Corner sofas

Several decades ago, the most popular model was a simple straight sofa, which had various folding mechanisms or simply served as a seat and did not unfold, but people began to think more and more about how to make it more spacious, while saving space. Then straight sofas were replaced by corner ones.

So, as the name implies, the corner sofa is a "L" -shaped structure that will fit perfectly into any right corner of the room. The protruding part can be on either side, and its location depends only on the choice of the consumer.

First, there are significant space savings with increased seating capacity. So, in comparison with a standard straight sofa, an average of 2-3 more people can sit on a corner sofa. Secondly, almost all modern models are equipped with transformation mechanisms that can quickly turn a roomy seating position into a full-fledged double bed. Thirdly, today corner sofas are equipped with spacious storage boxes that can be located in both planes of a piece of furniture.

There are many types of corner sofas: soft and orthopedic, with pillows, with or without wooden armrests, with headrests or with a high back. The mass of various options allows us to distinguish several classifications of models of corner sofas.

For example, according to the type of design, all sofas can be divided into:

• Monolithic - such sofas form a static non-separable structure. Here the corner and the main straight part are always fastened together and are not mobile.
• Modular - in such models, it is usually possible to rearrange the corner part to either side, while there are additional elements. For example, this type includes a sofa with a pouf or a recliner. A sofa with an ottoman can also be called modular.
• Convertible sofas - this model provides for a special built-in mechanism, with the help of which the furniture is transformed into a full-fledged sleeping place.

It is also possible to make a classification by shape. It may seem that the corner sofa is completely non-variable in terms of shape, but it is not, today, at least 4 variants of a static form can be distinguished:

• Left corner - as the name implies, this is a sofa with a corner on the left side.
• Right corner - similar to the previous version, only here the corner will be located to the right.
• U-shaped - the shape of the sofa, in which the corners will be located on both sides.
• Round - this option resembles a U-shape, however, the corners here will be rounded.

Also make a classification according to the type of mechanism installed in furniture items. Despite the fact that there are a huge variety of mechanisms, to the most popular options used in the manufacture of corner modules, include the following:

• Eurobook Is one of the most reliable and frequently used mechanisms.It has the simplest design, this mechanism is the most reliable and does not cause difficulties in use. It unfolds like a real book: the main part is pushed forward, and the back is lowered into the resulting niche. This is the most common version of models with cushions, since, due to the peculiarities of the mechanism, the backrest is far enough from the edge of the seating position, and for convenience, the models are equipped with large soft cushions.
• Roll-out - with this option, the berth rolls out on special wheels forward, during reassembly, part of the berth turns into a backrest.
• Dolphin - this transformation mechanism operates according to the following principle: the seating position moves forward and opens the space in which an additional element is located, from which a sleeping place is formed by "emerging". In this type, orthopedic mattresses are often used, which helps to get a full-fledged orthopedic bed.

For a bedroom or living room, where the sofa is planned to be used as a main or additional bed, one of the main criteria will be the presence of a niche for linen, hence another classification:

• Without laundry box. Models that do not have a specially equipped storage space. This option will be inappropriate for a small apartment, in which there is no way to install an additional chest of drawers.
• With a box for linen. Most of the standard models have special niches that are either under the main seating position or at the base of the corner.
• With two drawers for linen. These are the most functional models, here special boxes are located both under the main straight part and at an angle.
• Also, models with a curbstone can be added to this classification. It is either attached or located in the armrest, which also adds storage space.

There are models with a retractable corner. Moreover, most often these are quite mobile models, since the side of the corner can be changed if desired, because the retractable parts are on both sides of the sofa and in the extended state form a full-fledged berth. With the corners retracted, this is the usual standard model of a straight sofa.

To save space in the room, you can pay attention to models without sidewalls or those with an armrest on only one side, more often from the one where the corner is located. An interesting functional and stylish solution is a sofa with a shelf in the corner, it takes up a little more space than an ordinary one, but at the same time provides the opportunity to leave a book on the shelf for evening reading, or breakfast for a loved one.

A narrow mini-sofa is suitable for sitting in the kitchen, but at the same time with an increased height, so that it is convenient to reach the table. In the living room or bedroom, you can choose more standard models, they usually have a depth of 90 cm, and reach 220 cm in length, the angle can also have a depth of 70 cm, and in length up to 200 cm. Here you can also choose a lower sofa, which will provide the greatest comfort for relaxation.

However, standard sizes are not always suitable for installation in a particular interior; sometimes you have to order models of non-standard sizes. For example, today a rather relevant non-standard size is a corner sofa with a length of 360 cm. This model provides an opportunity to accommodate up to 10 people in seating places, and also has a full double berth.

Based on the size of the bed, the following sizes can be distinguished:

• Single with a width of 70 to 150 cm and a length of 180 to 220 cm.
• Doubles with a width of 140 cm.
• Three-seater, sofas with a berth with a width of 200 cm. The most popular in this category are sofas with a square berth of 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 meters.

If the corner sofa is planned to be used as a bed (permanent or additional for guests), then you need to pay attention for folding models equipped with special mechanisms:

• Eurobook. One of the most popular and durable options used to make furniture. In order to turn the sofa into a bed using this mechanism, it is necessary to push the seating position all the way forward and lower the backrest to the resulting free space. Reassembly follows the same principle - the backrest rises, the seat moves. Most often, in the niche that forms when sliding, there is a large and roomy box for linen, which is also a plus for small rooms.

• Dolphin. Also reliable and durable enough mechanism for daily use. In order to unfold a sofa with this mechanism, it is necessary to push the lower part and, using a special strap, pull the berth up.

• Accordion. When unfolded, a comfortable, large and flat sleeping place is formed. When folded, the sofa is a fairly compact design, however, for unfolding it is important to have a large enough space. The folding mechanism is extremely simple - you need to raise the seat to a characteristic click and extend the berth to the full length provided.

• Sedaflex. An inexpensive mechanism that allows you to purchase an extra bed. This mechanism operates on the principle of a clamshell, has a fairly strong metal structure and a thick comfortable mattress.

• Cougar. The mechanism appeared relatively recently, but has already managed to win the hearts of consumers with quality and ease of use. So, in order to get a berth with the help of the Puma mechanism, it is necessary to pull the seat by a special strap, it will move away and a section hidden inside until this moment will take its place.

• Roll-out. One of the most popular and simplest mechanisms. Due to the fragility of the structure, it is not suitable for daily constant use, but it will be an ideal option for spending the night for guests. Here the berth is simply pulled out of the inner niche, while the back is motionless.

The variety of shapes of corner sofas allows you to choose the most suitable one in terms of style and functionality. So, the varieties of forms:

• The simplest and most common form is a corner sofa with one right angle, which is located to the right or left of the main straight part. Depending on the model, such a corner can be roll-out, removable or stationary. Some models provide the ability to install an existing corner on either side using special fasteners.

• U-shape - it is also a sofa with a right angle, however, unlike the first option, there is a corner on both sides of the piece of furniture, which allows more people to sit for seating and get even more sleeping space when laid out.

• Round. In addition to sofas with right angles, there are models with streamlined, rounded shapes. Such models represent a seating positioned in a semicircle, which allows the seated to be very comfortable, for example, around a round table. If such a sofa provides for transformation into a sleeping place, then it turns out to be round or oval, depending on the selected sizes.

Having decided on the transformation mechanism, the size and shape of the future sofa, it is necessary to decide on the upholstery material - this will determine the final appearance of the furniture, as well as in many respects the service life of the product. The range of upholstery fabrics is huge today.

You can choose from fabric upholstery or leather, natural materials or artificial:

• So, one of the most popular materials today is chenille. The fabric got its name from the thread that is included in the fabric, it looks like a fluffy bouclé caterpillar, so this material is characterized by a soft, rounded surface. Such a fabric has a good density, does not stretch over time and lends itself well to cleaning, for which an ordinary vacuum cleaner with a nozzle for upholstered furniture will suffice.

• Rogozhka. Such a fabric is obtained by interweaving dense double or triple folds together, the threads form a pattern that resembles a checkerboard. Usually, such fabric is made of cotton or linen, so it is an environmentally friendly and natural material, in addition, it is dense enough to prevent rapid wear of the product.

• The most velvety and pleasant to the touch upholstery material is velor. A sofa with velor upholstery will be quite beautiful and practical. The material is not afraid of mechanical damage, is strong enough and does not require special care. It is enough to go over it with a soft brush several times a month.

• Flock. A material with a cotton base, on which a soft bristle is subsequently applied by spraying. Any pattern can be applied to such fabric, since it is produced by printing. Such material retains its shape well, does not fade and has high water-repellent properties.
• Tapestry. One of the most durable yet cheapest upholstery fabrics. Usually it is a double-sided fabric with different patterns, which is combined with a suitable plain fabric in the manufacture of certain furniture models. The material lends itself well to dry cleaning, and the composition, which includes natural cotton, gives the fabrics hypoallergenicity and good breathability.

• Leather. This fabric is used to upholster the most expensive furniture.However, the price justifies itself: genuine leather is one of the strongest and most durable materials, in addition, furniture made of leather always has an attractive appearance. The disadvantages of such a coating include the fact that genuine leather does not differ in a wide range of colors.
• Artificial leather. A material that is not inferior in its properties to natural leather. So, leatherette has a low degree of abrasion, does not absorb odors and is very easy to clean. Unlike natural material, it has a wider range of colors, and the cost is several times lower.

• In addition, it is worth paying attention to the special models of corner sofas, which do not require upholstery and will be an excellent option for country houses or kitchens. Such models are created by weaving from artificial rattan. This is a stylish, lightweight and durable furniture, you just need to supplement it with soft pillows - and an unusual, interesting interior is ready for a relatively low cost.

The choice of a new sofa should be based on the initial design style of the room in which it will be located:

• For example, a sofa for a classic-style living room should have soft upholstery and plenty of pillows. Classic sofas accept the presence of draperies, pull-downs, carved elements, for example, carved wooden armrests. The variety of color solutions is huge, you can opt for light velor upholstery with golden prints, or give preference to deep, noble colors, for example, burgundy or blue.
• If the general interior of the room is made in a calm and pacifying Provence style, then the sofa must meet the following requirements: the upholstery must be made of soft, muted shades (ideal colors are light lilac, cream, gray, white), it is also allowed to use floral prints using lilac and green shades. It is possible to use fabrics with polka dots, a cage or a strip. It is better to opt for natural upholstery fabrics. Matting, linen, or fabrics with a high cotton content are good options. It would be superfluous to finish with ruffles or lace, which will add romance and lightness to the furniture.

• In contrast to the Provence style, you can imagine a high-tech room. Here sofas are more reminiscent of practical office furniture, and the upholstery is usually made of leather or leatherette, which increases the practicality of the furniture and its functionality. High-tech models are distinguished by straight lines and lack of decor.
• The modern art nouveau style accepts strange, non-standard forms of sofas. Shelves, side tables for sofas, huge soft pillows, which are used not only for decoration, but also for more comfortable sitting, are appropriate here. Beige, black, brown models are the most popular choice for this style, however, you can take a chance and create a bright accent with a sofa. For example, using red will add brightness and life to the room.
• The minimalism style is gaining more and more popularity today. In order to complement a room of this style with a sofa, you need to pay attention to the simplest models. They should have an even geometric shape: the fewer roundings, decor, fabric textures on them, the better the furniture will fit into the declared style. Sofas are usually made in gray, white, beige or black shades. If you need a bright accent, the style allows you to add an addition in the form of bright pillows of a very strict and even shape.

Pay attention to the following nuances:

• When choosing a corner sofa, first of all, you need to decide on which side the corner will be directed to. When buying, it is worth clarifying whether it is possible to change the modification and independently change the location of the corner. Modern models most often have this function.
• If you plan to use the sofa for sleeping every day, it is necessary to pay special attention to the choice of the layout mechanism and the internal filling. So, the ideal choice would be a sofa on a spring block with a eurobook or dolphin mechanism.
• Good quality models are distinguished by quality, smooth and beautiful seams, therefore, when buying, first of all, you need to pay attention to them, because to see what will most likely not work inside and by the quality of the seam you can judge the quality of the product as a whole.
• If furniture is chosen for an apartment with a typical layout, then there is not much choice in the modifications of the sofa, it is simply placed in one of the corners to the wall itself. This means that it is not necessary to choose premium upholstery for the back wall, it is quite possible to limit yourself to economy class, and the money saved, for example, can be spent on bright pillows or other fashionable accessories for the room. They, unlike the back of the sofa, will delight the eyes of the hosts and their guests.

• If the size of the apartment and the wallet allow, you can pay attention to stylish design solutions. Unusual shapes, original decor will help add zest to the interior. It is important here that the sofa, with all its visual advantages, is also comfortable and practical, otherwise, it will have to be quickly changed, and such options are not cheap.
• When choosing furniture for a children's room, you should pay attention to elite upholstery fabrics such as chenille and leather. They are not afraid of dirt, moisture, very easy to clean and are hypoallergenic fabrics. However, their cost is quite high, which, of course, must be taken into account when buying.
• The best sofas have a frame made of metal or solid wood, therefore, when choosing separately, it is necessary to dwell on the choice of the frame material. Of course, a solid wood frame will cost an order of magnitude higher than chipboard, but such furniture will last longer.

Corner sofas are rather bulky structures and are very inconvenient for transportation. When a sofa is brought in at the time of purchase, it is usually disassembled, and then it is assembled by special craftsmen. But what if the sofa needs to be disassembled or assembled by yourself, for example, for moving? In addition, it may be necessary to disassemble the structure in cases where a one-piece sofa simply does not pass through the doorway, for example, if you need to install furniture on a balcony or in a hall with a narrow arch. Here you cannot do without disassembly.

So, the assembly-disassembly mechanism is standard for all models of corner sofas, be it a sofa with a Puma mechanism or with a swivel mechanism, a roll-out model or a Eurobook, on a metal frame or with a wooden base. The disassembly technique is as follows:

• Disassemble the sofa by starting from the dismantling of all removable parts of the structure, removal of pillows, false mattresses, removable covers.

• Next, you should pull out the main part of the sofa. Thanks to this manipulation, the inner frame of the furniture will become visible. Then you should raise the side section, this will expose the attachment of one part to the other. Fastening can be done with ordinary metal brackets or special screws. Such options will not cause difficulties during disassembly, but if the fasteners are hidden under the upholstery or have a non-standard shape, it is better to use the help of specialists. For self-disassembly of options with hidden fasteners, you will need to carefully remove the upholstery (using a flat screwdriver, remove the fastening brackets, at the time of reassembly it will be necessary to return the upholstery to its original place using a furniture stapler).

• First you need to remove the armrests, if any. This simple manipulation will already allow you to reduce the sofa by at least half a meter. After that, you can separate the main and side sections. To do this, it is necessary to remove the upholstery, if the mount is covered with it, unscrew the nuts and unhook the corner part of the sofa. In principle, this can completely finish the disassembly, but if you want to make the parts of the sofa not only small, but also lightweight, you can separate the soft parts and boxes for linen. To do this, you will also need to remove the transformation mechanism, which can cause difficulties for a non-professional furniture assembler.

The assembly takes place in a similar way: first, with the help of screws, the parts of the structure of the corner sofa are connected, then the upholstery is returned to its place, hiding the mount, if it was provided by the model, after which the removed armrests are put in place. At the very end, all kinds of decor and pillows return, the sofa is assembled.

Any upholstered furniture, even of the best quality, wears out over time, and the question of changing furniture arises. However, do not rush and throw away your favorite sofa, perhaps it will be saved by the upholstery banner.

Hauling a corner sofa includes the following manipulations:

• disassembly of the structure;
• removal of old upholstery;
• open a new cover;
• fixing new upholstery material;
• assembly of the structure.

Before starting the restoration, it is necessary to select the fabric, which the constriction will be carried out, determine the degree of deterioration of the filler and choose to replace it if necessary. When this is done, you need to carefully disassemble the furniture and remove all of the old upholstery. In this case, you must act very carefully so as not to damage the parts of the upholstery, which will become a pattern for the new cover.

Further, if necessary, it is worth replacing the filler, you can put a new block of springs or a foam block. When this is done, you can start cutting out the new upholstery parts. Then the new material is stretched over the sofa and secured with a furniture stapler. After that, it remains only to assemble all parts of the sofa together using high-quality fasteners.

From reviews on recommendation sites and sites selling upholstered furniture, most users are satisfied with the corner sofas. So, there is a fairly spacious seating area, the ease of use of storage boxes and the stylish appearance of modern models. People who have opted for corner models with an orthopedic mattress note the ease of use as the main bed.

Negative reviews arise from people who have chosen too cheap models of corner sofas. It must be remembered that a high-quality sofa that will last a long time and will delight its owner should cost at least 30 thousand, savings are made on cheaper and short-lived materials, flimsy frames and transformation mechanisms. Therefore, fillers are pressed through, mechanisms become unusable, and the fabric is quickly worn out.

In addition, the negative causes the wrong choice of the overall size of the furniture or the corner located on the wrong side, which does not allow the furniture to be installed while saving free space. The use of a corner berth also causes some dissatisfaction, some users note the fact that the joint between the sofa blocks feels too much when using the berth. This can be avoided by choosing the most convenient transformation mechanisms and careful checking upon purchase; it is necessary to unfold the sofa several times and, if possible, lie down on it.

Watch a video on the topic.