Choosing a sofa correctly

Sofa can rightly be called the most common and most versatile attribute of furniture for sleeping and relaxing. There is nothing surprising, because the bed is only suitable for relaxing in a horizontal position, and on the couch you can stay sitting alone and in a noisy company. It is worth considering what types of such furniture exist, how they differ from each other, how to choose the right sofa.

There are quite a few types of sofas, and this is good, since a large variety implies the possibility to choose a model suitable for one or another interior.

So, it is worth understanding what popular models exist, as well as the categories into which they are divided.

Sofas can be divided into several varieties - according to their functionality and purpose.

For example, not every sofa is suitable for sleeping every day, since it must meet certain requirements:

• have a comfortable sofa mattress, suitable for sleeping;
• decomposed into a full bed;
• have orthopedic properties.

The vast majority of sofas do not fit this description, so only anatomical models with high-quality spring mattresses are suitable for daily sleep.

Sofas designed exclusively for seating, as a rule, are not equipped with folding mechanisms, so they cannot be used for other purposes. Such sofas are usually placed in the halls of hotels and resort hotels, in the living rooms of country houses, as well as in offices.

When you watch your favorite movie, you want to feel comfortable and relax as much as possible, so choosing a sofa for just this purpose is quite a challenge.It is necessary to take into account all personal desires and rely on the feeling of comfort and coziness obtained when sitting on a particular piece of furniture.

The most suitable option for a home theater is a large leather sofa with a comfortable backrest and a rising lower part. Some of these products are equipped with a back-pushing system, through which you can take the most comfortable body position.

There are several options for sofas for country outdoor recreation. These are, for example, swing sofas, which are soft, rather dense cushions located on a metal frame. More low-end models are designed exclusively for relaxing in a sitting position.

More expensive sofas of such a plan are made of other metal alloys, they are distinguished by higher quality and have mechanisms allowing to bring the sofa-swings to the prone position, while fixing the surface (for a safer rest).

In addition, for garden and country rest there are quite a lot of nice wicker sofas, which in addition with soft seats and cushions will appeal to every connoisseur of comfort.

In addition, sofas vary in shape.You will be surprised to know how unusual forms sometimes occur in designer furniture attributes. Next will be considered the most popular and most unusual of them:

• Unusual sofa It is not only a functional place for recreation, but also an interesting design solution that can decorate or complement the interior of any room.

• Radius sofas look beautiful, forming a kind of open circle. Such models are ideal for spacious rooms, as well as for large companies. Thanks to this form of the sofa, people will always be able to maintain eye contact, they will not lose the thread of communication.

• The ottoman-royal sofa looks unusual, representing an attribute of furniture that looks like a musical instrument. This furniture product is suitable for interior decoration of music rooms, as well as to complement the repair in this style.

• Classic Luxury presented in the form of a sofa, the shape of which resembles a throne. It's all about a very high back, decorated in a special way, quilted squares and decorative stones. On this couch, everyone feels like a king seated on a throne.

• Very extravagant (and at the same time somewhat vulgar) look like sofas in the shape of lips. Such models are absolutely not suitable for home furnishings, they can only be used to complement any fashionable showrooms or showrooms.

• Corner sofas may have other forms. - besides standard right angles. For example, models with complex corners are products equipped with several “steps”, thanks to which you can embed a piece of furniture even in a room with corner niches.

• Modern design designers - modular convertible sofa systems. It is a piece of furniture consisting of several parts (not fastened together) that can be freely moved, giving the product a completely different appearance.

• Soft round sofas are very popular, which are sometimes presented in an unusual way. For example, a sofa in the form of yin-yang, intended for two, when combined, is a circular piece of furniture, divided into two oblong parts.

• Of course, not to mention the standard rectangular shape. sofas, which is the most practical in everyday life. A rectangular sofa is much easier to place indoors,it is the most compact and does not require interior delights, corresponding to the design of the piece of furniture.

Design ideas sometimes affect the entire construction of the sofa, affecting and directly influencing the change of its forms in general (or on changing the form of small, but playing an important part of the details):

• Leg sofas most often do not have a folding mechanism and are intended solely for relaxing sitting. In folding models, legs may not be very practical, since their presence can make the design of the sofa more fragile, which will greatly affect the service life of the piece of furniture.

• Stationary sofas, designed for use in apartments and houses, as a rule, have a fairly simple design, the most suitable for any interior. Most often, these models are presented in a rectangular design and quite simply decorated - a monochromatic surface or a combination of soft shades similar in color to the palette.

• Pretty popular sofas with otomanka - additional detail, which is the functional part of the sofa.It can be simply added (a special place for the legs) or specially attached - in the case of corner sofas. Similar design principles are different and sofas with chaise.

• High back sofas good for decorating rooms, but they may not be very comfortable. It all depends on the angle of inclination: a straight high back can cause discomfort, because it does not allow the muscles of the back and neck to relax. A small angle of inclination of the back will be very useful, it is suitable for a pleasant stay.

• Very compact and quite comfortable is sofa pouf. The model is a low soft pouf, suitable for relaxing in a sitting position. Sofa pouf - ideal for small rooms, dressing rooms, hallways and balconies.

• Many classic models have standard soft armrests thanks to which the piece of furniture looks complete. But some furniture products (for example, a sofa) are equipped with wooden sidewalls. Such models are like couches in retrostyle.

• Some rooms designed for large home theaters.in, are equipped with special types of sofas, consisting of elastic large pillows modules. Most often, some of the floor surface is covered with such pillows, and the backs of the sofa are also constructed - this is a convenient and stylish place to watch movies.

• Sofa beds have a definite advantage over other models - folding, as well as a folding mechanism. Models that are not equipped with these mechanisms are much less functional.

• Transformers with electric drive are very popular. Models are equipped with special mechanisms that allow you to control the position of the armrests, backrest and footrest using the remote. Such models are not suitable for sleeping, but they can be an excellent option for home leisure and relaxing with friends and family.

• In country houses, in rooms with low wide window-sills it is possible to build an unusualbut very stylish and comfortable product. Sill sofa It does not need to make any special designs, you just need to strengthen the surface and supplement it with soft cushions that act as seats.

• The main decor of the sofas are quilted elements. Another design move, which has certain similarities with the previous one, is also interesting. Carriages with sofas look really luxurious and fit well into the framework of the classical style.

In addition to all the internal components that determine the purpose, functionality and appearance of the sofa, there are many additional elements, thanks to which the piece of furniture acquires new properties - plus the existing ones.

For example, a sofa with a built-in bar will be an excellent find for arranging the interior of a home office for a man or a spacious living room, in which a large number of guests always gather. A bar equipped in a sofa is most often located in the back and can be of two types:

• Hidden bar cover, decorated under the back of the piece of furniture, “closes” when closed.
• Bar in the seat - most often located in the corner of the respective sofas and has a wooden closing door.

Some corner models are equipped with special shelves located in the corner. Often this shelf is at the level of the back of the sofa and acts as an addition to the built-in bar. But it also happens that the shelf is an independent part of a furniture product.

Some sofas have a special technology. It provides the most pleasant stay in a comfortable position. This is a recliner. This technology allows not only to adjust the angle of the back, but also to raise the lower part, providing rest for the legs.

Such products are quite expensive, but they provide maximum relaxation of the whole body.

Models with speakers will perfectly fit into an apartment or a home for those who like to relax with music or become an integral part of a home theater.

The variety of children's models is much greater than the range of adult sofas. Yes, they are not always equipped with any special additional functions, however, they needlessly in such products, but there are still some requirements for them:

• Children's sofa must have a streamlined shape. Very good, if the model has a soft upholstery on the entire surface. This decor will avoid injury to the baby.
• Must have armreststhat should be well secured. This detail will ensure a peaceful sleep, not worrying that the baby can fall off the couch - the armrests will help prevent this.
• It will be relevant to have a drawer in the bottom of the sofa., which will help the child to maintain order in his room and keep toys in a safe and easy to use storage space.
• Because children prefer outdoor gameswhich sometimes include climbing and jumping on the sofa, you need to make sure that the piece of furniture is more durable than an “adult” product.
• It is advisable to choose a model with the simplest transformation system.That will allow the kid to cope with the transfer of a piece of furniture in the bed mode.
• The main condition - hypoallergenic upholstery. Since the children's body is only getting stronger and is quite susceptible to all external factors, it is necessary to take care of the safety of the baby’s health by preventing various harmful trace elements from entering its body.
• In addition, there are some anatomical and orthopedic requirements.. As the child’s body develops, it is necessary to observe all the necessary conditions for its proper development, including appropriate sleep conditions that help maintain the health of the spine.

As for the design of sofas - there are many options, because children adore everything bright and unusual. In addition, modern technologies make it possible to manufacture sofas of various shapes and sizes, equipping them with details with images of favorite characters of children's cartoons.

Among the models for boys, sofas in the form of airplanes, typewriters and spaceships gained special popularity, and for girls furniture items such as the princess’s throne, flowers, carriages or with images of the characters of the respective cartoons (Barbie, Masha and the Bear) are more relevant.

More adult children prefer monophonic sofas of bright colors - red, pink, yellow, green, blue, blue. They are complemented by stylish pillows and bedspreads.

The interior in a certain style needs appropriate pieces of furniture that complement it. It is reasonable and logical to choose a furniture product that matches the style and fits into the interior concept:

• For example, a variety of technical style, modern hi-tech Looks very good in the form of these furniture attributes. For such styles is characterized by the predominance of simple ornaments in the form of geometric shapes, and the color range does not go beyond black, white, gray and metallic shades.

• The so-called loft style is very popular. Still would! The modern interior, although it includes some elements of negligence (open brickwork or structures made of pipes), is still incredibly cozy. Sofas in this style have the same slightly sloppy appearance, combining metal elements and upholstery made of natural materials.

• Recently, eco style is gaining popularity. It's all about the growing popularity of Vedic culture and environmental protection. For the manufacture of sofas in this style, materials of natural origin are used, and as for the color range, soft natural shades are popular.

• Very bright, stylish and unusual look sofas in the style of patchwork, because it is characterized by a combination of elements of different shades (with a variety of prints). Sofas are made exclusively from fabrics, but it does not use a complete canvas, but a multitude of patches sewn together.

• Timeless classics are always popular.. As already known, the classic style always makes real luxury items out of ordinary furniture. Soft expensive fabrics, decoration with decorative stones, a carriage stitch and wooden elements with carved decor - the sofas in classic style look just incredible.

• For modern style some minimalism is characteristic - the simplest construction, the minimum of decor and prints. Uniform shades of sofas are welcomed, and the most distant from the nature materials - metal, plastic and artificial fabrics are used in the manufacture.

• Some minimalism is also present in the Japanese style. Light colors and the most simple design - this is what is the basis of the interior in this style. Japanese-style sofas should not be fanciful and catchy. Very good, if the model will be a standard rectangular shape, without eye-catching elements.

• The sofas also look beautiful with various oriental prints meeting in Turkish style and boho.

The functionality and the life of the sofa largely depend on how the sliding mechanism is equipped with a particular piece of furniture. There are quite a lot of them, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

It is worth considering the most popular transformation mechanisms of sofas and their features:

• Pantograph mechanism Known for its simplicity and ease of use. The seat, rising, moves forward, forming an empty space in its place. On this place the part of a back equipped with a soft spring mattress falls. So it turns out quite spacious sleeping place.

• "Eurobook" differs in the similar principle of unfolding of a berth.The sofa has a sliding mechanism: the seat is extended, and part of the backrest is lowered into the resulting space. Lift the seat is not necessary, just push it to yourself.

• Expand the sofa with the mechanism "dolphin" quite simple - the process does not require much effort. As a rule, under the seat there is a sliding block, which can be straightened with a simple effort - just by pulling this part towards you by the special handle. After that, this part is fixed at the level of the sofa seat, forming a full-fledged sleeping place.

• Linen boxes, which are part of the corner models only - not uncommon for sofas with a puma decomposition mechanism. The principle of operation of this mechanism is as follows: a part of the seat is lifted and pushed forward, while the other part under it is brought up and fixed at the seat level.

• Conrad transformation mechanism very unusual, but very practical, because (despite the complexity of the whole structure) there are linen boxes in the models with this mechanism. The bed consists of three parts, which are put forward one by one and fixed on special bases.

• Today, there are not only sliding mechanisms. There are many unfolding sofas, which are based on a special swivel mechanism. It is worth understanding what variants of the mechanisms working by such principle exist.

Sofas with clamshell transformation mechanisms are divided into several types, each of which has certain differences:

• "French cot" is a classic among models with similar mechanisms. This sofa is more practical if you use it exclusively as a seating area. For sleep and rest, this forward-moving design is hardly suitable, since it is considered very inconvenient. She can not provide a good rest.

• American clamshell model is more durable and more comfortable design. For the manufacture of parts using durable alloys, and the mattress itself may even have a fairly good quality springs.

• Italian version of the clamshell mechanism It is called a shifter, because the sofa unfolds when moving the backrest forward and flipping the whole structure. After turning the bed is fixed on special supports. The sofa mattress is equipped with a fairly durable spring block, so that it is very comfortable to sleep.

Sofas have different dimensional characteristics, which directly depend on both the model and the mechanism. Using the most common models as an example, it is worth considering which sizes correspond to the different variants of furniture products:

• Corner sofas. As a rule, these models are equipped with a sliding mechanism that forms the bed, have a rather impressive size. But there are also small, very compact models of sofas. The height of all corner models are usually the same: with an armrest height is about 90 cm, with no armrest - below. The width of the berth of such sofas can vary in the region of 120-200 cm (depending on the compactness of the model). Large sofas are perfect for spacious rooms, but a small product will be an ideal option for a studio apartment (or quite suitable as a single piece of furniture).

• Straight sofas. Straight designs, as a rule, are much more compact than corner sofas. They are much smaller, as some may be lower, while others will be shorter. However, it often happens that the sofa combines both qualities and has a very small size. Small straight sofas can have a width of about 140, 150, 180 cm. Such dimensions are quite suitable for both one and two people. The average length of a straight sofa is about 2 m, but there are also more dimensional models, the length of which reaches 3 meters.

Great variety of materials used for the manufacture of sofas. It is important to choose a model not only with high-quality upholstery, but also with a strong frame, elastic filler, corresponding to some anatomical properties.

Fabric upholstery is very pleasant to the touch, but not always practical, because not every attractive material externally has high wear resistance. It should be wise to approach the choice of the sofa from a particular material, after reading the advantages and disadvantages of each option:

• For example, soft and comfortable velor It has not only a beautiful and pleasant to the touch surface, but also has high strength, due to the fact that the material is made exclusively from natural fibers. Furniture item in such upholstery will decorate the interior, because it looks incredibly beautiful.

• Flora sofas Not only look no less attractive, but are also pleasant to the touch, because they have a soft surface similar to velvet. Although the material wears off fairly quickly, it is still considered quite durable and keeps well, even with daily heavy loads.

• Quite a long time the most popular materialsuitable for upholstered sofas, was considered tapestry. This material is not only very durable and luxurious, but also environmentally friendly. It is thanks to these three characteristics that it has a rather high cost.

• No less attractive in appearance and jacquard, which is also a fairly popular sofa upholstery option.The material is incredibly dense and durable, and all thanks to a special technology of interlacing fibers with a high degree of rigidity. The fabric has one major drawback - it is not resistant to moisture, as wetting can lead to complete or partial loss of functionality.

• Often for upholstery sofas use material such as a mat - high-density fabric, which has a soft, but uneven surface ("checkers"). Matting sofas look quite beautiful, but are not always considered durable, because the fabric is rather quickly ruffled.

• Quite popular upholstery options are leather and leatherette. Both materials have a similar surface, but have completely different properties. Leather sofas are much more practical and durable, while the leather substitute has a rather short lifespan.

• For country houses, spacious balconies and garden plots the best solution would be a wicker sofa. The product has a very durable surface that is able to maintain its durability for many years. In addition, wicker furniture can not be exposed to moisture, so that it is quite practical in the care.

The frame of a furniture product is very important (almost the main one) of its component. Without a high-quality frame it is impossible to make a practical product with a high service life. You need to understand what materials are the most practical and best suited for the manufacture of sofa frames.

The most common is a wooden frame. Since it is made of solid wood, it is considered very strong and durable, and with proper processing of wood it can be attributed to wear-resistant materials with a very long service life.

In addition, not only the main frame of the sofa, but also its other parts are made from various types of wood. For example, for the construction of the walls and the lower part of the linen drawer, they use quite strong sheets of chipboard. If the model has wooden armrests - use chipboard.

Bars of different sizes, plywood and various types of boards are also used.

The metal frame in some cases is considered more durable and durable. Of course, the high-quality metal is not susceptible to moisture, it does not crack from excessive dryness of the air and too high temperatures in the room.

Characteristics of various fillers:

You can learn more about sofa fillers in the video below.

The choice of a high-quality and comfortable sofa is far from everything, it is necessary to take care of its proper placement. For example, in the office sofa has a special location. Since the table in the office should be located in the central part or in the area near the window, you should put the sofa on the left or right side of the table, close to the wall. Very good, if the sofa is located along the wall, opposite the window.

The correct location of the sofa in the kitchen is an important part of the interior decoration of the room. Best of all, the sofa is located in such a way that people are always facing or sideways to the kitchen. If we are talking about the corner model - it is best to put the sofa in the corner, by the window.

As a rule, in the living room sofa set against the wall - in front of the TV. But for high-quality rest it is necessary to take into account not only the sofa model, but also the distance at which it is located from the TV.

For the correct choice of this piece of furniture, suitable for the type of a room, It is necessary to take into account certain criteria:

• Reliability. Not every person has the means to replace the furniture every year, so you should take care of the durability of this product. Reliability and durability of a piece of furniture are usually ensured through the use of materials of the highest category.Only truly high-quality sofa is durable.
• The next selection criterion is convenience. To relax in a cozy atmosphere, you must choose not only high-quality, but also a comfortable piece of furniture that meets all the personal wishes of the buyer.
• The sofa should be easy to operate. Too complex structures and folding mechanisms can cause certain inconveniences, as well as discontent with the piece of furniture, which should be used for rest and relaxation.
• The piece of furniture must be very functional. The best option is a sliding one that provides a room with an extra bed.
• External features. It is necessary to choose upholstery and color, focusing on their individual preferences.

Consumers are very attracted by the following interesting options:

• Very stylish seating area design. - Blue corner sofa, located in the corner of the window in a bright room. It will become its central decorative element. The interior is complemented by a small coffee table, bookshelves in the form of square cells, lamps and houseplants.

• An interesting idea of ​​the distinction between sleeping space and recreation area. The bed located by the window is separated by a low partition, on the other side of which there is a small corner sofa. The interior is complemented by patterns, modular paintings and a bookshelf.

• The big corner sofa of a light blue shade very successfully fits into the room with blue walls, decorated elements of hunting style. The sofa, located in the central part of the room, divides the room into two zones: for eating and relaxing.

• Spacious gray corner sofa fits perfectly into the seating area. Located behind it, a rack with books, as well as soft pillows and footstools for the legs have a wonderful time in the company of a couple of interesting books.