How to choose a sofa: important characteristics, types of sofas, which sofa is better to choose

Types and features of book sofas

The peculiarity of a book sofa is that when unfolded, its backrest leans back, and the seat, moving slightly forward, falls back onto the frame, while the process itself resembles turning over the pages of a book. This is how it got its name. To unfold it, you need to make a minimum of effort and spend a few seconds of free time.

Photo: What a sofa book looks like (folded and unfolded)

The main advantages of these models should be added:

strength and reliability. This furniture has stood the test of time;
long service life of the transformation mechanism;
practicality. Models are upholstered in various textiles: leather, jacquard, chenille;
ergonomics. When folded, they take up little free space;
wide range of models;
affordable price.

As for the varieties, book sofas are equipped with: armrests, linen drawers, different types of mattresses and fillings.

With or without armrests

Products with armrests are classified as classic, while products without them are considered modern. Products without armrests (without sides) look more compact and are suitable for small rooms. Their advantages include:

ergonomics and compactness of the furniture item;
stylish and original appearance;
the ability to install soft ottomans or a coffee table on the sides of the sofa;
lower cost of the product.

When choosing a sofa without armrests, it is worth considering that if the furniture is used as a sleeping place, then the pillows will slide off it during sleep.
But, if there are small children in the family, it is better to choose furniture with soft armrests, as they are safer.

Armrests, in turn, can be wooden or soft. Wooden handrails have:

wear resistance and durability;
naturalness and environmental friendliness;
availability of additional space for a laptop, tablet or any other items;
ease of use.

Soft armrests are easier to care for. But they are pleasant to the touch, you can lean on them while watching a movie or having a friendly conversation.

With linen box (storage system) and without box

Most models of book sofas are equipped with additional linen drawers. They significantly increase the use process, since they have space for pillows, blankets, bedding sets and other things.

Some models are equipped with one spacious drawer, others with several. Also, laundry drawers, depending on the chosen furniture model, differ in size and depth.

Linen drawers in book sofas can only be accessed in the disassembled position of the furniture item. Although there are models that always have access to them.

With independent spring block, with Bonnell spring block, springless

All book sofas are complemented with different types of filling. They can be like on a spring block, i.e. with a spring mechanism and with a springless one:

Bonnell blocks are classic and use dependent springs of large diameters. Such products are distinguished by a medium degree of rigidity and a low orthopedic effect;
mattresses with independent springs promote complete relaxation of the muscles and spine. These products are practical, comfortable and durable;
springless mattresses. They come with PPU (polyurethane foam), or are filled with latex, coconut fiber, etc. They have a high degree of rigidity and belong to the economy class. Springless mattresses are not very durable, and when choosing, preference is given to models that use solid material.

You can often find products with combined fillers on sale. Such sofas can use a spring mattress, polyurethane foam, and coconut fiber at the same time. The composition can be very different. Therefore, before buying, you should sit on the sofa or several models you like in order to assess the degree of comfort and only then make a choice.

Narrow, wide

Which sofa to choose: large or compact is up to the buyer to decide. Here preference is given to more convenient and practical models. Also, when choosing a narrow or wide sofa, the area of the room where it is installed is taken into account. For small rooms, you should limit yourself to more compact narrow models, while large and wide products look beautiful in spacious living rooms or bedrooms.

Fabric, leather, with combined finishing

The upholstery is selected depending on the stylistic direction of the room and the personal preferences of the buyers. The main thing is that the product is easy to use and maintain. The following upholstery materials are considered the most popular:

jacquard. Refers to semi-natural fabrics with high technical characteristics. It is quite dense, wear-resistant and resistant to negative factors. This fabric is available in a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns;
velours. It has a soft and delicate surface. Its composition is dominated by natural and synthetic fibers that are resistant to deformation and fading under direct sunlight. Velor is easy to clean, retains its bright colors for a long time, and does not lose its original qualities;
flock Imitates velvet or suede. It is soft, wear-resistant and easy to care for. This is ideal if there are pets in the house;
chenille Hypoallergenic and abrasion-resistant material with a fleecy structure. Does not absorb odors, easy to clean.
eco leather. New generation material that looks like genuine leather. It is characterized by moisture resistance, elasticity, and resistance to mechanical damage.

On a metal frame and wooden

Metal products are more wear-resistant and can withstand heavy loads. Although most consumers prefer wooden frames made from pine, beech, plywood, and chipboard. Products made from chipboard and pine are a budget option. It is unlikely to please consumers with a long service life. In the middle price category there are models whose frame is made of plywood or beech

Its service life directly depends on the strength of the sofa frame.

Design features of sofas without armrests

Looking at a sofa without armrests, it may seem that the product is unfinished and ill-conceived. However, this is not at all true. Compact models are as comfortable as possible for relaxation and are often even used as the main bed. In this case, the armrests could interfere, but if they are absent, there is nothing to interfere with.

Advantages

Among the main advantages of sofas without armrests are:

Compact size. Due to the absence of additional elements, the sofa is visually and actually smaller, which means it can fit even in a small room. At the same time, the place for sitting and sleeping on such a sofa remains just as spacious and comfortable.
Originality of form. Products of non-standard design with additional elements or the absence of basic ones definitely attract attention and become an accent in a modern interior.
Sleek modern look. Sofas without armrests are present in the assortment of each manufacturer and are presented in sufficient quantity to choose the option that ideally suits the design.
Availability of storage boxes. Most convertible sofas have storage in their design. Sofas without armrests are no exception and often have a spacious linen cover.
No traumatic elements. A safe product without protruding corners is an excellent option for any home with children and animals. And if the room area is insufficient, it will save you from constant bruises and contusions.

Flaws

It is quite difficult to highlight the disadvantages of sofas without armrests, because everyone has personal preferences. For some, it is not comfortable to sleep without support under the pillow, and for others, the sofa visually looks inferior. But here, as they say, “it depends on the taste and color...”.

Some models are highly expensive, but this is due not only to the original appearance, but also to the high quality of production. If the price bothers you, you can wait a little and buy the sofa you like at a discount. Sales of sofas from previous collections take place every season.

How a sofa book unfolds and folds

Photo: Operating principle of the book-sofa transformation mechanism
The book-sofa is equipped with a unique transformation mechanism that provides a flat sleeping place. There are two types of layout:

The classic version (see photo above) is equipped with an extremely simple mechanism. It has only two moving parts - a back and a seat. To unfold the furniture, you need to lift the seat up and lower the back onto the frame. The seat rises until a click is heard. Then it goes down, forming a sleeping place;
Roll-out book. The sofa is convenient because it does not need to be moved away from the wall. It is enough to slightly push the mechanism forward and unfold it according to a similar principle as described above.

Photo: Roll-out sofa book

A classic sofa book should not be placed close to the wall, since when unfolding it you will have to move it away each time.

Types of Eurobook sofas

The Eurobook corner sofa has many positive qualities. It has only one drawback - bulkiness. In general, the soft corner in the apartment looks stylish and modern.

Straight Eurobook sofas are extremely popular. This is the most comfortable sleeping place, suitable for a small apartment.

Sofa with armrests. It takes up a little more space, but gives the interior a certain completeness. It looks solid and respectable. In white it looks less massive.

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Sofa without armrests. This cozy sofa is ideal for small spaces.

Fillers:

foam rubber is a cheap option that is not particularly durable or practical. Nevertheless, it is very convenient and does not cause allergies;
polyurethane foam is more durable, but it is a rather rigid material;
spring blocks consist of a frame and dependent springs.

What is the difference between a sofa book and a Eurobook?

The main difference between a simple sofa-book and a Eurobook is in the transformation mechanisms, i.e. folding methods.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Euro models (unlike the “book”) have a more level and comfortable sleeping area, and the body itself is devoid of complex node connections, there is practically nothing to break. Therefore, the answer, which is better, is obvious.

Upholstery selection

The most commonly used upholstery materials are:

velor, which is suitable for both a children's room and a living room;
flock will also look good in a nursery and will set a certain mood with its bright color;
genuine leather is a win-win option for the kitchen, as it does not absorb dirt and odors and is easy to clean;
Suede has a luxurious look, but is completely impractical to use.

Standard sizes of a sofa book

All book sofas differ in size, which directly depends on the number of seats. They come in two, three and four seater types. The seats in them can be of any size, since there are no specific standards here.

When choosing a sofa, its width, depth and height are taken into account. An important parameter is the size of the sleeping area, as well as the seat height.

Table: Overall dimensions of book sofas (average min-max data)

Bed size

Depending on the length and width of the sleeping area when unfolded, the book is divided into a single or double sofa. The size of the sleeping area of a book sofa directly depends on its model.

Photo: Sofa book - dimensions of the sleeping place when unfolded

Those who like to sleep comfortably should choose products with maximum sleeping space dimensions, for example, 140x190 or 142x200 cm.

Seat height

As a rule, the height from the floor to the top of the seat is from 35 to 50 cm.

The nuances of choosing a sofa without armrests for the living room

When choosing a sofa without armrests for the living room, in addition to the main characteristics of the product, it is important to pay attention to the materials of manufacture. The most durable models will be those with a metal frame with seat filling made of a spring block and polyurethane foam. They will withstand daily wear and maintain their original appearance for a long time.

An equally important factor in choosing is the purpose of the sofa. Products for home and office differ in shape, size, design and, of course, upholstery material. Popular living room sofa materials include:

Textile. Less durable upholstery, but quite cozy.
Leather natural or artificial. Spectacular and wear-resistant upholstery, but requiring special and timely care.
Suede leather. Nice and cozy upholstery, but quite difficult to maintain.
Velor and velvet. Delicate and soft upholstery, but not durable at all.
Jacquard. Beautiful and durable. One might say – universal upholstery.

The perfect sofa is the best investment. It will last a long time and will delight the eye every day, and, if necessary, will allow you to fully relax. Choose the right upholstered furniture for your living room, because this room is the face of your home!

How much does a sofa book cost?

The cost of a book sofa depends on the type of its design, materials of manufacture, brand, transformation mechanism, dimensions. The simplest economy class models with polyurethane foam filling, a wooden frame and velor upholstery cost from 5,000 rubles, which is quite inexpensive. The price for upholstered furniture from a well-known manufacturer with filling from independent spring blocks and higher quality upholstery will be around 15,000 rubles and more.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that book sofas are universal furniture pieces. They are suitable both as an extra bed and as just sitting places. This furniture goes on sale in a huge assortment. Manufacturers produce them in various types of designs, dimensions, materials of covers and fillers.

Many models are equipped with additional accessories (footrest, linen drawers, armrests, tables). Each buyer decides which option to choose for himself, based on his needs, the characteristics of the room, the purpose of the furniture and his financial situation.

How to choose a sofa

When purchasing a Eurobook sofa, pay attention to the following points:

Furniture quality level. It can be identified by the seams.

Frame material. Eurobooks are made from chipboard, plywood or metal structures.

Thickness and material of upholstery. Excessively thin upholstery wears out quickly. The ideal material option for a sleeping sofa is natural fibers and synthetics. This upholstery is comfortable and wear-resistant.

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Filler. The sofa can be filled with foam rubber or polyurethane. For orthopedic surfaces, spring blocks are used.

Weight of the sofa. It is important to determine the maximum load that the sleeping place can withstand.

Appearance of sofas

It is traditional to divide sofas into corner, straight and island.

Straight sofas without armrests have an elongated shape. The seat depth is determined by the presence/absence of a built-in folding bed. Sofas without folding beds are compact (seat depth is about 60 cm). Such models are usually equipped with legs.

Corner sofas can be divided into models of compact sizes and furniture for spacious rooms. Small sofas are L-shaped due to the elongated protrusion. The dolphin corner sofa without armrests transforms into a full-fledged sleeping bed measuring 140x160 cm or 195x210 cm. Large corner models are usually made in the form of a modular system (based on 3 or more seats). Some sofas are produced so long that the seats are bent in the shape of the letters P or S. Corner sofas are sometimes placed in the middle of the room, but it is most rational to place such models in the corner of the room (they take up a minimum of usable space).

Island sofas are placed only in the center of the room and do not imply the creation of a sleeping place. A special feature of such models is the decorated back wall at the back, so this sofa looks good from all sides. If the back of the sofa has a rounded shape, then placing it against the wall will not work, which can be considered a disadvantage of the model.

For those who like to rearrange furniture, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at straight sofas. This model is easier to rearrange and combine with other furniture (chairs, tables, cabinets), and corner models deserve the attention of connoisseurs of free space. Also, thanks to such a sofa, you can visually zone the room: separate the dining area in a studio apartment or unusually enclose a work area.

Peculiarities

What are the characteristic features of the Eurobook sofa:

This is one of the most popular models on the modern market. The sofa book fits perfectly into any interior, does not take up much space, has a comfortable sleeping area, and looks stylish and modern. Wooden armrests and soft cushions can suit a vintage interior, while beige or gray leather will add a stylish touch to a modern design.
The mechanism inherent in this sofa makes it possible to unfold it quickly, silently, easily, without scratching the floor and without making a huge effort. Small wheels glide across the floor without deforming it. The small size of the room will not interfere with ease of use.
To make it convenient to unfold and fold the sofa, it is equipped with soft fabric or hard metal handles. With their help, it is much easier to manipulate the sofa. And beige and gray colors are the most popular among all types of upholstery.
If you are unsuccessfully searching for the name “Eurobook” on foreign websites, then don’t try. In Western countries, this sofa mechanism is called “tick-tock”. The resemblance to a pendulum - which goes back and forth - was the reason for this name. Both corner and straight models of such sofas are popular in the West, and a leather copy is the dream of many homeowners.
The unique and thoughtful design of the sofa prevents it from deforming and warping when constantly folded and unfolded. This makes the sofa a very long-term purchase. Leather or textile, angular or straight, it is always durable and reliable.
Most often, a Eurobook sofa is equipped with rubber pads or wheels, which make it possible not to spoil the floor covering.
The sleeping area of the sofa is flat - without dents, bumps or inconvenient protruding elements. This makes it possible to consider it an excellent replacement for a full-fledged bed.
The standard width of such a sofa is from 1.4 meters and wider, and the length is from 1.9 meters. You can pick up small specimens, and even small ones for children.
The frame is usually wooden: durable, reliable and environmentally friendly. Most often, the frame is made of unpainted wood, and the upholstery is beige or gray, as the most practical options.
The Eurobook sofa is created with the expectation that its transformation mechanism will be “in use” every day, so it has a fair margin of safety. You don’t have to worry that the sofa will quickly break down and stop reclining.

Gray-yellow Eurobook sofa