Before you go shopping for a new sofa, you need to clearly define the purpose for which it is being purchased. The answers to this simple question may be the most unexpected. It is clear when such furniture is necessary for sleep and relaxation, but sometimes new sofa needed to emphasize the status and wealth of the owner or to create special atmosphere in the interior. How to choose a sofa that meets all the requirements and wishes?

Types of sofas

Sofas are divided into several types depending on their purpose: for the bedroom, hallway, children's room, kitchen or office. Each of them has its own characteristics, which should definitely be taken into account before purchasing. Sofas are also divided according to the type of retractable mechanism.

Mechanism

There are quite a lot of devices for transforming a structure today. If you plan to use the sofa as a bed infrequently, then a folding bed mechanism is suitable.

One of the lightest mechanisms is considered to be withdrawable. But when unfolding it, a large space is required.

The “book” option is considered the simplest and cheapest. Along with its advantages, this mechanism also has a significant drawback. When transforming, a certain margin to the wall is required.

Today there is a more improved version of this mechanism - the “Eurobook”.

Today, many people do not know how to choose the right sofa. First, you should examine the quality of the furniture. It must be said that the widely held opinion that the most best furniture- Italian.

Today, the condition of elements such as frame, filler and upholstery will be used to assess quality. You can choose the design of your future sofa in accordance with your personal preferences. But experts recommend taking into account the overall interior of the room where this piece of furniture will later be placed.

Many people wonder how to choose the color of a sofa? In this case, you need to focus on the walls. Depending on the gamma finishing material, the color of the sofa is also selected. Here you need to consider how the tones will combine with each other so that the product does not get lost against the background of the walls. It must also be said that in design all the details are interconnected. This means that even minor changes can lead to changes in the entire interior.

For those who prefer universal options, manufacturers offer models with a wooden frame. The upholstery of such products is usually done in classic style. Such models can be combined with almost any design. If preference is given to modern products, then you need to pay attention to sofas made in the Hi-Tech style. But at the same time, experts recommend observing the measure. It should be remembered that trendy products will not always be appropriate in the interior.

Sofa upholstery

The store can offer the buyer many upholstery options for the sofa model he or she likes. The most popular among them:

textile upholstery - the cheapest, but short-lived. It will last for 5-6 years of operation, then the textile upholstery will have to be changed. The situation can be saved by removable covers that can be removed and machine washed;
leather upholstery - expensive, but very durable. The service life of sofas with such upholstery is unlimited. A leather sofa is ideal for an office, library or living room;
faux leather - an alternative to genuine leather, used to slightly reduce the cost of the sofa. The service life of such upholstery is shorter than that of leather;
flock - a cheap and effective type of upholstery fabric. The service life of the flock is very short. The material easily attracts dirt and dust and is highly electrified. It can be washed, but cannot be cleaned with chemicals;
jacquard - strong, durable, high cost. Wet cleaning is not permitted;
velours - soft velvety material, easy to clean, but wears out quickly;
tapestry - synthetic wear-resistant upholstery material;
cotton - natural, but short-lived material;
microfiber - flock , coated with Teflon. Thick, high quality and durable.

If there are small children or animals in the apartment, it is recommended to choose a sofa with microfiber or flock upholstery. For a child's rest, it is better to choose upholstery from natural material, the sofa can be upholstered with wear-resistant synthetic fabric.

Frame

The choice of frame should be given special attention, because it is the invisible basis of any sofa. The frame can be made of wood, metal or chipboard.

The wooden frame is strong, durable, but quite expensive. Price for sofas from wooden frames set depending on what type of wood was used in their manufacture. The most expensive are beech, oak, walnut and ash. Frames made of birch and trees have a slightly lower cost coniferous species. Regardless of what kind of wood was used, it must be thoroughly dried. Otherwise, the sofa will begin to creak and possibly become deformed.

The metal frame is strong, reliable and has modern design. When choosing a sofa with such a frame, you must carefully examine all joints and welds. Anti-corrosion or chrome coating is welcome.

The chipboard frame is not durable. You can’t count on a long service life for such a sofa; most likely, after a few years of use, it will have to be repaired or even thrown away.
Frameless sofas do not have a rigid base and easily take the shape of a vacationer’s body. Such sofas are easy to care for, safe, practical and ideal option for a children's room.

Filler

Relaxing on a sofa with soft and at the same time elastic filling can become comfortable. Modern fillers are different types. The most popular among them are:

holofiber - modern anti-allergenic filler for upholstered furniture, hollow fiber in the form of a spring. Does not lose shape and does not absorb odors, easily tolerates cleaning;
foam rubber - the cheapest of fillers. Used in small pieces. After 1-3 years, the foam filler wrinkles, loses its original qualities and becomes unusable;
polyurethane - not much more expensive than foam rubber, but retains its qualities much longer, does not crumble or wrinkle. By far the most common filler;
Periotec - material based on polyester fiber. Sufficiently high quality, wear-resistant, provides instant reversible deformation;
spring block as a filler it is necessary in case of orthopedic problems. To avoid displacement, the springs must be firmly fixed in a vertical position;
multilayer filler consists of several layers various materials. As a rule, the lower layers are the thickest, densest and most durable, the upper layers are soft.
Knowing how to choose a sofa, you can purchase exactly the model that will best suit the needs and tastes of the owners, and will also fit well into the overall interior of the house.

Which sofa to choose

Here you will have to start from the purpose of the sofa and the room where you plan to “settle” it. Each room has its own requirements for upholstered furniture, because the functions assigned to it are different:

To the living room

For a recreation area, it is better to choose a large corner model with high backs and armrests, as well as soft and deep seats. The frame is wooden, with additions made of pressed slabs. Order the upholstery material according to your taste, but it is better that it be natural and breathable fabrics like linen, cotton or wool, preferably with the addition of synthetic threads. It is allowed to use plush, velor, flock or velvet.

In the TV area it is better to place a straight sofa with 2-3 seats. The frame can be anything, but a metal one allows manufacturers to make furniture more compact. The owners can choose the softness of the pillows to their taste, as well as the height of the backrest. But it is better to take a material that is dense and easy to clean from stains - few people watch TV without a plate of tasty treats and their favorite drinks. Genuine leather or any substitute for it is suitable; polyester and acrylic can be recommended for fabrics.

To the nursery

A child needs a compact and bright sofa, made entirely of safe materials: solid wood and hypoallergenic lint-free fabrics (linen, cotton, chenille). For good quality you will have to pay - it is better to look for children's furniture among the products of well-known and expensive brands. It is also worth paying attention to the shape and decorative features of the sofa: there should be no protruding corners or hard edges that could injure a child during games.

To the kitchen

For dining area look for special kitchen corners with high seats (50 cm from the floor) and not too soft pillows. It is advisable to choose a metal frame - chrome-plated, painted or stainless steel. Wood is acceptable, but will require careful maintenance. It is better that it be moisture-resistant varieties like oak or larch, although such furniture is produced only to order.

Many families make do with sets made from chipboard or laminated MDF boards. If you are ready to completely change your soft set in 5 years, this approach is justified. Just look for a sofa with high cutouts on the legs and carefully sealed edges - the floor in the kitchen is washed often, and when water seeps into the thickness of the slab, the compact swells and quickly becomes unusable. In a small room, immediately take a sofa with internal boxes or drawers under the seats. You can store utensils and cereals in them, completely unloading an entire cabinet in the work area.

Before purchasing kitchen sofa inquire about the characteristics of the upholstery. It should be moisture resistant, not accumulate odors and be easy to clean from dirt. Eco-leather, microfiber, and most synthetic fabrics will cope well with this task, and on a colorful and durable tapestry, stains will not be visible at all. You can buy a model with linen or cotton upholstery, if the fabric is treated with water-repellent impregnation.

How to choose the right sofa

1. Having considered the external advantages of the sofa, do not hesitate to try it out practically. You can sit on it or even lie down. Believe me, those who are interested in purchasing and are confident in the quality of their product will not interfere with this.
2. You will immediately feel its elasticity, dense, lump-free padding, which indicates that in front of you good product. If the sofa has comfortable support for the head, a sufficiently large angle between the back and the seating area, which has a slight slope, then it will be comfortable to be on it.
3. Try unfolding and reassembling the sofa several times, checking to see if the device jams. Remember that sliding mechanism made from silumin is cheaper and lighter than steel, but its strength leaves much to be desired.
4. You should also pay attention to the “façade” located at the back. It must be fabric. This is important because it allows you to place the sofa anywhere, not just against the wall. In addition, the cheap fabric on it is evidence of bad taste and not entirely quality work. You can order sofa covers yourself, with pockets for newspapers and various small items, washable, and then you won’t have any problems cleaning the sofa.
5. The best, but also the most expensive, is Teflon-coated upholstery. It practically does not get dirty. Thus, spilled drinks do not leave traces, simply flowing down it.
6. In general, stains on the sofa are best removed by professional dry cleaners or special stain removers. This must be done carefully: apply the product to a cloth and, without rubbing it into the upholstery, remove the stain by moving your hand from the edge to the center.

Which sofa is better to choose is, by and large, up to you. However, taking into account the recommendations, you can do it efficiently, without subsequently regretting your purchase.

Upholstered furniture occupies important place in the interior of the living room. The right sofa should add special comfort and coziness to any room.

The choice of sofa is primarily based on personal preferences, but it is also important to consider the area of ​​​​the space available to you

Therefore, you should not buy the first sample you like. A sofa that will look great in the sales area of ​​a furniture center may not always fit organically with the design of your room. In this article we will tell you how to choose a sofa for the living room and avoid mistakes.

Many sofas are very beautiful and comfortable, but have an inconvenient folding design; in some models it is completely absent

Dimensions of sofas depending on type

When choosing the size of a sofa for the living room, you need to start from the number of people who will have to fit on it. The most common models are designed for three people and are about two meters long. Suitable for a company of 5-6 people corner sofa.

Dimensions of sofas depending on the number of seats

Corner sofas have the added bonus of easily converting into a large sleeping area. An interesting option can become a semicircular sofa. It allows you to comfortably sit with an impressive group in front of the TV screen.

The corner sofa has the largest dimensions due to its shape and is suitable only for a spacious room

When the room is small, then new item interior design may make it difficult to access cabinets or block doorways. In such cases, it is better to think through the placement in advance by drawing a plan of the room with all the furnishings.

Living room layout with corner sofa and separate armchair

Design

Types of sofas by type of transformation

If the sofa in the living room will be used as a bed, you should choose a folding model. They come in several varieties.

Mechanisms for folding sofas

The book is classic version, quite popular. The back and seat fold out into a single plane in one movement. The disadvantage of the system is the need to constantly move the sofa away from the wall.

Modern sofa book filled with spring block

Eurobook - folds out the same way, only it has 2-3 additional provisions back fixation.

Straight Eurobook sofa with unusual decorative pillows

American or French folding bed- extra sections are hidden down. When unfolded, it provides a large and durable bed with a good mattress.

An American folding sofa is suitable for everyday use.

Roll-out mechanism - provides a large sleeping area, but can leave tracks from the wheels on the floor or carpet.

Roll-out mechanism that easily transforms into a full-fledged bed

Accordion - provides maximum bed area with its own minimum dimensions. Unfortunately, when unfolded, you have to do without a headboard, and this design is quite difficult to fold.

Folding sofa without armrests with accordion mechanism

Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages; one cannot say that one is better than the other. Someone needs large area beds, for some people the speed and ease of transformation is more important. The main thing is to make sure of the quality of the mechanism used in the sofa you like: made of metal with a thickness of at least 3 mm, no scratches or dents, evenly painted.

Frame

Corner sofa frame made of chipboard

The durability of a sofa is largely determined by the material from which its base is assembled. The simplest and cheapest ones usually have a frame made of chipboard. You should not buy such a sofa on the market or from an unreliable seller - low-quality chipboard will not only shorten the service life of your sofa, but can also highlight the harmful substances. But if the frame is assembled from quality material, then such a sofa should be considered as good buy for reasonable money. The most common wood frames are: pine, birch, ash, beech, oak and other species. The most quality furniture has a frame made of oak beams, which are reinforced metal elements. Such sofas belong to the highest price category, but their long service life makes the purchase profitable.

Sofas with wooden frames are durable

Sofas with a metal frame stand somewhat apart. Typically such a frame has office furniture. Elements made of chromed steel look good in rooms with high-tech interiors and have a serious margin of safety. The disadvantages of metal frames include their excess weight and high cost.

Sofa with comfortable seats and chrome-plated metal frame

Filling and upholstery

The filler is one of the most important components of the sofa.

For seat cushions in sofas, either foam rubber or springs are used. Foam filling is cheaper, but loses its original shape after several years of use.

Furniture foam rubber or polyurethane foam - main soft filler upholstered furniture

Spring mattresses are more expensive and must rest on a more massive base.

Spring block of Bonnel dependent springs made of steel

Sofas are upholstered with the most different materials. Leather upholstery has become the standard for office upholstered furniture. For the living room, upholstery made of tapestry - a semi-synthetic material with water-repellent impregnation - is well suited.

Classic leather sofa brown with ash frame

Sofa upholstered in tapestry fabric

Interior design specialists unanimously recommend choosing furniture for upholstery in the living room neutral colors that will not attract attention.

Corner sofa beige color with brown inserts

One of the most common options color scheme for a modern living room - many shades of gray

If you want to add brightness, it is better to do this with the help of replaceable capes and decorative pillows.

Bright accents on pieces of furniture or decor are necessary to create a harmonious picture of the interior

By carefully considering the choice of the sofa model you need before purchasing it, you will avoid possible disappointments, and the new sofa in your living room will delight you and your guests for many years.

A corner sofa installed in the living room is good for its functionality and spaciousness

Video: How to choose a sofa for the living room

If you conduct a survey on the topic of the most popular piece of furniture, most likely, 90% of respondents will answer that it is a sofa. And indeed, it is an embrace with this important attribute of the situation that signifies that the working day is over and it is time to rest. How to choose the right sofa for your interior? What should you pay attention to?

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On the sofa we relax after a long day of work, meet guests and communicate with loved ones... and these movie screenings are dear to our hearts! So a sofa is far from just furniture, it is true friend or even a “family member”, and that is why his choice must be approached with special attention. After all, it’s not customary to send a friend to the trash heap, even if he catastrophically does not fit the interior or is pretty worn out. How to choose for the living room so that it serves you usefully for many years? A few simple tips will tell you which model to buy.

Why do you need a sofa?

For movie buffs. If you need a sofa for daily viewing of TV in a horizontal position, then opt for a deep corner model with additional poufs so that all your loved ones can sit comfortably.

Pictured: Popper sofa from Bontempi Casa.

It seems that this is absurdity, like, “Why is this?”, but this item really has many functions and one model is not capable of uncompromisingly performing them all. So you definitely need to answer this strange, at first glance, question before purchasing.

A large sofa in the living room, in addition to its venerable dimensions, has another obvious disadvantage. This is his absolute unpreparedness to meet guests. It is extremely inconvenient to seat friends on it, because in order to sit comfortably on such a model, you need to choose your feet. This pose does not look entirely aesthetically pleasing and is only suitable for those dressed in homemade knitwear. And your guests will not only be compromised by falling into your cozy big sofa, but they will also not be able to see each other, which means they will have to watch TV rather than have interesting conversations.

For the sociable. A small sofa with a straight back will help create a comfortable area for communication. It should be supplemented with a pair of armchairs, which are best placed opposite or at least at an angle of 45 degrees from our friendly friend. This layout will allow all family members or guests to be seated opposite each other and will create an atmosphere in which the TV will be superfluous.

A universal option. Of course, there is also a compromise - there are small sofas for the living room, on which you can sit comfortably both when watching a movie and when you need to seat guests. It should be a moderately soft and cozy model with a high, fairly straight back. Try sitting in a store - imagine yourself both in a familiar home environment, where you can sit comfortably and wrap yourself in a blanket, and as a guest who drinks tea and doesn’t want to spill anything because the sofa is too cozy. If it’s comfortable in both roles on this very sofa, take it with confidence.

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I’ll tell you a secret - sofas for the living room can be easily soiled! You shouldn’t deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying boiling white or neon-bright upholstery because of the likelihood of one day spilling coffee. Even if this happens, the removable cover can always be dry cleaned. Moreover, this must be done regularly, and light-colored fabric will not allow you to evade this rule, unlike its gray-beige counterpart, which is ready to faithfully store dust and germs for years.

In the photo: sofa KM.SF3.NG.1 / 6 EOLO from Keoma Salotti.

If you are concerned about the cleanliness of your sofa, casually throw a blanket over it, it will help minimize scuffs and possible contamination. The color and texture of this fashion accessory can be very diverse. Fur and chunky knits are in fashion; in summer you can use blankets made from viscose knitwear.

The style of your interior will help you choose the fabric for upholstery. For English classics and high-tech interiors, leather or its artificial analogue is suitable, for Provence, Scandinavian minimalism and country linen is good. Fabrics with a slight sheen such as velor, velvet and satin are indispensable for neoclassical, art deco and American-style sofas.

An important touch

Pillows are the main decoration of the sofa. Their variety of colors and textures will enliven the interior. There are several schemes for their arrangement and combination. Let's consider the simplest one, consisting of accessories in three colors: one to match the sofa (it is better to use a similar shade or a different texture), the second to match the walls, the third - accent, it can echo the rest of the textiles in the interior or other decor. We arrange them in three rows: the first is an additional color, the second is to match the sofa, the third is an accent. And your cozy friend is ready to greet you every evening in full dress.

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When renovating, we rely on our own feelings, not knowing the basics of design, which is why the result so often does not live up to expectations.

website I have collected the most common mistakes that are made when decorating the interior of a living room.

Your living room only has overhead lighting.

Lighting creates atmosphere and should take into account your mood, so a living room can't get by with just a chandelier in the center of the room. Create your own lighting system ( table lamps, sconces, floor lamps, ceiling lighting, etc.).

Missing or incorrectly sized carpet

Small carpets bring imbalance to the room, you should select a carpet correct size for your living room. A large carpet will provide visual extension space, and the interior will take on a finished look.

Your TV is out of place

The best place to place a TV is on an empty wall. Do not install the TV opposite or near a window; this is harmful to your eyesight and prevents you from seeing the image clearly. The distance between the TV and the sofa depends on the size of the screen: the distance should be 3–5 diagonals. Consider this when buying a new TV.

You underestimate the power of pillows

Sofa cushions create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. When choosing pillows, consider whether the texture of the material will match the upholstery of the sofa or chair. If upholstered furniture in the living room is made of velvet or velor, then cotton or linen textiles will be inappropriate. For small-sized furniture, neat and small products are suitable, and a massive sofa can contain several voluminous pillows.

Your sofa is against the wall

This rule works for large rooms. If you have the opportunity to place the sofa not against the wall, then be sure to do this - thereby you will visually increase the space and create comfort. A sofa near the wall in a spacious room looks more like a dance class than a living room.

Dark furniture in a low room

Your living room will appear visually squat and cramped if you purchase furniture in dark shades. For a low living room, compact sofas, armchairs and neat tables, always with raised legs, are suitable. Opt for neutral light shades.

You choose furniture based on design, not personal convenience

Just because a piece of furniture looks nice doesn't mean it will suit your home. Make sure your furniture is comfortable for you and test it out. Sit in a chair or at a table that you like. Otherwise, you will rarely use these things and will have to part with them.

Furniture that has lost its relevance

There is also furniture fashion. Bulky upholstered furniture with voluminous backs and armrests has long lost its relevance. Pay attention to furniture with straight lines and a clear silhouette. You can choose a traditional sofa, but in an unexpected and modern color.

Photos are not hanging correctly

The ideal height is 153 cm from floor level to the center of the image. If you have too many photos, then great solution there will be a gallery on the wall, and not photo frames placed in all corners.

Large furniture

The most common mistake- fill the room with furniture that does not fit in size, especially sofas. This makes the room seem even smaller. If you have a large living room, then you can afford a roomy corner sofa. For small living rooms, a double sofa and a pair of armchairs would be preferable.

You neglect the functionality of the living room

If you have rectangular room, then you can adjust it using a cabinet or rack, since square shape the room is most advantageous and it is easier to maintain balance in such a room.

Several options for zoning:

• Living room and bedroom - the bedroom will always be closer to the window, since, by definition, the sleeping area should be further away from the entrance.
• Living room and kitchen - the placement of both areas is strictly according to your taste, although it is preferable to place the kitchen near the window so that it is convenient for the hostess and there is enough light to prepare food.
• The living room and dining room are two full-fledged units that should have enough space and space in one room.
• Living room and office - the office can occupy a very small corner, the main thing is to install an additional light source.

The center of the room is not indicated

The living room needs a bright accent. The center can be a fireplace, a painting, a mirror, photo wallpaper - everything that catches the eye. You can also make the relaxation area a focal point, highlighting it with contrasting colors, prints or a mixture of complex tones.

What guides most buyers when choosing a sofa? Of course, with emotions! The best buys are models of unusual shapes with bright upholstery. They do not always turn out to be comfortable and suitable for the interior of the room, so a list of requirements for this piece of furniture should be drawn up before visiting the store and many details should be taken into account.

Purpose

Before buying, you need to ask yourself: why do you need a sofa? Will you sleep on it every night or entertain guests, unfolding it only from time to time? Do you like to sit comfortably in front of the TV or do you spend little time in the living room? Or maybe it is chosen for the kitchen or nursery? The answers are very important, since the choice of a specific model will depend on them.

Usually sofas, which are very comfortable to sit on, are not very suitable for sleeping, since they have a soft and sloping seat. If you need a full-fledged sleeping place, you will have to make compromises. The choice is influenced by many little things, such as the height of family members. It will be difficult for tall people to get up from a low seat, and the sleeping place should be long enough.

Sofas for children, on the contrary, should be quite low, without protruding sharp corners and edges, with a particularly wear-resistant coating. If furniture is purchased for relaxation, pay attention to the fact that it has wide seats, soft back and armrests.

Style

By style, sofas can be divided into classic, baroque, modern and. Classic ones are distinguished by soft outlines, an abundance of draperies and buttons, baroque ones are distinguished by intricate patterns on fabric, carved armrests and high legs. Minimalist models have rectangular shapes and ascetic design, they often lack armrests.

The choice depends on the style of the room itself. If in doubt, it is better to opt for a more neutral model, since this is a long-term purchase, and you can diversify the interior with the help of covers or pillows.

Size and shape

The easiest way is to choose a sofa for a spacious room. In this case, you can only rely on the number of people you want to place on it. The most common three-seater models are about 2 meters long. If you often have friendly groups or you like to communicate with your family, buy a corner sofa with 5-6 seats. His additional benefit– large and comfortable sleeping place. A large sofa will eliminate the need for additional armchairs and chairs in the living room.

An unusual option for a large living room is a semicircular sofa. It will inevitably become the center of attraction for family members and guests. It is also convenient to install it opposite the home theater - all viewers will be provided with comfortable viewing. Both corner and semicircular models can serve as dividers, separating the living room from the dining room or hall in a studio apartment.

When choosing a sofa for a small room, its dimensions may vary critical value. It should not block the entrance or access to cabinets or the balcony, or clutter the room. It is best to draw the floor plan of the room and the sofa to scale to ensure the possibility and convenience of its placement. In addition, you need to make sure that the furniture can be brought into the room and then laid out. Optimal choice For small room– straight sofa for 2-3 seats.

Sofas can be divided into stationary and modular. The latter are produced and sold in the form individual elements, which can be selected and compiled based on needs.

Transformation mechanism

When choosing a sofa that will be used as the main bed, you need to carefully select the transformation mechanism. Manufacturers today offer many options, each of which has pros and cons. Conventionally, sofas, according to the method of folding out, can be divided into those in which the sleeping place is parallel to the wall, and those in which the back serves as a headboard.

Book, its modern name is click-clack, one of the oldest variants. The seat of such a sofa rises until it clicks, and then falls. The result is a flat double bed. The advantages of this mechanism: speed of unfolding and assembly, the ability to use a spring block as filling. Minus - there must be some distance to the wall so that the sofa can be unfolded.

Eurobook– an improved version of the previous mechanism. The seat extends forward and the backrest reclines into place. Obvious advantages: strength associated with the simplicity of the mechanism, ease and speed of unfolding, a flat place to sleep. Eurobook is an excellent option for everyday use.

Sofa It unfolds simply: the lower part is pulled out, then the seat is folded onto it, which is a mattress folded in half. The design is simple and reliable, it is convenient to use.

Dolphin- a relatively new mechanism. The seat of the sofa remains in place, and the second half of the berth is pulled out using a loop and then, as it were, “emerges” from under it. At first you need to get used to this design, but in the future it will be as easy and convenient to use as the usual options. Another minus is the lack of a drawer for linen. Most corner sofas are equipped with the dolphin mechanism.

Roll-out mechanism- the simplest and cheap option, if you want to get a large sleeping place that is perpendicular to the wall. Bottom part The sofa is rolled forward, and the pillows or mattresses included in the set are laid out in the resulting recess. Sleeping place located quite low compared to other models. Despite the strength of the mechanism, it has a small drawback. If there is a carpet under the sofa, then over time tracks from wheels will appear on it. You can avoid this problem by replacing the wheels from the manufacturer with soft silicone ones.

Accordion also unfolds perpendicular to the wall. The seat lifts up until it clicks and extends forward, followed by the backrest, which consists of two parts. The advantage of the design is the ability to get a wide place to sleep when small sofa. Weak point– hinges that can become loose over time and come out of the frame. The resulting “bed” does not have a headboard, and it is quite difficult to fold.

American folding bed completely hidden under the seat. This mechanism allows you to get a sleeping place that is as close as possible to a full-fledged bed, since the base is durable metal frame and a thick mattress. Another advantage is the wide seat of the sofa when folded.

French folding bed– a more compact and lightweight version of the “American”. More suitable as a spare or guest option.

When buying a sofa, you should definitely check whether it unfolds easily and whether the mechanism jams. There are models in which the armrests fold out according to the click-clack principle. The recommended load on them is no more than 50 kg, which means that an adult should not sit on it. As practice shows, such armrests quickly fail, although at first they look very attractive.

Frame and filler

The frame is the skeleton of the sofa; mechanisms, upholstery, and filling are attached to it. It must withstand the weight of the number of people for whom the sofa is intended. Best material– , reinforced with metal elements. Cheaper models may use partial chipboard or plywood in those parts that bear minimal load.

The cheapest filler is polyurethane foam, or PPU. Seats made from it quickly become dented when used intensively, and it is uncomfortable to sleep. Best option– Bonnel or snake spring blocks. They are used in pure form or in combination. A sleeping place with Bonnell filling can be compared in comfort to an orthopedic mattress. The top of the spring block is covered with thermal felt, a layer of horsehair or coconut.

Upholstery material

Upholstery has to withstand a lot: animal claws, children's games, fidgeting and puddles of tea. No matter how wonderful a white suede sofa looks in furniture showroom, in a real living room it will quickly lose its appearance. You need to choose upholstery material based on the intensity of use, the presence of children, animals and the habit of eating on it. The most impact-resistant material is leather. A dark leather sofa retains its original appearance for years. However, it can be uncomfortable to sit on.

All fabrics are divided into price categories. The cheapest is the first; the higher the category, the better and more expensive the fabric. Most budget option– flock, followed by velor and micro-velor, tapestry, chenille, jacquard, artificial leather, artificial suede and leather. Flock may seem pleasant to the touch, but its wear resistance is extremely low. After 1-2 years, the appearance of the sofa will deteriorate significantly even with light use.

The optimal choice is jacquard or its variety chenille. They are abrasion-resistant, durable, do not fade for a long time and are easy to clean.

Price

The sofa is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture in the average apartment. Its price depends on the size, transformation mechanism, filling and upholstery. The manufacturer and country of manufacture also influences. The most simple models with flock upholstery, PPU filling, length 180-200 cm Russian production, folding out like a book, cost around 6 thousand. “Eurobooks” and “dolphins” with more interesting design, a spring block and upholstery made of fabric of 3-4 categories will cost 10-15 thousand. A simple corner sofa with similar characteristics - 13-20 thousand, and upholstery made of jacquard fabric in combination with leatherette - from 30 thousand and above. There is no upper price threshold; the cost of Italian models made of genuine leather is hundreds of thousands of rubles.

A sofa is a long-term investment. Your rest and sleep, and the atmosphere in the house will depend on its quality. You shouldn’t try to save money on buying it at the expense of your own comfort and mood.