Modern manufacturers offer hundreds of excellent sofas for every taste and color. With transformable backrests and portable pillows. In sports, classic and many other styles. How to choose not only beautiful, pleasant to the touch, but also quality sofa? To serve for years and delight household members, guests and everyone?

Trust yourself! First of all, of course, personal feelings are important. All the fun can be ruined by one single detail. For example, the angle between the seat and the back will seem uncomfortable, and your lower back will hurt on such a sofa. Perhaps the upholstery material will seem too rough to you. Or - quickly getting dirty. First of all, the sofa should relieve the load from the shoulder girdle, back and the whole body in general. To avoid having to worry and get upset later, it is better to study all the characteristics of the sofa in advance. “I did everything right,” you will say when you buy YOUR sofa. So what should you pay attention to when purchasing? How to choose a good sofa? Let's try to figure it out.

Dimensions: size matters

The sofa should decorate your apartment. When buying a sofa, pay attention to the dimensions. Plus ten centimeters in width - and your long-awaited purchase will not fit into the gap between the chest of drawers and the computer desk. Or the passage will be very narrow. There is hardly any reason to take an overly small sofa (with a margin, so to speak). After all, then all the pleasure disappears. But what about spreading your arms? What about stretching?

It’s scary to imagine: you are paying an impressive amount for a beautiful sofa - you had to save money to afford such a purchase. Absolutely sober movers, puffing and cursing, drag furniture to the fourth floor. And only then does everyone present understand that a non-dismountable sofa simply does not fit through the doorway. Don't break it to drag it into the apartment.

That is why dimensions come first in the description of each model. It’s better to spend ten minutes with a tape measure in your hands than to reproach yourself for years over an unsuccessfully chosen bed.

The height of the sofa is also important. Low models are suitable for children - after all, they constantly jump from the sofa to the floor and climb back with the same enthusiasm. But an elderly person will be more likely to be incredibly happy with a high sofa; it is more difficult to get up from a low one. On average, most sofas correspond to a height of 40-42 centimeters. And most often the height of the backrest is equal to the width of the seat. But sofas with a high back are also popular - up to the back of the head and higher. A low back - at waist level - is not always comfortable. Unless you want to be in a reclining position all the time, so to speak.

Roll out, unfold or unfold?

The cost of the sofa directly depends on the quality of the filling. It is the mechanism (not the upholstery) that is worth listening to and taking a closer look at. All sofas are divided into several categories according to the type of transformation.

• Folding. These include, for example, book sofas or less common click-clack sofas.
• Retractable (roll-out). A bright representative is the Eurobook sofa
• Unfolding. Accordion, French folding bed, American folding bed.

Not all mechanisms are equally convenient for constant, everyday transformation. Others - Eurobook or roll-out sofas - can be unfolded easily and naturally. Accordingly, sofas with different mechanisms have different areas sleeping area. Some corner sofas are equipped with shelves. Whereas sofas with a “French folding bed” mechanism do not even have linen drawers.

Pay attention to the strength of the mechanism. If during the transformation everything in the sofa creaks and clicks, you should think about it. A creaking, among other things, may indicate that the product was made from undried lumber - contrary to technology.

And if the rollers jam when rolling out or the wheels fall off, then it’s definitely not worth taking such furniture.

Sofa skeleton

The frame must be of high quality so that a comfortable bed does not fall apart in a matter of months. The most popular material for inexpensive sofas today is pine timber. Champions - the best representatives of the species - can be made entirely of beech. Look carefully: the thicker the timber, the more reliable it is. Experts also advise looking at how well the surface is processed. If there are roughnesses, it is not a fact that the manufacturer was responsible in complying with manufacturing technology.

Sofas made from cheap plywood or chipboard are not particularly valued - the durability of such “prefabricated couches” leaves much to be desired. Moreover, recently manufacturers have been introducing models with metal frames to the market. They are easier to repair. The most reliable are frames made using welding. The screw will fall out, but the weld will remain.

“Sleeping” support for folding sofas – important element, the low quality of which may affect the future. The best support is considered to be a support made of armor. These are more than a dozen spring plates.

A few words about the “filling”

The sofa should not only be the embodiment of comfort, but also a safe place for health in the apartment. Both bad shoes and poor-quality flooring can lead to back problems and, accordingly, sleep problems. The flooring may include springs - or it may do without them. Doctors' recommendations are clear: the best option for absolutely healthy spine a combination of abundant multi-layer filling with a spring block is considered.

But the spring is different. The most popular are metal “snake” springs made from high-quality materials. With filler everything is more complicated. Some materials are exceptionally susceptible to deformation. In cheap, poorly functional sofas, sagging, dips and loosening may appear within a year. Not much pleasant. Modern advanced sofa manufacturers use mainly two materials for flooring: block elastic polyurethane and cold-formed polyurethane foam. There is also holofiber - by the way, it is also added to down jackets. The density of the material plays an important role. The denser it is, the higher the chances that the sofa will last for years and decades.

Don’t be shy to feel - the insides, the “filling” of the sofa should be solid. Avoid sofas that have loose pieces of foam inside. Whatever the type of filler, it should be gently pliable. When you sit down, it should sag. When you get up, return to the starting position, and quite quickly.

Greeted by the upholstery

A smart buyer always feels how the sofa will look. And here the upholstery comes to the fore. Well-selected material - taking into account wear resistance, soiling and other parameters - will last for years without problems. Make sure that the fabric components do not cause you allergies. A good option is when additional protective impregnation is applied to the material: it will repel dust. Often this helps to easily wash the sofa from stains.

Textiles are considered one of the most popular options today. But experts still give preference to genuine leather and not the cheapest substitutes. Please note that the skin should not be overly stretched - otherwise tears and microcracks cannot be avoided. But the upholstery, of course, should not bulge. And of course, it should be soft. Cheap leather rubs quickly. In pursuit of cheapness, it’s easy to end up with scuff marks on your favorite sofa.

Velor, chinille, and flock are considered good covering fabrics for high-quality, comfortable and functional sofas. The latter, among other things, is very easy to restore to its ideal original form - with the help of a sponge and a cleaning agent. Sofas with such upholstery can be installed in institutions, shops and other places that are visited by many different people.

The dream of any housewife is Teflon fabric. A cup of coffee knocked over on such a sofa will not cause any upset. The liquid will simply drain onto the floor without leaving any traces. And it certainly won’t be absorbed.

Microfiber is particularly durable. Arpatek retains light well. There is only one conclusion that can be drawn: each fabric has its own advantages and disadvantages, you just have to take them into account when making a difficult choice.

Annoys? Sweep it aside!

We have already listed many properties and characteristics of sofas. Now about the little things that are so easy to forget. For example, removable pillows. In some models, the pillows have to be constantly put away somewhere else, and then, after assembling the sofa, returned back. If this annoys you, feel free to reject such options. Otherwise, you will have to find a place in the room for a decent overnight stay for these pillows.

The fabric inside the sofa speaks of proper quality and respect for the product. A good sofa maker will upholster the back in the same fabric as the seat. The same fabric will be stretched between the cushions and the bottom.

The sofa should not stand out from the interior of the apartment. If your home is decorated in a high-tech style, a classic sofa is unlikely to look harmonious in it. But the original bean bag sofa (no joke!) will do just right.

Nobody repealed the laws. According to the rules, the manufacturer must provide a one and a half year warranty for each sofa. At the same time, the service life of the sofa itself is 15 years, no less.

Most of the tips above apply equally to chairs. The “younger brothers” of sofas also fold out differently. They have the same problems with upholstery and filling. The choice is easy when you buy armchairs along with the sofa. What if separately? Think about quality just as much as about the harmony of the interior.

And one more little trick. In the worst case scenario, the sofa can completely ruin the renovation. Choose sofas with rubber wheels. So that they do not scratch the wonderful parquet or tear the linoleum, which is pleasing to the eye every day.

* * *

The sofa is not just a means of relaxation. This is furniture that defines the completeness of the interior, the main and most popular place in the house. Someone, of course, will choose a refrigerator. But, having grabbed something tasty there, he will still return to the sofa.

A person spends a third of his life sleeping. Therefore, it is important to make these hours comfortable and safe. Choose a sofa that will not cause your spine to bend. Which will not drive you into a series of insomnia and gut-wrenching stress. After all, it is extremely important that the sofa does not fall apart (fall apart, tear, sag) after a couple of months. The tips outlined above will help you choose a quality option for yourself and your loved ones. Measure seven times - don’t make hasty purchases. Get information about the model from different sources, listen to advice, and without any qualms ask the sellers all the time. Ultimately, having studied the future purchase inside and out, trust your inner feelings. Just sit or even, without hesitation, lie on the sofa. Conclusions will come to your head on their own. Happy sofaization!

Updating your home environment is a necessity that every family faces. And here the consumer is faced with the question of which manufacturer to choose? Famous European furniture factories offer quality furniture, but its cost is far from budget, and is high for the average consumer. The opinion that domestic goods are not of good quality has long become a myth. The best furniture factories in Russia, the ratings of which are presented in this article, present only the best products that meet all modern requirements.

The advantage of Russian goods

Russian manufacturers are already worthy competition for foreign companies. Moreover, domestic goods have several advantages. Firstly, it is accessibility and openness. The consumer has the opportunity to contact official dealers and representatives of furniture factories. They have complete information about the product. Secondly, these are affordable prices.

Russian manufacturers offer furniture that is in no way inferior to foreign analogues, but costs much less. Thirdly, the best furniture factories in Russia, whose ratings are already quite high on the world market, offer a whole range of services. These include measurements taken by specialists and selection of furniture based on an individual project.

Quality of Russian furniture

Those times when Russian goods have been inferior to imported ones in terms of quality criteria in the past. Today, the best furniture factories in Russia, the ratings and customer reviews of which speak more than eloquently, offer products not only from MDF, chipboard or solid wood. The client can order furniture with elements of glass, marble, granite, metal and other unusual materials. Modern technologies production allow you to simulate a three-dimensional image at the design stage.

The best designers make your wildest dreams come true. By purchasing products from a domestic manufacturer, you can get high-quality furniture without overpaying for long-distance transportation and a big name. The best furniture factories in Russia, which have only positive reviews, offer a service such as updating old furniture. At the client's request, new facades can be made and worn-out parts of the fittings can be replaced.

Rating

The market has recently undergone major changes. The number of furniture factories has increased, and the range of products has expanded. Healthy competition has appeared in the market. The consumer now has a huge choice. The best furniture factories in Russia, topped by MK Shatura, offer a wide selection of products.

Among the leaders of the list are the Elektrogorsk Furniture Corporation PC, the 8th March Furniture Factory holding, Evanti, the Dyatkovo Production Company and the NIK Factory. These are famous furniture factories in Russia. The ranking of the best can be supplemented by about a dozen more companies.

"Shatura"

For more than half a century, the Shatura furniture factory has occupied a leading position in the market. Its products have high quality indicators, but are sold at affordable prices. This is what attracts the modern consumer, who notes precisely these two advantages. The best furniture factories in Russia, the ratings of which are presented here, carry out the entire furniture production cycle.

“Shatura” is no exception, and even more. The process of creating masterpieces of furniture begins with the production of laminated chipboard, and ends with its sale to a specific buyer. The factory has a large retail network through which consumers can purchase high-quality furniture without intermediaries, at the price of the manufacturer.

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture

What are the best furniture factories in Russia in this area? Buyers pay special attention to upholstered furniture. Usually it decorates the central room, living room, recreation room, office and even the kitchen. There are many options for upholstered furniture, but how to choose quality products? Here, one of the leading positions is occupied by the Rival factory. It offers quality which has good feedback from consumers. These are corners, poufs, armchairs, sofas and couches. Their cost varies from 10,000 to 40,000 rubles, depending on the configuration. The Borovichi-furniture factory is another well-proven domestic manufacturer. They offer budget options at a low price (10,000-20,000 rubles).

These are 17 series of kitchen sets, chairs, etc. “Living Sofas” is a factory for the production of upholstered furniture, sofas and armchairs of various designs. It offers many finishing options and high-quality, modern materials. The Russian manufacturer Mebel-Holding offers excellent furniture, including natural wood having a metal frame. Positive customer reviews also speak about the quality of such products. Also worth noting in this area of ​​the market are Shatura, Allegro Classic and Avangard. The latter manufacturer offers only environmentally friendly products.

Conclusion

Recently, Russian manufacturers have conquered most of the domestic furniture market. They offer high-quality furniture that is not inferior in performance to more expensive analogues, but at a lower price. This situation is quite satisfactory for the Russian buyer, who is increasingly giving preference to domestic products. “Shatura”, “Miass furniture”, “Stolplit”, “Katyusha”, “Chernozemye Furniture”, “Lotus”, Skhodnya-furniture”, “Angstrem”, “Lazurit”, “Elektrogorsk-furniture”, “Sevzapmebel” are famous furniture factories in Russia. The best rating is an indicator of product reliability and quality. It is compiled based on the opinions of both experts and consumers.

Furniture factories in Russia are usually chosen based on pictures on the website and very rarely look at the ranking of the best factories, and in vain. Anyone can post a beautiful catalog, but you can’t tell the quality from the pictures, and it would be a shame if such beautiful furniture in a month it will start to fall apart.

How do you know if the furniture is made in a factory of high quality? Ideally, this is to go to the factory, or to their company store, carefully examine the furniture and smell and touch everything. Special attention You need to pay attention to joints, corners, mechanisms and fittings.

There should be no glue drips or protruding screw heads on the furniture. The mechanisms must operate without squeaking or play.

Furniture factories in Russia: ranking of the best 2017

1. Furniture-Holding (sofas, chairs, cabinets).
2. Shatura furniture (chairs, sofas, beds).
3. Soyuz-furniture (making furniture from chipboard, but they say the furniture is good).
4. Ronikon (cabinets and kitchens).
5. Rival (upholstered furniture).
6. TriYa (cabinet and modular furniture for the living room, children's room, bedroom).
7. Lorena (fairly expensive furniture for the whole house).
8. Lapis lazuli (production of furniture from natural wood, and therefore very expensive).

There are a lot of factories producing furniture for home and office. Today there are 959 large enterprises in Russia alone, and this does not take into account small ones.

What most often causes complaints from buyers, what do they complain about when buying furniture?

Furniture production takes a very long time. Often you have to wait three to four months for a kitchen. Why so long? Managers make it difficult technological process, but this is a blatant lie. It takes one day to create a model - a drawing of even a very complex kitchen. One more day for cutting materials. It takes 2 days to assemble and this is if the master works alone. Moreover, it takes 4 working days to make a kitchen. But will a client buy a kitchen that is so easy to make?

Customers are also outraged by communication with staff. Inconsistency between the factory itself, the delivery company and furniture assemblers leads to the fact that furniture can be delivered at 4 o’clock in the morning, but the assembler has to wait a week.

The quality of the furniture itself is not satisfactory, because such great competition in the furniture market forces you to do better than your competitor. It’s just that you can’t lure anyone with a low price now, because furniture is not bought for one day, and if you lose your reputation, you’ll lose everything.

Furnishing an apartment is not a cheap pleasure. No one wants to throw money away, so everyone is looking for not only attractive, but also high-quality furniture that will last for many years. Today, almost every furniture store presents products from different furniture factories. Choosing the right one is not so easy. The rating of furniture factories will help make the task easier. In our article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rating of Russian manufacturers who have been producing furniture of excellent quality for a long time.

"Shatura-furniture"

The first place in our ranking is taken by founded in 1961 furniture factory Shatura. The manufacturer produces a huge number of products that are in great consumer demand. Shatura furniture is very popular among buyers, which is explained by its advantages. These include:

• reliability;
• strength;
• stylish design;
• durability;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• functionality and practicality;
• moderate cost.

The Shatura factory produces products for home and office. You can look at catalogs from its representatives or on the official website and choose a kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom furniture, upholstered furniture and much more. Thanks to original design, kits and modules will fit into any interior of an apartment, office, beauty salon, restaurant or cafe.

Shatura's products meet any customer needs. In the catalog you can find not only luxury headsets, but also economy class modules at competitive prices.

"Tria"

The largest furniture holding in Russia, Triya, manufactures furniture for various purposes and environmentally friendly high-quality wood chip products. Production operates on a modern Italian and German equipment.

The advantages of Tria furniture sets include:

One of the best furniture factories in Russia offers widest range of products. Here you can choose sets for the kitchen, bedroom, children's room, living room, hallway and soft corners, chairs, tables, wardrobes.

The buyer does not have to buy a ready-made Tria kit. From individual elements, he will be able to independently assemble a set that will correspond to the size, style of the room and the wishes of the owner. Price for modular systems quite affordable for almost any budget. For a very modest amount you can purchase a high-quality and stylish Tria modular kit.

"Lapis lazuli"

The third place in the ranking is occupied by the well-known Russian furniture factory Lazurit. Enterprise located in the Kaliningrad region manufactures cabinet furniture good quality since 1996. The Lazurit dealer network covers all regions of Russia, presenting its products. Its range is varied and includes sets for offices, living rooms, youth rooms, children's rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. For the manufacture of furniture only high-quality materials are used quality materials:

• for cabinet furniture – laminated chipboard of class E 1;
• facades made of MDF;
• Natural and synthetic fabrics and leatherette are used for upholstery;
• spring systems and polyurethane foam;
• for wicker furniture - rattan and natural wood for frames.

All materials are safe for human health and certified.

The customer can choose the ready-made one he likes furniture set Lapis lazuli or compose custom kit. Thanks to a wide range of products, the consumer can realize his most original stylistic solutions.

"Soyuz-furniture"

The Yekaterinburg factory takes fourth place in our ranking. The Soyuz-furniture brand is widely known in many cities of Russia. For more than ten years the company has been producing a full range of furniture:

• kitchens;
• sets for children's rooms;
• bathroom furniture;
• wardrobes;
• modules for the hallway.

All furniture sets are made from high quality modern materials. All modules are equipped with durable, reliable fittings. Kitchen work surfaces and countertops are highly resistance to chipping and scratching. You can bet on them without fear hot dishes or put the ones just pulled out from freezer products.

The Soyuz-furniture factory provides an 18-month guarantee for its products, which is provided by its own service department.

"Premium"

In our ranking of the best furniture factories in Russia, the Premium company takes fifth place. She began her activities in 2007. At the beginning of its existence, the company produced only kitchen corners. Today the company's products are much more diverse. On the website or from company representatives you can explore the catalog, which represents the cabinet furniture produced by the Premium factory:

• kitchen corners;
• written and computer tables;
• chests of drawers;
• beds;
• kitchen sets;
• wardrobes;
• book tables;
• coffee tables;
• hallway furniture;
• chairs on a metal frame.

The company's furniture has decent quality and reasonable prices. What its customers value most is custom-made products. For the manufacture of interior items, both the size of the room and its style are taken into account. In the factory's stores you can choose furniture not only for apartments, but also for commercial premises and offices.

"Silvia"

Located in Nizhny Novgorod, the Silva furniture factory over the years of its activity has gained a reputation as a reliable domestic manufacturer producing high-quality products. For the manufacture of furniture, high-quality equipment from German and Italian suppliers is used. The factory's assortment is varied. Here you can purchase walls, children's rooms, hallways, bedrooms for furnishing rooms in various styles. Having chosen the required size of the set, all that remains is to wait for its prompt delivery.

The advantages of Silva products include:

Customers especially like designer ones color solutions kitchen sets. In addition, they are very ergonomic, high quality and quite inexpensive.

"Courage"

The next place in our rating is occupied by the company Kurazh, which has in its assortment popular household furniture. Bedrooms, living rooms and hallways are made according to a modular principle. To many Russian buyers known collections, which are produced at the Kurazh factory:

• "Palermo";
• "Sorrento";
• "Parma Lux";
• "Parma".

The manufacturer's furniture sets are distinguished by the use of original materials, thoughtful design of products, bright design solutions. High quality is confirmed by an 18-month guarantee. According to many consumers, Courage furniture combines good value for money. The product fully justifies all financial costs.

"Sotos"

• kitchen sets;
• custom-made furniture;
• retail store equipment;
• trade and exhibition equipment;
• furniture for catering.

Its most famous products are kitchens, bar counters and modules for catering establishments.

"Stoplit"

Not the last place in the ranking is occupied by the furniture manufacturer Stoplit. The low cost of products and large production volumes make it one of the leaders in the lower price segment. At the factory a large assortment is produced:

The company has more than 2,500 points of sale not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. The factory began its successful operation more than twenty years ago. And, despite the fact that not all reviews about Stoplit products are positive, the furniture is in great demand.

Especially popular among buyers quality kitchens modern design . Every kitchen set has its own texture, design, color palette. All kits combine functionality, spaciousness and high quality. Using the kitchens of Regina, Anna, Olya, Milena, you can create a special style in the room or simply decorate it in classic style. The main advantage of Stoplit furniture is kitchen modules, with which you can feel like a designer and create an individual kitchen.

"Glazkov Furniture Factory"

The company has been producing its products since 1934. Its range was developed by the best designers and is capable of creating a cozy atmosphere And stylish interior. The company presents its products in many regions of Russia and Kazakhstan.

Furniture sets for the living room, bedroom, and children's room are manufactured using modern computerized equipment using Western technologies. Only high-quality materials and components are used for production. Thanks to its optimal prices, Glazkovskaya products furniture factory successfully competes with other manufacturers.

Main product differences companies are:

• functionality;
• ease of assembly;
• unique design;
• thoughtful design;
• big choice color shades.

In the offices of factory representatives, you can choose classic and modern style furniture for your home.

Despite the high quality of the products declared by the manufacturer, some customer reviews claim that the company saves on the quality of materials and shipping packaging. The factory was included in our rating thanks to low prices for the furniture it produces.

It is best to choose large furniture for your home Russian manufacturer. Tempted by the low price of a headset from a small private manufacturer, you will end up having to put up with its shortcomings or spend a lot of money on repairs.

Straight sofas are a classic. There are a lot of variations. There are any sizes and colors.

Collectmoments/Flickr.com

Straight sofas, like corner sofas, are usually placed along the walls and are often equipped with built-in tables, a minibar and folding shelves. It is comfortable to sleep on such sofas.

jiva/Flickr.com

Corner sofas should not be identified with sofas with an ottoman. In the East, this is the name of a type of wide soft ottoman. In our furniture industry, an ottoman is understood as the protruding part of a sofa. Often without armrests, but with a storage niche.

Modern sofas with an ottoman in the interior successfully serve as corner sofas, saving space small rooms, and often serve as the owners’ main sleeping place.

Maxim Kachurovskiy/Flickr.com

Island sofas can be round or semicircular, oval and rectangular. These are expensive and status sofas. As a rule, they do not sleep on them. They are placed in the center of spacious rooms to create a relaxation area. It is desirable that the “island” be approached from all sides.

Modular sofas consist of several parts and can be combined in different ways. Modules can be used as separate furniture elements. It may contain a module with a sleeping place, but most often such sofas are designed for beauty and relaxation.

Thanks to their versatility and variety of shapes, modular sofas are perfect for studio apartments.

Scott Allen/Flickr.com

The transformation mechanism is the way the sofa is laid out. There are many options.

When you first come to the store, your head is spinning from the variety of transformation mechanisms and their fancy names. It's actually simple.

Mechanisms can be divided into folding, rolling out and unfolding. The first include “book” and “eurobook”, as well as “click-click”. The second ones are “telescope”, “tick-tock” and “dolphin”. The unfolding mechanisms are an “accordion” and various “clamshells”.

They stand apart rotary mechanisms. They are used in large corner sofas: one half turns towards the other, forming a wide sleeping area.

Book and Eurobook

Book sofas have been familiar to everyone since Soviet times. We raise the seat a little and get a rectangular berth. To unfold such a sofa, you need to move it away from the wall. The space under the seat is usually used to store bedding and other items.

"Eurobook" is an improved "book". Everything is the same, only the seat moves forward on runners. A simple, reliable mechanism, suitable for everyday use. This sofa does not need to be moved away from the wall.

This is also a modernized “book”, which, in addition to the “lying” and “sitting” positions, has intermediate options: “reclining” and “half sitting”. The “click-clack” sofa is made on a metal frame with wooden armor, which often breaks under heavy load. It is best used in or for rare overnight guests.

Sofas with the “lit” mechanism are very similar in appearance and principle of operation. The difference is that they do not have a reclining back - only armrests.

Telescope

The sleeping area of ​​the telescope sofa consists of three parts. Two of them form the seat, and one forms the backrest. To unfold it, you need to pull the bottom of the seat, fold the backrest forward, and fill the space between them with a mattress. Disadvantages: low sleeping area and scratches on the floor due to frequent use.

This transformation mechanism is based on the accordion principle: the sleeping place also consists of three parts, one of them is the seat, and the other two form the backrest. To unfold the “accordion”, you need to move the seat forward and place the backrest in the same plane as it.

Sofas with such a mechanism are produced on wooden frames with conventional metal hinges and on all-metal frames with wooden armor. It is better not to lay out the former often, while the latter are suitable for daily use.

This transformation mechanism is very similar to the “Eurobook”. Only the “tick-tock” seat moves forward using a spring mechanism. It's more expensive, but also more convenient option: no wheels, nothing scratches the floor. “Tick-tock” is perfect for those who plan to use the sofa as a bed.

This is a very popular transformation mechanism. Especially in corner sofas and sofas with ottoman used for sleeping every day.

The principle of operation is simple: when unfolded, a platform rolls out from under the seat, which is then raised using a special elevator mechanism, forming a single berth. The more reliable the lifting mechanism, the longer the sofa will last.

French, American, Belgian and Italian folding beds

“French folding bed” is a triple folding folding bed. During transformation, the berth is turned forward and placed on arches. But sleeping on such a sofa is quite hard. It is not suitable for daily use. This is a guest option.

The “American folding bed” is a little more comfortable. There are only two folds, and therefore the mattresses are thicker, sometimes even with spring blocks. But for daily sleep it’s still not the most convenient option.

“Belgian clamshell” is not so much a type of transformation mechanism as a sign of the manufacturer. The Franco-Belgian furniture company Sedac-Meral produces two- and three-fold folding beds with foam rubber and spring mattresses different heights. This is the “Belgian clamshell”.

The “Italian folding bed” has two folds and unfolds together with the soft elements of the sofa. Unlike other “folding beds,” some “Italian” models have small containers for storing bedding.

Decide what you need a sofa for: for sleeping or for relaxing? In the first case, it is better to take a “book”, “Eurobook”, “tick-tock” or a good “dolphin”. Everything else is guest options.

Here is a table that clearly demonstrates the pros and cons of various types of sofas.

Frame

In the production of sofas, metal and wooden frames are used, as well as frames made of wooden blocks with chipboard.

Metal frames are reliable and durable, provided that the connections are made by welding and not bolts. Any upholstery matches a sofa with a metal frame. If necessary, it can be replaced.

The service life of a wooden frame depends on the type and quality of the wood. This also affects the price. The most expensive sofas are made of oak, beech, walnut and ash. More budget options are frames made of birch and coniferous wood.

IN wooden frame the main thing is that the wood is smooth and dry. The fewer potholes and knots, the better.

The combination of wooden blocks and chipboard is the most cheap option sofa frame. But if the production technology is followed, and the chipboard elements are treated with special paint, such a sofa will also last for many years.

Filler

Back, seat, armrests - each element of the sofa has a filler. As a rule, these are foam rubber and polyurethane foam. Latex and springs are also available.

Sofas with only foam inside are the cheapest, but least durable. A sofa with padding made from a single piece of foam will retain its shape for as long as possible. But in three or four years it too will sag.

Most manufacturers prefer polyurethane foam padding. It is almost the same in price as foam rubber, but lasts much longer.

Polyurethane foam can be block (sandwich) and cast. From the first, the seat, back and other elements of the sofa are simply glued together. When they talk about cast polyurethane foam, they mean that at the factory it was poured in liquid form into a mold and at the end they received a cast back or armrest of the sofa.

The most durable, environmentally friendly and expensive filler is latex. Thanks to its high elasticity, it follows the contours of the body and instantly restores its shape. At the same time, it does not electrify, is resistant to and does not cause allergies. Latex is usually used in expensive orthopedic furniture.

It is worth mentioning separately about spring blocks. Their presence in the sofa not only adds points to convenience, but also makes the sofa more durable and wear-resistant. Of course, provided that very high-quality individual spring blocks are used.

The best option is sofas with multi-layer filling and different density coefficients in different areas. The bottom layer is the densest, the top is thin soft material for maximum comfort.

There are even more sofa upholsteries than transformation mechanisms. To describe everything, a separate article is needed. Therefore, we will consider the most popular options.

Lifehacks for those who choose a sofa

1. Decide where it will stand. Draw a plan on paper. This will make it easier to navigate the store. Calculate whether there will be enough space for walking when the sofa is unfolded.
2. Decide on the function of the sofa: guest or for daily sleep. Also think about who will sleep on it: a child weighing 40 kg or an adult man for a hundredweight. Based on this, choose a mechanism.
3. In the store, carefully examine the transformation mechanism. Its metal parts must be thicker than 3 mm, carefully painted and securely connected to each other.
4. Sit or even lie down on the sofa. Estimate the density of the filler. Pay attention to the sounds the sofa makes when you move. Creaking is a sure sign of a poorly glued frame.
5. Pay attention to the evenness of the seams and rows of staples. These are the nuances that distinguish a conscientious manufacturer from an amateur. Look at the back of the sofa. If you plan to place it not against the wall, but in the center of the room, it should also be neatly upholstered.
6. If the manufacturer's warranty is less than 18 months, choose another one.