Sofa with click-clack transformation system

What is a click-clack?

The mechanism was invented based on a simple well-known book. Experts from France set themselves the task of improving the design and simplifying the unfolding process. It must be admitted, they succeeded perfectly.

The click-clack sofa got its name because of the sound produced when the mechanism is transformed from a seat into a bed.

The photo shows an example of what the assembled click-clack mechanism looks like

Externally, a sofa with a click-clack mechanism looks like a simple constructor made of a seat and a back. However, in fact, each such model of a sofa has 4 additional sections that act as sidewalls and armrests. Most products are equipped with a spacious linen drawer.

Click-clack mechanisms can be three- and four-stage. At the same time, the furniture design is almost the same, but the process of transformation into a sleeping place and back will be slightly different.

There are practically no restrictions on installing the click-clack mechanism in sofas, so the market offers a large range of models, differing primarily in size.

• A children’s sofa is the most compact of all possible. The width of the assembled structure is ~130 cm, and only the armrests are disassembled. The sleeping area is 180-200 cm by 80-90 cm. Suitable for children or single guests staying overnight.
• Average size. The width when folded is 120-140, when disassembled: 140-160 by 190-200 cm. Suitable for daily sleep of an adult or teenager. In small apartments, it will replace a double bed.
• The largest click-clack sofa will compete with a standard bed for two, the dimensions of the resting place when unfolded reach 180-200 * 210 cm. Often used in living rooms of one-room apartments and studios.

Types and their features

Straight models are in greatest demand: they are compact and functional. Straight sofas can consist of both a back and a seat, and be complemented by adjustable headrests and armrests. If you are looking for the most compact model with a spacious sleeping area, choose the second version of the mechanism.

Folded armrests reduce the width of the sofa, and disassembled ones increase the length of the resulting bed.

Corner sofas in most cases consist of 3 sections, with the central one (the corner itself) being static, and the two outer ones being folding. The main inconvenience in this case is created by the corner module. Since the seat next to it folds out and the backrest of the corner stays in place, sleeping may not be very comfortable.

Pros and cons

The click-clack sofa has many advantages:

1. Efficiency. The price in the case of a click-clack sofa depends more on the upholstery and filler than on the transformation system itself. The standard model will cost no more than a budget “book”.
2. Multifunctionality. While most sofas have only two positions, the click-clack has 3. In addition to the classic “sitting” and “lying down”, there is an intermediate “reclining” mode. The latter mode is convenient for relaxing after work, watching movies, reading books.
3. Comfort. Sitting on the click-clack sofa is comfortable, thanks to the high back. And lying down – thanks to the mattress along the entire length and width of the product.
4. Durability. Although the click-clack mechanism has many moving parts, it still belongs to reliable and durable options suitable for daily sleep.
5. Versatility. The sofa replaces 2 products at once: a seat during the day and a bed at night. Suitable for children’s rooms, living rooms, kitchens, offices.
6. Ease of care. Most manufacturers complement sofas with removable covers, which greatly simplifies cleaning. The covers are easy to remove, clean or wash. This will also eliminate the need to change the upholstery after renovation: just buy a new cover in a suitable shade.
7. Variability. Models differ from each other not only in size, but also in shape: there are straight, corner and even U-shaped sofas.
8. Ease of transformation. Even a child can straighten the sofa, so feel free to buy a similar model for a child’s room.

The appearance of the sofa remains a controversial issue: some consider the design outdated, while others consider it stylish and modern. One thing is certain: the click-clack mechanism will not suit every interior style.

During operation, some disadvantages may be revealed:

1. The furniture must be moved away from the wall. Due to the peculiarities of disassembly, the back needs space at the back to take a lying position.
2. Each mechanism has weight restrictions. Since frames are produced by different factories from different materials, they can withstand completely different weights – be sure to check before purchasing.
3. The gap between the halves. Although the click-clack is considered more integral, unlike the book, there is still a gap between the back and the seat – this is a feature of the mechanism. To solve the problem, you can put a thin orthopedic mattress on top, which will be stored in the linen box under the seat during the day.

How does it unfold?

We have already said that even a child can unfold the click-clack sofa. The main thing is the correct sequence of actions.

Step-by-step instructions

To understand how to unfold the sofa, you should know that the following can change position:

• backrest;
• armrests;
• ears.

Unfolding

1. While on the sofa, grab the raised armrest. Pull it up until it stops (you will hear 2-3 clicks) and lower it down.
2. Do the first step with the side of the backrest and the other side of the sofa.
3. Holding the seat from below, you need to lift it up until the backrest drops to a horizontal position and press until you hear 2 clicks. Then lower the seat until a flat surface is formed.

Your sofa is fully unfolded and ready for sleep! But manufacturers have provided an interesting additional function that increases the ease of use. Grab the headrest and lift it up (usually there are 2-3 available positions). Lying on such a headboard is comfortable for reading or watching TV.

Assembly

To fold the sofa, you will need to repeat all the steps in reverse order.

1. Lift the seat up to 2 clicks, lower it into place – the back will rise automatically.
2. Lift and snap the armrests, if necessary, fold the “ears”.

There is also a “reclining” position, when the back is at an angle of 40-45 degrees to the seat. To do this, the seat needs to be brought closer to the back not by 2, but by 1 click.

Video

Seeing the klyak-klyak sofa in the photo may not be enough to get a complete picture of the features. To find out the characteristics of the model and see all possible positions for assembling and disassembling the mechanism, watch the video:

What to consider when choosing?

When buying a sofa for personal use, pay attention first of all to the quality of the frame: the service life and maximum weight that the model can withstand depend on it. The stronger, the better.

The second important nuance is the upholstery. Classic furniture fabrics – matting, velor, flock, chenille, jacquard – have their advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to study the properties of each to understand whether it is suitable or not. For example, animals can leave snags on matting. And velour or flock, due to its nap, literally attracts pet hair and fur.

The last aspect is filling. Sofas come with springs (dependent and independent) and without them. In the first case, choose an independent spring block of medium or increased rigidity. The second one has high-quality orthopedic polyurethane foam covered with a softer layer of memory foam.

Examples in the interior

Click-clack, as already mentioned, is not suitable for every home. For example, in a classic or luxurious baroque house, furniture of this shape will look out of place. But in modern styles, including minimalism, the sofa will take pride of place.

Follow the rule of proportionality when choosing. Compact models for small rooms, spacious corner models for large ones. If you already have a small sofa that you need to put in a spacious living room, complement the composition with one or two armchairs with the same mechanism.

Finally, a tip: be sure to try to assemble and disassemble the mechanism yourself in the store. This will help you understand whether you can repeat the procedure regularly: in the morning and in the evening.