Did you know? Sofas and correct names

A sofa is an important component of any interior; this upholstered furniture is multifunctional, practical, comfortable, and durable. During the day and evening, it is a comfortable place to relax while watching a movie or reading a book, and at night it becomes a cozy, spacious sleeping bed. The invention successfully combined stylish design and maximum comfort, so today a sofa is an indispensable part of the living room, kitchen, bedroom, dining room, office or guest room. When choosing a suitable model among a huge range of proposals, you should pay attention to the materials of manufacture, the transformation mechanism, the shape and design of the structure, and the manufacturing company. The service life and quality of this furniture directly depend on the combination of all parameters.

History of the evolution of the sofa

In France, at the request of the “lush” court of Louis, French furniture makers turn a sofa into luxurious furniture, and sometimes into a real work of art. They begin to be made from expensive types of wood; inlay and gilding are used in decoration. Expensive fabrics made from silk, brocade and velvet are chosen for upholstery.

The sofa is becoming a mandatory attribute of salons and living rooms, boudoirs and reception rooms. The sofa itself comes in many varieties - banquette, sofa, canapes, corner sofas, couch. The styles of sofas are also varied: baroque, rococo, empire, classicism. During the 19th century, the sofa completely conquered Europe, finding its fans in every corner, becoming a necessary part of the interior of the aristocrats of that time; not everyone could afford such luxury.

At the end of the nineteenth century, technological progress began in world history, and new transformations in the production of sofas were closely related to it. New materials for manufacturing are appearing, the production process is becoming less labor-intensive, sofas are made in batches, rather than individually by one craftsman. Furniture is becoming available to an increasingly wider population.

The sofa becomes more functional, a sofa bed, a sofa with a bar, a sofa with bookshelves, a sofa with a mirror, and with drawers appear. A new material, foam rubber, was used as a filler; this made the sofa even softer and more comfortable. Thus, displacing other furniture, the sofa is conquering the market, becoming a necessary piece of furniture.

Popular materials and colors

Its wear resistance and service life depend on the upholstery of the sofa. The variety of materials used in the manufacture of modern upholstered furniture is wide:

1. Natural fabrics - jacquard, tapestry. They guarantee good ventilation, are environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. However, they are very delicate and demanding to care for. Most often, they are not suitable for intensive use and quickly lose their refined or luxurious appearance. For this reason, protective covers are used for such sofas.
2. Artificial materials obtained through chemical synthesis do not require complex care and allow you to create any fashionable shades. Due to wear resistance, easy cleaning, almost complete absence of shrinkage and long-term preservation of color saturation, Alcantara, chenille, artificial suede, and microfiber are especially popular.
3. Genuine leather remains a luxury type of sofa upholstery; it is durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to care for. However, leather sofas have a significant drawback - a very high price.
4. Modern substitutes - eco-leather and two-tone leather - are not inferior in properties and appearance to the original, but are extremely cost effective.

Characteristics of Monstad sofas from the Ikea brand, delivery set

Upholstery made from natural fabrics

Leather sofa

Faux upholstery

Upholstered furniture made of eco-leather
Since the sofa in the interior is the central point that attracts the main attention, it is important that its shade fits harmoniously into the surrounding environment. Typically, one of the following principles is used:

• matches the overall color palette of the room;
• combination with several basic items;
• absolute difference from the general background.

In the first case, designers advise starting from the colors of the walls, maintaining differences in shades. For example, a sofa with beige upholstery will go well with white surfaces with a slight yellow tint, a soft corner in a richer blue-gray hue will go with serenity walls, and a stylish sofa in a rich cherry color will be the “king” of the interior in a room with soft pink wallpaper.

Features of sofas with ottoman, types and placement methods

In the second case, the color of the main interior elements, in addition to the walls, is taken into account. This could be curtains or other existing furniture. So, with the right selection of shades in the art deco or kitsch style, even a pink sofa accompanied by curtains of a slightly darker shade will look great against the background of blue walls, adding a little elegance to their tranquility.

The third option requires a special sense of proportion and taste. Specialists use an additional scheme to select bright, accent colors, choosing tones that complement each other on the color wheel, for example, blue and yellow-orange, purple, yellow. So, an original scarlet sofa can become the warmest and most attractive place in a room with a general gray-brown background.

For many styles, it is important to have decorative elements that emphasize the importance of furniture:

• wooden armrests and legs with carved patterns;
• decorative upholstery nails, buttons.

Pillows are the simplest, but very fashionable option for decorating sofas today. You can choose a set in any style to your taste - simple or with frills, embroidery, plain or contrasting, made of fabric or leather - and from an ordinary one you can create not just a beautiful sofa, but a unique, one-of-a-kind sofa.

How to choose the best children's sofa - basic criteria, useful tips

The color of the sofa matches the overall interior

The colors of the furniture and the design of the living room echo each other

Sofa as a bright accent

Sofa in the modern world

In our modern world, we can say for sure that not a single interior can do without a sofa and their varieties are limited only by human imagination. Modern sofas use new scientific data from orthopedics, technologies to create the correct position of the body while sitting, new high-tech materials are used, and new frame manufacturing technologies are used.

Designers all over the world are working to create modern sofas, developing new styles and types. It should be noted that the best designer sofas are still in demand on the market. This is the famous leather sofa by Le Corbusier, on a frame made of steel tubes. Modular sofas invented by Philippe Starck. Sofas undergo changes every year, introduced by famous world leaders in furniture production.

In our workshop you can reupholster a sofa with high quality and in the shortest possible time.

Cabriolet sofa

Cabriolet is a variant of sofas with a special shape, reminiscent of the shape of a convertible car. Usually it is made in the French style; such a sofa will be appropriate in such interiors as: lounge, fusion, pop art, postmodernism.

Convertible sofas fit stunningly into almost any glamorous interior. Most often they have plain upholstery or impress with a large pattern.

Types of non-folding sofas

Couch . This is a symbiosis of a sofa and a bed, usually used for light relaxation.

Canapes . A small sofa, bench style, with legs and low armrests. Designed for 2-3 people, originally installed in the hallways of houses. Modern canape sofas can have an extendable bed in the bedroom.

Sofa . Comfortable and wide sofa, with back and armrests of the same height. The sofa has a low seating position. Often comes with a variety of pillows.

Banquette . This is a small sofa for one person, which is often used in hallways and small rooms. Banquettes are also placed at women's dressing tables. Translated from French it means “bench”.

Chesterfield . This type of sofa was created specifically for the Earl of Chesterfield, hence the name. A distinctive feature of the design is the carriage tie. Upholstery material: leather or high-quality leather substitute. It is still in demand, especially in cabinet style and offices. The design of the sofa allows you not to spoil your posture when sitting.

Togo . A folded sofa, also called “shar pei”. It has no legs, and the back and seat are one piece.

Modular sofa . This is the most modern type of sofa, the design of which consists of individual modules. The required configuration is created by different combinations of modules as they move. Thus, the geometry of the sofa, the angle of the backrest, the number of seats or sleeping places, and the functionality of the sofa change. You can create a whole corner of the living room with a table.

Distinctive features

The standard sofa is a type of upholstered furniture designed for sitting or lying. The design, depending on the size, is designed for a comfortable sitting position for 2-4 people. It consists of a spacious, roomy seat and an ergonomic backrest, which provides excellent back support. Some models are equipped with armrests, decorative pillows, and other useful elements - drawers for linen, niches for books and remote control, and a built-in table. Modern manufacturers offer sofas of various shapes and sizes. The choice of design depends not only on individual preferences, but also on the characteristics of the room where the furniture is supposed to be placed. To make the right choice, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each form:

1. A straight sofa is a timeless classic. It is usually equipped with a soft straight back and armrests. Suitable for any interior, but such furniture is used mainly in small living rooms. Depending on the size, when folded it can accommodate from 2 to 4 people. When disassembled, the model turns into a comfortable double bed.
2. The corner design is widespread. From the name it is clear that this furniture has the appropriate shape. It is appropriate both in small rooms and in spacious living rooms. In addition, the model converts into a large bed. But this is a large design, especially when unfolded. Although there are also compact sofas designed for kitchens and dining rooms.
3. L and U-shaped forms are classified as modular structures. The model consists of a main rectangular sofa, as well as additional sections on both sides. They are usually equipped with legs in the form of rollers, which allows you to easily move the components. Despite the impressive dimensions, the products are easy to use.

There are oval, round, designer shapes of sofas. And for children's rooms, models are made in the shape of animals and vehicles, such as a car, ship, plane, carriage.

Straight

Angular

U-shaped

Round

Children's unusual shape

Designer

Types of modern sofa beds

A sofa bed is one of the most popular types of sofa. Using a special mechanism, the sofa can be transformed into a bedroom, i.e. bed. This type of sofa is divided into several varieties, depending on the transformation mechanism.

Let's consider the most famous options:

Sofa book

The simplest of the folding mechanical sofas. You can say the ancestor of folding sofas. It can be with or without armrests, on a metal or wooden frame. Functional simplicity and affordable price make these sofas very popular among buyers.

"Eurobook"

One of the most common modern models. When folded, the seat extends forward, where there is ample space for storing bed linen. This is an improved version of a simple folding sofa. This version of the sofa has a flat sleeping area, without a recess in the middle. A special feature of the Eurobook is the presence of soft pillows under the back, which makes these sofas very soft and comfortable.

"Click-clack"

This is an improved sofa book, it has an intermediate position, which creates additional ease of use. The mechanism was invented in France. The intermediate position of the backrest at 45 degrees allows the body to take a relaxing position for rest.

"Accordion"

The sofa is designed according to the accordion principle. The structure consists of three parts, two movable and one supporting. The frame is made of wooden and metal parts. To unfold the seat, the seat is raised and the backrest, which consists of two parts, is stretched. The unfolded accordion sofa turns into a very comfortable bed with an orthopedic effect. Often models have drawers for linen.

"Dolphin"

This system is used in straight and corner sofas. The berth is formed by pulling out an additional section. The transformation process is simple, you need to pull out the extending lower part by grasping a couple of handles. This mechanism is convenient and widely used in the manufacture of modern sofas.

"French folding bed"

This is another mechanism for transforming a sofa into a full-fledged sleeping place. This mechanism can be equipped with a sofa of any design and style, from classic to modern high-tech. When transformed, two or three sleeping places are obtained, while occupying a minimum of space. The design of the mechanism consists of three sections connected by hinges, which is very similar to our regular folding beds. In many countries, this version of the sofa bed is the most popular. You will also be pleased with the height of the sleeping place of such a sofa; it is comparable to the height of a regular bed. This model is not for everyday use. The American clamshell is similar to the French one, but it is designed for heavy loads and its price is usually higher.

With swivel mechanism

A modern version of a sofa bed, the operating principle of which is very simple - without much effort, one half rolls back 90 degrees, then the other rolls up. Models are most often angular. The radius swivel mechanism is currently a hit in the sofa world. With one easy movement of the hand, the sofa turns into a full-fledged bed. I am also pleased with its reliability, since there is simply nothing to break there. Models with this mechanism have a stylish and modern design. Some models include side tables, have wide armrests covered in wood, and contain storage drawers. The original modern look, different fabric designs, combination of material textures make these sofas the favorites of many buyers.

How to choose a sofa

Here are some tips on how to choose a good sofa.

• Purpose - decide what you need the sofa for. If you only plan to relax while sitting, you can take a closer look at sofas without a transformation mechanism. They are simpler, because there is nothing to break. If you need to choose a sofa for daily sleep, then an ottoman sofa and folding models (eurobook, dolphin, etc.) are suitable.
• Size - any piece of furniture should fit well into the interior of the room. If there is a huge sofa in a small room, it is unlikely to add comfort to the residents. Therefore, for small-sized apartments it is better to choose compact models with the possibility of transformation. Pay attention to the size of the bed: in a standard double sofa it is 140 or 160 cm in width and from 180 to 200 cm in length. The width of the ottoman or folding bed is from 80 to 110 cm and is designed to accommodate one person.
• The folding mechanism makes the sofa a universal piece of furniture - it can be turned into a bed if necessary. If you have to unfold the sofa every day, you should give preference to reliable mechanisms: book, eurobook, dolphin. If you sleep on the sofa from time to time, the mechanism can be any. Before choosing a sofa, you should consider how it will fit into the dimensions of the room and when unfolded.
• Upholstery material: the most durable and inexpensive upholstery is fabric. If pets live in the house, choose a sofa with anti-claw upholstery fabric, then neither the furniture nor the love for the cat will suffer. But a sofa with faux leather is not the best purchase. If you still want to buy a presentable sofa for the living room or office, then you should choose eco-leather. This is a reliable, durable, aesthetic and tactilely pleasant material. Large leather sofas are gradually going out of fashion: if you want just one, think about how harmoniously it will look in the interior of the room.
• Additions - for greater comfort, add-ons can be added to the sofa. A corner sofa often has an ottoman (this is the name of the protruding part where you can relax reclining with your legs stretched out). Under the ottoman there is a spacious compartment for storing bed linen. Poufs and banquettes can be included with the sofa. They can be used in different ways: placed under your feet as a small table, used as additional seating if a lot of guests have come.

Sofa styles

It would be unfair not to note the wide variety of sofas in terms of stylistic solutions. This is what many buyers rely on when making their choice. Remembering the history of the development of sofas, one can imagine all their stylistic diversity. The main thing that sets a certain style for a sofa is its shape and upholstery.

It is no secret that the classic style of furniture is still one of the most popular and is most often chosen in interior design. Such sofas are made as replicas of historical models, from expensive materials, involve manual labor and a lot of time. Sometimes they are made to order or restored from old antique furniture. Such sofas are expensive and are often used in expensive interiors. Such furniture belongs more to the category of prestigious than functional.

English style sofa, or sofa with rounded armrests

The sofa in the English rolled arm style is known for its low rounded armrests in relation to the high back.

Sofa in the style “English Rolled Arm”

Characteristic features of an English style sofa:

• The English sofa has dense, mostly plain upholstery.
• English style folding sofa models are often found on sale.
• The English sofa with rounded armrests has a classic shape that will never go out of style.

The English-style sofa has a universal appearance, which allows it to fit into almost all existing interior solutions.

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Classification of sofa styles

Let's consider the types of sofas according to other criteria, dividing them into two large groups: in the historical style and in the national (ethnic) style.

Historical ones include:

• Baroque, Rococo . 18th century, curved backs, ornate legs, many curves, rosettes, gilding, the use of dynamics and contrasts in form.
• Classicism . Early 19th century. This is a contrast to the Baroque and Rococo styles. The use of symmetry and classical canons, an appeal to antiquity in form.
• Empire style . 19th century. Imperial style. It is considered the highest point of classicism. The abundance of white, draperies, the use of imperial symbols, garland-shaped ornaments, slender legs, the sofas look very elegant. Curved backs, low armrests.
• Modern . There are two directions here: constructive and decorative. The decorative style uses carved wooden elements in the style of waves, climbing plants, decorative upholstery, muted colors of fabrics, the use of forged and cast elements, and asymmetry. The constructive style uses rectilinear forms, simplicity of design, functionalism, and Japanese culture.

It is difficult to understand the intricacies of historical styles without the appropriate knowledge. They are rarely distinguished on sale and are simply called classics.

Among the national types we can distinguish:

• Eastern . This includes sofas in Japanese and Chinese style. The frames are made of dark wood, strict lines, square shapes. The use of fabrics with national ornaments and rich patterns.
• English . This is aristocracy and restraint of forms, the use of leather, deep colors of upholstery, round armrests, the use of covers, large shapes, and convenience.
• Scandinavian . Unlike the previous style, this is a light wood frame, pastel shades of upholstery fabrics, low backs and straight shapes. Such sofas look light and do not weigh down the space. Made from environmentally friendly materials, they create comfort and harmony in the room.
• Provence . This is a French village. Sofas in this style have soft shapes, many pillows, and floral upholstery in delicate shades. Cute and cozy style.

Sofas in national style are used in interiors in accordance with the chosen stylistic solution or in eclectic options.

There are many other styles and varieties of sofas that are not so common, for example:

• Bionics . A style that follows the shapes of nature, the human and animal bodies, avoiding right angles and lines.
• Kitsch (kitsch). The principle of the style is bad taste, shockingness, loudness of color.
• Vintage . Using a touch of antiquity, the charm of time.

This is how diverse, complex and interesting the world of sofas is. As they say - for every taste!

Design features

Modular sofas are divided into two large groups:

• sectional;
• transforming.

The first include models whose elements are selected individually taking into account the needs of the buyer, but after that they are connected to each other at the factory and it will be difficult or impossible to separate them independently.

The second group includes designer sofas, which give owners a lot of scope for imagination and implementation of design ideas. Such a system can be modified at any time, swap modules, purchase missing elements for them, etc. Between the individual blocks of such systems they even place other furniture, for example, a coffee table, a bookcase, or a cabinet. The largest elements of transformable sofas - corner ones or in the form of an armchair - are used independently, separately from its other parts.