What qualities should a sofa have?

If you buy a sofa for everyday sleep in a small studio apartment, then it will become almost the only option for upholstered furniture in the apartment. Experts do not recommend saving on it. Before buying, pay attention to the following points:

  • Design. This is not the main thing for a sleeping place, but a sofa is the center of the apartment, you should like it.
  • Convenience. It is used for everyday sleep, watching TV, relaxing, receiving guests. It should be comfortable to sit and sleep.
  • Quality. Unlike separate positions – a bed + a sofa, this model is used constantly. The furniture must withstand serious loads.
  • Mobility. Before going to bed, the structure must be unfolded, after sleep – folded. If it is difficult to do this, you will doom yourself to constant inconvenience.
  • Functionality. Why not use a folding sofa as a storage space? For example, in the morning it is convenient to put away bed linen in the storage box, which will not be needed when folded. Then you will not need an additional chest of drawers or a closet.

Determining the size and shape

Many options are suitable for everyday sleep, but the ideal sofa for a couple, for example, is different from the one that is suitable for a child’s room.

straight fold-out sofa

The first important point that you should pay attention to is the size of the sleeping area. In length, all sofas for everyday sleep are approximately the same – 200 cm straight, 200-280 – corner. Width may vary:

  • 140. Suitable for one person or for saving space in a very small apartment for a couple.
  • 160. Standard width for comfortable everyday sleep for a couple.
  • 180. Does the room allow it? Give preference to this option – it is much more comfortable for two people. When folded, the seat is wider than usual, which adds comfort.

corner sofa with ottoman

The photo shows a compact corner sofa with an accordion mechanism

As for the shape, the choice is small: straight or corner (L- or U-shaped). Since a sofa for everyday sleep is often bought for small apartments, a straight sofa is preferable – it is more compact.

Do you often have guests or do you have a large family living in the house? Take a closer look at corner sofas. They have more seats and a more spacious sleeping area.

U-shaped folding sofa

Which folding mechanism will be more practical?

There are a great many transformation mechanisms, but not every one of them is suitable for everyday sleeping.

  • Book. A sofa with a mechanism of this type was popular back in the days of the USSR, when there were not many alternatives. The principle of operation is simple: lift the seat, put it on the back, lower the seat. The main disadvantage is the depression between the two parts, which is present from the moment of purchase. Over time, it will become deeper, sleeping is absolutely uncomfortable. It is difficult to unfold the book, it is better not to use it for constant sleep.
  • Eurobook. A modern transformation mechanism that simplifies the process of disassembly / assembly. The seat slides out, the back falls – the sleeping place is ready! The advantages include ease of metamorphosis, the presence of a spacious linen compartment. The disadvantages are the same depression. On a high-quality sofa with a spring block, at first it is almost imperceptible, but over time the base will sag, and it will become uncomfortable to sleep. Another feature of the Eurobook sofa is the presence of pillows on the back when assembled. Before going to bed, you will have to put them away somewhere, which is also not always convenient.

Eurobook sofa

  • Dolphin. It got its name because the unfolding process is similar to a dolphin jump. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull out the drawer from below, pull the handle, lifting the lower part to the level of the upper one. The disadvantages include the need to roll out – it excludes the use of carpets, and as a result of constant use it can damage the floor covering (parquet, laminate).
  • Click-clack. The mechanics are similar to a regular book, with one small difference – wing-armrests. Before disassembling the sofa, they need to be bent back, then follow the step-by-step disassembly, like with a book. All the disadvantages of the first model (the need to lift weights when unfolding) click-clack still retained.

sofa accordion

  • Accordion. Based on the name, it is clear that the transformation mechanism is similar to stretching the bellows of this instrument. The main difference from most other sofas is that the flat sleeping area is not along, but across the back. Accordingly, 1.5-2 m of free space is required in front of the upholstered furniture. In a large living room, this is one of the best options for sleeping.
  • Folding. It comes in a rich or sedaflex format. The design varies, but the essence of the transformation mechanism is the same: inside the sofa there is a folding bed that is pulled out, unfolded with support on the seat. The comfort of the sleeping place depends on the quality of the workmanship, frame, mattress.

dolphin sofa

The photo shows a model with a dolphin system

  • Roll-out. The principle of operation is clear from the name: one part of the sleeping place is the seat, the other is rolled out from under it, lifted. The disadvantage of the design is the lack of a linen box, give preference to an L-shaped model with storage in a corner module.

We have listed the most popular options. To make the right choice, be sure to try to unfold the sofa before buying it to understand how convenient it is to do this every day. Didn’t find a suitable option among those offered? Look at additional ideas – eurosofa, puma, caravan.

sofa with a folding bed

Choosing a frame

Do you plan to sleep on the sofa every day? Give preference to a strong, reliable frame.

A metal frame is the most rigid, but its durability depends on the quality of the metal and welded seams. Usually, an accordion or folding bed is used in sofas.

sofa with an iron folding bed

The photo shows a French folding bed sofa in a carriage coupler

A wooden frame is more common – upholstered furniture will cost less, and is inferior to metal in terms of service life, but only slightly. The main thing is that the sofa is made of high-quality wood or chipboard.

In the second case, pay attention to the processing of the boards – they must be laminated, otherwise you will breathe in formaldehyde emitted by the boards. And this is unacceptable during everyday sleep.

leather sofa

Which filler is better to choose?

All sleeping places are divided into 2 types: with a spring block or based on foam rubber (PUF).

Springs for sleep are more familiar – you will get an elastic orthopedic surface that will provide you with high-quality rest every night. But do not save on such a filler: a dependent spring block is cheaper, but less comfortable and unreliable in operation. Over time, it will start to creak, sag, and the springs will damage the upholstery.

An independent spring block, in which each spring has its own “bag”, lasts longer. They do not creak, do not stretch, and have a better supporting effect.

corner sofa made of matting

The photo shows a large corner model in matting

The situation is similar with polyurethane foam. Sofas with cheap materials are more profitable, but they will quickly become unusable – they will sag, lose their shape. On the contrary, high-quality polyurethane foam will last at least 7-10 years, while providing an orthopedic effect during sleep.

Are members of your family prone to allergic reactions? Pay attention to the composition of the filler: it should not contain natural components, such as feathers, down, coconut coir.

spring unit sofa

Choosing reliable upholstery

The choice of textures and shades of furniture fabrics is amazing, but they all have different qualities, not every one is suitable for everyday sleep.

  • Leather, eco-leather. It looks stylish, easy to care for – perhaps these are all its advantages. Any bed linen slides on it, it is uncomfortable to sit with your feet in the summer. You will sweat, stick to the surface. Another factor to pay attention to is the presence of pets. They easily damage the leather, the sofa looks sloppy.

leather sofa for sleeping

  • Matting. One of the most inexpensive upholstery materials. Its texture resembles soft burlap, stylish, comfortable to use. Matting is comfortable to sit and sleep on, but it is not suitable for houses with pets.
  • Velor. A popular fabric with a small pile, soft, pleasant to the touch. Products in it look stylish, it is pleasant to sit and lie on the surface. But keep in mind that with constant use after 5-7 years the pile can “wear out”, and bald spots can form in some places.

stylish velor sofa

  • Jacquard. Dense, expensive, high-quality. It is not afraid of moisture, suitable for families with children and animals. But do not buy a sofa with jacquard upholstery for a sunny room – it will fade under direct exposure to ultraviolet light.
  • Flock. Cheaper and more durable than velor, but just as pleasant and soft. Not afraid of water, stains, animal claws, not subject to deformation. But it accumulates static electricity, the sofa can shock.
  • Chenille. One of the most durable fabrics, the average service life while maintaining its marketable appearance is up to 10-15 years. The only downside is that it easily gets snagged by claws and sharp objects.

In addition to the type of fabric, pay attention to other aspects: treatment with easy-to-clean products, care method, and the presence of removable covers.

mat sofa

What additional functions and fittings should I choose?

We have already mentioned the importance of having a linen box, but shelves on top of the sofa would also be a good idea. They are convenient to use as bedside tables to put a phone or a book at night.

linen box in the sofa

Shelves are built into the corner, above the back, outside in the armrests. The removable tables on the armrests are convenient – you can put a mug of tea or a glass of water on them.

sofa with a bottle holder

A built-in socket will provide additional comfort – you can power a lamp, a night light, or charge your phone from it. There are sofas with backlighting, by pressing a button in a convenient place you can turn on the light at any time.

shelves in the armrest of the sofa

The photo shows an example of shelves in the armrest

Approach the choice of a sofa for sleeping responsibly – the right model will ensure quality rest and will last a long time.