Comfortable and high-quality: how to choose the right sofa for your home

Modern sofas have significantly expanded their functionality - they can be transformed into a comfortable place to sleep, supplemented with drawers, storage niches, built-in tables, and minibars. And the range of models is simply huge - corner, modular, U- and L-shaped, sofas, banquettes, as well as “books”, “dolphins”, “accordions”, “French folding beds”, “pumas”. The average user may be at a loss as to what all these names mean and how to choose a sofa for a particular room. Meanwhile, the issue requires maximum responsibility, because this piece of furniture is very expensive, and is purchased for more than one year, so there can be no room for error here.

Types of sofas

When faced with the need to buy a sofa, your head is simply spinning from the number of types. Calm down, it's not that complicated. First of all, decide which of the varieties suits you by measuring the area where the furniture will stand and determining the optimal dimensions.

• Direct

Classic linear option. It can have both compact and enlarged sizes. A variety of shapes and colors allows you to choose the most suitable one among many alternatives. Often they can be unfolded and easily accommodated for the night.

• Corner

The name speaks for itself: they are designed to be placed in a corner, thus connecting this space and adding one or two seats.

Small corner objects are placed in the kitchen. As a rule, they do not fold out, have a thin layer of filler and easy-to-clean upholstery.

• With ottoman

There is a lot of confusion about this subject. An ottoman is an additional item that can act as a pouf, table or footrest. It usually looks like a rectangle, cube or circle and is covered with the same fabric as the sofa itself. In our country, this is often called the protruding part of furniture with a niche for storage.

• Modular

A transformer consisting of separate blocks. They can be connected and combined as desired. When necessary, they turn into a standard or corner model; it is also permissible to use individual parts as poufs.

• Island

If you want to place a sofa in the center of the room, then you need an island one. Its back wall is finished with the same material as the front side. This is what distinguishes such products, and not the round shape, as many mistakenly believe. It comes in absolutely any configuration.

Availability of additional elements

Modern sofas are multifunctional designs; they can be equipped with:

1. Linen drawer. A convenient addition that allows you to compactly store bed linen, demi-season items, and children's toys.
2. Shelves and niches. The structures are designed to accommodate books, remote controls and other small things. In addition, they also perform a decorative function, allowing you to decorate the interior with candles, photographs, flower arrangements, and original figurines.
3. Built-in coffee table. The folding design simplifies the process of drinking tea and allows you to sit comfortably on the sofa with a laptop.
4. Minibar. This is also a built-in element of compact size, designed for short-term storage of bottles of alcohol, for example, while receiving guests.
5. Backlit. It can be LED or spot, placed over the entire surface of the sofa. This additional element gives the structure an impressive appearance.

Some manufacturers offer sofas with a built-in aquarium - the result is original anti-stress furniture.

Most often, semicircular, corner and round sofas have additional elements. Despite all the advantages, not every user can afford such models, as they are quite expensive.

With minibar

Backlit

With shelves

With linen drawers

With coffee table

With an aquarium

Folding mechanism

This parameter is extremely important if you plan to at least sometimes use the sofa as a sleeping place.

Many buyers are frightened by the huge number of incomprehensible names of transformation mechanisms, but in fact they can all be divided into three main types:

1. Folding.
2. Rolling out.
3. Unfolding.

All parts of the transformation mechanism must be thicker than 3 cm and securely fastened to each other. There should be no difficulty in making the change. Do the manipulation several times.

The elements of the sliding device made of steel are the strongest. Although silumin is much cheaper, do not count on it to work for a long time.

Folding

1. The book is a model familiar from childhood, when, in order to unfold the sofa, you need to move it away from the wall, lift the seat and pull it towards you. Moving heavy furniture every day is not a good idea.
2. Eurobook is an improved version of the previous one: the seat moves forward on runners, and the back rests in the freed-up space. Convenient and fast.
3. Click-klyak (Tango) - differs from the classic book only in that the back and armrests can be installed at a comfortable half-sitting angle. The base of this design is not the strongest, so for overnight stays it is better to prefer other modifications.

Rolling out

1. Telescope – under the sofa there is a wooden base on wheels that rolls out during transformation. There is a mattress folded in half on the seat. It is this and the back that need to be laid on the base to get a bed. The bed turns out to be almost on the floor, and even from frequent movement, scratches form on the floor surface.
2. Tick-tock (pantograph) - the method of transformation is similar to a Eurobook, but you don’t have to roll out anything. The seat “steps” forward using springs. The process is easy and does not damage the floor.
3. Dolphin (kangaroo, microlift) – you need to pull out the base from below. It has an additional seat built into it, which is automatically or manually raised using a lift mechanism. Here, unlike others, there is no drawer for storing linen, since its place is taken by the second seat. The event does not require much human labor, but you cannot skimp on the lifting device, otherwise it will soon fail.

Unfolding

1. Accordion - the design consists of three parts: two of them form the back, and one is the seat. To get the bed, you need to pull the seat and fold out the backrest. May damage the floor and requires effort to convert.
2. French folding bed - the entire surface is divided into three sections. To make a bed, you need to pull the outermost one and install the sections on the arches. The mattress turns out to be quite hard, and taking one for sleeping every day is not a very good idea.
3. American folding bed - almost similar to the previous type, only it has two rather than three sections. This makes the mattress thicker, making it more comfortable to sleep on.

Linen drawer

Therefore, having a linen drawer will be a deciding factor for many people. This is a convenient solution for storing bedding that is not used during the day.

Some sofas may not be equipped with them. It can also be used as additional space for other things, which is especially important in small apartments.

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. Therefore, they should be thick enough to support your back while you sleep. If the sofa is sagging and has a lot of visible seams, it is not the best option for heavy sleepers.

A sofa with springs inside is best for the spine. Foam fillers are soft, but they cannot hold their shape for long and gradually begin to collapse. As for polyurethane foam, it is a more durable and stable material than polystyrene foam.

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 weight of two people sleeping together is greater, then buy only a sofa with spring filling. Otherwise, it will quickly become unusable.

Avoid a sofa with a mattress that is too thin. This will add expressiveness to other design elements. On such a sofa it is better to additionally use a second mattress.

Materials

In order for furniture to serve for many years, it is necessary to use first-class materials in its manufacture. Therefore, do not ignore these characteristics and pay attention to each one.

Evaluate the neatness of the connection of the fasteners, the evenness of the stitches and staples. A reputable company has done everything efficiently and carefully.

Frame

The frame is the invisible basis of furniture. Three types of materials are used in its production.

1. Metal is a durable product that can withstand heavy loads. But all this is true for items where the joint sections are welded and not bolted. In addition, such elements do not emit any toxic substances. It is advisable that all parts be chrome plated or treated against corrosion.
2. Wood - it all depends on the type of wood: beech, walnut, ash or oak are hard varieties that are designed to withstand significant loads and last for years, but their cost is also rather high. Pine and birch are more affordable, but they are softer and therefore wear out faster.
3. Chipboard and timber are the cheapest variety. But you should be prepared for the fact that such an object will fail in a couple of years. Although, provided that high-quality chipboard sheets are used and technology is followed, such products can also serve faithfully for a considerable period. It is extremely important that the chipboard elements are coated with a special paint, otherwise they may emit harmful substances.

Pay attention to the properties of the wood: it must be well dried, otherwise the sofa will creak. Also, there is no place for knots and potholes on the bars.

It is better if the parts are connected not with screws, but with bolts.

There are also frameless models that do not have a rigid base inside. The filler is polystyrene foam balls or polyurethane foam blocks. The first are rather shapeless objects, the filling of which will have to be periodically updated. But PPU boards form stable furniture with excellent supporting properties. It does not bend, but at the same time it is light and mobile.

Filler

Here, too, you can’t let everything take its course, otherwise you risk in a few years ending up with a sofa in which the stuffing has sagged and clumped. There are different types of filler.

1. Foam rubber is unreliable, but cheap. It sags after two to four years of operation. This will happen earlier if there is pieced foam inside rather than a solid sheet.
2. Polyurethane foam - the price is not much more expensive than foam rubber, but it is more durable. It does not crumble, does not wrinkle, and therefore is now widespread. It is important that the density of the polyurethane is not lower than 25.
3. Latex is expensive and has excellent orthopedic properties: it is very elastic, quickly restores its shape, follows the contours of the body and supports it. In addition, it does not cause allergies, is breathable and does not mold.
4. Periotec - the price is its main disadvantage. Otherwise, it is very good: safe for humans, cozy and elastic, provides air exchange and does not lose its shape.
5. Durafil is an excellent alternative to latex or springs. Elastic, it optimally combines softness with the required degree of support, does not rot or burn, and does not accumulate dust.
6. Spring block - it all depends on the design of the springs. The dependent block (when the springs are connected to each other) poorly redistributes the load and creaks. It is not too expensive, so it is suitable as an option for watching TV. If you need furniture for daily use instead of a bed, then choose models with an independent spring base. Each element here is enclosed in a separate fabric cover, and therefore does not come into contact with the others. Due to this, there is no “wave” effect, the weight is distributed evenly. This product follows the contours of the body as closely as possible and thereby ensures the correct position of the spine.

Multilayer technology is often used, when a rigid base, a spring block and various hard and soft layers are interspersed. For example, padding polyester, felt, quilted jacket and others.

Feel free to sit and lie on the sofa: make sure you are comfortable.

Upholstery

Upholstery is responsible not only for appearance, but also for practicality. Spilled coffee, scattered crumbs, smeared baby puree and other contaminants often appear on the surface. Therefore, the upholstery should be easy to clean.

You can be offered various materials: genuine leather, arpatek (eco leather), chenille, flock, velor, tapestry, jacquard. Before choosing upholstery fabric, it would not hurt to study in more detail the properties of the material you like.

It’s great if the surface is Teflon-impregnated or sprayed. It repels dirt and prevents it from being absorbed, keeping it clean. Such options are more expensive, but they retain a presentable appearance for a long time.

Possible fillers

The filler must be of high quality and wear-resistant. He must provide a comfortable lying and sitting position so that the spine does not experience heavy loads. Main types of fillers:

1. Spring blocks. There are dependent and independent types. They give the sofa orthopedic properties and make it more elastic. Dependent spring blocks are cheaper because they are prone to stretching and loss of elasticity. The springs of independent blocks are sewn into a separate cover (made of fabric). They do not sag or creak over time.
2. Foam rubber. This material is softer and more comfortable. Prone to sagging and deformation. Therefore, sofas with such filling are not used for everyday sleep.
3. Sintepon. Also a soft material that loses its shape after a certain time. Sleeping on a sofa with such a seat is extremely uncomfortable. There will always be a certain stiffness felt. Back pain is guaranteed in the morning.
4. Polyurethane foam. Can be cast or block. Environmentally friendly filler. Does not cause allergic reactions in humans. It has excellent breathability and a perfect balance of hardness/softness.

Holofiber, silicone and combined materials are also used as filler.

Room

The sofa must match the parameters and design of the room where it will stand.

So, for the living room it is better to buy the largest models possible, on which you can freely seat yourself to watch a movie or seat guests at a festive table. The fabric must be easily cleaned from various stains. It is advisable to select the color and design based on the style of the room. If you plan to use furniture for daily sleep, then a convenient and strong layout mechanism is a primary requirement.

in a nursery . Usually a small sofa is installed here. What you really need to pay attention to when purchasing is safety. The product should have rounded outlines and soft armrests so that the child does not hit them. It is advisable to select environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic materials. The design must be of good quality to withstand little jumpers.

Small models, often corner ones, are selected for the kitchen Since they are not designed for long-term load, there is a minimal amount of filler.

The best choice is items with a metal frame, since they are not afraid of moisture, unlike wooden ones. Chipboard options wear out quickly due to high humidity: water gets into the seams between the outer edges, it begins to peel off, and the board itself swells inside. The base is usually sheathed with artificial leather, since it is the easiest to care for. Such products are rarely laid out, since the kitchen is not designed for sleeping there.

Which sofa can be called stylish and modern, and which ones are not worth buying, you will learn from this interesting video:

Adviсe

If you want to create a relaxation area, buy a corner or U-shaped model with high backs and deep seats. The upholstery material can be any (to your taste). The coloring should be calm.

If you plan to watch TV with your family, it is better to purchase a straight sofa. It can be placed along the wall or in the middle of the room. This type of furniture is convenient to use. You can come and sit on either side. The upholstery material must be selected taking into account the fact that you will be consuming food or drinks while viewing. That is, the material should facilitate easy stain removal.

For the children's room, it is recommended to buy a compact and bright sofa made from environmentally friendly materials (hypoallergenic upholstery). In the kitchen, furniture with high seats is preferred to make eating comfortable.

Manufacturers rating

Well-known companies value their reputation, and it is simply not profitable for them to sell low-quality products, creating a negative image for themselves. They make contact without any problems in case of complaints.

This cannot be said about small factories and private workshops. Here the risk of being deceived is considerable. In addition, it is unknown what materials are used in production; no one can guarantee their safety. Yes, and proving a defect in the event of a breakdown is very difficult.

A good seller gives a guarantee for his product for at least 18 months.

It’s better not to take risks and trust trusted manufacturers. Below are the TOP 5 brands whose products have earned positive reviews from consumers.

1. Anderssen.
2. Rivalli.
3. “Shatura Furniture”.
4. Askona.
5. "Angstrem".

Where can I buy

• The first is furniture - about 250 options from Russian and foreign manufacturers;
• Wally Tally – different categories of sofas are presented.

Check out two selections of sofas on the First Furniture store website:

1. Straight sofas.
2. Angular.

And here are these two models, which are in enormous demand.

“Rose” from “Nizhegorodmebel and K” is a luxurious copy for 28,000 rubles. Will fit perfectly into a modern environment and into a Provence style room. The upholstery is made of velor in four colors. It is equipped with a “zero wall book” mechanism. The frame is made of timber, chipboard and furniture plywood. Filler – foam rubber.

Pros:

• elegant look;
• spacious;
• comfortable for sleeping;
• “anti-vandal” coating.

Minuses:

• deep seating – it’s uncomfortable to sit without pillows;
• The transformation method is slightly different from the traditional “book”.

“Montreal Blue” is a modular copy for 105,500 rubles. It consists of several parts, the number and arrangement of which can be changed according to needs. It has a “French folding bed” system: two central sections move apart. Durable materials allow you to use this product for more than one year. The frame is made of wood, fiberboard and chipboard, with polyurethane foam inside. The case combines light eco-leather and matting.

Pros:

• large and roomy;
• It is allowed to combine elements as desired.

Minuses:

• no linen drawer;
• Expensive.

Frame

When answering the question of how to choose a sofa, you need to look at what frame the model has. In general, the following types of frames are commonly found:

• wooden;
• metal;
• MDF;
• chipboard;
• combined.

The most common option is a combined frame. In this case, wood or metal is used for the main strength elements, they are complemented by MDF or chipboard. All rules allow such combinations. Only when choosing, you need to make sure that the connections are tongue-and-groove or bolted. It will be more reliable this way. Among the disadvantages of such a solution is the need for maintenance, otherwise the life of the furniture will be significantly reduced. In this way, medium-priced products are produced.

Another option is wooden frames. Such options are the most reliable; depending on the type of wood, the service life of sofas increases significantly. We also need to add environmental safety. The disadvantage of such furniture is its high cost.

Metal is still often used as the basis of the frame, mainly for furniture in modern styles. Such products can withstand significant loads and last a long time. There are no special problems with them. It is important to understand how to choose the right sofa with such a frame. First of all, we are talking about treating the metal against corrosion; it is good if the parts are chrome-plated. It is also worth checking the quality of welded elements.

You can find frames made of MDF. They are quite durable. The main advantage is resistance to moisture, which allows the use of such sofas in kitchens and hallways. The boards are made using environmentally friendly materials. When choosing, look at the quality of the connections.

The cheapest option is a chipboard frame. Low cost is the only advantage of such furniture. Such frames do not last long. They warp at the slightest exposure to moisture. It's difficult to give advice here, just look at the build quality.