Transforming sofas: features and varieties

Transforming sofas are a very promising type of furniture. It saves every square millimeter of free space. But at the same time, only taking into account the main features and selecting the optimal variety allows you to really solve the problem. Let us consider in more detail the features and varieties of transforming sofas.

A convertible sofa, like any similar furniture, is an excellent solution for a small space. And it happens both in old "Khrushchev" houses, and in a number of modern new buildings. But transformers can come in handy in multi-functional rooms. True, there is no special need for such furniture for spacious housing. The only exception is when you need to arrange auxiliary beds for newcomers. A high-class transformer will look decent both in the folded and open state. Most often, a sofa is combined with a bed.

Transforming sofas can have unusual geometric shapes and custom designs. But it should be understood that they are inferior to monolithic products in the following parameters:

• increased price;
• the ability to use simultaneously in only one of the options;
• the need to spend efforts on the layout and folding;
• the likelihood of a breakdown in the built-in mechanisms (but here much already depends on the specific performance).

Relatively simple sofa bed is the best solution for a small apartment. In the daytime it is comfortable to sit on it, and at night - to lie and relax. A similar solution is optimal for studio apartments. A sofa that transforms allows you to compensate for the lack of a full bedroom. This design is very well suited for both the guest and the children's room.

One of the latest innovations in recent years is two-level sofa bed. To provide such functionality only complex composite layout mechanisms allow. Depending on the design features, the upper floor can be formed using the following elements:

• back;
• base;
• sitting part.

However, regardless of this, transformation will require a strict sequence of actions. But significant physical effort to use a two-tier sofa is not required. The designers made sure that the springs and gas lifts took over the bulk of the mechanical work. People only need the application of the initial impulse. Everything else will be done by the built-in mechanisms of folding furniture.

It is worth considering that some versions are also designed for the position of "single bed". But such an option is not always found. All manufacturers are developing mechanics for two-tier 2-in-1 sofas from scratch. There is no strict classification, as in single-tier models, here.

The three-in-one design implies the presence of not only a built-in bed, but also a cabinet, most often in the wall version. This wall should not be confused with old-fashioned solutions of the same name, which were actively released several decades ago. This is a completely different product, primarily in terms of construction quality. Important! 3 in 1 models only seem very complicated - in fact, they are already actively made not only by factories, but also by individual craftsmen in home workshops.

The typical composition of the wardrobe, sofa bed includes the following elements:

• the cabinet itself, equipped with shelves and alternative storage systems;
• facade;
• sofa block;
• a folding bed (sometimes equipped with a mattress);
• separate headboard;
• transforming mechanisms with lifting and folding functions;
• horizontally extending bed legs.

Do not, however, forget that such transforming sofas impose very high requirements on the premises where they are used. So, definitely have to level the floors to perfect condition. It will not be possible to attach such furniture to the wall from the gypsum board, even made according to all technological rules.

The facades of cabinets play a large role, since both direct perception and the general functionality of the product depend on them. In cheap models, chipboard is used for decoration. The same designs, regardless of price, are characteristic for a minimalist style.

A little more expensive are the products from MDF. The increased price is fully offset by improved practical features. Doors made on the basis of MDF can be easily adapted to any interior style. But more interesting are the plastic and glass facades, characterized by excellent design capabilities.

Models like “four in one” most often, along with a folding two-mode sofa allow you to use a table and a bench (padded stool). The result is a complete set of furniture for a small dining area. Such a product will suit the owners of studio apartments. But to talk a lot about such designs does not make sense.

They are still rare and are most often made to order. This furniture is for those who clearly understand their needs and how they should be embodied. More importantly, all versions of sofas-transformers there is no need to take away from the wall. They are either very compact, or even hide themselves inside the walls.

Modern high-tech development - modular (assembled from blocks) transforming sofas. This design promises truly unlimited design and practical possibilities. A striking example is modular transforming sofa "Tetris". To create it, a number of ottomans with soft upholstery and special holes were used.

Finished elements are assembled in a variety of designs, both direct and angular format to taste. You can also make a bed, and an armchair, and a number of other furniture options. Magazines or bookshelves are sometimes screwed to the side of ottomans. And also “Tetris” allows you to make a giant bed of 6 modules, the dimensions of the sleeping area on which are 1.5x2.25 m.

Transforming sofas, as already clear, can have a variety of types of design. But their main part is still not assembled from finished parts, but is converted using special devices. Often the folding mechanism is done using twisted spring.

For its manufacture, steel with a high carbon content is used. Similar solution easily survive even very powerful loads and withstand tens of thousands of opening and closing cycles.

Another option is gas lift. It contains a special compressed gas. When transformation occurs, it is the force generated by the gas that does the bulk of the work. Gas lifts of a modern type are very resistant to wear (no worse than first-class spring mechanisms). Squeaking during the operation of such a lift is excluded completely regardless of the degree of wear. To be able to use coil springs, you need a niche (recess) with a depth of 0.25 m.

Vertical transforming sofas (like horizontal models) are arranged relatively simply and do not cause problems when used. They include a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a table (optionally, instead of a table, there may be something else). Swivel performance is much less common. It allows you to save a lot of useful space in the house. However, this solution is quite expensive.

Speaking about transformation mechanisms, it is necessary to mention those devices that are responsible for working with the berth itself. Most often, the following mechanisms are used in this capacity:

• traditional book;
• Eurobook;
• accordion;
• American clamshell sedaflex;
• French clamshell
• pantograph;
• tango.

The dimensions of the transforming sofas are no less important than what is installed inside them. A small sofa with a single working surface can be converted into a bunk bed. Such furniture reaches 2.12–2.3 m in length. The width is most often 0.9–0.95 m. The height is determined by the position of the transformer: when folded - 0.77–0.8 m, in the form of a bed - from 1.52 to 1.55 m.

The upper and lower berths in width reach 0.8–0.9 m. In length they are usually equal to 1.95–2 m. The mini-version implies the location of the sleeping area at right angles to the back. Inside there is usually an “accordion” knot. In length, such transformers are from 0.9 to 1.5 m, the width is determined by the specific position.

A double large sofa bed becomes a real salvation for two if they do not know how to furnish the apartment and not clutter it. Often such furniture goes into a drywall box, decorated in the wall. A similar option is appreciated for its simplicity and comparative profitability. Usually they try to turn this box into a “wall” containing shelves and drawers.The result is comfortable furniture that does not violate the aesthetic harmony in the apartment or house.

But in small-sized apartments, you can pick up models of other types. Much depends on personal taste and preferences. In some cases, it is more practical to choose solutions measuring 90x200 cm. In others, if the room is quite long, 160x200 cm is considered the optimal proportion.

You can choose a good transforming sofa in both modern and classic interiors. But all this may not help if mistakes are made when choosing a color. It can both help emphasize the necessary stylistic moments, and interfere in this matter. Unacceptable colors that excessively reduce or excessively increase the room, thereby emphasizing their shortcomings.

In small housing, painting is the most appropriate solution. white gloss allowing you to visually push the walls and create an optimistic mood. But a light sofa will not suit those who have children or pets at home. Those and others can spoil an expensive thing, being without control in just a few seconds.

Important! It is worth considering whether a particular color will irritate after some time, and especially after 3-4 months, when the “first freshness effect” will finally disappear. Problems in this regard are created by such solutions as:

• geometric patterns and ornaments;
• unreasonably bright colors;
• large prints.

It is necessary to take into account the psychological impact of a particular color.

• Gray tones contribute to spiritual harmony. But under adverse conditions, they can increase apathy and suppress the will. White is traditionally fresh and vibrant. But in lonely people it often provokes inner emptiness.

• Almost always, with very few exceptions, green color. It simultaneously creates an optimistic mood and allows you to relax internally. This is the perfect combination for the best motivation for a variety of everyday activities. In addition, green is less harmful than other tones to vision. It will help to cope with excessive excitement, calm the excited nerves.

• Black color designers do not recommend getting involved. With an excess of such coloring in the room, it will look gloomy and unnatural, like some kind of crypt. In addition, black leather upholstery will create a feeling of inappropriate officiality, rather of some institution.

• Beige tone - A universal classic, always endorsed by psychologists. Such a coloring will allow you to calm down and tune in to the right thoughts.

Despite the importance of the colors of the sofa-transformer it plays a secondary role when compared with style. Eclectic, kitsch furniture amazes the imagination with the postmodern motley of diverse colors. But the fascination with such a style should be carefully dosed. Excess of these motives, most likely, will create a feeling of fair frivolity and lack of thoughtfulness of the interior.

Transforming sofas can be made and in hi-tech style. The best way to demonstrate compliance with this style is to use metal and glass inserts. All major structures must have a rectangular shape, otherwise the standard canon is violated. High-tech style is popular because it perfectly expresses the modern mood.

The following elements are also welcome:

• mirror fittings;
• vinyl or smooth textile upholstery;
• general ergonomic design;
• rejection of catchy, expressive decorative pieces.

Some people prefer art deco. This style is luxurious and elegant, emphasizes the sophistication of the room. Art Deco decor should have sophisticated, graceful forms. The geometry of the furniture inspires thoughts of something majestic, amazing to the imagination. Large width armrests and bent parts are welcome.

Attention deserves the products of the company "New Century". For example, you should pay attention to Smart model including a bed, wardrobe and sofa. The wooden product has a size of 2.87x1.9x2.28 m. The height of the seat is 0.38 m. Both people can sit and lie on this piece of furniture.

The following features are noteworthy:

• linen box;
• mattress filled with polyurethane foam;
• upholstery with leather substitute, natural or ecological leather of your choice;
• execution in modern or modern style of choice.

A great alternative is transforming sofa "Circe", supplied by the Italian company Clei. The set includes one and a half folding bed. Above its headboard is a pair of long racks. Transformation takes place in minutes. The model has only one drawback - very few people can allow it.

Another option is the Detal Master Bela 1. This combination has the following parameters:

• sleeper 1.4 m wide and 2 m long;
• vertical execution;
• coloring of a bed - in wenge color or in white tone;
• the width and depth of the bed is 2,428 and 2,024 m;
• sofa upholstery with arben fabric;
• a box for linen is provided.

An attractive solution may be a model Veritas ii from the company "Little Place." The sofa in this set is made with a simple and concise design, so it’s not difficult to fit it into any interior you like. Additional storage systems are provided on both sides of the cabinet. The main link in the product is the bed. Transformation using silent mechanisms is provided.

Detal stands out among all of the above companies. It is she - the only one in our country - who produces excellent combined headsets with automatic control. The remote allows you to greatly simplify everyday life.

A good choice can be considered products under the Smarti brand. He entered the Russian furniture market relatively recently, but has already managed to gain impressive momentum. A good 3 in 1 option is Atom model with a minimalistic facade made of chipboard. Facades for side cabinets are made of selected MDF. When creating both this and other modifications, they tried to provide maximum free space.

You can choose any of the above models - all of these manufacturers have been working for a long time and have managed to prove themselves from the best side. But you need to pay attention to the subtleties of a particular device. So, for adults, models with an orthopedic mattress are almost always better suited, as they allow you to sleep better and emotionally relax during the day. Important! It is imperative to require a quality certificate for supporting and transforming parts. If they are faulty, using combined furniture will simply become dangerous.

As in ordinary sofas and beds, combined ones have long been preferred to use independent spring blocks. This technical solution is many times better than dependent springs, and the most elite varieties polyurethane foam. And with foam rubber it becomes completely uncomfortable to compare it. Very good filler is considered latex. However, its use will be expensive.

If dependent springs are nevertheless used, a special overlay should be located above them. It will soften the sensations and increase the comfort of furniture.If the bed is designed according to a folding scheme, independent springs cannot be used. They will wear out in one of the main provisions. But sleeping in a combined sofa-transformer - that's not all.

You should carefully approach the choice of the front part (cabinet). It should fit perfectly into the design of the room and not create any kind of dissonance. Facades usually try to make from the same materials in all components. Structures lined with chipboard will ideally suit connoisseurs of minimalism and strict concise lines. In order to diversify the atmosphere and make it brighter, it is necessary to give preference to mirror facades. They are attractive in their "pristine" form, but you can always use the additional decor and significantly improve the impression.

Mirrored facades are often made as follows:

• colored;
• matte;
• decorated with varied photo printing.

A more functional option is when the facade becomes a full-fledged “wall” with additional storage systems. Among them can be shelves, boxes of various sizes and even shelving. Sometimes there are backlit models. Along with a purely decorative function, LED lamps and tapes serve as nightlights.

This photo shows an attractive closet-sofa bed of the latest generation. A skillfully selected combination of light wood and lilac tones in itself attracts. Visual duplication of the upholstery color in the wall color is characteristic.

The light shade of the cabinet corresponds to the light floor. At the same time, the lateral storage systems are very concise and do not attract much attention.

But just as you can combine a rich red sofa with a pure white wardrobe. The visual relationship between the colors of the upholstery and the exact same doors of the side additional cabinet is clearly visible.

The storage system (shelves) is placed on top and side, so it does not distract attention. A very bright glossy floor turns out to be a quite appropriate background in such a composition. Even local lighting and figurines play a role.

The option of using a bright red sofa-transformer in the interior is also possible. The colorful pillows laid on it look extravagant. The rest of the room allows you to pay off the excessive emotionality of this color.

Decorated "under the zebra" part of the floor and laconic decor smooth out the richness and riot of colors. The glossy white floor and light walls with vertical lines help complete the composition.

In the next video you will find a brief overview of the 3-in-1 transforming sofa (sofa-table-bed).