The mechanism of the sofa: which one to choose? Types of folding mechanisms of the sofa: "dolphin, puma", "tick-tak", "book", "sedaflex"

The sofa is an integral part of the furniture, designed for a cozy and comfortable pastime. Here you can comfortably stay with your family and guests. Most often, a sofa is purchased complete with armchairs, ottomans, coffee tables. But it can be an independent object of the interior. Often it serves not only as a place for sitting, but as a bed for the owners of the house and their guests.

The word "sofa" is of Persian origin. Its initial values were: "record of incomes, office", and also "the raised floor covered by a carpet". In Europe, the sofa as an interior item came from Arab countries in the 17th century. He was noticeably different from his modern and familiar to us analogs. So, one of the first modifications of the couch was a couch, on which, half-sitting or half reclining, the owners of the house and their guests were secular conversations. Then exclusively for seating appeared sofa, which became the impetus to the production and supply, along with sofas, of comfortable tables and pouffes.

Today this piece of furniture has changed beyond recognition. For us, choosing a sofa directly depends on the following factors:

1. Frequency of use (especially for the purpose of transforming this piece of furniture into a bed, since not all models are capable of withstanding daily loads).

2. The area of space where it will be located. So, you can choose a model for both spacious and miniature rooms, including the opportunity to pick up various mechanisms of "sofa bed" as an everyday or guest bedroom option.

Regardless of the purpose of acquiring a truly high-quality and functional piece of furniture that can last a long time, it is necessary to pay close attention. And details play an important role here.

Frame

The main quality characteristics of the frame are strength and reliability. It can be made of wood (birch, ash, oak, walnut, beech or mahogany), metal (from various profiles) and combined (chipboard + wood).

Filler

The softness of the sofa directly depends on the filler. It can be foam rubber, polyurethane, latex, synthetic (holofayber, sintepon). The best option is multi-layer filling. If there is a need to reduce the burden on the spine, you can give preference to a spring sofa.

Transformation options

The mechanism of the sofa - one of the most significant from a practical point of view, the criteria for its selection. Especially when it comes to the need to purchase a spacious and comfortable sleeping place designed to promote a sound, healthy, full-fledged sleep, on which a good mood, a vital energy charge, emotional balance will directly depend. In the presence of more than ten variations of the layout of the sofas, one can not make a mistake here. In more detail about this parameter, the article will be discussed a little later.

Upholstery

Upholstery sofa can be leather (and artificial leather is not inferior to natural) and fabric (preferably with Teflon impregnation). Tapestry, chenille, jacquard, flock, microfiber will be a good option. Each of the proposed options is able to give the sofa an exquisite look and originality.

Color solution, dimensions and shape

In its color scheme, the sofa must necessarily be combined compositionally with the overall interior of the room, decorated in a particular style. As for the dimensions and shape, then in various furniture stores you can find rectangular classic, angular and round island couches. According to the number of seats they can be made for two or more people. Therefore, this piece of furniture can be purchased not only in the living room, but also in the nursery, hallway, kitchen or office.

And now we will consider in more detail the mechanisms of unfolding sofas: what they are and what are the main advantages of each of them.

Types of folding sofa designs

In practice, it is common to distinguish three main types of sofa transformation:

• The one that unfolds: "book", "click-clack";
• The one that unfolds: clamshell and "accordion";
• The one that rolls out is nominated: "dolphin", "eurobook", "roll-out", "puma", "tick-tak" and others.

Let us dwell in more detail on each of these types of constructions.

Folding structures

If you want to buy an inexpensive and reliable sofa, the "book" mechanism is an ideal choice for these purposes. This type of furniture is quite consistent with its name. So, when unfolding it is enough to flip up to a mechanical click, and then lower down its seat. From the minuses of the design - furniture must be moved away from the wall. However, now to eliminate the shortcoming, some manufacturers resort to installing fastening mobile suspension. This is quite simple to manage, budget and common sofa. The mechanism of the "book" was especially popular in the 80-90s. Often it can be seen in the homes of our compatriots today.

The "click-clack" mechanism (or "click-clack") got its name from the characteristic sound that is produced when the sofa is transformed. It is similar to the above-described option, but in addition to the "sitting" and "lying" positions, it allows you to set an intermediate option when you can lean back to the position of a half-sitting - reclining, like in a rocking chair.

Unfoldable structures

Among them, attention deserves the sofa mechanism "accordion", in which one of the parts is a seat, and the other two form a back. He got his name from the musical instrument of the same name: lifting the seat easily, the "fur" of the bed turns around and rolls forward, and in some models it happens automatically. The reverse process causes difficulties. So, to fold the sofa, you need to apply a little force: lifting the edge of the bed to a click, you need to pull it to the back. Due to the small size of this piece of furniture in folded form and a spacious sleeping place in the decomposed version, it is in demand in small residential areas.

There are also several types of clamshell mechanisms. These are universal sleeping places.

The mechanism of the sofa "French clamshell", or "meralat", is a widespread design variant, folded threefold. When unfolding, the sleeping place, hidden under the seat, first turns up, then on itself, and eventually rests on the legs. It is not entirely convenient in that it requires the removal of individual elements - armrests, pillows - before unfolding. Relatively compact in assembled form, more suitable for the guest version.

Double folding are "American clamshells." These are so-called sofas with the mechanism of "sedaflex". They are very durable and comfortable, equipped with a thick mattress. When unfolding it is enough to pull the seat strap upwards, then to yourself, unfolding the links and having roped to two pairs of legs.

Similar to the previous mechanism called "Italian clamshell." It is also double-folded, but it does not begin to unfold from the seat, but from the back of the sofa, which is lowered to the seat, and the entire structure, turning over, rests on a pair of legs. The so-called "Italian flip-flop" is much higher in cost than the "meralat" or the sofas with the "sedaflex" mechanism. An additional advantage is that it is not necessary to remove cushions or armrests before folding.

Retractable structures

According to the principle of rolling out, there are several types of transformations of sofas. So, one of the most common is the "eurobook". Such a sofa is easy to manage, does not require a reserve of space near the wall when unfolding. It looks good not only near the wall, but in any other part of the room. "Evroknizhka" - a sofa, the mechanism of which is similar to the "book", but is more refined. This option is durable and durable, almost does not break, and therefore enjoys incredible demand. Folds out by pulling the seat forward, while the back cushions are lowered into the vacant space.

"Evroknizhka" is a sofa, the mechanism of which has been further developed. The result of the progress was the transformation of it into a "tick-to-tak" design, reminiscent of a clock pendulum. This is a relatively young, but at the same time, already deserving attention of consumers modification. It is easy to use, easy to fold every day - folding. This piece of furniture is produced in both classical and angular variants. When unfolding, all pillows must be removed. "Pantograph" is the second name that got such a sofa. The tick-to-tak mechanism is transformed by raising and extending the seat up and forward. The seat seems to take a step forward, standing on the support. After that, the back of the sofa can be lowered onto the bedding box. It is going to be similar.

Transformer, like a dolphin jump over the water, carries the same name. Standard for angular structures, but also found in rectangular models. A simple mechanism of the sofa "dolphin" is arranged as follows: its pull-out element (pillow) is hidden under the seat in a special compartment that rolls out and rises (on metal brackets) by the handle, forming a rectangular bed that can withstand a considerable load.

Durable, reliable, compact and designed for frequent use is the "withdrawable" mechanism of the sofa. On the device it resembles a telescope in which all parts are transformed from within. Such a sofa is laid out by pulling the front seat belt behind the hidden seat belt, and the remaining parts that were hidden inside the back automatically go behind it. In this case, the back of the sofa remains fixed, but the sleeping bed, consisting of three parts, has a modest height.

It is easy enough by raising the seat up, forward and the couches are laid out couches with a "puma" mechanism. At the same time, the lower part of the structure rises automatically and becomes flush with the deployed seat.

Similar to the "pull-out", but slightly more improved design called "Verona". The difference is only in the presence of rollers and brackets.

Unusual options

With such a variety there are also exclusive mechanisms for unfolding sofas. Among them, one can distinguish "lit", which converts a piece of furniture into a single bed by transforming one or both armrests. At the same time, the back does not change its position, and the seat serves as a sleeping place. This is a very good option for children. Movable armrests are also available for the metal frame structure "tango". If the seat turns into a sleeper, then this mechanism is called a "scroll".

Sleeping area

Manufacturers try to take into account possible shortcomings, revealed at the couches of previous models. One of them can be the surface of the sleeping bed. So, a fairly spacious, smooth, comfortable sleeping bed is inherent in the mechanisms of "eurobook", "dolphin", "accordion". Sofas with the mechanism of "puma", "sedaflex", "meralat", for example, in the unfolded form may have depressions and depressions. In the absence of a mattress or mattress, this can create discomfort during sleep.

Boxes for storing bedding

Unfortunately, not all models of sofas have compartments for storing blankets, pillows, mattresses, bed linen. Such convenient drawers are equipped with furniture items such as "eurobook", "click-clack", "accordion", "dolphin", "roll-out" sofa. The tick-to-tak mechanism also provides for the possibility of storing bed linens and other accessories in a special compartment. At the same time, all the clamshells are deprived of this pleasant trifle, which creates the possibility of maintaining order and concealing unnecessary things from prying eyes.

A little bit about caring for a sofa

Like any piece of furniture, the sofa needs proper and delicate care. It can consist in the daily wiping of furniture with a dry or damp microfiber to avoid the accumulation of dust. It is possible to use a vacuum cleaner. In case of appearance of a stain on an expensive fabric surface, it is better to immediately go to dry cleaning, but you can try and independently treat it with medical alcohol. But you should not resort to the help of abrasive detergents, solvents, brushes, even with the softest bristles, as they can damage the leather or fabric surface of the sofa.

In the batch processing may also need the place of connection of springs, metal elements with a frame. It makes sense to lubricate them with oil in order to avoid the possible appearance of a squeak in the transformation that all the sofa mechanisms can be exposed to.

How to choose a sofa - it's up to you! But since this piece of furniture is purchased, as a rule, for a long time, you should carefully study all the models available on the market and determine the one that is ideal for you.