If the idea of creating a shelf for books, a kitchen stool or a bench for the garden with your own hands comes to the mind of every second home craftsman, then not every one of them will decide to take the plunge on the sofa. And in vain. Simple designs of such furniture are quite accessible for self-production.
Moreover, this does not require any special skills or special tools. Only time, desire and patience. You don’t even need to know how to sew to make covers. Of course, it all depends on the chosen model.
DIY sofa at home
Some, on the contrary, require tailoring skills and do not involve the use of construction tools. In a word, anyone can make a sofa for an apartment, country house or gazebo. Especially if he has detailed instructions before his eyes.
Massive sofas made of timber, modern sofas made of pallets, unusual ones made of cardboard, with or without armrests - any option can be appropriate and successfully created
Don't believe me? Then read this article carefully and be sure to watch the video.
Types of modern sofas
The range of sofas is incredibly diverse. They differ in design, type of material and method of upholstery, construction, and shape. Models are classified according to the following criteria:
- configurations;
- purpose;
- number of seats;
- type of transformation.
According to the configuration, sofas can be straight, corner, island and transformable. Classic straight products are perfect for arranging rooms of any shape and size. You can place a model of a suitable size against a wall, in a corner, in front of a window or in the central part of the room. They are considered the most popular among all.
Corner sofas are L- or U-shaped. This allows you to use the space in the corners of the bedroom, which are most often empty. The models occupy a minimal amount of usable space, so this is an excellent option for small spaces.
Island ones can have a U-shaped or round shape. They are designed specifically for installation in the center of a certain area of the room. Such models are suitable only for spacious rooms, as a place to relax. And folding products are an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
Transformable sofas easily turn into a full-fledged sleeping place. There are quite a few folding mechanisms, the most famous among them: book, euro-book, dolphin, click-clack, clamshell, accordion. In addition, there are non-standard transforming models. For example, a wardrobe-bed-sofa or a product that becomes a pair of armchairs with a small table.
According to their purpose, sofas are distinguished for relaxation and sleep. The former, as a rule, do not fold out, and the latter are divided into models for daily use and guest ones.
According to the number of seats, sofas can be compact, designed for 2-3 people, and large, designed for 5 or more people. However, there is no single standard for size. Products from different manufacturers differ significantly in the size of one seat.
If you want, you can make any sofa with your own hands. The main thing is to take a serious approach to the selection of materials, transformation mechanism, and type of pillows.
Filler
Foam rubber, or, a little less often, foam is used as a filler in furniture. First of all, decide why you are purchasing a sofa, clearly outline its functionality. If the sofa is used as a sleeping place, then it is better to take it with spring blocks. Foam rubber, of course, is also suitable, but it wears out quickly with frequent use, unlike blocks. To ensure that the sofa does not sag over time, but remains soft, choose latex foam as a filling. Then the service life will last for decades. In general, the quality of the filler can be determined very simply. When you sit down, the sofa takes on your outline, but as soon as you get up, it returns to its previous shape. So you can use this advice already in the store.
Sofa fillers
What you need to make your own sofa
So, how to make a sofa in order to end up with a beautiful and high-quality product? Work should begin by completing a drawing of the future model, preparing the necessary tools and materials.
Having settled on a specific design, shape, and size of the product, you need to draw a diagram of each part indicating the dimensions. This will help to correctly calculate the amount of materials for the frame, sealing, upholstery fabric, select the transformation mechanism, fittings, and decorative elements.
In the process of work you will need the following basic tools:
- jigsaw or wood saw;
- hand or electric drill;
- pneumatic stapler or furniture nails with special heads;
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- grinder or plane;
- knife, scissors, tape measure, pencil.
You will have to stock up on the following materials, the configuration of which depends on the type of sofa, its design, and type of seat:
- wooden beams with a diameter of 40-50 mm;
- plywood, boards, slats, furniture boards, sheet chipboard, MDF;
- screws, nails, drills, furniture glue;
- foam rubber with a thickness of at least 50 mm;
- batting, padding polyester or any other sealant;
- upholstery fabric;
- one type of seating: ready-made mattresses, spring blocks, polyurethane base.
Creating new from old
It is quite possible to give an old sofa a second life, because usually it is not the frame that deteriorates, but the upholstery. There is nothing complicated about replacing upholstery material. You just need to put in a little effort.
First of all, you need to get rid of the old upholstery. To do this, you need to remove the armrests, transformation mechanism, sides, back and seat.
Then you need to prepare and cut the upholstery fabric. After you have finished installing the new fabric covering, you should assemble the sofa.
Let us remind you that sofa upholstery must meet a number of requirements:
- wear resistance;
- resistance to pollution;
- environmental Safety;
- strength;
- aesthetics;
- UV resistance.
Most often, sofas are upholstered with velor, jacquard, tapestry, chenille and leather.
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Do-it-yourself corner sofa - step-by-step instructions
Making a corner sofa with your own hands is not at all difficult. Using these step-by-step instructions, you can make a classic model in a standard size.
To work, you will need the tools specified in the previous paragraph of the article, and the following materials:
- timber 50 mm thick (frame);
- Fiberboard (bottom);
- Laminated chipboard (base, armrests);
- plywood (frame covering);
- foam rubber 100 mm thick, padding polyester;
- agrotextiles, upholstery fabric;
- fastening screws, self-tapping screws, corners, nails;
- legs (stable, low);
- furniture glue, nylon thread.
Stages of work:
- Draw a drawing indicating the dimensions of each design detail.
- Cut out the side parts from the fiberboard and cut the timber.
- Align the two sides of the long part of the sofa, attach horizontal and vertical bars to them using fastening screws. Each post must have four attachment points.
- Using the same principle, assemble the short part of the product.
- Sheathing of frames. All elements are fastened with self-tapping screws. Attach laminated chipboard to the backs. Cover the seats with plywood, the bottom with fiberboard sheets.
- Assemble the armrest frames, attach them to the main structure with corners, and cover them with chipboard.
- Attach four legs to the bottom of each part using corners.
- Cover the seats and backs with foam rubber. Sidewalls - one layer of padding polyester, armrests - 3-4 layers of padding polyester. For strength, stitch the joints of the seal with nylon thread.
- Upholster the product with agrotextiles. This will prevent premature wear of the sofa surface and foam rubber. Then attach the main fabric.
The whole process can be clearly seen in the video below:
Note! When upholstering, it is important to ensure that the material is evenly stretched and the pattern matches.
DIY sofa bed
As a rule, such models are chosen in studio rooms or when it is not possible to fit a double bed in the bedroom. Comfortable, healthy sleep can only be ensured by a product that has orthopedic properties. Therefore, it is better to buy ready-made mattresses for a homemade sofa bed.
The choice of method for transforming a model into a full-fledged sleeping place depends solely on the wishes of its creator. Using the example of making a sofa with the easiest-to-use “Eurobook” mechanism, you can study the main stages of work.
For this you will need the following materials:
- two mattresses;
- beam;
- Chipboard, fibreboard, plywood;
- thin foam rubber, synthetic winterizer;
- legs;
- agrotextiles;
- upholstery fabric;
- glue;
- fasteners, nails, screws;
- folding mechanism (2 pcs.)
- tools.
First you need to assemble a rectangular base box from fiberboard. Attach the legs and timber guides to the inside of the sidewalls, close to each other. Install a fiberboard spacer in the center of the box and cover the bottom with plywood.
Next, the frame of the retractable part is made from timber, the surface of which is covered with a sheet of plywood. Support bars are attached to the structure, and legs are attached to them. At the corners of the inner part of the frame there are small bars up to 10 cm long that prevent it from jumping off the base. A mattress is placed on the frame, its edging is connected to the surface using a furniture stapler. The seat is ready.
Then the upper parts of the folding mechanisms are screwed onto strips of fiberboard measuring approximately 15x30 cm with self-tapping screws. Four through holes are drilled in the corners of the boards.
To attach the resulting parts to the back, you need to “open” the mattress upholstery from the sides, gaining access to its spring blocks. Using a strong wire, the fiberboard is connected to the internal elements of the mattress. Now the lower parts of the mechanisms can be secured to the base.
At the final stage, the wooden parts are covered with foam rubber and synthetic padding. Next comes upholstery with sealing and decorative fabric. A seat is placed on the base. That's it, the sofa bed is ready. For convenience, the model is equipped with large pillows and armrest bolsters.
Note! This sofa can be made with armrests. To do this, you need to build two low boxes, cover them with foam rubber and fabric, and attach them to the box.
Mini sofa made of chairs
Several chairs fastened together are a ready-made frame for a small sofa that can be placed in the kitchen or on the terrace. Of course, it needs some finishing and decoration, and here too you can give free rein to your imagination.
- The chairs can be turned with their seats towards each other, moved apart to the required distance and laid on the seats with boards or durable sheet material cut to width. You will get a banquette for a bedroom or hallway.
Sofa made from old chairs - A standard-shaped mini-sofa will be made from two or three chairs fastened together at the sides. If they are different shapes or heights, this can be corrected by securing a hard seat across all the chairs at a horizontal level. Then you need to glue foam rubber onto it and sew a cover onto the resulting structure. Converting chairs into a sofa Mini sofa
DIY folding sofa
To make a folding sofa with your own hands, you should learn in more detail what transformation mechanisms are available. This will allow you to choose an option for the bedroom, taking into account its dimensions and the location of other interior items.
Let's look at the main types of folding sofas.
The book is the most common and popular model. The product turns into a wide berth by raising the seat to a vertical position. In this case, the backrest moves to the lying position, the device lock is activated (accompanied by a click). After this, the seat returns to its original position.
Click-klyak (book) is an excellent model for relaxation and sleep. A unique mechanism allows you to bring the sofa into a “half-sitting” position. This is very convenient for those who like to sit for a long time reading or watching TV. When you need the bed, you need to apply a little force and bring both parts into a horizontal position.
Eurobook is a modern, improved interpretation of the book sofa. The seat is raised above the floor by 1-2 cm and moved forward. The back rests on the base of the sofa.
The accordion is lightweight and easy to use. To transform into a sleeping place, you just need to pull the loop at the bottom of the seat. When it starts to move forward, both parts of the backrest follow.
The retractable (roll-out) mechanism is similar in principle to an “accordion”. Using a special hinge, the seat, equipped with wheels, rolls forward, setting in motion a kind of platform hidden under it. Then the folding part of the seat cushion is placed on it.
Sofa bed. In order to convert such a sofa into a bed, you need to remove the seat. Then remove it from the box and unfold the hidden structure. Such models are not suitable for daily sleep.
Having chosen the transformation option, you can begin to create a sofa according to your own measurements. The principle of manufacturing any frame model is taken as a basis.
Layout mechanism
This item is needed if you are purchasing a sofa for the purpose of sleeping.
- sofa was considered the most common in the USSR. The seat rises and becomes a sleeping place. It's inconvenient because you have to move it.
- The Eurobook seat moves forward, no need to move the sofa away from the wall. Very simple mechanism, ideal for everyday use.
- Click-clack is another subtype of “book”. It has a slightly expanded variation of positions. This type is easy to break under constant or sudden load.
- The telescope is a roll-out type of sofa. Pull out the lower part, move the backrest forward and place pillows or a mattress in the space. Frequent use leaves scratches.
- The accordion is built on the principle of an accordion, here the seat is pulled forward and the backrest is folded in line with it.
- Tick-tock (pantograph) has common points with the “Eurobook” type, only the entire mechanism is built using springs. This option does not scratch the floor, but is also more expensive.
- Dolphin Perhaps the most popular type. You need to pull out an additional seat from the seat, which will help create a common place to sleep. Very convenient for daily use.
Layout mechanisms
It would seem that choosing a sofa can be very simple, but there are special moments even when choosing for a specific room. Let's look at where and in which apartments a sofa is best suited.
Scissors
Puma
Dolphin Accordion
Eurobook
Book
DIY frameless sofa
Frameless products appeared more than forty years ago. Currently, they are considered a trend in modern furniture fashion. Such sofas and armchairs are original, practical, quite durable, and easy to maintain. It is very comfortable to sit and lie on them, as the products completely follow the curves of the body. The design options for frameless furniture are endless: from classic models to ultra creative ones.
Making a frameless sofa with your own hands is very easy. There are two main options for such furniture: made of polyurethane or covers with filling.
To create a model that holds its shape, you will need 3 layers of polyurethane, thick braid, and fabric. The seat is made of two layers of sealing, which are connected using belts or strong tape.
The back is one layer of polyurethane. According to the sizes of both parts, it is necessary to sew covers with zippers around the perimeter of the back part.
To fasten both parts of the sofa, you should sew two detachable zippers on the back edge of the large cover and on the small cover at a height equal to the height of the seat. Then the covers are put on the seal, the back and seat are connected together.
The second method of making a frameless sofa is even simpler. The inner and outer covers of any shape are sewn from thick fabric. They should also be fastened with a zipper. All kinds of patterns can be found on the Internet or come up with yourself. Next, the inner bag is inserted into the outer bag and filled 2/3 with filler - foam balls with a diameter of 4-6 mm. If necessary, the “filling” can be added or replaced with a new one.
Which sofa to choose for a small office or study?
A sofa in a work environment should not be pompous and ornate, but remain comfortable and solid. Products with metal structures are often chosen, which is very suitable for walk-through areas.
Office sofa
But first of all, you need to start from the space that you are ready to free up along the sofa. There can be many options: corner models, large linear ones or two small sofas. Determine the number of visitors per day and, if there are not many of them, then you should not choose bulky furniture.
Office sofas
The appearance of the sofa depends on your interior, but, of course, it is better to opt for dark models that will not wear out so quickly. Leather sofas will add respectability to the room, but they also require proper care.
Now let’s talk about how much you can spend on a purchase or how much it costs to save up.
DIY sofa made from plastic bottles
Designers manage to create unusual, comfortable models from various available materials. For example, you can make a sofa with your own hands from plastic bottles.
Important! All bottles must have screwed caps!
To do this you will need: identical bottles, tape, scissors or a carpenter's knife.
First, half of the bottles are cut exactly in the middle. Then the resulting bottom is put on the upper part of the whole bottle, and the neck is put on its lower part. The joint is sealed with tape. Such manipulations are done with the remaining elements.
Next, blocks consisting of 4 pieces each are formed from the obtained elements using adhesive tape. Then, as from the parts of a construction set, a base of the required size is assembled. If 1.5 liter bottles are used, then two tiers will be needed to seat the sofa.
All components of the structure are held together with several layers of tape. Then the back and armrests are formed from the parts. The result is a plastic sofa that needs to be made soft. To do this, the entire structure is covered with foam rubber and covered with fabric.
You can make a sofa of any size and shape with your own hands from plastic bottles. For example, a minimalist model with wide sides that are used as a tray stand.
A product with a high back can be given a solemn look by using noble fabrics and carriage screed for upholstery. This sofa will fit into the interior of a classic-style bedroom.
Which sofa to choose for the living room?
For a more accurate choice, determine the scope and frequency of use of the sofa. If the living room is used for sleeping every night, then the accordion type is best. Orthopedic bases will help increase the level of comfort, so check if they are built in when purchasing. If you are choosing a sofa just to receive guests, then take either a loose model or a “Eurobook”. Their advantages include quick layout without complex mechanisms.
Modular sofas for the living room
Do you need a sofa to relax in the evenings? Choose products with book and click-clack mechanisms. They are not very convenient for overnight stays, but they can create a comfortable place.
It's another matter if your living room is small. Here you can combine business with pleasure and choose a model with drawers inside, but it’s worth checking the dimensions of the sofa in a lying position. Most likely, it can block the entire room and make it difficult to pass through.
DIY wardrobe-sofa-bed
A bed that disappears from the room is a great way to solve the problem of lack of space. It’s even better when a sofa appears in this place.
It is quite possible to make such a multifunctional design with your own hands. Of course, you will have to put in quite a lot of effort and spend time, but the result is worth it. In addition to saving space, a hand-made model, made to the required dimensions, will fit perfectly into your bedroom-living room. In addition, it will cost much less than factory furniture.
Such multifunctional furniture is suitable for any modern style. Additionally, the model can be equipped with shelves instead of bulky bedside tables.
You need to start making the model from the cabinet. It is usually a tall shelving unit with closed shelves and a niche for a bed in the middle.
Then a box for the mattress is made, which is equipped with furniture slats or a spring mesh and a pair of legs.
A lifting mechanism is attached to it. It is better to choose a piston type mechanism. It is much more durable than other analogues, and also completely prevents the bed from spontaneously falling out. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your safety when you’re near a closet or sitting on the sofa.
Then the cabinet is connected to the box, installed on the wall, and securely attached to its surface. The mattress is placed on the frame and tied with strong straps.
After the main part of the structure is ready, they begin to create the sofa. This can be a frame model or a frameless specimen. A soft back of the sofa is attached to the lower part of the bed box from the side of the room. It can be replaced with pillows of any shape.
How much does a good sofa cost?
We are talking about average prices, but in most stores they are individual. The price depends on the materials, size and reputation of the brand itself. For example, a not very large sofa with fabric upholstery will cost from 20 to 40 thousand rubles. Some types of sofa cost the same, for example, approximately the same amount of materials is used for a sofa bed and a corner sofa, so the cost is also in a similar segment.
transformable sofa
You should not buy sofas at low prices on websites or from resellers. There is a possibility of running into poor quality workmanship, poor materials, or getting a sofa with surprises in the form of bedbugs. Such companies will not give you guarantees or will hide and you will have no one to send messages to. Usually the manufacturing company gives an 18-month warranty on the sofa; if they offer less, then you should think about making the right purchase.
you should think about the right purchase
The market for sofa manufacturers is structured just like any other. The giant company invests a lot of money in coming up with new models and developing the perfect formula, and smaller manufacturers copy the model, but make it cheaper due to inferior materials. You should not deal with such companies, because you are knowingly purchasing not the best product. Another thing is that if you are on a tight budget, then this is a good solution. But it’s better to save some money and buy better quality furniture. This is not an area where you should save money, because a sofa can serve you for decades.
DIY transforming sofa
Sofas that can easily be transformed into other pieces of furniture are perfect for one-room apartments and studio rooms. There are quite a few varieties of them, but not all of them can be made independently. The model consisting of individual elements is considered the easiest to implement and most convenient to handle. The sofa modules can be rearranged in any way. The result will be a full-fledged sleeping place or two separate sofas, several armchairs, a coffee table, and poufs.
The modules have different shapes and sizes, but their surface is usually perfectly flat. Using the example of making a transforming sofa consisting of squares, the principle of creating such sofas with your own hands is based.
To work you will need:
- beam;
- plywood or fiberboard;
- laminated chipboard measuring 1m x 1m;
- screws, furniture fasteners;
- thick foam rubber, synthetic winterizer, upholstery fabric, any dense material for the bottom (tarpaulin, eco-leather);
- pillows;
- tools.
First, a frame is made from beams 0.5 m high, 1 m wide and 1 m long. It is sheathed on all sides with plywood or fiberboard.
Foam rubber is glued to the surface of the resulting module, and padding polyester is glued to the sides.
A cover is sewn from fabric (without a bottom), put on the product, and secured to the bottom using a furniture stapler.
Dense material is nailed to the lower part. For our model we need to make 5 more such modules.
If desired, you can attach low backs to several segments of the sofa. This should be done at the frame manufacturing stage. But this type of model leaves fewer options for transformation.
The function of the backrest will be performed by 3 large pillows measuring 1 m x 0.7 m. Covers with zippers are sewn for them from upholstery fabric. Armrests can be made from bolster pillows, for which you will also need to sew covers.
Ready-made modules can be installed in any way you like: line them up in an L-shape, arrange a spacious sleeping place, two chieftains, place one cube in front of the sofa, put a sheet of chipboard on it and get a coffee table.
Frame
We have already mentioned it earlier, now in more detail. The frame is what the entire sofa is built on, its foundation. The choice of material for the frame is directly related to service life. The metal frame is considered the most durable; it is reliable and not so easy to break. Frames made of natural wood also cannot be criticized; such elements are quite reliable, but they also cost accordingly. If you want to have a wood-like frame, but are not happy with the price, chipboard frames are perfect. They hold their shape well and do not crumble prematurely, but you should choose those that have a protective layer.
sofa frame
How to convert a bed into a sofa
Outdated or tired furniture is perfect for making a new piece of furniture. By being smart and giving free rein to your imagination, you can create real hand-made masterpieces.
So, how can you make a sofa yourself from an old bed? First of all, it is necessary to inspect its design. Determine how strong the base is, whether the mattress is worn out, which parts need to be replaced and which need to be restored. If the mattress is placed on a solid surface or frame, there is not much work to be done.
In addition, you should purchase the following materials: chipboard, foam rubber, plywood, self-tapping screws, nails, screws, fabric. If the mattress is unsuitable, you will have to spend more money on purchasing it.
First, you should cut out a piece of chipboard that matches the dimensions of the bed base. Connect these parts with furniture screws.
For the backrest you will need a sheet of chipboard approximately 1 m high, with a width equal to the length of the future seat, which is also attached to the base.
The next stage is making 3 back cushions. You need to make 3 rectangles from plywood, the width of each of which is equal to 1/3 of the length of the seat. And the height is chosen at your discretion. Thick foam rubber is glued to the front parts of the blanks.
In addition, you can make sidewalls for the sofa. This is done by analogy with pillows, only the sizes change.
Now you should upholster each element with fabric using a stapler, and install the pillows to the back of the sofa.
Making a sofa with your own hands is a rather troublesome process, but quite doable. To summarize, I would like to note the main thing:
- design a sofa;
- draw up a diagram of all the components with dimensions;
- select building materials, sealing, upholstery, folding mechanism, fittings;
- strictly follow the step-by-step instructions.
The result of painstaking work and effort will be an exclusive, stylish sofa that will decorate the bedroom and make it more comfortable.
I hope my material will inspire you to create original furniture for sleeping and relaxing. Ask any questions you have in the comments below. Special thanks to those who repost or give 5 stars for my efforts.
Where is the best place to look for a sofa?
Depends on the region where you live, but start with online stores. If you don't have the model you want, it will definitely appear. Plus, stores do not display all available models, so you are looking at abbreviated options. But in online stores there are no such problems. On the other hand, in offline stores you can see and touch everything live. It's difficult to guarantee quality on the Internet, so the actual picture may disappoint you. The ideal option is an online store that has its own showroom with furniture where you can go. Be careful with assumptions, most often discounts are posted on models that are out of stock in order to sell others at the regular price.
Remember, choosing a sofa should not be rushed, because this is a purchase for a long time. Take the time to do this, read the reviews, understand the characteristics, so that you don’t regret the money spent later. Good luck!
Be sure to touch and try everything live before purchasing!
