extension to the stop of the section that is under the seat. Immediately after this, the pillow inside will go into the freed niche. Using such furniture is quite simple and convenient.
"Venice" can be used both in direct and in corner models, which do not take up much space.
Swivel
The layout mechanism with rotation does little to change the design of the sofa itself. The peculiarity is only that the length of the mattress for all rotary structures will be the same. But the traditional withdrawable and sliding methods allow us to diversify this value. A typical reversal mechanism used in furniture works on the principle of scissors. They even call him that - "Scissors".
Such a solution allows you to quickly organize a berth to your liking. A sofa with a swivel mechanism is displayed in a matter of seconds.
This decision is also supported by the fact that there will be no bumps or bumps on the surface.
Many manufacturers are trying to complement the furniture with a swivel mechanism drawers for storing linen. When it is laid out, the individual sections may look like pedestals.
A good example of a swivel folding and unfolding sofa bed is french clamshell. Before using it, all the pillows from the seat will have to be removed. The layout process takes 3 main stages. Italian clamshell (she is Othello) It will be much more expensive, but at the same time it is also more reliable. It is not necessary to remove the pillows to open the structure.
The advantage of any turning solutions can be considered:
- simplicity (no need to delve into the nuances of more complex systems);
- lack of need to make a sofa daily, to fold a bed;
- an even and soft platform without any separation (this is how it will turn completely);
- the comparative cheapness of the mechanism (this is characteristic even for the latest imported samples);
- the ability to use on a scratch-sensitive floor;
- a sense of novelty (since such a solution is rarely used today);
- convenience for families in which adults work in different shifts;
- wide space (if only one will use the sofa).
And also it A great way to organize a sleeping guest place.
Given a classification of different sofa mechanisms, you can consider other modifications. Quite often, options with a lifting version are used. All variations that use lift systems are united the general collective name is “recliner”. In addition to the lifting unit itself, there are various options.
Of these, it should be mentioned first of all:
- flexible change in the position of the backs (with precise angle setting);
- stand for legs (its height is adjustable);
- smooth configuration changes;
- inner pillows.
For people with a solid budget who are trying to choose the best and most luxurious option, designers advise it is the recliner. Actually, there is only one fundamental minus for such a scheme - it is very expensive. There are several types of mechanism. They determine the complexity and basic structure. Sometimes several such devices are used at once for individual blocks, which allows several people to individually adjust their own position.
Recliners have long been recognized as the most comfortable solution to optimize a vacation spot. They ideally take into account the anatomy of specific users.
There are even electric drive designs. A high-quality electric motor allows you to change position smoothly without spending any physical effort. Such furniture is expensive, and it is impossible to use it for sleep.
Design "Aknar" pretty close to the already described "Venice". This is a telescopic mechanism divided into 3 sections. It is actively used not only in sofas, but also in chairs. Plywood flooring is placed on top of the metal block. The entire assembly is additionally reinforced with frames made of coniferous massif.
Sofa with "Aknar" is suitable for daily use. To transform it into a berth, you need to telescope apart the base of the seat. This is the central and foot section of the sleeping area.At the same time, a head restraint extends, the connection of which with the middle section is via a hinge. The foot block is complemented by Dolphin, thanks to which the height of the berth is saved at the seat level.
Conrad almost completely matches the device with a telescopic mechanism. But there is also a certain difference - a berth in this version is slightly higher. Using Conrad is more convenient. Damage to the floor is completely excluded.
Some significant disadvantages, except for purely subjective, this design does not.
A small change to Conrad turns mechanism in the "Kangaroo". The only noticeable difference is the high support height. Sleeping on the couch will be more comfortable. You just need to understand that more comfort results in a decrease in the reliability of the design. However, if the manufacturer did everything right and used good materials, this should not cause problems.
The mechanism "Caravan" involves the use of a steel frame. When it is laid out, it turns out to be as large a berth as on a large permanent bed. The layout process itself is very fast.
Some modifications can be displayed automatically.
There are no significant disadvantages of this design.
We take into account the folding side
It is important to consider when buying in which direction the sofa is laid out.
Transverse
Side sofas are most often couches. In the daytime position they are especially compact. But when night falls, a comfortable sleeping place appears. The seat is taken to the side, thereby opening the linen box. When the armrest is folded, an elongated mattress is formed. Such a product is perfect for use in the kitchen.
“Eurobook” can also be laid out sideways, and almost any other kind of sofas. A similar mechanism is also characteristic of the Elf mechanism.. The bottom line is that the side armrest is simply lowered. Then it is fixed in a comfortable position, while achieving an orthopedic effect.
Lateral movement is convenient where there is no way to free up space in front of the sofa itself.
Longitudinal
This solution is much more common. Not surprising - it is simple and convenient, does not cause any problems for users. You can equip the sofa that opens forward with a variety of mechanisms, this is a suitable option for lovers of variety. Finally, it's just the most familiar performance. There is only one minus - it is not always possible to lay out a sofa directly, sometimes it is inconvenient or even dangerous.
Features of the transformation of corner sofas
But everything just said applies to straightforward designs. Angular shape models have their own specifics. So, a corner sofa with a pull-out mechanism can be mounted directly to the wall. This option saves space and is suitable even for a modest room. Corner sofas are most often equipped Dolphin type mechanism.
This solution guarantees a flat and sturdy surface. And also corner sofas are usually equipped with the following mechanisms:
- "Accordion";
- Eurobook;
- French clamshell
- American clamshell.
Eurobook for a corner sofa fits perfectly, especially considering its increased reliability. Dolphins are convenient and comfortable. But you must understand that the carpet in this case will greatly interfere. Those If you are not going to sleep on the corner sofa constantly, you must choose the Sedaflex design.
If there are no certain preferences, you need to check how each of the listed mechanisms works - and make the final choice.
Which to choose?
To make the choice as best as possible, you must first set yourself several questions:
- how much space will be allocated for the sofa when folded and unfolded;
- how often to lay it out;
- whether a sleeping place is needed every day or for individual guests;
- how big is the load;
- Do you need a place for linen;
- what is the price bar;
- what will come first - overall reliability or cost savings.
If no special frills are required, then you need to prefer the product of the "book" system. This is a simple and reliable solution. But there is still a minus - when installing in place, you will have to slightly take the sofa away from the wall. Otherwise, it will not work.
The "book" can be used often, and this is one of the most reliable performances. However, one must understand that on such a sofa you can only lie and sit.
Works more flexibly Tango system. She is also appreciated for the ability to install the backrest in a comfortable position. Underwear box in such models is always there. The transformer has a relatively compact size. But many consumers choose another, comfortable for sleeping option - "eurobook".
There is a lot of free space on such a sofa. Niches for storing things are very large, and there are no problems where to put the bedding. However, the advantages of this design will also be its minuses. On large seats it is inconvenient for children and even many adults of short stature.
Pretty wide demanded "Dolphin" is generally good. However, such a mechanism will heavily load the sofa body. That should be made of solid wood. Otherwise, the total service life will be too short.
Frequent use of the sofa will reduce the already small resource of mechanics.
Pantographs should be chosen when it is necessary to protect the floor covering from exposure to rollers. But even this circumstance and the ease of layout are pretty overshadowed by the fact that the seat will be very wide, and this is not always comfortable.
As for the French clamshell, it is unlikely to be suitable for everyday use. This is rather a solution for those who want to arrange a landing, occasionally laid out, place.
Counting on a particularly comfortable sleep, however, is not necessary. The surface of the berth inevitably contains bumps. The overall service life is also in many cases discouraged.
Where is he more classic roll-out sofa. This solution also allows you to guarantee compactness when folded; but the berth will be located quite low. Not all people like it. Yes, and rollers rolling on the floor in such a scheme can not go anywhere.
A more attractive choice would be a stretch-like bellows musical instrument sofa "Accordion". It is relatively compact. True, the transformation of the "Accordion" requires a fairly extensive free space; putting linen inside also fails, but the piece of furniture will last a long time.
Concerning Spartak models it’s an advanced French clamshell. It differs from the original sample also in increased strength. It is possible to use a sofa with the Spartak mechanism often, even daily, if there is such a need.
A berth will be very convenient even for the most capricious and demanding people. But in this case, you will have to look for additional space for storing bedding; Spartak will not be happy with those who have nowhere to shift pillows.
If you focus only on the undoubted advantages, you get the following recommendations:
- roll-out sofas and Elves needed by those who want to buy compact furniture;
- reliability is the undisputed leader European book;
- those in need of a good, comfortable seat need to choose "Tango";
- there are no equal in space "Dolphin";
- for arranging a full-fledged berth, it is important to choose between “Eurobook”, “Tango” and roll-out performance;
- to save money as much as possible and not to lose quality will help purchase "Books";
- when you need storage space, you need to purchase a sofa with the mechanism "eurobook", "Tango" or the traditional rolling option.
The following video provides a video review of the sofa with the Tango transformation mechanism.