Overview of the main mechanisms for transforming sofas, their pros and cons
A modern interior should not only be attractive in appearance, but also improve life, comfort and ease of use. The selection of furniture becomes an important process in shaping the furnishings of an apartment or house. Models that change shape easily become more and more popular. Technically, such an opportunity is provided by the mechanisms for transforming sofas, which make them more functional. Manufacturers offer a wide range of products in various designs, each of which has its own characteristics.
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The advantages of folding structures
Comfortable, beautiful housing is the result of thoughtful decisions in the design, decoration and selection of furnishings. When considering various types of sofas, first of all pay attention to their sizes, planning accommodation options. Both professional designers and ordinary consumers do this. If this is a normal model, not equipped with any kind of mechanisms for transforming sofas, then there is no need to present special conditions to the installation site. The dimensions and its configuration will always be the same. It is a completely different matter when the object is a transformer by design. To expand the sofa, additional space may be required. If this point was not taken into account before the acquisition, certain problems may arise. This also applies to cases where corner sofas are selected.
The ability to reconfigure the configuration of the product, which is provided by the mechanisms for transforming sofas, allows you to qualitatively change the characteristics of this piece of furniture, while obtaining significant advantages:
- To save space, for example, turn a compact sofa into a full-fledged bed for a night's rest or, having expanded the design, create more places for guests.
- Change the purpose of the room. The study can be quickly turned into a relaxation room, and the nursery can be converted into a playground.
- Make the room stylish. A product having a transformation mechanism often has an original shape, unusual proportions. It can be equipped with unique fittings.
There is no fundamental difference - buy ready-made folding furniture or order it from the manufacturer. It is much more important to understand which sofa mechanism is better and how to determine it. First of all, you should ask about the name of the system that was used in the production. Each model of transformers has its own characteristics, knowing which it will be much easier to make a choice. It is more difficult to answer the question of which sofa mechanisms are the most reliable. Much depends on the manufacturer: how well the materials were chosen, whether the production technology was followed.
Types of transformation mechanisms
Information about the characteristic features of the popular types of sofa mechanisms is often not indicated in the advertising materials of sellers. Most consumers are not interested in this moment. Manufacturers talk about what types of sofas exist, mentioning only the names of the systems. What this means in practice is not always clear. When choosing a model, it is advisable to understand what are the mechanisms for folding sofas. It is important to know in order to take full advantage of the products. It is also worth understanding how folding mechanisms work to determine how the products will look in the interior. Functional accessories for upholstered furniture are hidden under the casing, so it is impossible to recognize it by the type of transformation from the outside.
Each type of sofa mechanisms has features in operation. Well-known manufacturers guarantee the full functionality of furniture, as designers work together with designers and technologists. But not all types of sofas that you like can be equipped with the selected mechanism. This should be taken into account when ordering furniture individually. For technical reasons, some mechanisms for folding sofas to a specific model cannot be established. Sometimes it is necessary to change the shape, some details of the product, so that the selected models are guaranteed to fulfill their functions. When ordering, it is better to consult the manufacturer’s designer and choose the most reliable mechanism.
The average buyer, as a rule, is not very interested in the name of sofas, which are laid out forward or to the side. For him, the functionality of the product is more important, what he will get, having one or another kind of design with some kind of decomposition. The flow of information on TV, on thematic resources encourages consumers to use previously unknown housing options. Not everyone knows what types of sofas are, their features and capabilities. With information on what mechanisms exist, you can significantly improve the functionality of the room. Information on the pros and cons of each model will help in this matter. Then it will become easier to choose which type of layout of sofas will be optimal in a particular situation.
Recliner
If the user wants to make the resting place as comfortable as possible, then you should pay attention to this transformation mechanism. In the literal translation from English, "recline" means "lean back." But the name does not fully reflect all its functions. This category of devices contains mechanisms for raising sofas, which may have additional options. Basic: changing the position of the backrest at a given angle, an adjustable stand for legs, a smooth change of configuration, built-in pillows. If the task is to choose the most luxurious option, then a professional designer who has been working in the furniture industry for more than one year will definitely tell you what mechanisms are best for sofas and advise the “recliner”
Manufacturers offer the mechanism in several versions. They differ in complexity and in principle work schemes. In the sofa can be installed several mechanisms for its individual parts. Then two or three people sitting on it can individually adjust their position.
“Recliner” is rightfully recognized as the most convenient and comfortable mechanism for optimizing a vacation spot, taking into account the anatomical features of a particular person. The most advanced models are those that are equipped with an electric drive, with which you can smoothly change position without applying any physical effort. Disadvantages of “recliners”: very high cost, inability to use for sleep.
Roll-out
This is a traditional configuration consisting of two parts, one of which leaves the main building with the help of furniture rollers. Types of sofas in this category are not limited to simple devices. So, high-roll-out transformation mechanisms are quite complex. The system of brackets, rollers allows to increase the area of furniture by three times. However, in use such folding sofas with pull-out mechanisms are simple, the transformation technology is intuitive.
In terms of sales, the roll-out sofa is one of the leaders because it has one of the best indicators for reliability, durability and simplicity. If we take into account the fact that manufacturers offer budget models that are affordable for many, then this popularity is understandable. A retractable mechanism is also sold separately. It can be installed on some sofas that are not equipped with them in production.
Often furniture is made to order, and the dimensions, dimensions and types are selected individually by the customer, as well as the finish that will best suit the specific interior of the room. Unlike products with complex mechanics, the roll-out sofa is much easier to repair in the event of a breakdown. The rollers are mounted directly on the mattress body. The disadvantages include a small height relative to the floor.
The disadvantages of sofas with this installation option are compensated by the low price, compactness in assembled form and durability of the structure.
Books
Perhaps the most reliable for everyday use and the easiest option is sofa sofas. The principle of operation is clear from the name. The back of the product rotates like a book cover. The transformation mechanism can be implemented in several versions:
- Eurobook. This is a simple design model, which is not expensive. The principle of operation of folding sofas is simple: the seat with retractable rollers extends, and the back is moved to a horizontal position.
- "Puma", "pantograph", "tick-tock." Often products of this group of sofas are called "walking eurobooks." The evolution of the previous model with a more complex transformation mechanism and the absence of rollers. For layout, it is necessary to raise the edge of the seat and then push it forward to actuate the stepping mechanism.
- "Tango" or "click-gag." It differs from the classic version in the ability to fix intermediate positions: half-sitting, reclining. Otherwise, there are no fundamental differences. Just like in previous models, these sofas have places for additional storage.
Today, the principle of the book can be seen in some types of corner sofas, where the mechanism itself is somewhat more complicated than the traditional counterpart. For convenience, the retractable part is equipped with rollers, and the back is equipped with eccentrics with a movable axis of rotation. This allows you to get rid of one of the main design flaws - the need to leave a space between the wall and furniture for the full operation of the mechanism. Owners of such models do not have to deal with the question of how to lay out a corner sofa, everything is quite simple and clear. In addition, it is an inexpensive, effective way to change the space of a room. Despite the emergence of sophisticated high-tech devices, sofas with a “book” mechanism are still in demand among users, including because they are easy to fold out.
Cots
Considering all types of sofas, it is impossible not to mention one of the most popular models - a folding bed. This type has a wide variety of designs. You can often find the following names in the description: American, French, Italian, Belgian folding bed. Fundamentally, they do not differ. They can be laid out two, three times. Separate models of sofas with a clamshell mechanism are equipped with complex systems that make the transformation process not time-consuming.Gas shock absorbers, springs are used. All mechanisms of sofas are hidden inside. In order to use this piece of furniture, you need to know the layout. The product attached to the product has an exact description of the mechanism and the order of transformation, so the consumer will not have to wonder how to disassemble the sofa and fold it.
The standard design of a sofa of the “clamshell” type consists of a product body, hinges connecting separate parts, support legs, and a folding backrest. Compact models do not provide storage space for items, the folded-in interior is occupied by transformation elements. Dimensional products may have drawers. The “French clamshell” is equipped with a sophisticated three-level sofa mechanism. The product is not recommended for regular use due to the fact that it is impossible to provide the same level of a uniform surface as an orthopedic mattress. For this reason, the model is often called a guest sofa.
For a permanent place of sleep, it is better to purchase an "American folding bed". It is somewhat more dimensional, has a thicker mattress, which smooths the joints between the individual elements in the working position. Often this model is called a "sedaflex". The principle of unfolding the latter is similar to the “American folding bed”, “tick-tock”, “puma”, “walking eurobook”, the only difference is that the frame and the mechanism itself are made of wear-resistant materials.
Accordion
The main characteristic of this model is the back, which consists of two parts. When laying out, it is necessary to push forward the seat of the sofa, and the other part will decompose, taking a horizontal position. As a result, the sleeping area increases almost three times. Often furniture is equipped with additional cabinets for storage.
In fact, the transformation mechanism consists of two sets of hinges connecting the structural elements, and a swivel back structure. In order to fold the furniture, a loop-holder or a side ledge can be made between its parts. Expensive design sofas can be equipped with additional spring or vacuum devices, which increases the life of the product. They work both as closers, excluding shock loads, and as structures that facilitate the folding process.
Intermediate positions in models equipped with this kind of mechanism are not possible - the sofa is either fully laid out or folded. When choosing this option, you must first measure in the room where it is supposed to be installed. It should be borne in mind that when unfolded, the furniture slides on the floor, it can damage the coating.
Telescope
The similarity with the astronomical instrument on the principle of operation has become the reason for this name. This model is a subspecies of the roll-out sofa. However, despite the similarities, there are certain differences from them - the large height of the berth. The telescope has a second name - conrad. If you pull the handle or loop at the bottom of the seat, the remaining sections extend, the number of which can vary from 2 to 3. Each of them has its own supporting frame.
Depending on the complexity of the sofa transformation mechanism, alignment of structural elements is performed either manually or in automatic mode. In the first case, you need to lay the mattress or blocks yourself in the space of the berth. In the second version, thanks to a special mechanism, the seat can be aligned both horizontally and vertically. Most users like the second option. Which sofa mechanism is better is difficult to answer. The first is simpler and cheaper. The second is more expensive, but significantly reduces the complexity of the layout of the sofa. An additional plus is the presence of wooden slats mounted on retractable parts.All types of sofas have their advantages and disadvantages, but when choosing this particular model, you must first clarify its characteristics, try to lay out the furniture in the cabin.
It is advisable to read customer reviews about a particular model on independent resources.
Dolphin
A popular model that resembles several types of sofas at once. For example, the design is very similar to the “telescope”, but, in contrast to it, the retractable seat pops up, becoming flush with the fixed part when pulling furniture, a pillow with a strap. Hence the name "dolphin". The mechanism for folding the sofa provides such movement, which at the last stage of the extension lifts the mattress along the guides parallel to the floor to the desired distance. In this case, the main seat remains in place.
Design reliability is considered high. Despite the spectacular layout, the transformation mechanism is quite simple. The pluses include the general rigidity of the structure. The stationary seat is securely fixed to the power frame and backrests. Retractable sofa mechanisms under it have an independent circuit and do not weaken the main part of the product. A large number of work cycles is allowed, so you can use this option regularly. This design is often used in corner sofas.
Spartacus
The Spartak model is a domestic analogue of the French clamshell. The transformation mechanism of this sofa has been produced since 2005. The first to do it were the developers of the Alta Kualita company in Samara, who designed it together with the Italian designers of Ranucci. The sofa with the Spartak mechanism is distinguished from other models by an original design made of welded mesh. It is mounted on a metal frame made of profile pipes, which is also an additional element that provides rigidity and stability of the product.
There is a polyurethane foam mattress attached to the mesh, creating an orthopedic effect. Unfolding the model is not difficult, just pull the built-in loop at the end of the retractable part, and it becomes on its legs. The reverse transformation of the bed into a sofa is also not difficult. Raising the edge, fold the legs, and the structure is put back into place. Pillows are placed on top, completely covering the horizontal plane of the furniture - the seat. Over the short history of this brand, other types of sofas with this name have appeared. The Spartak 1 modification, for example, has more overall details of the mechanism, which increases the length of the product when unfolded to 192 cm.
Elf
It is no coincidence that the name of the fairy-tale hero was reinforced by the model. The layout of the “elf” sofas differs from all the others: the transformation is carried out not in one direction, but in three. In addition to extending the main mattress, the rotary device of the armrests allows you to set them in a horizontal position.
The model is available in two versions: with a step mechanism that allows you to increase the size of the berth, and without it, when the space for rest at night is located in the same place as for sitting, and its length is increased by reducing the height of the armrests. In this case, the side parts can be fixed at different angles, dropping to the height of the berth or taking a position to find reclining. This option significantly increases the total area of the bed.
When folded, the furniture is very compact, so it is often used in small apartments. The reclining armrests can withstand the load, but you can not stand on them, since there is no additional support for sofas of this model. This should be borne in mind by families with children.
The side parts are held only on the mechanism of folding the armrests of the sofa fixed to the body. Since the design of this model is based on a metal frame, you can be sure that the proposed transformation option is reliable and can be used for a long time.Another advantage of this variety is the presence of wooden orthopedic lamellas, which is especially important for those users who suffer from any diseases of the back, as well as for children in whom the musculoskeletal system is actively formed. The number of manufacturers of this type of product is still small, but their number is constantly increasing in accordance with growing demand.
Transformers with a retractable mechanism provide new opportunities for the implementation of bold design ideas. A variety of designs allows you to choose the best way to solve all design problems. Consumers can choose between sofas without a transformation mechanism and folding options - it all depends on the general style of the room and its area. The first options are suitable for almost any home. What mechanisms for the sofa will better meet the needs of the owner, you can learn from personal experience.
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