Characteristics of French folding sofas, pros and cons

The housing area does not always allow for additional guest beds in case of frequent visits from friends or relatives. We have to look for ways to rationally use free space, choosing an alternative option for sleeping space. Ideally, such furniture should successfully combine a stylish appearance, a high level of comfort and reliability of the transformation mechanism - a French folding sofa with a three-section base fits perfectly into these criteria. The model is more practical than all its analogues, every element here is carefully thought out, from its appearance it is difficult to guess that the design is folding. Since the range of French folding beds is quite large, an untrained user will need to find out the operating principle, advantages and disadvantages of this furniture - this is the only way to choose the optimal model for themselves.

What is

A sofa with a French folding bed mechanism is one of the most common and popular models of transformable upholstered furniture. The origin of the name is due to the location of the very first manufacturer of three-section folding systems - it was founded in France. The popularity of the design is explained by its compactness, ease of use, relatively affordable price, and various design options for this furniture.

The transformation mechanism consists of three sections connected to each other by a hinged fastening. The folding of the sofa is carried out in two stages, as a result of which these elements form a single plane. The service life of the product, the thickness of the mattress, and the comfort of people resting on this structure depend on the type of base.

The following is used as a support under the mattress of a French folding sofa:

1. A metal frame, inside of which a durable synthetic awning is fixed, or, as an option, wire mesh. The tent structure is reminiscent of Soviet-made cots. The wire mesh base is similar to the armored (spring) beds of the same era. Both options have one significant drawback: over time, the surface loses its elasticity, making it impossible to stay comfortably on the sofa. Such supports cannot withstand a load of more than 90 kg, even for short-term use. Despite the most affordable prices among possible modifications, now sofas with this type of base are practically not produced.
2. Lamels (armor). The mattress is supported by bent-glued wooden slats. The battens are made with a certain bend directed towards the mattress to compensate for the weight of the sleeper. The material used is inexpensive hardwood (beech, birch), glued into a curved strip 12-15 mm thick. In some designs, an awning covering is pulled over the battens to more evenly distribute the load and also reduce sagging of the mattress. Bases with more than 10 lamellas are considered orthopedic and can withstand weights of over 150 kg. The structures belong to the middle price category, mainly intended for guest use - it is in this mode that they will last longer.
3. Spot-soldered lattice. A reliable and durable solution, which, despite its high cost, is in demand among consumers. A metal mesh attached to springs does not stretch under a person’s weight, making it possible to create a permanent sleeping place with an orthopedic mattress, increasing the load on the structure to 200 kg. A French folding sofa with a base made of welded metal mesh is the only option suitable for everyday use as a sleeping place.

A compromise solution is lamellas in combination with an awning covering. Wooden gratings are placed on the sections located at the head and in the middle; the rest of the base, which is expected to be least loaded, is made of awning or wire.

Model "French clamshell"

Three-section folding bed

Spot-welded grid

Metal frame with synthetic awning

Lamels

Model options

The “French folding bed” mechanism with an orthopedic mattress is equipped with different types of modern furniture: straight, corner, U-shaped. It can be seen both in small kitchen sofas and in luxurious models designed for living rooms, designed in various styles, from classic to minimalism. When folded, this mechanism takes up very little space and therefore fits well into any design of the most popular piece of upholstered furniture, without which no residential building or apartment can do. It is compatible with frames made of solid softwood, laminated chipboard, plywood or metal. Natural and artificial leather, high-quality woven fabrics are used as external finishing: velor, jacquard, microfiber, tapestry, matting, and so on.

The mattress and removable cover can be included in the product package or purchased separately. They increase the comfort of using upholstered furniture.

Sofas with a French folding bed mechanism look very stylish. They perform 2 functions at once. Firstly, they serve as a bright, eye-catching interior element, and secondly, within a few seconds they turn into a comfortable sleeping place for occasional use.

Straight

Angular

U-shaped

Advantages and disadvantages

Using a sofa with a French folding bed mechanism as a permanent sleeping place is a rare occurrence. Most often, this comfortable furniture is used for short-term relaxation: watching TV, friendly gatherings or reading a favorite book. This influenced the functionality and design of the sofa, and formed a number of positive and negative characteristics of the furniture. Among the advantages of sofa design:

1. Compact when folded. The depth of the furniture is within 65 cm, while two-section folding structures occupy at least 85 cm.
2. Solving the problem of lack of sleeping places.
3. The ability to translate original design solutions into reality.
4. High load capacity - can withstand loads of up to 200 kg.
5. Simple, convenient transformation.
6. Durability, partly due to the fact that the folding mechanism is used relatively rarely.

Separately, it is worth noting several more positive features of this furniture:

1. Folding beds for sofas are interchangeable, since they have similar designs and sizes, this allows you to change a failed element without much difficulty.
2. Models with a welded mesh base can be used as a permanent bed with an orthopedic mattress.
3. It is possible to use a removable cover to protect the surface of the sofa from dirt.

Compactness

Easy transformation

High load capacity

Possibility of using a removable cover

Stylish design

Meanwhile, the “French clamshell” model also has disadvantages:

1. To use the sofa as a bed, the lower cushions must be removed (there is no temporary storage space for them).
2. This furniture is not intended for permanent sleeping.
3. There are no drawers for storing bed linen and other things, with the exception of large corner models.
4. On most French folding sofas, only thin (no more than 60 mm) mattresses can be used.
5. The length of the sleeping place does not exceed 185 cm - it will be uncomfortable for a tall person to sleep.

On some models, the folding base quickly breaks down with frequent use, creaks during sleep, and is limited in load.

People with spinal problems and children are not recommended to regularly sleep on a French folding bed.

Not intended for daily sleep

No storage drawers

A brief excursion into history

The French clamshell is a mechanism that is very popular. However, five years ago the model was not on the preferred shopping list, as it had a less reliable design that was not designed for regular use.

The sofas were equipped with woven nets, then manufacturers replaced them with awnings, which turned out to be uncomfortable and short-lived (they sagged quickly). Therefore, they were used extremely rarely, and because of their shortcomings they acquired a reputation as a sleeping place for “guest” use.

A few years later, manufacturers released French cots with a more convenient and durable set of four battens and an awning. The two armor plates installed in the central part of the mechanism bear the main load, so they quickly lose their original bend and become deformed and sag.

How to unfold

Even a teenager can transform a sofa. Young children should not try to do this on their own, as the design contains moving metal elements that are quite difficult to control.

The sofa unfolds as follows:

1. First you need to remove the bottom pillows, after removing the cover. On some designs, you will have to move the side armrests and rear cushions.
2. The next step is to lift the top part by pulling it towards you (some models have a special strap for this).
3. Having laid out the sections, you need to check the degree of reliability of fixation of the metal legs - they should stand as level as possible.

The mechanism of the French folding bed is folded in the reverse order; the process should not cause any difficulties. All manipulations when transforming the sofa should be performed smoothly, without making sudden movements.

There is no need to apply excessive force if the mechanism does not work, as the hinge joints are vulnerable to angular loads and break easily.

Mechanism of action

The French folding bed consists of 3 sections connected by hinges. The head section is attached directly to the sofa, the other 2 rest on U-shaped legs.

In order to unfold it, you must first remove the pillows from the part of the sofa on which they are sitting, and then lift it up and pull it towards you.

Unfold, and check that the metal legs that serve as support are level and well secured.

This design is quite simple and compact. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove the pillows, armrests, and remove the cover (if any). Next, the entire mechanism is lifted by a special handle and unfolded in 2 steps. In this case, the legs, due to traction, independently take the desired position.

Folding sofas with the “French folding bed” type of mechanism are not recommended for people with spinal diseases, as well as for children.

It will not be very comfortable to sleep on such a sofa every day due to its peculiar design. But as an option for delayed guests or unexpectedly visiting relatives, it’s simply excellent!

Manufacturing materials

In addition to the folding mechanism, the French folding sofa consists of a body, a mattress and upholstery. The quality and appearance of these elements directly depend on the material from which they are made. The design of the housing must be strong enough, but not heavy, since the heavy weight makes transportation difficult and increases the load on the floor covering.

The following frame materials are common:

1. Solid wood. Internal elements are most often made from coniferous species (pine, spruce), since this is the most affordable material, which has a relatively low weight and sufficient strength. The use of hardwood in the frame is less preferable due to its greater mass, labor-intensive processing and high cost. Elements made of oak, ash, walnut and other species are more often found in exterior decoration.
2. The most affordable option for making an internal frame is particle board. Plywood is significantly stronger and more expensive, and is used in structures of complex shapes or as base elements. Laminated chipboard is rarely used in upholstered furniture, except for the manufacture of external parts.
3. The metal frame is stronger and more durable in use than wood or its derivatives. External parts can be chrome plated or made of more expensive non-ferrous metals.

Manufacturers often combine wood and other materials. For example, the supporting structure is made of metal, chipboard is used for the sides and back, and decorative elements are made of hardwood and decorate the outside of the sofa.

The mattress is either included with the sofa or purchased separately. Its perimeter size should be 3-5 cm smaller than the base. Furniture polyurethane foam (PPU) or foam rubber are most often used as a filler for the product. The thickness of the mattresses does not exceed 6 cm, which does not provide the proper orthopedic effect. It is permissible to use thicker mattresses (7-10 cm) on a base with a metal lattice.

Woven fabrics, natural or artificial leather are used as upholstery materials. A leather sofa looks luxurious, but requires some care and is more expensive than fabric-covered products. A compromise option is artificial leather, which, when manufactured well, is quite difficult to distinguish from genuine leather. Among woven upholstery, microfiber, velor, jacquard, matting and tapestry coverings are common.

French and American folding bed: which type of product is better

In addition to the French-type folding sofa, there is also an American type of transformation. However, these two types differ significantly from each other.

The American type of unfolding includes only two stages of transformation, which makes it possible to use a thicker and more comfortable mattress.

However, it should be noted that the American folding bed is a less popular product. It is used much less frequently than the French folding sofa.

This is explained by the following points:

• The product has non-standard sizes;
• Not all factories produce it:
• It is very difficult to find components that become necessary when a sofa breaks down.

The similarities between the products include the fact that the principle of unfolding the mechanism is almost the same, however, the sections of the sofa fold out not parallel, but perpendicular to the back.

Both American and French models on the market are very diverse. On sale you can find armchairs, corners, and just sofas. The corner sofa can also be folded out in English, however, like the Belgian and Italian models, it will be a variation of the French folding bed.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a sofa with a French folding bed mechanism, you need to take into account a number of criteria. Usually they pay attention to the type of base, build quality, upholstery material, brand and mattress. Basic recommendations:

1. If you plan to permanently use the furniture as a sleeping place, relatively comfortable sleep is possible only on tent-plate surfaces or welded metal mesh.
2. You should make sure that all the moving elements of the sofa work smoothly, without creaking or excessive effort when transforming the base. The presence of backlashes and distortions between the frame elements indicates a defect, which will soon lead to failure.
3. For a French folding sofa, the manufacturer of the base mechanism is very important. Products from dubious brands, as a rule, will not last even a year, even with rare use.
4. In the living room, a sofa upholstered in leather or textured fabric with a pronounced pattern, such as tapestry or jacquard, looks better. Leatherette is more appropriate in the kitchen - it is cheaper than its natural counterpart, more practical than fabric, and does not absorb odors. You should not use expensive and light-colored types of upholstery in a children's room. The main criterion is ease of cleaning.
5. The choice of mattress depends on the intensity of use of the bed and the type of sofa base. For tent, slatted and combined surfaces, thin (6 cm) mattresses made of polyurethane foam or foam rubber, which in most cases come with the sofa, are suitable. This option is optimal for guest furniture. For regular sleep you will need a welded base and a 10 cm thick mattress.

The “French folding bed” model is a comfortable, compact piece of furniture that combines elegant design and versatility of construction. Naturally, replacing a full bed with a sofa, even with a high-quality base and mattress, will not work. But for occasional “guest” use it will be the best option.

It is worth choosing models with a mattress included

It is important to pay attention to the build quality

It is worth making sure that all moving elements work without distortions and backlashes

Furniture design is also important

Cot with mattress

The French folding bed is a mechanism that can be built into more than just a sofa. A chair can also unfold in a similar way. And although the first option is more common, the second is also actively used. The operating principle is the same in both cases.

The product works as follows:

1. Remove the pillows;
2. Using the handle, we straighten the mechanism;
3. We remove the mattress;
4. We unfold the sleeping place.

After this, the product can be used completely. The seating area can be converted into a sleeping area very quickly. This will take you no more than a minute. Built-in mechanisms and automation will help even a fragile girl cope with the task.

Photo

Millennium (Italian folding bed)

Objectively, it is the most comfortable and premium mechanism of all folding beds.

To transform such a sofa, you need to pull the backrest towards you, the mechanism rises from the stand and unfolds independently until it rests on the built-in legs.

The back and seat cushions do not need to be removed; they remain attached to the structure and go down underneath it.

Pros:

• Durable design
• Ability to withstand heavy loads
• Convenient to unfold
• The mattress has a limiter in all directions
• There is no need to remove the cushions as they are attached to the mechanism
• Can be equipped with a mattress up to 18 cm thick.
• Does not deform the floor covering

Millennium (“Italian” folding bed)

DIY sofa bed: methods and varieties + 30 photos

Unfortunately, most city apartments cannot boast of spacious rooms. This issue is especially acute if the family is large, and placing a full-fledged sleeping place for each family member means a significant reduction in usable space. But there is a way out even from this situation. Let's look at how to make a sofa bed with your own hands, without resorting to the help of specialists.

Features and Benefits

The French folding bed is furniture that has three options for decomposition and further use. It belongs to the category of triple folding mechanisms. It is its design that is its main distinguishing feature. This folding bed consists of three sections. In order to unfold it, you must first remove the cushions from the seats, then a handle rises in the front of the folding bed and is installed horizontally. By alternately lifting the support legs, the two remaining parts are folded out. When unfolded, the legs automatically lower to the floor and become almost perfectly level horizontally. There is only a slight slope in the foot part.

Since its first appearance, this French folding bed has attracted a lot of attention, and even today it is in demand. And all thanks to its advantages:

1. Compactness. When assembled, this furniture takes up little space.
2. Possibility of use in two different versions. We can say that this is a transformable clamshell.
3. Low cost. Compared to many, even the most compact folding sofas, such a folding bed is much cheaper.
4. Long service life. Thanks to the use of modern materials, such furniture can last for many years.
5. Possibility of daily use. French cots made a few years ago had a rather flimsy mechanism, so their daily use as a bed led to rapid breakdown of the mechanism. Now everything is different thanks to the fact that the Mixotoil transformation mechanism is used, so the layout of the sofa has become not only easy, but also safe for the entire structure as a whole.

How is it different from the “American Clamshell” and “Spartak” mechanisms?

Today there are several popular mechanisms for folding sofas. Among them, it is worth highlighting the systems called “Spartak” and “Sedaflex”. They differ in many ways from the “French clamshell”. For example, Sedaflex mechanisms have a double-folding mechanism. It is installed in upholstered furniture, the depth of which does not exceed 82 cm. The upper cushions in such sofas are non-removable.

Such designs are suitable for daily and regular use. The mechanism in them is very reliable, durable and wear-resistant. These sofas are equipped with thick mattresses with a spring block.

French clamshells have a different design. They have a three-fold mechanism and are installed in sofas with a depth of 70 cm. Poufs and all upper parts in such a system are removable and are removed during the unfolding of the model.

They are hardly suitable for daily use, as their mechanisms are short-lived and subject to deformation. Such folding beds are primarily intended to accommodate guests, which is why they are popularly called “guest beds.” These designs do not have orthopedic mattresses. Instead, there is a simple mattress of small thickness.

If the “French folding bed” requires replacement, then it will be very difficult to repair it with your own hands. Today, many companies offer their services for repairing, replacing and reupholstering folding models.

There are many proposals for replacing mechanisms at home. Such services are much cheaper. But it is recommended to contact specialists who have good reviews and have been working for several years.