Modern sofas do a good job of organizing a bed. Thanks to such an option as transformation, you can save space in the living room and provide comfortable conditions for sleeping.
Manufacturers offer many design options for upholstered furniture and various folding sofa mechanisms. Which one is better for every day? - this is the most important question with such a large assortment.
Which sofa mechanism is better for daily use (sleep), and which option to choose if the sofa is intended for the living room and will rarely be laid out? To make the right decision, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features of existing transformational mechanisms.
Folding sofa models have gained well-deserved popularity. Monolithic options (without a transformation mechanism) exist and can also be installed in a living space, for example, in a kitchen or hallway, but they are less functional.
If you are focused specifically on a folding sofa, then which mechanism is better to choose will be the envy of several factors. What matters is how often you plan to use it for sleep, how many square meters in the room are available for this piece of furniture and what operating period you are targeting.
Classic sofa bed. To organize a surface for sleeping, you should raise the seat, while the back will take a horizontal position. Now you need to return the seat to its original position - the "book" has opened.
Pros:
- durable and simple mechanism, it is almost impossible to break it;
- takes up little space and is suitable for small rooms;
- there is a compartment for bed linen.
- the body can be moved as close as possible to the wall, only if it will not be transformed daily into a sleeping place. The sofa can be moved apart only if there is free space behind it;
- in the area of \u200b\u200bcontact between the back and the seat, a tubercle or depression may occur over time, this reduces the comfort of the bed;
- a compact (perhaps cramped for some) sleeping surface.
Important! The “book” mechanism has an elementary device, but in order to expand the sofa, force is often required. Therefore, it will not be entirely comfortable with constant use for a woman or child.
Tango
A modernized and more comfortable variation of the "book" mechanism. Some manufacturers stick to the name "click-clack".
- the backrest, in addition to the vertical and horizontal position, can be fixed at an angle and create conditions for comfortable rest (reclining);
- the mechanism is simple and adapted for regular use;
- there is a spacious box for storing bed linen.
- it will not be possible to install the sofa close to the wall, free space is required to recline the back;
- efforts must be made to transform.
The case can be moved as close as possible to the wall, the transformation is different than the standard "book". The seat extends (rolls out on rollers), creating an empty area that is equal to the height of the backrest. The backrest fits into the space that has arisen and a sleeping place is obtained.
- the sofa is easily converted into a comfortable bed, the sleeping surface is spacious;
- the system is durable and easily withstands regular use;
- internal niches for storage of linen are provided.
- a sufficiently deep seat, most often it is possible to lean on the back only by climbing onto the seat with legs or using additional sofa cushions;
- if there are no rollers on the exit part, the floor may be scratched.
Interesting fact! Every year they become more and more popular. All models work using a single mechanism, but there are differences in design. You can purchase a sofa without armrests, with only one or with two on the sides. There are also differences in size. For example, you can choose:
Pantograph
This mechanism is arranged by analogy with the Eurobook. To prepare the area for sleeping, you need to pull the seat up. At this point, a mechanism is activated that will move the seat up and forward, and then extend the support elements. The back is placed in the resulting empty zone.
- a wide monolithic and even surface for sleeping (the joints are not felt);
- the mechanism provides ease of transformation, no additional effort is required;
- the seat does not slide out along the floor, so the parquet or laminate will not suffer;
- there is a compartment for storing linen.
- a complicated mechanism increases the cost of the sofa;
- deep seat: in order to lean on the back, it is often necessary to use additional pillows.
puma
Comfortable to use mechanism that is activated with one movement. It is enough to pull (raise) the seat and it will automatically move forward, move to the desired area, and that part of the structure that is laid inside the body will take its place.
- minimum effort for unfolding the sleeping space;
- the movable element does not damage the flooring, since the main movement occurs on weight.
- a compartment for storing bedding is provided only in corner models.
Elf
A very simple system to organize a sleeping surface, just lower the armrests. The frame is made of metal pipes, the base of the bed is made of wood.
A distinctive feature of the sofa is that the armrests are easily adjustable and you can create comfortable conditions for relaxing in a reclining position.
- the body is compact and does not require additional space for organizing a bed;
- sleeping surface with orthopedic effect;
- There is ample storage space for linens.
- the seat is also a sleeping surface;
- the sofa is installed at a small distance from the wall, not close.
The process of unfolding the sofa takes place on the principle of the movement of accordion bellows. When assembled, the sofa is compact, but to expand it, you will need at least 1.5 m of free space in the room.
- spacious and comfortable sleeping area;
- compact body.
- the transformation of the sofa into a sleeping place is accompanied by the movement of the supporting elements along the floor, scratches may remain on the surface of the floor covering;
- you need to make an effort to unfold.
To bring the structure into the sleeping position, the seat must be rolled out and its top cushion folded onto the inner section.
- comfortable sleeping surface;
- takes up little space when assembled.
- small bed height;
- the movable element rolls out on the floor and can damage the parquet or laminate.
The berth is laid "accordion" under the seat. To transform a sofa into a bed, it is necessary to remove all decorative elements (most often pillows), pull out a folding bed and sequentially expand all three of its sections.
- neat and compact body;
- spacious sleeping area.
- not very comfortable surface for sleeping, thin mattress;
- there is no box for storing bed linen and accessories;
- the mechanism is not distinguished by strength and reliability.
Important! "French cot" is not suitable for daily sleep, but it is a spacious extra bed, which will come in handy if you have guests over.
Spartacus
The folding part is made of metal (frame and grids). The sleeping surface is completed with an orthopedic mattress. Preparation of a bed is carried out in three movements.
- stable system: the sofa can be safely laid out every day;
- comfortable and spacious bed.
- a folding bed occupies all the space in the sofa body and there are no niches for bed linen;
- metal can deform under load.
american cot
The sofa can be laid out daily, it is more resistant to stress than the French version. The seat rises and the three sections open one after the other, standing on the supports.
- spacious bed with a good mattress;
- reliable and easy to use transformation system.
- there is no compartment for linen and bedding;
- seams are felt on the sleeping surface, which are located at the junctions of the folding sections.
Sofa with unfolding on the floor
The folding design, consisting of two parts, fits entirely inside the sofa body. There are no supports for the sleeping surface, it is put forward and laid directly on the floor.
- compact body;
- the most economical option among folding sofas.
- sleep almost on the floor;
- no drawers for laundry.
Conrad
Three-section folding mechanism: to spread the sleeping surface, it is necessary to pull the lower seat support and roll out the sections one after the other. Conrad differs from standard roll-out mechanisms in the height of the sleeping area.
- reliable mechanism suitable for daily use;
- comfortable high bed;
- The set includes large boxes for bedding.
- heavy weight of the body and sliding system
- The high sleeping area may not be to everyone's liking.
The mechanism is often installed on corner sofas. The lower part of the long side of the corner rolls out and a pillow is pulled up from it with the help of a special fabric or leather handle.
- spacious comfortable sleeping surface;
- easily transformed and can withstand heavy loads;
- the presence of a capacious area for storing blankets, pillows, blankets.
- with frequent use, the mechanism wears out quickly enough (will last 5-7 years);
- used mainly on corner sofas.
Consider when choosing a sofa! also used in straight and modular designs. This sofa transformation method is quite simple, but pulling out the first section can be difficult due to the floor carpet.
Kangaroo
It transforms by analogy with the "dolphin" mechanism, but has higher supports. Thus, the sofa, both assembled and unfolded, has a good height.
- easily extends and unfolds the sleeping surface;
- good bed height.
- the service life is limited;
- unreliable design.
Recliner
The name of the mechanism is of English origin. It translates as "reclining".
The sofa is equipped with a complex system that adjusts the angle of the backrest and pushes a soft footrest from below. More advanced models suggest the presence of built-in massagers and the ability to control the system remotely using a remote control.
- you can adjust the backrest and footrest to fit your parameters and create a comfortable seating area;
- solid appearance.
- the sofa does not transform into a full bed;
- high price.
The interior of the apartment is impossible to imagine without a sofa. It creates comfort and warmth for the whole family. All family members relax on it, watch TV, read, communicate and even sleep. The first folding sofas were invented in the 17th century, this happened in France. To turn the sofa into a place to sleep, the armrests had to be removed. Some sofas could change the position of the headboard. Soft options for sitting and sleeping can be attributed to long-serving transforming furniture, therefore, when choosing such products, all parameters and functions must be taken into account. Today, many people choose a sofa that folds forward.
Peculiarities
Folding upholstered furniture is multifunctional. A double sofa can be a place to sleep for one or two people, maybe with a box for linen, in some cases it can become a table, a workplace. Such a product is located in a small area, so it is used in small apartments. Folding upholstered furniture can be divided:
- By the form of a transformable mechanism. A variety of such mechanisms allows you to choose a folding sofa, depending on its purpose, shape and size of the room. More often there are forward-folding models.
- According to their arrangement, sofa beds are straight and angular. Currently, U-shaped products with a place for linen are being created, which are installed in a spacious room.
- By functional purpose, sofas are office, for the living room, for the kitchen, in the hallway and for the nursery. The sofa can be a decoration in the living room of a cottage, it can be used as a guest version of a transforming sofa. In a small or ordinary apartment, such upholstered furniture can be used daily - like a bed for sleeping. This option is especially popular.
- In terms of size and seating, sofas are selected in accordance with the area of \u200b\u200bthe room and the number of family members. The compact ottoman is designed for 2-3 people, and the larger version is for 5 or more. Sizes of sofas in each company are different.
Dimensions
The forward-folding ottoman has various sizes, it is designed not only for sitting, but also for sleeping. A 2-seater ottoman has a width of 140 cm, a triple one is 191 cm wide. Corner models are compact, they are usually installed in the corner of the room. If the sofa is installed in the kitchen, it can be single (130, 150 cm wide). For a sleeping place, it should be 160 cm wide.
The sofa is selected in accordance with the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. The sofa, which unfolds forward, is placed in a spacious room. Simple double sofa design "Accordion" installed along the wall, has a small surface. The standard size of such a product is considered to be 150 cm wide, but there are also small single options - 140 cm wide. For a small room, a double "Accordion" 150 cm wide.
A double ottoman can be put in a room for children. Although it is double, it takes up little space. Double round sofas look unusual and original in the children's room. For several children, a double bunk sofa is suitable. Currently, a lot of models of upholstered furniture are being created, which can act as a single, double bed or one and a half.
Forms and materials
In their form, sofas can be straight, angular, round and island. Corner sofas can have a corner on the right, a corner on the left, be with equal sides, U-shaped. An island sofa cannot be pushed into a corner or placed against a wall. Sofas are sheathed with a special dense fabric, as well as artificial or natural leather. The mattress is made from spring blocks or blocks of polyurethane foam, synthetic winterizer, foam rubber, batting. The frame is made of chipboard, wood or metal.
Transformation mechanism
Folding classic upholstered furniture with a simple design in the recent past was the only one on the market. Mechanisms are installed on this furniture "Book". For transformation, it is necessary to fold the seat up to a sound click and lower it back, the backrest leans horizontally. Such a product has a compartment for linen, it can be used daily, because it is reliable and durable. The disadvantage is the installation at a distance of 10-12 cm from the wall. Mechanism "Click Clack" transforms like "Book", but has a more advanced mechanism and modern design. These models are attractively priced and can easily fit into small apartments.
The roll-out sofa bed is easy to handle, very reliable and can be used daily. With proper care, it can last a very long time. It can be converted into a bed by pulling the seat by the loop. The transformation mechanism itself will bring everything into the correct position. The back stays the same. This mechanism is most often used in large and angular models. The disadvantage is the low location of the place to sleep and the fact that the wheels often scratch the floor.
Model "Eurobook", folding forward, may be of interest to a simple design and an attractive price. It can be installed in narrow and small spaces. It is easily disassembled to get a bed: you need to pull the seat towards you, and move the backrest to a free place. Under the seat there is a space in which bedding and linen can be folded. This model can be installed in the middle of the room, you can put it against the wall, decorating it with pillows. When unfolded, it takes up quite a lot of space.
Mechanism "Pantograph" can be called "walking eurobook". It has a modern design, but its construction is more complicated, it costs much more. Mechanism "Dolphin" reliable and can last a very long time. When rolling out a soft couch forward, the product becomes a spacious and even sleeping place. The transformation system is very simple and is often used in corner models. Suitable for installation both in small apartments and in spacious rooms. The downside is the lack of space for bed linen. This product is difficult to lay out if there is a fleecy carpet.
Storage space for bed linen "Puma" absent, it is only in corner models. In the mechanism "Verona" advanced mechanisms are connected - roll-out and clamshell. This sofa is very easy to transform, but inferior "Conrad". Reliable sofa "Conrad" easily folds forward. It consists of three parts. This model is compact, convenient, but heavy in weight. Its device combines a withdrawable mechanism and a design "Dolphin". Even a child will disassemble such furniture.
Expandable models are French, American, Italian Folding beds. These models, when unfolded, resemble a folding bed. To unfold the French cot, you need to remove the seat cushions and disassemble the mattress in three steps. The American folding bed is disassembled in two steps. The area for sleeping is an orthopedic mattress made of spring blocks. The Italian folding bed is more expensive than all these models, the seat cushions are not removed. The device is not simple and is designed for a certain weight of a person. The disadvantage is the sagging of the mattress when disassembled. For daily use, these products are not very durable and do not always have space to store linen. Sleeping on them is not very comfortable.
Products with a mechanism "Accordion" are similar to musical instruments. These products are durable and reliable, have a simple device. They are very compact when assembled, have a cabinet for linen in the back. They are laid out along the length forward, so they can be placed in a narrow room. It transforms into a sleeping flat place if you lift the seat and pull it towards you. Such options are very popular among young people.
Where to put?
Usually the sofa is placed where it fits. But designers choose the interior around the sofa. In a small living room, the sofa can be placed with its back to the window. It will be better if the back is not higher than the windowsill. All three walls are in view. If this is a sleeping place, then it will not be very good for you to fall asleep at the window and the battery. Most often, the sofa is placed with its back against the wall. In this case, it is necessary to beautifully decorate the wall with a picture or panel. To divide the room into zones, the sofa can be placed with its back to the middle of the room and facing the wall - to watch TV. In this case, it is necessary to ensure an approach to it from all sides. If there is a beautiful view from the window, you can put the sofa so that the view opens.
How to choose?
To choose upholstered furniture, you need to know for what purpose it is intended: for sleeping, for watching TV or for the interior. For relaxation, a folding model is suitable, for use instead of a bed. The sofa can be laid out forward three times. You can put it in a small room. If upholstered furniture will be used daily, you need to choose upholstered furniture with a durable transformation mechanism and an orthopedic mattress.
It is necessary to determine the quality of such a product: what material the frame, upholstery and filler are made of. It is better to choose a frame made of wood, with transverse beams. The filler must be dense. When choosing upholstery, it is necessary to take into account environmental friendliness, ease of care, density, wear resistance. If the upholstery is made of leather, then you need to pay attention to the seams, the needle should not be thick. It would be better if the sofa is covered with removable covers that can be cleaned at any time. The filler should be hypoallergenic, it is better to choose polyester fiber. It is better to choose a spring mattress, it will last longer.
Equipped with a special built-in mechanism that allows you to turn each of them into a bed in a matter of seconds. The choice of this mechanism depends on the area of the room, the frequency of use, as well as on various additional advantages (ease of layout, the presence of drawers for linen, etc.). All models can be conditionally divided according to the type of mechanism into rolling out, unfolding and unfolding. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Sofas with folding mechanism
This is a widespread and one of the oldest mechanisms. His bed is formed thanks to the back and seat. They are stacked horizontally when transformed, forming a double bed. The most popular types are "click-clack", "eurobook", "book".
"Book"
This is a very simple layout. It is necessary to raise the seat until it clicks, then lower it, after which the back takes a horizontal position. These types of folding sofas are designed for daily use. They create a high bed, and also suggest drawers designed for bed linen. These sofas are not the most reliable, as they wear out quickly enough. To expand the "book", you will need additional space. If it is located against a wall, then it will need to be moved away. Therefore, when it is best to immediately leave a distance behind the back of the sofa, so that later, when laying out, it does not have to be “carried” around the room.
"Click Clack"
Views with the "click-clack" transformation method have the same mechanism as the "book". At the same time, there is an intermediate position of the back, which allows you to remain in the “reclining-semi-sitting” position. This gives an additional advantage and makes this piece of furniture for relaxation even more comfortable. To move to the relax position, you need to raise the seat to the 1st click. Raising it to the 2nd click, you can expand the sofa completely.
"Eurobook"
Such types of folding sofas require practically no effort during the transformation. The seat is pulled forward, while the backrest fits into the free space. They are convenient, when laying out they do not require a lot of space (they can stand against the wall). Compared with the same "book" they form a wider, even bed. They also have drawers for laundry. A feature of such sofas is that they do not have such a mechanism as the "book". Thanks to this, they practically do not break. Their only drawback is that with everyday use, the seat rollers can spoil the floor surface.
Sofas with unfolding mechanism
This is quite popular, although not the most popular. Such types of sofas suggest that the sleeping place remains inside under the seat when folded, and when transformed, it first moves forward, and then unfolds to form a bed. The most common type is a folding bed, as well as its varieties: "sedaflex", French folding bed.
French cot
This is a triple folding mechanism located under the seat cushions. Before unfolding it, it is necessary to remove the pillows, then pull out the lower part by the handle, and then gradually unfold it. His bed is a frame, which consists of three sections connected by hinges, and a mattress. These types of sofa mechanisms are widely used in models that differ in design and price. They are very small and do not affect the appearance in any way. It does not assume the daily use of furniture. Such a sofa is more suitable for guests (exceeding the permissible load and frequent use will lead to sagging of the mattress). In addition, these models do not have a place to store linen.
"Sedaflex"
Similar types of transformation of sofas resemble a French folding bed. Although they are more expensive and durable. During the layout, you need to slightly raise the mechanism, and then pull it towards you with force. This is one of the most reliable models, it is able to withstand heavy loads without changing the frame. Such designs allow you to form a fairly high and wide berth, despite the fact that when folded, the sofas are very compact. The only disadvantage of such models is the lack of storage space for linen.
Types of sofas with roll-out mechanism
This type of mechanism is becoming increasingly popular due to ease of use, high strength and spaciousness of the bed. It is very convenient to lay out such a sofa, since the berth is pulled simply forward. But when acquiring such a model, you must carefully consider all the components of the mechanism. For example, experts say that a good sofa should have closer springs, then it will last a very long time. Models with a roll-out mechanism have one characteristic drawback - a low berth that can push through and scratch the floor during transformation. Common models: "dolphin" ("kangaroo"), "accordion".
"Accordion"
Similar types of transformation of sofas are based on the “accordion” principle: in this case, the seat rises to a slight click, and the double back folded into a house stretches like an accordion, thereby forming a flat bed with a seat. Such models are very easy and quick to unfold, have covers for each of the elements and drawers for linen.
"Dolphin" ("kangaroo")
This is a mechanism that is installed more often than others in various types of corner sofas. When laying out, a platform rolls out from under the seat, which then rises, forming a flat bed with a seat. These types of sofas are very durable, they can withstand high loads, so they are considered one of the most durable. But such models cannot be called compact.
Design features
It should be noted that the shape distinguishes island, straight and corner sofas. The latter are installed in the corners of the room. They are great for small rooms. This is one of the most modern and fashionable types of upholstered furniture. As soon as the sofa is in the room, it immediately becomes much more comfortable.
One of the advantages is the ability to vary the design and shape as desired. I must say that everyone, having considered the types of corner sofas, will be able to choose the one that suits him. The sides of such models can be the same or different in length.
Island sofas are most often sold in a rounded shape, and therefore, they cannot be placed in a corner and leaned against a wall. They should occupy a central place in spacious rooms.
Appointment of sofas
Such upholstered furniture for its intended purpose is conditionally classified into the following models:
At the same time, the mechanisms and types of models may differ, therefore, it is necessary to choose a specific thing that is directly suitable for your purposes. Often it is the types of sofa upholstery that determine their purpose. For example, models sheathed in leather are designed for kitchens or offices. For children's rooms, sofas are covered with bright and practical fabrics, from which it is easy to remove stains.
Types of sofas by size
All models are divided into compact and large designs. However, there is no single standard. One manufacturer makes a two-seat sofa 1.6 m long, and the other - 1.9 m.
It is necessary that the model that you like does not occupy all the free space in the room, does not block the balcony door. Before buying, measure the area of \u200b\u200byour room and compare it with the dimensions of the sofa.
We hope the tips in this article will help you make the right choice, and your sofa will serve you faithfully for many years. Good luck with your purchase!
Manufacturers of upholstered furniture use a variety of layout mechanisms for sofas. There are no universal options. Depending on the method of operation, the size of the room and some other conditions, one or the other is chosen.
In order not to make a mistake, you need to listen to the advice of experts. They will help you understand what factors you need to pay attention to in the first place. All groups of mechanisms are classified according to certain criteria. This makes it much easier to figure out which model is best suited.
studying, which mechanism for transforming sofas is better a number of recommendations should be taken into account. There is a generally accepted rule. All sofas are conditionally divided into guest types and designed for daily sleep. If the mechanism is chosen correctly, the furniture will last a long time. Its operation will be comfortable.
If the sofa will be laid out often (sleeping variety), you should not purchase products with a complex layout procedure. In this case, it would be useful to remember the golden rule: the simpler the better. Guest sofas, on the contrary, are not designed for the daily movements of the system. Therefore, their mechanism will not be as strong as that of sleeping varieties.
Attention should also be paid to such criteria as the maximum load of the bed, the orthopedic qualities of the model, its appearance, the layout procedure, the comfort of the bed, and also the convenience in the sitting position. So sofa transformation mechanism is an important factor influencing the choice.
Guest models
Guest type sofas have a design that does not take up much space. The appearance of such furniture is very unusual, interesting. Such mechanisms include "French folding bed", "Sedaflex", "Dionysus", etc. The main purpose of such furniture is to surprise guests, ensuring their maximum comfort during their stay in the hosts' house.
Comfort in a sitting position is important, but you won’t be able to kill two birds with one stone, you will have to sacrifice comfort when laying out. Corner sofa transformation mechanisms require a significant investment of time and effort in order to transform furniture into a place to sleep. First you need to remove the seat cushions. After that, the mechanism is activated.
If you believe the reviews, rest in such a bed leaves much to be desired. These types of sofas are usually cheap. You can sleep on them, but not all the time.
Sleeping sofa
The second group includes furniture designed for daily sleep. When laying out, you do not need to spend a lot of time. Sleep will be comfortable. Devices of this type include the "book" and its main variations. The most famous of them are "click-clack" and "Eurobook".
This type includes angular varieties. The most popular in this group is recognized the transformation mechanism of the sofa "dolphin", well, or"puma". Also bright representatives of furniture for daily sleep are sofas "telescope" and "ribalto".
Such mechanisms are very easy to operate. Their transformation is quick and easy. The sleeping place has sufficient rigidity. It is flat and comfortable. Such mechanisms are designed for a large number of transformation cycles.
"Book" or "click-clack"
One of the simplest is sofa book. Transformation mechanism involves raising the seat. At this point, a click occurs. The sofa comes back down already unfolded.
Click-clack models are a slightly improved version of the book. Such devices have an intermediate position. At the same time, a person can be in a “relaxation” position. The back does not go all the way down. Therefore, a person is located on the sofa half-sitting.
The advantage of the presented models is reliability and durability even with daily transformation. This option is ideal for apartments with a small area. Floor covering can be anything.
The disadvantage is the limitation in design, simple appearance. The back and seat of such models must be identical in length. A variety of "click-clack" should not be placed close to the wall.
"Eurobook"
One of the most common models today is the Eurobook. The sofa transformation mechanism is considered one of the most reliable. When folding, the seat is pushed forward. Under it opens a space for storing bed linen. The back rests on the vacated space.
The advantage of such a system is the minimum number of mechanical elements. Therefore, there is practically nothing to break in such furniture. According to consumers, these are durable reliable products. The sleeping area is very spacious. In addition, there is a rather large box below. It is convenient to store bed linen and bedding here. The sofa can be installed near the wall.
As for the disadvantages of such products, people note that the seat slides on the floor. Therefore, special attention is paid to the coating. In general, the "Eurobook" is a solid reliable mechanism that will serve its owners for many years.
"Pantograph"
One of the analogues of the "Eurobook" today is the "pantograph". The sofa transformation mechanism is also quite simple. It is necessary to raise the seat at an inclination of about 45º. Then it is lowered and pulled down and towards itself. The back goes down. This is how the bed is made.
Below is a laundry compartment. Some models of the presented variety can be transformed from a direct to a corner version of upholstered furniture. And it doesn't matter if you want to turn it right or left.
The advantage of this mechanism, judging by the reviews, is that the seat does not roll out on the floor surface. It simply slides out without touching the flooring of the room. The improved design causes an increase in the cost of such sofas.
"Cot"
The "clamshell" type has several popular design options. The principle of transformation here is simple. The bed is located directly under the seat. For the front panel, which is located below, the seat moves forward. There is a French and an American folding bed. Their principle is very similar.
The French one is pulled out in the form of a scroll, which unfolds in 3 stages. This mechanism is compact in size, so it is built into even very sophisticated sofas. However, this model is not used on a daily basis.
The American clamshell is designed for heavy loads. This sofa is practical and durable. However, this feature significantly raises the price of this furniture. To transform the sofa, you need to lift it a little, and then pull it towards you. This type of mechanism does not harm the flooring, but it needs to be lubricated periodically to avoid squeaks.
Withdrawable mechanism
One of the best options for sleep is considered roll-out sofa. Transformation mechanism here is very simple. The berth is obtained by rolling out additional sections from under the base. Due to its simplicity, the presented mechanism is called one of the most reliable.
Another advantage of such products is the absence of requirements for the size of the room. It is installed even in small rooms. Moreover, in the unfolded state, the place to sleep will be long and even.
The disadvantage of such mechanisms is the exactingness of the type of flooring. It should be strong, not sag under the weight of the sofa. In the process of transformation, the base slides on the floor. Nothing should interfere with this movement. It is better if the selected model of the presented type has rubber wheels.
When choosing a sofa, you need to pay attention not only to the appearance and dimensions, but also to the way it is unfolded - this can help you choose the best option for you. Therefore, you should clearly imagine whether it will be convenient for you to lay out the model you like.
There are many ways to transform sofas and armchairs, however, they can be divided into three large groups: unfolding, folding and rolling out systems. At the same time, outwardly, sofas of different systems can look almost the same.
Below are the most popular transformation mechanisms.
Transformation mechanism "Book"
The most famous sofa folding system, which was very popular back in the Soviet Union. But the modern "book" is not too similar to the samples of 40 years ago, which were laid out with considerable effort. Modern materials and an updated design of the locking nodes have made the book much easier to use. Although it still falls short of the Eurobook.
To expand the sofa book, you need to raise the seat until it clicks and lower it to its original place - while the backrest will smoothly fall down.
The advantages of the book are unchanged - reliability, simplicity of design, large drawers for linen, space saving.
The disadvantages also remain the same - for normal unfolding, a gap is required between the back of the sofa and the wall, which requires additional space. You can, of course, avoid this, but then you will have to move the sofa away from the wall every time you unfold it. For the transformation of the book, you have to make more efforts than when unfolding other structures, for example, eurobooks. From inaccurate use, the locks of the "book" can fail. And, finally, the bed does not turn out to be perfectly even: a noticeable hollow in the middle of the bed is inevitable.
Click-clack transformation mechanism
By its principle, this system is similar to the well-known book, but it has a distinctive feature - the presence of an intermediate position of the backrest "relax". This makes the sofa especially comfortable: you can sit on it reclining. Due to the fact that wooden battens are installed on the metal frame in the click-clack, such a sofa provides a springy orthopedic effect. To fully expand the sofa, the seat is raised to the second click (and not the first, as in the "book") and pull it towards you.
The main plus is the ability to take three different positions. There is a spacious drawer for linen, the surface of the bed is quite flat and comfortable, simple design.
The disadvantages are comparable to the "book" mechanism.
Eurobook transformation mechanism
The most popular transformation method. He has proven himself due to the successful combination of strength and simplicity of design. To expand the eurobook sofa, you should roll out the seat of the sofa forward, and lower its back into the vacant seat. Spacious and comfortable bed at your service.
The main advantage of the system is that a minimum of effort is applied to unfolding. The transformation mechanism makes it possible to install the sofa close to the wall (unlike the classic "book"), the bed is especially flat, there is a spacious box for linen. Some eurobooks have a spring block; also, the base of the bed can be made of orthopedic armor, and in this case, the soft elements are usually made of polyurethane foam.
Transformation mechanism "Dolphin"
Design designed primarily for corner sofas. This model consists of two parts: one of them is a stationary seat, and the other is a box located under it. By pulling out this drawer with a strap, we provide ourselves with a comfortable sleeping place.
Ease of transformation is considered the main advantage of the "dolphin": the box is usually small, it is not difficult to roll it out. It should be remembered that such a system heavily loads the wooden parts of the sofa, therefore, especially high requirements are imposed on the quality of the wood.
Transformation mechanism "Accordion"
This system fully corresponds to its name (spring blocks are folded like an accordion) and enjoys well-deserved popularity. The accordion provides its owner with comfort day and night. The sleeping place is high from the floor, it is almost flat and at the same time it can be very large.
To unfold the accordion, you need to raise the seat until it clicks and pull it forward until it stops. In some models, the bed unfolds automatically.
The accordion is a very reliable system, the ultimate savings in space in the apartment, a medium-sized laundry box. A relative drawback - when unfolded, the accordion is never small, because the bed here is three times larger than the seat.
Transformation mechanism "Withdrawable"
An ordinary roll-out sofa is extremely easy to use: just pull the strap under the seat towards you and the structure will decompose. The system is simple and therefore reliable; roll-out sofas have a reputation for being the most trouble-free.
The bed is very flat, however, the extended sofa is lower than the folded one, that is, you will have to sleep closer to the floor. Getting up from such a low sofa is somewhat more difficult than from a regular one. But when folded, the roll-out sofa is very compact, while the bed can be arbitrarily large.
Transformation mechanism "French folding bed"
Fashionable, modern transformation system. As a support for a berth, it is not a wooden frame that is used here, but either armor (more often horizontal, less often vertical) or mesh (belt or metal). A fabric awning is usually stretched over the support, which makes the structure look like an ordinary Soviet folding bed. The most convenient option is considered to be with horizontal armor. To expand such a sofa, you should remove the pillows from it, pull the mechanism towards you and up until all the links are fully unfolded. After that, the frame is lowered onto wooden legs - you can put a mattress, cover it and sleep.
The main advantage of the French folding bed is space saving: with a small area of the folded sofa, the bed can be very spacious. However, the surface is not smooth enough, there is no box for linen, so this system is usually used as a spare, guest option.
There is also an "American cot", which is generally similar to the French one. Here it is also necessary to pull the mechanism up, deploy all the links and then put them on their legs. There is no need to pre-remove cushions and other items from the seat. So if you are ready to sleep on a cot, albeit improved, but still, this option is for you.