Sofa book - how to choose the right one and an overview of modern design (120 photos)

Sofas are mandatory interior items in many apartments or houses. They are usually beautiful and comfortable, and are made from a variety of materials. The most often chosen products are those equipped with a mechanism that allows the item to unfold. In this case, they are used not only for sitting, but also as a complete and comfortable place for constant sleep. There are many such mechanisms, and these include an accordion or a dolphin, but the most often chosen is a sofa book, the types of which are widely presented in the photo selection. These products have different sizes, shapes and other parameters, so before purchasing you should evaluate all their parameters, after which the optimal design for a particular room is selected.

Advantages and disadvantages

These designs have both positive and some negative parameters. The advantages of their constant use include:

• disassembling them is very simple, so everyone can handle this process;
• by choosing a high-quality model, you can count on its long service life and ease of use;
• For a sofa of a similar model, various covers are produced that allow you to preserve the attractive and original appearance of the upholstery;
• Various materials are used to create structures, not only for upholstery, but also in the process of creating the frame;
• Products are available in different sizes;
• the assembled piece of furniture does not take up much space, which is especially important for small rooms;
• Most often, modern sofas are produced with a linen box designed for storing bedding;
• Due to the simplicity of the mechanism, manufacturers set low prices for products.

However, these designs have some disadvantages:

• upholstered furniture is produced with the transformation of a book with a rollback from the wall, so it is necessary to leave some space behind the product, which is often impossible for a small room;
• children will not be able to handle the mechanism;
• if you choose a cheap model that will be disassembled and reassembled quite often, then it will quickly break.

Thus, the types presented have pros and cons, just like an accordion or other transformation mechanisms. If, after studying all the parameters, you decide to purchase such a design anyway, it is important to study the rules for its use.

Dolphin

"Dolphin" unfolded.

More often, “dolphin” is found in corner models. To unfold, you need to pull the strap on the bottom of the seat, under which there is a hidden section. It seems to “emerge” from under the sofa, which is why the mechanism got its name. The result is a flat bed without joints. To fold it back, you need to pull the strap up at an angle, and the section will fold inward. The additional pillow is located inside the structure, so in straight models there is no space for a linen drawer.

Pros:

• The backrest does not fold, you can lean on it comfortably - like on the high headboard of a soft bed.
• The “dolphin” does not require free space near the wall to operate.

Minuses:

• Straight models do not have a linen drawer.
• The inner section can weigh a lot (depending on the size and features of the specific model). It will be more difficult for children to unfold such a sofa.
• In cheaper models, the levels of the inner section and seat may vary. Because of this, the sleeping surface may be uneven. Be careful when choosing.

How to unfold

This sofa mechanism ensures a level sleeping area and is also strong and durable. It is chosen more often than accordion or some other types of transformation. However, it is important to understand how to assemble such sofas, since this process must be carried out correctly and competently. If necessary, a video of this process is viewed.

Unfolding the sofa is very simple, since only simple and understandable steps are performed:

• Initially, with the help of a special handle, the seat is raised, this leads to the fact that the backrest is lowered, and therefore takes a horizontal position;
• then the seat is moved towards the back until a click is heard, ensuring that the structure is installed in the right place;
• the seat goes down.

These instructions are simple and clear. If you carefully understand how to disassemble sofas with a simple mechanism, then this process will not cause difficulties for the owners of the structure. You don't have to put in a lot of effort when laying out the products.

Accordion

This folding mechanism is distinguished not only by its bright musical name. This sofa has the largest area when unfolded - it increases three times! How does the accordion sofa unfold? The seat slides forward on wheels, and the back, consisting of two folded parts, stretches behind it and folds out into one plane.

Photo: cucino.ro

In the front of this sofa there are spacious storage drawers. And the accordion sofa itself, when unfolded, turns into a very large and comfortable bed. However, due to its size, it is only suitable for large and spacious rooms.

Types of sofas

There are many varieties of this piece of furniture available, and they differ in various parameters:

• shape - products can be straight or angular. The last option is usually chosen for small rooms, since an unfolded sofa, like an assembled one, does not take up much space. Corner structures are available right-handed or left-handed, and some manufacturers offer universal furniture. In it, both parts are swapped if necessary;
• color of sofas - colors can be different, so for each room made in a specific color scheme, the most suitable option is selected. Transformable beige sofas are considered an ideal solution for offices or living rooms designed in any classic style. Red, black or white designs are considered interesting, forming unusual accents in various rooms;
• upholstery material - a leather sofa is considered the most popular, but designs made from eco-leather, jacquard, flock or other fabrics that are durable, abrasion-resistant and easy to care for are often chosen;
• dimensions - modern sofa models usually have standard sizes, but some manufacturers offer unique interior items with unusual dimensions. In this case, for each individual room with limited or excessively large space, a suitable model is selected;
• equipping with additional elements - this includes drawers for linen or armrests. If there is limited space in the room, then book sofas without armrests are chosen, since they take up little space, but are not very comfortable to use. Designs equipped with two armrests are most convenient to use.

Thus, book designs are produced, just like an accordion or other mechanisms, in various forms with numerous differences. During the selection process, it is recommended to pay attention to all parameters. Comfort book sofas are considered an ideal solution because they are easy to use and high quality.

Mechanism parts for sofas book

Let's further understand the design of the sofa. We have already figured out that it consists of two independent sections - a seat and a back. It can be with or without armrests. Let's turn our attention to the frame. If you are a supporter of a wooden frame, then the most durable ones are made of hardwood. Now you can see metal frames. They are based on metal pipes or corners. The thicker the pipes, the more reliable the frame. The thickness of the pipe walls should not be less than five millimeters.

Filler is a friend of our comfort. In book sofas this can be polyurethane foam, furniture foam rubber or a spring block.

PPU (polyurethane foam), or furniture foam rubber, is the most budget option, and although its orthopedic properties are significantly lower than those of a spring block, it copes with the task of providing a comfortable rest. The main thing is to check the density of polyurethane foam before purchasing. The service life of such a sofa is naturally lower than that of a sofa with a spring block.

Sofas with spring blocks are quite rigid, but they have an orthopedic effect that will ensure a comfortable and healthy sleep. Spring blocks, as you know, come in two types: dependent and independent. Sofas with independent spring blocks are of higher quality, each spring is packed in a separate bag, which makes your sleep more restful, the springs evenly support the spine and the sofa does not start dancing from your movements. Keep in mind that the smaller the diameter of the springs, the more comfortable the mattress.

Upholstery materials

A sofa that folds out using a book mechanism is formed using various materials necessary to create the upholstery. The most common options are:

• A leather sofa is considered an excellent choice for different rooms. The leather sofa is available in numerous colors, which makes it possible to choose the optimal model for each room. It is considered easy to care for and attractive. A leather sofa often becomes an unsurpassed decoration of a room;
• eco-leather book sofas - these products are more affordable than a leather sofa. They are beautiful and inexpensive, however, their service life is considered insignificant due to rapid abrasion;
• cotton - a roll-out decor item made from this material is environmentally friendly and attractive, however, it absorbs extraneous odors and moisture. Due to these parameters, the product does not have a long service life;
• jacquard is considered an excellent choice, as it is resistant to abrasion, does not lose its bright colors with constant exposure to sunlight and lasts for many years;
• flock is often chosen for upholstered furniture, since the material is durable and attractive, and no harmful or even dangerous components are used in its production process.

Thus, a folding piece of furniture is available in numerous upholsteries, differing in cost, appearance and parameters.

Jacquard Genuine leather

Flock

Cotton Eco leather

Tango

The tango sofa is a modernized “book” model. Modern designers have nicknamed this folding mechanism “click-clack.” Its sides and rear parts can be transformed. As a result of this, we get a full-fledged sleeping area where guests can sit.

The advantages of such a structure are:

• three positions of the backrest. Here you can adjust the angle of inclination, thereby selecting the desired position while sitting.;
• This sofa mechanism is suitable for daily sleeping. Durable fittings included in the structure ensure safe assembly of all parts during operation;
• a large box that acts as a storage area.

In addition to the advantages, there are some disadvantages:

• it is not possible to install the sofa close to the wall surface;
• requires effort during transformation.

Without armrests

If you are choosing a design for installation in a small room, then the most suitable option is one that is not equipped with armrests. It fits into the tightest of spaces, but is considered not very user-friendly by many people.

Most often, sofas are created with a mechanism on a metal frame, but the armrests are made of other materials. The most popular are book sofas with wooden armrests.

The advantages of using products that are not equipped with armrests include the fact that on the sides of them it is possible to install ottomans, coffee tables or other objects that significantly increase the comfort of using the piece of furniture. Most often, these designs are chosen if there is little allocated space left in the living room or other room for installing upholstered furniture, so you have to sacrifice comfort.

Without armrests

With armrests

Design features of the book mechanism

There are two types of book mechanisms: with a shelf and without a shelf. They unfold identically, but how do they differ? What does this even mean, what are these “shelves”?

A shelf, or corner, is an additional stiffening rib that takes on most of the load. This corner is where the mechanism is attached to the frame of the sofa. Increases the durability of the frame, since through holes do not have to be made in it.

A mechanism without a shelf or without a corner has a flat design, and in order to attach it to the frame, through holes have to be made in it, which, of course, does not add strength to it. Conclusion: choose sofas with a shelf.

With drawers for linen

Almost all sofas with a mechanism called “comfort book” are equipped with these elements. They significantly increase the usability of upholstered furniture.

There may be one box or several of these elements. They have different dimensions and depth. They are often used not only for storing bed linen, but also for other items that are quite large in size. Some drawers are only accessible when the sofa is disassembled, while others are always easy to open.

Where can I buy?

You can buy one of these sofas in the store of our partners “KupiStol”. Out of 205 positions, you will 100% find an option that you like :). We are happy to recommend this store to you. And we are sure that you will thank us. Be sure to write a review about the store in the comments. We hope you liked the article. See you later!)

How to choose a quality sofa (1 video)

Sofas with different mechanisms (40 photos)

Selection rules

It is important to understand how to choose the model of the presented sofa so that they are comfortable and durable. For this, important factors are taken into account:

• the quality of the product must be high;
• its price must correspond to the amount of money allocated for this and the available quality;
• the color should fit well into the color scheme of the room where the furniture is planned to be installed;
• the dimensions must correspond to the available space and the people themselves using the structure for sitting or sleeping;
• The product is equipped with additional elements that significantly increase the comfort of its use.

Thus, designs equipped with a book mechanism are an interesting choice for any room. The most commonly chosen sofas are the comfort book type, since they are pleasant and convenient to use. It is important to evaluate all the parameters of the product and make the right choice.

How to choose a transformation mechanism

What criteria should you use to choose a sofa transformation mechanism:

• Frequency of use (not all mechanisms are adapted to daily loads).
• Room area.
• Quality of the sleeping place (for frequent use, choose a model without “composite” parts).
• Thickness of the mattress (for frequent use, the model should be equipped with a mattress larger than the width of the palm).