Instead of a bed: how to choose a sofa for daily sleep?

Professional designers do not like to make the sofa the main sleeping place. Still, full-fledged healthy sleep is a priority compared to free square meters. But sometimes the situation obliges – for example when in a two-room apartment you need to equip a living room and provide a place for guests or visiting relatives to sleep. 

In such cases, you need to decide which sofas are best for daily use. Consider the intricacies of choosing a shape, layout mechanisms, and features of upholstery, and frames and decide what it is – a good folding model for sleeping. 

So, the furniture should have the following qualities:

  1. Being comfortable is first on the list when it comes to sleep and daily use. Otherwise, you will have to “say goodbye” to a healthy back, and neck, and, as a result, to good health. 
  2. Serve for a long time – for this, choose a model with a reliable and high-quality wooden frame. And professional assembly. Then it will be freely laid out throughout the entire service life, and yet it will not “squeeze through” and will not deform in any other way.
  3. Unfold without difficulty. Imagine that every day you have to make a titanic effort to decompose the structure. Pleasant little. 
  4. Functionality, or the availability of additional options. For example, boxes for linen or storage systems. Sometimes drawers are made in the sidewalls, for example, for a bar. Or shelves – for books or accessories. 

Now let’s take a closer look at what points to consider before buying. 

How to choose a sofa to sleep in size

To feel comfortable, a sleeping place for one should be at least 140 cm wide and 200 cm long. And double models are 160 cm wide. Pay attention to this when choosing and check whether it will be comfortable for you to lie on it when unfolding. 

Consider one more point regarding the size – whether the thing will pass through the doorway. After all, you somehow have to bring it into the room.

Choose a design 

All furniture from this category is divided into two types: straight and L-Shaped. Of course, models can still be modular or, for example, semicircular, but they are unlikely to suit the purpose that we are talking about today. The straight design does not take up much space when folded. This is important in small apartments. It folds forward and is suitable even for two people. 

The L-shape design is larger and takes up more space when folded, but this model is better as a replacement for the bed – when unfolded, the bed is larger and more comfortable. 

Sofa mechanisms: which is better for every day?

Consider the folding methods and then decide which one is easier to use. 

1. “Book”

The simplest mechanism. How does it work? The seat rises and then falls back together with the backrest. The design is solid and suitable for daily use, but it can be difficult for the elderly, children, and women to raise the seat every day. In addition, a hollow is obtained between the halves – it is uncomfortable to sleep with such a disadvantage.

2. “Euro book”

This is an improved design of the first option – the seat is pushed forward and then lowered along with the back. As a rule, they have a box for linen. And unfolding does not require strong physical effort. 

3. Withdrawable 

Considered the easiest to use. It works as follows – an additional part extends from under the seat, and the backrest leans back. It turns out a flat surface on which it will be comfortable to lie. 

4. “Accordion” 

“Accordion” is made with an additional module behind the headboard. And if the seat is pulled forward, this module will decompose along with the backrest. 

5. Dolphin 

The unfolding method of this model is similar to the jump of a dolphin. However, judge for yourself – this is how the dolphin mechanism works. Found in corner systems. Straight lines are less common. 

6. “Click-clack”

This furniture has “wings” – on the sides of the seats and backs, which are laid out. And after the design works on the principle of the usual “book” – the seat rises and unfolds. 

7. “Lit” 

This is a single-sleeping model of furniture – only the armrests recline in it. But it turns out the main flat surface, and it also does not take up much space. Great for kids.

8. Clamshell 

Inside there is a construction on the legs with a thin mattress. They are rarely reliable and are recommended more as a choice for guests – it will be uncomfortable to sleep on such a surface every day. 

So, for permanent use and replacement of the bed, we choose a roll-out model, “accordion”, “dolphin”, “book” or “euro book”. 

Tip: if one person sleeps, you can refuse the folding mechanism – a wide seat is enough. This will save you money. 

What are the frameworks? 

As we wrote above, the furniture will be laid out every day, and it will also withstand a large load – more than 100 kg, if two people sleep on it. Therefore, the frame must be durable, not dry out and not make sounds. These characteristics are possessed by frames made of wood – beech, birch, walnut, and oak. Yes, they are not cheap, but they will definitely last a long time. 

Also, look at the metal frames, but welded. If the modules are bolted together, they will begin to creak over time and will need to be tightened. 

Which sofa to choose for daily sleep by filler? 

Features of different fillers cannot be ignored when choosing such furniture. It is generally accepted that there are 2 types: spring and synthetic. 

1. Spring blocks 

Springs give elasticity and have orthopedic characteristics. But, alas, they can creak, and they wear out quite quickly, breaking and even piercing the outer upholstery. But this is not a reason to refuse them, you just need to choose high-quality options. 

So, spring blocks are divided into dependent and independent. 

Dependents are a budget option. Why are they called that? The fact is that if you press one spring, the rest will also begin to move. This is the main disadvantage of the dependent type – for example, if one person is already sleeping, and the second one goes to bed later, the sleeper will feel uncomfortable. For the same reason, the springs can stretch and create a “hammock” effect in the middle. Independent springs have an excellent orthopedic effect. Each spring is sewn into a separate fabric case. After the springs are formed into strips and the entire block is assembled. Independent spring blocks last longer, and they can also take the shape of the body, and will not creak and sag. Although, of course, you have to pay for quality. 

2. Fillers made of foam rubber, synthetic and similar materials

What is used as a filler? Silicone, foam rubber, synthetic, latex. The first three seats are comfortable – they are soft. However, the filler often sags and loses its shape. Have to replace it. Therefore, they are not suitable for continuous use – due to subsidence, a rigid base will constantly be felt. 

But you should pay attention to latex – it is hypoallergenic and retains its shape well. The price of furniture with such a filler is higher. 

Upholstery: choose the right one

There are coatings made of natural materials, synthetics, and mixed fabrics. 

When choosing, pay attention to the features of the materials:

  • the skin looks aesthetically pleasing and is easy to care for, but the bed linen will slip, so it is uncomfortable to sleep on them;
  • if the upholstery contains natural wool, the fabric can “prick” – it’s also not very pleasant to sleep;
  • mixed fabric is better in this regard – it contains synthetic and cotton fibers, and there will be no discomfort;
  • velour and flock are modern fabrics, but they wear out from constant contact, so be prepared that after 2-3 years the upholstery will be wiped off;
  • jacquard is relatively resistant to abrasion, fading – this is the best option, but the price is quite high. 

The color of the fabric must also be taken into account. If there is a drawing, dirt will not be noticeable. Monochromatic fabric – especially bright – is now more relevant and can become a bright accent in the interior, but also gets dirty faster. 

What additional options are there? 

First, storage boxes. After all, you need to find a place to store bed linen – and boxes for this are very convenient. 

Secondly, niches in the armrests. They are often used to store books and other useful little things. And it can also be convenient to put a mobile phone there. In a word, they replace bedside tables. 

Thirdly, roll out storage systems – for example, bottle holders. But these models are outdated, and besides, they are absolutely useless for daily sleep. 

What else to look for before choosing? 

Use these tips. If you have pets, choose durable upholstery. So you keep the original look for a long time. Lie on the couch before buying. This will ensure that you sleep comfortably. Try to unfold and fold the product to appreciate the simplicity and functionality of the mechanism. Pay attention to the sounds that the structure makes. 

Consider seams and staples. Make sure they are even and neat. Don’t forget about the wrong side of the back. If you put the object not against the wall, but in the middle of the room – for example, to zone the room – it should be presentable. 

How to choose the right sofa for daily sleep?

  • Check your bed size. You should be comfortable and not cramped. 
  • Pay attention to the shape – which one will fit better into your room? If it is very small, a straight design will be the best choice. In a room of 10 square meters, you can put corner-shaped furniture. 
  • Decide on the layout mechanism – experts recommend a roll-out, “accordion”, “dolphin”, “book” or “euro book”.
     
  • As for the filler, independent spring blocks or latex are better. 
  • The frame must be made of natural wood or welded metal. 
  • Upholstery is a matter of taste. But fabric modern upholstery is still better. 
  • The same goes for additional features. Storage boxes are a useful option, but everything else depends on individual preferences. 

What is your opinion: do you think the sofa is a worthy replacement for a full-fledged bed, and if so, what should you pay attention to? Or are you already using one and want to share your experience? Write in the comments. 

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