Today, few can boast of spacious square meters. Therefore, the issue of saving free space is quite relevant. This problem of lack of space has led to the emergence of many different stylistic techniques to solve it.
Among them, it is necessary to separately highlight the use of functional compact furnishings. The structural design of such furniture allows you to compensate for the small area of the room without weighing down its interior. Part of this furniture includes compact sofas for the living room.
Advantages of a small sofa
The size of upholstered furniture does not always determine its level of comfort. Even a small sofa can provide complete rest. This is often the only solution for a studio apartment or one-room apartment. It can be placed not only in the living room, but also in the kitchen, making it more practical.
Often a compact sofa can be folded out. The result will be additional sleeping space.
The main advantages of a miniature sofa:
- Compactness. Small dimensions allow it to fit into even the tightest spaces.
- Ease of use. It unfolds and folds easily.
- Functionality. A small sofa can serve as an additional bed.
- Variety of models. Today, consumers are offered a huge number of different sofas, differing in shape, design, color and texture of upholstery material.
- Quite low cost. But on sale you can also see quite expensive products made from high-quality natural materials.
Choosing a roll-out sofa: what to look for?
How to choose a roll-out sofa? It would seem that there is nothing complicated about it, because specialized stores offer so many different models that it’s dizzying. But don’t rush to the first option you come across. It is worth carefully studying the different options and settling on a functional model that will decorate the room and will delight the owners for many years.
A sofa with a roll-out design can be placed in any room. Therefore, when choosing, you should pay attention to other factors and only then think about its placement.
sofa frame
The main factor that plays a huge role when choosing a sofa. The service life of the sofa depends on the material from which the sofa is made. For example, a frame made of metal is a reliable option. This sofa can be used for many years. Often, metal structures are used to make high-tech models.
Frames made of wood are durable and reliable. But such sofas are very expensive.
Cheap models are those in which the frame is made of chipboard. They are safe to use, but will not last long. If you want the frame to last for a long time, then when purchasing, ask your sales consultant about the protective coating of the wood.
Mattress: spring or not?
When buying a sofa, you need to pay attention not only to the appearance of the model, but also to the mattress. It determines how you will feel while sleeping or sitting during the day.
The mattress should be comfortable, but not too soft. As for the type of mattress, you should choose between a spring or springless design.
When choosing the degree of rigidity, it is worth starting from personal preferences. This factor largely depends on the filler. Particularly popular are latex, cotton, wool, polyurethane foam, felt, coconut fiber or elastic foam.
If you prefer a spring mattress, then it is worth exploring different options. This type of mattress is practically never found on roll-out sofas. They are heavy and put pressure on the support mechanism. During operation, this becomes noticeable immediately. A heavy sofa will be inconvenient to unfold and assemble.
Modern spring mattresses do not last long. With constant use, the springs will break through the fabric base and come out. But spring mattresses have their own advantage: they are suitable for those who suffer from back pain. Doctors recommend that they sleep on a hard surface.
The second option is foam rubber. But this is synthetic, many people categorically do not use this material. And the synthetic padding is too soft.
It is advisable to look for mattresses that combine several layers of filler. The base should be made of a hard material - polyurethane, the next layer should be a soft material that will not roll off over time.
Recently, latex has been used as a filler. But this material is very expensive.
Sofa upholstery: popular materials
The materials that furniture manufacturers use to upholster a sofa can be very different. There are various options on sale, so the buyer can choose the best one for himself.
Each buyer has his own taste preferences and requirements for the material. Some people want to buy a leather sofa, others are looking for simple upholstery so that it does not get dirty and is easy to wash.
If a sofa with a roll-out design is purchased for a child’s room, then parents need to choose a material that will repel dirt and dry quickly.
The sofa that will stand in the hallway should look beautiful. But, if it will be used daily, it is better to pay attention to suede upholstery.
Materials that are popular among buyers:
- tapestry;
- leather (both natural and artificial);
- suede leather;
- jacquard;
- flock
If such a model will be used as a bed, then you should think about the naturalness of the material. It must be strong, not afraid of physical and chemical influences and not cause an allergic reaction. In this case, it is better to pay attention to linen and cotton upholstery. They are natural and dense. In addition, these materials do not attract dust and are not electrified.
Fleecy synthetics look great. This material looks great and harmonizes with any room decor. But, if you sleep on the couch all the time, this option will not suit you. Due to constant contact with other material, synthetics roll down and lose their presentable appearance.
As for colors, bright models may not always be appropriate. Again, if the sofa is used as a sleeping area, it is better to choose neutral colors. Bright paint may fade and spots will appear on the surface of the sofa.
A tapestry is considered the best option. The composition of the material is 50% natural fibers and 50% synthetic. The surface is covered with water-repellent impregnation, which is easy to clean. If you are looking for a model with a roll-out mechanism for the kitchen or dining room, then pay attention to this material.
Some companies offer covers for roll-out sofas. This is very convenient, because once it gets dirty, it can be removed and washed. And the main upholstery will last for many years.
Roll-out sofa size
As for the sizes, then everything depends on the buyer. Someone is looking for a miniature option that will take up minimal space. Others want to occupy half the room and be sure that if guests arrive, they will have somewhere to stay.
The dimensions of the sofa depend on the mattress. The standard option is 2x2. But if you want to find something special, then there are different options.
Often the sofa transforms into a full double bed. But there are models that represent one sleeping place. Usually they are bought for children's rooms or placed where there is minimal space.
Do not forget that there should be enough free space around the sofa so that nothing gets in the way when unfolding and there are passages.
Additional items
Not all models are equipped with additional elements. But this bonus is not only pleasant, but also vital.
Roll-out sofas can be equipped with a drawer for storing linen. Usually the box is small. It can slide out with the mattress, or it can recline.
Models without drawers are a little cheaper, but it’s better to pay more to have a place to store your bedding.
The design can be equipped with additional shelves, which are made of either wood or plastic. The stands fit harmoniously into the overall style concept. There are models that are equipped with chests of drawers and small coffee tables.
pads
In essence, thoughts are just decoration. But they look so cute on the sofa and make the room feel cozier.
Long gone are the days when pillows were stuffed with down. It was replaced by synthetic filler or foam balls. They are safe for allergy sufferers. Pillows with synthetic filling can be washed in a washing machine and nothing will happen to them. The ottoman will not lose its shape.
This sofa model will decorate any room. But it will look most harmonious in small rooms where the owners are trying to delimit the space.
Buying the sofa you've been dreaming of for a long time is not difficult. Before going to the store, you should monitor the market and decide in advance what you want to get from this piece of furniture. Think about its placement in advance and take measurements so you don’t regret the purchase later.
What to consider when choosing a compact sofa
How to choose a good sofa? When choosing a small sofa, you need to consider the following points:
The dimensions of the product correspond to the area of the room, both in folded and unfolded states. It is necessary to ensure that the sofa does not clutter up the already small room.
The purpose of the sofa. If you plan to often use it as an additional place to sleep, then you need to carefully choose a transformation device.
Design decision. The upholstery fabric must match the colors of the walls, be wear-resistant, durable and strong. The design of the sofa can be very different - it all depends on your wishes.
Price. Not very expensive models would be appropriate in a children's room. It is better to choose something more expensive for the hall or kitchen.
Sofa bed
Let's start with the Staple Bed model from designer Alexander Seifried. The red wooden frame is shaped like a bracket. This piece of furniture is also available in black and white.
Bright red sofa, photo by Richard Lampert
This sofa can easily be converted into a sleeping place. One has only to lift the top block - in front of you is a luxurious bed consisting of two elements. They can be moved close to each other, and a full-fledged double bed appears before us.
Option for one
If a large company comes to visit, then spread out the sofa, remove the backrest and you will have two separate beds. This versatile sofa is ideal for a child's room. The kid can easily invite a friend for an overnight stay.
Option for two
Another successful model is a sliding one, from Pietro Arosio. An easy transformation mechanism, large feather pillows, removable covers for cleaning, as well as an unusual design - this is what your apartment needs.
Extensible sofa, photo from Design Within Reach
Now look at the same model in sliding form. Do you recognize? The result was a bed larger than a regular double. A wonderful sleep is guaranteed to you.
View before transformation
The Weiku company presents a Magnificent folding sofa in dark blue. The tufted pillows give it a classic look.
Blue sofa
As you can see from the photo, the backs of the model are lowered and a small bed comes out. Soft and comfortable pillows now serve as a mattress. Definitely, this is a great place to relax after a tiring day at work.
The same sofa after transformation
Raise the seat cushions and you'll find plenty of storage space. Here you can fold bed linen and bolsters.
Additional storage space for bedding items
Types of folding compact sofas
The photo of compact sofas shows that the following types of folding sofas are distinguished:
Sofa bed. Practicality, versatility, variety of models, spaciousness, comfort - all these are the features of this type of sofa.
Ottoman. This is the best choice for a spacious kitchen space or if you need to organize a place to sleep in the living room. The main difference between an ottoman is that it does not have armrests. The transformation mechanism is the simplest. The base can be either conventional or orthopedic.
Sofa subway. It has the appearance of a high base with a flat back, which can be equipped with a steel bar for attaching pillows. Such products are usually angular and equipped with a retractable device.
Tips for choosing a sofa
Folding sofa models are extremely popular and in demand. If such furniture does not have a transformation mechanism, then it is not considered particularly practical and is used in the kitchen or hallway.
An excellent sofa model for a small apartment or studio
Dining-living room with interior in contemporary style
As for folding sofas, they are most often used for sleeping. This approach helps save useful space. The convenience and durability of the furniture depends on which mechanism is chosen.
Shapes of small sofas
The most popular shapes of modern sofas are straight and angular. The first one is a classic. Such products are compact and convenient.
But corner models take up minimal space and look elegant and fresh.
Types of transformation mechanisms
The transforming device directly determines how comfortable it will be to use the sofa. In addition, it affects the size of the bed.
Nowadays, transformation mechanisms such as books, Eurobooks, dolphins, and accordions are distinguished.
A compact sofa can look quite elegant and sophisticated. At the same time, it will make life in a small apartment much easier.
And if you take into account all the advice of professional designers, then the product you like will delight you for a long time.
