Mechanisms for transforming sofas - which one is better to choose?

Buying a sofa is a very responsible process, because such furniture is bought for more than one year. The choice must be approached with special care so that the new sofa is comfortable for all family members, harmonizes well with the interior and pleases with its functionality for a long time.

First of all, a sofa is a comfortable relaxation area after a hard day, a place for friendly gatherings and watching movies. It is often used as a place to sleep. When purchasing, we usually pay attention to the appearance, but it will be much more important to ensure the quality of the material and check the folding mechanisms of the sofas.

Criterias of choice

When choosing which sofa mechanism is best for every day, Russian furniture buyers take into account:

• reliability of design, operational durability;
• dependence of the cost of the sofa on the complexity of the design;
• how much effort needs to be applied for transformation (relevant for women, old people, children);
• size, comfort of sleeping place;
• good wear resistance of upholstery, filler materials.

The design of a sofa bed is practically independent of the folding mechanism; for a certain interior style you can find sofas of various designs.

Classification by folding type

Separate categories include:

• folding sofas;
• roll-out structures;
• rotating (modular) transforming sofas;
• step structures;
• lifting transformation mechanisms.

Among each type of transformable furniture, there are several models that are extremely popular due to their qualities.

What to choose?

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As a result, we can determine which of the sofa folding mechanisms became the best in its category:

• Eurobook is the most reliable mechanism;
• tango is the most comfortable for sitting;
• dolphin - the most spacious;
• pantograph, accordion and roll-out are the most comfortable for sleeping;
• tango, eurobook and roll-out - have special compartments for storage;
• roll-out and elf are the most compact;
• the book is the most affordable.

When purchasing any sofa, be sure to inspect its folding mechanism, consult the seller about this, ask questions and demand answers to them. The service life of the sofa and the ease of use greatly depend on the correct mechanism. If the sofa will rarely be folded out, then you should pay attention to compact models, but not intended for frequent transformation.

"Eurobook"

Refers to the most popular designs. Can be used in straight and corner sofas. When unfolding the structure, the seat rolls out on casters. The second half of the berth is made up of a backrest, which reclines on a hinge.

The main advantages of the “Eurobook” are:

• simplicity of design with two hinges;
• possibility of installation anywhere in the room (except for corner sofas);
• affordable price;
• a drawer for storing linen or seasonal items under the seat.

A corner sofa with a “Eurobook” when unfolded becomes a bed with a width of up to 3 meters. The disadvantages of the design include rapid wear of the rollers (if they are made of plastic), inconvenience of use on carpets, and the need for a small free space behind the back.

Differences between the Pantograph mechanism

Each new transformation mechanism is based on a known variant. It is being improved and becomes simpler, more convenient and more durable. The prototype of the pantograph is the well-known Eurobook. They are similar in form of transformation, but have some significant differences.

When transforming a Eurobook, the retractable part is in direct contact with the ground and the speed of deployment of the product depends on the quality of the floor covering. A common problem that customers report is the constant accumulation of rugs under the sofa. There are no dependencies when unfolding the pantograph. The sofa raises and lowers the seat independently. The only part that will touch the ground will be your feet.

An automatic pantograph is an even more convenient model compared to a Eurobook. After parallel installation of the seat, the backrest lowers itself. This means reaching it through the sun. The width of the unfolded sofa is no longer needed.

The comparative disadvantage of the pantograph in relation to the Eurobook is the high cost of the mechanism itself. Therefore, repairing and replacing a Eurobook will be much cheaper. But the pantograph may not break in its entire life!

"Tick-tock" or "pantograph"

A sofa with a tick-tock mechanism has a sleeping area consisting of two halves with separate frames. The seat reclines in an arc on two durable diamond-shaped hinges. The backrest reclines, making up the second part of the bed.

The advantages of the “pantograph” design are:

• minimal number of hinges that break;
• The bed frame, after unfolding, rests on a long base or legs;
• the legs do not scratch the floor when pulled out;
• spacious linen drawer.

The ease of unfolding increases the service life of the sofa. The disadvantages of the design are the significant width of the seat when folded (due to the size of the berth), the significant weight of the lifted part (unbearable for children and the elderly),

How to fold out a sofa tick-tock

Unfolding it is not a difficult task, just follow these instructions:

1. Remove pillows and other decorative items from the pantograph.
2. Gently lift the seat, pull it forward, and then place it on the floor.
3. To fill the empty space behind the seat, lower the soft part of the backrest into it.
4. Cover the unfolded furniture with bed linen.

Photo: The principle of operation of the tick-tock mechanism (pantograph) in the sofa
To assemble the pantograph back, do all the described steps in reverse order. It is very easy to unfold and fold the sofa, so it can be used to decorate a child’s room without worrying that the child will not be able to handle it on his own. Transformation is possible even with one hand.

Photo: Tick-tock sofa, model Julia from Hoff

"Dolphin"

A characteristic feature of the “dolphin” transformation mechanism is the inclusion of two metal frames located in the roll-out platform and the base of the seat. When folding the berth, the upper section is recessed into the lower one. The frame is equipped with springs and levers that facilitate folding.

Sofas with the “dolphin” mechanism are comfortable for sleeping when using such fillers as rubber latex, polyester holofiber, coconut tow, and hypoallergenic durafil. Increased comfort is provided by the “hourglass” (packed in separate cases), “snake”, and “Bonnel” spring blocks. Reliable and elastic wooden armor.

The disadvantages of the design may be plastic rollers (they wear out quickly), unreliable hinges, and gas lifts. Repairing mechanisms with springs and gas lifts is more expensive than replacing a hinge in other models.

Types of mechanisms, pros and cons

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Types of sofas by folding mechanism :

• retractable, or roll-out (on casters): roll-out, dolphin, eurobook, conrad, pantograph;
• folding: tango, book, elf;
• unfoldable: accordion, French folding bed, American folding bed, Spartak.

Let's take a closer look at each of the options.

Book

Having such a mechanism for transforming sofas, a piece of furniture is transformed into 2 positions: a sitting option and a sofa for sleeping. To turn the sofa into a sleeping place, its back is simply folded back. You will not have to move it away from the wall during this process, since during installation you will need to take into account that the design of the furniture requires a small gap between the wall and the back.

Parts of a sofa with a book mechanism consist of two metal or wooden frames with fixed spring blocks or other soft filling. Below is most often a compartment for storing linen.

Pros:

• strength;
• reliability;
• ease of use;
• can be used frequently without the risk of breakage and wear.

Minuses:

• has only two positions - lying and sitting;
• inability to move the sofa tightly against the wall.

Tango

"Tango" is a prototype of a sofa folding system called "click-clack". Many manufacturers simply strive to surprise the buyer with a new beautiful term. In general, this system is very much reminiscent of a classic “book”. There is only one difference - when unfolded, such a sofa can also take intermediate positions, and not just “sitting and lying down”. The backrest can be set at a comfortable level. These sofas are equipped with a bed storage box.

Pros:

• backrest fixation in several positions;
• compact size;
• When unfolded, the sofa creates a surface without bumps.

The Tango sofa has a fairly spacious drawer for linen
. The downside is that the backrest cannot be placed tightly against the wall.

Eurobook

This folding mechanism for classic sofas, such as the “Eurobook”, is easily identified by the seat moving forward on roll-out casters. This creates a niche into which part of the sofa, which previously served as a backrest, is placed.

Pros:

• ease of converting a sofa into a sleeping place;
• reliability of the mechanism;
• plenty of space to sleep;
• large niches for storing things.

The downside is that due to the overly large seats, short people and children will not feel comfortable on the sofa, because they will not be able to lean on the back.

Dolphin

This is the most popular mechanism for transforming corner sofas. To unfold it, you need to pull the hinges attached to the section under the seat. The movement should be upward and towards yourself. The section will roll out and stand next to the seat, forming a large sleeping area. The linen box is located in the non-roll-out part of the seat.

Note: The dolphin mechanism puts a lot of stress on the body of the sofa, so you need to make sure that it is made of high-quality wood.

Pros:

• comfortable sleeping place;
• simplicity and ease of folding.

The downside is that the service life is not very long when the mechanism is actively used.

Pantograph

These types of sofa foldings can often be found under the name "puma" or "tick-tock". This system arose as a version of the “Eurobook”, only without roll-out rollers. There is a spacious bed box inside.

To transform this sofa, you need to pull up the sofa seat by grabbing the edge in the middle. With this movement you will activate a mechanism that pushes the seat up and forward and opens the support legs. Place the back cushion in the resulting niche.

Pros:

• comfortable place to sleep;
• easy folding mechanism;
• does not damage the floor covering with rollers.

Minuses:

• the mechanism is expensive;
• very wide seat.

French folding bed

The sleeping surface of such a sofa is represented by three sections. To straighten them into a plane, you just need to pull the edge of the seat. For frequent use as a bed, such furniture is not recommended, since these types of sofa folding mechanisms wear out very quickly.

Tip: To unfold, you need to make sure there is a fairly large space.

Plus - when assembled, this sofa is very compact.

Minuses:

• the sleeping surface is uneven;
• no bed storage space;
• short service life.

Roll-out sofa

The sleeping place has two segments that are hidden in the body of the sofa. To unfold, you need to pull the bottom part so that it rolls forward. After this, the pillow reclines into the freed space.

Pros:

• very durable and reliable mechanism;
• comfortable place to sleep;
• compact dimensions when assembled.

Minuses:

• roll-out rollers can scratch the floor covering when unfolding;
• low berth.

Accordion

“Accordion” got its name for some similarity with the musical instrument of the same name. The sleeping space of the sofa stretches in a peculiar way, moving forward when unfolded, and then rests on the extended mobile legs. When folded, such a sofa has compact dimensions, but for transformation it will require more free space. The storage compartment is located in the rear back of the sofa.

Pros:

• reliable and stable mechanism;
• long service life of the sofa;
• ease of transformation.

Minuses:

• no built-in space for linen;
• the draw-out type of mechanism can cause scratches on the floor covering.

Spartacus

To transform such a sofa into a comfortable place to sleep, you need to pull the seat so that it unfolds in three steps and stands on the extendable legs. This type of sofa folding was jointly developed by Russian and Italian craftsmen. This type of furniture is very suitable for sleeping. The design of the mechanism provides a long berth. Essentially, this is a more durable French cot, complemented by a welded metal grille.

Pros:

• strength and durability of the mechanism;
• ease of use;
• can be used often as a bed;
• comfortable sleeping place.

Minuses:

• no bed storage space;
• Before unfolding the sofa, you need to remove the pillows from it.

Note: There is also a mechanism for laying out Ifagrid sofas, which is similar to Spartak, but also has some differences.

Conrad or Telescope

To unfold such a sofa, you need to pull its lower part. The sections will roll out one after another, like a telescope, and stand on supports.

This type of furniture differs from classic roll-out sofas by its large sleeping height.

Pros:

• reliable mechanism;
• can be used daily;
• compact volume;
• there is a drawer for linen;
• sleep comfortably.

The downside is that the sofa is very heavy due to the massive mechanism.

The Conrad sofa combines a roll-out mechanism and a Dolphin, which makes it different from the classic Telescope

Sedaflex (American folding bed)

This sofa folds out like a French folding bed, but unlike it, it has not a three-fold, but a two-fold system and a thicker mattress.

Pros:

• very durable mechanism;
• compact;
• has a high quality comfortable mattress.

Minuses:

• no drawer for things.

Elf

This is a sofa with a swivel transformation mechanism. When the bed is transformed, the armrests are moved to the sides, creating a comfortable place to sleep. The armrests in this sofa can be adjusted in height and have several positions.

Pros:

• compact model;
• comfortable sleeping place;
• due to the use of lamellas, an orthopedic effect is obtained;
• The armrests can be adjusted to suit individual needs.

Minuses:

• the sofa cannot be leaned close to the wall;
• the sleeping area is located in the same place as the seating area.

Advertiser

The name of this type of mechanism comes from the English “recline” - lean back. The transformation occurs thanks to complex mechanisms hidden in the depths of the sofa. With their help, you can adjust the tilt of the backrest and extend the footrest to the desired position. Some models also have special pillows with vibration massage. The most expensive models are equipped with an electric motor, which is controlled by a remote control.

Pros:

• ease of use;
• you can customize the sofa to suit your body's needs;
• comfort in any position.

Minuses:

• very high cost;
• You can only sit, because there is no sleeping position.

Sofa with fold-out floor

The sleeping area has two sections. When folded, they hide inside the sofa body. To transform such a sofa, you need to pull up the inner edge of the seat. Then make a gentle jerk forward and towards yourself. The sleeping place does not provide any supports and is laid out directly on the floor.

The photo shows an example of a sofa that folds out onto the floor

Pros:

• small dimensions when folded;
• the cheapest type of folding sofas.

Minuses:

• not a very comfortable sleeping place;
• There is no area for storing bedding.

"Accordion"

To make the sofa comfortable for sitting, but acquire the required length when unfolded, an “accordion” design was invented. The main feature of the design was the back, which is made up of two frames connected by hinges.

Expensive models with this transformation mechanism are equipped with spring or vacuum closers, simplifying folding and unfolding, eliminating impacts and damage to the hinges. A child can easily cope with such mechanisms. The disadvantages of the design include the difficult choice of installation location (you need to provide free space in front of the sofa), a small linen drawer, and increased requirements for the quality of the metal frame.

Sofas without transformation mechanism

Fixed sofas are solid structures on a durable frame that do not have built-in mechanisms. The maximum that manufacturers offer is lifting seats, under which linen drawers are hidden. Nevertheless, often the purchase of just such a sofa is completely justified.

Pros: the absence of complex mechanisms affects the cost and characteristics. Such models, as a rule, have budget prices. They weigh less and are more compact. They have more comfortable, ergonomic backrests that support the back of a sitting person. Such products last longer, since there is simply nothing to break in them. And even after ten to fifteen years, it is enough to reupholster them, replacing the filling, so that the sofa finds a new life.

What to pay attention to: you won’t be able to sleep comfortably on such a sofa, since it is not intended for sleeping.

"Telescope"

In the international classification, the transformation mechanism is called “telescope”, but modifications by Russian furniture makers can be called “conrad”. The sleeping area of ​​such a sofa consists of two or three roll-out sections. At the same time, the back of the sofa does not transform, so it can be made with decorative elements.

Each of the sections, which includes the main seat, is equipped with its own metal frame and supports. The high-rise roll-out design is convenient for daily use, but assembling the sofa is more difficult than folding it out.

The disadvantages of the mechanism include the weight of the structure, which can only be easily folded by adult men, and the difficulty of repairing guides, hinges, and rollers of imported models.

What is important when buying a pantograph sofa

Pay special attention to:

• Sofa dimensions . Does it fit into your doorways, what space does it need to install in place. How much space does a sofa require when folded into a bed?
• What is the frame made of and how are its parts attached . If the frame is made of wood, MDF and laminated chipboard, there should be metal corner reinforcements in the corners of the frame. You can often find wooden blocks instead; they will strengthen the structure, but will last less than metal. If there are no amplifiers, the design will be flimsy.
• How the sofa mechanism is attached to the frame . The mechanism must be secured with bolts and not with self-tapping screws. Self-tapping screws can be used as an addition to bolts. The bolts must be threaded through the through holes in the frame and secured with nuts. If there are no bolts, the likelihood of this unit breaking increases.
• An important factor for the reliability of the mechanism is the presence of a cross beam , which connects the mechanisms of each side and prevents them from becoming loose.
• The sofa mechanism should work effortlessly , without friction and extraneous sounds.
• All parts of the mechanism must be tightly fastened to the frame and have no bends or backlashes. If such defects occur, then over time the situation will only get worse.
• When unfolded, the seat and back of the sofa should be strictly in the same plane and should not have any differences in thickness and also should not contain significant gaps at the junction. If there are such defects, sleeping on the sofa will be uncomfortable.
• Find out the strength characteristics of the upholstery. Fabric abrasion, its color fastness and ability to withstand point loads. How the fabric will behave when washed and cleaned.
• Find out the type and quality of fillings in your pillows. If the main filler is polyurethane foam, then its density should be at least 30 kg/m3. If the filler contains springs, then find out the type of spring blocks. Independent spring blocks with a small spring diameter are preferable.
• The frame and all parts of the sofa should not have cracks, chips, scratches or holes .

"French folding bed"

In Russia, models with a “French clamshell” transformation mechanism are not particularly popular. But such sofas are economical and easy to use.

The lightweight metal frame of three sections hides in the seat and requires minimal effort to unfold. On top, the frame can be equipped with wooden armor, mesh (metal or wicker), and fabric covering.

The disadvantages of a simple and lightweight design are also obvious:

• the sofa cannot be used without a separate mattress;
• the mattress must be stored separately;
• the lighter the frame, the lower the permissible weight of the sleeper;
• during each unfolding it is necessary to control the vertical position of the supports;
• no linen drawer.

When unfolding, you need to remove individual seat cushions each time. The compactness of the sofa increases the number of separate storage areas for mattresses and bed linen.

"American flip phone"

This mechanism works on the same principle, but has a more massive frame.

To eliminate the need to remove pillows, the Sedaflex modification uses a double-sided frame with upholstery with soft fillers. When the sofa is folded out, the seats go under the bottom of the bed.

But with daily use, standard mats easily wrinkle, forming deep folds. Therefore, expensive models are equipped with a removable orthopedic mattress.

Peculiarities

The main distinguishing feature of such sofas is the ease of their transformation into a sleeping place, which also turns out to be quite roomy depending on the chosen model. When folded, roll-out sofas are distinguished by their compactness, which is why these models are preferred by owners of small apartments. However, when unfolded, these models require a lot of free space in front of them, so it is not recommended to place coffee tables and other furnishings close to the sofas that roll out forward.

The retractable mechanism of these pieces of upholstered furniture is very reliable and easy to use, so they are quite durable.

Their disadvantages include the fact that when unfolding, the retractable mechanism can scratch the floor, or a fleecy carpet can prevent the easy movement of the retractable part. Regarding the first drawback, we can say that there are types of mechanisms that protect the floor covering, for example, equipped with rubber-coated wheels.

"Tango"

In terms of versatility of application, the “Tango” transformation mechanism is the leader (in Russian sales the name “click-click” is often used). Thanks to the hinge system with intermediate stops, the back of the sofa can be installed in different positions (vertical, inclined, horizontal).

“Tango” pays for the variability of transformations by the fact that the sofa cannot be installed close to the wall. Wear of the locking mechanisms leads to complex mechanical repairs.

Practical advice

If you prioritize budget considerations or longevity, consider these recommendations:

1. If you have a limited budget, choose a simple design with a minimum of springs and levers. Simple textile or tapestry upholstery can be easily replaced at low cost.
2. The “dolphin” and “accordion” mechanisms are most easily deployed by women and old people. But such sofas are more expensive than roll-out structures.
3. In terms of operational durability, imported models with leather upholstery are the leaders. The increased price of such models is justified by reliable long-term use (15-20 years).

The assortment of furniture showrooms and online stores provides unlimited opportunities for the desired choice. To determine the manufacturer's reputation, read reviews about the furniture factory and the specific model. However, when inspecting the purchase, you need to pay special attention to the quality of the assembly, which is well demonstrated by the fastening screws that are correctly screwed into the wooden frame of the sofa or the welded connections of metal parts.

Roll-out sofa filler

It is important to pay attention to the contents of the products, since many people constantly sleep on such furniture. Elements of pull-out sofas made from the following materials are considered to be of high quality:

• blocks of steel springs are used to create backrests and seats. This durable filler is used in the production of mattresses with orthopedic effect. In high-quality models, the spring block is mounted on a wooden frame and sheathed on the outside with felt, polyurethane foam, and durable material;
• molded polyurethane foam is created by foaming synthetic polymers. It is the most popular filler option and is used to create backrests, seats, and pillows. When choosing a filler, you need to focus on its density. For backs and seats, material with an index of at least 30-35 is suitable.

Black and white roll-out sofa

Roll-out sofa in the bedroom

Beige roll-out sofa