Operating principle and choice of the “French clamshell” mechanism

Moscow specialized service for replacement and repair of French folding beds replaces the sofa transformation mechanism at the customer's home. When replacing, modern models with a tent-latt sleeping place or with a welded steel mesh are installed, which, unlike guest cots, are designed for daily use. New models can be installed in folding sofas and armchairs of both domestic and imported origin, regardless of the manufacturer or year of manufacture of upholstered furniture or folding mechanism.

We offer two models of mechanisms for replacement

Advantages and disadvantages of the "French folding bed"

This sofa has the following advantages:

  • Compact (takes up little space, looks aesthetically pleasing, suitable for small spaces)
  • Cost (cheaper than similar ones released by competitors)
  • Standardity (the mechanism system, parts or dimensions of the mattress meet many standards, so replacing them will not be difficult)
  • Safety (when used on a good floor covering, the legs of the sofa, thanks to the design, will not be able to harm the floor)


One of the simple and convenient design options is the French folding bed.
So are the disadvantages when using:

  • Not for everyday use (preferably used as a guest option)
  • There are no comfortable, roomy cabinets for linen (the sofa is filled with the mechanism itself)
  • Duration of the process (you need to remove the pillows, unfold the bed to form a surface)
  • Weight restrictions (awning up to 80, armored structure - 13kg)


The choice of a specific model largely depends on the size and existing furnishings in the room.

From 13,000 rub.

Select a package

How to buy a folding bed?

  1. You need to find out which model of folding bed is in your furniture. To determine, you need to pay attention to the number of folds of your folding bed . The French folding bed folds into 3 folds, and the American folding bed folds into 2 folds.
  2. You need to know what the mattress is on (metal mesh, armor, awning).
  3. You need to know the dimensions of your folding bed and the dimensions of the seat (the distance between the sides of the sofa where the folding mechanism is attached). The size of the clamshell is measured by width, including the pipes themselves.

How to find out the size of a folding bed?

Size chart for French folding bed
Width of cot including pipesSeat width
100cm.112cm.
120cm.132cm.
130cm.142cm.
140cm.152cm.
150cm.162cm.

Mounting a folding bed into a non-folding sofa or chair

The experience of our craftsmen allows us to change the design of furniture. And you don't need to buy a new sofa or chair. It is enough to consult with us by phone. . With an 80% chance, it is possible to change the design of your sofa or chair.

Still have questions? Call! 8 (495) 649-03-76

Types of mechanism

When considering a bed such as a French folding bed, you should choose one of two existing mechanisms. They are called mixotual and meratual. At the same time, they can be equipped with different sleeping areas.


The French folding bed transformation mechanism has become widespread.

Since the frame of almost all types of folding sofas is the same, when choosing the sleeping place itself, you can find the one you like best. This can be a mesh, an awning, battens, a combination of battens and an awning, or even a welded lattice.

Comfortable sofas with sedaflex mechanism

The French clamshell is a mechanism that is currently very popular, although quite recently it was practically not used. This is explained by the fact that the model was not particularly reliable and was not intended for regular use. The first French sofas were equipped with wicker nets, which manufacturers later replaced with awnings. Those, in turn, turned out to be inconvenient and also short-lived, losing their elasticity during use. That is why they began to be classified as furniture for organizing a guest place.

Taking into account all the previous shortcomings and the great need for such an element among owners of tiny apartments, manufacturers released a model that met all the requirements and was suitable for daily use.

The new mechanism already consisted of an awning and four armor, two of which, installed in the central part of the structure, usually bear the main load. This indicator was taken into account, and the element no longer lost its original bend, but still sagged and deformed. Today, a French folding bed has been invented for daily use, consisting of one tent and ten armor. These devices can be considered the most reliable and durable. They last for several years with daily use. Such structures can withstand loads of up to 180 kilograms.

The advantages include:

  • Has a low cost;
  • In normal times it is used as a sitting place, and if necessary it can be a sleeping bed for guests;
  • Has a comfortable surface;
  • Withstands heavy weight;
  • Suitable for almost any interior.

Some manufacturers produce their own version of French sofas that are suitable for daily use. They consist of welded metal mesh and can withstand weights of up to 200 kg. But such options are usually made to order. Customer reviews indicate that it is better not to use French Euro folding beds for daily use.

How does this mechanism work?

This folding bed is a triple folding design. The sleeping place itself looks like three parts that are connected to each other by hinges.


Weigh the pros and cons, decide what you expect from this piece of furniture.

Before unfolding such a bed, it is necessary to remove all unnecessary elements (pillows), install the mechanism itself horizontally by unfolding all sections.


Modern sofas are equipped with various mechanisms that allow you to turn them into full-fledged sleeping places.

The main one of these three parts is attached near the back, resting on the mounting angle. The next two, intended for the body and legs, are installed on separate supports. Thus, as a result, you get a complete place to sleep or relax.

How to choose the right one

This French mechanism is used for both corner and straight types of sofas.


A corner sofa will take up more space in the room.

When choosing, you should pay special attention to:

  • Materials from which this model is made, to what extent it meets both production standards and your taste
  • The mechanism, it is necessary to check its working condition and make sure that there are no breakdowns
  • Filler, it is better to clarify what it is made of, how durable the material is and how hypoallergenic it is
  • Upholstery, also the quality of the material, its wear resistance, it should be taken into account that the upholstery is used throughout the day.


The folding part of the sofa is made in the form of a metal frame.

Prices for repairing folding sofas

Upholstery of a standard sofa starts from 5,000 rubles , see all prices.

Types of repair workPrice
For residential premises (upholstery)
Double sofafrom 5000 rub.
Three-seater sofafrom 6000 rub.
For office premises (upholstery)
Sofafrom 5000 rub.
For cafes and restaurants (upholstery)
Sofafrom 5000 rub.
Manufacturing of furniture and cushions for residential and commercial premises
Sofa 2 seats.from 6000 rub.
Sofa 3 seats.from 8000 rub.

Upholstery materials

A wide variety of materials are used for sofa upholstery:

  • leatherette;
  • Genuine Leather;
  • eco leather;
  • velours;
  • microfiber;
  • suede leather;
  • flock and many other fabrics.

Our catalog contains a large selection of colors. Therefore, clients will be able not only to restore the original appearance of the furniture, but also to decorate the interior of the room after restyling.

Suede Leatherette Leather Velours
Flock Chenille Jacquard Microfiber

Stages of upholstery replacement

Repairing folding sofas is not fundamentally different from repairing other types of upholstered furniture. The work is performed in the following order:

  1. visit of the master. The specialist selects the desired type and color of fabric, takes measurements and determines the cost of the work;
  2. conclusion of a contract. After agreeing on all the points, we enter into an agreement for the provision of furniture repair services;
  3. performing repairs. The master removes the old upholstery and replaces it with new material. If necessary, change the filler. Repairs are carried out in a workshop or at home;
  4. acceptance of the order. As the repair is completed, the client checks the quality of the work for compliance with the agreed requirements. The client makes the final payment and picks up the restored furniture.

If necessary, you can send a photo of the folding sofa for a preliminary price calculation. Many years of experience allows us to estimate the cost with high accuracy.

What types of breakdowns happen?

The main complaints when transforming these sofas are creaking parts and jamming of the mechanism.


A durable metal frame provides reliable support for the installed mattress.

But in any case, it is necessary to first establish the exact cause of the breakdown.


In case of serious damage to the mechanism, you should contact a specialist.

If this:

  • The rivets that are responsible for connecting the moving parts of the mechanism have broken. They can simply be replaced with bolts of suitable size. We drill out the old parts using a drill and a drill bit, select the required bolt, insert it into the hole remaining from under the rivet, and tighten the nut on it. It is better to check all rivets in advance and change them if necessary.
  • If the support legs are damaged, repairing them yourself is hardly possible; they must be completely replaced with new ones.
  • Breakage or deformation of the necessary components of the main frame of the folding bed, unfortunately, also cannot be repaired and requires replacement of the part.
  • Replacing battens or lamellas is quite simple; if they are deformed or broken, they are replaced with new ones. The old part is removed from the plate holder (the bolts are unscrewed) and the new one is installed in the reverse order. If the plate holder itself is broken, it must be replaced with a working one.
  • The cause of the mechanism jamming can be determined by inspection. Sometimes some foreign things or even the casing itself, which has gotten into the working mechanism, can interfere with proper functioning. In this case, the unnecessary item is simply removed.
  • Some people, when the French mechanism creaks, complain about the creaking of parts. This problem can be resolved as quickly as possible. You need to take any oil that is intended for technical use and lubricate all the moving parts of your sofa with it. After lubricating, you need to fold and unfold the bed several times, this way the lubricant will penetrate into all places and you will eliminate the squeak. The main thing is to remember to remove the mattress before doing this.


The durability of a mechanism depends on its quality.
You can repair a French folding bed yourself. If, of course, the breakdown allows it. As can be seen from the article, some parts of such a sofa are simply beyond repair.


You should not use the folding mechanism of the sofa often.

The service life of such pieces of furniture is about seven years with not too active use. Therefore, if you can repair this mechanism yourself, that’s great.

After all, it’s sometimes so difficult to part with beautiful, beloved and functional furniture. If not, don’t hesitate, buy a new one.


Elegant and comfortable sofas are designed to become the highlight of any room!

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