All about the sofa: types, styles, how a sofa differs from a sofa, ottoman and couch

What is

A sofa is a unique type of sofa with a wide seat and the same height of the back and armrests. Previously, such furniture was available exclusively to the aristocracy; it was intended for daytime relaxation in a sitting position. Of course, the main difference between a sofa and a sofa is its modest dimensions, but this furniture also has other features:

• lack of a folding mechanism;
• unusual design;
• high rigidity of seats.

This classic sofa did not provide the possibility of folding into a full-fledged sleeping place. Modern variations are devoid of this “disadvantage”, and the furniture not only serves as a sofa, but can also be used as a sleeping place; moreover, manufacturers often equip it with high-quality orthopedic mattresses. If the base of the sofa is both hard and soft, only the first option is always provided for the sofa. For many users, rigidity becomes an advantage, because the furniture holds its shape for a long time, it is more comfortable to sit on, and it is healthier than soft mattress designs. Unlike an ottoman, the back of a sofa is always symmetrical relative to the center. It differs from a couch in its clear lines and noticeably larger dimensions in length.

Among the advantages of such furniture:

1. Fits perfectly into almost any interior and combines with other furniture.
2. It has a classic rectangular shape, making it easier to fit into the traditional layout of modern apartments.
3. The relatively small size allows you to install the sofa anywhere, including small-sized housing - a small room, a studio apartment.
4. It is distinguished by its stylistic diversity - you can find models in both the Empire and avant-garde spirits.
5. Since the armrests can be designer - curved, carved, ornate - the product does not look boring. You can choose an interesting, exclusive option and diversify the decor of your living space.
6. Compared to a sofa or bed, this design is cheaper.

Of course, many manufacturers make this furniture folding, which is especially important for children's furniture. But such a model is much less reliable in operation than a regular sofa, since its mechanisms do not require frequent folding. Compared with a classic sofa, an increase in the number of parts in new designs entails the risk of breakdown of folding mechanisms and failure of the furniture. So, when purchasing such a product, you need to weigh whether this particular model is appropriate, or whether you should opt for a regular sofa. Having found out what a sofa is and what it looks like, you can understand the features of its design.

Same height of armrests and backrest

Unusual design

Compact dimensions

Wide seat

Hard seat

Construction device

Structurally, the sofa can be straight, corner, or sliding. Eurosofa is popular - an option with a variety of retractable mechanisms, where manufacturers install drawers and boxes for storing bed linen. All of them are made from a variety of materials and differ in style.

A sofa made in the Provence style looks very interesting - such products are made, as a rule, from natural raw materials, the upholstery color is often light, pastel shades. Classic models are distinguished by an interesting shape of the elements and may have a carved back and armrests. Baroque and modern require support with other interior items, but a sofa in this style is very beautiful. The high-tech style, which signifies minimalist neatness and restraint, is also perfectly emphasized in this furniture.

Frame, back and armrests

Today, designers and furniture designers are increasingly moving away from standard ideas about a sofa-type sofa. The dimensions and height gradually increase; you can often find a design without armrests at all, or instead of them there are bolsters or pillows at the edges. However, at the heart of any sofa there is a frame and a back, which, as before, must be strong, strong, and reliable. If previously only wood was used for their manufacture, today metal and plastic parts are used. Instead of expensive wood, plywood and laminated chipboard are also used, which significantly reduces the cost of furniture.

But natural wood is not losing its position, and it seems that nothing better has yet been invented. To make frames in modern furniture, different species are used - the most expensive models are made using oak and beech. Cedar, walnut, rattan, and alder are also in demand. Birch and pine are most suitable for mass production. The advantages of any wood are its durability and naturalness.

MDF and laminated chipboard are used to reduce the cost of furniture while maintaining the external characteristics of wood. They are durable and not subject to wear, but it is important that GOST technologies are followed during production, otherwise such materials can become hazardous to health due to the release of formaldehyde and other harmful substances.

Metal furniture is at the peak of popularity today, but it is important to remember that it is limited in style. If the interior of the apartment is designed in the Empire or classic style, variations of a sofa with a metal frame are unlikely to be appropriate.

Chipboard and laminated chipboard Metal

Wooden With plywood base With leather armrest and table

Filler

A variety of materials are used to make filler. The sofa can include both a springless and spring mattress:

1. In the first option, the core of the filler becomes a block of polyurethane foam (PPU). It is sometimes classified as a technical analogue of spring blocks, but it is much cheaper.
2. Spring mattresses consist of interconnected elements that frame different layers of filler. For this, coconut coir, horsehair, synthetic fiber, foam rubber, all kinds of polymers, as well as felt can be used.

Some mattresses also have a cotton lining; this “pie” creates a durable, fairly dense structure. Cushions, backrests and seats use different layers, so they have different firmness.

Springless

Spring

Upholstery and color variety

The most durable upholstery is leather, it is beautiful, durable, and looks elegant. Furniture upholstered with this material retains its presentable appearance for a long time. But it is the most expensive, and therefore there is a cheaper analogue - eco-leather. This material is more affordable, looks like real leather, and the colors have a natural tint.

Eco-leather can be painted in any color; sometimes designers use the most daring and bright combinations.

When buying a sofa made of artificial leather, you need to understand that this material, although it looks like its natural counterpart, does not have the same strength properties. Eco-leather is easily scratched, abrasions and cracks appear on it more quickly - so you need to use such furniture very carefully.

Fabric upholstery is often used for sofas. Its price is reasonable, and the choice of colors and textures is very rich. The most common, affordable fabrics are jacquard and fleece. More expensive upholstery materials are natural cotton, corduroy, velvet, plush. As for drawing, today not only all kinds of prints, abstraction and avant-garde interweaving of tones are relevant, but also checks, stripes, and plain options. Manufacturers also often depict entire pictures on the back and seats of the sofa, which is especially important for children's furniture.

Leather Eco leather Velvet

Jacquard Textile

Velvet

Transformation mechanism

Progress is moving forward, and the furniture industry is providing the sofa with the ability to conveniently transform. How the mechanisms differ from each other, what their features are, is discussed in the table.

Sofas with the classic layout method, when the seat is pulled out and the back is lowered into the free space, remain popular.

Classic Puma Accordion

Conrad Dolphin

Roll-out

Cot

Photos and prices for popular models

• So, what will Belarusian please us with? The cost of his ottoman ranges from 13 thousand (children's version) to 33 thousand rubles. The popular Dana model (single, with two curly backs located at an angle and) will cost 16.5 thousand rubles. Dimensions: 2 by 0.97 by 0.75 meters.
• An ottoman with a mirrored back from this one (model with a sleeping area of ​​1.5 by 2 meters) costs 16.7 thousand rubles. She has two semicircular tables on either side of the headboard. There is an end lift and a large linen drawer.
• And the Elegia factory has a very comfortable double model “Elite”. This is an ottoman with two spring mattresses, each of which can be lifted from its side, gaining access to the linen drawer. The soft semicircular back and the combination of two upholstery colors beautifully complement the design. The price of the product is about 18 thousand rubles. The sleeping place has dimensions of 1.6 by 2 meters.
• The elegant “Safi” from the Mebelus factory with an elegant wavy back, a lifting mechanism and a linen drawer will cost from 11.4 thousand rubles. It can be equipped with a mattress with independent springs (additionally 2 thousand rubles). The kit includes a pad and a roller. The “City” ottoman from the same manufacturer with flexible armrests and polyurethane foam filling costs 13 thousand rubles. The click-clack mechanism allows you to quickly turn it into a comfortable bed.
• We present to your attention from, which is called the “Bono” sofa bed. Its sides are trimmed with eco-leather or upholstery fabric (your choice), and the base consists of birch slats. Below is a drawer. Frame – MDF and chipboard. With dimensions of 0.8 by 1.9 meters, the product costs 22 thousand rubles.
• Now about the exclusive - models of the DG HOME brand, which is still very young, belonging to the Domoff Group, which has been creating original exquisite interiors since 2006. What can I say - very beautiful models, but they will cost a pretty penny. For example, a “Parisienne” sofa trimmed with light eco-leather on graceful stainless steel legs costs 165 thousand rubles. However, this is the most expensive model, there are also cheaper ones: the elegant Modern Spencer sofa has a price of 52 thousand rubles, and the Goodlife sofa-sofa costs 42 thousand rubles. All products have a solid wood frame and foam filling.
• However, the cheapest and at the same time priceless option is considered to be an ottoman or sofa not even from, for example, Ikea, but made

A sleeping place plays an important role in a person’s life. It’s not for nothing that some people can’t sleep in other people’s beds when visiting or in hotels. The sleeping place becomes home, it personifies peace and tranquility

Many people are confused: what to choose - an ottoman or a bed? Indeed, these two objects are visually very similar, and it is not clear which one should be preferred. We will tell you about the main differences between an ottoman and a bed.

What is the difference between an ottoman and a bed?

The first difference between a bed and an ottoman is the height relative to the floor. The ottoman will be lower, since in fact it is a low, wide sofa. The legs of the ottoman are small, and the absence of sofa armrests makes it look like a bed.

The second difference is the folding mechanism. A takta can often be confused with a bed, because when unfolded it is practically no different from it. At the same time, the ottoman has a folding mechanism, which a classic bed cannot boast of.

Functionality is the third distinguishing feature of an ottoman from a bed. The folding mechanism allows the ottoman to be installed in different rooms, as it becomes compact and suitable for sitting outside of bedtime. A bed is an object whose relevance is limited to the bedroom.

Pros and cons of ottomans and beds

Despite its versatility, the ottoman cannot boast of a thick, elastic mattress - this is its main disadvantage. Since it is located quite low from the floor, most often the ottoman mattress is a sofa mattress, consisting of elastic, strong springs and dense filling. Also, an ottoman will not provide owners with the opportunity to replace a mattress, unlike a bed.

The most significant disadvantage of a bed is that its cost is often much more expensive. This is due to the quality of the mattress, design, and complexity of processing. It's no secret that much more demands are placed on beds than on sofas and ottomans.

Currently, not many people know what an ottoman is. Previously, this piece of furniture was considered a mandatory attribute in the home of every wealthy Asian merchant. Even now, such a sofa is popular among buyers and has many advantages and distinctive features that need to be considered in more detail.

How to choose?

First of all, when choosing a sofa, consider where you will put it and pay attention to the size of the room and the sofa itself. Be sure to sit or even lie on the sofa - decide on softness and hardness, whether you are comfortable, whether you can lie down on the mattress completely and how many guests, if anything, can fit there. Try the armrests and backrest as well. You can easily save money on upholstery, but also pay attention to whether the material is easy to clean. Some sofas come with removable covers, which not only makes cleaning easy, but also changes the appearance. If you cannot wash it often or if the upholstery is leather, wipe it with a damp sponge every time you clean it.

Of course, we shouldn’t even talk about the size of the sofa. If the room is small, then you need to choose an appropriate sofa, and also remember that if we are talking about roll-out or fold-out mechanisms, then they need additional space. A sofa can easily replace a bed. It can also help save space due to the drawers located under the seat on some models. You can put bed linen, clothes, or unnecessary things there. If your room is decorated in a certain style, first of all make sure that the sofa fits into the design. Believe me, you yourself will not like it if the sofa, although beautiful in itself, does not look at all in the overall setting.

If you want to save money when purchasing, then pay attention to these tips:

• Upholstery can help you save money . Just choose a sofa with cheaper upholstery - for example, fleece, jacquard. The most expensive option is considered to be natural and eco-leather.
• Choose a polyurethane foam filling rather than an independent spring mattress. But please note that the material must be of high quality and not thin.
• You can save money by purchasing a sofa in an online store. Delivery may take some time, but you can “touch” the sofa in person, and then order it in another store. This way you will be sure of the quality and won’t throw money away.
• Remember that a markup is often made for the brand - the more famous it is, the more expensive the product . The price is also influenced by the country of origin - more precisely, the costs spent on shipping. Therefore, domestic unpromoted brands will always be cheaper. You can find them in any large furniture store, even in Ikea, Premium, Monika). In the end, it's reputation, not popularity, that matters.
• Opt for a spring-type mechanism or even hinges if the mattress and seat are not too heavy.

If you want to decide what to choose, when buying, think about the size of the room, style, price, interior and dimensions of the sofa or sofa, as well as how you are going to use it. Remember also about the warranty for repairs, certificates and warranty cards and the possibility of purchasing and replacing any parts yourself.

Color solutions

Choosing the right color of furniture for the living room, bedroom or veranda is not so easy. In this case, the ottoman is still very similar to a sofa, since it must first of all fit harmoniously into the overall interior. However, the laconicism and compactness of the furniture make it not the most noticeable, so it often happens that the choice of a particular model is based only on the dimensions. As a rule, it is enough to choose an ottoman so that its upholstery, whether it is too colorful or monochromatic, is in harmony with the color of the walls in the room

If you want to achieve the greatest success in independent design, then pay attention to the following tips for choosing the color of upholstered furniture:

• Corner furniture for an office or living room in the style of constructivism, techno, can have a pronounced blue or carmine-red color. But in classics or baroque it is better to refuse such decisions;
• Very often, an ottoman is chosen to emphasize minimalism or in the case of a Gothic style. Then simple gray or black furniture would be an excellent choice;
• White, brown, golden, rich blue - all these are basic colors for those who love sophistication and prefer Rococo, Baroque, Renaissance styles;
• For the Art Nouveau style, it is best to choose an ottoman in lighter colors, for example, beige;
• If you are furnishing your living room according to high-tech principles, then white or any bright acidic color is best.

Location Tips

The sofa is comfortable, practical, its design and dimensions allow it to be installed almost anywhere. Furniture is often placed in a children's room, especially if you need to save space. The second use is as a guest option. In addition, a sofa can be added to the hallway, adding a bit of coziness to this walk-through room. A larger model, especially with an unusual backrest and armrests, will organically fit into the interior of a living room or hall. Many people buy a sofa specifically for the dining room or for the balcony (loggia), where it 100% fulfills its functions, contributing to a comfortable rest.

The important thing is that this type of sofa goes well with other interior elements. A sofa is furniture that fits into most modern styles, be it hi-tech or classic. It is only important to choose the right accompanying decorative elements, think through the shape, color, and upholstery of this and all other furniture.

If the room already has a sofa, the sofa should match it in color and style.

In the nursery In the dining room On the loggia In the kitchen

In the hall

Interior ideas

Models that have a streamlined shape look original. Smooth lines and rounded edges will create a feeling of softness, lightness and comfort. If you use materials with abstract patterns and floral patterns in the design of the ottoman, you will get an ottoman for a modern interior.

A corner sofa-ottoman with legs, made in one color, will appeal to lovers of minimalism. If a rich shade is chosen, it can be combined with walls of a cold shade - gray, white.

Another option is a combination of wooden elements and textiles. Fabrics in beige, sand, and vanilla shades will emphasize the nobility of natural wood, while at the same time the design will not be pretentious due to the use of a minimum of decorative elements.

Corner model - even more cozy space

A corner sofa-sofa will allow you to stylishly and unobtrusively decorate your living room, taking into account fashion trends. With its smooth shape, such a sofa will appeal to any generation and will not lose its relevance for a long time.

The ability to change the rotation angle makes this sofa universal for most rooms. The place to relax is the maximum that can accommodate a large family or company. The way to transform it into a comfortable surface for sleeping is quite simple, using retractable systems.

Ottoman. What is this?

This piece of furniture was in almost every Soviet apartment, but it is undeservedly losing popularity today. An ottoman in the interior of a living room, bedroom or multifunctional room combines the functions of a bed and a sofa. At the same time, it is more comfortable and useful for sleeping than a sofa bed, and it takes up little space.

Ottoman in contrasting shades

Let's figure out what an ottoman is. Wikipedia and Soviet-era reference books report that an ottoman is a wide sofa without backs. A kind of mattress with legs, no frills. But today this is far from the case.

Luxurious ottoman with carved wooden legs

In Europe, this type of furniture appeared in the 18th century under the name ottoman, named after the Turks who brought it. The word “ottoman” has Turkish roots, its translation is “wood, board.” This accurately describes the main distinguishing feature of an ottoman: the base of its sleeping area is always a wooden slab.

Ottoman made in deep blue shade

Photos of ottomans are so varied that it is difficult to identify the main features of this piece of furniture.

Ottoman with forged back and armrests

Sometimes this type of furniture is mistakenly called “taffeta,” but in fact this consonant word denotes a type of fabric. Another misconception is that an ottoman is always narrow. Initially, this was indeed the case, but now there are one-and-a-half and even double models.

Ottoman upholstered in a delicate floral print

Nuances of choice

When buying a sofa, we must not forget about functionality - the choice of transformation mechanism or its complete absence depends on whether it will only be used for sitting, or the furniture will be used for sleeping.

Price depends on many factors

If you need to save money, it is important to choose inexpensive but high-quality upholstery. Spring blocks inside the seat will be more expensive than a sofa made of polyurethane foam, but the polyurethane should not be thin. The manufacturing company is important when choosing, but it is not necessary to buy products from popular brands; in this case, reputation plays a bigger role than popularity

And the cost of goods from reliable, but not advertised brands is several times lower

The manufacturing company is important when choosing, but it is not necessary to buy products from popular brands; in this case, reputation plays a bigger role than popularity. And the cost of goods from reliable, but not advertised brands is several times lower.

Perhaps only a clear understanding of what a sofa is and what this furniture is needed for will allow you to make an informed choice. In this case, the product will be in demand and useful, and will not be a simple “museum exhibit” of the interior.

The meaning of the word "sofa"

SOFA

, -ы́,
plural
sofas,
w.
A wide, low sofa with arms at the same level as the back.

Source (printed version):

Dictionary of the Russian language: In 4 volumes / RAS, Institute of Linguistics.
research; Ed. A. P. Evgenieva. — 4th ed., erased. - M.: Rus. language; Polygraph resources, 1999; (electronic version):
Fundamental electronic library

Sofa (from Arabic: صف‎) is a wide sofa in which the back and armrests are the same height. In Europe, the sofa has been known since the 17th century, where it came from the East (Ottoman Empire). The sofa was usually placed in aristocratic living rooms and was intended for daytime rest in a sitting position. The frame of the sofa was made of valuable wood (cedar, larch), the upholstery was made of silk or leather, and the removable (furniture) pillows were stuffed with sheep wool or horsehair for greater rigidity.

SOFA'

, (
non-cl.
outdated), ы́,
plural.
(rarely) sofas, sofa, sofam,
w.
.
A soft, wide and deep sofa with handles at the same level as the back. Here's a sofa for you, relax.
Griboyedov.

1. soft wide and deep sofa with armrests (handles) at the same level as the backrest

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Sentences containing "sofa"

• Not paying attention to some women sitting by the window, he plopped down heavily on the soft sofa
  .
• He carried his son into the bedroom, obviously deciding that he would be calmer there, and laid him down on his parents’ wide sofa
  .
• After dinner, she sat down on a leather sofa
  and, bending one leg under her, rolled cigarettes for her brother, frowning her low forehead under her dark curls.
• (all offers)

Quotes from Russian classics with the word “sofa”

It was a spacious, comfortable, even luxurious office. A huge walnut wardrobe, a large desk with shelves, a piano, two soft sofas and more than half a dozen armchairs constituted his furniture. It was there, between the wardrobe and the piano, firmly screwed to the wall and floor, there was one semicircular sofa, representing a safe refuge from a shipwreck.

Additionally

Expressions containing "sofa":

Not paying attention to some women sitting by the window, he plopped down heavily on the soft sofa

.

He carried his son into the bedroom, apparently deciding that he would be calmer there, and laid him down on his parents’ wide sofa

.

After lunch she sat down on the leather sofa

and, bending one leg under her, she rolled cigarettes for her brother, frowning her low forehead under her dark curls.

Morphology

Map of words and expressions of the Russian language

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Reference information on the declension of nouns and adjectives, verb conjugation, as well as the morphemic structure of words.

The site is equipped with a powerful search system with support for Russian morphology.

Table

The main differences between a sofa and a sofa

If at first glance it seems to you that there are no special differences between these pieces of upholstered furniture, you are mistaken. If we consider this issue, based only on visual perception, then indeed, there are similarities - the seat, armrests, backrest - they are present in both furniture options. However, delving into the broader characteristics of this furniture, you understand that it undoubtedly has more design differences.

The sofa is smaller than the sofa. She is the owner of smooth, clearly defined angles, a hard seat and smooth outlines. It is compact, has low, rather narrow armrests and a backrest, thanks to which it can easily fit into a small room.

The sofa, unlike the sofa, has larger dimensions. Its mattress, backrest and armrests are much softer and wider. In addition, in addition to them, the package usually includes additional pillows.

Basic parameters of the sofa

The sofa is universal and multifunctional. It can be collapsible (transformable) or non-dismountable (non-transformable). The collapsible version easily turns into a fairly spacious bed, which can easily accommodate two adults.

Sofas can be stationary, modular or island.

• Stationary - are the simplest models with clearly defined dimensions. They cannot be disassembled, cannot be transformed into a bed, and serve more of a decorative function than all the others.
• Modular - formed from individual parts that can be assembled in any desired order. Such models are often equipped with transformations that allow you to change its overall appearance.
• Island - modern attractive models, often used to decorate recreation areas, such as hotels, beauty salons, cafes, etc. They come in round, oval or rectangular shapes.

Basic parameters of the sofa

The sofa can be small-sized or large-sized. The small-sized model can be installed in the living room or hall as a small sofa. A large sofa can be used as a bed. When unfolded, it can accommodate two adults of average height.

Some buyers consider the sofa to be a universal piece of furniture, but, unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Despite having some advantages in terms of size and compactness, in comparison with a sofa, it can perform much less functionality.

So, based on all of the above, we can highlight the main differences between a sofa and a sofa, which are as follows:

• Compactness;
• Low, hard armrests and backrest located on the same level;
• The presence of only one continuous seat;
• Clearly defined contours and right angles.

The main differences between a sofa and a sofa, in turn, include:

• Large sizes;
• High back;
• Variety of contours;
• More dense packaging;
• Wide functionality;
• Possibility of transformation.

When choosing between a sofa and a sofa, you should first decide for what purpose you are making the purchase. If the main purpose of the purchase is decorative, buy a sofa. If you need a piece of furniture that, along with performing a decorative function, will serve as a place for you to sleep and relax, give preference to a sofa.

Sofa Furniture

Definition

A sofa is a fairly spacious piece of furniture, equipped with armrests and a backrest. This product, which came to us from the East, originally decorated the interior of aristocratic living rooms. At that time, it was customary to only sit on such furniture, made of valuable wood and upholstered in expensive silk or genuine leather. But later the sofa began to be used for lying down.

Sofa

A sofa is a comfortable piece of furniture that (unlike, for example, an armchair) can accommodate several seated people. Has a soft seat, armrests and back.

Sofa

In general terms, a sofa is also a variation of a sofa. However, we will compare these items in the traditional sense.

Current standard dimensions

We will be guided by GOST, that is, state standards in force in our country.

Typically, in the manufacture of upholstered furniture, that is, sofas, the following dimensional characteristics are used.

• Width. It ranges from 90 to 210 centimeters. In this case, the increment will be 10 centimeters;
• Length. In length, most models are made from 150 to 200 centimeters;
• Height. There is even a standard for height. It ranges from 50 to 150 cm, that is, the spread here is impressive;
• Depth. We are talking about the depth of the seat. The most common seat depths are 50, 60, 70, 75, as well as 80, 85 and 90 cm.

It must be admitted that previously there was the same old Soviet sofa in almost every house and apartment.

But with the advent of new folding, small-sized, forward-folding and accordion-style models, the range has expanded significantly.

It is not always necessary to strictly follow established standards. Many furniture factories and private craftsmen are ready to fulfill individual orders for specific specified sizes. Be it a sofa, corner sofa or any of the sofa bed options of your choice.

Most often, it is the straight version of the sofa that is on sale.

There are several modifications in size.

• Double. Compact but can accommodate 2 people. Used in apartments, houses, offices and offices. The standard length of a double sofa is 170 cm and the width varies from 80 to 100 cm;
• Triples. When choosing a three-seater sofa, focus on a length from 200 to 250 cm and a width from 80 to 100 cm;
• One and a half or children's. The length is usually 90-200 cm, and the width depends on the folding mechanism. If the extension is forward, then 170 cm. If along, then at least 200 cm;
• Baby. Incredibly compact model, suitable for any room. It measures 120 cm in length and 60 cm in width.

Please note that measurements also need to be taken correctly.

According to GOST, the width is measured by the external dimensions, and the width of the seat is measured separately along the internal boundaries.

If you need a sofa for daily use, then focus on a length of 190 to 200 cm and a width of 120 to 140 cm. If the sofa is more likely for guests, a length of up to 190 cm and a width of up to 120 cm will suffice.

Dimensions

A classic sofa will in any case be smaller than the usual design, but it can be of different sizes and dimensions. In the case of a folding or rolling out sofa, it is worth considering that when unfolded it will be twice as long and will resemble a real single or double (depending on the width) bed. Even the smallest sofa can easily accommodate three people, the largest can accommodate up to six, and that’s not even taking into account the armrests and backrest, which can easily accommodate children. The optimal and most common option is a standard sofa measuring 120x200.

Sliding ottoman

If the decision is made in favor of a pull-out sofa, then a little “pre-purchase” research is also necessary here.
You should definitely sit down on the sofa and make sure that the retractable part does not move out from under the person sitting. Don’t be lazy and call a consultant for help. The seller will show you all the nuances of using the sofa: unfold and fold it, and then offer to repeat it yourself.

There are several requirements that must be met when purchasing a folding double ottoman.

Read also: Double ottoman

It is better if the sliding part is on rollers - this will make it easier to fold and unfold every day, especially important if the future purchase is designed for two people. The sleeping area simply must be perfectly level;

The sleeping area simply must be perfectly level;

Each of the moving parts needs rigid fixation - this will prevent the parts from detaching from each other at night. Another concern for the moving parts is that the wood and plywood do not touch in any way, which will eliminate creaking.

Where to put?

Most often, sofas are purchased for living rooms and halls. Due to its size and minimalistic appearance, it looks good both at official receptions and friendly gatherings. It is used to receive guests, sometimes as an extra bed. Teenagers can put a folding sofa in their bedroom - this is very convenient, since a child’s room is usually small in size, and a folded sofa can be used for receiving guests. However, this option is only suitable for adult children, since it is uncomfortable for small children to sleep on such a hard mattress.

A small sofa can be placed in the hallway or placed instead of a sofa in the dining room or kitchen. The same applies to the balcony and loggia - this is where the sofa will look optimally cozy and ideal as a corner for relaxation. A sofa can sometimes be found in various concert or banquet halls, in the offices of large companies or in restaurants - after all, it is a fairly popular piece of furniture, and it is often recommended by designers.

Main characteristics and features

A sofa is a small sofa with a narrow seating area. It can be used for relaxation or serve as a full-fledged sleeping place for a small room.

For convenience and space saving, factories produce a double size with a transformation mechanism, which is usually called a “sofa”. The layout is similar to a roll-out mechanism, but unlike it, you will sleep on it parallel to the wall, and not perpendicular to it as in a roll-out mechanism.

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In addition, it is not deep, suitable for a narrow bedroom or nursery. Folding models have a small storage box, non-folding models have a larger one, and some may have no storage box at all.

The main differences are:

An ottoman is used as an analogue of a bed, with a comfortable sleeping place; the sofa can be used both for everyday sleep, and only for relaxation during the daytime in the form of a couch.

In our opinion, the subject of discussion has been exhausted; today it is very difficult to distinguish between these two concepts, since factories move away from clear terminology and often call a classic sofa or ottoman a sofa and vice versa, or combine these two names into one.

Mechanisms of transformation

Modern upholstered furniture is often complemented by various mechanisms. Each of them operates according to a certain principle.

Eurobook

The most popular is the mechanism called “Eurobook”. It can be classified as a familiar classic, as it is well known to many people. Furniture with this mechanism is durable and very reliable. It can be used daily without worrying about rapid wear of the structural parts. Sofas and sofas with such systems can easily be placed near the wall.

As a rule, the Eurobook transformer is complemented by spacious linen drawers. With the help of such furniture you can significantly save space in the room and eliminate unnecessary cabinets.

Pantograph

Another reliable mechanism is the “pantograph”. Furniture with this design combines all the positive qualities of a traditional “Eurobook”. This product has a slightly different mechanism for folding the seat. Sofas and sofas with similar systems do not have wheels, which leave unsightly marks on the floor coverings.

The seats with a pantograph mechanism move apart without touching the floor. Because of this distinctive feature, such models are also called “walking”. The berth in such models unfolds from the backrest, which lowers and rises to the vacant space. The pantograph is a very simple mechanism that even a small child or a fragile girl can easily handle.

Roll-out mechanism

It is one of the most durable and durable. It contains strong and wear-resistant compounds. You can use furniture with such a system regularly.

Such structures unfold very simply: you need to pull the handle located on the front part of the furniture and push the berth forward to its full length, since the front part will pull the rest of the structure along with it.

Dolphin

The mechanism with the memorable name “dolphin” is most often used in a corner design. Such systems are very simple and durable. Furniture with the “dolphin” mechanism is designed for heavy loads and regular use.

Accordion

The mechanism called “accordion” unfolds very simply and quickly. Furniture with such equipment takes up very little space, which does not in any way affect its practicality and functionality. When using a sofa with an accordion mechanism, the sleeping area is very flat and located at a great distance from the floor.

French folding bed

The most unreliable mechanism is the “French clamshell”. It is not designed for regular use and is only added to inexpensive guest products. As a rule, interior items with similar designs are light in weight, mobile and take up little space in the room. However, they contain cheap lattice bases that are easily dented and fail.

Top producers

• I think everyone knows “Pinskdrev”. This Belarusian company makes very beautiful and high-quality furniture. An ottoman of this brand will not be too cheap, but it will last a long time and will wonderfully decorate the interior.
• The production facilities of two well-known furniture factories are located in Borovichi (Nizhny Novgorod region). These are “Elegy” and “Borovichi Furniture”. Both have a range of elegant and high-quality ottoman models, including practical corner options. And Borovichi Furniture produces an original ottoman with a mirrored back - you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.
• There are also several furniture manufacturing companies in the ancient Russian city of Vladimir and its surroundings. Such as "MDV", "Gros", "Mebelus". The upholstered furniture they produce, including ottomans and sofas, is sold in many Russian stores.
• In St. Petersburg, one can name such popular manufacturers as the Nord and Focus factories. The latter is distinguished by a large selection of inexpensive double corner ottoman models.
• The Ivanovo factory “Ivkron” produces a very nice and inexpensive ottoman called “Gloria” in several modifications (including one with a built-in table). A distinctive feature of the product is a durable frame made of natural wood.
• It should be noted that the well-known manufacturer of sleep products is the domestic factory “Ormatek”. It produces fairly laconic products that are ideal for a night's rest, as they have an orthopedic base made of spring slats, which is best for the spine, as doctors say.

The abundance of various sofa-ottomans from “Borovichi-furniture” is presented in the following video:

Would you like to buy an ottoman on which you will enjoy sleeping? Then take a model with an orthopedic mattress, for example, from Ormatek, whose products are presented in the following video:

Materials

The couch, like other furniture, is made of strong, durable, practical and durable materials. Metal and wood are most often used to make the frame part. The range for creating upholstery is not limited to two materials and represents a fairly wide range of fabrics of different textures and densities.

The metal frame consists of an alloy of steel, chromium, copper and aluminum. Such models are often made in the Art Nouveau or Provence style. Forged metal couches are a special category of furniture. Openwork metal curls, zigzags, and floral patterns greatly decorate such a seemingly primitive piece of furniture from a design point of view. A wrought iron couch will ideally complement and decorate any modern interior.

A wooden couch is an excellent option for a hallway, bedroom or children's room. The frame is made from solid birch, ash, oak, cedar, cherry and other types of wood. The lacquered coating not only extends the life of the furniture, but also gives it a soft, glossy shine.

As a filler for seats or armrests, two main groups are mainly used: with and without springs. In the first option, layers of coconut fiber, felt, and foam rubber are laid on the spring block. The second option uses foam rubber, polyurethane foam and other elastic material.

The upholstery for the couch can be leather (natural or artificial), suede, velor, velvet, microfiber and other fabrics. Leather models look the most impressive, expensive and solid. Such furniture looks appropriate in a study, an office, or a reception area. For furnishing a hallway, living room or bedroom, artificial leather substitutes or soft, textured materials are suitable.

Tools

To make a sofa yourself you will need the following tools:

• furniture stapler with staples;
• screwdriver;
• drill and screwdriver;
• jigsaw;
• wood hacksaw;
• sander

Prepare from materials:

• upholstery fabric;
• sewing machine;
• filler;
• boards;
• glued plywood;
• springs;
• screws. Bolts and nuts;
• wood glue.

Tip : if some tools are not available, you can rent them.

Transformation mechanism

There are quite a lot of options for types of couches:

1. corner and straight couch beds;
2. ottomans with a drawer for linen;
3. with lifting mechanism;
4. with retractable mechanism.

Sliding couches. This design is intended for use in various spaces. This is a living room, hallway, bedroom, kitchen or children's room. One of the options for sliding couches is a children's sofa, which moves forward and extends almost three times. As a result, the children's room is equipped with a comfortable place to sleep.

Another model of a pull-out couch is a sofa, which, if necessary, also moves forward, increasing the sleeping space. This creates a place where sofa cushions “hide” during sleep. The “couch” transformation mechanism is the simplest option for laying out sofas; sometimes the mechanism itself is simply missing. Upholstered furniture items have undoubted advantages. The variety of layout options once again confirms the fact that sometimes a sofa can be unfolded without a mechanism at all. To do this, the armrest or headboard is tilted to the sides. This is the principle of the “couch” mechanism.

This type of transformation will not turn the sofa into a large sleeping place; it will not work as a double bed. More often, these products are purchased for a child, as well as for infrequent use by one person, for the dining area. There are very large leather sofas - with a significant number of seats. They are bulky and it is not always possible to use them for home improvement. In this case, an elegant couch with a very simple transformation of the headrest comes to the rescue - to increase the sleeping space.

The “click-click” transformation mechanism is an improved book that has several types of fixation: sitting, lying down, reclining. In the interior, such models look very modern and harmonious. This option is suitable if the room is elongated. The children's couch can increase its length by extending laterally. This happens using the “dolphin” transformation mechanism. A modern couch without a transformation mechanism is a fairly common option. It is chosen if you are going to use only a sleeping place.

The couch is especially often found in the assortment of children's sofas. True, such models are far from a traditional couch: they do not have light legs, but they do have a spacious tray where you can store bedding, as well as many toys. Their design is simple; dads can make such small children's sofas with their own hands. There are also ottomans with a drawer for linen. If the purpose of the purchase is just to get a place to sleep, a model equipped with a storage box is suitable. It allows you to keep things organized and also saves useful space. The classic box can be equipped with a lifting mechanism.

Materials

Initially, the sofa was made from durable and expensive types of wood - mahogany, walnut, rattan, and the pillows and frame were upholstered in silk or brocade. Pillows were made from sheep wool or horsehair, since in this case they were perfectly smooth and durable. Nowadays, coniferous wood species are most often used to make sofas - pine, larch, fir. Other types of trees are also used, as well as plywood, plastic, chipboard and metal.

Upholstery – appearance of the sofa, appearance. It is upholstered with artificial and natural leather and various types of fabrics (pile and soft, from natural and artificial threads), including mohair, wool, cotton, fleece and jacquard. Some upholstery covers have a Teflon coating that repels dirt, water and is flame retardant. They cost, of course, accordingly. And the sofa is stuffed with felt, quilted padding, latex, polyurethane foam (PPU), foam rubber and linings made of cotton or synthetic fibers and other polymers, since they are more durable than natural materials. Also, of course, springs and various rolling out mechanisms are used.