Sofa mechanisms: a variety of transformation options, advantages and features of each type
Content:
- Several reasons to buy a folding sofa
- Popular types of sofa mechanisms: pros and cons
- Other popular mechanisms for roll-out and sliding sofas
- How to choose a sofa by type of mechanism: useful tips
A sofa is an indispensable attribute of a living space, which allows you to fully relax and unwind, decorates the interior and demonstrates the aesthetic taste of its owners. One of the main criteria for its selection is the type of transformation. Convenience, functionality, service life, and the ability to turn into a full-fledged sleeping place depend on the transforming mechanism of the sofa. Dozens of types of structures are used in the production of upholstered furniture, so before purchasing, you should learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Several reasons to buy a folding sofa
As statistics show, most buyers of leisure furniture prefer folding sofas. Such a purchase can be called the optimal solution for the following reasons:
- Saving space. You need to choose the appropriate option taking into account what functions the sofa should perform and what other furniture it can replace. So, in a small apartment, a folding sofa can successfully serve as a bed. The assortment of furniture stores includes many products that occupy a minimum of space even when disassembled. It is also possible to use sofas for storing things: under the seat of many models there are special drawers.
- The opportunity to arrange a corner for comfortable sleep and daytime rest. The design features of modern sofas allow you to unfold them in a couple of minutes: even a child can handle simple steps that turn a sofa into a bed. It is comfortable to sleep on such sofas, and the orthopedic base of the sofa (there are such products) will evenly distribute the load on the spine.
- The ability to zone space. For example, a corner sofa or furniture with an ottoman can successfully divide a children's room into a relaxation area and a play area.
Popular types of sofa mechanisms: pros and cons
Under the upholstery of upholstered furniture, a wide variety of mechanisms can be hidden, differing in the type of folding of the sofa. Here are some popular modifications that are reliable, durable and easy to use.
Eurobook
The Eurobook roll-out mechanism is one of the most common transformation systems, which has surpassed even the classic book in popularity. It is very simple to unfold such a sofa: the seat equipped with rollers is pulled out, the sofa cushions are removed into the resulting niche, then the back is lowered. The result is a perfectly flat sleeping place.
Among the advantages of sofas with the Eurobook mechanism, the following points can be highlighted:
- No effort is required to unfold the sofa.
- When unfolded, the sofa does not take up extra space.
- The Eurobook can be used as a single bed without being folded out: just remove the pillows.
- The joint between the back and the seat of the unfolded sofa is almost invisible.
- Most of these models are quite affordable.
The main disadvantage of the Eurobook is the appearance of marks on the floor when the mechanism is used daily. This is especially true for parquet and other expensive and sensitive floor coverings. You should not lay a carpet next to the Eurobook sofa: over time it will become deformed. Buying a “walking” Eurobook will help you avoid such problems. Unlike roll-out Eurobooks, the seat of this model seems to take a step without sliding on the floor. Accordingly, the floor covering will be safe.
Puma
Sofas with the Puma mechanism have also proven themselves well. They got their name not by chance. During the unfolding process, the front part of the sofa steps forward, which resembles the jump of a wild animal, and stands on supports. To turn the furniture into a sleeping place, you need to pull the edge of the seat up and then towards you. During the unfolding process, another part of the upholstered furniture is pulled out, and a flat surface is formed. The backrest does not change its position.
The main advantages of sofas equipped with the Puma mechanism:
- Reliability and ability to withstand heavy weight (up to 200 kg).
- No load on the floor covering - the components of the sofa do not touch the floor.
- Long service life: thanks to the presence of special springs with synchronizers, the mechanism is not in danger of deformation.
- Compact dimensions when assembled: the “Puma” sofa will easily fit even into a small room.
The main disadvantage of the model is the high price. As a rule, such sofas belong to the premium segment. Not every buyer will be satisfied with the absence of linen drawers: due to design features, they are only available in corner sofas.
Millennium
Millennium sofas are high-quality upholstered furniture with a reliable metal frame that can last for many years. The base of the frame is usually made of welded mesh, and there may be elastic straps at the edge of the sofa. To disassemble the sofa, you need to pull the backrest towards you and press it against the sofa cushions. Then the transforming mechanism is turned over and placed on support legs.
The Millennium sofas have a lot of advantages:
- No need to remove pillows.
- Flat sleeping place - a folded out sofa is as comfortable as a bed.
- Easy to transform, compact when folded.
- Possibility to use an anatomical mattress based on a block of independent springs.
There are practically no disadvantages to upholstered furniture with the Millennium mechanism. Except for the high price: these sofas are not cheap. In addition, straight sofas do not have storage niches. If they are necessary, you can buy a corner sofa, in which the linen drawer is located under the ottoman.
Ifagrid (reinforced frame)
Lovers of high-quality upholstered furniture will appreciate the advantages of sofas with the Jfagrid mechanism. Its main feature is the presence of a reinforced frame - a steel mesh grid. Such a frame is not afraid of even a weight of 240 kg, and it serves for decades. Based on the principle of transformation, Ifagrid resembles a French folding bed.
To unfold the sofa, you need to remove the cushions and pull the structure forward by the upper part. Folding out into three folds, the sofa turns into a stable bed on durable pull-out supports.
The main advantages of Ifagrid sofas:
- Strength and stability.
- Absence of plastic connections and joints at fastening points.
- Flat sleeping place.
- Affordable price.
The disadvantages include the lack of compartments for bed linen. In addition, to unfold the sofa, a free space equal to the length of the bed is required.
French folding bed
The “French folding bed” or Mixotoile is a classic example of a swivel sofa. Unlike the “American folding bed”, this upholstered furniture consists of three parts. The material used to make the mechanism is metal, and a thick canvas covering is attached to the metal frame. Thanks to the wooden slats located under the tarpaulin cover, the French folding bed has an orthopedic effect.
To put the mechanism into action, you need to remove the pillows that act as a seat, pull out the mattress folded in three and install it on the support legs. To fold the bed back into the sofa, you will have to do everything in reverse order.
Advantages of sofas with this transformation system:
- Convenient when folded.
- Variety of design options.
- Ability to withstand loads up to 180 kg.
- Design safety for flooring.
The main disadvantage is that the French cot has a rather thin (about 6 cm) and hard mattress, so it is not very comfortable to sleep on. In addition, with constant use, the mattress will quickly wear out. Therefore, this model can most likely be recommended as a guest option. If guests stay overnight, a beautiful and compact French folding bed will come to the rescue.
Other popular mechanisms for roll-out and sliding sofas
Of course, the range of transformation mechanisms for modern sofas is not limited to the designs listed above. So, the good old “book” sofas are still out of fashion. These classic models combine all the advantages: ease of folding, reliability, affordable price, availability of storage space, and the ability to use furniture covers.
A sofa book does not take up much space, so such furniture can be placed either against the wall or in the center of the room without any problems. To unfold the structure, just raise the seat until it clicks or all the way and lower it, after which the backrest will also lower.
Peculiar modifications of the book are the transforming mechanisms “Tango” and “Click-Click”. In these improved models, the back can take an intermediate position: book sofas are not capable of this. The folding category also includes the “American folding bed” mechanism with a durable steel support and a soft, thick mattress that ensures a restful sleep.
How to choose a sofa by type of mechanism: useful tips
Due to the wide range of transformation mechanisms, it can be difficult for buyers to make a choice in favor of one model or another. Recommendations from experts will help you choose the sofa of your dreams:
- In the purchasing process, you need to take into account many factors: the dimensions of the sofa when opened and folded, the frequency with which the sofa will be folded, the need for additional sleeping places and storage compartments, and the hardness of the floor covering. For example, a sofa with a travel section on casters is suitable for rooms with a fairly hard floor. If there is a table in front of the sofa, you should pay attention to models that fold out to the side. For spacious apartments with expensive flooring, we recommend sofas with a retractable mechanism that does not touch the floor during unfolding.
- If you are mainly supposed to sit on the sofa and not sleep, the best option would be a model in which the back can be fixed in a “reclining” position (for example, a sofa with a “Tango” mechanism).
- The height of the sofa with the transformation system also plays an important role. Thus, high sofas with the Millennium mechanism are ideal for a night's rest, but short people and children will not be very comfortable sitting on them.
- Some structures begin to creak or break over time. Therefore, access to the structure must be easy so that it can be lubricated or repaired.
- Conscientious manufacturers provide a guarantee on sofas for a period of 18 months. If the warranty period is shorter, the faulty mechanism will have to be repaired at your own expense, and this is an expensive pleasure.
The online catalog of the Garda Decor store presents designer sofas with various types of transformation mechanisms. Luxurious furniture with exclusive decor will become your favorite place to relax and decorate your home, and the company’s consultants will help you make the right choice.
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