Transforming sofas
Since ancient times, people equipped their homes with soft furniture. Most often these were various modifications of sofas. To date, this piece of furniture has become more functional and comfortable compared to the models of past times. Currently, transforming sofa is very popular.
Features and benefits
The sofa-transformer in comparison with other interior items has a lot of advantages. As a rule, this piece of furniture has compact dimensions, and therefore it is the best option for small apartments and small rooms. The functionality of transforming sofas allows them to be used not only as a cozy and comfortable place for evening gatherings of households and guests, but also for sleeping.Some models are equipped with additional storage systems (shelves, niches), and others even by small tables.
A variety of modern models offered today by many manufacturers allows you to choose a model in any configuration.
Their versatility allows you to install this piece of furniture in absolutely any room, be it a living room, bedroom, nursery or even a kitchen-dining room.
Particularly in demand is a convertible sofa from apartment owners.
Due to the fact that the models of such sofas have small dimensions, under them, as a rule, a lot of dust does not accumulate and therefore cleaning will not take much time and effort. All modern models have durable and reliable designs, as for their manufacture using high-quality materials and proven transformation mechanisms.
Built-in mechanisms are characterized by ease of operation. Managing them is not only easy, but also very convenient and therefore any person can handle the transformation mechanism, be it a fragile woman or a small child.
Another argument in favor of choosing a transformer sofa can be called a significant cost savings, since the design of such a sofa replaces two, and in some cases more interior items.
Species
Today, manufacturers of transforming sofas are trying to take into account the tastes and preferences of customers, producing a variety in shape and design model. The shape of any model can be straight, angular, semicircular and U-shaped. There are also options of irregular shape. The most common forms are considered straight and angular models, the rest are a type of these two forms.
- Straight sofa in the classical style it can have absolutely any appearance: a book, a roll-out model, a couch or an accordion. Book, couch and models with a click-klyak mechanism are related to varieties that are laid out in the shortest possible time.
- For options with vykatny or sliding mechanism It takes a little more time due to the movement of special mounts. In addition, during the transformation of such models, the bed can be located both along the straight line of the sofa and parallel to the armrests.
- Recently gaining popularity bunk transforming models. The peculiarity of such a sofa is a complex composite mechanism, with the help of which an ordinary-looking straight sofa turns into quite comfortablebunk bed. Transformation into the second tier can occur with the help of the back, the seat and the bottom of the product. During the day, such a sofa is a complete resting place, and at night it turns into two cozy single beds.
- An interesting type of direct option is sofa with a retractable corner. Thanks to the transformation mechanism, such a model turns from a direct construction into a small corner variant. In order to turn this option into a comfortable bed, you just need to push the rest and the bed is ready. The corner model consists of two parts, where, as a rule, one part is longer than the other, but there are more modern versions, in which both parts have the same size. Thanks to the different transformation mechanisms, any model turns into a comfortable bed with a bed of a certain size.
In addition, the corner sofas are equipped with spacious drawers for linen, and some models - retractable shelves and niches of various configurations.
- A variety of corner options are P-shaped models. They are usually installed in large rooms and are located, most often in the center of the room. They can be equilateral or versatile. During the transformation, the bed area has significant dimensions.
- Round convertible sofa refers to a variety of U-shaped options. Transformation in such a model can be subject to back and armrests. When folded, the product has the form of a semicircle or arc.
- The varieties of products transforming into a comfortable double bed include frameless version. Convenient and at the same time compact inflatable sofa folded does not take up much space. For decomposition, it is only necessary to fold forward two sections that are interconnected, and the berth is ready. Despite its lightness, it can withstand loads of up to 200 kg.
By the number of beds, direct transformers can form one, two, and sometimes three beds. The single version is endowed with miniature dimensions and, as a rule, has the appearance of a couch. The double version is universal and most often used in various modifications.
Triple sofa is a type of two-tier version. During the transformation, one sleeping place is formed in the upper tier and two places in the lower part with an orthopedic base consisting of lamellae.
By configuration
The configuration of the sofa transformers may be different. In addition to the bed for sleeping, such models can be transformed into other pieces of furniture.
The most common is the roll-out option, in which there is a table. The “three in one” model is at the same time a double bed, a soft sofa and a dining table. When folded, the table is part of the sofa. The table top is located at the back and is the back of the sofa, and the table supports play the role of armrests. For transformation, you just need to remove the pillows, pull the back of the sofa (tabletop) towards you and the excellent dining table is ready for use.
There are more complicated models, where the sofa is combined with a wardrobe. The 3 in 1 structure consists of a sofa frame with soft pillows, a bed frame, which is also the backrest of the sofa, bed support legs, which are also a shelf when the bed is in the raised position, and a pencil case into which the bed base is removed.At night, the bed reclines, and becomes a comfortable bed for sleeping, and during the daytime the bed frame is retracted into the closet and a soft, cozy sofa opens to the eyes.
A variation of this modification is sofa wall. In addition to the cabinet, designed to hide the bed base, the design includes additional cabinets with many shelves and open niches of various sizes and purposes. Such models belong to folding designs. They usually use straight or angular in shape sofas. Some models of transformers can combine the function of the dresser. Folding sofa commode allows you to store bedding and other things in the design of the drawers.
More expensive configurations include designs that combine many functions in a single product. These include modular sofas. The modular version is assembled from chair and sofa sections, which can be interchanged, disconnected and rearranged part of the elements to another place. This kind of design is more than 5 in 1. The seating position is transformed into a comfortable place to sleep with the help of an electro-rolling mechanism.
With the help of the same mechanism, part of the sofa can be used as a chaise lounge. In addition, in such models built table and bar.
The cost of such sofas is very high, but there are modular options at an affordable price. These include sofas, the base of which consists of ottomans. Due to the mobility of structural elements, you can make various options at your discretion. The direct option or the sofa corner is made up quickly and easily, due to the fact that the elements are not fastened together.
The ottomans themselves are boxes for storing various things. Mobile padded stools make it possible to make a double bed or two single beds. All modules can additionally be equipped with open shelves, pillows and tables. Puffs can be in the form of a cube or have a different appearance (circle, arc, and other types).
Modular options include sofas from blocks. Thanks to the blocks, you can design not only an excellent double bed or two single beds, but also build a sofa, creating at your discretion a back and a seat. The simple configuration includes a folding inflatable transformer, which can be used not only as a sofa and bed, but also as a chaise longue, mattress and couch.
To destination
Most models of transformers are universal products. But there are options suitable for specific rooms.
For a small room suitable small options that combine two, and sometimes three pieces of furniture. A model that folds out into a bunk bed is an excellent teenage option. Especially if there are two children in the room and they need two different beds. Recreation area in this case remains common.
In the assembled state, this roomy sofa is a great place to relax and receive guests.
This option is an excellent solution not only for children's rooms, but also for a small apartment, since the transformation takes place vertically upwards and does not require free space in front of the sofa. The vacated space can take other furniture. In addition, a two-tier option is a great solution for two people living in a small room and not being a couple.
For living room, depending on the available area, several other options will do. In a small area of the room will look good sofa-table or optioncombining a comfortable seat and bed.
If the living room is also a bedroom, then the best option would be a sofa-wall or a sofa-closet.
In larger living rooms and studio apartments various modular systems of usual U-shaped or L-shaped forms, as well as variants of a circular or arcuate type with various transformation mechanisms will look equally good.
Transforming products can be selected not only for standard apartments and studio apartments, but also for country housesintended for summer holidays of all households. A mobile inflatable transformer that can take several positions, as well as a modular block version, will be suitable for a summer house arbor. Thanks to the mobility of the blocks, it is possible to make up various options and install them in any place of the arbor.
If the gazebo is closed, you can install a sofa-corner or a small U-shaped version, transforming, if desired, into a comfortable bed.
Dimensions
All transformable products have different sizes. Dimensions of the sofa depend on the mechanism of transformation and the purpose of the product.
The compact products include sofas, transforming into a bunk bed. As a rule, they have a length of no more than 212-230 cm, the width varies between 90-95 cm, and the height of the product depends on the position taken. In the folded state, such a product has a height of 77-80 cm, and after transformation into the position of the bed - 152-155 cm. The width of the upper and lower berths is within 80-90 cm, and the length is 195-200 cm.
Products in which the berth is perpendicular to the back, with the accordion transformation mechanism can be attributed to the mini-versions. The length of the sofa in this case does not exceed 90-150 cm, and the width depends on the position taken. In the folded state, the width has a size equal to 90 cm, during transformation it increases to 200-210 cm.
Dimensional angular products and U-shaped variants, as a rule, are characterized by large dimensions. The length of a standard corner sofa varies between 230-280 cm, and the width is within 150-180 cm. Modular sofas can form a structure that reaches a length of 3 meters or more. Round and semicircular transforming sofas are more suitable for living rooms with an area of more than 25 square meters. The diameter of such products varies in the range of 2-2.5 m.
Materials
Any transforming sofa is made from certain materials. Products with a rigid structure consist of a frame, filler and upholstery.
Frame
The frame can be made of chipboard, solid wood, metal, or a combination of these materials.
Less reliable is a frame made of chipboard. The best options for these products are designs of wood and metal.
Wooden frames are durable and reliable, for their production using different species of trees. To protect against insects, they are impregnated with special solutions, and in order that the framework does not creak during operation, it is dried for a long time.
In some models that have a complex transformation mechanism, the frames are made of metals. Since a complex phased mechanism requires not only strength, but also the flexibility of the elements involved in the transformation. In modern models involving the placement of an orthopedic mattress, the base of the frame is equipped with lamellae, made depending on the model of a certain breed of wood.
Filler
Types of filler depend on the specific model and location.The most common material is polyurethane foam. In the seats it is used either as an auxiliary layer in the spring blocks, or it is laid as an independent filler. For pillows and sides of plywood, a sintepon, holofiber or sintepukh is used.
Upholstery
Today, thanks to modern technology, various materials are used as upholstery. The most popular and basic are leather, suede, jacquard, flock and velvet.
- Leather sofa It has a presentable appearance and can be installed in almost any room, be it a living room, study, bedroom or even a kitchen-dining room. Leather surface less prone to dust accumulation. Such upholstery breathes, as the skin is capable of water absorption and water loss. In addition, the sofa, upholstered in leather, is well to clean, especially wet wiping.
An alternative to leather upholstery is an artificial counterpart, no different in appearance from a natural material.
- Velvet upholstery has a soft fleecy surface. This fabric looks great on sofas that have a complex shape. A good alternative to velvet is flock.This pleasant to the touch material differs enviable strength and durability. In addition, flock is often covered with special means, as a result of which the fabric acquires dirt and water repellency properties.
- No less popular today, lint-free jacquard. It has sufficient strength and durability. In addition, it is unpretentious in the care, so that this sofa can be installed in any room.
Transformation mechanisms
Each design has its own transformation mechanisms. To the folding structures are models in the form of books, couches, as well as options with a click-klyak system. Models with an accordion system, as well as sofas with a French or American folding bed are types that can be developed. But the most commonly encountered mechanisms in transformable variants are withdrawable and withdrawable systems.
- The most popular, simple and reliable mechanism is considered eurobook. In order to decompose a sofa with such a mechanism, it is necessary to extend or roll out (with wheels) the seat forward and lower the backrest.The result is a fairly smooth surface, which is a sleeping place. This mechanism allows you to install the product close to the wall.
- Pantograph It is a type of Eurobook and refers to improved transformation mechanisms. In order to prepare the bed you just need to pull the seat up a little and then towards yourself. On the vacant seat gently lower the back of the sofa. This mechanism is equipped with a special rod-synchronizer and spring, due to which the product's seat is transformed smoothly, without distortions.
- Sofa with stepper mechanism does not scratch the floor surface and forms a wide and even surface for sleeping. The mechanism itself is durable, reliable and durable.
- Currently, increasing popularity is conquering rotary transformation mechanism (scissors). This mechanism is equipped with corner sofas. In order to turn the sofa into a double bed, you just need to turn the moving part of the product in the direction of the fixed module and fasten both parts with a special latch. This mechanism does not scratch the surface of the floor and is easy to use, even a child can cope with the transformation.
Tips for choosing
When choosing a super multifunctional convertible sofa, you need to pay attention to many factors. Besides the fact that a stylish sofa should have a modern look and high-quality upholstery, it should be equipped with a reliable transformation mechanism and correspond to the area of the room. First of all, it is necessary to determine the place of installation and dimensions of the product. To do this, measure the area of the place where you plan to install the selected model.
It is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions in the folded state, but also to calculate the area that will be needed when the sofa is laid out.
When choosing the dimensions of the product, it is necessary to pay attention to the size of the bed. For a good product, the width of the bed should be at least 140-160 cm.
When choosing an elite modular system, endowed with a variety of smart functions, you need to pay attention to the quality of the mounting of individual modules, as well as the ease of reassembly of individual elements if necessary. This selection rule applies to the original, unusual in form of sofas.
Reviews
Most of the people who bought transforming sofas were satisfied with their purchase.According to many people, sofas connecting several pieces of furniture in their designs helped not only to save money, but also to get a universal comfortable model for sleeping and relaxing. Many agree that a convertible sofa is the best option for small rooms. In addition, the presence of modern transformation mechanisms greatly facilitates the process of folding the sofa.
For information on how to use transforming sofas, see the following video.