Sleep is a very important part of any person’s life, in which he spends about a third of every day. During this period, the body restores lost strength and rests. Therefore, sleep should be of high quality and complete. The right place for dreams plays a significant role in this. In small apartments it is extremely difficult to install a large and high-quality bed, which is why many people opt for sofas. But not every type of this furniture is suitable for a quality night. Which sofa is better to choose for daily sleep? Let's try to figure it out.
Which sofa is better to choose for daily sleep?
Why is it so important to choose a reliable mechanism?
If the internal mechanisms become unusable, then it will not be possible to use upholstered furniture as a bed.
Daily use means heavy loads on the transformation device. The stronger it is, the longer the furniture will serve its intended purpose - as a permanent sleeping place.
Pay attention to other factors that affect reliability: materials, device complexity, manufacturer reputation, and price. A product that is too cheap is unlikely to last long.
In addition to strength, a mechanism for daily use must have the following qualities:
- Be easy to use on a daily basis. It is unlikely that anyone would want to start or end the day with a long, painstaking assembling and disassembling of the bed.
- Have a simple design. The fewer parts, the less the risk that something inside will become unusable. A simple design is easier and cheaper to repair.
To find out which sofa layout mechanism is the most reliable, let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Design
The work of design engineers must be paid. Their services are inevitably included in the cost of furniture and affect the final price.
Models of standard design, due to the large volume of production and minimal costs for finding the original form, always win in terms of cost. Whether you see an exclusive item in a store or want to order something completely unusual from the manufacturer, be prepared for additional costs.
The advantages of the best sofa factories include the use of advanced technology, consistent quality and a wide range of products. They can also be categorized by price.
Book
The photograph shows one of the main drawbacks of almost all “books” - the joint between the structures.
An old, time-tested device that was widely used in Soviet folding sofas. Simply pull the lower part up (as if tilting the seat) until it clicks, and then release. The back will take a horizontal position, forming a spacious sleeping surface.
This is a simple but reliable mechanism that will last for many years. Fragments of the structure are located inside, but they are compact, so you can arrange storage space under the seat. For example, you can put bed linen and other bedding there.
Advantages:
- simplicity and reliability;
- low price;
- there is free space for storing things;
- It folds and unfolds easily - even a child can handle it.
The “book” has several disadvantages:
- For correct operation, free space is required; it cannot be placed close to the wall.
- A deep depression forms in the middle, which can affect your sleeping comfort. This deficiency can be corrected with the help of a topper - a thin mattress up to 10 cm thick.
Orthopedic mattress
Comfort and ease of sleep depend entirely on the quality of the mattress. You can even sleep on the floor, if someone likes it, as long as there is an excellent mattress on this floor. That is why on top of the orthopedic lattice in sofas with an accordion transformation mechanism there is a mattress filled with elastic polyurethane foam of various densities, which has unique restorative properties and provides an excellent orthopedic effect. It is these mattresses that make sleeping on sofas with accordion mechanisms strong and complete, allowing you to truly relax.
Eurobook
Ormatek Easy Home Middle model with a frame made of chipboard and fabric upholstery.
Another mechanism whose work is compared to a book. Eurobooks do not need free space in the rear part of the case to unfold. They can be easily placed close to the wall. But to arrange such furniture, you need to perform more actions. First move the seat forward and then lower the backrest. Assembling the “Eurobook” is also simple - just repeat the steps in reverse order.
The structure of the design is simpler than the classic “book”. The backrest is hinged, and the seat moves forward on wheels. Typically, frame parts and wheel guides are made of hardwood or plywood. Simplicity of design and durable materials ensure longevity of the furniture.
Be careful - when unfolding, the back of the sofa may fall on its own. Hold it and carefully lower it, otherwise the retaining hinges will eventually become loose from the constant fall of the backrest under its own weight.
Pros:
- The folding mechanism does not take up much space, so many manufacturers provide a niche inside for storing things. If you use the sofa for its intended purpose every day, you can store sleeping accessories there: pillows, blankets, a thin mattress pad.
- The “Eurobook” is devoid of a significant drawback of the “book” - the depression between the back and the seat when unfolded. It will be more comfortable to sleep on it.
- The simplest model in the top, which means more durable.
- The price is comparable to the “book”.
Minuses:
- It cannot be folded and unfolded in one motion.
- When choosing upholstered furniture, make sure that the front part is retractable on wheels. If they are not there, there is a risk of ruining the floor covering or carpet.
Natural wood finish
Good quality furniture not only fits perfectly into the interior of the house, it is what creates it. That is why it is so important that pieces of furniture have their own style.
From some manufacturers you can find sofas with an accordion mechanism, made in a country style, which carries a kind of nostalgia for a beautiful and measured country life. In particular, some models of accordion sofas have armrests and a front panel (tsar) made of natural wood, most often made of 100% solid beech - a natural, strong and durable material. It is the heady aroma of natural wood and its unique texture that creates the atmosphere of a family hearth . Solid wood brings a feeling of peace and unity with nature.
Accordion
This is what the “accordion” looks like under the upholstery. The picture shows slats that give the sleeping place orthopedic qualities.
The operating principle of the mechanism really resembles an accordion. To unfold it, you need to lift the seat until it clicks, then pull it forward along with the backrest (somewhat reminiscent of a regular folding bed). The model unfolds in a few seconds.
The main advantage of “accordions” is the presence of a durable metal frame with a lamella lattice. Just like in full beds! Elastic wooden armor absorbs the load, improving the orthopedic properties of the bed. Sleeping on such furniture will be more beneficial for the health of the musculoskeletal system. And the presence of a metal frame has a good effect on the durability and reliability of the product as a whole.
Such sofas protrude strongly forward - this is both a plus and a minus. They need a lot of space in front, but even small models (~ 140 cm wide) easily form a comfortable bed for two.
Pros:
- The “accordion” is more complex than the “book” and “eurobook”; it is reliable and durable, as it consists entirely of metal.
- A slatted lattice with birch battens as a base improves the orthopedic characteristics of the bed.
- Easy to fold and unfold.
Minuses:
- Due to the peculiarities of the folded mechanism, such sofas have a wide back. In some models this is very noticeable. A significant disadvantage for those who care about design.
- Even if it has a drawer for storing things, it will be smaller due to the design.
- Furniture requires a lot of free space in front for unfolding.
What should be the filling of a sofa for sleeping?
To understand which sofa is best for daily sleep, you need to learn about some of the features of their fillings. They can be spring or foam.
Spring blocks
Springs provide elasticity to the seat and have orthopedic qualities. But at the same time, during operation they can begin to creak, wear out, sometimes break and pierce the outer upholstery. Therefore, you should not save on spring blocks. There are two types of spring blocks that are used in the manufacture of sofas - dependent and independent.
Bonnell type spring blocks consist of dependent springs. This is the cheapest version of a spring block, in which when one spring is pressed, all the others also begin to move. This is the main disadvantage of this spring block. In addition, after a certain time, such spring blocks can greatly stretch in the middle part, creating the effect of a hammock. For these reasons, such blocks have a poor orthopedic effect, but a lower price.
For daily sleep, it is recommended to use blocks with independent springs. Such spring blocks have a different design. Here, each spring is sewn into a separate fabric case. Then the springs are formed into strips from which the entire block is assembled. The service life of such a block is longer, and the springs move independently of each other. This achieves a good orthopedic effect. The mattress takes the shape of your body, does not squeak or sag.
Foam fillers
Soft fillers made of silicone, padding polyester or foam rubber are considered hypoallergenic. The foam seat is comfortable to sit on – it is soft and cozy. However, the filler sags very quickly and loses its shape; it must be replaced. Naturally, such sofas are not suitable for constant sleep. You will constantly feel that there is a hard base underneath you, against which your bones will rest.
Roll-out
A significant advantage of roll-out models is a spacious place to sleep with a high headboard.
Another type of mechanism with a simple design. It is enough to roll the seat forward and place an additional pillow, which is located under the seat, in the free space. There is no need to lower the backrest. When unfolded, the sofa resembles a bed with a high headboard. It is more convenient to lean on it while resting in bed than on a hard wall. An excellent choice for those who like to read in bed or watch TV.
Pros:
- It is comfortable to relax due to the high back.
- The roll-out part is on wheels - you don’t have to worry about the condition of the floor.
- A flat surface for resting without depressions at the joints of the structure.
- Reasonable price.
Minuses:
- There is no linen drawer inside.
- Requires a lot of space in front (like an “accordion”).
Durable metal frame
It is known that wooden materials are used in the production of frames for most models of upholstered furniture. However, sofas with accordion mechanisms differ in that they have a metal frame. This makes them much more reliable , because metal is much stronger than wood, therefore, a sofa on a metal frame will last longer without requiring replacement of any parts or repairs. And the second reason that speaks in favor of accordion sofas on a metal frame is that such products can have different lengths and widths. After all, to create the frame, a thin-walled pipe is used, which can be given any shape and size.
The metal frame of accordion sofas is equipped with orthopedic wooden transverse bars (battens or slats), which allow you to sleep with maximum comfort. Such sofas do not have the significant drawback that sofas with other types of mechanisms are subject to - joints of structural elements that cannot provide a flat sleeping place . Many believe that sofas with a Click-Clack mechanism are in this sense more comfortable for the couple who sleeps on it. This is really only true for a couple, but if suddenly a child joins them in the middle of the night, then someone will be very uncomfortable sleeping. But accordion sofas are always comfortable for everyone to sleep on. They provide owners with sound and healthy sleep.
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.
So, furniture should have the following qualities:
- Being comfortable is the first item on the list when we talk about sleep and daily use. Otherwise, you will have to “say goodbye” to a healthy back, neck and, as a result, good health.
- To serve for a long time - for this, choose a model with a reliable and high-quality wooden frame. And professional assembly. Then it will unfold freely throughout its entire service life, and will not “squeeze” or become deformed in any other way.
- Easily unfold. Imagine that every day you will have to make Herculean efforts to decompose the structure. Not much pleasant.
- Functionality, or the presence of additional options. For example, laundry boxes or storage systems. Sometimes drawers are made in the sides, for example, for a bar. Or shelves - for books or accessories.
Now let's take a closer look at what points you should consider before purchasing.
Photo: Instagram imodern.ru
Sofa folded
Photo: Instagram imodern.ru
And in the unfolded
Puma
Durable design for every day.
A mechanism named after a representative of the animal world. The name hides the basic principle of operation - the lower part of the sofa seems to “jump” forward like a puma. To unfold the model, you need to pull its lower part upward at an angle of 45 degrees. Under the action of the spring, it seems to protrude forward. At the same time, an additional element hidden inside is pushed into the vacated area. The result is a flat surface for sleeping.
Advantages:
- "Puma" can withstand a heavy load - about 200 kg per bed.
- High reliability.
- You don’t have to worry about the carpet or the floor, because the lower section does not roll on the floor on wheels, but seems to take a “step” forward.
- The transformation is carried out in one movement.
- The backrest does not need to be folded.
- Higher price compared to other products.
Flaws:
- The design is more complex in structure than the others.
- Straight sofas do not have a drawer for linen. If you need a box, you will have to buy a corner model.
What else should you pay attention to?
The transformation mechanism is one of the main aspects that you need to pay attention to when choosing a sofa. But there are other important details that are worth evaluating when making a purchase.
What to look for when choosing a sofa
Linen box and filler
So, for many, the deciding factor will be the presence of a linen drawer. It is convenient to store bedding that is not used during the day. Some sofas may not be equipped with it. Also, such a box can be used as additional space for other things, which is especially important in small apartments.
Sofa linen drawer
It is worth paying attention to the density of the material from which the main parts of the sofa are made - the back and seat. So, they should be tight enough to support your back while you sleep. If the sofa sag and also has clearly felt joints, then it is far from the best option for constant sleep. Ideally, the sofa has springs inside - this is best for the back . But foam fillers are soft, but cannot hold their shape for a long time and gradually begin to fail. As for polyurethane foam, it is a more durable and resistant material than foam rubber.
Choosing the right sofa is the key to comfort and healthy sleep!
On a note! Latex filler is considered one of the best, but it is very expensive.
Most sofas are designed for a total weight of up to 200 kg. If the combined weight of two sleeping people is greater, then you should buy a sofa only with spring filling. Otherwise, it will quickly become unusable.
You should not take a sofa that has a mattress that is too thin . The remaining elements of the structure will be strongly felt through it. On such a sofa it is better to use a second mattress additionally.
Sofa type "Pantograph"
Options and upholstery
It's worth looking at and appreciating the size. In small apartments it is better to take simple straight books rather than complex corner sofas. The latter will take up too much space. Also, for narrow rooms, if the sofa will be placed along a long wall, you should not take structures that roll out forward over a long distance. The same book, Eurobook or click-click will remain ideal. In general, it is recommended that you first take all the necessary measurements of the space where the sofa will be placed, and based on these parameters, choose a sofa in the store.
Corner sofa
Attention! When purchasing a sofa, it is worth checking whether it will arrive in a disassembled or assembled state. This is especially true for rooms with narrow doorways.
An important factor is the presence of practical, non-staining upholstery. For a sofa that will be used for sleeping, it is better to choose one that is covered with a dense material that has a neutral shade. Leatherette and leather are beautiful materials, but the bed will slide off them, so it’s also better to avoid such sofas, because sleeping will be uncomfortable. You should also avoid buying light-colored furniture - it will quickly get dirty, and you will have to regularly spend a lot of money on dry cleaning.
Upholstery may vary
Typically, sofas are covered with the following fabrics.
- Jacquard - a practical and expensive material that does not lose its appearance even with frequent cleaning, as it is not afraid of moisture. It is not afraid of mechanical loads either - it is a durable material. A jacquard sofa will last a long time and will retain its original appearance for many years. But he doesn’t like exposure to sunlight, so it’s better to shade the room with him.
Sofa with jacquard upholstery - Flock - a material that is highly durable and costs much less than velor, which, by the way, is very similar. This is a good and moisture-resistant type of cladding, moreover, it is very resistant to a number of mechanical damage, in particular, tearing. A sofa with such upholstery is good to buy for those who keep pets.
Flock is a pile non-woven material, which is produced by flocking cotton and polyester pile onto a woven (nylon) base. - Chenille - a material characterized by softness and durability. It can last at least 10 years, does not fade over time and looks like new for a long time. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for pet lovers, as we quickly get clues. Yes, and it gets dirty quickly too. It only needs to be cleaned dry.
Chenille is a type of fabric that is obtained by twisting dense threads with chenille threads consisting of cotton, acrylic or polyester in equal parts - Leather - expensive and beautiful material, but not very suitable for those who keep animals and plan to sleep on the sofa all the time. In general, leather requires a very serious approach and is difficult to care for; it must be maintained in proper condition using special products. An analogue of genuine leather is eco-leather, which has almost the same qualities, but is less durable compared to the natural version.
Leather sofa - Mat – the material is quite rough, but practical, often made from natural fibers. Maintenance is easy - can be cleaned either wet or dry. Moreover, this is one of the cheapest and highest quality materials that will last for many years. Not suitable for cat people.
Matting fabric for sofa
On a note! For those who have pets, as well as those who will test the strength of the sofa, you can buy furniture covered with courtesan, scotchgard or microfiber. These are anti-vandal fabrics that are not afraid of dust and dirt, as well as most types of mechanical impact.
