Despite the fact that some experts oppose the use of sofas as a permanent place to sleep, many people prefer this functional version of upholstered furniture. And if until recently our industry produced only two types of sofas, now in furniture salons there are products with a variety of transformation mechanisms. Which one is best suited for daily use - we will try to answer this question in our article, as well as review the feedback from owners of sofas of different designs.
Requirements
Let's start with what requirements a sofa should satisfy, which will be used during the day to relax or receive guests, and at night serve as a sleeping place.
First, consider what the sofa should be like, which is planned to be converted into a bed every night.
- After unfolding such a sofa the berth should be spacious enough: the optimal size of a single sofa when unfolded is from 140 cm wide, double - from 160 cm wide. Only under this condition is a normal night's sleep possible.
- For a comfortable stay, the formed sleeping surface should be smooth and without joints.
- Separate requirements for stiffness of the mattress, which should have certain orthopedic properties and not be too soft. Otherwise, problems with the spine cannot be avoided.
Secondly, there are necessary parameters of mechanisms, such as:
- ease of use after all, all the details of such a sofa have to work twice a day;
- all mechanisms should work smoothly and without jamming, it is a guarantee of reliability and durability of such a model;
- it is advisable to pay attention to the noiseless operation of the mechanism the layout of the sofa, because the creak and rattle of parts can be very annoying, or, for example, wake up children recently put to bed, and can also serve as a signal that such a sofa will not last you long.
The best transformation mechanisms for daily use
To choose the best sleeping mechanism for every day, let's look at a few basic types of sofa designs. When choosing the optimal solution, it is necessary to take into account such a moment as the presence of sufficient space in front, since a number of models are equipped with a retractable mechanism and require a lot of free space.
"Book"
The most reliable option: due to its simplicity, such a design can serve its owners for a long time. For the layout you need to raise the seat, lower it again and that's it - the bed is ready. The pluses of this model include the speed of operation and the durability of the mechanism, and the disadvantages are that you have to raise the seat, which can be quite heavy, for example, for children.
It is also worth considering the moment that on the surface for sleeping there is an unevenness that can be smoothed out by spreading a thick blanket or an additional mattress on top.
Eurobook
A very convenient version of the folding mechanism: the seat extends, the backrest lowers into the formed empty compartment. The advantages of this design can be called lightness and reliability - for example, the absence of latches that can break; the sleeping surface is very comfortable and spacious. The disadvantages are that there are joints on the spread surface.
"Pantograph"
This mechanism is mounted only on expensive sofas. Compared to the Eurobook, this is an even more convenient design., since the extension of the seat is due to its "walking" through the air, and therefore nothing prevents the movement.
"Rollout"
One of the best designs. To unfold, you need to pull the seat, which rolls forward, and then lower its upper part into the niche formed. The sleeping surface is flat, without joints.
The disadvantage is the principle of operation of this mechanism, in which the wheels roll on the floor and can scratch it or meet some difficulties along the way.
"Accordion"
The mechanism relates to rotary methods of transformation, the name fits perfectly with the principle of operation of its components. Like bellows bellows the berth easily unfolds, the bed is devoid of joints. The positive aspects of this design include ease of use, minus the same as all roll-out sofas - the possibility of damage to the floor when the seat is advanced.
"Dolphin"
Such mechanisms are often mounted on corner sofas, the principle of operation is similar to a dolphin jump: the module hidden under the long part of the seat slides forward smoothly, after which it rises up on the supports, becoming flush with the main surface of the sofa. The disadvantage of this design in its some complexity and low wear resistance due to additional parts of the mechanism.
However, the folding process itself does not cause any problems, the bed is smooth and useful for sleeping.
Puma
The process of converting a sofa into a bed is carried out with one easy movement of the hand: you need to pull the seat towards yourself, and the process starts by itself. The seat extends without scratching the floor, simply stepping in the right direction at the right distance.
Click Gag
Another improved version of the "book". The options provide the opportunity to diversify the position of the armrests and the back of the sofa. The mechanism is simple and quite convenient, but not very reliable.
Of all the above structures, the most comfortable and wear-resistant can be called "pantograph" and "puma", but because of their high price, many prefer to buy a "eurobook" and "accordion".
Despite some of their shortcomings, these designs are distinguished by durability, sufficient comfort and convenience.
What else to look for?
In addition to the transformation mechanism, parameters such as frame, filler and upholstery are of great importance.
The frame of the sofa, which is actively used every day, must be durable, made from environmentally friendly material. The metal frame is considered the most durable, but its drawback is the weight of such a product - the sofa turns out to be too heavy, and to move it from place to place or even just move it away from the wall, you need to spend considerable effort.
Sofas with a wooden frame are much less weight, moreover, hardwood species are very durable and environmentally friendly. The disadvantage of these materials is their high cost, so there is a more budget option - a frame made of chipboard. Unfortunately, such sofas do not differ in durability, in addition, experts do not recommend using this material in children's rooms because of its possible toxicity.
The filler of sofas also plays a large role for a comfortable and healthy sleep for adults and children. The most useful is the filling, consisting of independent spring blocks with orthopedic effect. Also, polyurethane foam is a good filler - it is environmentally friendly and durable, but softer in comparison with springs. Dependent spring blocks do not have an orthopedic effect and are not recommended by specialists, as well as foam, which quickly deforms.
Upholstery for sofas is very diverse. There are expensive and budget options for upholstery, the most popular of which are mixed fabrics, which include cotton and synthetic threads. Such fabrics are characterized by increased strength, they are easy to clean, there are a great many different colors, so you can easily choose the shade that will suit your taste.
Leather is a high-quality and expensive material, however, sofas made of leather and leather substitutes are not suitable for a night's sleep, so you should pay attention to this feature when buying.
Also when choosing a sofa it is worth considering its functionality, namely, what additional features does this or that model have. For example, there are sofas with various drawers in which you can arrange a bar; with shelves for books and with countertops.
When buying this important item of your interior, be sure to consult with sales assistants, try to lay out and fold your favorite model yourself to make sure that you can handle its folding mechanism. Do not forget that you should be given a guarantee on the sofa, which lasts 1.5 years from the date of purchase.
Another important factor that should be considered before making a purchase is the dimensions. Indeed, in addition to the fact that this sofa should serve as a comfortable place for a night's rest, its design should correspond to the size of your doorway.
Review Reviews
According to many users, the Eurobook is a very reliable model. This sofa is really suitable for everyday use, it can be easily folded and is very compact when folded. However, some remain unhappy with the depth of the seat that is too deep; they have to put pillows under their backs to comfortably lean back.
Many advise you to pay attention to the manufacturer of a particular sofa. It happens that for different people sofas with the same mechanism "behave" in different ways: for some they quickly fail, while for others they serve faithfully for several years.It is, for example, about such a well-known design of sofas as a dolphin. So it is better to choose products from well-known brands that have proven their high quality when buying.
Most users praise the accordion mechanism. It is especially noted that such sofas are very easy to fold out, moreover, they have a comfortable even mattress for sleeping.
Although everyone has different tastes, however, the general positive aspects that should distinguish the best sofa for everyday use will be as follows:
- simple folding mechanism ("eurobook", "click-gag");
- ease of use ("dolphin", "cougar");
- good mattress ("roll-out", "accordion", "dolphin").
About which sofa transformation mechanism is better to choose, see the next video.