Awning for the sleeping block of the French folding sofa. French folding sofas

Sofas with a French folding mechanism are the most common. Such folding structures consist of a durable frame, which contains soft material and textile covering, as well as the main part for sleeping. Such sofas are transformable, so the sleeping place in them can be located in the inner part of the frame, and pillows can be placed on top.

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.

Varieties

There are several types of transformable sofas. They differ from each other in mechanisms and designs.

• The classic “French clamshell” consists of three segments. This three-seater sofa is small when folded and takes up little space. If you unfold it, it easily turns into a large and spacious three-sleeping bed. This option is one of the most common and accessible today.

• A sofa with a welded lattice is ideal for everyday use.. Such folding beds are rightfully recognized as the most reliable and durable. They cost more, since their performance characteristics are in many ways superior to other types of folding models. Such furniture can be equipped with an orthopedic mattress, which makes it even more functional and comfortable. Also, these sofas allow the use of comfortable spring mattresses, the thickness of which does not exceed 15 cm. With such details, the load on the sleeping place can reach 200 kg. As a rule, folding beds with such reliable designs last at least 5-7 years. Their service life can be extended if you regularly lubricate the moving elements of the frame. Such simple maintenance will not only ensure increased wear resistance of all parts, but will also help get rid of unpleasant squeaking.

• The economy class category includes simple folding beds with an awning or mesh. At the base of such pieces of furniture there are metal frames. Polypropylene awnings or woven metal meshes are attached to them using sewn wire. Such designs are in many ways similar to Soviet cots or iron beds equipped with mesh, popular at that time. Today, the production technology of folding sofas has changed greatly, and materials for the manufacture of frames are used of higher quality and more durable.

It is worth considering the fact that after some time such a sleeping place will begin to sag and lose its attractive appearance. Sleeping on it will also not be very comfortable.

• A more reliable and durable option is a tent-latt folding bed. Such upholstered furniture contains special bent and elastic parts called armor. It is these elements that take on the lion's share of the load from the weight of a sleeping person. The well-thought-out design, equipped with armor, does not sag or stretch. By pressing glued veneer from birch or beech, the slats are given a curved shape. After this, the seats become springy and acquire an orthopedic effect. Modern manufacturers (both foreign and Russian) produce such folding beds with 4 armor plates, attached to the frame using durable plastic attachments. In another way, such parts are called lath holders.

• If the sofa has a large number of armor (up to 14), then it is orthopedic. Such models are convenient. In them, the armor is arranged transversely and attached to the frame. However, there is no awning in these structures.

Materials

Both natural and synthetic materials are used in the manufacture of popular “French folding beds”.

Sofas may contain different fillings. Let's take a closer look at the most common options:

• One of the most common fillers for upholstered furniture is furniture polyurethane foam. It is a foamed and sponge-like material. PPU can be different. In the production of furniture, a soft variety of this raw material is more often used. It is worth noting the elasticity, durability and wear resistance of polyurethane foam.
• Another popular material for the interior filling of sofas is padding polyester. It is a non-woven fabric made from a special polyester fiber. This material is elastic, voluminous and elastic. It should also be noted that it is cheap, due to which a folding sofa will not cost much.
• A high-tech synthetic material is holofiber. In its origin it is similar to padding polyester, but nothing more. Holofiber contains siliconized polyester fiber balls. Such elements replace natural down and feathers.
• The artificial filler is struttofiber. It is made from non-woven raw materials with a large volume. Struttofiber is very durable. It easily returns to its original shape if crushed or compressed. A significant advantage of this filler is its environmental friendliness. It does not cause allergic reactions or unpleasant skin reactions. Sleeping on such a canvas is not only very comfortable, but also absolutely safe. Struttofiber takes the form of a person sleeping on it. In such conditions, sleep is more comfortable and restful.

A variety of materials are used for external cladding. The most popular and affordable are textiles. But such models will require special care from you. They will have to be cleaned from time to time with special means to remove accumulated dust and dirt, especially if they are covered with light-colored fabric.

A leather folding sofa will cost a little more. The most common models are made from high quality artificial leather. It is easy to clean from dust and dirt, and does not require special care. Such pieces of furniture should be used carefully so as not to damage the leatherette.

Products trimmed with genuine leather will cost the buyer a tidy sum, but their rich appearance is worth it!

Dimensions

• As a rule, the size of a bed in a “French folding bed” is 140 or 150 cm.
• In models from Italian manufacturers there are sleeping places measuring 130 cm.
• The length of such transforming sofas is standard and ranges from 185 to 187 cm. Italian manufacturers produce products whose length does not exceed 160 cm.

Popular models

French folding beds "Mixotoil" are very popular. They are equipped with a reliable tent-batten mechanism. Such models are designed for receiving guests. The basic package includes 4 armor plates attached to a durable metal frame using special plastic holders. Under the armor in such structures there is a stretched polypropylene awning.

A functional folding sofa “Toulon” is ideal for placement in a small kitchen. Similar models are made from plywood, chipboard and fiberboard. These materials are durable and wear-resistant. When folded, Toulon sofas are very compact and attractive. When unfolded, their length reaches 213 cm.

Another popular and beautiful model is “Louise”. This name is given not only to a rectangular sofa, but also to a corner sofa. These models are ideal for placement in the living room and are distinguished by their beautiful appearance and graceful rounded shapes. These products contain very strong and reliable metal frames that ensure the durability of the folding sofa.

Sofa transformation mechanism

Anyone can unfold and fold back the “French folding bed”. Let's take a closer look at how this simple structure unfolds:

• You must first clear the seat of cushions and other objects on it.
• Then you need to remove the top cushions and remove the armrests.
• The next step is to pull the special strap towards you and up.
• At this moment, the mechanism comes into action: all its links straighten, and the back rests on supports.

In this simple way, an ordinary sofa turns into a full-fledged sleeping place. It is not recommended to make sudden movements during the process of transforming furniture, as this can lead to serious deformations of the existing structure. Do not forget that the mechanisms in such folding products are very vulnerable and easily break.

How is it different from the American Clamshell and Spartak mechanisms?

Today there are several popular mechanisms for folding sofas. Among them, it is worth highlighting the systems called “Spartak” and “Sedaflex”. They differ in many ways from the “French clamshell”. For example, Sedaflex mechanisms have a double-folding mechanism. It is installed in upholstered furniture, the depth of which does not exceed 82 cm. The upper cushions in such sofas are non-removable.

Such designs are suitable for daily and regular use. The mechanism in them is very reliable, durable and wear-resistant. These sofas are equipped with thick mattresses with a spring block.

French clamshells have a different design. They have a three-fold mechanism and are installed in sofas with a depth of 70 cm. Poufs and all upper parts in such a system are removable and are removed during the unfolding of the model.

They are hardly suitable for daily use, as their mechanisms are short-lived and subject to deformation. Such folding beds are primarily intended to accommodate guests, which is why they are popularly called “guest beds.” These designs do not have orthopedic mattresses. Instead, there is a simple mattress of small thickness.

If the “French folding bed” requires replacement, then it will be very difficult to repair it with your own hands. Today, many companies offer their services for repairing, replacing and reupholstering folding models.

There are many proposals for replacing mechanisms at home. Such services are much cheaper. But it is recommended to contact specialists who have good reviews and have been working for several years.

The French folding bed is a cozy and convenient option for small apartments, in which every centimeter matters during the daytime.

A brief excursion into history

The French clamshell is a mechanism that is very popular. However, five years ago the model was not on the preferred shopping list, as it had a less reliable design that was not designed for regular use.

The sofas were equipped with woven nets, then manufacturers replaced them with awnings, which turned out to be uncomfortable and short-lived (they sagged quickly). Therefore, they were used extremely rarely, and because of their shortcomings they acquired a reputation as a sleeping place for “guest” use.

A few years later, manufacturers released French cots with a more convenient and durable set of four battens and an awning. The two armor plates installed in the central part of the mechanism bear the main load, so they quickly lose their original bend and become deformed and sag.

Frequency of use and design: dependence of indicators

French folding beds consisting of ten armor and one awning are suitable for daily use. In this case, there is much less load on each batten, so such models last much longer, even with constant use. They can also be used under heavy loads (up to 180 kg). But they are also considered not very convenient: folding is greatly complicated due to the presence of ten armor.

Some manufacturers offer their own version of French folding beds for daily use, which can withstand weights of up to 200 kg. However, these sofas are quite rare in stores.

French folding bed: principles of transformation

The French folding bed is a mechanism that can be built not only into a sofa, but also into an armchair, but the first option is the most common. But in both cases, the principle of transformation remains unchanged.

It unfolds in several steps: removing the pillows, removing the mattress placed on a strong frame, and unfolding the sleeping area, folded in three layers.

The transformation of the “daytime” version into a “sleeping” version occurs literally in a minute thanks to the comfortable handle and automatic support metal legs built into the mechanism. A French folding bed (the photos below clearly demonstrate the folding principle) can be easily transformed even by a fragile girl.

First of all, you need to remove all the pillows from the sofa, then the mechanism can be easily raised using the convenient handle, which is located in the front of the berth.

The head section is followed by the middle section, then the foot section, which are fixed on supporting metal legs having a U-shape.

Due to the straps, the support legs are automatically folded out during the transformation of the mechanism, and then installed in an almost vertical position on the floor surface.

The support legs may tilt towards the foot section; this position is considered normal.

French folding bed set

The most common folding beds include a fairly thin mattress (its thickness is no more than 60 mm), which is made from sheet foam rubber. After careful search or pre-order, you can purchase models with a thickness of up to 75 mm, which are installed on a base made of welded mesh with very large cells.

The mattress of a French folding bed must perfectly match the width of the frame, otherwise the bed will be difficult to fold.

To increase the transformation mechanism, you need to take care of it carefully: it must be folded at the same time as the mattress and very carefully.

Existing differences between French and American clamshells

It is difficult for an unprepared buyer to see the difference between the sofas offered in stores: their assortment is so large that only preliminary preparation will help make the right choice.

The “French clamshell” transformation mechanism differs from the American prototype.

The American folding bed includes two stages of decomposition, so it has the ability to use a thicker and more comfortable mattress (up to 15 cm). The thickness of the berth built into the French version is up to 6 cm. Because of this, American-type sofas are considered a more common option for permanent use, and French - for guest use.

However, the American version has a significant drawback: the non-standard sizes of the offered models. In the event of damage resulting in the frame breaking, it is very difficult to replace it. In this regard, the “French folding bed” is much more economical: pieces of furniture are produced in standard sizes. This greatly simplifies the process of replacing the mattress and frame.

There is also a similarity, it lies in the principle of folding out the sofa “French folding bed”: the mechanism consists of several identical sections that are connected by hinges, and it unfolds perpendicular to the back.

In addition, both American ones are very diverse: you can find armchairs, corner and straight sofas.

French folding bed. Mechanism: advantages and disadvantages

Let us briefly outline the pros and cons of French folding sofas.

Let us briefly outline the pros and cons of French folding sofas.

Advantages:

• Compactness.
• Cost-effective: relatively low price; the kit is complemented by standard sizes, which significantly reduces costs (and hassle) when replacing a sleeping place.
• Design solution for appearance. Corner or straight sofas ergonomically combine coziness, comfort and can perfectly complement any interior.

Flaws:

• No linen drawers.
• Designed for a maximum of seven years of operation, after which the sofa will have to be replaced. The French clamshell mechanism quickly wears out and breaks.

Type mechanismssedaflex also called French and American folding beds due to their similarity (folding frame, with an overlap) with ordinary folding beds, which used to be very popular when it was necessary to quickly equip a temporary place to rest. However, despite the external similarity of the mechanisms, sedaflex however, it is intended as a piece of furniture to optimize space in the home and cannot be used alone.

If, for any reason, you have a question, how to distinguish a French folding bed from an American one, you must remember that despite the fact that these mechanisms belong to the same type, they still have several fundamental differences.

Number of folds

The first thing to start with is the difference in folding the bed. So in the folded position in the space of the sofa, the American folding bed is folded twice, and the French folding bed is folded 3 times. Please note that some versions of American folding beds have a separately reclining headrest, which should not be considered folded.

Installation niche depth

The difference in the number of additions is fundamental and entails other distinctive features of the mechanisms.
The double folded mechanism of the American clamshell requires more installation space in depth than the French-type clamshell. So in the first case, a minimum of 82 cm is required, in the second, 64 cm is sufficient.

Mattress height

A double-folded mechanism, occupying more space in depth, in turn has an advantage in height and allows you to install a thicker mattress on it, which of course affects comfort. In the American folding bed you can find a mattress from 10 cm thick, while the French mattresses are usually no thicker than 6 cm.

Sleeping area

As for the berth, there are no differences between the mechanisms, and in French and American folding beds, flexible armor, metal mesh, elastic belts, fabric, or various combinations thereof can be used as a base.

If we talk about the durability of the two types of sedaflex, it is also at the same level, fundamentally depending only on the reliability of the mechanism components laid down by a specific manufacturer.
In our catalog you will find a high degree of reliability and positioned by the manufacturer as mechanisms for daily use.

Interchangeability.

Mechanisms Mixotoil and Ifagrid (French clamshell) of the same installation dimensions are interchangeable.

The Sedaflex 10M and Sedaflex 12M (American clamshell) mechanisms are not interchangeable.

If you have a Luka D30 mechanism installed, it also cannot be replaced with Sedaflex 10M and Sedaflex 12M.

If you have Mixotoil or Ifagrid (French clamshell) mechanisms installed, they cannot be replaced with Sedaflex 10M and Sedaflex 12M (American clamshell) mechanisms, respectively.

IFAGRID

The good thing about the IFAGRID mechanism is that it makes the sofa, when unfolded, look just like a real wide bed. The essence of the mechanism is simple - its frame is built into the seat. To unfold the sofa, you just need to remove the cushions from the seat and pull the top part of the mechanism. And the sofa turns into a comfortable and soft bed.

The IFAGRID mechanism is very similar to the French Clamshell, but unlike it, it is suitable for everyday use.

1. Large sleeping place
2. Unfolding in three steps
3. Reinforced design

1. Couch cushions need to be removed

Pinskdrev sofas with IFAGRID transformation mechanism:

Accordion

The Accordion sofa transformation mechanism is the best solution for those who would like to have a comfortable and beautiful sofa in the room during the day and sleep on a comfortable bed at night. The main characteristic of these mechanisms is their high reliability and ease of transformation. When assembled, Accordion sofas occupy a minimal area, but at the same time they have a significant amount of sleeping space. Sofas with an accordion mechanism have one feature that must be taken into account when purchasing them - they require significant space for transformation.

1. Easy transformation
2. High and wide berth
3. Lightness and strength

1. No drawer for bed linen
2. The spring mechanism requires maintenance
3. Weight restrictions

Pinskdrev sofas with Accordion transformation mechanism:

Forward folding

The modern mechanism for transforming “Forward folding” sofas is convenient and easy to use. Such mechanisms for transforming sofas are used with equal success in double sofa beds designed for daily use and in compact chair beds.

1. Ease of transformation
2. Large sleeping place
3. Availability of linen drawer

1. Low bed position
2. There are restrictions on maximum load

Pinskdrev sofas with Forward folding transformation mechanism:

Dolphin

The Dolphin transformation mechanism allows you to turn any corner sofa into a large double bed and a spacious sleeping area. The dolphin mechanism is used mainly for corner sofas. Mechanisms for upholstered furniture are extremely simple. The corner part of the sofa is just part of the sleeping area. And the second, wider part is hidden in a secret drawer located under the sofa seat.

1. Easy transformation
2. Large sleeping place
3. Availability of a drawer for linen
4. Reliability

Pinskdrev sofas with Dolphin transformation mechanism:

Eurobook

The Eurobook mechanism has long been known to everyone and is very popular. The operating principle of the Eurobook transformation mechanism is very simple and we will describe it. The sofa consists of two equally soft parts - one serves as a seat for the sofa, the other as a backrest. When it's time to go to bed, you simply roll out or pull out the sofa seat. And you lower the back of the sofa into the vacant seat. And that's it - a spacious and comfortable bed is ready!

1. Compactness
2. Easy transformation
3. Availability of a drawer for linen

1. If handled carelessly, the floor covering may be damaged.

Pinskdrev sofas with Eurobook transformation mechanism:

Click-clack

The “Click-Clack” transformation mechanism is a more advanced model of the “Book”, because in addition to the standard “lying” and “sitting” backrest positions, it also allows you to position it at a certain angle. The way the mechanism works is quite simple: remove the pillows, raise the seat and backrests until they click, and lower them down, creating a flat sleeping surface.

1. Flat sleeping surface
2. Availability of a drawer for linen

1. Must be placed away from the wall

Pinskdrev sofas with Click-Klyak transformation mechanism:

Book

The book transformation mechanism for sofas is the most famous and familiar mechanism, which has proven itself a long time ago and has not yet lost its popularity. It received its name “Book” due to the fact that the unfolding of such a mechanism resembles an unfolded book. This transformation mechanism is invariably popular among our fellow citizens because of its convenience, comfort and durability. The sofa-book very easily transforms into a bed (couch, ottoman) and just as easily becomes a sofa again using a conventional hinge mechanism.

1. Flat sleeping surface
2. Availability of a drawer for linen

1. Requires some effort to transform
2. Must be placed away from the wall

Pinskdrev sofas with transformation mechanism Book:

Sedaflex

Sedaflex is one of the most popular transformation mechanisms due to its simplicity and reliability. This sofa mechanism is the type of structure that can be used daily. It folds out into one or two folds, which is why sedaflex is called a double-folding mechanism; even children can handle it. You need to pull it up and towards you, unfold both sections of the structure and straighten the legs. And when folded, the mechanism does not affect either the design or the size of the sofa. The rigidity and strength of the structure is maintained thanks to a frame made of high-strength steel pipes and two transverse elements. This allows Sedaflex to cope with heavy loads. Since the mechanism has no wood or plastic joints, it can last a long time even with daily use.

1. Easy transformation
2. Large sleeping place
3. Orthopedic armor

1. Lack of linen drawer

Pinskdrev sofas with Sedaflex transformation mechanism:

Tick ​​tock

The Tick-Tock mechanism is a walking mechanism that allows you to protect your parquet or carpet from traces of rollers and sofa bed legs. When unfolded, the Tic-Tac transformation mechanism rises above the floor and then carefully stands on it.

1. Easy transformation
2. Availability of a drawer for linen

1. If used carelessly, the fabric of the backrest may be damaged where it touches the middle part of the sofa box.

Pinskdrev sofas with Tick-tock transformation mechanism:

French folding bed

French mechanism is ideal for sofas that are not often used as a sleeping place. This transformation mechanism is also called “guest”, as if emphasizing its purpose. Indeed, if late guests sometimes stay overnight in your house, then the French folding mechanism is the best option for a sofa in your living room.

1. Compactness
2. Easy transformation

1. No drawer for bed linen
2. Not perfectly flat sleeping surface

Pinskdrev sofas with transformation mechanism French folding bed:

Relax

The unique RELAX mechanism, which is equipped with some models of chairs from our company, allows the seated person, when reclining on the back of the chair, to synchronously push forward the seat and the front wall, which turns into an additional retractable footrest. The chair automatically adjusts to the person and allows him to take the correct ergonomic posture, thereby reducing blood pressure in the knee joints, as well as correctly distributing the load on the cervical vertebrae.

1. Ensuring correct ergonomic position
2. Easy to unfold
3. Design reliability

1. Inability to place close to the wall