Tick-tock sofa, features, pros and cons, best manufacturers: break it down point by point

Modern soft sofas are not only aesthetically attractive and comfortable, but also multifunctional. In their usual form they are used for daytime rest, and in the unfolded position they are perfect for sleeping. To quickly and conveniently transform such furniture, special mechanisms are used; for example, any “tick-tock” sofa uses a device known as a “pantograph” or “walking book”. Thanks to its simple operating principle, even a child can handle unfolding; in addition, the design does not damage the floor covering, which is a significant advantage for many users.

Design Features

If you plan to use upholstered furniture as a guest or permanent place to relax, you need to purchase a sofa with a transformation mechanism. The tick-tock sliding system has a rather complex design and is made of durable metal parts. To prevent frame distortions during transformation, the sofas are equipped with a synchronizing bar and a special spring.

To expand the structure using the pantograph mechanism, it is necessary to perform a series of sequential actions:

Raise the seat up using the attached hinges or holding the edge of the frame.
Pull the block towards you in a smooth motion, without much effort.
Extend the mobile support legs if the mechanism does not have a spring that automates the process.
Lower the backrest into the freed space, with the help of which the sofa unfolds and transforms into a flat sleeping place.

The presence of rubber pads on the legs of the sofa will protect the floor covering from mechanical damage.

The structure unfolds in almost two movements; no physical effort is required. Hence one of the names of the mechanism is “tick-tock”. The simplicity and ease of transformation make it possible to install such a model in a nursery, because the child will be able to independently prepare for bed.

Sofas with a tick-tock mechanism vary in shape, frame material, filling and have both pros and cons. Their main advantages:

convenient transformation;
strength of the folding system;
flat surface of a spacious place to rest;
maintaining the integrity of the floor covering;
possibility of installing furniture close to the wall;
the presence of a spacious drawer for storing linen.

Disadvantages of tick-tock sofas:

the inconvenience of a seat that is too wide when folded;
the difficulty of repairing the pantograph mechanism for a sofa due to the large number of parts;
high cost of the model.

Review of popular sofa transformation mechanisms, tips for choosing

This is interesting: Original sofas made from pallets in the interior, pros and cons of products

Corner furniture with “pantograph”

Corner sofas with a tick-tock mechanism look modern and stylish in both bedrooms and living rooms. Make communication between family members or guests comfortable. Their main advantage: the presence of two drawers for linen. A lifting ottoman in the corner and a spacious closet for storing any items under the seat. There are corner orthopedic sofas. An orthopedic block in the form of independent springs is installed under the sleeping surface. Here’s a video demonstration of how the “tick tock” mechanism works in a sofa:

Advice! The corners are attached on the left and right sides. When purchasing upholstered furniture, pay attention to where the ledge is located and what its dimensions are. To do this, it is recommended to first measure the room and decide where your useful purchase will be placed. Then it will fit comfortably in the room and will look elegant without cluttering up the space of the room.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the tick-tock mechanism are as follows:

unfolding occurs without the need to move the sliding part along the surface of the floor or floor covering, which avoids damage to surfaces caused by the regular movement of supporting elements along the same path;
the transformation mechanism does not require much effort , which makes it possible to fold out the sofa bed for both children and the elderly;
high reliability indicators and large permissible weight loads, which are ensured by the increased support area of the sliding part, when compared with mechanisms using rollers;
spacious drawers-pallets for storing bedding and decorative pillows.

The disadvantages inherent in sofa beds with a tick-tock mechanism are as follows:

the large width of the sofa's pull-out panel creates inconvenience when using it for sitting, which usually requires the use of special decorative pillows;
the “tick-tock” transformation mechanism is quite complex structurally; if it breaks, replacing it will be expensive;
the use of an expensive transformation mechanism and the presence of special decorative pillows determines the high price of the product when compared with other options.

How to choose

Initially, evaluate where the mattress is located. A sofa with a sedaflex mechanism has the following surface:

American folding bed awning mechanism

Folding bed with electric welded grille and straps at the base

Sofa frame with armor in the head and central parts, elastic straps in the legs

An American folding sofa can have a mattress:

Folding sofa bed with regular mattress

The mechanism of the American folding bed initially involves the use of a rather thick orthopedic mattress

The latter is definitely better. It can be with or without springs. In the first case, it will be much softer to sleep, however, such options also have disadvantages - over time, dust and moisture accumulate inside. The metal begins to deteriorate.

Sofa for a boy's room with sedaflex transformation mechanism

For the child's spine, it is better to take a mattress without springs. The transformation mechanism is one of the main selection criteria. Depending on the frequency of use, purpose, and type of flooring in the room, the appropriate option is selected. The sedaflex sofa should be comfortable and easy to unfold.

Modern sofa beds have a complex design, with a hidden mechanism inside

The more often the sofa is used, the better the upholstery should be. Consider the presence of animals at home. If you have a cat, a material that is not damaged by its claws will do. There are many of these on the market. Don't choose low-quality fabrics. They will quickly lose their original appearance. Keep in mind that your purchase will be used for a long time.

Soft sofa for the living room with pleasant rounded shapes with an “American folding bed” mechanism

If there are small children in the house, then choose materials that are easy to clean from dust, various liquids, and other types of contaminants.

A red sofa bed with a sedaflex mechanism will be the highlight of your interior

You need to choose an American folding bed option depending on the overall interior. Be sure to consider the color scheme and style of the room.

Remember about the main characteristic - convenience. In the store, ask the salesperson to lay out the sofa. Personally evaluate its comfort. Only then make your choice.

Types of sofas

Transforming sofas with a tick-tock mechanism have two most common varieties - regular (straight) and corner. The difference in design is clear from the name, namely:

ordinary (straight) are built according to the classical design and have one pull-out section the size of the entire sofa;

corner ones are L-shaped ; in addition to the main section, there is a side section, which can be either stationary or folding.

Corner models structurally allow you to combine the area of the main pull-out section and the side one, which significantly increases the total sleeping area of the bed. The back of the sofa is placed in place of the retractable section, creating a common surface with it. For the convenience of placing pillows, additional removable supports can be used, which are installed only for the bed mode and are stored in drawers-pallets. Side backrests are available with or without armrests.

Children's models usually do not have armrests, and the backrests themselves are completely covered with a layer of soft filling to ensure safety.

Orthopedic models are manufactured in two versions:

with orthopedic design and filler for sofa bed panels;
with a separate orthopedic mattress, which is used only in bed mode, allowing you to extend its service life and simplify replacement if necessary.

Types of tick-tock sofas

The Tick-Tock mechanism is universal and can be used for straight and corner sofa models.

Tik-Tak corner sofas without armrests or with them do not cause any inconvenience in operation, and their elegant appearance allows them to become the central detail of any room. Using the Tic-Tac mechanism allows you to make a sofa that, when unfolded, can easily accommodate three people.

A straight sofa with a Tic-Tac mechanism is also popular. It is recommended for small spaces where it is impossible to fit a corner sofa. Straight Tik-Tac sofas can be two- or three-seater. Such designs take up a small space, and the size of the sleeping place is not inferior to the size of a corner sofa or a full bed.

Thanks to its compact size, a straight sofa can be placed in rooms of any size, while still leaving room for other furniture. In addition, the small size simplifies the process of transporting furniture or rearranging it in case of renovation or change of interior.

A sofa with a Tic-Tac mechanism is an excellent choice for those who do not want to put effort into unfolding the structure. Also, such a mechanism will allow you to preserve the appearance of the floor covering, because the wheels can scratch the laminate, linoleum or parquet, and the carpet fibers will get crushed or interfere with the transformation process. The design of such sofas is made of metal and wooden boards, and therefore has increased strength and durability. Such products fit perfectly into the interior of any room and become its calling card.

Upholstery material

Different fabrics can be used as upholstery for products with a teak layout mechanism. The service life of the entire upholstery of the structure depends on the quality and strength of the fabric.

Popular materials for upholstery of sofas:

velor - the qualities of this material are similar to velvet, but unlike it it has a low cost. It feels soft to the touch, with slightly fluffy pile. Has long-term wear, easy maintenance, and abrasion resistance;
jacquard - this type of fabric is often used for upholstery of upholstered furniture. It has high strength, which ensures long-term wear of the sofa. The service life of structures with jacquard upholstery reaches 25-35 years. In addition, the material is easily cleaned from dirt, dust, and various stains;
Flock is another durable material that is often used for upholstery. It is quite durable and wear-resistant. Practically not subject to abrasion or deformation. Retains its appearance for a long time and does not fade in the sun;
leather - this material is one of the most expensive. It is suitable for those who want to express their wealth and show off the rich decoration of their interior. The cost of leather products is prohibitively high. But the quality is also at the highest level - high strength, long-term wear, resistance to damage and abrasion.

VelorJacquard

Genuine Leather

Flock

Sofa with Tick-tock mechanism (Pantograph)

Due to their compactness and ease of use, folding sofas quickly became and still remain popular furniture, which is often used to decorate small apartments. One of the options for a folding design is a sofa with a tick-tock mechanism. Our article will describe in detail all the features of this piece of furniture.

Materials

Frame

For the manufacture of frames and side backs of sofa beds, both natural wood and its combination with modern types of chipboard, fiberboard and plywood are usually used. Sections are made on a metal frame, with a combination of metal and wooden elements, or are completely wooden. The folding mechanism is made of metal. The retractable section has elements for comfortable holding in the form of handles or structural grooves and recesses.

Fillers

Fillers for sections of sliding sofa beds are one of the most important factors in ease of use and durability. Due to their design features, spring metal blocks are used extremely rarely, and polymer materials are used for orthopedic options. Typically, the filling of sections is combined from several types, the main mass is made more durable and elastic, and the top layer of soft materials is used to create relief and improve performance.

Modern materials such as:

polyurethane foam - a highly porous foam material that is obtained by mixing several synthetic polymers; service life is 5–8 years;
Periotec - non-woven material made of high quality polyester fibers; service life – 10–12 years;
struttofiber – a combined material produced using the “non-woven independent springs” technology from synthetic and natural fibers; service life – 10–12 years;
padding polyester - a synthetic material in the form of a non-woven fabric made of polyester fibers; service life – up to 5 years;
holofiber - an improved version of padding polyester, with fibers of a spiral structure; service life – 5–10 years;
latex – a combined material based on natural rubber; service life – up to 20 years;
Durafil is a non-woven fabric made of hollow polyester fibers glued to a base; it has a structure resembling a spring block; service life – 10–12 years;
foam rubber - the same polyurethane foam, but of the lowest quality and strength; service life – 3–5 years.

Upholstery

Upholstery materials made from natural, synthetic and mixed fabrics have a wide selection of characteristics and colors. They must be selected depending on the operating conditions of the sofa bed, taking into account the presence of exposure to direct sunlight, pets, and use in children's rooms. Let's look at the most popular upholstery options.

Cotton is a natural, inexpensive material. Its environmental friendliness allows it to be used for children's furniture. It usually comes in a wide range of colors, patterns and designs. The service life is 5–6 years.

Chenille - a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers is used for its production. Its surface has a pleasant-to-touch feel. It has high strength and wear resistance, hypoallergenicity. The disadvantage is the high absorption of liquids. Service life – up to 30 years.

Corduroy - can be either natural or artificial. It has sufficient strength, resistance to sunlight, and is not afraid of exposure from animals. The material requires careful care and has increased absorption of liquids. Service life – up to 15 years.

Flock is an artificial material with a pleasant pile surface. It is highly durable and water-resistant, and animal hair does not stick to it. The disadvantages are the absorption of odors and the abrasion of the pile over time. Service life – up to 15 years.

Suede and velor are natural or artificial materials that have a pleasant velvety surface. The natural option is used less and less, inferior to the artificial one in strength and durability. The service life is 7–12 years.

Jacquard - special thread weaving technologies provide the material with high strength. It is distinguished by its impressive relief texture and high resistance to sunlight. Service life – 10–12 years.

Tapestry is a classic material made from natural raw materials, but recently synthetic additives have been used to increase strength. It has a long service life, a wide selection of colors and patterns, and does not tolerate exposure to direct sunlight. Service life – up to 15 years.

Genuine leather is one of the most expensive natural types of material. It is highly durable, moisture resistant and easy to maintain. Disadvantages include a small selection of colors and a “sticky” effect. Service life – up to 20 years.

Arpatek is an artificial material originally created for the automotive industry. The advantages of the material are strength, abrasion resistance, color fastness and ease of care. Service life – up to 15 years.

Important! For most types of upholstery materials, there are a large number of varieties available, which often have their own unique names, which can make choosing difficult.

This is interesting: Ways to get rid of bedbugs in the sofa, how to choose the best remedy

Manufacturing materials

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture produce transformable sofas with a variety of fillings, upholstery and frame materials. The service life of the product depends on the choice of components. In the production of economic models, cheaper and therefore lower quality materials are used.

Characteristics of French folding sofas, pros and cons

To make the base the following are used:

Metal frame. The steel frame is made of thin-walled tubes. Models with a tick-tock transformation mechanism are produced with the installation of a combined or metal base. The use of lamellas or wavy springs allows you to increase the permitted maximum weight to 250 kg.
Tree. High-quality and durable frames are made from hardwood materials: oak, walnut, ash. The use of pine reduces the cost of production, reduces the cost of the finished product, but negatively affects the quality and durability. Elite models are made of mahogany. The sofa folding mechanism is made of steel parts.
Chipboard and plywood. Combined frames, in which wood and particle boards are combined, are installed to reduce the cost of furniture. Sofas with a plywood base are considered the most fragile.

The following are used as fillers in the manufacture of sofas:

Polyurethane foam. A popular artificial filler is foam rubber made from a mixture of polymers. For sofa mats, both standard sheet material of different thicknesses and a cast version, made to a specific shape, are used.
Bonnell springs. An economical mattress, the individual springs of which are connected together by spiral wire. Disadvantages of this option: short service life, inability to replace individual springs and low orthopedic effect.
Independent spring block. Each spring of such a mattress is placed in an individual linen bag, which greatly facilitates the replacement of individual parts, and also increases the service life of the furniture.

An orthopedic mattress with an independent spring block, a tick-tock sofa folding mechanism and wear-resistant upholstery material are the recommended components of ideal upholstered furniture for relaxation and sleep.

A huge number of materials can be used for upholstery: velor, jacquard, chenille, flock, tapestry, artificial or genuine leather. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to pay attention to certain properties of fabrics:

Wear resistance. To increase service life, fabrics are treated with a special impregnation, which increases the strength and fire resistance of the material.
Breathability. “Breathing” fabric is protected from the development of bacteria and parasites.
Hypoallergenic. This is a necessary criterion for furniture in a nursery or bedroom.
Easy to care for. Daily dry or wet cleaning damages the fibers of the fabric, deforming the coating. Teflon coating increases the dust- and dirt-repellent properties of the fabric.
Color fastness. High-quality material does not fade in the sun, does not change the brightness of colors during heat treatment or mechanical friction.

Review of popular sofa transformation mechanisms, tips for choosing

Polyurethane foam

Bonnell springs

Independent spring block

Jacquard

Chenille Velor

Flock

Eco leather

The procedure for transforming “sofa-bed”

Folding out the sofa takes place in 2 steps, but we will look at the process in a little more detail:

Grasp the special loops or brackets located on the lower side of the seat with your hands.
Move upwards and towards yourself to activate the mechanism. The seat will rise above the sofa and move forward.
Place the seat legs on the floor. In this position, access to the linen drawer is open. Lower the seat to a new position
Lower the back of the sofa, turning it from a vertical position to a horizontal one.
As a result of these simple steps, the sofa transforms into a bed.

The process of unfolding a sofa can be depicted schematically.

And the bed can also easily be moved to the “sofa” position:

Raise the backrest to an upright position.
Raise the seat and push it towards the backrest.

Video: how the pantograph transformation mechanism works

How to choose?

Any sofa, whether folding or non-folding, has similar design features that need to be taken into account when choosing:

There are no standard sizes for them. The height, width and depth of such upholstered furniture vary depending on the type of sofa layout and whether it is corner, straight or modular.
When purchasing such furniture, you need to take into account the size of the room: a model for daily sleep should fit freely in the room when unfolded.
The types of such sofas are divided into straight and corner. The latter can have different angles: left, right or the so-called universal angle.
You can choose either a model for every day or a guest option; to do this, you need to decide how often you need to transform the sofa into a sleeping place.

Immediately before purchasing, it is advisable to visit furniture showrooms to inspect various models “live” and personally check how convenient and easy the transformation mechanisms work. At the same time, you should not stand and watch the process of unfolding the sofa by a consultant; it is better to ask the seller to show the principle of the layout and then do this procedure with your own hands. Only in this case can you understand whether it will be convenient to perform such actions on a daily basis.

The service life that a sofa can withstand without repair depends entirely on the quality of the materials from which its base, body and folding mechanism are made.

You should definitely make sure that the internal parts of the sofa are made of solid wood and not chipboard or plastic, because in this case they can become deformed and crack. The quality and type of wood are also very important. Softwood such as pine is cheap and used in inexpensive sofas, but it can warp or dry out over time, usually after five years. More expensive wood, such as kiln-dried oak, ash or beech, will make the sofa durable and maintain its beautiful appearance.

Therefore, you definitely need to carefully question the consultant and carefully examine the insides of the sofa

In this case, it is worth paying attention to how the connections and joints are secured.

It is important to remember that a structure whose component parts are held in place with screws, dowels, or special furniture pegs will last much longer than one whose parts are fixed together only with glue or secured with simple self-tapping screws.

An important factor when buying a folding sofa is, of course, the availability of space in the apartment for its transformation. If you have limited space, but need additional sleeping places, then instead of one huge sofa, it would be preferable to purchase two small folding sofas.

In addition, the firmness of the sofa mattress is another important factor that should be taken into account when choosing a model. It largely depends on personal preference

But, as a rule, a firmer mattress will be healthier, and when using this sofa as a bed, it will give you the opportunity to get a good night's sleep.

The next important factor is the elasticity of the sofa. It also has to do with personal preference and choice. Some people don't like bouncy sofas, and some people don't like them. To evaluate a future purchase from these positions, it is worth sitting on it before purchasing, or better yet, lying down.

If there are animals in the house, which, of course, will definitely be happy to lie on a brand new sofa, you should choose the upholstery especially carefully. Contaminants such as pet hair and fluff are easily removed from flock and leather, but get stuck in the tapestry; On such a covering as a shinil, there are puffs left by their claws.

Popular manufacturers

Russian manufacturers use modern equipment of the latest generation, high-quality materials, and high-quality fittings. Designers are developing the latest models of upholstered furniture taking into account the wishes of consumers. Popular factories that monitor the quality of finished products and offer a wide range of sofas with a pantograph transformation mechanism:

"Parma". A factory from Perm that specializes in the production of children's furniture. Only high-quality and safe materials, Russian and foreign, are used in our work. Another domestic company known for its modern and practical furniture. Production is located in Ulyanovsk. The company prides itself on combining experience, expert knowledge and the latest developments.
"MDV". A domestic manufacturer that has been operating since 1998. The product range includes more than 150 furniture models. The manufacturer assures that any product can be used both at home and for commercial purposes.
"Master Furniture". This company specializes in the manufacture of sofas and armchairs only. The assortment includes straight, angular, modular models, advertisers, and kitchen products.

The “tick-tock” sofa is very convenient to use, easily unfolds, does not take up too much space, and is therefore in demand among people with different incomes and standards of living. It does not damage the floor covering and creates a smooth sleeping area. When choosing, you should pay attention to a model from a well-known manufacturer; be sure to read the quality certificate.

ParmaArdoniMDV

Master Furniture

Factories and models

Today, tick-tock sofas are produced by many manufacturers.

Vladimir factory 5 stars

Vladimir factory 5 stars has been producing furniture since 1998. Using modern developments and technologies, the factory produces beautiful modern furniture, among which sofas with a pantograph transformation mechanism stand out.

A wide range is represented by such models as Parma, Prometheus, Laska.

The comfortable and compact Prometheus sofa with dimensions of 235x110 cm will be a wonderful decoration for any living room. A wide berth of 150×200, coupled with an independent spring block, will provide comfortable accommodation for two people. The straight design with soft armrests and three sofa cushions will fit perfectly into any interior.

The Laska model is presented by the company in angular and straight versions, both of which have a modern design. The rigid arched armrests in both models are perfectly combined with soft back cushions. The dimensions of the corner model when folded are 235x155 cm. Thanks to the independent spring block, a flat sleeping area measuring 145x200 cm is formed.

Russian master

The Marrakesh sofa is produced by the Russian Master furniture factory, specializing in the production of inexpensive models of original design and decent quality. The straight design of the Marrakesh model is equipped with three soft, comfortable cushions. Two-level armrests consist of a rectangular wooden and soft lower part.

The classic model with a spring block will provide comfort and coziness for the whole family.

MDV

The MDV factory, which produces the Tibet model, has been producing upholstered furniture for more than 15 years. The product has a straight design with chrome-plated metal legs and smoothly curved wooden armrests. Folded size 216x96x98 with sleeping area 140x190. The filler for the soft spot can be either a spring block with polyurethane foam or higher-density polyurethane foam as an independent filler.

Rival

The Rival factory has been producing upholstered furniture since 1996. Based on the wishes of customers and partners cooperating with the company, the Seattle model was developed in two versions.

The first design is characterized by the presence of armrests with built-in drawers, in which it is convenient to store various small items. In the second option, the armrests have a slight angle of inclination, and the model itself is slightly smaller in size without compromising the sleeping area.

Both options are equipped with an independent box spring and a wide berth of 152x202 cm. The dimensions of the first design are 246x110x95 cm. The second design is slightly shorter and measures 228x110x95.

The Quadro sofa from a Russian manufacturer on a spring block differs from other models in the presence of niches built into the armrest. Decorative pillows included in the set will provide a cozy pastime with your family.

Ulyanovsk furniture factory "Baroque"

The compact and cozy Venice model, produced by the Ulyanovsk furniture factory Baroque, has small dimensions of 201×100. It will easily fit in any room. The model is equipped with beautiful two-level armrests and soft sofa cushions.

Sofas with a pantograph transformation mechanism are produced by many Russian factories in various configurations. Thanks to the built-in mechanism, this type of sofa is very popular, and reviews about it are mostly positive.

Most buyers note that the presence of a mechanism greatly simplifies the procedure for laying out the sofa. Everyone, without exception, notes the absence of various damage to the flooring over the long life of the product.

Sliding sofas are the most common interior items for relaxing and sleeping. They have gained popularity due to their compact dimensions and ease of use. They can perform different functions - this is a place for meeting guests and relaxing, or a sleeping bed. Sofa beds with a tick-tock mechanism cope with these tasks with a bang.

They received this name for their simple layout, performed in two stages. Sofas with a “tick tock” mechanism are a modernized version of “Eurobooks”. The differences are that in “Eurobooks” the front part moves out on wheels, but in “Tick-Tock” it moves forward and rises up on special supports, and then lowers to the floor. Absolutely anyone can handle the layout of such a product. The tick-tock transformation mechanism does not require wheels, rollers or other layout aids at all!

“This transformation mechanism is also called a pantograph or a walking Eurobook”

This device causes almost no damage to the floor covering. Therefore, this model is perfect for people who are sensitive to the flooring in their home.

Color options and decor

Sofas are produced in a variety of colors. Any manufacturer’s assortment will definitely include classic black, white, and gray options. For lovers of pastel colors, there are pink, beige, peach, and lilac shades to choose from. Among the bright colors, the most popular are rich blue tones, fresh greens, rich reds, and dazzling yellows.

It is important not to make a mistake with the choice of color. The option you like should be in maximum harmony with the interior design of the living room or bedroom.

The sofa comes with pillows that are covered in the same material as the furniture itself. Such accessories, depending on the texture of the fabric, are often decorated with ruffles and frills. To prevent the sofa from losing its attractiveness over time and to prevent scuffs from appearing on it, a blanket is used to cover the product. It is represented by different materials, such as acrylic, fur, terry, tapestry, silk, satin.

Characteristics and main differences

The “tick-tock” transforming device differs from competitive models in high quality materials, reliable long-term operation without breakdowns, and wear resistance. Here are the main characteristics of sofas with this mechanism:

The complex design of a high technical level allows it to be installed on wide sofas of various configurations. And also equip the furniture with shelves-armrests with the function of shelving;
does not require physical strength and complex manipulations during transformation;
daily use of the bed function does not weaken the effect of the pantograph;
The wide and level sleeping area can withstand loads of up to 240 kg.

Products are produced:

in a range of fabric upholstery, including leather. A variety of colors from dark muted to light bright colors;
with a set of soft multi-colored pillows to match the sofa upholstery. When dirty, covers can be removed for washing. If you wish, you can sew the covers yourself;
with built-in drawers for storing things and bedding.

Reasonable prices will please you, and the luxurious look will decorate any most fashionable living room.

Important! The mechanism is reliable and retains its functionality for many years, even under frequent use.

Color palette and design

Of no small importance when choosing a sofa bed is its style and color, which should be in harmony with the overall style and color palette of the room. Designers distinguish more than 50 styles used in the manufacture of modern furniture; the main ones are presented below.

High-tech (or lounge) is distinguished by calm, monochromatic colors and simplicity of geometric shapes. The use of chrome-plated metal elements is typical, but natural wood is used extremely rarely. Modern fabrics are used for upholstery; color preferences are given to black, white, gray, silver and metallic.

Loft is a modern style for ordinary premises. He uses canonical elements - open concrete walls, brickwork, communications. Preference is given to laconic models in bright colors; seemingly incompatible materials are used - plastic and stainless steel in combination with upholstery made from natural materials.

Art Deco is inspired by the aesthetics of cubism and the ethnic styles of small nations. Traditionally, unusual natural materials or their imitation are used - ivory, noble wood, bamboo. Exotic types of natural leather or their artificial substitutes are ideal for upholstery.

Eco was created as a counterbalance to urbanism, for those who strive back to nature. Only natural wood and its natural colors are used, imitation of knots and natural texture, repetition of natural forms. The upholstery is also made from natural materials.

Patchwork - patchwork sewing. This style is incredibly popular now.

Boho is a very original, rich style, replete with bold colors. Furniture usually has squat, wide and comfortable shapes, without any frills. This style is often used in children's rooms.

Retro (60-70s of the XX century). Furniture should be compact, without excessive decoration, but at the same time of various shapes. Strict and angular, with smooth curves and fantasy solutions are popular. The colors are classic, pastel tones with a predominance of geometric textures.

Military is distinguished by brutality and functionality, it is ideal for men. A sofa bed in this style should have a strict geometric shape, a little rough. The decoration should be in a minimalist style, but decoration with heraldry elements is allowed.

Shabby chic is a style of artificially aged items and their elements, creating a special atmosphere of bohemian chic. It is characterized by worn legs and armrests with a predominance of light colors.

Classics are characterized by the obligatory presence of carvings, overlays, gilding and other pretentious elements. Only natural materials are used, the upholstery colors are mostly calm, with floral patterns.

Color scheme, dimensions and shape

According to its color scheme, the sofa must be combined compositionally with the overall interior of the room, decorated in one style or another. As for the dimensions and shape, you can find rectangular classic, corner and round island sofas in various furniture stores. Depending on the number of seats, they can be made for two or more people. Therefore, this piece of furniture can be purchased not only for the living room, but also for the nursery, hallway, kitchen or office.

Now let’s look at the mechanisms for folding sofas in more detail: what they are like and what are the main advantages of each of them.

Selection rules

Of course, in addition to the features, you need to know important rules that will help you purchase a quality product. When choosing, you should consider several important qualities of this furniture:

mechanism - pay attention to the operation of the mechanism, it must be in good working order, disassembling and assembling the product should be easy, without difficulties;
basis of the structure - all structural elements must be strong, there should be no cracks, deformations, or damage;
upholstery - the upholstery fabric should be dense and durable. There should be no damage, stains or dirt on the upholstery;
comfort - it is best to sit on the product, the filling should be soft. Check that the upholstery is not sagging;
external design - the appearance of the product should fit perfectly into the style of your apartment interior.

Sofas that have a teak mechanism are quite comfortable products that are suitable for any room.

The mechanism of the product is lightweight, so the furniture layout will be simple, even a child can handle it. These designs can be used both for meeting guests, for a place to sit in front of the TV for the whole family, and for relaxing at night.

What is the difference between tick-tock and eurobook mechanisms, which is better?

When unfolding the “Eurobook”, the seat rolls on its wheels on the floor each time, while in the “tick-tock” design a pantograph is installed that allows you to extend the seat without touching the floor.

Because of this feature, frequent use of the “Eurobook” as a bed can lead to rapid damage to the floor covering. Therefore, if you plan to disassemble transformable furniture every evening, it is worth buying “tick-tock”, which is completely safe for any floor covering. In addition, the wheels used in the “Eurobook” often fail, which is another disadvantage of this design.

Video: Tick-tock mechanism (pantograph) in the sofa, how it unfolds

Source

Dimensions

Tick-tock sofa beds are produced in various sizes, the choice of which depends on the manufacturer’s nomenclature and purpose. Typical parameters are as follows:

regular (straight) models have lengths of 205, 225, 245 and 260 cm, width (depth) 100, 105, 110 cm, height 75, 80, 85 cm;

corner ones have a length of 225, 235, 250, 270, 350 cm, width (depth) 155–180 cm, height 75, 80, 85 cm.

Important! After unfolding the sofa, the sleeping area usually has dimensions of 195x155, 215x155, 210x160, 320x170 cm.

The sizes of children's models are as follows:

length – 100, 120, 160 and 185 cm;
width – 80, 85, 90 and 100 cm;
height 65, 70, 75 and 80 cm.

Important! In stores and furniture showrooms that work directly with the manufacturer, it is possible to individually order product sizes, as well as upholstery material and filling.

Varieties and sizes

Teak mechanism – this is what most sofa models have.

The pantograph rod design allows you to unfold the sofa in two steps without damaging the floor coverings.

The sofas are different:

By form:
Straight, when folded they take up little space.
By type of armrests:
Soft armrests, they are covered with a fabric that is pleasant and soft to the touch. Their presence will protect you from unwanted injuries. There are also models without armrests. They can be installed even in the smallest room.
By type of bed:
No springs. Models of this type of furniture are made using polyurethane foam. The material is elastic, resilient, durable and does not cause allergies.

Note! A sofa with a teak mechanism is available in various models and sizes. When choosing a folding option, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the product, the area of the room and the installation location.

Straight models have a length between the side parts from 195 to 200 cm, a backrest height of no more than 93-95 cm. When unfolded, the width of the berth is at least 150 cm.

Absolutely anyone can cope with this transformation mechanism.

Corner models are larger than straight ones. Length varies from 225 cm to 350 cm, width from 155 – 180 cm.

Sofas with this design can be unfolded daily without damaging the mechanism, since it has long-term wear resistance, unlike models with other folding mechanisms.

Who produces

Prices vary depending on the finishing material. There are no downsides to using sofas with a tick-tock device.

All parameters correspond to the purpose of the furniture, both as a place to relax in front of the TV and as a comfortable place to sleep. Today, many factories throughout Russia have launched the production of furniture with a “walking” mechanism.

Among them:

Furniture factory "Donavan", Shchelkovo.
Furniture factory "Karina", Izhevsk.
Furniture factory "Vivat", Ryazan.
Furniture factory "Mirabel", Kostroma.
Furniture factory "Fares", Kirov.
Furniture factory “Formula of Comfort”, Ulyanovsk.
Furniture factory "Anyuta", Vladivostok.
Furniture factory "Viyana", Moscow.

Factories cooperate with furniture showrooms, shops, and regional warehouses. A fairly extensive network of online stores has appeared. Product catalogs and descriptions are presented on the pages of their websites. Consultative assistance from expert sellers is provided. You can choose sofa products according to your taste, size and color.

Each manufacturer has official websites. You can purchase furniture through a warehouse, bypassing the intermediary. Most products have a service warranty period. Functional furniture with a tick-tock mechanism will make your home cozy and modern.

Features and Benefits

Sofas with such designs unfold and fold back very simply. Anyone can cope with this task.

It is worth noting the compactness of upholstered furniture with a “French folding bed” mechanism. With a couple of easy movements, a full-fledged sleeping place for two people can turn into an ordinary sofa of medium or small size.

“French clamshells” have a simple three-fold mechanism. It is placed in a sofa whose depth does not exceed 70 cm.

As a rule, such products are inexpensive. You can choose such pieces of furniture not only to suit every taste, but also to suit every budget. Their advantage is convenience. The sofas are equipped with comfortable seats, complemented by soft pillows of different sizes and constant armrests.

Such designs are functional and can be supplemented with various details. For example, models with a base in the form of a welded mesh provide for the installation of an orthopedic mattress.

Folding models are not recommended for daily use. They are more suitable for living rooms where guests can be accommodated overnight. Regular use can lead to rapid wear of the mechanism, which is very vulnerable and easily becomes unusable.

Modern manufacturers offer a huge range of transforming sofas with a three-fold mechanism. Furniture can be made not only in modern, but also in classic style. With the help of such products you can transform the interior and make it more functional.

Photo

Principle of operation

The transformation mechanism is quite simple. The main stages of its unfolding are listed below:

Soft pillows that are included in the furniture set are removed from the surface.
The seat is lifted up, smoothly pulled out and placed on legs made of a durable profile.
The rear backrest is folded into the resulting space.

Note! When extended, the sofa legs do not scratch the floor or spoil the carpet pile.

Its predecessor, the Eurobook transforming device, did not have such a retractable element, which helps raise the sofa plane above the floor without the legs touching the covering. A pantograph is an improved and modernized mechanical method of unfolding a surface to the level of a berth. Complex in its design, it nevertheless makes the transformation process easy and convenient.

What is the “walking” mechanism made of?

The pantograph sofa is made on the basis of a frame consisting of a frame, box and panels. The base has increased rigidity and reliability; it is made using various materials:

Metal with a strong connection of parts by electric welding. The products are light, but very durable.
Slats made of hard wood (beech, birch), plywood. The wooden base evenly distributes the load, providing a comfortable rest.
Timber, chipboard. Frames of budget sofa models.
Multilayer plywood. The correct processing technology allows you to obtain a strong base that does not deform during operation, ensuring reliable fixation of the fittings.
Load-bearing structural elements are made from several materials: timber and plywood, chipboard and timber. Chipboards provide high strength of the product; low cost allows the material to be used to create economy furniture or its individual elements (linen boxes).

Comparative review of sofa layout systems

Comparing the dolphin sofa and the Eurobook, it immediately becomes noticeable that these are two completely different systems according to the principle of operation. One contains a hidden platform that emerges, the other contains a movable seat, which means there can be no relationship between them. But delving into the properties of each device, feature by feature, identical qualities emerge.

Each of them has a flat, wide sleeping place, with one longitudinal joint.
Both mechanisms can be installed on all types of sofas.
Both mechanisms unfold in 2 steps, without significant physical effort.
Each of the structures is reliable and consists of common parts that are publicly available.
The cost of upholstered furniture with these mechanisms is low; it will depend more on the type of upholstery than on the choice between layouts.

The designs also have their own personalities.

For example, a dolphin on a straight model of a sofa will deprive you of a niche for storing linen, and a Eurobook will require a little more space in the room, since in order to lay it out, it must be moved away from the wall, or immediately placed at a small distance. But in general, despite the differences in transformation, the mechanisms are extremely similar in their performance characteristics.

We hope that the information in the article was useful for you, helped you decide on the choice of mechanism for the sofa, and you can always purchase a high-quality standard with one of the outlined layout methods at Dommino.ua.

Upholstered furniture from Dommino

Advantages of the dolphin transformation mechanism:

durable and simple (reliable, simple design that can withstand everyday use and excessive loads);
creates a smooth, fairly wide surface (depending on the type of upholstered furniture, it may have one or two joints that are covered by the bedding set, making them completely imperceptible);
easily transformable (the sofa can be converted into a bed without significant physical effort, using a special belt. It does not need to be moved in space, or the entire seat needs to be raised).

Now you understand why the dolphin mechanism is so popular and necessary, and we propose to move on to the consideration of the next well-known model - the Eurobook.