Legs for a sofa: features, types, selection rules

Upholstered furniture is an integral element of each residential and working premises, the purchase of which is a responsible event. Sofa is a traditional element of the interior, the choice and operation of which require special attention due to the large mass of the structure and its high cost. When choosing a sofa, most buyers pay attention to the construction, upholstery and design, often forgetting about less visible elements - legs, on which not only the appearance, but also the reliability, stability, and safety of the product depend.

On the shelves of specialized stores you can see wooden, metal, chrome, brass and plastic varieties.

Sofa legs are an important element that affects the appearance and reliability of the structure. This product is intended not only to create the necessary support, but also to ensure safe operationand roller legs allow the furniture to be made mobile and easy to move.

Quality sofa legs should have the following parameters:

• weight ratio with construction;
• the presence of anti-friction and non-abrasive coatings;
• simple and easy transformation mechanism;
• design combination with the general stylistic direction.

Innovative technologies and modern equipment have allowed manufacturers to produce various categories of furniture legs.

• Roller - supporting elements, which have the form of a wheel and are used to complete modular sofas.Advantages - increased mobility of the structure, prevention of damage to the floor covering, silent movement, resistance to heavy loads, the presence of a brake system. The following types of roller legs are distinguished:
  • by type - rotary, upright;
  • on the reference node - bearing, sleeve;
  • by type of mount.

• Decorative - elements of the sofa, which perform not only the supporting function, but also aesthetic. Advantages - a beautiful appearance, a wide range of shapes and colors.

• Metal - supporting elements that have the highest level of reliability and have chrome or anodized spraying.

• Adjustable - A universal support mechanism that allows you to correctly set furniture even on uneven surfaces. Adjustable element - screw mechanism, swivel mount. Advantages - ease of use, the presence of an aesthetic cover, affordable price range.

Technological progress and innovative technologies allowed manufacturers to make legs from different types of raw materials.

• Metal - strong and reliable raw materials from which folding and adjustable supporting structures are made according to special drawings. The materials used are chrome, copper, brass, aluminum. The highest level of durability is possessed by chrome products, which can be used for furniture in both classic and high-tech style. The most common form is the wheel.

• Wood - expensive material, products from which are characterized by a high level of decorativeness. To increase rigidity, manufacturers complement wooden structures with metal supports. Such legs are often made of oak, walnut, ash, beech, wenge, mahogany.

• Plastic - modern material from which a wide range of support elements are made. The disadvantage is a low level of strength, a tendency to the appearance of mechanical damage. Advantages - stylistic design in wood and steel.

All supporting elements for upholstered furniture are divided into categories according to the following criteria:

• preparation method;
• the form.

Depending on the method of manufacturing the legs, there are such types:

• point;
• milled;
• carved.

Point supports are made using the method of turning from blanks on a special machine. For additional imparting relief and the necessary form to the master, they use special chisels that make the lines smooth and curved. The most popular shapes are triangular, round, oval. Advantages - an affordable price range, simplicity of design and manufacture, a wide range of species (cone, drop, cylinder, ball). For maximum aesthetic visibility, the point legs must always be high.

The milled legs for sofas - wooden structures that are made on a special milling machine, which allows you to make products stylish and modern. The advantages of this technology are automatic drawing according to a given pattern, the absence of chips, mechanical damage, the most accurate processing of valuable tree species.

Carved - decorative supports that can be made either manually or by machine. A distinctive feature of carved supports is an elegant form, the presence of curls and complex ornaments, an exclusive design.

The most popular stylistic decisions in the design of sofa legs:

• cabriole - double bend;
• Empire - antique motifs;
• Victorian - a vegetative pattern, elongated shapes, symmetrical ornament, curved lines, massiveness, the presence of gilding, the use of only valuable wood species of trees.

Very popular are geometric shapes (circle, cone, oval, square, triangle), which are harmoniously combined with different stylistic directions.

The correct selection of legs for the sofa is the task of the manufacturer, which is engaged in the production of upholstered furniture. If necessary, the replacement of the support element can be carried out after the purchase of goods. The most common reasons for changing sofa legs:

• the need for height adjustment;
• increase product mobility;
• decoration for a specific stylistic direction;
• increase aesthetic indicators.

To purchase a quality product, experts recommend taking into account the following selection criteria:

• material of manufacture;
• the presence of special protective pads;
• design.

Operation and relocation of upholstered furniture is at first glance a primitive and simple process that does not require knowledge and experience, but experts recommend paying attention to important recommendations, which will help prevent damage to the flooring and breaking the legs:

• moving the sofa along with woolen carpet will facilitate the relocation process and will require the involvement of a minimum number of people;
• installing the sofa on plastic covers to prevent scratches and dents on the floor;
• the moving process can be facilitated with the help of special furniture linings.

Particular attention must be paid to replacing sofa legs in case of breakage or deformation. In order to restore the integrity of the support system, you can restore the old elements and insert them in their original place or fasten new products. If the design of the sofa allows, then you can choose the legs of a different shape, height and size.

See how to repair legs.