How to choose a sofa with a clamshell mechanism?

Sofas with a clamshell mechanism are popular among the population. Stable consumer demand for such models is due to the ease of transformation, reasonable cost and ease of use.

Outwardly, “folding bed” sofas look quite respectable. They are equipped with voluminous pillows and armrests, are available in various design options. The transformer structure is reliably hidden from view under the seat, which in some varieties is also part of the frame. Clamshells have stable consumer demand, which is due to a number of positive properties of these convenient and practical models.

• Huge assortment with a wide variety of shapes, colors and designs, it allows you to choose a product for any interior, and a wide price range makes it possible to purchase a sofa at a comfortable cost. As for the form, “folding beds” are made both in the traditional direct version and in the corner.
• Due to the fact that the transformation mechanism is pushed forward, the width of such sofas is not too large. This makes them very popular among owners of small rooms in which the installation of full-sized samples is problematic.
• Most models are not expensive which makes it possible for a reasonable price to get a guest berth, as well as a comfortable sofa for daytime relaxation.
• Some types of "folding beds" are transformed into a spacious double bed that can replace the bed. Moreover, many of them, equipped with reinforced modules, are designed to install orthopedic spring mattresses that can withstand up to 200 kg.
• When unfolding a berth, the sofa body remains in place and does not move relative to the wall (unlike, for example, a sofa-book). This allows the floor to remain intact and attractive for a long time. However, despite the fact that folding and unfolding such sofas is quite easy, small children are not recommended to trust such work. This is due to the fact that the movable joints of the “cots” are vulnerable to lateral loads, and inept handling can lead to damage to the mechanism.

Despite the obvious advantages, “folding beds” sofas still have disadvantages. These include the absence of a box for linen inside the case, which is occupied by folding modules of the transformation mechanism, as well as a short berth, which rarely exceeds 185 cm. Given the dimensions of standard pillows, we can conclude that such models of sofas are not suitable for tall people. Moreover, many varieties of "folding beds" are not intended for the organization of a permanent bed and can be operated as a guest option.

It should also be noted that far from all models are able to be used in combination with spring orthopedic mattresses - some of them are designed to accommodate thin (up to 6 cm) foam or polyurethane samples.

Another disadvantage of folding beds is the fact that in the unfolded state, the legs on which the frame of the berth rests, under the influence of a weight load, push the carpet through, leaving ugly prints on it. Accepted pile spoils the appearance of the floor covering and requires constant combing.

However, the main disadvantage of many “folding beds” sofas is their creakiness, caused by the friction of the metal parts of the structure with each other. In addition, budget models, the base of which is made of awning, very quickly stretch from the effects of weight load and begin to sag. However, for the sake of justice, it should be noted that the considered cons are more inherent in one of the varieties of such sofas - the “French folding bed”. Other types are considered quite reliable designs and can compete on equal terms with other transforming mechanisms, as well as with double beds.

Clamshell sofas are “French”, “American” (“Belgian”) and “Italian”. All of them have different operational qualities and differ from each other in design and service life.

Sofas of this type are quite cheap and are in high demand among consumers. The transformation mechanism in such models is made of a metal frame and includes 3 series-connected frames, which are completely hidden under the seat when folded. In their design, “French folding beds” are of three types - tent, tent-lat and welded.

• First variety outwardly resembles a folding bed of the Soviet times and consists of an aluminum, less often steel frame, on which an awning is mounted using springs. This species belongs to the category of the most budget and is intended for rare use. If you lay out such a sofa daily, then the awning will quickly stretch and sag, which makes sleeping on it uncomfortable. Awning models are designed for weight up to 120 kg.

• The second type of “French folding beds” consists of a frame, wooden lamellas (lat) and an awning designed for a more even distribution of weight. Such models are much stronger than awning, but for permanent use they are also not suitable. But as a guest option, tent-latte models are the best option, allowing you to quickly organize a spacious berth. Despite the reinforced design, such models are designed for thin foam or polyurethane mattresses with a thickness of 6 to 10 cm, and are not used with spring models. This is another good reason why tent-lattice constructions are not suitable for daily use. The carrying capacity of such samples does not exceed 150 kg.

• The third type of “French folding beds” is equipped with a folding mechanism consisting of a frame and a welded mesh. These structures are considered very durable, can be used with orthopedic mattresses up to 18 cm thick. They are well suited for daily use as a permanent sleeping place and can replace a bed.

This type of folding mechanism, called sedaflex, also folds forward, consists of two series-connected parts and is equipped with a thicker mattress. Compared to the “French” view, the “American” one is much stronger and can be used as a permanent sleeping place. Mattresses can have not only foam, but also spring design, and the length of the place for sleeping can reach 200 cm.

In many models, pillows are securely fixed to the frame and unfold with it. The frame itself consists of a metal frame, the head and the middle part of which are equipped with bent glued armor, and the foot - with elastic straps. The "American clamshells" are much deeper than the "French" ones, which is why they require more space for installation. The average distance from the wall to the front edge of the sofa seat is 100-110 cm, while the depth of the seat is at least 82 cm.

This type of transformation is, in fact, the same “American folding bed”, consists of two modules and assumes the presence of a thick mattress up to 14 cm high. Unlike the “French” version such models are well suited for daily use and have a fairly sturdy construction. In order to spread out the sofa, just pull on a special loop - and the design obediently steps forward.

Such models are a reinforced structure and are designed for long-term daily use. They, like the "American" look, are double folding however, according to the folding method, they are unlike any other type of “folding beds”. In the process of unfolding, the back of the sofa is first laid on the seat, and then with it turns over and is installed on the supporting legs. Thus, it is under the seat, which is decomposed into 2 parts, rises on springs and levers, forming a rather high and spacious berth.

For such an unusual transformation mechanism, these models received the unofficial name of “Italian Changeling”. Sofas with such a mechanism are the most expensive among the "folding beds", but despite the high cost, they are in high demand. The height of the mattress in such samples reaches 15 cm, and the length of the berth is not less than 200 cm.

Sofas with a folding bed transformation mechanism are laid forward, and therefore not very wide. Most of the samples have a width of 140 to 160 cm, which allows you to create a full sleeping bed, not at all inferior in size to spacious double beds. Often there are also mini-sofas with a width of 120 to 130 cm. They are very convenient for rooms of a small area, such as kitchens and children's rooms.Most of the time, such models are used as seats, and in rare cases they can be laid out for guests.

Regarding the length of the sofas, one can say the following: most of them in the unfolded form reaches 180-187 cm, which is quite enough to accommodate people of average height. Too tall a person over 190 cm tall, sleeping on a cot, regardless of its type, will be problematic. And also it is necessary to note non-standard models of imported (mainly Italian) production, the length of which in the unfolded state does not exceed 160 cm.

When choosing a sofa with a folding bed transformation mechanism, it is necessary to start from the purpose for which and in which room this model is purchased. If you plan to sleep on it every day, then you should purchase the "American" or "Italian" options. The purchase of "French" is allowed only on the basis of a welded mesh. The first two varieties are already equipped with a thick comfortable mattress, and the third one can be used with a double orthopedic mattress up to 18 cm thick.

In the role of the guest option, the “French” model, equipped with a light tent or tent-latte clamshell mechanism, is quite suitable.

Another important selection criterion is the carrying capacity of the sofa. It should be borne in mind that "American" and "Italian" options, as well as "French" models equipped with a base in the form of a welded mesh, can withstand a weight load of 200 kg. And you should also take into account the height of the person who will use the sofa as a place to sleep: if his height exceeds 185 cm, then you should exclusively buy the "Italian folding bed".

Sofas with a folding bed transformation mechanism are produced in a wide variety of colors and shapes, which allows you to purchase a product for any room design. With the right choice, such a sofa will serve not only as a place to relax, but also as a harmonious complement to the interior, and in some cases will become its central element:

• "French folding bed" in the interior of the bedroom.

• a sofa with an "Italian" mechanism - stylish and functional;

• The "American" model will not only decorate the living room, but also replace a full bed;

• a folding sofa couch will be an excellent option for a kitchen or a small room;

• effective leather "folding bed" in a modern interior.

About how the mechanism of the sofa "French folding bed" is displayed, see the next video.