Direct sofas: types, sizes and selection rules

A sofa is an important piece of furniture in the interior of each apartment. Convenient, practical and comfortable, it can be used as a seat for households and guests or become a comfortable sleeping place. Direct models are especially popular among buyers. Compact, dimensional, in neutral colors or bright, “screaming” - there are solutions for any room and interior. We will figure out what advantages and disadvantages this furniture has, what types of manufacturers offer, and how to choose the best option.

Before buying a direct sofa, you need to study in detail its features. The advantages of such models include a large assortment. There are miniature options for small rooms, solid ones for spacious rooms or small colorful ones for arranging a children's bedroom. The price range is also wide: both inexpensive products for people with a limited budget and expensive classic furniture made from natural materials are on sale.

Most modern models have roomy drawers, compartments or shelves. They can store bedding or textiles. This makes using the sofa more comfortable. Models with a direct configuration can be located in the living room, bedroom, in the hall or in the kitchen. Properly selected in color and style furniture will fit into any interior.

There are some drawbacks to direct sofas.For example, the disadvantages include the bulkiness of the design of some overall models. It will not be easy to transport them, to bring them into the porch and into the apartment. Another drawback is the unreliability of some transformation mechanisms (provided for folding solutions).

Direct sofas are classified according to several criteria. They are divided into 2 large groups.

1. Stationary They are not equipped with a transformation mechanism, due to which they cannot be decomposed. Such solutions are ideal for placement in an elongated room, since they have small depth indicators. Stationary models with a high back are inexpensive, durable and reliable, but sleeping on them is uncomfortable.
2. Folding (transformers). These products have a transformation mechanism, so they are able to "turn" into a full sleeper. Transforming sofas are often bought for arranging small bedrooms, in which, due to the small area, it is not possible to install a full double bed. Products with a berth can have various fillers, but furniture with orthopedic effect is of particular value.

Linear sofas come with or without armrests. Such structural elements may be soft or rigid.

You can rely on hard elements. Direct sofas can have a soft padded stool in the kit, providing greater comfort while relaxing.

Sliding sofas with a direct configuration can be equipped with one or another transforming mechanism. All of them have their own characteristics. When choosing a folding mechanism, several important parameters should be taken into account - the intensity of use of a berth and the free quadrature of the room. Consider the most popular mechanisms.

• "Book". One of the easiest and most reliable variations of the transformation. To get a berth, you should raise the seat up until it clicks, while the back will lower horizontally. Next, you need to return the seat to its original position. Sofas with this mechanism do not take up much space in the bedroom. The furniture has several compartments for storing things or bedding. The mechanism itself withstands intense loads, while it is difficult to break.

• "Elf". One of the simplest systems. To get a berth, just lower the armrests. The advantages of such sofas include their compactness, orthopedic surface, provided capacious storage compartments. A minus is the possibility of obtaining a berth of small size.

• "Tango". An improved version of the "book" mechanism. In another way it is called "click-gag." Unlike the “book”, the “tango” models can be fixed not in 2, but in 3 positions - sitting, lying and reclining. The principle of operation of these two mechanisms is similar. The advantages of the click-gag mechanism include the ability to fix furniture at an angle, simplicity, reliability and durability. Among the shortcomings, the impossibility of installing the sofa close to the wall is noted. Transformation will require efforts, which is also considered a minus.

• Eurobook. To transform the seat, you need to push it forward (some models are equipped with special rollers), resulting in an empty space that has the same dimensions as the back. The back falls into the resulting “niche” - the berth is ready. Models with such a mechanism are able to form a spacious place for a night's rest. They are durable and reliable, making them ideal for daily transformation.

• "Pantograph". According to the principle of operation, this mechanism is similar to the “Eurobook”. For transformation it is necessary to pull up a seat slightly, and then forward. In the formed space the back falls. The advantages of sofas with the pantograph mechanism include the possibility of forming a spacious berth, easy transformation (a child can decompose the product), the presence of a compartment for storing things. Disadvantages - large seat dimensions, higher price for sofas due to the complex transforming mechanism.

• "Accordion". The decomposition of the sofa is carried out similarly to the movement of bellows of the accordion. When assembled, the product is compact, but during transformation it is able to form a two- or three-sleeping place. Please note that for decomposition of furniture you will need at least 1.5 meters of free space. The disadvantages of the "accordion" are the application of considerable efforts for transformation, as well as the risks of damage to the floor when moving the structural support parts.

• "Rollout". For transformation, the seat should be rolled out and then its upper part folded down. Sofas equipped with this mechanism are compact in the assembled position, but upon decomposition they form a spacious surface. The disadvantages include the risks of damage to the floor cladding when rolling out the seat and the low height of the bed.

• "French clamshell." The mechanism provides for laying the sleeping place with an accordion under the seat. For transformation, the front of the sofa is pulled out, after which 3 sections are laid out in sequential order. Products with such a mechanism are compact, and upon decomposition form a spacious and comfortable sleeping surface. The disadvantages include the fragility of the mechanism, the absence of boxes, thin mattresses.

• "American clamshell." To convert a sofa into a bed, you need to raise the seat, after which 3 additional sections will be opened one by one. This transforming system is easy to use and reliable. The only drawback is that the berth is not very comfortable due to the large seams formed when the sections are connected. They can be “felt” during sleep and cause discomfort to the resting person.

• "Dolphin". This mechanism is often equipped with structures with both direct and angular configurations. For transformation, it is necessary to roll out the lower part of the sofa, then pull out a pillow from it (handles or loops are provided for this purpose). The mechanism is simple, transformation occurs without the application of effort. With intensive use, there are great risks of a quick system failure. If you use a berth often, the sofa will last no more than 5 years.

A variety of materials are used for the carcass, stuffing and cladding. All of them have different durability, properties, operational and technical characteristics. Consider the materials used by manufacturers in more detail.

This is the basis of the whole structure. From the frame directly depends on what maximum load the sofa can withstand. The most unreliable is considered the basis of chipboard. Most often, this material is used to make budget furniture. Under severe stress or during sleep, such a base may break, which will require replacement of the product. Furniture with a frame made of natural wood is considered more reliable and durable. It can be birch, oak, beech, pine or spruce.

Previously, foam was used as the filler in most products. This stuff is cheap but short-lived. It quickly "pushes through" and becomes worthless. Now foam rubber is used in the manufacture of budget sofas. Such products are inexpensive, but with intensive use they will soon need to be replaced.

The following materials are also used as filler:

• synthetic winterizer - artificial filler, characterized by low cost and good performance;
• holofiber - hypoallergenic material with a long service life;
• spring block - The most practical filler with optimal softness.

The appearance of the product, its service life and performance will depend on this material. Upholstery should “give” pleasant tactile sensations, be hypoallergenic, easy to care for and breathable.

Modern manufacturers offer an extensive selection of upholstery materials.

• Micro Velor It is soft upholstery, pleasant to the touch. It is resistant to wear and tear and does not accumulate static electricity. The material is hypoallergenic, due to which it is often used in the manufacture of children's furniture items.

• Flock. This material is highly durable. He is able to withstand mechanical stresses, so he is recommended to give preference when choosing furniture to a family with animals. Flock is easy to clean and maintains its presentability for a long time. Its only drawback is the ability to absorb odors. Due to this feature, products with flock upholstery are not recommended for placement in the kitchen.

• Jacquard. Strong, durable and wear-resistant material. This fabric is impregnated with specialized compounds so that it “repels” various impurities. Jacquard belongs to the group of expensive upholstery.

• Shenill. This material is made from natural and artificial raw materials. It is easy to care for, quick and easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing.

• Faux suede. This is a synthetic material with a heterogeneous color. Faux suede sofas are able to store static electricity. They “attract” dirt and dust, are “afraid” of moisture. The advantages of the material include resistance to deformation, color retention when exposed to UV rays, excellent air permeability.

• Microfiber. Externally, this material is similar to faux suede. Due to Teflon coating this upholstery “repels” dust, various impurities and moisture. Furniture with microfiber lining is not recommended for buying in apartments with animals.

Popular types of upholstery also include scotchguard, arpatek, tapestry, artificial and genuine leather. The last solution is the most reliable, practical and expensive. Genuine leather is used in the manufacture of luxury classic furniture. This upholstery looks stylish, it is resistant to mechanical stress, easy to clean. The disadvantages include a meager selection of colors, damage from fire.

If you like how the leather looks, but there is no financial opportunity to purchase furniture with natural upholstery, you should pay attention for eco-leather or leatherette solutions. These materials do not absorb odors, moisture. They are soft, easy to care for.

When buying a direct sofa, it is necessary to take into account 2 parameters of its dimensions - in the folded and unfolded position. Products can have various sizes. Imagine the dimensions of popular models:

• width varies from 90 to 220 cm;
• popular lengths from 150 to 230 cm (longer models with 4 meters in length are also on sale);
• height varies in the range from 50 to 150 cm;
• seat depth from 50 to 90 cm.

These are averaged values.Manufacturers also offer custom sizes for sofas. Depending on the model, their length can reach 2350, 2400, 2500, 3200 mm.

There are also several categories of sofas that differ in size.

• "Baby." Due to its compact size, it is suitable for rooms that are excessively small in area. The length of these options starts at 120 cm in length and 60 cm in width.

• "One and a half" or children's sofas. The length of such products starts from 90 cm (maximum 200 cm). The popular size is 170x90 cm (for models with the possibility of forward layout).

• Double solutions. The most popular options. Products are suitable for use in apartments and houses, as well as in offices. Standard dimensions 1700 mm in length, width 1000 mm. Most models are 250, 260 and 270 cm long.

• Triple models. These are dimensional and spacious sofas, which during transformation form a spacious berth. Solutions with dimensions of 2600 by 1100 mm, 2700x900 mm, 2000x2000 mm are in demand.

• Large four-seater sofas. The length of such products can be from 4 to 5 meters.

When choosing dimensions should take into account the area of ​​the room, the required number of seats and the height of the person, which will use it as a sleeping place (for transformer models).

The market for upholstered furniture abounds with a huge number of sofas with upholstery in various colors. Classic white sofas remain in fashion. Such solutions contribute to the "refreshment" of the interior and the visual expansion of space in small rooms. Gentle and popular colors include beige and pastel colors. Unlike white furniture, such products will be less easily soiled.

For instance, The highlight of the interior will be furniture in purple, red, orange, green, burgundy tones. Products with "flashy" colors are not recommended to be placed in rooms with a bright design. Sofas can be black. This is a classic that will never go out of style. Such furnishings are suitable for spacious rooms, but in small rooms they will not look appropriate. Products with black upholstery fit perfectly into the formal and business setting.

Designers have more than 50 basic styles in which direct sofas are made. Consider the most popular:

• high tech - characterized by simple geometric shapes, monophonic "calm" colors;

• loft - this style is characterized by bright colors, the use of seemingly incompatible materials (plastic, metal, genuine leather);

• eco - involves the use of natural materials, sofas in this style are simple, do not have decor;

• retro - sofas in this style are distinguished by streamlined shapes, the presence of wooden or chrome legs is mandatory;

• classic - furniture in the classical style is decorated with hand-carved, gilded, decorative overlays;

• baroque - this style is characterized by complex figures, carved legs (often there are supports in the form of animal paws), wooden backs decorated with carvings.

Among the popular styles are also noted Empire, Italian, country, oriental and others.

The sofa is bought for more than one year, so you should carefully consider his choice. There are some tips that you should consider before purchasing furniture.

• Dimensions. In order not to make a mistake with the dimensions, it is important to first make measurements in the room where the sofa is supposed to be installed. For small rooms, it is best to look at compact models in bright colors.
• Quality. Reliable and durable products are made of durable materials (this applies to the frame and upholstery). Even seams, the absence of external defects, and the smooth operation of the transformation system will also tell about the high quality of furniture.
• Functionality. If you need extra bed for sleeping, models with the possibility of folding out are purchased. For a one-room apartment, a good choice would be solutions with a “book”, “eurobook” or “click-gag” transformation system.
• Additional storage compartments. They will become indispensable if the apartment does not have enough space for bedding.
• Design. The sofa should be in harmony with the interior and other furniture available in the style of execution and color palette.

In this room difficult conditions are often observed - high humidity, temperature changes. In addition, upholstery “risks” being stained with food or inadvertently spilled drinks. Therefore, for the kitchen, it is worth choosing furniture with upholstery that does not absorb odors and is easily amenable to wet cleaning. The ideal solution for the kitchen will be the purchase of a leather sofa or with a surface of artificial leather.

It is not difficult to find a place for a direct sofa in the house - there would be free space. If we talk about the kitchen, then this furniture should be located in the dining area. A soft sofa will add comfort and create an atmosphere of comfort.

If the installation of the sofa is planned in the bedroomIt is recommended to place it near the wall. This arrangement will help to maintain useful free space in the room.

In spacious living rooms, sofas are placed in the center of the room or next to one of the walls. The first option involves the use of furniture with a presentable back. Otherwise, the island installation will be inappropriate. When placing furniture It is important to consider the location of the TV (it is best that the screen is opposite the sofa).

Imagine a small photo gallery with images, which depicts the successful placement of direct sofas in various interior styles.

• The room is decorated in a classic style. The central place belongs to an elite sofa of light colors with pillows.

• The example shows how you can use a compact straight sofa in a minimalist style.

• Thus, you can zoning the space in the living room.

• The example illustrates how to correctly set the dining area in the kitchen using a soft sofa.

The sofa sets the tone for the entire interior. If you choose a high-quality model and properly care for it, the furniture will last for many years, while maintaining functionality and aesthetics.

See the following video for tips on choosing sofas and an overview of models.