How to measure the standard height of a sofa from the floor
To determine the exact dimensions of the product you like, measurements must be taken directly from the floor. The beginning of the ruler or tape measure must be pressed to the floor surface next to the furniture, holding the measuring tool strictly perpendicular. Measure to the top edge of the seat if you are measuring the seating area, or to the top edge of the backrest if you need to determine the overall height. If the backrest includes pillows, then measurements need to be taken to their top.
Important! However, the armrests are measured from the top of the seat, from the middle of its depth - where it is pressed down the most
Standard dimensions
Standard means statistically average, most acceptable, comfortable, in demand. Any person, most likely, has had the opportunity at least once in his life to sit in a pair with someone on the same chair or sleep in a 4-person tent with 5 neighbors. Individual episodes are quite possible, but it is necessary to rest every day in the conditions that physiology, coupled with anatomy, as well as medicine, have established for the body.
To sit comfortably, a person needs 50 centimeters, and to lie down - 70 centimeters (non-standard physique in this situation is not taken into account).
The standard parameters of sofas are determined based on these criteria. The key characteristics of the products are three parameters.
- Height . Distance from the floor to the final upper point of support for the back.
- Length . The distance between the extreme side points (for straight modifications, for corner modifications the distance of each component is calculated separately).
- Width . The distance between the end points of the rear and front edges of the lower soft block (when unfolded, the length becomes the width of the sleeping area).
Mechanisms of transformation
In order to avoid difficulties with turning a sofa into a bed during daily use, you need to pay attention to the transformation mechanism - folding out. The service life of the sofa depends on it. When choosing a transformation mechanism, you need to take into account the location of the sofa - living room, bedroom or children's room
Below we consider common mechanisms and their features.
When choosing a transformation mechanism, you need to take into account the location of the sofa - living room, bedroom or children's room. Below we consider common mechanisms and their features.
Book and Eurobook
The mechanism of the “Book” is a spring block. The Eurobook does not have a mechanism.
Pros:
- suitable for daily sleep;
- has a durable mechanism that is considered eternal;
- occupies the same area both when unfolded and folded;
- models are equipped with drawers for bedding.
- Suitable for a one-room apartment, a children's room, for a teenager, for use in the country.
Minuses:
- reclines only in sitting and lying positions;
- requires free space between the back of the sofa and the wall;
- Not all models have armrests.
The difference between “Book” and “Eurobook”:
The “book” is folded out by tilting the backrest. The Eurobook unfolds in a different way: the seat rolls forward using special rollers and the back of the sofa fits into the free space, turning it into a sleeping place.
Photo: Book and Eurobook
Click-clack
This model is a type of book.
Pros:
- has three positions: “sitting”, “reclining”, “lying”;
- there are drawers for sleeping linen;
- compact size.
Cons: requires free space between the back of the sofa and the wall, similar to a book.
Accordion
Pros:
- durable mechanism;
- easily transforms into a bed;
- Suitable for a child's room, as it takes up little space when folded;
- there are armrests;
- has additional cabinets near the back for storing linen.
Minuses:
- when moving the sofa apart, there is a possibility of scratching the floor covering with the extending supports;
- There should be about 1.5 m of free space in front of the sofa
How it unfolds: the sofa moves forward like an accordion and has special supports to shape the bed.
Dolphin
It works due to a roll-out mechanism, which is typical for corner sofas.
Pros:
- a child can handle the transformation of a sofa into a bed;
- large surface for sleeping;
- has armrests and drawers for storing linen;
- may have additional equipment in the form of a small table or shelf.
Cons: the service life of the mechanism is limited to 7 years.
How it unfolds: when you pull out the front part of the sofa, the second part of the structure, which is hidden inside the sofa, will “emerge” from below. It should be raised up to the level of the seat to create a flat sleeping area.
Saber
A sofa bed with this name would be an excellent solution for a children's room due to its unusual roll-out mechanism.
Pros:
- there is a drawer for linen,
- There are mini-lifting models for children and models for adults,
- suitable for small spaces.
Cons: differs from other models in the low location of the berth.
How it unfolds: the seat is pulled forward using a special belt and the backrest and headrest are placed in the free space.
Telescope
This sofa model consists of three sections and is optimal for frequent use.
Pros:
- compact;
- there are drawers for linen;
- the mechanism is reliable;
- The back of the sofa and armrests are well fixed.
Minuses:
- does not form a completely flat surface;
- Access to the linen drawer can only be achieved by completely unfolding the sofa.
How to unfold: you need to pull the hinges that the sofa is equipped with. The sections roll out one after another, like a telescope.
Demand for book sofas
It fits well into any interior, be it a living room or a bedroom. And by choosing a sofa in white, gray or beige, with a leather cover, you will undoubtedly emphasize the style of your living room.
Even using such a sofa in a small room, it will not cause you any inconvenience. Its mechanisms are constructed quite well, which already implies everyday use.
For ease of folding and unfolding, the book sofa is equipped with fabric or metal handles, which also has an excellent effect on its operation. The sofa folding mechanism allows you not to move the sofa from its place. This also applies to corner book sofas.
After you unfold the sofa book, you will get a flat sleeping place, without bumps or dents. Orthopedic sofas are also often found in such models.
The width of the bed can be varied, from triple to single. In children's rooms, book sofas are also in demand.
Drawers are often used in sofas, which can perfectly fit bedding.
Such sofas with drawers are especially popular in small apartments or in children's rooms, where both sleeping and guest areas are combined.
If the sofa has a leather cover, then you can safely place it in the middle of the room, it will look stylish and tasteful, if, of course, the area of your room allows it.
The inside of the sofa can be filled with various materials, depending on your financial wishes. Please note that orthopedic sofas will cost much more than spring sofas or those with polyurethane foam filling.
Non-standard models
Mini and maxi dimensions are classified as non-standard. There are many options for such cabinets. To produce them, specialists use 3D modeling. This allows you to create the most accurate option for a specific room.
Massive cabinets deeper than 500 mm and above 1500 mm require additional supports. The mezzanines of such compartments are made separately. Therefore, optimal designs should not exceed standard sizes. Typical cabinets are connected to each other to form a single line. In this regard, cabinet furniture with varying capacity stands out.
Variable Depth Models
These are designs of the following type: a compartment with shelves with a useful area of 60 cm, then a radius compartment with a transition to a body with a depth of 35 cm. Then a transition in the opposite direction is possible, if space allows. Fortuna, Maestro, Ikea, Aristo, Modus and other companies offer ready-made options, as well as accessories for making sliding wardrobes.
An example of a radius wardrobe diagram. View from above.
It is not necessary to be so strict in changing the depth. There are radius structures designed for installation in a corner:
- Convex - the useful area expands towards the center and decreases at the corners. We manufacture cabinets of various radii. Semicircular models have the most spacious center.
- Concave - small in volume products. They allow you to fit not a lot of outerwear, jackets, shirts on hangers, but its depth is the same over the entire area and is 35-50 cm.
- Combined is a combination of the two previous types of models, which are sometimes alternated with direct modules. Such cabinets are installed on the entire wall to accommodate the entire wardrobe. The structure itself will be from 35 to 90 cm deep in different areas.
The corner option is suitable where it is impossible to place other furniture. This saves space and has a positive effect on the aesthetics of the room.
How to choose the optimal seat width?
The width of the sofa and its individual seats are different sizes. The total width of the product includes armrests and other functional elements included in the design. The width of the seat is a functional part used for its main purpose.
The width of the seat is selected in accordance with the required role of the sofa. It is often measured by the number of seats or sections.
Sofa for sitting
If the sofa is intended to be used exclusively for sitting (as a kitchen option or a product for a loggia), it is important to assess the degree of its potential “load”. The optimal models for placement will be three-seater sofas. If the room allows, choose a sofa with armrests; if you want to save space, find a product without armrests (they can eat up to 50 cm).
Double seating sofas are suitable for small rooms or rooms with a narrow focus: hallway, corridor, kitchen, nursery and even bedroom. If you want to move it to another room, you may encounter the problem of inappropriateness and insufficient functionality. Children's sofas have gained a special personality in this regard. In addition to limitations in parameters, they have a specific appearance.
Sofa for sleeping
When choosing a sofa for sleeping, you should also pay attention to the seat. If it is short (double), the product can be transformed forward using a sliding (accordion sofa, dolphin) or unfolding (sedaflex sofa, folding bed) method. These sofas have a spacious sleeping area and a comfortable approach from each side.
If the product has a long seat (with the exception of most corner models), the transformation mechanism is most likely longitudinal: a book, a Eurobook or a click-clack. In this case, the sofa will have a narrow sleeping area and can only be approached from one side.
Multifunctional sofa
A sofa, used for both sitting and sleeping, must satisfy all requirements to the maximum. So that people can sit comfortably on it, choose three-seater seats or modular models with the ability to adjust the load.
If you want to organize a comfortable, non-longitudinal sleeping place, you can use corner products - they will accommodate guests on the main and corner parts, and then transform for sleeping, creating a comfortable sleeping place.
How to choose product dimensions
When choosing the size of your sofa, be judicious. You need to be based on:
- room possibilities;
- interior design;
- the required capacity of the sofa.
The optimal increase for a sofa for each family member is 70 cm when disassembled, 50 when assembled.
In fact, there is hardly enough space on it, so be more wasteful: it is better to buy additional modules or use more spacious models.
In a large family, three-seater corner sofas, one-and-a-half-size fold-out products, etc. are needed. The optimal increase for a sofa for each family member is 70 cm when disassembled, 50 when assembled. Based on this calculation, you can accommodate three people in a double version with a length of about 200 cm. In fact, there is hardly enough space on it, so be more wasteful: it is better to buy additional modules or use more spacious models.
In small rooms, double sofas 1.8-2 meters long are installed.
The additional module expands compactly, making such devices a comfortable sleeping place
In small rooms, double sofas 1.8-2 meters long are installed. They can be cut in depth up to 70 cm. Height is 7-8 decimeters. If the size of the apartment allows, it is better to purchase three-seater, corner models. The additional module expands compactly, making such devices a comfortable sleeping place. Its height should be sufficient for a person to feel comfortable while resting.
If the size of the apartment allows, it is better to purchase three-seater, corner models.
The height should be sufficient for a person to feel comfortable while resting.
Designers advise choosing sofas with a high backrest. It visually expands the space around the furniture. However, it should not exceed the level of the window sills in the house.
Designers advise choosing sofas with a high backrest.
The height should not exceed the level of the window sills in the house.
What is sofa ergonomics
“It’s very ergonomic,” says the salesman, stroking the rounded back of the sofa, and he sounds quite convincing. But what is sofa ergonomics? Having appeared in everyday life relatively recently, the word has become synonymous with convenience and comfort. But comfort is a very individual concept, based on our habits, sometimes even on dreams. Ergonomics is based on the physiology of the human body and the conditions in which it is most beneficial for this body to be day after day.
For example, tired of a hard sofa with a short seat and a straight back, a family chooses a luxurious model in the salon with a depth of more than a meter, filling made of natural or synthetic down, and a gently sloping back that seems designed for complete relaxation. But will the purchase bring the expected pleasure? It is comfortable to recline in the deep design, but in order to just sit without falling back, you will need pillows under your back. A seat that is too soft is not suitable for sleeping at night and is even harmful to the spine. The back you fall into will begin to irritate a person with a bad back after just a few days. And so on…
Product forms
In addition to a variety of contents, functional pieces of furniture can have classic and original contours, as well as unusual decoration. All models can be divided into several types according to their shape:
- rectangular - standard design with several wide lower drawers and two upper ones, separated by a partition;
- corner - occupy a minimum of space, can have an L-shaped, L-shaped, trapezoidal contours, consist of five walls;
- radius - instead of the usual strict angles, models have convex or concave surfaces, curved shapes;
- combined - chests of drawers with moving modules, relevant in the design of modern interior styles.
Combined
Rectangular
Radial
Angular
There are designer models, which are given an unusual shape, and products are made in non-standard dimensions. The type of installation of the product depends on the shape of the chest of drawers. Furniture can be installed along the walls, placed in a corner, hung on the walls, placed in the center of the room - island options with drawers that slide out in both directions. The dimensions and dimensions of the chest of drawers should be such that the product is comfortable to use in everyday life and to store many things in the drawers.
Features and Benefits
Before purchasing a sofa, you need to decide on its functional purpose. When using furniture as an additional place to sleep, it is necessary to take into account the way it is converted (transformed) into a bed. Sofas can be classified according to size by their shape and the way they are folded out. Based on this, the form distinguishes:
Another sign of the classification of sofas is the presence or absence of a transformation mechanism. Modular and island sofas do not provide such a mechanism, however, corner and straight models require both the presence of a transformation device and its absence.
In terms of size, non-folding sofas have compact dimensions and a fairly low price, but they are less functional and are suitable only for sitting. Such models are perfect for the kitchen, small living room, and office.
If you intend to use the sofa as a place to sleep, you should pay attention to folding models, which are distinguished by great functionality, but have larger overall dimensions than non-folding products. Buyers will also be pleased with the presence of a linen drawer in some models, which will become an additional niche for things. However, it should be taken into account that this furniture is less mobile, and the constant use of the mechanism for transforming into a bed leads to its rapid wear. Therefore, the choice of folding method is one of the decisive factors when buying a sofa, as well as determining the necessary parameters.
When preparing to purchase a sofa, each buyer individually identifies the main and secondary criteria with which he can choose the ideal option for himself.
Main types of models
A corner sofa is a combination of an armchair and a straight section. This configuration makes it possible to rationally use the living space of the room and is great for “blind spots”. The main advantage is that the room creates additional space for relaxing and receiving guests. However, purchasing a corner model requires knowledge of a number of nuances.
The transformable type design is equipped with folding, walking or retractable mechanisms that allow it to be converted into a sleeping sofa by increasing the overall dimensions. The most common are: Eurobook, tango, dolphin, Spartak and so on. These models have many more advantages than disadvantages. A significant disadvantage is the inability to use every day due to design features. In Eurobook and Dolphin mechanisms, for example, the surface of the rolling part is quite hard, but the springy base is much softer - this creates certain inconveniences. The main advantages of transformers:
- The design quickly unfolds, and this allows you to intelligently use the usable living space.
- Reliability and durability are ensured by the minimal use of moving mechanisms.
- More seating can be achieved almost instantly.
- Internal drawers are great for storing linens - eliminating the need for additional cabinets. This option is especially relevant for rooms with dimensions that do not allow placing a large amount of furniture.
The difference between a modular sofa and other options is that its structural basis is built on the ability to transform through the arrangement of individual segments, making it possible to radically change the configuration. Each component element performs its own function:
- the straight part of the sofa adjusts its length - this way you can free up useful space;
- the angular segment participates in the formation of one or more protrusions;
- armrests separate parts of the sofa from each other;
- Poufs are additional soft seats.
Modular corner systems have a number of advantages:
- the size of the sofa, the number of segments and configuration can be determined independently, thereby deciding which part of the area to leave free;
- almost all modules are equipped with drawers for storing things;
- you can change the shape instantly, freeing up the necessary space in the room;
- armrests can replace bookshelves or a coffee table.
The choice of modular designs for small spaces is very limited. When designing a room, you must strictly follow the rules for choosing corner furniture and take into account the layout features. Products designed for frequent rearrangements are very expensive.
The monolithic design is almost always presented in the shape of a semicircle and is non-removable. This option requires large areas and is therefore very often used in public places or spacious living rooms. The main advantage of the model is its long service life, since the design does not contain transformation mechanisms that can quickly fail. The disadvantages include the inability to unfold and form a sleeping place.
Transformer
With storage box
Modular
Semicircular
What else is important to consider when choosing
Of course, height is not the only parameter worth considering. There are a number of other fundamental points. If left unattended, over time the furniture will no longer be comfortable and may be harmful to health.
Office sofa option
Also worth considering:
- degree of softness;
- environmentally friendly upholstery;
- proportions in length and width.
It is important to understand that a comfortable sofa does not mean harmless. Because of its physiology, humans do best sitting on relatively hard surfaces. The same goes for lying down. This is why furniture that is too soft is harmful. It leads to an increase in hemorrhoids, stagnation of blood flow, diseases of the spine and the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
Universal option
Cheap products often have dubious upholstery. Such materials are sometimes toxic. In addition, they wear out quickly. But with good fabric upholstery, not everything is smooth either.
Professionals in the field of microbiology believe that the fabric on furniture sooner or later harbors many pathogenic microorganisms, including fungi. So the best option is a good leatherette.
The ratio of the width and length of the used part of the sofa directly affects safety. Especially if they are lying on the furniture or, especially, sleeping. The sofa should not be too narrow.
Dimensions of a corner sofa in centimeters
It should not be too short in relation to a person’s height, otherwise spinal diseases will arise over time. Including scoliosis. The risk of rheumatoid arthritis and other joint diseases increases.
From a design point of view, the sofa plays one of the key roles in the interior. Simply because it is very large and often larger than a closet. Especially if it is a sleeping option.
And therefore there are a lot of requirements for the sofa. Sometimes it’s better not to put anything on it, and sometimes it’s better to carefully place several pillows that match both in style and shade.
In the country
Often they use pillows with different shades and even a different color from the sofa. But this requires good taste and the ability to see the big picture. Even if all the elements of the composition are in harmony with each other, they can sometimes come into color conflict with the surrounding space.
Non-standard options
Compact and small-sized
Non-standard ones include various small-sized types. Their dimensions are 170 centimeters in width and exactly the same in length. This option is convenient if installation is required in the kitchen or in the hallway.
This type of model folds out very easily, thereby providing a sleeping area suitable for accommodating one person. But it may also have hidden drawers underfoot that are suitable for storing dishes or various household items. This option is often installed in the kitchen.
As a rule, such sofas use universal angles in their design. They can be easily installed on both the right and left sides. This model is not strictly tied to the design specified by the manufacturer.
More compact options are also available.
- The sleeping area of such models is 150 centimeters by 150 centimeters.
- The second option is 130 centimeters by 200 centimeters.
In such rooms there is always a struggle for centimeters, because the bedroom space is limited. This type includes sofas with “tick-tock”, “dolphin” or “Eurobook” layout mechanisms.
Little ones
Often in stores selling furniture you can see models that are quite small in size. Often such designs are a “book”.
If we disassemble such a sofa, we get the length of the sleeping place measuring 125 centimeters by 140 centimeters.
In addition, you can combine such a sofa with another one - measuring 90 centimeters by 168 centimeters. This sofa will serve as an ottoman. Both parts are independent of each other.
Average
Medium-sized corner sofas are widespread and loved by customers.
They have sleeping space parameters of around 200 centimeters by 150 centimeters. This is a recognized standard for upholstered furniture of this class.
If such a sofa is assembled, it will have a length of about 245 centimeters and up to 260 centimeters. This difference depends on the presence of armrests in the design and their width.
The depth of the seat can vary up to 150 centimeters, taking into account the backrest. The height ranges from 70 centimeters to 80 centimeters.
Large
If we talk about large corner sofas, then this class should include models that have a seat length ranging from two meters or more.
They come in both folding and monolithic types. Modular and standard options are available.
Often such sofas are produced according to customer designs in a single copy. As a rule, these models are equipped with various shelves, tables or a small bar that has the ability to cool drinks. This bar is usually located in the middle zone.
The dimensions of the sleeping place can be within 200 centimeters by 140 centimeters and up to 300 centimeters by 200 centimeters.
Configuration and dimensions of radius models
The latest innovations in the furniture market include radius models of corner sofas.
They are produced in the form of a semicircle and look very beautiful, attractive and unusual. Most often, such models are designed in a modern design. In this type of furniture, the laws of such styles as Loft and Techno or Hi-Tech usually prevail, as the most progressive. But no one bothers to ask the manufacturer to make this type in the classic version.
The size of such a sofa will directly depend on the number of segments included in the layout.
If the living space is small, then this type of sofa will be appropriate only if its dimensions do not interfere with the free movement of residents.
Elite corner sofas
Beautiful and comfortable proportions: the depth of the side modules is 60% of the length of the main part, and it varies depending on the number of seats. The average base size is 3 m. The minimum for a three-seater model is 2.6 m, for a four-seater U-shaped sofa is 3.5 m. The maximum perimeter length is limited only by the size of the room, since all corner sofas are modular.
Results of height selection
For health reasons, it is better for both children and adults to sleep on a classic bed. And limit yourself to the sofa in the living room only for daytime use. In this case, both the regular option and the corner one are suitable. By the way, a Eurobook or Chester would work great as a living room sofa.
Moreover, such a sofa should ideally correspond to the physiological characteristics of a person and GOST. The rigidity of this product is average, the upholstery is made of high-quality leatherette. A sitting person develops a right angle at the knees if the legs are straight, perpendicular to the floor.
Given enough space, it is possible to place a kitchen sofa. But its feasibility is questionable, because it is much easier to choose a chair under the kitchen table top.
In addition, the average kitchen has too little space. Only a small sofa, like in some famous restaurants or cafes, will do. Essentially, this is an elongated version of a dining chair, but for several people.
In terms of comfort, many people find a harmful sofa more pleasant.
Very soft and low. But this is a consequence of habit. If you change this and develop the habit of using the right furniture, then too soft and low options will be uncomfortable in the future.
The optimal height of such furniture depends on the individual characteristics of the person. It is not always possible to find one, then you have to order it. However, if you follow the height standard, you will be able to purchase furniture that is close to ideal. Although, of course, this is far from the only parameter that is important to consider when buying furniture.
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