Corner sofa for the living room, nursery, kitchen: problems of choice

The most difficult thing is to use corners in a room - not all furniture gets there, and if it does, it is far from always convenient to use it. One good way to make good use of this space is to install a corner sofa. There are a variety of models, both in appearance and shape, as well as in sizes and styles.

Types of corner sofas

Choosing a corner sofa is not as easy as it seems. There are a lot of points to pay attention to. The first is the design, then the functionality, then the filling and type of upholstery material, dimensions. Only after deciding on all these points, you can choose a sofa and not be mistaken.

The sofa in the shape of the letter "L" is convenient for a terrace, veranda

Constructions

First of all, you need to understand what kind of designs there are corner sofas. They are divided into two groups: stationary and modular.

A stationary corner sofa is either a monolith (it is rare), or consists of two parts, which are fastened to each other during installation. There are two types of block mounting. The first is with bolts in the holes prepared at the factory. This type of connection is suitable if you are not going to move the furniture.

Fixed corner sofa - from two connected parts

The second type of fastening is using two plates fixed on the sidewalls of the parts to be joined. One plate looks like a bracket, the second - a protruding part in the form of a hook, which clings to the bracket. As you can imagine, this connection is easy to assemble / disassemble, but, at the same time, holds the parts securely in place. The disadvantage is that in the process it is necessary to slightly lift the part with the "hook", which requires considerable physical strength. In this regard, it is easier to unscrew a couple of bolts if necessary.

The modular corner sofa consists of three or more separate parts

Modular corner sofas consist of three or more parts. One part is obligatory with an angle and several pieces of "straight lines" that can be moved, interchanged. From that point of view, a modular corner sofa is more convenient - you can change its configuration. But there are also disadvantages - there are more joints, and they are not only noticeable visually, but also tangible: it is inconvenient to sit at the junction of two modules.

Corner shape and direction, U-shaped sofas

Corner sofas - large and small - are usually made in the shape of the letter "L". Moreover, as in this letter, one part is much longer than the other (although there are also equal ones). Before choosing a corner sofa, take measurements of the place where you plan to put it. The sample you are looking for should be 5-10 cm shorter in both directions - so that no problems arise during installation.

U-shaped sofa also belongs to the category of corner

There are also corner sofas with a double corner - in the form of the letter "P". They are usually placed in large rooms - living-dining room, dining-kitchen, kitchen-living room - to separate zones. In this case, the side parts are not too large, but the middle part is significant in length. In large rooms, such furniture looks good both as a free-standing seating area, and together with armchairs of the same design and a coffee table.

Functional

You also need to decide for what purposes you will use the corner sofa: just to sit, or else as an extra bed. Most often, the choice falls on the second option. The fold-out corner sofa is comfortable in the living room, nursery.Rarely they are placed in the kitchen and in the office - not quite what is needed, but in a small-sized apartment, and in case of an invasion of guests, an extra bed, even in an unusual place, will not be superfluous.

One type of folding sofa

There are special corner sofas for the kitchen. They are usually small in size, not so soft and voluminous, as they are designed to "sit" for a short time. Upholstered in a practical material designed for heavy use and frequent washing. Most often it is eco-leather or leatherette, but it can also be inexpensive jacquard with special processing.

The folding corner sofa for the kitchen is a curiosity, it can only be made by special order. Usually, the seats in such furniture are fixed on hinges, and a small chest is hidden under them - for storing rarely used kitchen utensils, long-term food supplies, etc.

Modern models of kitchen sofas

In some sofas, instead of soft armrests, small shelves are made along the edges. They can also be located "in the corner", instead of the back, or replacing only part of it. The fact is that no one sits in the corner - it is too inconvenient, so you can use this part as a table or shelf.

Another option - a bar shelf can be made on the back wall. This type of furniture is used for zoning rooms.

Sofa with shelf - different models available

This is more of a wardrobe-sofa or something similar. Convenient and functional, but it can take too much time to clean. Please note that many models have a lifting part, under which a large box is hidden. It can be used to store linens or off-season / spare bedding - blankets, blankets, spare guest pillows, etc.

Some corner sofas have an ottoman on the side - a part without a back and sidewalls. This type of upholstered furniture turns out to be more compact - there is no voluminous sidewall, which occupies at least 10 cm, and more often 15 or more.

Filling and materials

The soft part of the sofa can be made of different materials. It consists, as a rule, of two parts - the main unit, which forms the seat, and the soft pad / layer, which creates additional comfort.

A corner sofa in a small living room does not look massive at all

What a seat can be

The soft block can be of the following materials:

• Foam rubber. In budget models, the seats are made of dense foam rubber. It is inexpensive, but not too durable - crumpled, erased. Usually, foam sofas are bought for children - the child will quickly grow up and have to say goodbye to furniture.
• PPU - polyurethane foam. Another inexpensive but more durable material. In the traditional version, it is a block of material. But there are also sofas with granular polyurethane foam. An unconventional form that appeared not so long ago.
  

  There are a lot of layout options for externally very similar models

• Spring block with dependent springs. In such upholstered furniture, the springs are interconnected. Accordingly, if one shrinks, it pulls along with it all that are in conjunction with it. On the one hand, this is good - smoother curves. On the other hand, not too much. Failures are formed due to which the body takes on an incorrect position.
• Spring block with independent springs or orthopedic mattresses. In such upholstered furniture, each spring works by itself and is not connected with others. The most expensive type of upholstered furniture, since the load on the springs is large (not redistributed), therefore they must be made of more wear-resistant materials.The quality of an orthopedic mattress is easy to check: if you put a glass of water on one edge and sit on the other, the glass should not move.

If we talk about the price, the most inexpensive corner sofas are foam and polyurethane foam. Medium in price - spring, the most expensive - with orthopedic mattresses.

Frame

The frame of upholstered furniture is usually assembled from several types of materials. The base - posts, lintels - is usually made of wooden blocks. In budget models can be used plywood, Chipboard... If you choose, wood is still better - it is more reliable and maintainable. Worse, but bearable is plywood, and the most unsuccessful frame material is chipboard, since it does not withstand constant loads very well.

The frame is assembled from wooden blocks with metal elements

The frame is sheathed with plywood or fiberboard. Better - plywood. Fiberboard is too unreliable material that quickly crumbles, tears.

The quality of the sofa can be determined by the structure of the frame. In good furniture, the distance between the armrest and the upholstered part is very small. The less - the better the assembly. And one more thing - the gaps on the right and left must be the same (or almost the same).

Upholstery

It's not about the colors, but about the types of upholstery. They vary in price, but the low price is not a sign that the fabric is inferior. It's just easier to manufacture. More expensive fabrics have complex weaves and patterns. This is what drives up the price.

The corner sofa can be upholstered:

• Flock. This is a non-woven base with a short pile glued on the front side (reminiscent of plush). It has good wear resistance and can be cleaned many times. Great for families with pets, inexpensive but durable.
• Matting or burlap. It is called so because of the characteristic weave. For front rooms - living room, office - not suitable, but for a nursery, veranda, etc., a very good option.
• Chenille. A fabric that is very similar to that used in car interiors. Medium-priced option with a large number of weave options. May have jacquard, satin, tapestry. The price depends on the type of weave, as well as on the density of the material: the more threads on one centimeter, the stronger the fabric.
  

  The type of furniture fabric indicates the complexity of the weave

• Jacquard. It has a complex weave, which is why it is the most expensive fabric. But this does not affect the quality characteristics. It depends on the composition of the fabric, and it, like others, is mixed - synthetics with natural threads (cotton or linen).
• Leatherette. This material is most often covered with kitchen corner sofas or those that are placed in the office. In a private house, such upholstery can be purchased, except for the veranda.

Basically, you can ignore the type of upholstery fabric. The main thing is that you like it to the touch and match the color. If the company has a certain reputation, it will not use bad fabrics.

Folding mechanisms

Almost all sofas (except for kitchen ones) are made with a folding berth. The difference is not only in size, but also in the type of mechanism used. Not only convenience depends on this, but also the direction in which the berth is laid out.

The corner sofa for the nursery can be in the form of a cartoon character

Eurobook

One of the most popular mechanisms, and all its charms are manifested precisely in corner sofas - the seat quickly and easily transforms into a sleeping place of a sizeable area. The seat moves forward, the back rests down to the vacant seat.

Simple and reliable mechanism. There is only one point: the drawer must be on casters. Moreover, it is better if they are wider, otherwise there is a great opportunity to damage the floor covering.

Pantograph or "tick-tock"

Modification of the Eurobook.The frame of the folding structure is made of metal, additional springs have been added to it, due to which it turns out that the folding part first rises slightly upward, then downward in an arc. Further, the process is also simple - the back is lowered to the vacant space. In this version, casters are not needed, since the folding part does not move on the floor.

The mechanism is more expensive, but it is suitable for use on soft floor coverings and does not harm them at all. This unfolding method is suitable for daily use and requires little effort. Even a child can cope.

Dolphin

This mechanism for transforming a sofa into a sleeping place appeared long ago. The transformation takes place in two stages:

1. An additional part of the berth extends from the bottom of the sofa.
2. Due to a small effort, it rises one level with the stationary part.

The mechanism is simple, reliable, but you need to pull with sufficient effort. Suitable for daily use. A laundry box in such a corner sofa can only be in the side.

Corner sofa with folding mechanism "Accordion"

One of the popular mechanisms of folding sofas is the accordion. It unfolds in one movement - pull the seat "towards you" by the special hinges. In this case, the seat is pushed forward and the backrest is folded out.

The mechanism is reliable, easy to maintain, and can be used every day. But there is a significant disadvantage - significant effort is required to actuate. You are essentially pulling most of the sofa. One more point: this mechanism is incompatible with spring blocks of any type.

Sedaflex or French folding bed

This mechanism is only suitable for guest sofas - it is not recommended to use it every day. Firstly, it is not very convenient, and secondly, the mechanism is not designed for this. It can be expanded in several ways:

1. Remove the cushions from the seat.
2. Lift the seat up and "towards you" a little. It stands on support.
3. Unfold the last part of the lounger, lower it down, while straightening the legs.

It is not very convenient, and the efforts at the second stage are significant. The good news is that this mechanism is compatible with spring blocks.

Non-standard options

Some factories make corner sofas with custom folding mechanisms. Some of them cannot be called mechanisms - one or two parts are set on wheels, so they just move to the right place.

There are also transforming sofas, but this is a different price category, since the transformations are complex and the mechanisms are more expensive. For example, this mechanism is called "scissors"

Read more about transforming furniture read here.