How to assemble a sofa with an accordion mechanism step by step with your own hands

The sofa has been and remains an almost indispensable piece of furniture in any apartment and any home. It is both a place of relaxation, a place where you can sit with friends, and a place to sleep, especially in modern small-sized apartments, and also often serves as an additional sleeping place for guests.

This is why it is important to choose a folding version for your home. Now there are many types of sofas, which differ in the type of folding. One of the most popular models is the accordion sofa. It is quite convenient to unfold, but it also has its own characteristics.

It is quite possible to assemble it yourself, without resorting to the help of assemblers, despite the apparent complexity of the transformation mechanism. How to assemble a sofa accordion? The assembly diagram and its technology are presented in this material.

How to assemble a sofa accordion - assembly diagram

Features of the accordion folding system

Accordion sofas are widespread and easy to find in stores. Of course, they are less popular than the same books, but, nevertheless, they are considered one of those that are quite easy to use and lay out. 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, like the same popular book.

Modern classification of sofas

Mechanism for accordion sofa

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 a seat, and the other two, when folded, form a backrest. That is, it turns out to be double. When unfolding, you need to move the seat forward, the first part of the back will follow it, then the second. Thus, the sofa will turn into a spacious place to sleep. The bed will not have any bends or changes; it will be smooth and comfortable. Of course, these conditions are met only when using high-quality furniture models.

The folding sofa with a roll-out mechanism is easy to use, it is very reliable and can be used daily

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

Beautiful accordion sofa

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

Typically, the frame of such a sofa is made of metal, since this material is fully capable of ensuring a long service life of the product, its reliability and strength. The bed itself will have a wooden frame (for example, slats), which is fixed to a metal frame.

Sofa accordion

Sofa accordion on a wooden frame

Briefly about the main thing

An invention of the mysterious East, the ottoman has become one of the most versatile pieces of furniture. It is used in different interiors in living rooms, bedrooms, offices and bathrooms, but the most popular accessory is part of upholstered furniture.

Corner sofas with an ottoman, especially folding and modular ones, are popular. Such upholstered furniture will have enough space for the whole family, and the ottoman will provide additional comfort: you can put a tray on it or play a board game on it.

When choosing furniture, we focus on the style of the room, as well as its area. The models offered on the market are varied in shape, color and design, so you can choose the right accessory for any interior.

Advantages and disadvantages

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

1. Strength and high reliability of the entire structure . This transformation mechanism has been and remains one of those that can serve for many years without any complaints. Even if it breaks, such a sofa can be easily repaired; you do not need to buy any special devices or mechanisms for this.
2. Easy transformation. It is easy to unfold and fold this sofa. There is no difficulty in simply expanding the structure, and after use, folding it again and giving it its original appearance.

   
   Photos and dimensions of the accordion sofa

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3. Easy to repair . It was already said above that the folding mechanism is easy to fix if it fails, but it’s also easy to reupholster the sofa if the need arises. If the sofa begins to creak, then the reason for the unpleasant sound often lies in the lack of lubrication on the parts of the transformation mechanism. Just by lubricating all the hinges, you can get rid of the squeak. If the reason lies in a broken wooden part, then it is often enough to simply replace the damaged lamella with a new one or glue it together.
4. Availability of storage space . Often accordions (but, unfortunately, not all) have drawers for storing linen and other things. They allow you to free up space in closets and the apartment as a whole.
5. Space saving. Accordions can be placed directly against the wall, without leaving a gap between it and the piece of 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 both large and 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 a lot of advantages, as it is a transformable piece of furniture.

But accordions also have their drawbacks. They rarely become the reason for refusing to buy such a sofa, but they can play a big role when choosing a model.

1. This sofa folds forward, which means there should be quite a lot of free space in front of it.
2. The storage compartments for accordions are small. So you shouldn’t expect to be able to fit a lot of things into the sofa.
3. Over time, the sofa may leave marks on the floor when constantly unfolded. But here a lot will depend on the type of flooring.
4. The back of the sofa often seems very massive and bulky - do not forget that it turns out to be double due to the peculiarities of the folding mechanism.

Sofas with accordion mechanism

Cozy sofas

Ottoman: history of evolution

The name (Ottoman) comes from a Turkish name; therefore, a soft, low sofa with cushions and without a solid back most likely came to Europe from the territory of the Ottoman Empire, around the end of the 17th century.

The Turks placed soft sofas around the perimeter of the room to create a comfortable relaxation area. In Europe, the concept of furniture began to transform, and today the following variations are understood as an ottoman:

• Traditional. It is more reminiscent of the ancient prototype than the others. This is a pouf or sofa with pillows and bolsters located on the sides. The seat of the latter can be solid or also consists of pillows. If the pillows and bolsters are removable, the sofa can be transformed into a comfortable sleeping place.

In oriental style Source squarespace-cdn.com

• Classic. A salon accessory used in classic and eclectic interiors. The furniture began to look different: it acquired long legs and turned into a luxury item; it can easily be confused with a couch or ottoman. The backrest may be absent; instead of side bolsters, elegant armrests have appeared, often of an unexpected configuration. Such ottomans decorate the interior of an office, bedroom, or library.

Velor and capitonné Source pinimg.com

• Modern. By the end of the 19th century, the ottoman shrank in size and began to resemble a round or octagonal pouf. It is still used today as a chair or footstool. In other cases, the ottoman serves as an element of modular furniture.

Today, the question of what an ottoman is by a sofa is asked less and less often. An L-shaped sofa consisting of modules is a familiar option that is found in both classic and modern interiors. The modular system allows you to quickly change the configuration of the living room by moving the blocks relative to each other in different ways.

In the living-dining room with an accent wall Source pinimg.com

Subspecies of accordions

Accordion sofas come in a wide variety of appearances and shapes. They can be both large and small, narrow and wide, and can also combine other types of transformation, differ in upholstery materials and internal filling. But, in general, all accordion sofas can be divided into three main subtypes, which, oddly enough, have “flowery” names.

An accordion sofa with a drawer for linen is an excellent option for use in small apartments or separate rooms

Table. Subtypes of accordion sofas.

Corner sofa accordion

Also, accordion sofas, depending on the model, may have shelves, built-in small tables on the sides, drawers for linen and other elements. Sometimes in addition to the sofa there is an armchair, you can buy a whole set.

On a note! There are not only sofas, but also accordion chairs, which fold out according to exactly the same principle, but turn into a small single bed. An excellent option for small rooms and one person living. They may have armrests, but there are also models without them. As a rule, if there are no armrests, the sleeping area becomes more spacious. This rule applies to sofas, not just armchairs.

Accordion chairs

How to choose

When choosing furniture, we take into account the size of the living room and its load of furniture, as well as the style design. The choice is simplified if you want to buy an ottoman-chair or an ottoman-table. In this case, it is much easier to allocate space.

The task becomes more complicated if the ottoman is included in a set with a sofa or with a sofa and two armchairs. There should be enough space for all items; ideally, if the L-shaped model can be placed not against the wall, but closer to the center of the room. In a studio apartment, furniture can become an element of zoning. In a small living room, where the sofa is placed close to the wall, it is appropriate to think about a transforming design.

Scandinavian style studio Source archidom.ru

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

Assembly and preparation for use

Assembling an accordion-type sofa yourself is not at all difficult. Moreover, many who are interested in making their own products note that making such a sofa is as easy as shelling pears compared to other models. In order to construct such a model, you need to stock up on a metal frame, chipboard panels or boards, upholstery and filling material, as well as fasteners. As for assembling a purchased sofa, there is nothing complicated here either.

Mechanism transformation

Step-by-step work that allows you to easily assemble a sofa accordion

Along with the furniture parts, there is also an instruction manual, following the step-by-step instructions in which you can assemble this sofa model very quickly. Of course, assembly variations may differ slightly depending on the subtype of sofa, but still, in general terms, the technology remains the same.

Advice! Assembling any furniture alone is not easy. So it’s better to invite an assistant to assemble the accordion.

Straight accordion sofa
In general, the entire assembly process can be divided into two stages:

• frame design;
• assembly of sleeping elements.

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

Step 1. As a rule, a sofa of this type is delivered from the store partially disassembled. That is, armrests, a mattress, as well as the frame structure itself with the assembled transformation mechanism will be delivered separately. The first thing you need to do is unpack the sofa and free it from packaging elements.

Usually such sofas are delivered partially disassembled

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

The frame part expands

Step 3. Then you need to lay the mattress on the surface of the frame. It is equipped with special Velcro strips that will help securely secure it to the frame part.

The mattress is being laid

Special Velcro tapes are available

Step 4. Use Velcro strips to secure the mattress to the frame. To do this, it is imperative to secure it to the base of the frame in the places where the mattress is folded, and also fix the mattress on the edges of the frame. You need to use all the Velcro - this is the only way to achieve reliable fixation of the soft part.

Fixing the mattress on the frame

Fixation process

It is important to properly fix the soft part

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

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

Accessories included

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

Attaching the holders

Step 7. When all the holders are fixed on the armrests, you need to insert them into the special transformation grooves.

Next, the armrests are inserted

They need to be inserted into special grooves for transformation

Step 8: The armrests also have plastic connectors. They need to be put on the back of the sofa. They will help further tighten the armrests towards each other.

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 need to get to the adjustment knob

Step 10. Next, the lamb needs to be tightened until it stops. The sofa is completely assembled, all that remains is to check its transformation capabilities and, if all is well, place it in the chosen place in the apartment.

The lamb is tightened until it stops

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

Step 1. In this case, you first need to attach special brackets to the side armrests. Fixation is done using bolts, screws and washers.

Fixing the brackets on the armrest

Bolts are used for fixation

Step 2. Now you can assemble the frame. It is required to install small and large supports, fixing 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 support, 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 using nuts.

Armrests are installed

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

At the end the back of the sofa is installed

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.