Universal furniture is what most buyers want. Universal furniture includes a sofa bed, since it forms a sleeping place only when the owner needs it, freeing up space the rest of the time. This sofa is especially relevant in rooms with a small area.
When choosing a folding sofa, an unprepared person usually faces complexity, namely a wide variety of transformation mechanisms. Knowing the features of each mechanism will allow you to choose exactly the model that best suits your layout and purpose of use.
Why is the choice of transformation mechanism so important? Since the sofa bed is used for sleeping, 1/3 of the day your back is in one position on the sleeping area formed when the sofa is folded out. Often, the height and softness of the mattress, and therefore healthy sleep, depend on the method of transformation.
In this article we will take a detailed look at not only sofas with traditional lifting and rolling mechanisms, but also about more unusual types of transformation. Each of them is unique in its own way and has special characteristics.
The furniture factory SK Design produces 4 types of folding sofas, but we will get acquainted with 15 types of transformation mechanisms in order to be aware of the modern market range.
Transformation options:
- French folding bed
- American folding bed
- Italian folding bed
- Accordion
- Advertiser
- Lit (Elf)
- Book
- Roll-out Eurobook
- Walking Eurobook
- Click-clack and Tango
- Eurosophist
- Telescope
- "Dolphin"
- Conrad
- "Scissors"
French folding bed
This is a classic mechanism that is folded into a “roll” inside the sofa. The process of transformation into a bed is quite simple: the pillows are removed, the base made of a dense lattice is untwisted and installed on two support rods. On top of the structure is a soft mattress approximately six centimeters thick. The French clamshell is a guest mechanism for infrequent use, as the supports are quite light.
American folding bed
Otherwise it is called “Sedaflex”. The mechanism allows you to accommodate a thicker mattress and unfolds faster by one turn than a French folding bed. Another difference from the “French version” is that the folding bed has two strong steel supports instead of one rod. This modification makes the bed suitable for daily use.
Italian folding bed
Another variation of the classic mechanism, which stands out for its ease of use. The sleeping place is folded out together with the back of the sofa, in the final position it ends up behind the supports installed on the floor. This mechanism can be easily unfolded in one movement.
Accordion
The sofa has a double back, which is folded in the form of an accordion. To expand the berth, the seat is slightly raised and pulled towards itself. It is worth considering that the mechanism requires care. To prevent the sofa from creaking, it is worth periodically lubricating the metal parts of the mechanism with special technical oil.
Advertiser
This is a universal mechanism that allows you to adjust the angle of the backrest and armrests and extend the ottoman for your feet. The main feature of the sofa is the ability to control this entire set of functions via a remote control, which makes the transformation process as easy as possible.
Lit
Perhaps the most unusual example of a folding sofa. Lit or otherwise “Elf”, straightens with the help of armrests that go down on the sides of the sofa. You can fix them at several levels of inclination or even straighten them at a right angle. Then your sleeping place will turn into a full-fledged single bed.
Book
One of the very first mechanisms used to straighten a sofa. The seat rises to a characteristic click and falls with the backrest, forming a place to sleep. The disadvantage of the mechanism is that the sofa must be moved away from the wall.
Roll-out Eurobook
An improved version of the standard "book". The seat moves forward on wheels, after which the back of the sofa lowers to the vacant seat. More convenient than a “book”, however, supports on wheels can pose a risk of damaging the floor covering.
Walking Eurobook
One of the most common types of sofa transformation. Its main advantage is that the seat does not touch the floor until it is placed on the supports, as if taking a “step”. After this, the back of the sofa is lowered into the freed space and completes the transformation of the sofa. The Eurobook has different names in everyday life, for example: “pantograph”, “tick-tock”.
"Click-clack" and Tango
Such a funny name fully corresponds to the sound with which the transformation occurs. The transformation mechanism resembles a “book”. The difference is that “click-click” can fix the position of the seat and backrest at different levels: half-lying, half-sitting. The “Tango” sofa mechanism adds the possibility of multi-level fixation of the armrests.
Eurosophist
This is a type of roll-out sofa. The transformation of the sofa takes place in two steps: first you need to pull the linen drawer towards you, and then lay out the soft part of the sofa on top of the drawer.
Telescope
Another variation of a roll-out sofa. Three components are hidden inside the seat, which are pulled out in one movement - one of them is raised by a spring mechanism to the required height.
"Dolphin"
A sofa with such a mechanism has other names: “kangaroo”, “microlift”, but the most popular is “dolphin”. This name stuck due to the method of transformation - the lower segment of the structure rolls out onto itself, after which the platform, hidden inside the sofa, “emerges” thanks to a spring mechanism and is fixed at the required height.
Conrad
This is a high-drawout mechanism that is similar to a “telescope”, as it stores three segments under its seat. The difference between the “Conrad” mechanism is in 2 layout options: you can roll out the sofa to the length of one segment, or form a full-fledged sleeping place by rolling out the third segment and raising it to the required height.
"Scissors"
This type of mechanism can only be used in the designs of corner sofas. The seat moves towards the ottoman, forming a full-fledged sleeping place. The characteristic movement of the halves of the sofa towards each other led to the name of the transformation mechanism “scissors”.
Which mechanism to choose?
This part of the article will help you understand what you should pay attention to first when choosing a mechanism. We recommend that you first make sure that the sofa assembly is of proper quality:
- the design is stable
- the sofa doesn't squeak
- There are no sharp protruding edges on the metal frame
The second important factor is the service life of the mechanism. Check with the store salesperson for how many years the mechanism is designed to be used. Please note that SK Design provides an 18 month warranty on its products.
Next, you need to understand where you will put the sofa, who will use it and how often.
For daily use, instead of a full bed, it is better to choose an American folding bed, since its mechanism allows the use of a thicker mattress, and the folding part is installed on strong supports.
If you are choosing a sofa for occasional use, for example, to accommodate overnight guests, it is enough to purchase a French folding bed.
For a children's room, it is better to choose a roll-out Eurobook, since even a child can straighten such a sofa.
A corner sofa with a “dolphin” mechanism will suit hospitable hosts, since the shape of the sofa allows you to accommodate more people, and in the evening, with a slight movement, it turns into a sleeping place.
Thus, each mechanism has its own pros and cons, as well as its own functional purpose.
Models by transformation method
This furniture is classified according to the method of transformation, design features, functional purpose, size and number of seats. Let's look at what types of sofas there are by mechanism, their names and operating principles.
Sofa book
This is one of the most common types of sofas. You can sit comfortably on such models, and if the structure is unfolded, you can sleep. To unfold the sofa, the seat is raised until it clicks, then the seat is lowered. The sofa book is folded in the reverse order: the seat is raised again, clicks are heard, and then the structure is transformed.
Among the disadvantages is the space between the wall and the back. When the structure is folded, it is necessary to move the furniture closer to the wall, otherwise it will take up an already small space. If you need to unfold the structure to go to bed, then the furniture is moved away - for many this is a big minus. There is also a soft sofa. It is designed for sitting and does not have transformation functions.
With click-clack mechanism
These products are modernized models of “books”. The mechanism received its name because of the sounds that the system makes when folding/unfolding. Unlike books, the clack offers not two, but three positions - sitting, half-sitting or lying down. The structures are also equipped with side parts - after transformation they serve as headrests or armrests.
Beach Style ikea sleeper sofa orange TK Classics Brand –
Even when unfolded, these models look quite compact and do not take up much space in the room. Due to the ergonomic three-position click-clack mechanism of the sofa, it is perfect for small city apartments.
In the video: how the click-clack mechanism works.
Accordion
These folding structures are very popular due to their comfort and simplicity - mostly simple mechanisms for folding sofas are installed here, and the furniture itself is quite compact. The sleeping part in such models consists of three parts - one is a seat, the other two serve as a backrest.
These structures are laid out as follows: the seat is pushed forward, then the backrest, made of two parts, is placed in one plane. This is a more suitable sofa folding mechanism for daily use - the furniture does not need to be constantly moved, and at the same time, this solution is well suited for apartments with small rooms.
On the video: the principle of operation of the accordion mechanism.
Dolphin
Dolphins are extremely simple, the system consists of two parts - stationary and retractable. These options will look great in spacious spaces, but will also fit well in small rooms. Even a child can figure out how to assemble a sofa. This mechanism for transforming the sofa involves the following actions: it is necessary to pull out the block with the roll-out mechanism under the seat until it stops, then move the second part of the berth in your direction.
On video: the dolphin transformation mechanism.
Eurobook
The peculiarity of the Eurobook sofa mechanism is that children and even older people can handle it. If we compare this furniture and other types of folding sofas, the first one will last much longer. The design is equipped with large drawers for bedding and a flat sleeping area. The sofa folding mechanism is very simple to operate - just pull out the front part, and lower the back back into the free space. This furniture can be installed either near the wall or in the middle of the room.
In the video: the Eurobook transformation mechanism.
Rolled out models
The design of the sofa with a roll-out mechanism consists of three separate parts. Thus, the far part, when the structure is folded, is located in the back and will stand in place of the head when unfolded. It’s easy to unfold a straight pull-out sofa – the seat is pulled towards you. As a result, all parts come out. All that remains is to level the plane using the backrest or pillows. A roll-out sofa is also called a telescope, and this is all due to the principle of its operation.
Similar mechanisms for transforming sofas are laid out like a spyglass. We assemble the sofa in the reverse order - all parts of the mechanism slide inside.
A straight roll-out sofa is considered the best. This mechanism is more convenient than other types of sofa layouts. Children and elderly people can handle it. These are compact models that fold out easily and conveniently. A straight roll-out sofa will fit perfectly into a small room.
In the video: the roll-out mechanism of the sofa.
Puma
There are many different types of mechanisms available for sale. Puma differs from everyone else in its very simple and original operating principle. Here's how this system unfolds: the front part of the structure is lifted and carried forward, after which it is installed on a stand. The second half of the structure is installed in the vacant space. Due to the fact that the system’s operation is synchronized and this design is reliable, this furniture is suitable for everyday use. It is compact and will fit into small spaces.
On video: the puma transformation mechanism.
Pantograph
Here there are all the advantages of models like “Eurobook”, however, a sofa of this type is characterized by a different principle of operation. There are no rollers in the system - the seat is equipped with a Pantograph transformation mechanism. The peculiarity is that when unfolded, the structure does not touch the floor. This is a walking or stepping type of furniture. The system is started with a slight movement of the hand - the sleeping surface is moved away from the backrest, and the backrest is then lowered horizontally. These are simple mechanisms and one of the best for sofas that are used quite intensively.
On video: pantograph transformation mechanism.
Folding beds
The folding bed works on the principle of a scroll - it unfolds. The mattress is made of thin foam rubber, and the folding bed is retracted inside the structure. The folding bed unfolds simply – you just need to pull the loop towards you. Folding bed is a common name. There are several types of such sofas - French folding bed, American, Italian folding bed.
For the French type, you need to remove the pillows, as well as the seats - the transformation process is carried out in three stages.
The American mechanism turns into a comfortable sleeping place in two steps. Italian sofas work differently; the transformation mechanisms do not require removing the pillows, but such a design is very expensive. But at the same time, such furniture is the best option of all.
In the video: French clamshell mechanism.
Lit
This furniture is chosen when compact single-bed furniture is needed. The design easily turns into a full-fledged and comfortable bed for one person. The armrests can be folded out at any angle. The seat is a single bed, and the back does not have a transformation function. If you fold out the armrests, a child's seat is organized. The mechanism can be folded out completely, creating a full-fledged bed.
On video: sofa with mechanism lit.
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!
What to look for when choosing a sofa
When choosing, be sure to inspect the mechanism and ask the seller in detail about the pros and cons of various modifications. The service life of new furniture will depend on the correct selection of design.
You can draw and take with you a plan of the room indicating the dimensions, so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions and accurately calculate how the model you like will be placed and whether there is enough space for unfolding.
It is worth clarifying the information about the filler. You definitely need to assemble and disassemble the sleeping system yourself and make sure that the transformation is convenient.
Block filler
Manufacturers use a variety of materials to fill the soft parts of furniture: pillows, backrests, seats, armrests.
Kinds:
- Spring blocks - provide additional comfort for the body during sleep, there are three types: dependent, “snake”, independent.
- Polyurethane foam (PPU) or foam rubber is highly elastic and inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and has good elasticity.
- Felt and quilted jacket are natural materials, the first is obtained from sheep and goat wool, the second from cotton wool. Felt acts as a protective layer for polyurethane foam and spring blocks, while their surface becomes more resistant to wear. The quilted pad is placed between layers of filler for increased comfort.
- Sintepon is an inexpensive and high-quality artificial filler that gives furniture softness and elasticity and is not susceptible to the formation of fungus, but does not hold its shape well.
- Hollow fiber - looks like fluffy balls of different sizes, is made from polyester fibers, quickly restores its original shape, is warm and soft;
- Holcon (struplast) is elastic and warm, environmentally friendly, does not absorb moisture and foreign odors.
- Periotek is a modern non-woven material consisting of polyester fibers, durable, elastic, breathable, fireproof.
- Struttofiber is wear-resistant and elastic.
- Latex is a natural material, used in the manufacture of expensive models of upholstered furniture, has increased elasticity, is non-toxic, quickly restores its original shape, does not cause allergies, and has a long service life.
For sleeping, it is preferable to choose models with spring blocks. They will give the body the greatest relaxation and complete rest. The main advantage of such systems is durability and strength.
Before purchasing, it is important to understand the features of the device of various models and choose the most suitable one depending on the purpose and frequency of use. Experts do not advise buying the cheapest options, because the quality will be low and the service life will be short.
Spartacus
Design from Italian industrial engineers who designed a reliable transformation mechanism. Its basis is a metal frame made of profile pipes. It consists of three elements. To recline, simply pull the seat forward. The Spartak design is complemented by a metal mesh that supports the polyurethane filler and creates an orthopedic effect.
Spartak's advantage:
- Reliability due to the absence of wooden and plastic elements;
- Easy to unfold and use;
- When unfolded, it provides space for two people.
Disadvantages of Spartak:
- Lack of space for storing bedding;
- The high cost of the mechanism and sofas in general.
IMPORTANT: Spartak sofas have the most reliable folding mechanisms. Even daily use will not cause problems with the durability of the structure. It is worth noting the orthopedic effect of such sofas.
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.
Drawout models
The principle of the sofa roll-out mechanism is based on rollers and brackets. Lightly pull the front hinge and it will simultaneously pull the rest along with it, lowering the backrest and turning the sofa into a bed.
Let's consider the types of withdrawable models in detail.
"Eurobook"
When folding out the Eurobook, pull out the front part equipped with rollers. Lower the backrest into the freed space. When folded, the “Eurobook” creates a wide seat.
"Dolphin"
The “dolphin” mechanism is more often found in the designs of corner models. A hidden platform is located under the seat. When transforming, pull the front part towards you, the platform will rise, move to the side, and form a comfortable sleeping bed. The sofa has an ergonomic design. There is a spacious drawer for storing bed linen.
"Puma"
It has a modern high-tech transformation mechanism with a spring system. To convert it into a bed, the seat is raised, moving forward, after which the part under it is lifted up. When unfolded, the seat supports do not touch the floor. When extended, it takes up little space, so there are no problems with its installation.
"Pantograph"
Upholstered furniture with a pantograph mechanism has a modern design. It folds out easily to form a full-size bed. The principle of operation is similar to the previous one, but the sofa mechanism does not have rollers. Before unfolding, the seat is slightly raised and then pushed forward. The rear mattress is lowered into the freed space manually. Although the pantograph sofa mechanisms are less convenient, they are safe for the floor covering.
"Conrad"
The Conrad model consists of three sections. When folded, they are located under the seat. When transforming, pull on the hidden strap of the seat, the front part slides easily, carrying the other two along with it. The extended bed turns out to be low.
