Mechanisms for transforming sofas. What are they and how are they different?

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In this article we will briefly and informatively talk about the most common mechanisms for transforming sofas, which are presented on our website. Our goal is to help you quickly navigate these not always clear names and find the option that suits you.

To do this, we will look at sofas from the consumer’s point of view, and these are just 2 main criteria:

1. convenience of daily unfolding of the sofa; 2. possible load on the sleeping place.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE LAZY TO READ:

mechanisms that are not suitable for daily use are labeled "guest".

Now let's list the most common sofa mechanisms:

1. Book; 2. Tick-tock; 3. American folding bed (Sedaflex); 4. French folding bed (Mixotoile); 5. “3-fold mechanism”; 6. Spartak.

Roll-out mechanisms:

7. Eurobook (Eurosopher); 8. Dolphin; 9. Kangaroo; 10. Conrad (telescope).

"Book".

The principle of using this mechanism is simple: you need to raise the seat until it clicks, and then lower it - the backrest will also lower. The “book” is the simplest mechanism in terms of use - it is easy to unfold and difficult to break. Maximum load up to 200 kg.

Pros:

the sleeping place is located along, and not across the wall.
This folding mechanism is perfect for small spaces because it does not take up much space, both assembled and disassembled. Cons:
when unfolding the sofa, you need to move it away from the wall, which is completely inconvenient for daily use. There is a risk of damaging the floors if you do not lift the sofa. In the place where the back and base connect, a bump or indentation may form, which interferes with comfortable sleep and limits space.

"American folding bed" or Sedaflex.

Here the sleeping area consists of two sections. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove all the cushions, pull the seat up and towards you using a special handle and unfold the sections until they rest on the supports. The sofa unfolds in two steps: first, the first section opens, and behind it the second section unfolds. Maximum load - 240 kg.

Pros:

reliable transformation mechanism made of high-quality wear-resistant materials.
The Sedaflex sleeping place turns out smooth without creases or bends. This sofa has a reinforced metal frame and mesh, which provide high structural rigidity and comfortable sleep. This model also allows you to use high-quality 12-centimeter mattresses. Cons:
There is no linen drawer, and the sleeping surface may have seams.

"French folding bed" (Mixotoile).

This transformation mechanism is similar to an American folding bed, but unlike its “American version” it consists of three parts, and otherwise the folding principle is absolutely identical. The “French folding bed” has a completely metal frame, to which a high-density canvas awning is attached using springs. Under the tarpaulin there are special wooden slats that give the sofa an orthopedic effect. The maximum load on the mechanism is 180 kg.

Pros:

soft sleeping place, equipped with a 50 cm thick mattress.
Cons:
uneven sleeping place, does not have a linen drawer.

"Spartacus".

The mechanism is structurally identical to the “French clamshell” - it also consists of three sections and unfolds in the same way. However, there is a significant difference that can affect your purchasing decision. "Spartak" is equipped with a reinforced metal mesh, which allows it to withstand high loads, and you can use the sofa for daily sleep. Maximum load up to 240 kg.

Pros:

Due to the reinforced frame, the model is highly durable, and therefore its durability is higher.
Has a spacious sleeping area. Cons:
like all clamshells, the Spartak mechanism does not have a very aesthetically pleasing side view when unfolded. Due to the improved quality, the mechanism will cost more than clamshells.

"Tick-tock."

The main advantage of tic-tac is its ease of use. The mechanism unfolds in two steps: pull the seat up and forward, and then lower the backrest to the vacant seat. This can be done even with one hand! In this case, the maximum load on the berth is 240 kg.

Pros:

The mechanism provides a spacious sleeping area and does not touch the floor covering when unfolded.
Cons:
when folded, the sofa has a fairly wide seat, which is not always comfortable. If the mechanism breaks, repairs will cost a fairly large sum.

Three fold mechanism

and the “French clamshell” mechanism are essentially the same. They lay out the same and look the same. But many manufacturers separate them, explaining that they use different materials for manufacturing. Therefore, when choosing a sofa with such a mechanism, check what it is made of in order to avoid surprises later. The maximum load on the bed is 180 kg.

Folding sofa “American folding bed”

The “American folding bed” sofa mechanism, also known as “Sedaflex”, has proven itself to be a reliable and high-quality mechanism for constant use. Its reliability allows you to unfold and fold it as many times as you wish. The American folding bed is a double folding sofa mechanism. The sofa mechanism transforms into a bed in two stages. The mechanism is practical and suitable for daily use. It appeared in Italy 10-15 years ago.

There is a sofa called "French folding bed". These mechanisms are similar, although very different from each other. A comfortable sleep is guaranteed for you on a sofa with an American mechanism, and for guests on a sofa with a French mechanism. It is the complexity of its deployment that makes the difference. The first one is better for daily use, the second one for rare use.

Roll-out mechanisms.

IMPORTANT! Pay attention to the rollers and supports on “roll-out” sofas. They must be made of soft materials - this will ensure the safety of your floor!

"Eurobook"

- This is an improved version of the “book” mechanism. It is worth saying that this is one of the most popular vacant mechanisms on the market. The model consists of two parts: a back and a seat, and also has a spacious box for linen. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove the back cushions, roll the seat towards you all the way, and lower the backrest into the free space. All parts of a sofa with such a mechanism must fit tightly to each other, but if gaps appear in the sofa, this indicates low quality of the product. Maximum load is 240 kg.

Pros:

such a sofa looks good both against the wall and in the middle of the room (it can be used to zone a room if space allows).
"Eurobook" provides a full-fledged spacious sleeping place. Cons:
when extended, the seat “rides” on the floor and can damage the floor covering.

"Dolphin"

- perhaps one of the most convenient and widespread mechanisms on the market. It unfolds very simply: just roll out the additional section from under the seat and pull the fabric handle towards you - the sofa is ready for use. The maximum load on the mechanism is 200 kg.

Pros:

Robust design guarantees longevity of the mechanism.
The sofa provides a spacious sleeping area, and there is a spacious linen drawer. Cons:
When unfolded, there is a barely noticeable joint between the seat and the roll-out section.

"Kangaroo". This mechanism is very similar to the previous one in terms of folding. Its only difference from the “dolphin” is its higher sleeping place.

Pros:

durable construction, wide berth, large linen drawer.
Cons:
when unfolded, there is a joint between the seat and the roll-out section.

"Conrad" (telescope).

This mechanism consists of three sections. To unfold, you need to pull the lower roll-out part (the first section), behind which all the others will pull out. After you have pulled out all the sections, you need to take the top of the first section and unfold it to lay it on top of the second. IMPORTANT! The “telescope” is very compact compared to other mechanisms, and also has an orthopedic grille. The maximum load on the bed is 180 kg.

Pros:

compactness when folded and space when unfolded.
Cons:
difficult to move - the mechanism and the sofa are heavy.

Advantages of sofas with a book mechanism

• Everyone knows that furniture with a “book” design is the most budget-friendly on the market. Modern manufacturers offer such a variety of sofas that choosing the ideal option for any budget is not difficult. But such models also have other undeniable advantages:
• There is a spacious box inside for storing bed linen - this not only allows you to keep the necessary things in order, but also significantly saves space in the closet;
• The folding mechanism is very easy to use and is designed for many years of intensive use;
• The book design is usually installed in small sofas, which are ideal for small spaces.

And finally, a few more tips on how to choose a suitable quality sofa.

1. If funds allow, choose a sofa frame made of hardwood (oak, beech, birch). 2. Carefully inspect the mechanism; there should be a manufacturer’s mark on it. Unfold and fold the sofa, and all the positions of the backrest and armrests specified for the model should work. 3. If you are looking for a sofa “for a long time”, then it is better to choose a model with an independent spring block; it is much more durable than a regular “snake”, dependent spring block or simple polyurethane foam (PPU). 4. When buying a sofa with a mechanism on a wooden base, give preference to oak, beech or birch - their wear resistance is much higher than that of other types of wood. 5. Remember, the length of the bed depends on the design of the sofa. If you are tall, pay attention to Eurobook type sofas or sofas with roll-out mechanisms. Their kinematics make it possible to make a sleeping place longer than two meters.

Bottom line

We know the features of the mechanisms well. After a long study of the market, we chose the four most relevant types for our production: - American folding bed - French folding bed - walking Eurobook - roll-out Eurobook

Each of them is in demand on the market and has been successfully performing its functions for many years. At the same time, together they cover the entire range of needs of our clients. You can learn more about SK Design folding sofas HERE or personally visit one of our showrooms in St. Petersburg or Moscow. Our consultants will definitely tell you about all the nuances and help with the choice. Happy shopping!

How to assemble a sofa correctly

Assembling a newly purchased sofa is a labor-intensive task, but if the process is properly organized, assembly according to the diagram can be done quickly and efficiently with your own hands, Eurobooks, folding model books, a homemade sofa. Each sofa comes with a sketch showing how to assemble it and what to do step by step.

Accordion sofa assembly diagram

The main thing is to follow some rules according to the instructions:

1. Prepare the necessary tools in advance: the required size wrenches, hexagon, screwdriver, screwdriver, timber.
2. Check that all items are included in the contents list.
3. When assembling, do not rush to tighten the fixing bolts. It is much easier to correct assembly errors if the bolts are not tightened too much.
4. Do not forget to check the quality of installation of the folding mechanisms.

Anyone with a minor level of training can make a simple sofa on their own using assembly diagrams.

Assembling the corner model

The corner model is an overall design made in the shape of the letter L.

Modern models of corner sofas are equipped with a pull-out part, which, if necessary, transforms the sofa into a comfortable, spacious bed.

Assembling a corner option means connecting three parts: a seat, a backrest and a retractable part. Craftsmen recommend collecting large elements first, and only then proceeding to smaller parts.

Corner sofa - bed

Feature of the corner model assembly process: before work, be sure to familiarize yourself with the design. There may be a roll-out mechanism. It can be right- or left-handed and have a different folding mechanism.

1. We unpack each item, checking the quality and contents.
2. We check the availability of the necessary tools: screwdriver, screwdriver, hexagons.
3. The supports are fixed to the base part, corner sections and armrest with screws.
4. Rollers are attached to the retractable part.
5. Using screws, the armrest and corner section are connected. It is important to check the strength of fixation of all elements during the assembly process.
6. Connects the base section and the back.
7. The back wall of the sofa and the second armrest are fixed.
8. The roll-out mechanism is fixed to the guides installed on the side.

Assembly diagram of the corner model

Straight model

Straight is a classic version of upholstered furniture.

1. We carefully unpack each part, simultaneously checking the quality and quantity of fittings. The unpacked elements are left for some time so that the materials take on the required humidity and room temperature.
2. We prepare the necessary tools for the job: screwdriver, hexagons, screwdriver.
3. We screw the legs. This process must be done first, because the assembled structure is very heavy to turn over.
4. Let's proceed to the main stage of assembly. We connect the seat and backrest by carefully aligning the holes, inserting and tightening bolts (or screws) into them. Next, the armrest and other decorative elements are fixed to the wooden frame on both sides.
5. We check the operation of the sliding mechanism. It is important that its operation is smooth, without squeaks.

French folding bed

This option has proven itself well in the last century and remains just as popular today. One of the explanations for this is the affordable price. There are both corner models and regular ones. The French clamshell mechanism provides for transformation in three stages.

Pros: when unfolding, it is impossible to scratch the floor covering.

How to put the mechanism into action: first remove the cushions that serve as a seat. Under them is a mattress folded in three. The mattress unfolds and is supported by metal legs. To turn a bed back into a sofa, all steps are repeated in reverse order.

What to pay attention to: this is primarily a guest option, which is best used if you urgently need to arrange an extra bed for guests. Firstly, the mattress itself turns out to be thin and uncomfortable for daily sleep, and secondly, from frequent use it will wear out faster and become unsuitable for sleeping.

You can pre-select the most suitable option for yourself using the photos that are in the catalogs of furniture stores. It is better to buy only after checking their reliability in action in the store.

Accordion

Mechanism: this sofa folding mechanism received this “musical” name for its similarity to the principle of stretching the bellows of this musical instrument. The seat rises until it clicks and then slides out all the way.

pros

• Minimum size when assembled.
• Large sleeping area.
• Reliability of the mechanism.

Conrad

Of all the types of sofa transformations, this option is the most convenient for sleeping, as it allows the use of spring blocks in the design, which is most beneficial for health and creates comfortable conditions for sleeping.

Mechanism: the part located under the seat extends and extends further, carrying the seat with it, and then part of the backrest, after which the first part rises up to the same level as the seat, and part of the backrest falls to the same level.

pros

• A sleeping place close in quality to an orthopedic mattress.
• Significant space saving when folded with a relatively large sleeping area.

Folding rules

For upholstered furniture of a standard shape, a standard sofa folding mechanism is provided. It is not difficult to lay it out, for this you need:

1. Check that the backrest is in contact with the wall.
2. Make sure the front and rear blocks are in a stationary position.
3. Pull the seat out all the way: it slides out easily along two horizontally oriented guide axes, metal or wood.
4. If everything is done correctly, the backrest will automatically lower into the free space and, connecting to the seat, forms a berth.

This mechanism is used only in standard straight-shaped products. A slightly different method of transformation is provided by corner sofas: the sleeping bed moves out if you pull a hidden cord. Such models fit well into narrow spaces.

If a “Eurobook” with roll-out elements is transformed daily, it is better to place it on a bare floor - otherwise the carpet will curl all the time.