Transforming sofas for a small apartment: an overview of models and a choice

The size of a small apartment determines what its interior will be like. Currently, various types of furniture have been developed that are ideal for small-sized apartments - this is the so-called transformer furniture. In our article, we will review the models of transforming sofas and reflect on the topic of what parameters should be considered when choosing a sofa bed suitable for a small-sized apartment.

The task of the sofa-transformer is to make the room cozy, comfortable and aesthetically attractive at the same time. Such furniture fits equally well in the living room, which in a studio apartment is also a bedroom, a nursery (various models have been developed for children's rooms, such as a sofa bed, including a bunk bed, which is especially important if the family has two children, a sofa wardrobe and a sofa table) and even a kitchen. These items of upholstered furniture, depending on the purpose, vary both in design and in size.

The advantages of transformer furniture are quite obvious:

• she is able to create a functional modern space, maximally freeing a small room from unnecessary things;
• ideal for a small apartment;
• thanks to the ability to transform and the latest design, with one movement of the hand it turns into a place for a full night's rest;
• due to the presence in many models of a box for storing things it can also serve as a chest of drawers;
• such a purchase allows you to save the family budget for the purchase of any additional necessary interior items;
• Using various modules, owners of small apartments have the opportunity to change the interior of the room in literally seconds.

The disadvantage of such furniture is that Some cheap models may not be very durable and cause inconvenience when folding.

If we talk about the form, a sofa-transformer can be:

• Straight - sleeping or seats are located along one line. This is the most widespread variety, it is very compact and perfect for any type of room.

• Angular - This model is very comfortable, it gives the interior a special modern style. The width of the bed is greater than that of a direct sofa, but also requires more free space for folding.

• Modular - Includes elements that can be arranged in any order their owners like. This is a great way to diversify the interior of the room depending on your preferences and needs. You can rearrange individual modules, forming a comfortable area for relaxation or communication, as well as for children’s relaxing games.

For a small apartment, the functionality of furniture is especially important. Transformers sofas are currently available:

• turning into a bunk bed at night;
• with the help of a lifting mechanism, taking the form of a cabinet or a folding mini-office;
• in a teenager’s room, such a sofa can also serve as a table.

• Manual - It is installed on the simplest and cheapest, but outdated models. In order to convert such a sofa into a sleeping place, it is necessary to apply a lot of physical strength, therefore it is undesirable to buy furniture with such a mechanism for placement in a children's room.

• Spring loaded - for folding it is required to apply a minimum amount of effort. However, the springs fail over time, so this option is not very durable, in addition, the price of such furniture is quite high.

• Roll-out - a fairly reliable mechanism; when unfolding, the berth moves out from under the seat, forming a spacious and comfortable bed.

• Lifting, or piston - such a mechanism helps to raise and hold a wide berth, preventing it from folding or falling. Access to the box for storing things, located under the surface of the seat; no effort is required to lower the bed back. This is one of the most modern designs.

Here are a few examples of transforming sofas equipped with one or another transformation mechanism.

• "Book" - This is the most ancient folding model of a direct sofa, which is very popular to this day. Due to the simplicity of design, “books” are quite reliable, especially if their frame, filler and upholstery are made of high-quality modern materials.

• Click Gag - A modified version of the “book” with folding armrests and side parts of the back, which can occupy an intermediate position of “reclining”.

• Eurobook - A very reliable and popular model of a sofa-transformer, ideally combining the parameters “quality - price”. Its design does not provide any latches, so this model is considered reliable and comfortable. To transform into a bed, the seat is pulled forward, the back is lowered into the formed niche - a spacious soft bed is obtained.

• Tick-tock or Pantograph - An improved model of the Eurobook, characterized in that during folding the seat does not ride on the floor, often scratching linoleum or laminate, but makes a “walking” movement - and a comfortable bed is in front of you.

• Dolphin - A popular transformation mechanism, usually mounted on corner models. It differs in convenience and ease of folding, as well as a fairly good wear resistance of parts. Like a dolphin jumping out of the sea, the front of the seat drives forward, after which it “emerges” to the surface of the sofa, forming a comfortable flat bed.

• Puma - Just like a pantograph, this mechanism pushes the front of the seat through the air, avoiding scratching the floor. The mechanism operates smoothly and silently, usually it is installed on expensive models.

• "Accordion" - Another popular model of the roll-out transformation mechanism, the seat is pulled forward, folding out like bellows of an accordion. A flat, without joints, sleeping surface is formed.

Before choosing this or that model, it is recommended to make careful measurements of the room.

The width of the transforming sofa, depending on the model, can be from 115 to 180 cm, although if you plan to purchase a mini-sofa for a child, its width can be only 100 cm.

When choosing a sofa bed, you need to pay attention to the materials from which it is made. Ideally, these materials should be of high quality, distinguished by durability and environmental friendliness.

The best materials for the frame are wood or metal. Such frames are durable and reliable.

Particleboard - the cheapest and least durable and environmentally friendly of all materials, however, if financial opportunities do not allow you to purchase a sofa with a wood frame, you can stop at this option.

A lot also depends on the filler. The best filler for sofa mattresses are independent spring blocks. Such mattresses have excellent orthopedic properties, which will help prevent various diseases of the spine.

A good filler is foamed polyurethane foam, but due to its increased elasticity, sleeping on such a sofa may not be too comfortable.

Foam rubber and synthetic winterizer are the worst fillers for sofas, but the cheapest possible. They quickly deform and can also be quite toxic.

When choosing a model for a small room, you should pay attention to the design of the transformation mechanism. After all, withdrawable varieties require the presence of free space in front of them.

Children's mini sofas should be without hard and sharp corners, have a reliable mechanism, eliminating the possibility of harming the baby, in addition, the berth must meet medical standards, and the upholstery material must be able to withstand a child’s restless nature.

Let's look at examples of placement of transforming sofas in the interior of various rooms.

• Transforming sofa for the kitchen corner

• Sofa for children transforming into a bunk bed

• A convertible wall bed in combination with a modular sofa will save space in a small living room

• 3-in-1 convertible sofa (sofa bed plus wardrobe) in a small apartment

An overview of the mechanism of the sofa-transformer see below.