When choosing a sofa, one of the most important parameters is the mechanism for transforming from a seat to a sleeping place. It is the transformation system that determines how much space in the room the sofa will take up in all its operating modes. In addition to the dimensions, the transformation mechanism determines such points as the presence of a linen drawer in the sofa, the ability to lay a carpet in close proximity and whether the sleeping place corresponds to a full-fledged bed.
This review examines the main mechanisms for transforming sofas, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and highlighting the most successful designs.
Book transformation mechanism (click-clack)
A book sofa is one of the most common types of budget sofas. For transformation, the seat in these models is raised to characteristic clicks and lowered along with the backrest. The same actions are carried out when folding.
The click-clack mechanism is a more modern modernization of the book system. Modernization has introduced an intermediate position into the functionality of the sofa - half-sitting (relaxation). Such models are very practical (they have removable covers and drawers for linen), and even when unfolded they do not take up much space in the room.
Scheme of transformation of a sofa book, advantages and disadvantages:
| |
| Advantages of the design | Design flaws |
|
|
For daily use, a sofa-book is convenient if it is not placed close to the wall or rarely unfolds. Of all the available options, the book mechanism does not stand out for its durability, which is clearly expressed in the price of the product - such sofas are cheaper.
Sofa with transformation Eurobook
Despite the similarity with the name book, the mechanism of the Eurobook sofa has nothing in common with the option discussed above. In this case, the seat is pulled out using roll-out rollers, the backrest is folded down and forms a place to rest (sleep).
Both children and older people can easily handle a Eurobook-type sofa. In addition, the design allows you to equip large drawers for bedding, which, along with the possibility of placing the sofa anywhere in the room, is a very ergonomic and practical solution.
Transformation mechanism of the Eurobook sofa, advantages and disadvantages:
| |
| Advantages of the design | Design flaws |
|
|
Sofas with a Eurobook mechanism are very popular. The only thing in which they are inferior to other configurations is comfort in the folded position. This is due to the rigidity of the backrest and its location at a right angle.
Book
The most popular transformation mechanism, which allows you to use two positions:
- Normal (sedentary);
- For sleeping (unfolded).
To unfold a sofa with such a mechanism, you need to recline the back. This must be taken into account when placing upholstered furniture in a room. Modern “books” have a durable design. They can be used every day. Such sofas can be equipped with additional elements. For example, sections for bed linen.
Advantages of the “book”:
- Reliable, time-tested design;
- You can test it for strength every day.
Disadvantages of the “book”:
- There are only two positions;
- Defects may appear at the installation site of the unit, interfering with a comfortable rest;
- You need to consider the space for reclining the backrest.
IMPORTANT: The “Book”, thanks to its simple mechanism, is well suited for daily use. But the more often you use them, the faster unevenness will appear on the sleeping area.
In essence, this is an improved “Book”. Sometimes this mechanism is called “Click-clack”. Its difference is the presence of a third, intermediate position. Using this mechanism, you can recline the backrest to a reclining position. This allows you to create a comfortable place to relax.
Advantages of "Tango":
- More backrest locking position;
- Small sizes;
- No deformation in places where the mechanism is installed.
Disadvantages of "Tango":
- You need to leave space between the wall and the back.
IMPORTANT: Tango mechanisms can withstand intense loads well. There are practically no deformations left at the bends. Relaxing on such unfolded sofas does not cause discomfort.
Puma sofa transformation mechanism
The sofa with the Puma mechanism unfolds as follows:
- The front part of the structure is lifted and carried forward, after which it is installed on a stand.
- The second half of the structure is installed in the vacant space.
The Puma system is a kind of improved modification of the Eurobook sofa, which has found wide application in corner structures.
Puma sofa transformation system, advantages and disadvantages:
| Advantages of the design | Design flaws |
|
|
Due to the ease of use of the folding mechanism and the reliability of the design, these sofas can be safely recommended for everyday use. Also, due to its compactness, this furniture will fit even into small rooms.
Eurobook
The Eurobook folds out very simply. The seat, with the help of built-in rollers, moves forward, and the back fits into the space created by such a transformation. This allows you to create a flat plane.
Advantages of Eurobook:
- Ease of folding;
- Reliability of the mechanism due to the simplicity of the design;
- Possibility of creating a large space;
- The voids can be used to organize the storage of bed linen.
Disadvantages of the Eurobook:
- People with short stature will find it uncomfortable to sit on such upholstered furniture.
IMPORTANT: This design is highly reliable. Which allows you to use it quite often.
Telescope sofa transformation mechanism (roll-out)
The design of the sofa with a direct roll-out mechanism (telescope) consists of three separate parts. When unfolding, the seat is pulled towards itself, and thus all parts are pulled out. To be more precise, the seat of the sofa moves forward and its upper part reclines into the free space. The sofa is assembled in the reverse order.
Sofa telescope
A telescope is a very convenient mechanism. Children and elderly people can handle it. With small dimensions when folded, the sofa allows you to get a good sleeping place when unfolding.
Accordion
The name of this mechanism speaks for itself. The principle of its operation is similar to playing the accordion. The sleeping place moves forward and a flat plane is formed. Very often, such upholstered furniture is equipped with an additional cabinet for storing blankets and pillows.
Advantages of "Accordion":
- The transformation system is highly reliable;
- The set includes drawers for organizing the storage of bedding;
- Easily unfolds and creates a place to relax.
Disadvantages of "Accordion":
- When unfolded, it may damage the floor covering.
IMPORTANT: A good solution for creating a daily place to rest and sleep. It has a simple but reliable design. But you need to take into account that if you unfold it frequently, your laminate, parquet or linoleum may suffer.
High rollout sofa transformation system
High-rollout is one of the types of roll-out mechanism. To unfold a sofa with such a system, you need to pull the bottom part to pull out the hidden section. This reclining rest position is called the “relaxation zone.” Further extension of the section creates a full-fledged sleeping place.
High-rollout sofa transformation mechanism, advantages and disadvantages:
| |
| Advantages of the design | Design flaws |
|
|
Roll-out sofas are among the most reliable for daily use. They allow you to get a spacious sleeping place for two with a small width of the sofa.
Sofa with dolphin transformation system
Dolphin is another modification of the roll-out mechanism, which is more often found in corner sofas. To switch to sleep mode in this design, you need to pull the fabric loop under the seat, and the missing part of the berth will emerge from the extended section. This surfacing gave the system its name, the dolphin.
Transformation mechanism of the dolphin sofa, advantages and disadvantages:
| |
| Advantages of the design | Design flaws |
|
|
The dolphin transformation mechanism is considered the most durable when used intensively. Sofas with such a system will fit well into the interior both in spacious rooms and in small rooms.
Dolphin
To unfold this mechanism, you need to pull out the lower section. And to “fill” the niche you need to lift the section from below using a special strap. After such actions, a flat surface will appear that can be used for sleeping. This design is mainly used in corner sofas.
Advantages of "Dolphin":
- You can create a comfortable place to relax;
- Very easy to use;
- They have a compartment for storing things.
Disadvantages of Dolphin:
- The mechanism has many weak points and quickly breaks down.
IMPORTANT: It is impossible to use this design every day. Even with rare use, Dolphin sofas fail after 7-10 years.
Accordion transformation mechanism
The sofa accordion mechanism consists of three parts. It folds forward and resembles an accordion (which is how it earned its name). To transform it, just pull the seat forward, and all parts will straighten out like an accordion.
Accordion sofa transformation system, advantages and disadvantages:
| |
| Advantages of the design | Design flaws |
|
|
An accordion sofa is quite suitable furniture for daily use. It does not need to be constantly moved, and the simple mechanism will simplify frequent transformations.
French folding bed
It has three sections folded like an accordion. In order to transform it, the edge of the seat is pulled forward, which allows you to remove the remaining sections. After which they will open and stand on supports. Folding occurs in the reverse manner.
Advantages of the “French folding bed”:
- Ultra-compact size;
Disadvantages of the "French folding phone":
- Very weak transformation mechanism;
- When unfolded, it has irregularities that interfere with comfortable rest;
- There are no drawers for linen.
IMPORTANT: Due to the weak transformation mechanism, such a sofa cannot be laid out every day. It is used as a place to sleep and rest for late guests or relatives who have come to stay.
