How to assemble or disassemble an accordion sofa - assembly diagram, instructions

Thanks to its compact dimensions and high performance characteristics, a sofa with an accordion mechanism is very popular. This model transforms into a spacious sleeping area, so it is perfect for both living rooms and children's rooms. If necessary, upholstered furniture can be moved from one room to another. Knowing how to assemble a sofa accordion, this will not be difficult. The model has a simple design that every man can handle without much effort.

Features of the accordion folding system

Accordion sofas are common and easy to find in stores. Of course, they are less popular than the books themselves, but nevertheless they are considered one of those that are quite simple to use and design. The transformation mechanism is very simple, and such a sofa can even be made independently from start to finish, because it does not use complex metal elements for unfolding, as in the same popular book.

Modern classification of sofas

Sofa accordion mechanism

So, the “accordion” folding or transformation system is the following mechanism: the sofa has three soft sections and unfolds according to the accordion principle. Its elements are connected to each other using special hinges firmly fixed to the frame. One of the sections is the seat, and the other two when folded are the backrest. I mean, it's like a double. When unfolding, you need to move the seat forward, first part of the backrest will stretch out behind it, then the second. Thus, the sofa becomes a spacious place to sleep. The bed will not have curves or sagging, it will be soft and comfortable. Of course, these conditions are met only when using high-quality furniture models.

The sofa bed is easy to use, very durable and can be used every day

Folding the sofa is also not difficult, just return all sections to their original position. Previous accordion sofas were quite heavy and bulky, but modern models are easy to fold and unfold. And now even a physically underdeveloped person or child can cope with this task.

Beautiful accordion sofa

On a note! It is interesting that it was the accordion that served as the prototype for the name of the method of transforming this sofa, since it is reminiscent of folding the bellows of this musical instrument.

Typically, the frame of such a sofa is made of metal, since this material is quite capable of ensuring a long service life of the product, its reliability and strength. The bed itself will have a wooden frame (like sheets) that is attached to a metal frame.

Sofa accordion

Accordion sofa on wooden structure

Materials

As we found out, usually an accordion sofa has a metal base frame, as well as wooden slats for the mattress. And here, in principle, everything is clear. That’s why most often accordions are chosen based on their “clothes,” that is, the upholstery in the first place. So, the following materials can be used for upholstery:

• flock , which is characterized by great strength and durability;
• leather and eco-leather , which will give the sofa solidity. These are easy-to-care materials, but they can be easily damaged by sharp objects. Also, such materials should not be chosen by those who have pets;
• jacquard is a material considered the most inexpensive, but at the same time it looks stylish and beautiful;
• matting is a material based on burlap, durable, undemanding, but hard and not particularly beautiful;
• velor is a delicate and pleasant material, but difficult to clean.

What is an accordion sofa
When choosing a sofa model and its upholstery material, you must take into account the conditions and frequency of use of the product. You also need to remember to take measurements of the room and decide where the furniture will be placed so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions. It would be a good idea to take into account the general style of the interior at the selection stage in order to choose a sofa that best suits the color and style.

Leather accordion sofa

Advantages and disadvantages

So, we have discovered the folding mechanism for this type of furniture. However, it would not hurt to study the advantages and disadvantages of this sofa. The advantages include the following aspects.

1. Durability and high reliability of the entire structure. This transformation mechanism has been and remains one of those that can serve for many years without complaints. Even in the event of a breakdown, such a sofa can be easily repaired; for this you do not need to buy any special devices or mechanisms.
2. Ease of transformation. This sofa is easy to fold and fold. There is no difficulty in simply enlarging the frame, and after use, folding it and returning it to its original appearance.

   Photos and dimensions of the accordion sofa

3. Ease of repair. It was already said above that the folding mechanism can be easily corrected in case of breakdown, but it is also easy to re-upholster the sofa if such a need arises. If the sofa begins to creak, the reason for the unpleasant sound often lies in the lack of lubrication in the parts of the transformation mechanism. Simply by lubricating all the hinges, you can get rid of the squeak. If the cause is a broken piece of wood, it is often enough to replace the damaged sheet with a new one or glue it.
4. Availability of storage space. Accordions often (but unfortunately not all) have drawers for storing bedding and other items. They allow you to free up space in closets and in the apartment as a whole.
5. Reducing space.
   Accordions can be placed directly against the wall, leaving no space between it and the furniture, as is the case with books and Eurobooks. How to choose the right sofa book
6. Large number of size variations.
   Accordions can be large or small and can be used for sleeping by both adults and children. There are also very small products that are suitable for modest-sized rooms. The accordion sofa bed has many advantages when it comes to furniture transformation

But the accordion also has its drawbacks. Often they are not the reason for refusing to buy such a sofa, but they can play an important role in choosing a model.

1. This sofa folds forward, which means there should be a lot of free space in front of it.
2. The accordion storage compartments are small. So don't expect to be able to stack a lot of stuff on your sofa.
3. The sofa may leave marks on the floor over time if it is constantly reclining. But here a lot will depend on the type of floor.
4. The back of the sofa often seems very massive and bulky; Do not forget that it turns out double due to the peculiarities of the folding mechanism.

Sofas with accordion mechanism

Cozy sofas

What will you need?

There are 2 types of corner sofas:

• products containing a 3- or 2-seater block, complemented by a sofa located perpendicularly;
• models containing a 3- or 2-seater block, connected via a corner element.

To take the sofa apart, you will need the following.

• Screwdriver. It would be nice to have several, taking into account the shape: flat and cross-shaped.
• Pliers (small and large).
• Wrenches (preferably a complete set for removing the fastening).
• Furniture stapler. Sometimes the fasteners are hidden under the upholstery; it will need to be unfastened and secured back.
• Screwdriver (with a set of bits).
• Packaging material (thick polyethylene, large and small bags for fasteners).
• Corrugated cardboard.

Features of the transformation mechanism

According to the principle of operation of the mechanism, a folding sofa accordion can be compared to a tension accordion or button accordion. Its design consists of three blocks, which consist of a metal or wooden frame. It is filled with wooden slats placed at a distance from each other.

The sleeping area consists of two blocks. The plates in them have a maximum distance from each other. The third frame serves as a seat. At the same time, it extends the living space when the sofa is unfolded. This part of the furniture receives a lot of stress, so the slats are placed as close as possible here.

When folded, the two main blocks fit snugly against each other, forming a backrest. They are perpendicular to the seat. To quickly unfold the accordion sofa, the seat must be removed. It will pull the entire structure along with it. When folded, the sofa does not take up much space and looks miniature.

The accordion mechanism can be found in the following versions:

1. Straight sofa. It has 3 seats and 2 bunk beds. Suitable for rooms with a small area. Folds forward.
2. Chair-bed. Small size, designed for one person. Used as a permanent or temporary place to sleep.
3. Corner sofa. When unfolded, it has a large sleeping area due to the design consisting of straight and stationary blocks. More suitable for spacious living rooms.

Right

Chair-bed for one person Corner
How to lay out a sofa with an accordion mechanism: First you need to slightly raise the seat until it clicks, indicating that the safety lock is locked. Also, the seat strongly pulls towards itself until the blocks create a flat surface.

Folding the accordion sofa is also easy. To do this you need to do the steps in reverse order:

1. The seat snaps into place. This causes the bed to rise up and become a headboard.
2. Lift the bottom unit slightly until you hear a click. The sofa can be fully reclined.

With a correctly assembled structure, the process is very quick and easy. If the accordion sofa does not unfold or fold, this indicates that the product was assembled incorrectly.

How to disassemble a corner sofa for transportation: work diagram

Before you begin dismantling structural elements, you need to organize your workspace, clearing the room of all unnecessary things. In addition, it is necessary to remove armrests, covers, pillows from the sofa - everything that can be removed without using tools.

Disassemble the sofa down to its base.

In general, the disassembly process occurs according to the following scheme:

• Place the sofa in a comfortable position for work. It is advisable to have free access to all its sections.
• A brief analysis of methods for attaching structural elements to each other. At this stage it will become clear what tools may be needed.
• Removing the sides. Often the side parts are installed using hooks. In this case, you just need to remove them. If the fastening is more complex, use the prepared tool. Some designs hold the sides together using a beam running behind the backrest.
• Divide the main sections. If the back or seat allows dismantling, remove them. Dismantle the corner section in accordance with the design features (it may not be dismountable). Remove the lift-up top from the ottoman.
• Dismantle the transformation mechanism. Since you need to disassemble the sofa into as many parts as possible, this stage can present a rather unpleasant surprise. The fact is that some solutions do not involve removing the mechanism without completely disassembling the structure. In this case, it is better to leave everything as is.
• Arrange the parts in an order convenient for packing.

Many sofas can be disassembled following the instructions.

Assembly and preparation for use

Assembling an accordion sofa yourself is not at all difficult. Also, many who like to make things with their own hands note that making such a sofa is as easy as shelling pears compared to other models. To design such a model, you need to stock up on a metal frame, panels or chipboard, upholstery and filling material, as well as fasteners. As for assembling the purchased sofa, there is nothing complicated here either.

Mechanism transformation

Step-by-step work to make it easy to assemble an accordion sofa

Along with the furniture parts there are mandatory instructions; following the step-by-step instructions, you can very quickly assemble this sofa model. Of course, design options may differ slightly depending on the type of sofa, but in general the technology remains the same.

Clue! Assembling any piece of furniture alone is not easy. Then it is better to invite an assistant to assemble the accordion.

Straight accordion sofa

In general, the entire construction process can be divided into two stages:

• frame design;
• assembly of sleeping elements.

Let's look at the step-by-step process of assembling one of the accordion sofa models.

Step 1. As a rule, such a sofa is delivered from the store partially disassembled. That is, the armrests, mattress and frame structure with the assembled transformation mechanism will be delivered separately. The first step is to unpack the sofa and free it from packaging elements.

These sofas are usually delivered partially disassembled.

Step 2. Next you need to take the frame part and unfold it, pushing it apart until it is completely open.

Frame part expands

Step 3. Next, you should lay the mattress on the surface of the frame. It is equipped with special Velcro straps that will help securely fix it to the frame part.

Stack mattress

Special Velcro straps available

Step 4. Use Velcro strips to secure the mattress to the frame. To do this, you must secure it to the base of the frame in the folds of the mattress, and also fix the mattress at the edges of the frame. You must use all the Velcro; This is the only way to achieve reliable fixation of soft tissues.

Attaching the mattress to the frame

Confirmation process

It is important to fix the soft part correctly

Step 5. Now you should start installing the armrests. For this process, it is necessary to remove the fixing and adjusting elements of the main frame armrests on the sides, and also remove the included accessories from the packaging. You will also need a 10 key.

The fixing and adjusting elements of the armrests have been removed from the main frame

Accessories included

Step 6. It is necessary to install and secure the brackets on the armrests of the sofa in specially marked places.

Mounting brackets

Step 7. When all the brackets are secured to the armrests, you need to insert them into the special transformation grooves.

Next, the armrests are inserted

They must be inserted into special slots for transformation

Step 8: The armrests also have plastic connectors. They need to be placed on the back of the sofa. They will help bring the armrests even closer together.

Installing a sofa back

Step 9. Now you need to move the sofa to such a position that you can reach with your hand the adjustment knob located between the armrest and the bed.

You have to get to the right lamb

Step 10. Next, the thumb should be squeezed until it stops. The sofa is completely assembled, all that remains is to check its transformability and, if all is well, place it in the chosen place in the apartment.

Lamb is squeezed to the end

Let's consider a more complex assembly option, where it is also necessary to additionally assemble the transformation mechanism.

Step 1. In this case, you must first secure special brackets to the side walls of the armrests. Fastening is carried out using bolts, screws and washers.

Attaching the brackets to the armrest

Bolts are used to fix

Step 2. Now you can assemble the frame. It is required to install small and large brackets, securing them with screws and nuts, and also install special flags on the transformation mechanism.

Assembling the sofa frame

Step 3. After this, you need to install the springs on the mechanism bracket, and then the plugs on the rods.

Installing the spring and plug

Step 4. After this, when the main part of the sofa is assembled, you can install the armrests by screwing them to the base of the sofa with nuts.

Armrests installed

Step 5. All that remains is to install the back of the sofa and voila, the product can be used. The main thing is to test it before use and make sure that the folding mechanism is working properly.

At the end the back of the sofa is installed

Repairing an old sofa with your own hands

If you decide to renovate an old sofa yourself, this information is for you. You can make your old favorite sofa new again yourself.

You will need tools and materials: pliers, a flat-head screwdriver, a hammer, a stapler with 10 mm and 14 mm staples, small nails, an adjustable wrench, a stationery knife, a sheet of foam rubber 4 cm thick, fabric, in case of replacing covers, and an assistant.

Most likely you have a sofa bed from those Soviet times. In another way it is also called “book”. It consists of a seat and a backrest, there are also two side panels and a tray. The back and seat are connected to each other by a special mechanism, with the help of which the sofa is folded and unfolded. The pallet usually stores laundry, and not only that. The sides are bolted to the pallet.

First, you need to prepare a place to work so that nothing interferes.

Let's start to sort it out. First the sides are removed. To do this, you need a wrench to unscrew the mounting bolts. After removing the sidewalls, we will see a mechanism that is attached to the pallet with bolts or screws. Before removing the mechanism, it should be marked, since it can be right or left. We need to separate the sides, the seat with backrest and the tray. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the disconnected parts. Since the detached elements are quite bulky, you will not need an assistant.

The sofa is dismantled. We inspect all the mechanisms. If they are badly worn and cannot be repaired, they need to be replaced with new ones. In this case, the repair of the sofa may end there, since it may not be possible to find the same mechanism. But if the mechanisms are still in good condition, you can do the rest of the repairs, since rare and expensive parts are no longer required.

The next stage is the covers. We will need pliers and a flat-head screwdriver to pull out the staples that secure the covers. If the covers have not yet been worn out and are in normal presentation, they can only be washed.

So, the covers are removed, and we find a polyurethane or cotton mattress. In Soviet sofas they used a cotton mattress; under it there is a spring block, which is nailed to a wooden frame.

We inspect the springs. If we find broken ones, we replace them with new ones that can be found in an old discarded sofa. If the springs “sag”, stretch them with your hands without removing them from the block.

You can increase the elasticity and service life of a sofa very simply. We take thick foam rubber and cut it with a stationery knife and then stuff the spring block with it. Then the block is covered with a thick material (you can take a wool blanket), stretch it and nail it to the wooden frame with small nails. We place furniture foam rubber 4 cm thick on top of the fabric. The foam rubber can be nailed to the frame with a stapler with 14 mm staples, or with small nails in increments of 3-4 cm. The foam rubber is stretched to the outer edge of the frame. If the foam hangs outside the frame, it needs to be cut off with a knife.

We have completed the repair of the spring block. If the covers are intact and washed, we stretch them over the back, seat and sides.

If you want to change the covers, you can cut them from the old covers and sew new ones. Now there are a lot of different fabrics for this in stores and on the market. For an average sofa on the seat and back you need 5 linear meters of fabric with a width of 1.5 m. For the sides you need another 2 m. You can also mark the fabric along the foam rubber that we nailed on top of the spring block.

We stretch the fabric from the long sides and gradually move to the ends. You need to pull it firmly, but evenly, while bending the edges inward and nailing it with a stapler with 10 mm staples. If you don't like your work, pull out the staples and tighten them again.

The covers are put on, secured with a stapler, and your sofa is ready for assembly. We place the mechanisms in accordance with the marks that you set before disassembling. We secure the seat and backrest. We install the sides.

That's it - the sofa is ready.

Of course, it is not easy to do all this, but it is possible. You never know what you can do till you try.

You can find out how much it costs to repair an old sofa in your city by calling furniture workshops or using an ad. And you will immediately understand that money saved is money earned.

And you will be very pleased to sit on your old, but now new sofa.

Step-by-step instruction

How to assemble an accordion sofa in the morning and arrange it in the evening? This process can be confusing, but after repeating the process a few times, you can easily 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 deployment:

1. Hold the bottom of the seat with both hands and lift it up until the safety mechanism clicks.
2. Pull the system towards you while reversing. The back will unfold, the blocks will become a single flat surface.

How to fold the back of an accordion sofa:

1. While holding the bottom edge of the seat, push or rotate it towards the backrest so that the transformation mechanism folds into its original position.
2. Raise the seat until it clicks so that the safety catch snaps into place and the sofa does not fall apart on its own.

Important! Learn how to fold the frame 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 launch the first module, place it on the ground, and roll it out until it is completely even.

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

Important! Low-quality hard drives scratch parquet and laminate flooring; replace them with silicone or rubber analogues so as not to damage the flooring every time you unfold the sofa. It is also better to remove carpets and rugs in the way of unfolding the accordion.

If the mechanism works properly, disassembling and assembling the accordion sofa will not cause difficulties. Any jamming or difficulty indicates improper installation or design problems. Most often they suffer:

• Wheels. Have you noticed that over time the device began to fail? Check, change the small wheels, it should help.
• Accessories for lamellas. Armored bras do not affect the ability to pull out the sofa, but cause discomfort 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. Often a quick tightening of the bolts and a quick lube (repeat every 6-12 months) is all it takes to make the frame usable again. A broken hinge that no longer works will need to be purchased and completely replaced.
• Framework. Poor quality welds and the use of poor quality material cause bends, cracks and other damage. The element can be desoldered or a new one ordered.

How to pack?

Before you move your sofa to a new location after disassembling it, you need to think about packaging. This will protect the upholstery from dirt and damage. In addition, this point is important for wooden elements, the presentation of which is very important. The packaging procedure is not difficult, however, there are a number of recommendations. The best materials for packaging are cardboard, polyethylene film, and bubble wrap. You can secure them with regular tape.

Please note that each item must be packaged separately. Edges and hard corners must be lined with cardboard, and soft surfaces must be wrapped with film. Each layer is fixed with tape. Fastening elements are placed in a specially prepared container, which must be tightly closed. This will help you assemble the sofa faster, since everything you need will be at hand. If you perform all the steps correctly, the sofa will not be afraid of dirt and moisture. He will calmly tolerate not too careful external influences.

Useful tips

When assembling an accordion sofa yourself, you should arm yourself with some useful tips.

• If you cannot unfold or fold the sofa, it means it was not assembled correctly; you will have to “correct the mistakes.”
• It is better to assemble such furniture with an assistant. In this case, the work will be faster and easier.
• Do not start assembling furniture with an accordion mechanism if you don’t understand anything about it; call a specialist so as not to accidentally damage the sofa.
• For assembly, use only high-quality and reliable tools that will not fail at a crucial moment.
• If you make wooden furniture yourself, do not forget to treat it with antiseptic compounds before starting all work.

Video instructions for assembling the sofa are presented below.

Due to its compact size and high performance characteristics, a sofa with an accordion mechanism is very popular. This model transforms into a spacious sleeping area, making it ideal for both living rooms and children's rooms.

If necessary, upholstered furniture can be moved from room to room. Knowing how to assemble an accordion sofa is not difficult.

The model has a simple design that every man can handle without much effort.

Armrests

The easiest way to make armrests is rectangular in shape; they can be made quite wide. The armrests are completely symmetrical and differ only in the direction of the bolt for assembling the elements. Sequence of work:

1. Assembling a frame from 4 strips of plywood (top, bottom, front, back walls) and 7 vertical beams, the 7th beam is installed closer to the rear wall of the frame, a hole is drilled in it for a bolt. The bolt is immediately installed in place and fixed from the head side.
2. Covering the frame with foam rubber (allowance at the edges of 0.5 cm).
3. Covered with fabric (allowance of at least 5 cm, for a model with drawstrings more).
4. Manufacturing, pasting with foam rubber, covering the sidewalls from fiberboard (a hole for the bolt is immediately drilled in the inner sidewall).
5. Installing the side panels into the body, fixing them with self-tapping screws in the corners.

If tightening is being done, it is convenient to cut holes in the foam rubber using a joker pipe with a pointed edge. Instead of furniture buttons, you can use footrests on a nail, covering them with fabric. The prepared bearings are driven into the holes with a mallet, the fabric in the tightening areas is pre-fixed to the plywood with a stapler.

Frame replacement

Repair of sofa parts.

Sofa repair involves replacing foam rubber. To do this you will need to remove the upholstery. This work is carried out using furniture foam rubber, the density of which ranges from 35-40 mm. If the spring block breaks through the foam, then the springs are replaced. The burlap is cut to a specific size. It is laid on the block in 2 layers. Foam rubber is placed on top. It is fixed to the frame with staples, and to the burlap with glue. Then a layer of padding polyester is laid. The fabric is stretched and fixed. The furniture is being assembled.

Repairing an accordion sofa involves installing a new frame and transformation mechanism. Initially, the 2nd element is dismantled. The components must be lubricated with machine oil. Springs that are overextended are shortened.

As for frame repair, this process involves replacing cracked or broken structural elements. Their parameters are preliminarily determined. You can buy the product ready-made at a hardware store. Otherwise, the elements are made to order in a carpentry shop. Parts are replaced, tightened and glued. When carrying out this process, it is recommended to pay special attention to the plywood located under the spring block. If it is poorly fixed, then the plywood is secured with nails and glued with PVA. The dismantled elements are assembled.

Related article: Short circuit in the house

Sofa repair involves replacing the spring unit. Springs come in 2 types:

• old (with a height of 20 cm, a diameter of 15 cm and a thickness of 5 mm);
• modern (with a height of 12 cm, a diameter of 10 cm and a thickness of 2.2 mm).

The latter system involves the use of spirals. To replace them, you will need to release the spiral lock from one end. The other end is unscrewed. The spring is released from both sides and replaced. The new spiral is installed.

If several damaged elements are detected in the spring block, then a new system will need to be installed.

Otherwise, the remaining spirals will begin to fail.

Other book variations

The classic version of the book sofa is described above, but now there are more advanced models on sale. This is a click-clack and a Eurobook.

The click-klyak is an almost traditional book, but has the ability to be installed reclining. However, its transformation mechanism is very unreliable. It unfolds in the same way as a regular book. There are no joints or height differences in the sleeping area.

Sofa click-clack

The Eurobook has a roll-out part. That is, to unfold it, you need to move the seat forward and then lower the backrest down. A simple option that folds out easily and has such a simple mechanism that it is extremely difficult to disable it. It is considered very reliable and durable, usually lasting longer than an ordinary classic book. Even a child can lay it out.

Eurobook sofa

Chair on a metal frame

Chairs on a metal frame are light, comfortable and reliable. The service life of such products is very long, assembly is simple and convenient. The use of a metal frame allows you to integrate a convenient roll-out linen drawer, which fully extends, making it easier to access things and when cleaning.

Used in the manufacture of models: “Vancouver”, “Manhattan”, “Nice”, “Orlando”, “Picasso”, “Houston”, “Monaco”

• Reliable durable metal frame

• Easy replacement of covers

• High maintainability

• Linen drawer extends completely

• Convenient quick assembly on mounts