Accordion sofa - how to choose the right one? Types, design and equipment of models

An accordion sofa is a piece of upholstered furniture that, through simple steps, turns into a full-fledged bed. When folded, this model has a modest size.

A furniture product with such a transformation mechanism has a number of advantages.

• A comfortable surface for night rest without differences in height. According to the characteristics, the sleeping place is as close as possible to the bed.
• Simple operating principle of the mechanism.
• Reliable and durable design.
• Compact when assembled.
• The presence of a removable cover in most cases.
• Orthopedic effect.
• Most models are equipped with a spacious drawer for storing bedding.
• A wide range of products differing in configuration, upholstery material, design, and equipment.

However, some weaknesses should be noted:

• thicker back compared to sofas of other designs;
• Over time, the metal frame begins to creak;
• when unfolded, the sofa occupies a decent part of the room;
• expensive mechanism;
• There is a risk of damage to the floor covering if it is unfolded frequently.

When choosing a folding accordion sofa, you should carefully evaluate the model you like based on several criteria.

• No visible damage, dirt or other defects.
• Availability of a certificate confirming the use of safe materials in furniture production.
• Warranty for up to 18 months.
• The functioning of the mechanism should occur smoothly, without extraneous sounds, jerks or too much effort.
• The quality of upholstery, seams, time to restore the original shape after removing the load.
• Additional equipment.
• Degree of comfort.

How does the transformation mechanism of the Accordion sofa work?

The accordion sofa mechanism includes the following elements:

• 3 metal frames made of thin-walled pipes, which are connected to each other with special hinges. The metal has a protective coating that prevents corrosion;
• the locks are equipped with latches that prevent spontaneous unfolding;
• wooden slats are attached to the frame parallel or perpendicular, depending on the size of the product. Mixed accommodation options are possible.

Less common are models in which the base for the mattress is a welded metal mesh. Their orthopedic effect is lower than that of the lamella design. Decent performance is demonstrated by lamellas made of polypropylene. They have high strength, elasticity, and do not creak.

Sofas with frames made of wooden beams are more affordable in terms of price, but are inferior in strength to products with a metal frame.

Customer Reviews

As for general customer reviews, they note the following:

• The mattresses in such products are smooth, without depressions or cracks. Consequently, they are pleasant and comfortable to sleep on;
• The mechanisms are durable. If the product has a metal frame, then the sofa will serve the owners for more than 10 years;
• When folded, the furniture takes up minimal free space and is perfect for small spaces. When unfolded, it completely replaces a bed and is suitable for resting two adults;

One of the negative aspects is the possible appearance of squeaks during operation.

How the Accordion sofa unfolds and folds

When folded, the two blocks are pressed against each other and form a backrest.

The sofa is folded out according to the following scheme:

• the seat must be raised until it clicks;
• pull forward until the structure is fully extended;
• lower to the floor.

If there is a zipper in the upper part for fixing the blocks, then it must be unzipped before transformation.

The product is assembled in the reverse order.

• The front of the mattress should be raised.
• Apply light pressure to the support.
• Move the structure to align the backrest elements.
• The characteristic clicking sound of the fuse indicates that the process is complete.

Video

Sources

• https://poztelio.com/divany/253-akkordeon.html
• https://infomebli.ru/gostinaya/divan/akkordeon-kak-sobrat.html
• https://PostelMix.ru/divany/shema-sborki-divana-s-mehanizmom-akkordeon.html
• https://mblx.ru/mjagkaja/kak-izgotovit/1134-sobrat-divan-akkordeon.html
• https://mebel-sovet.ru/divany/kak-izgotovit/1180-kak-sobrat-akkordeon
• https://logist4u.ru/stati/sovety-po-razborke-i-upakovyvaniyu-div/
• https://www.ivd.ru/dizajn-i-dekor/mebel/kak-ustroen-i-kak-raskladyvaetsya-divan-akkordeon-35381
• https://vplate.ru/mebel/divany/sobrat-akkordeon/

Types of fillers and their features

The mattress is an important element of the sofa, which determines the degree of comfort. Its thickness can range from 6 to 15 cm. To fix the mattress to the frame, laces and Velcro are used.

Various materials are used as filler, which differ in price and performance characteristics.

• Polyurethane foam is part of monolithic and multilayer products. For upholstered furniture, its density should be at least 30 kg/m3. It will last up to 10 years without losing its initial properties, has an orthopedic effect, and does not cause allergies.
• Synthetic winterizer will please you with its affordability, softness, and hypoallergenicity. However, it must be combined with other fillers, otherwise it will quickly become confused. As a result, the product loses its original appearance.
• Holofiber, unlike the previous sample, is more resistant to intense loads. Other advantages: antistatic and hydrophobic properties, elasticity, lack of tendency to accumulate odors. The main disadvantage is the significant price.
• Periotec is polyester fibers combined with linen, bamboo, wool, and viscose, which have a special structure. Pros: resistance to deformation, hygiene. However, the material is an expensive sample.
• Struttofiber is considered an alternative to an independent spring block. The vertical orientation of the fibers in space ensures that the shape is retained even after significant loads. The filler easily adapts to the contours of the body, is restored very quickly, does not absorb moisture, and is affordable. The service life is approximately 10 years.
• Foam rubber is an inexpensive material. However, it will last a maximum of 5 years. Over time, it dries out and turns into fine dust, and is also a good dust collector.
• Felt has rigidity, high density, elasticity, thermal conductivity, and does not lose shape even under heavy loads. It is used as a separate layer in combination with soft fillers and spring blocks. However, such material can suffer from moisture and is considered a good environment for the development of moths and dust mites.
• Synthetic fluff is not subject to shrinkage or clumping, has high breathability, and exhibits hydrophobic properties. It is also resistant to mold and mildew.
• Durafil demonstrates excellent characteristics: volume, softness, rapid return to its original state after removing the load, durability (about 10 years), resistance to harmful microorganisms. The only drawback is the price.
• Latex is a natural material with unique properties. It easily adapts to the anatomical features of the body, is durable (service life reaches 20 years), does not cause allergies, and does not interfere with air circulation. However, this product is of a high price category.

Spring-type mattresses belong to a separate group. A sofa with a folding accordion mechanism can be equipped with an independent spring block, which has the following properties:

• orthopedic effect;
• durability;
• breathability;
• comfortable feeling after a night's rest;
• no creaking;
• resistance to loads;
• elasticity.

But it is worth remembering that a quality product will not be cheap.

The accordion folding sofa, due to its design, has an unpleasant property. Over time, any filler that gets into the folding areas of the mattress decreases in volume. Indentations appear on the surface, so sleeping will no longer be so comfortable.

With drawers for linen

Often, to increase the comfort of using a product, designs are selected that are equipped with various additional elements. Therefore, an accordion sofa with an ottoman is often chosen, as well as products equipped with special compartments designed for storing linen.

A new piece of furniture with drawers is usually immediately filled with pillows and a blanket, as well as a blanket or other items. It is convenient and practical to use, and it also frees up drawers and compartments in the wall or closet.

Upholstery materials

You can choose the upholstery of the sofa at your own discretion. The manufacturer offers a wide range of fabrics for these purposes. The decision must be made taking into account the following factors:

• abrasion resistance;
• soiling;
• strength;
• peelability;
• color scheme;
• price;
• tactile sensations;
• cleaning method.

A good solution is to purchase a sofa with removable covers. They are easier to care for, and if they become worn or damaged, replace them with new ones.

When choosing a sofa with an Accordion mechanism for daily sleep, it is better to give preference to fabric upholstery. Leather products are cold and bedding slips off.

Various fabrics, natural leather and its substitutes are used as upholstery materials.

• Genuine leather demonstrates strength, durability, and sophisticated appearance. Its disadvantages include: high price tag, slippery surface, and the need for regular maintenance.
• Eco-leather is close in appearance to the first sample, but is more affordable in terms of price and is available in a wide selection of shades. This material is easy to maintain, resistant to temperature changes, but sensitive to mechanical stress.
• Flock is pleasant to contact, quite durable, holds its shape well, is resistant to sunlight, and easy to care for. Weaknesses: accumulates dust, is afraid of high temperatures, absorbs odors.
• Velor is resistant to deformation and bright sunlight, retains its shape perfectly, and is easy to clean. Unfortunately, with intensive use, abrasions form on the fabric, and the pile can become wrinkled.
• Jacquard will delight you with its characteristic patterns, high strength, durability, and easy care. Cons: high price, poor combination with modern styles.
• Scotchgard has a protective coating that gives the material increased resistance to dirt and abrasion and does not affect the softness of the fabric. This upholstery does not require special care, but does not tolerate contact with hot water.
• The matting does not cause allergies. However, it is prone to snags and can stretch.
• Thanks to the special weave of the threads, chenille will retain its properties even after 15 years. It does not form wrinkles, scuffs, is not sensitive to odors, and gives a pleasant sensation. Weaknesses: special care products are required, the brightness of the upholstery suffers greatly from sunlight, and is afraid of sharp objects.
• The tapestry does not form creases due to its high density, practically does not wrinkle, and is resistant to stretching and shrinkage. Disadvantages: needs special cleaning, too hard.
• Microfiber is hygroscopic and resistant to various types of wear. The material tends to accumulate static electricity and is afraid of high temperatures.

Armrests

If you choose a budget option, then it may not have armrests. Accordion sofas with wooden armrests or elements made from other materials are considered comfortable and convenient, so it is advisable to focus on their purchase. If their price is high, then you can choose a modern sofa without armrests, but sitting on it will not be very comfortable.

If we talk about armrests, they can be of several types:

• wooden – versatile, elegant armrests that are very easy to care for;
• modular from chipboard - such options are often equipped with many convenient, useful shelves and even a small table. Furniture with such armrests is suitable for those who like to have everything at hand;
• modular from MDF - such armrests are not afraid of moisture, moreover, they are durable and heat-resistant;
• faux leather – soft armrests, which are much more practical than fabric options. Such elements are easy to care for, and they, in turn, add elegance to the product and make it stylish;
• fabric - a classic solution used by manufacturers of upholstered furniture for many years. Such armrests are safe due to their softness, but they are not easy to care for.

Without armrests

Wooden

Modular

Made from eco-leather

Fabric

Shapes and sizes

Depending on the shape, sofas with an accordion mechanism are available in several types.

• The straight model contains 2-3 seats and folds forward. It can be installed both in a spacious room and a small room.
• Corner varieties are designed to be placed in a corner. In a studio apartment, a similar design is successfully used to zone space and can be placed away from the walls. Products of this type consist of two parts. To create a sleeping place, only the main unit is folded out. After transformation, its length coincides in size with the second part (ottoman).

A standard sofa with a straight configuration accordion transformation mechanism when folded has the following parameters:

• width from 75 to 200 cm;
• height about 90-105 cm;
• depth from 80 to 195 cm.

The sleeping area is available in several options:

• single-seat models: width - from 70 to 100 cm, length - 190 or 200 cm;
• double products range in width from 140 to 200 cm, and from 200 to 225 cm in length.

Corner sofas are more bulky. Their width is 250-310 cm, depth 206 cm. The sleeping area is at least 200 cm wide, and its length varies from 190 to 250 cm.

What is

Before choosing a sofa design, it is important to clearly understand what it is, what its features are, its pros and cons.
Thanks to the accordion mechanism for the sofa, this piece of furniture takes up minimal space in the room. The principle of transformation is reminiscent of the layout of accordion bellows. The soft part of the sofa consists of three elements connected to each other: two of them form the back, and the third forms the seat.

The accordion mechanism unfolds by simply lifting and pulling all the elements forward. Some sofa models have a bed length of up to 2 m, which is important for tall people.

To assemble the structure, you should perform the reverse action and put all the elements together moving away from you. The seat is put in place, and the backrest folds and rises. This layout mechanism is very easy to use; even a child can handle it.

The frame of the accordion layout is a steel or wooden profile. The bed has orthopedic properties, as it is formed from wooden slats inserted into a frame, or from a metal mesh. The frame of each of the three elements is connected by a reliable locking mechanism. Thanks to this structure, the sofa becomes durable and functional.

Equipment and storage systems

Products of this type contain convenient niches for storage. They are located in the following places:

• under the seat;
• inside the ottoman;
• in wide armrests.

In addition to storage boxes, modern sofas can be equipped with various equipment - speaker systems, lighting, chargers.

Sofas that are not suitable for every day

Some sofas are called “guest” sofas, since they are not suitable for daily relaxation; their sleeping place is only suitable for spending a few nights on it.

"French folding bed"

The “French folding bed” allows you to get a spacious sleeping area, but it is difficult to unfold and is not considered durable

"Sedaflex"

"Sedaflex" is a modification of the "French folding bed", the difference between this mechanism is the strength of the structure - the mattress unfolds on strong supports. The sleeping place turns out to be quite spacious, but it’s hardly very comfortable - numerous transverse joints with seams are usually felt during sleep, such a sofa is usually covered with an additional mattress. There will also be no compartment for linen in such a sofa.

Selection rules

To obtain a high-quality, durable design, some important factors are taken into account in the selection process:

• An accordion sofa with an ottoman is considered comfortable;
• before purchasing, be sure to measure the space intended for installing the product, so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions;
• if the structure is installed in the kitchen, then the upholstery should be resistant to dirt and not absorb odors;
• It is desirable that the colors fit into the overall tone of the room;
• The frame must have excellent strength.

Accordion designs are considered interesting, beautiful, and comfortable. They are easy to assemble and disassemble; this process will never cause problems. If difficulties arise, you can watch a training video. It is important to choose a product so that it fits well into the room and has the necessary parameters.

Step-by-step instruction

How to assemble an accordion sofa in the morning and unfold it in the evening? This process can be confusing, but after repeating the procedure a couple of times, you will easily be able to do it every day.

When you see an accordion sofa, how it folds out is the first question that arises in the minds of many. Let's start with the folding:

1. Grasp the seat from below with both hands and lift it until the safety mechanism clicks.
2. Pull the system towards you while simultaneously stepping back. The backrest will unfold, the blocks will become a single, flat surface.

How to fold the accordion sofa back:

1. Grasp the bottom edge of the seat, push it in or roll it towards the backrest so that the transformation mechanism folds into its original position.
2. Raise the seat until you hear a characteristic click so that the safety lock latches and the sofa does not move away on its own.

Important! Learn how to fold the structure correctly to avoid operational problems.

It will be difficult to lift and drag a wide sofa, so when purchasing, pay attention to the presence of wheels on the seat. Then it will be enough to snap off the first module, place it on the floor, and roll it out until it is fully laid out.

The photo shows a diagram of the transformation of the sofa mechanism

Important! Low-quality hard wheels scratch parquet and laminate flooring - replace them with silicone or rubberized analogues so as not to spoil the floor covering every time you unfold the sofa. It is also better to remove carpets and rugs in the path of the folding accordion.

If the mechanism is working properly, disassembling and assembling the accordion sofa should not cause difficulties. Any jams or difficulties indicate improper assembly or problems in the design. Most often they suffer:

• Wheels. Have you noticed that over time the device has become difficult to drive? Check, change the small wheels, this should help.
• Slat accessories. The batten fasteners do not affect the ability to pull out the sofa, but they cause inconvenience during sleep. Replacing them is easy, just buy the required quantity at a furniture store and replace the damaged ones.
• Frame hinges. They are the most mobile element. A quick tightening of the bolts and a quick lube (repeat every 6-12 months) is often enough to make the structure usable again. A broken loop that no longer works will have to be purchased and replaced completely.
• Frame. Poor-quality welds and the use of low-grade material lead to bends, cracks, and other damage. The element can be welded or a new one can be ordered.

general characteristics

Modern furniture layout mechanisms allow you to create an original interior. Recently, many new principles of transformation have emerged. However, the accordion sofa does not lose its popularity.

Modern furniture manufacturers even use this principle to create armchairs. Such a set can decorate any room. For many years, people have chosen this layout principle because of its convenience. Even a child can straighten and assemble such a structure on his own. And this is sometimes a serious argument in favor of choosing a sofa of one type or another.

The name "accordion" comes from the musical instrument of the same name. The furniture layout is similar. Many people choose this mechanism because of its good reputation. It is famous for its reliability and ease of operation, and this is important when arranging furniture every day.

Suitable mattress

When purchasing a sofa of the presented design, you need to pay attention to the type of mattress. It is included in the kit. A good night's sleep will depend on this element.

The “accordion” sofa layout mechanism assumes the presence of mattresses with polyurethane foam or spring blocks. If the depth of the furniture does not exceed one meter, the thickness of the filler can be only 8 cm. In the seating area, the mattress should be thicker. In sofas with medium depth, filler ten centimeters thick is used. Most modern models have a 12 cm thick mattress.

Puma

Durable design for every day.

A mechanism named after a representative of the animal world. The name hides the basic principle of operation - the lower part of the sofa seems to “jump” forward like a puma. To unfold the model, you need to pull its lower part upward at an angle of 45 degrees. Under the action of the spring, it seems to protrude forward. At the same time, an additional element hidden inside is pushed into the vacated area. The result is a flat surface for sleeping.

Advantages:

• "Puma" can withstand a heavy load - about 200 kg per bed.
• High reliability.
• You don’t have to worry about the carpet or the floor, because the lower section does not roll on the floor on wheels, but seems to take a “step” forward.
• The transformation is carried out in one movement.
• The backrest does not need to be folded.
• Higher price compared to other products.

Flaws:

• The design is more complex in structure than the others.
• Straight sofas do not have a drawer for linen. If you need a box, you will have to buy a corner model.

Roll-out

A significant advantage of roll-out models is a spacious place to sleep with a high headboard.

Another type of mechanism with a simple design. It is enough to roll the seat forward and place an additional pillow, which is located under the seat, in the free space. There is no need to lower the backrest. When unfolded, the sofa resembles a bed with a high headboard. It is more convenient to lean on it while resting in bed than on a hard wall. An excellent choice for those who like to read in bed or watch TV.

Pros:

• It is comfortable to relax due to the high back.
• The roll-out part is on wheels - you don’t have to worry about the condition of the floor.
• A flat surface for resting without depressions at the joints of the structure.
• Reasonable price.

Minuses:

• There is no linen drawer inside.
• Requires a lot of space in front (like an “accordion”).

Equipment

The accordion sofa looks worthy in any interior. Consumer demands force manufacturers to constantly improve familiar furniture. Very often, such sofas have a linen drawer at the bottom. This is a very convenient device. The box is especially needed by those people who sleep on this sofa every day. Bed linen is easy to put away in the morning and easy to take out in the evening.

Also, quite often the package includes several decorative backrests. Thanks to this, the sofa harmonizes with any type of interior.