Modern sofas are a tandem of functionality and stylish design

A sofa is an important component of any interior; this upholstered furniture is multifunctional, practical, comfortable, and durable. During the day and evening, it is a comfortable place to relax while watching a movie or reading a book, and at night it becomes a cozy, spacious sleeping bed. The invention successfully combined stylish design and maximum comfort, so today a sofa is an indispensable part of the living room, kitchen, bedroom, dining room, office or guest room. When choosing a suitable model among a huge range of proposals, you should pay attention to the materials of manufacture, the transformation mechanism, the shape and design of the structure, and the manufacturing company. The service life and quality of this furniture directly depend on the combination of all parameters.

Distinctive features

The standard sofa is a type of upholstered furniture designed for sitting or lying. The design, depending on the size, is designed for a comfortable sitting position for 2-4 people. It consists of a spacious, roomy seat and an ergonomic backrest, which provides excellent back support. Some models are equipped with armrests, decorative pillows, and other useful elements - drawers for linen, niches for books and remote control, and a built-in table. Modern manufacturers offer sofas of various shapes and sizes. The choice of design depends not only on individual preferences, but also on the characteristics of the room where the furniture is supposed to be placed. To make the right choice, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each form:

1. A straight sofa is a timeless classic. It is usually equipped with a soft straight back and armrests. Suitable for any interior, but such furniture is used mainly in small living rooms. Depending on the size, when folded it can accommodate from 2 to 4 people. When disassembled, the model turns into a comfortable double bed.
2. The corner design is widespread. From the name it is clear that this furniture has the appropriate shape. It is appropriate both in small rooms and in spacious living rooms. In addition, the model converts into a large bed. But this is a large design, especially when unfolded. Although there are also compact sofas designed for kitchens and dining rooms.
3. L and U-shaped forms are classified as modular structures. The model consists of a main rectangular sofa, as well as additional sections on both sides. They are usually equipped with legs in the form of rollers, which allows you to easily move the components. Despite the impressive dimensions, the products are easy to use.

There are oval, round, designer shapes of sofas. And for children's rooms, models are made in the shape of animals and vehicles, such as a car, ship, plane, carriage.

Straight

Angular

U-shaped

Round

Children's unusual shape

Designer

What is the best filler?

As we said at the beginning, there is no perfect filler. It all depends on what you need.

There are no fewer options for fillings for upholstered furniture than there are designs: look for the one that suits you!

Source

Device

Most often, when choosing a sofa, buyers focus only on the appearance of the product, choosing it to match the finished interior. But the raw materials from which the sofa is made also play an important role, determining the reliability and safety of the structure. To ensure that your purchase does not disappoint, you should understand what the parts of the sofa are called and what elements affect the service life of this furniture .

Frame

The most important part is the frame. The stability of the entire structure depends on it. The material from which it is made determines the possible load and intensity of use:

1. Metal structures have proven themselves well - they have an interesting appearance, good performance and maintainability. Among the disadvantages is that the furniture is quite heavy, and folding mechanisms for it are practically not used.
2. Models with a base made of chipboard or fibreboard are environmentally friendly, lightweight, and their cost is always affordable. Meanwhile, these materials are not strong enough and are not always able to withstand heavy loads.
3. The wooden frame made of hardwood is characterized by a long service life, the highest quality, and naturalness. Products made from birch, oak or beech have also proven themselves well. Conifers are quite fragile; it is not recommended to buy furniture with such frames. The disadvantage of wood is its high cost, which not everyone can afford.

A modern novelty is frameless sofas. This is an ideal option for children's rooms: the furniture has no corners or hard components, the products are lightweight and mobile.

Metal frame Natural wood

Fiberboard box

Frameless model

Armrests

Sofa armrests are also made from various materials, which have their own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Models with wooden armrests look harmonious in home and office interiors. They are usually made in a strict, laconic design.
2. Sofas with chipboard elements are universal and multifunctional. Armrests can be blocks, shelves, drawers or even tables for storing small items. Can be upholstered with fabric or varnished.
3. Metal armrests are durable and resistant to mechanical damage. Sofas upholstered in genuine leather look expensive.
4. Compact furniture models designed for small rooms are not equipped with armrests at all. Pillows can be used instead.

Most sofa models have soft armrests upholstered in faux leather. They are resistant to abrasions and damage, unlike fabric ones; they are comfortable to lean on while relaxing. But compared to products made from genuine leather, they are less durable and wear out faster.

Wooden Leather covered

Without armrests

Metal

Seat

One of the main elements that make up a sofa is the seat. No less important is its filler, which can be spring or soft. The first option, in turn, is divided into dependent and independent spring blocks.

In a dependent, all elements are interconnected. If one of them undergoes deformation, then the one located nearby also fails. If the block is edged with a metal frame, its structure is much stronger.

The barrel springs form an independent unit. Each barrel is placed in a fabric cover. Due to the fact that the elements do not touch, the sofa does not creak during use and does not sag due to changes in the posture of the person sitting on it. Such models are used not only for sitting, but also for constant sleep.

What is a sofa of any model with a seat without springs made of:

1. A special layer of padding polyester. This filler is made from synthetics consisting of polyester fibers. In furniture production it is used for stuffing armrests and pillows. It is also often used as an additional layer directly under the upholstery. The advantage is low cost. But at the same time, synthetic winterizer does not have a uniform standard, so there is a risk of purchasing a product made from low-quality or unhealthy raw materials.
2. The main filler is foam rubber, one of the most popular types, used in the production of sofas for many decades. It can consist of separate pieces or have the form of a plate equal to the length of the furniture surface. Lump filling quickly rolls and sags, so it is advisable to choose solid sheets of material. Foam is often used as an additional layer to provide softness. Its low price is due to its short service life: it quickly loses its shape and wears out.

The most preferred material for the additional layer of filler is polyurethane foam, which is due to a number of its positive properties:

• smooth shape, maintaining the proportions of the human body;
• cushioning when sitting;
• orthopedic effect;
• even weight distribution;
• preventing the occurrence of extraneous sounds when using an additional layer of fabric - felt or burlap.

The only drawback of polyurethane foam is that it is afraid of direct sunlight, under the influence of which its structure is destroyed, so it must be packaged in light-proof fabric covers.

Layers

Foam rubber

Sintepon

Transformation mechanism

To choose the right sofa model, it is important to know what its transformation mechanism consists of. Not only the service life, but also the ease of use of the furniture depends on the features of this design. There are sofas without a folding mechanism - these are compact models that are suitable for small spaces. There is usually a storage box under the seat.

Main types of transformation mechanisms:

1. "Dolphin" is used mainly in corner products. Special handles in the form of loops are attached to the section under the seat, which you need to pull up and then towards you. The extendable part will roll out, rise and stand next to the main seat, creating a comfortable and large place to relax. This working scheme puts a heavy load on the furniture body, so it must be made of durable, high-quality materials.
2. "Eurocomfort". The operating principle is based on moving the seat forward using rollers. The backrest fits into the resulting niche. This design is characterized by ease of transformation and reliability. In addition, there is plenty of storage space under the seat.
3. “Pantograph”, another name for “puma”. The layout of such sofas is similar to the previous type, but without rollers. The seat is extended due to a special complex mechanism that extends up and down.
4. "Telescope". To unfold the furniture, you need to pull the bottom part, after which all the other elements will roll out one after another, like a telescope. This mechanism is easy to use.
5. The rotary transformation method is often used in the manufacture of corner sofas. It is very simple to unfold it; to do this, you need to turn the seat to the other part.
6. “Puma” is a reliable and simple mechanism that appeared recently, but managed to gain popularity. The layout takes place in a few seconds, and is absolutely silent. The upper seat of the sofa pulls towards itself, at this time the lower one rises to the elongated level. A flat sleeping area is formed.
7. Modular is a universal mechanism that allows the owner to modify the furniture at will. Since the sofa consists of separate elements, they can be swapped, other parts can be purchased, and the sleeping bed can be made compact or wide.
8. The withdrawable one consists of two sections, which are located in the furniture body. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull out the lower segment, which frees up space for another pillow.
9. “Accordion” - the mechanism is so called because of its similarity to a musical instrument. The sofa, unfolding, moves forward, then stretches out.
10. The “American clamshell” is a design of two sections hidden in the body. To unfold the furniture, you need to pull the seat up, then down.

The above mechanisms are the most common, but there are other designs for transforming sofas that are just as convenient and easy to use.

American folding bed

Roll-out

Turning

Accordion

Modular

Dolphin

Pantograph

Puma

Eurobook

Telescope

Upholstery

Two types of materials are used for upholstery of sofas: leather (natural and artificial) and fabric. The first option is characterized by wear resistance and strength. The skin is able to withstand prolonged loads without deforming. In addition, it provides a prestigious appearance to the furniture. Leather products fit well into the interior, filling it with luxury, chic and aristocratic notes. Due to its special structure, leather upholstery is low maintenance and easy to clean, so it becomes the best option if the sofa is used intensively.

Fabrics can be natural or artificial. Upholstery made from the first group of materials is environmentally friendly and safe for health. It is often used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture for children's rooms. Popular fabrics used as upholstery:

1. Cotton is distinguished by a variety of colors and environmental safety.
2. Jacquard is an expensive, elite material of high strength and durability, has a huge selection of colors or patterns.
3. Tapestry is a natural material with an attractive appearance. Minus - not suitable for intensive use.
4. Flock - its dense structure provides the upholstery with strength and durability, has a water-repellent effect, is not afraid of direct sunlight, and does not fade.

The upholstery of the sofa is selected in relation to the interior and purpose of the room. For example, natural materials are optimal for a children’s room, and wear-resistant ones for a living room. In the kitchen, preference should be given to furniture that is easy to clean.

Leather

Flock

Cotton

Jacquard Tapestry

We draw the main conclusions before buying a sofa

The information presented gives an understanding that the desire to have a high-quality, comfortable, beautiful, durable product can become a reality only with the right approach to its selection. External beauty is not even half the battle. It's the details that matter. All this is taken into account in the different models of sofas offered by the OrganicMebel online store. You can order any item from the catalog with delivery on the website organicmebel.shop or by phone.

A French or American folding bed is considered a good guest option. It all depends on the taste and preferences of the potential furniture owner.

How wear-resistant the product will be during operation depends on the type and quality of the upholstery. In addition, this element is one of the determining factors in ensuring an attractive appearance. To prevent the sofa from having to be reupholstered due to damaged upholstery after a short period of time, it is better to choose a product with this detail made of genuine leather or high-quality leatherette. But here you have to be prepared to shell out a tidy sum. Cheaper, but no less popular, is upholstery made of jacquard, flock, tapestry or chenille.

Tips for choosing

Summarizing the above, we can highlight several basic expert recommendations for choosing such upholstered furniture. Be sure to take into account:

1. Frame material. If you plan to use the sofa intensively, you should choose a model with a frame made of wood or metal, because they are the most durable.
2. Filler, which can be a spring block or soft synthetic materials.
3. Purpose of furniture. If you need a sofa for constant sleep, durable and comfortable designs that will last for a long time are preferable.
4. Transformation mechanism. Unfolding furniture should not take much time and involve excessive physical effort. The mechanism must be reliable and safe to use.

The final selection criterion is the design of the furniture; it must fit harmoniously into the interior, complementing or emphasizing it, because sofas are an integral element of any home. You also need to choose a model so that it creates an atmosphere of comfort and homely warmth.

Compatibility with the interior

Strength and Durability

Purpose of furniture

What is the sofa made of?

In addition to the frame, seat and back, which are the basic parts in any model of this type of furniture, important components include:

• armrests;
• elements that provide the product with an orthopedic effect (fillers, polyurethane foam padding);
• upholstery;
• transformation mechanism, if any.

An important role in a high-quality functional sofa is played by the presence of drawers in which you can store bed linen or other things.

Photo

What is an ottoman

An ottoman is furniture that looks like a bed or sofa. A distinctive feature of most models is the original backrest in the headboard. Another characteristic detail is the wide seat.

The ottoman did not always look like it does now. The history of furniture begins in Asia. It was there that people often included low sofas without armrests in their decor. True, the name of the products was also completely different.

Until the 18th century, the ottoman was considered a symbol of luxury and prosperity. Therefore, she was placed in the most prominent place in rich houses. Nowadays such furniture symbolizes comfort and originality.

Ottoman in the interior of the room

Advantages and disadvantages of an ottoman

An ottoman is one of the most practical and comfortable types of furniture. The main advantages of the products:

• Space saving. When folded, the ottoman is smaller than a sofa, so it can be placed in any free corner.
• Variety of design solutions. There are a lot of furniture models, so you can easily choose an option to suit your interior.
• No joints. Unlike book sofas, there are no seams on the seat of the ottoman, making it more comfortable to sit and sleep on such furniture.
• Affordable price. Most often, an ottoman is cheaper than a sofa and a bed, so it is available for purchase even on a modest budget.

There are much fewer cons. The first is a heavy mattress. It may be difficult for children and older people to remove.

The second disadvantage is associated with spring models. Over time, the elastic elements can become deformed, causing a depression to form in the seat. To avoid this outcome, the springs should be checked and replaced periodically.