Mechanisms for folding sofas: types of transformation systems and their names

The main advantages of folding sofas

In furniture stores you can find a variety of sofas and beds, but the best option, whatever your goals, is a folding sofa. This piece of furniture has a number of advantages:

Space saving

Probably the main advantage of folding sofas is space saving. The main thing to consider when choosing a model is what piece of furniture it should “replace” and what is important in your case.

Might be interesting! Wardrobe-bed and more: transformers for a small apartment.

Sometimes a folding sofa is bought so as not to take up a lot of space with a double bed: this option is relevant for small rooms and studios, where literally every centimeter needs to be optimally used. In this case, the main thing you need to focus on is the convenience of the sofa when disassembled.

The second option is a folding sofa that replaces a wardrobe. On the market you can find many models focused on storing things.

Typically, sofas solve both issues: they provide the opportunity to create an additional sleeping space if guests or relatives stay overnight, and can be used as additional storage space.

Suitable here

Shelf “Branch” black from Odingeniy

32 000 rub.

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Sofa bed - a practical and stylish solution for small rooms

Creating a “chameleon space”

Most likely, you have noticed that concentrating on business while in a cozy bedroom is not an easy task. This is also confirmed by psychologists: ideally, a person should have separate places for work and rest.

It is possible to arrange both in one room, but in order to get into a working mood, it is better to “hide” the bed: then the temptation to relax is not so great, and the work is more productive. A folding sofa in this case is an excellent solution.

In addition, folding sofas are the best option for studios, when one room serves as a bedroom, a kitchen, a living room, and for bedrooms to which you sometimes invite guests.

Suitable here

Sofa Peterhof three-seater straight folding gray

82 590 rub.

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The Peterhof sofa can easily be converted into a bed

Purpose

Folding sofas are necessary to save useful space in the room. They can be used as a main bed, and the universal model will also help out when guests arrive. During the day, such furniture is usually in a folded position and performs its direct functions.

The design, dimensions and folding mechanism determine the function of the sofa in the interior. For example, “Click-Klyak” requires more wall space, and “Tango” will take on the functions of the main sleeping place in the nursery.

You can count several dozen modern mechanisms for transforming sofas. Each of them has its own design features and advantages. At the same time, the basic structure of any sofa is approximately the same. Upholstered furniture consists of several basic elements:

back;
seat;
armrests;
frame;
filler;
upholstery.

In addition, it can be additionally equipped with pillows or drawers for storing bed linen and other things. The transformation device is a set of parts that includes a hinged lever mechanism, guides and rollers. Its main task is to increase the sleeping area. Usually the structure is located in the back and middle blocks of the sofa.

Types of sofas by type of transformation

Probably, few of us think about how many folding mechanisms there are for sofas, until it comes to purchasing this piece of furniture. Let's try to figure out what types of sofas there are by type of transformation.

Book

The book is one of the simplest and most familiar mechanisms from childhood. To unfold such a sofa, the lower seat must be raised all the way (in some models until it clicks) and lowered. After this, the backrest also lowers. To fold the sofa back, you need to repeat the movements in reverse order.

Pros:

Strength and durability: frames are usually made of metal or wood;
Ease of use: to assemble and disassemble such a sofa, you do not need a lot of physical strength and time;
Under the seat and back there is a drawer for bed linen or other things.

Minuses:

The sofa-book should stand at some distance from the wall (usually a distance of 20-30 centimeters) or when folding and unfolding it will have to be moved, which is not very convenient;
Some models may have depressions between the seat and backrest: pay attention to this when choosing.

Sofa bed with 3 pillows gray “Mario” Slim

81 825 rub.

RUB
49,095 buy

Sofa book “Mario” Slim

"Click-Click" and "Tango"

“Click-Klyak” or “Tango” are improved versions of the Book, which some experts do not even consider to be independent layout mechanisms. The only difference between these sofas is the ability to unfold the sofa not completely, leaving the back in an intermediate position.

This is interesting! The mechanism for transforming sofas “Click-Klyak” received this name because of the pleasant characteristic sound that can be heard when the backrest is folded.

In Tango sofas, you can fix not only the backrest, but also the armrests in different positions.

Eveline sofa bed light gray from La Forma

103 990 rub.

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Sofa with click-clack mechanism from La Forma, model “Eveline”

Eurobook: roll-out and walking (“Tick-Tock”)

Nowadays the Eurobook is the most popular mechanism for folding out sofas. There are two versions of the mechanism: withdrawable and walking.

To unfold the roll-out Eurobook, you need to roll out the seat, put soft pillows in the drawer underneath it, thanks to which it is comfortable to sit on the folded sofa, and lower the backrest. The main disadvantage: frequent movement back and forth may leave marks on the floor.

The walking Eurobook or Tic-Tac is an option that does not create such a problem. In this mechanism, the seat seems to “take a step” and is fixed without touching the floor. The back goes down the same way.

Pros:

If you remove the pillows, the sofa can be used as a single bed without folding it out;
A simple layout mechanism that does not require physical effort;
When unfolded, the joint between the seat and back is not noticeable.

Minuses:

The wheels of a roll-out eurobook can leave marks on the floor;
The Eurobook is as uncomfortable as a sofa without pillows, which, when unfolded, completely or almost completely occupy the drawer. Because of this, it cannot be used to store other things.

Sofa bed with 2 pillows beige “Baker 2”

69 225 rub.

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Sofa bed with Eurobook mechanism, model “Baker 2”

French folding bed

The French folding bed is an option for infrequent folding, because... The mechanism is not very durable compared to most models and can wear out quickly. To unfold such a sofa, you need to remove the pillows and take out a structure folded into three rolls, which is placed on special supports-legs (sometimes there may be only one support).

Pros:

French folding beds are often beautiful, comfortable and soft models that are very easy to fold. The possibility of layout for them is more of an additional plus than the main purpose;
Huge selection of designs.

Minuses:

The mechanism is not suitable for permanent use when unfolded;
Sleeping on a French folding bed can be uncomfortable: the mattress is hard and about 6 centimeters thick.

Leather sofa bed three-seater black Versace

155 600 rub.

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Versace sofa bed with French folding mechanism

American folding bed (“Dionysus” or “Sedaflex”)

An option similar to a French folding bed, but suitable for daily use. The models have a thicker and softer mattress, and the supports are stronger, often made of steel. In addition, the mattress folds not in three, but in two folds.

Pros:

An American folding bed or Sedaflex can be folded out every day;
One-piece mattress without a joint between the seat and back.

Minuses:

Lack of storage box;
When unfolded, the sofa looks less aesthetically pleasing than, for example, books or Eurobooks.

Sofa bed Sydney double straight beige

79 990 rub.

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Double sofa "Sydney", American folding bed

"Dolphin" ("Kangaroo" or "Microlift")

The “Dolphin” sofa mechanism is one of the best options for a nursery or teenager’s bedroom: you don’t need any physical strength to unfold it. It is enough to pull the seat, and then the platform hidden inside will “emerge” like a dolphin and take the desired position.

Note! The Dolphin mechanism is usually equipped with corner sofas. Sometimes this option is even more convenient than the classic one, because in such models there is space for a drawer for bed linen.

Pros:

Convenient folding mechanism;
Comfortable and flat surface for sleeping;
The mechanism of the Dolphin sofa is considered the most durable;
Possibility to choose between a classic and corner sofa.

Minuses:

Not all models have drawers for bed linen, and even if they do, they are not very spacious.

Sofa bed Vario corner white

276 822 rub.

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Vario corner sofa bed with Dolphin mechanism

"Puma"

The transformation mechanism of the “Puma” sofa is very similar to the “Dolphin” variation, and both classic and corner sofas are also on sale. The main difference is a softer and smoother folding, which is sometimes even more convenient. Also, the retractable parts of the Puma sofas do not touch the floor.

Three-seater sofa bed gray Sorrento 230M

153 000 rub.

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Sofa with Puma mechanism, model “Sorrento”

Roll-out sofa or “Telescope”

“Telescope” is another good option that does not require physical strength to unfold. Like the Dolphin and Puma, you need to pull it by the seat and roll it back all the way: all three sections themselves will occupy the desired height. You definitely won’t have to think about how to unfold the sofa.

Pros:

Convenient folding mechanism;
Smooth sleeping surface;
Availability of a box.

Minuses:

Sofas with a “Telescope” mechanism are always very heavy: unfortunately, they cannot be made lighter while maintaining the advantages of the design.

Sofa with “Telescope” mechanism

"Accordion"

The back of the “Accordion” sofa is folded into two parts like an accordion. If you unfold it and roll it out, the structure can easily be transformed into a bed. The mattress of such a sofa has no seams and is not divided into separate parts.

Pros:

Simplicity: no one will have to think about how to lay out the sofa;
Lack of additional elements - pillows.

Minuses:

The springs of the sofa may begin to creak when unfolded if you do not take care of them.

Sofa bed with soft armrests yellow “Mark”

92 520 rub.

RUB
55,512 buy

Mechanism "Accordion", model "Mark"

"Elf" or "Lit"

A fairly simple and light sofa that can easily be transformed into a single bed. To do this, you just need to lower the side parts and remove the pillows. On sale you can find models with and without drawers under the sofa seat.

Tips for choosing

Even a superficial acquaintance with the types of sofa folding mechanisms leads to the conclusion that there are no universal tips for choosing. It all depends on many factors:

living conditions;
frequency of use;
financial capabilities;
required sleeping area.

It is impossible to answer unequivocally which sofa mechanism is better. Each has certain advantages and disadvantages. Simplicity of design can be a plus if we are talking about a constantly used inexpensive mechanism. And a disadvantage if the main criterion is comfort for sleeping.

Expensive models equipped with an electric drive and a vibration massager will help you relax after a working day. But sleeping on them is hardly more comfortable than on a regular “book,” which costs much less. In addition, the simple mechanism of the sofa is the most reliable, because there is nothing to break.

For regular sleep, it is better to choose a reliable and comfortable model of upholstered furniture. As a guest sofa, you can use a structure that occupies a minimum of usable space.

In the store, you need to check the serviceability of the transformation mechanism. It should not make any extraneous sounds or jam. To determine the quality of the assembly, you need to try to unfold and fold the furniture several times.

Before giving preference to one model or another, it is worth deciding exactly how it will be used and setting priorities. Only after this will you be able to make an informed and reasonable choice. A wide range will allow you to purchase a product that meets all requirements.

The choice of sofa depends on living conditions and frequency of use of the product

The serviceability of the transformation mechanism should be checked before purchasing furniture in the store.

For regular sleep, it is better to purchase a reliable and comfortable model of upholstered furniture

As a guest option, you can use a design that takes up minimal space

Expensive models with a vibrating massager will help you relax after a working day

The sofa book does not fold out: why, what to do

During operation, cases arise when the mechanism begins to act up. Let's find out why the sofa book doesn't fold out and what to do in this situation.

People often encounter this problem unexpectedly. But sometimes this is preceded by phenomena when, when unfolding the sofa, you have to make more physical efforts. In addition, the seat begins to press tightly against the armrest. You need to pay attention to this immediately so that more serious damage does not occur in the future. If you tighten a few bolts at once, the sofa will serve for a long time.

Causes of structural failure

The most common cause of malfunction is wear of the locking mechanism. This is indicated by the following factors:

When transforming the sofa, clanging sounds occur.
During the unfolding and folding process there is no characteristic click.
There is a skew towards one of the armrests.

Sometimes the reason that the sofa cannot be unfolded is a broken frame beam. In the folded position, this will be indicated by the sagging edge of the seat.

It is possible to understand exactly why the sofa began to act up only after studying the condition of the mechanism. To do this, you need to remove the armrests and unscrew the bolts. Then examine the area where the problem lies.

Often the cause of breakdown is a loose fastener, which is attached to the frame beam. If the problem is only in the bolts, then you just need to tighten them, after installing additional washers.

If the fixation mechanism is secured using screws, then they need to be replaced with screws with a large cross-section, and a hole for the bolts must be made in the beam.

Tip: by using wooden choppers you can reduce the diameter of the holes.

But if the problem is not identified in advance, this can lead to the wood bursting. In this case, you need to do the following:

If the crack is located lengthwise, the beam can be tightened using metal clamps.
When the crack goes across, the frame needs to be strengthened with the help of a bar, which is driven in on the opposite side of the mechanism.
If the beam bursts completely, then it must be glued with PVA glue. It will dry completely within a day. Next, you need to strengthen the frame using one of the methods described above.

Sometimes the cause of a book sofa malfunction is the loosening of the rivets on the fixation mechanism. The device is first removed and the degree of wear is determined. Depending on this, one of the proposed solutions to the problem is selected:

Seal the rivets.
Replace them with new ones.
Instead of rivets, install bolts with a disc head.

Sometimes a sofa book cannot be unfolded if some foreign object gets into the mechanism. To fix the problem, you need to remove the thing stuck in the sofa.

Types of book mechanism fastening

Furniture with such transformation has been known to people since Soviet times. Then the population had no alternative, so they had to buy what the salons offered. Modern manufacturers have improved this mechanism, introducing the “click-clack” design to the world. Unlike the traditional “book”, which can only take two positions (sitting and lying), the “click-klyak” has three (sitting, lying and reclining). In addition, sofas with a “click-clack” design are equipped with slats, thanks to which the sleeping place receives orthopedic properties.

The “book” transformation is so simple that it can easily be replaced at home. You just need to know how the mechanism is attached. There are three types of fastening:

Without a shelf, with flat cheeks. The mechanism is designed to provide lower support for the berth.

With a shelf. Equipped with an additional support corner.

“Click-clack.” It has three levels of fixation of the berth at different angles. Like fasteners of the first and second types, in case of breakdown they are easily replaced.

There is plenty of information on the Internet on how to set up a sofa book. Therefore, it is not difficult to do, the main thing is to follow the instructions and have the necessary parts available.