How to choose the right sofa, an overview of the best models and materials

Upholstered furniture is a necessary attribute of the interior. How to choose a sofa so that it is comfortable, fits harmoniously into the decor of the room, and matches the quality at the price? Manufacturers and designers offer a wide range of models and their variations. Before buying an expensive item, you need to establish the selection criteria, which will need to be guided.

Appointment

The sofa belongs to the types of multifunctional furniture. It can only be used for sleeping, being both a seat and a bed. This product is intended for daily or occasional use.

Main selection criteria

The quality of upholstered furniture depends on the components selected based on performance. The dimensions of the structure should correspond to the area of the room, the shape and color should fit into the design of the environment.

Transformation mechanisms

The sofa can be unfolded in 3 main ways:

extend;
break down;
to go out.

The other methods are modifications of those listed. The exception is large-sized corner sofas, in which the transformation occurs due to the rotation of its parts.

Eurobook

A model whose principle of transformation is reminiscent of a book.

Benefits :

small size;
no need to move;
flat surface when unfolded;
there is a storage box under the seat.

The disadvantages include two conditions: you cannot place it close to the wall and physical strength is required to lift and spread the parts of the structure.

Accordion

The framework of the structure consists of a steel profile on which are stuffed wooden plates. When folded, the back looks like accordion fur. To unfold the sofa, the seat is pushed towards itself, and the backrest is lengthened. A comfortable and even surface of a large area is achieved without much effort and movement of the wall.

Baby cot

There are 3 types of shells:

French with 3 additions. The roll-up bed is hidden under the seat cushions. To unfold it, the pillows and cover are removed. By the handle, in two steps, they unroll and settle on double legs.
American twice. The assembled seat is a double mattress. When disassembling, the upper part lifts, the legs come free. The upper part of the bed is installed on it, the lower part remains in place.
Italian twice. As a result of the transformation, the headrest and the seat returned to the ground. The bed is a mattress attached to a frame trellis.

Sofas of this design do not take up much space when assembled. The fixing base is made of metal. The most reliable is the Sedaflex transformation mechanism used in American grabs.

Dolphin

To obtain a berth, part of the bed is rolled out under the seat and raised to the level of the seat. The transformation mechanism is simple, reliable and easy to use.

Click-gag

Unlike the "book", the design has intermediate positions - half-sitting, lying down.

Alight

Soft armrests lower onto the sofa, lengthening the fixed seat and transforming it into a bed.

Book

To straighten such a sofa, it is moved away from the wall at a distance equal to the width of the backrest. Then the backrest is lowered to the level of the seat.

Characteristics of the model: the absence of armrests, the presence of a storage box under the seat.

Pantographs

The principle of operation of the pantograph mechanism: the seat is pushed forward by the loop handle, the backrest is lowered to the vacant seat, forming a sleeping bed.

How to choose a filler

The sofa belongs to the category of upholstered furniture, which means that there is a mattress on the frame. The comfort and durability of the product depends on the type of load.

spring block

Spring blocks are of 2 types: dependent and independent. In the first case, springs with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters are connected to each other, redistributing the load evenly over the entire surface. Density - 100 pieces per square meter. The block is covered from above with an elastic material, which increases or decreases the orthopedic effect. The wire connection of 4-5-turn springs in a double metal frame is called a bonnet.

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An independent spring block consists of rows of springs with a diameter of 5-6 centimeters, with 5-6 spirals insulated from each other in a fabric cover. The load does not sag because each spring is compressed according to the pressure applied to it.

foam rubber

Polyurethane foam for sofas belongs to foam rubber for furniture. A porous substance, 90% air. It is produced in the form of cast and block polyurethane foam. In terms of comfort, the floor covering is not inferior to the independent spring block.

Artificial latex is a kind of highly elastic polyurethane foam. The durable and dimensionally stable material is temperature-regulating. Natural latex is made from rubber. A sheet of foam rubber with a thickness of 10 to 20 centimeters fills the space under the seat, on the backrest. Cheap filling, creases quickly, crumbles. Mattress, backrest, stuffed with pieces of foam rubber, serve less than a sheet.

Combined filling

Intermediate fillings make it possible to adjust the hardness of the seat and back of the sofa, depending on its destination: everyday, for sleeping, for guests.

Spring loaded polyurethane fillers can be softened in layers:

polyester padding;
holofiber (new generation polyester padding);
perioteca (mixtures of polyester, artificial and natural fibers);
felt;
durafil.

The mattress can have 2 to 4 layers of padding.

Padding material

The appearance of the sofa largely determines the interior of the room. The lifespan of upholstered furniture depends on the quality of the upholstery. When the upholstery is wiped clean, if the frame and upholstery are in good condition, the sofa is considered worn out and requires shrinking or replacement.

herd of furniture

Polyamide flock is used for furniture upholstery. Technology for obtaining the material: the glue is projected onto a solid support, then the velvet.

Fabric properties:

does not pass water;
does not fade;
heat resistant;
easy to clean;
electrified.

The flock has a wide range of colors, varies in length and thickness of the pile.

Caterpillar

The padding is obtained by weaving smooth, quilted fibers into a chenille yarn: warp + cotton / polyester / acrylic / viscose. The higher the % twisted yarn, the stronger and heavier the fabric.

Benefits of Chenille Upholstery:

wear-resistant;
elastic;
large selection of shades;
does not fade;
velvety to the touch.

Disadvantages:

absorbs moisture;
forms clues;
requires dry cleaning.

Chenille is produced with a predominance of natural (60% cotton), artificial (cotton and viscose), synthetic (more than 60% acrylic and polyamide) yarns.

Jacquard

Jacquard is the most popular variety of chenille. The resulting canvas has increased strength and sophistication of texture: patterned embossing. The jacquard method is used in the production of velvet.

Velvet

Upholstery velvet is a type of pile fabric obtained from natural, artificial, synthetic or mixed yarns. Silk, cotton and wool are used as natural raw materials. The velvet upholstery does not wear out for a long time, does not stretch, is easy to clean and gives the furniture a respectable look.

Tapestry

Dense patterned fabric made of natural and synthetic fibres. The decorative canvas has a unique texture and durability.

Leather

The material is used in the manufacture of luxury furniture.

The properties of the leather covering depend on its type:

dense, with a natural frontal surface (crust);
elastic and soft, with an untreated facial surface (smooth skin);
with a protective layer on the front side (aniline, semi-aniline);
velvety surface (velour, suede);
dense velvety (nubuck);
matte surface with a coating of wax (crazy).

Natural leather has a limited color palette, as natural dyes are used in its manufacture.

Leatherette

Leather substitutes for natural upholstery are fabric surfaces coated with polyvinyl chloride (vinyl leather) or polyurethane. Unlike genuine leather, they have a wide range of colors, copy any natural leather texture.

Carpet

A type of upholstery fabric obtained by a special weaving method that resembles a cage. The production uses cotton, polyester, acrylic. Durable, breathable and elastic material.

Wear resistance class

The durability of furniture is mainly determined by its appearance. According to their quality characteristics, upholstery fabrics are divided into 8 categories.

The most common :

3 - upholstery, chenille, nubuck;
4 - suede, chenille, upholstery of increased strength;
5 - velvet, jacquard.

The flock belongs to class 2, genuine leather - class 7, 8.

Solid frame

In the manufacture of sofas, metal, wooden and combined parts are used.

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Metal

The steel profile is used in transformer models such as eurobook, accordion. The base of folding beds is a welded tube frame.

Drink

In the sofas with sliding armrests, the structure is made of wood.

Wood and chipboard frames

The combination of wood and chipboard is used in models with a low processing load.

Additional elements

The design and the additional comfort of the sofa determine the structural details:

Feedback. The back support can be equal in size to the shape, seat padding, semi-soft and rigid. In the last two cases, pillows are included.
Armrests. Shapes of decorative elements:

in the form of a roll;
oval;
rectangular;
flared.

Pillows.A sofa with a semi-soft back has two or more small soft cushions with matching upholstery, contrasting with the main color, patterned. Hard backs come with voluminous soft pillows.
Legs. The bearing part of the whole structure and a styling element can be made of metal, wood (of different heights and shapes). The sofa can stand without legs.

One sofa model can have several options, depending on the design of additional elements.

Form

Sofa configurations are classified into 5 groups.

Direct

An ordinary sofa in a classic look with a flat back and armrests with or without a transformation mechanism. In terms of dimensions, it can be suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways of different sizes.

Corner

The shape of the sofa can be right, left, universal, rectangular or flattened. Folding models are available for furnishing in the bedroom, living room, and compact, without transformation - for the kitchen.

Islander

Round and semicircular upholstered furniture is placed at a distance from the walls. It has padding on the back of the backrest. Semicircular models are stationary and with transformation. Round sofas with a one-piece seat do not unfold.

with a pouf

A pouf is a soft pouf, the same shape as a sofa. It can be attached or fixed.

Modular

The U- or C-shaped sofa means that the main structure has additional sections. Additional items are designed for storing things, a minibar or space for an aquarium. Equipped with wheels, which ensures their mobility when unfolding the bed. The dimensions of upholstered furniture require a large area.

Place semicircular sofas in the central part of the room.

How to choose the right one for interior decoration

The assembled sofa should correspond in size to the area of the room, without crowding it. The choice of upholstery depends on the purpose of the sofa, its combination with other furniture, the colors of the walls, curtains, floor coverings.

For example, furniture covered with mats should harmoniously complement the color tone of the furniture. Tapestry coverings make the sofa the centerpiece of the interior. The rest should have muted tones so that the interior does not turn into a set of colored spots.

Ranking of the best manufacturers

Upholstered furniture from domestic manufacturers is in demand in the Russian market.

Angstrem

The Russian company, a leader in the production of high-quality furniture, has been known since 1991.

Suggested types of canapes:

right;
corner;
Fabric;
leather.

Each model has several modules, different in size, upholstery color and packaging method. For example, a sales success, a straight sofa "Chester", a French clamshell with a dependent spring block has 7 variants, with a price from 29 to 60 thousand rubles.

Lunar Trade

The Internet resource cooperates with the largest Russian furniture manufacturing company Zhivye Divany LLC. The store's catalog contains sofas of original design, fabric and leather upholstery, made from environmentally friendly materials.

Models requested by buyers:

Hamburg 123 (straight, eurobook, with independent spring unit, velvet top);
Karina 044 (straight, accordion, orthopedic, velvet top);
Atlanta 66 (angular, dolphin, artificial latex, velvet/leatherette).

The price range is 18-28 thousand rubles.

Ascona family

Russian-Swedish company, the main supplier of orthopedic mattresses and pillows for furniture factories. In 2014 she started her own sofa production.

Features of choice

Each part of the living space has its own functional purpose and its own space. Based on these conditions, upholstered furniture is selected.

For the living room

The choice of sofa depends on the nature of the use:

If the sofa is used for sleeping all the time, then the accordion model will be more practical. It is easy and quick to expand and shrink. The wooden slatted frame provides a smooth, soft surface with no voids.
Sofa to organize the night. In this case, the best option would be a straight sofa eurobook. Upholstered furniture is easy to unfold, but there are gaps between the blocks.
The sofa for watching TV, reading a book is a model with a click-blot transformation on which you can take a comfortable position. A book with pillows under your back will give you the opportunity to relax in the evening. For sleep, these models are uncomfortable.
Corner, semicircular and round sofas with interior space for 5-6 people are comfortable for receiving guests. The configuration of the furniture, which coincides with the perimeter of the room, allows rational use of the area of the room.

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The upholstery of a living room sofa must be durable due to constant load: velvet, upholstery, carpet, leather, imitation leather.

For the kitchen

A kitchen sofa is most often a corner sofa, so with a minimum area it can accommodate from 4 to 8 people. The sofa must have a welded metal frame, with durable and washable upholstery, a rigid seat, a backrest and no armrests.

The drawers under the seat add ergonomics.

For the nursery

Children's furniture has its own characteristics.

A children's sofa must be:

safe;
ecological;
bright colors.

For a small room, a Eurobook sofa, an accordion, with drawers for toys, bed linen and soft armrests are suitable. It must have combined orthopedic padding, covered with natural fabric.

For the office

Office furniture should emphasize the solidity of the organization. The sofa should not be showy, but should be a natural element of the interior: laconic, comfortable. The size and shape of the sofa is selected depending on the area of the desktop.

It can be a corner or rectangular sofa upholstered in leather or faux leather in milky, beige or other shades.

For the room

For halls with a large area, dimensional corners, modular sofas, P-shaped and C-shaped configurations are suitable. The corners are placed against the wall, the islanders - closer to the center. Small rooms will be decorated with straight and round sofas. Upholstery - leather, upholstery, velvet, jacquard, chenille.

For consistent sleep

For the bedroom, folding sofa couches are suitable, comfortable and easy to transform, covered with mats, flocked.

Common mistakes when choosing

Upholstered furniture is not cheap. The desire to save money when buying a sofa will lead to additional expenses in the future.

Reasons for the low price of a sofa:

the frame is made of defective materials;
the manufacturer saved on filling;
the transformation mechanism has a short lifespan.

Convertible sofas are more expensive than conventional sofas due to their versatility. In conditions of lack of space in living quarters, they allow solving problems with the placement of people and things.

Models with foam padding are cheaper, but in terms of durability and comfort they are inferior to spring-combination models.

Buying from the catalog of an online store carries the risk of receiving furniture that does not meet expectations and requirements. Before buying a sofa, you need to carefully inspect, get acquainted with the manufacturer's certificate, make sure about the period of issue of the warranty card. Without this, it is difficult to choose a quality sofa.

Features of the choice of orthopedic models

The weight of a person and the stiffness of the upholstery are in direct proportion, which must be taken into account when buying a sofa: the heavier it is, the harder it is. Independent spring blocks provide optimal muscle relaxation and spinal stress relief.

Tips & Tricks

When choosing a sofa with genuine leather upholstery, you should pay attention to the following points:

the upholstery should have a pleasant smell;
the surface of the leather heats up on contact for a few seconds;
the upholstery of the sofa parts should be loose.

In order for leather furniture to serve for many years, it should be taken care of:

do not place next to the battery;
exposed to direct sunlight;
do not leave wet spots on it;
use special means to protect the upholstery from harmful effects.

A sharp drop in temperature, increased dryness of the air in the room will lead to cracking.Carpet sofas should not be purchased if there is a cat in the apartment / house. Animals start using furniture to grind their claws.

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