How to choose a U-shaped sofa, what you should know right away

Types of sofas

Based on types, sofas are divided into two main groups.

The first group is represented by classic sofas. They are very convenient to place in a corner; they are ideal for virtually any simple interior.

The second group includes sofas with a semicircular edge. These are usually placed in the middle of the room.

Let's take a closer look at each group in order to have an idea of ​​the feasibility and compatibility with various types of design.

Standard sizes

Any corner sofa consists of two parts: main and side. As a rule, the first is 50% longer than the second. The side module is one piece with the main one; extremely rarely it can be attached. There are standard sizes of sofas: from 230 to 280 cm in length - the main element, from 150 to 180 cm in width - the side part. However, on the modern market you can see furniture of other sizes. Compact models reach a length of 203 cm, large ones – 406 cm. It is also possible to create a custom-made product according to individual drawings.

The dimensions of the sofa also depend on the transformation mechanism. The most popular are:

• "Eurobook";
• "French folding bed";
• “roll-out transformer”;
• "dolphin";
• "pantograph".

The dimensions of the corner sofa with the Eurobook transformation type are 180–220 cm for the main part and 115–140 cm for the side. The French folding bed is characterized by the following parameters: 130–186 cm – the main element and 50–80 cm – the side one. A roll-out transformer is considered one of the most convenient. The dimensions of this type of sofa are 160–220 cm for the main part and 80–120 cm for the side part. The dolphin, characterized by the longevity of the mechanism, has dimensions of the side part of 150–200 cm and 98–170 for the side element. Pantographs are corner sofas with parameters of 180–235 cm for the main part and 105–140 for the side.

The most convenient and reliable mechanism is considered to be the “dolphin”, the most short-lived is the “French” or “English clamshell”.

The height of the sofa also matters. Usually it is 50–150 cm. Products that are too tall can block part of the window, which should be taken into account when choosing. Another important parameter is the depth of the sofa, which directly affects the comfort of using the furniture. Its value is 50–90 cm.

Options for placing a corner sofa in the interior, tips and nuances

Eurobook

French folding bed Roll-out transformer

Dolphin Pantograph

L-shaped

This is a standard type of corner sofa, where the side part is 2 times shorter than the main one. Such furniture is often used to zone a room. It also allows you to harmoniously play out the corner space. This is a multi-purpose option that works well for a rectangular room. Most of the designs are supplemented with special niches for storing linen, which increases the comfort of use. Standard sizes of sofas of this type can range from 200 to 210 cm for the main part. If square meters are limited, it is possible to choose a more compact option. Then the dimensions of its base will be 170–180 cm. The width in both cases is 120 cm.

U-shaped

These are large-sized products that are rarely chosen for an apartment, since they require a large area. As a rule, they are larger in size than standard ones. The main part is 280–405 cm. In this case, the side elements can have the same or different dimensions. This parameter varies between 110–190 cm. Models resembling the letter P are ideal for large halls. They allow you to create the effect of an enclosed space and are also used for zoning a room.

Modular

Individual segments of such furniture can be arranged at the discretion of the owners. Moreover, each of them carries its own functional load. Useful area is freed up due to the ability to adjust the length of the product. The standard version is characterized by a length of the main part of 230–300 cm. Corner elements can be made in the form of armchairs, poufs or small sofas. Their sizes vary from 95 to 145 cm. A special feature of the models is the ability to shape the dimensions at your own discretion, so a modular piece of furniture can be placed in the living room of any parameters. Most sofas are complemented with drawers, tables, shelves and other useful elements.

What kind of sofa furniture is this, how to choose it correctly - useful tips

Round and semicircular

Products in the form of a circle or semicircle look original and beautiful. Their feature is a streamlined shape and the absence of sharp corners. The dimensions of the corner sofa for the living room can be both small and large. Such furniture can be installed in the kitchen or children's room. It is ideal for filling a bay window area. It can also be placed in the center of the room. The standard height of sofas in the form of a circle or semicircle ranges from 75–90 cm. Small products can have a length of about 230 cm, large ones - up to 405 cm. As for the circle, this is not such an ergonomic shape, so it is recommended to install furniture in rooms no larger than less than 25 m2. Their main part is 300–405 cm. The height of the back of the radius sofa is at least 90 cm.

When choosing round and semicircular designs, it is recommended to use objects and furniture with smooth lines in the interior.

Semicircular

A distinctive feature of this group is that they can only be successfully placed in a spacious room. This is due to the fact that they are placed in the middle of the room, thus focusing attention on themselves.

Perfect for those people who like to impress guests with interior elements.

This sofa is very comfortable for the whole family. Very often the space around it is arranged in such a way that it is as comfortable as possible, creating an atmosphere of rest and relaxation.

Somewhat less often, if the dimensions of the room allow, two such sofas are placed opposite each other, with a coffee table between them.

Note!

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Quite an excellent solution for those premises in which meetings are expected to be held.

Proper use in the interior

When assembled, the sofa represents a seating area, visually separated from the rest of the room. The unfolded form turns the product into a comfortable, spacious place to sleep. A kitchen version of functional furniture will help save usable space by adding shelves, drawers, and a cabinet to the design. The central placement of the model will create the effect of dividing the dining and working areas.

Modular designs for the living room, hall, office, home theater are practical and ergonomic. The upholstery of such products is often made of leather. The product configuration does not include armrests, making it easy to rearrange the modules, increasing the number of seats for receiving guests.

U-shaped sofas allow rational use of the blind corner area. Oversized products look good in spacious rooms in modern high-tech, loft, and art deco styles. Laconic lines and the ability to vary the configuration elements will help to translate unusual design ideas into various interior solutions. The compactness and non-standard design of U-shaped sofas will give you the opportunity to create an original, practical design.

Cons of semicircular sofas

The disadvantage of this group is that using a sofa with a sleeping place is not very convenient. This is due to the problem of selecting appropriate bedding.

Very often, owners are forced to order bedding according to an individual design so that it fits the design features of the sofa.

Non-standard designs

Modern technologies used in furniture production allow consumers to choose products of non-standard sizes. The width of the corner sofa in this case will be from 70–90 cm. This is the necessary norm for comfortable use. As for the height, it is usually 2 times less than the width of the bed. Traditionally, the height of sofas from the floor is 75–100 cm. But the length and width in non-standard designs can be less or more than standard ones, as manufacturers try to best meet the needs of users. Such furniture can be divided into several main groups. Dimensions of folding sofas can be as follows:

Small-sized structures are most often installed in the hallway or kitchen. They provide comfortable accommodation for one person. They are usually equipped with a transformation mechanism such as “Eurobook”, “dolphin” or “tick-tock”. Small sofas are characterized by slightly larger dimensions; they can be placed in a child’s room. Medium pieces of furniture when disassembled can provide sleeping accommodations for two people. Their dimensions largely depend on the width of the armrests. Large structures are most often created according to individual orders. Their cost is high, so the products are classified as elite class. Separately, it is worth highlighting radius-type models, which are an arc. They can consist of a solid frame or be made in the form of modules. Dimensions depend on the number of seats. For example, a three-seater sofa is characterized by a length of 190–200 cm. At most, such structures can accommodate up to 10 people.

Popular models of Ikea corner sofas, their distinctive features

Compact Small

Medium Large

Classic

Unlike semicircular sofas, classic U-shaped sofas in the interior are more versatile, meaning more possibilities for combination and use.

Without requiring too much space, they can easily be located not only in the living room, but also in the bedroom or office.

They can be symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape. This allows you to ideally select a model for a particular room.

Note!

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The obvious advantages include the versatility of such sofas; they can be used as a place to receive guests, or as a sleeping place, when unfolded.

In addition, given the sharp edges, you don’t have to specially select bedding.

It is possible to use it to zone a room if its size allows.

Positive nuances

This design is quite versatile, complementing any room: living room, nursery, office, bedroom, nursery. Let's consider the main beneficial advantages:

• the product is ergonomic and compact;
• divides one room into certain comfort zones;
• individual modules allow you to transform furniture;
• provides comfort, convenient for a good rest;
• original assembly of models.

The specific shape makes it possible to exclude the presence of a separate coffee table, that is, if the design of the model includes a corner surface or a table built into the armrests. Having unfolded the sofa, a relatively large free area for sleeping appears, which, however, is not comparable in comfort to a full-fledged sleeping place.

Please note that such sofas are completely inappropriate in small rooms, so in such an interior you should prefer a corner U-shaped sofa.

How color and shape affect the overall appearance of a room

Being quite large, and often the largest element of the interior, it certainly attracts the eye.

Note!

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Thus, it should literally set the style of the entire room, and not just match the interior and design elements.

When choosing a color and shape, you need to take into account the characteristics of the room. For example, if the room has low and stretch ceilings, you should give preference to models of a light shade, with a structurally low back, with small armrests, or without them at all.

In this way, it will be possible to achieve a harmonious combination and a feeling of lightness.

However, if we are talking about a small office, you need to give preference to bright shades, they will give the room uniqueness.

Moreover, this solution visually promotes a more relaxed working environment.

You can look at a photo of a U-shaped sofa that fits perfectly into an office on the Internet and get some ideas.

How to choose the right model

In order for the product to meet all the requirements and fit perfectly into the interior, when choosing you need to take into account some points:

• Size. The parameters of such designs are greater than standard models. It is important to choose the best option according to the area of ​​the room.

• Angle of use. Some models are installed only in one direction.

• Frame material. For strength and reliability, it is preferable to choose products made from plywood or solid timber.

• Convenience and practicality. The polyurethane filling has these characteristics.

• Weight. If the structure weighs a lot, this may indicate the use of chipboard in manufacturing.

• Upholstery. The material should be practical, easy to clean, and preferably amenable to wet cleaning.

• Durability. This is achieved through the use of a mattress, which is an independent spring block.

Products of this configuration are practical and look good in spacious and large rooms. Compactness and non-standard design allows you to create an original and modern design.

Useful tips (2 videos)

Interesting models (45 photos)

How to choose a finish

When you have already decided on the shape and dimensions, you need to choose the right finish for the sofa. It plays an important role in shaping the overall impression of the room.

If you need to emphasize solidity, and at the same time the room is very free, you should give preference to leather models.

If you want to create a relaxing environment, you need to choose soft finishes, such as velor, faux suede, etc.

Where to install

Manufacturers offer U-shaped sofas in various colors, configurations, and sizes. For each room, the furniture group is selected taking into account:

1. style;
2. colors of wallpaper and other furniture;
3. purpose;
4. room dimensions.

The sofa can be collapsible and used as a permanent or additional bed. Such furniture is covered with decorative soft fabric. The furniture group, which is intended for the dining room, is covered with leather or its substitutes. These may not be sliding; they are used for zoning space, for example, in the kitchen and living room.

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A large U-shaped sofa is well suited for a dining room. It can be placed on one side against the wall, and a table can be installed inside the group. In the living room, it is customary to place a U-shaped sofa in the middle of the room. In this room he will play the main role. A practical element will directly indicate the purpose of the common room.

Variety, accessories

Having laid a good foundation for the interior, it needs to be supplemented with smaller details that will highlight the taste of the owner and set it in a certain way.

Sofas from the manufacturer are rarely equipped with suitable pillows and other elements of comfort. Therefore, you need to choose the right ones yourself to create a more comfortable atmosphere.

Product packaging

The modular U-shaped sofa allows for several configuration options:

• A device with armrests as a base, a high back, an ottoman sofa and a pouf, located opposite from each other.

• The design is without armrests, there are side additions in the form of an armchair, a sofa without a back.

• Two models of the same configuration, as an addition - a pouf or an armchair.

• The product has no armrests, there are side chairs or two sofas.

Most models are equipped with spacious and ergonomic drawers for convenient storage of bedding and other things.

In the video: modular sofas of different configurations.

How to choose the right colors

It is not necessary that the accessories match the color of the sofa.

But it is necessary that they harmonize with the overall color scheme of the room. You can successfully combine colors with the color of the lamp, the color of photo frames, etc.

A huge space, limited only by the owner’s imagination, the compatibility of various objects and free space.

Main advantages

Modular U-shaped sofas are very versatile, so they will perfectly complement the living room, kitchen, bedroom or children's room. They have a number of advantages, including:

• stylish and organic zoning of the room;
• compact and ergonomic design;
• possibility of transformation due to the presence of separate modules;
• comfort and convenience during rest and sleep;
• originality of models.

U-shaped sofas do not look entirely appropriate in rooms with a small area and can cover all other elements. For this reason, in small rooms it is preferable to use a corner sofa.

Photos of U-shaped sofas