How to choose a comfortable and high-quality sofa, what to look for

Modern sofas have at times expanded their functionality - they can be transformed into a comfortable place to sleep, complemented by drawers, storage niches, built-in tables, minibars. And the assortment of models is simply huge - angular, modular, П and Г-shaped, sofas, banquets, as well as "books", "dolphins", "accordions", "French folding beds", "cougars". The average user just might be confused what all these names mean and how to choose a sofa for a particular room. Meanwhile, the question requires maximum responsibility, because this piece of furniture is very expensive, and is not acquired for one year, so there can be no right to make a mistake here.

Criterias of choice

There are basic criteria that need to be carefully studied before such an important acquisition, as a rule, these are: the purpose of use, type, form, mechanism, material of manufacture, the presence of additional functions, and a furniture brand. How to choose a sofa by one measure or another, will be discussed in the article.

Purpose of use

Based on the scope, it is conditionally possible to distinguish sofas for the living room, kitchen, nursery, hallway, models suitable for office or entertainment venues. If we talk about the purpose of this type of furniture, it can be designed for day rest, used for zoning space or as an additional place for sleep. Depending on these criteria, the shape, upholstery material, type of filler are selected, the feasibility of the presence of a particular transformation mechanism is clarified.

For the living room choose a stylish, comfortable sofa, which will decorate the interior, emphasizing its features. Often in this room it performs its direct function - it is a place to relax with family or friends, watch movies, read books. To correctly choose a sofa in the living room in shape and size, they are repelled primarily from the dimensions of the room:

1. For spacious rooms, corner models with wide seats, massive armrests and a high back are suitable. Seating should be at least 5, especially if frequent visits by guests are expected.
2. For small rooms it is better to choose the same small high-quality sofas, but always in bright colors, which focuses on yourself, distracting it from the dimensions of the room.

In the living room, this piece of furniture is rarely used as a permanent place to sleep, so the transformation mechanism is suitable for anyone, in this matter you can completely start from personal preferences.

When purchasing a soft corner or a direct model for the dining room or kitchen, it is worth considering that the product must be functional, ergonomic, practical. The frame must be durable, withstand temperature extremes - the stainless steel model will be the best option. Upholstery should choose a non-marking, wear-resistant, able to withstand numerous cleanings without losing a presentable appearance.

Office furniture should look expensive and spectacular, be as comfortable as possible. When choosing a sofa, practicality cannot be discounted, so laconic models with plain leather upholstery will be the best solution. It is better to put two small sofas in a narrow room. The spacious room can accommodate a medium-sized model. According to the color scheme, light neutral shades or muted dark ones are considered win-win options - they will give the furniture a solid look.

The degree of rigidity of the sofa for relaxation should be chosen according to personal preference, sometimes with an eye to medical indications. Experts advise taking into account the weight of the owner - overweight people need a tougher filler. The frame is better to take from high-quality, dried wood, which will make the furniture silent during operation.

In order to properly space the sofa, you need to consider the quadrature, the layout of the room. It is worth paying attention to the aesthetics of the back wall, it should be no less beautiful than the front side. It is also important to choose the right color for the furniture so that it does not get out of the general interior.

The most responsible approach is to choosing a sofa for a child, paying attention to many parameters: frame, filler, mechanism, style, convenience, design safety, and durability of upholstery. The furniture should not have sharp corners. Ideally, it is better to give preference to rounded models.

For kitchenFor the living roomFor an officeFor childrenFor zoning the roomFor sleep

Type and form

View and shape are two other important parameters when choosing furniture for sleeping, relaxing or receiving guests. To determine which sofa to choose, you should consider all varieties of designs for pros and cons:

1. Straight. Of the advantages - the variability of the length, different types of transformation mechanisms, a wide variation in prices. In addition, direct sofas are suitable for any interior. Of the minuses - a small capacity, a narrow seat, the probability of loosening of the armrests during operation, an unpresentable back side.
2. Round. Advantages - originality, comfort, safety, the presence of a storage compartment. Disadvantages - high price, large size, problems with the choice of bed linen.
3. Semicircular. Advantages - a variety of types (monolithic, modular, rounded, with backs, legs, armrests, drawers, minibars), original design. Such sofas are very comfortable, able to accommodate more than 10 people. Cons - lack of berths, high cost.
4. Couch. Pros - an environmentally friendly and safe model that saves space in the interior. It has no seams and is universal for use for any purpose. She has a low cost. Among the shortcomings are the difficulty of lifting the mattress, the need for periodic change of springs, fragility (service life - up to 5 years).
5. Sofa. Advantages - durable, simple mechanism, a great option for children. Takes up little space, provides a compartment for bedding, the price is low. Of the minuses - low life, low capacity, two adults on it is already uncomfortable.
6. Corner sofa for the living room. A model on which it is convenient to relax with the whole family. It is distinguished by spaciousness, a high level of comfort, functionality, a variety of choices. Among the shortcomings, experts distinguish uncomfortable types of joints that interfere with opening the closets located nearby, and the large dimensions of the furniture.
7. Roll-out. Pros - it has a comfortable surface for relaxation, but the berth is small. When rolling out, there is a risk of damaging the floor covering, especially the laminate.
8. Retractable. Pluses - an optimum ratio of the price and quality. Time-tested and well-proven model. On such a couch you can sleep comfortably both alone and together. Of the minuses - the risk of damage to the floor covering, tightening the edge of the carpet during transformation, the frequent absence of a linen box.
9. Folding out. Pros - easy to transform, has no complex mechanisms. Equipped with drawers for linen, a large area for sleeping. Of the minuses - excessively wide seats, the inability to push the back against the wall and the high cost.
10. Unfolding. Pros - can be used in three positions. The best sofa in a one-room apartment, because it is compact, has compartments for storage, a flat surface for rest and sleep. Of the disadvantages - the inability to stick tightly to the wall.
11. Modular. Advantages - has a number of additional pieces of furniture as part of one. This is the most comfortable sofa, because it can be folded as you want, and as the room allows. Among the advantages also highlight the size adjustment. Among the shortcomings can be noted the high price, the restriction on style - padded stools and other elements will not look appropriate in all interiors.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of models of sofas for sleeping and relaxing. You can choose the furniture of the desired type and shape without much effort. The main thing is to clearly understand what parameters it should correspond to.

SemicircularAngularStraightFoldingRoll-outRoundModularSofaCouchUnfoldingRetractable

Transformation mechanism

If you plan to lay out the furniture every day, the Eurosof, pantograph, dolphin, and angular cougar are suitable. The best sofas for the living room are a book, a click-gag and an accordion.

The folding mechanism should be easy, otherwise breakdowns and daily inconvenience during operation are inevitable.

Each transformation mechanism has its own strengths and weaknesses:

1. Book. The advantages include compactness, the presence of a compartment for storing things, low cost. To convert to a bed, you need to raise the seat up until it clicks, and then lower it down.
2. Click-gag. A model that allows you to easily fix furniture in a sitting, lying and reclining position. There are adjustable armrests. The principle of operation of the mechanism is the same as in the book: raise to a click and lower the seat. The metal frame with shock absorbers, which is why the sofa is quite expensive.
3. Accordion. It includes three modules, which are sheathed in fabric and are displayed by pushing the seat forward to the stop. Advantages in ease of use, reliability, small dimensions, the possibility of buying a removable cover. Of the shortcomings, users call a small total weight that such a mechanism is able to withstand - only 180 kg.
4. Eurobook. An improved quality modification of a regular book is a sliding mechanism that rolls out on casters. Problems can only occur on wheels. They do not break, but can seriously damage the floor.
5. Dolphin. A complicated and expensive mechanism that, if properly handled, will last for many years. To lay out the bed, pull the block located below the seat.
6. Cougar. Easy to use and reliable design that fits every day. The sofa is comfortable for sleeping, it transforms into a bed by lifting the seat up and towards you.
7. French clamshell. Among the advantages - the compactness of the sofa when folded, the softness of the mattress. Such sofas are the most comfortable for relaxing, but are not suitable for use as a permanent berth due to the complexity of the design and rapid wear.
8. American clamshell. The advantage of the model is the ability to withstand mass up to 200 kg. The mattress has a thickness of 10 cm, it can be polyurethane and spring.
9. Italian clamshell. A new but expensive option. The mechanism is similar to the American one, but the thickness of the mattress is more - about 14 cm. There is a back, which distinguishes the model from other folding beds.

According to many users, furniture that can be laid out are the most comfortable sofas. They will be a great addition to the interior, add coziness and comfort to him, they will certainly come in handy when guests arrive, because such furniture is easily converted into a full-fledged sleeping place.

DolphinEurobookItalian clamshellClick gagBookCougarFrench clamshellAccordionAmerican clamshell

Material

What to look for when choosing a sofa is the material of the frame, because it is this element that is responsible for the strength of the entire structure. It must be strong, durable, environmentally friendly, natural. The frame is standardly made of chipboard, plywood, wood and metal:

1. Particleboard is the most unreliable option, as it is not designed for large and frequent loads.
2. The plywood frame is stronger, has a denser structure, does not deform during operation.
3. A metal base takes first place in terms of reliability, it is of good quality, but at times makes the whole structure heavier.
4. The wood frame is also very durable, environmentally friendly, has a long service life, but at the same time, wood is the most expensive option of all those listed.

MetalWoodChipboardPlywood

As a sofa filler can be used:

1. Spring blocks. This is a "classic of the genre", the springs correctly distribute the weight of a person, provide a high level of comfort.
2. PPU. Environmentally friendly material that eliminates the risk of allergic reactions. It has an excellent balance between rigidity and softness, high breathability.
3. Synthetic winterizer. A practical and budget option, but with a short operational period.
4. Hollofiber. The ideal filler for children's furniture is hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, with a long service life.

Foam rubber becomes unusable after a few months of operation, so the sofas with this filler are short-lived.

PPUSpring unit

Upholstery should be of high quality and dense texture. The thicker the material, the longer the product will last. In terms of quality and durability, jacquard, chenille and flock are popular. The latter option is optimal for families with small children and animals. The upholstery is durable, waterproof, easy to care for, while strongly absorbing odors. Jacquard looks rich and elegant, it is dense, moderately tough, practical, versatile, characterized by a wealth of colors and patterns. Chenill has an aesthetic appearance, it is resistant to wear and is environmentally friendly. Which version of upholstery is better is a purely individual issue, it is worth starting from the expected operating conditions and financial capabilities, expert advice on choosing upholstered furniture can also be taken into account.

FlockJacquardShenill

The presence of additional elements

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

1. Linen box. A convenient addition that allows you to compactly store bedding, demi-season items, and children's toys.
2. Shelves and niches. Designs are designed to accommodate books, consoles and other small things. In addition, they perform a decorative function, allowing you to decorate the interior with candles, photographs, floral arrangements, original statuettes.
3. Built-in coffee table. Folding design, simplifies the process of tea drinking, allows you to comfortably sit on the couch with a laptop.
4. Minibar. It is also a built-in element of compact size, designed for short-term storage of bottles with alcohol, for example, during a reception.
5. Backlight. It can be LED or spot, located on the entire surface of the sofa. Such an additional element gives the design a spectacular appearance.

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

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

With minibarBacklitWith shelvesWith linen drawersWith a coffee tableWith aquarium

Popular manufacturers

In the ranking of the best sofas, the first lines are occupied by the following manufacturing companies:

• Pinskdrev, Belarus;
• Bentsony, Italy;
• Bellus, Scandinavian concern;
• Ikea, Sweden;
• Dlinestyle, Ukraine;
• Pohjanmaan, Finland.

The best sofa manufacturers in Russia are Rival, Slavic Furniture, Pegasus, Sapsan and Lerroy. In addition, KRISTIE and ANDERSSEN are on the list of popular companies, it is believed that they produce the highest quality corner sofas.The products of each of the listed brands are worthy of attention, characterized by the highest quality, a variety of shapes and sizes, the presence of certificates of conformity and warranty cards. The pricing policy of all furniture companies is different, therefore, when choosing a sofa, it is worth starting from the budget provided for its purchase.

RivalSlavic furnitureBellusBentsonyPinskdrev

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Watch the video: Picking the right sofa (October 2024).