How to open and close a sofa bed: tips and tricks

The functionality of the sofa bed

The sofa bed is a space-saving and convertible piece of furniture that is especially popular in small houses and studio apartments. However, it is also increasingly found in larger homes, where there is no guest room, in order to have more sleeping space.

The history of the sofa bed

This is one of the most special of the upholstered models. In fact, it was designed to convert part of the structure into a comfortable single or double bed. Production of the first models, which originated from the folding bed in the 19th century, did not begin until 1930. And since then, they have been associated with intelligent design and ease of opening.

Indeed, the different types of opening are characterised by an intuitive, simple and childproof mechanism. It is precisely these features that have enabled this model to survive the centuries, reaching high quality standards today.

The characteristics of convertible models

The convertible sofa has dimensions that vary, not a little, with respect to the initial conformation. Therefore, before choosing the most suitable model for your needs at Arredare Moderno, you must also evaluate the dimensions of the space in which you wish to place it.

It is no coincidence that, lately, many sofa beds are made without armrests, so that, once opened, they are characterised by a minimum size of no more than 160×200 cm. However, it is possible to find two- and three-seat sofas of varying sizes on the market.

The sofa bed structure

The main difference between the convertible sofa and the fixed models is precisely the convertible metal mechanism. In fact, convertible models are characterised by a sort of movable frame that occupies the space below the seat.

In any case, the structure of the more traditional sofa beds consists of:

• a rigid backrest,
• a front rail,
• two armrests,
• padded backrests,
• headrests, if any,
• seat cushions,
• transformation mechanism.

In turn, the latter is characterised by:

• a transformable frame,
• a mesh or slatted base,
• a mattress.

The different types of opening

As you may have guessed, the opening mechanisms of sofa beds have been perfected over time. The different types vary according to the number of seats and the shape of the seat. In fact, on the market, it is possible to find 2- and 3-seat sofa beds, sofa beds with a peninsula, corner sofas and even bunk beds. In any case, the main opening systems include:

• Pull-out sofa beds: these represent the most popular opening system. This mechanism allows the bedspring + mattress set to be pulled out from a compartment below the seat. However, this type of sofa is currently considered obsolete due to the mechanism being less practical than the others.
• Accordion sofa: this type of sofa bed folds into three parts. In fact, it is characterised by two folded backrests and a seat that pulls out and automatically turns into a comfortable mattress.
• Fold-over opening: This type of sofa bed has an opening mechanism that opens by folding the seat, which must be inserted with the entire backrest into the compartment below.
• Folding opening: This is a type of opening, also known as a ‘click clack’. This allows the bed to be formed from the back and seat of the sofa bed, which can be opened using a system that swings around a lever.
• Front opening: in this type of sofa bed, the sleeping axis is perpendicular to the seat. In particular, the model is characterised by three folds and the opening is done by tilting the backrest in a single movement, until the full extension of the bed platform, which is why a certain amount of space is required in front of the sofa.
• Quick-opening sofa beds: also known as ready-to-use sofa beds because they are associated with the idea of a ready-to-use sofa bed, such as the Lola Tomasucci sofa bed, they guarantee immediate use of the sleeping surface. In this case, the most common mechanism is the front-sliding mechanism. In practice, the sofa frame slides forward, triggering the sliding of the bed base and the opening of the mattress.
• Rotating opening: in this type of sofa bed, thanks to a single movement, the backrest rotates together with the seat without removing the cushions. In addition, it is completely detachable thanks to the bayonet system.

On Arredare Moderno you can find different solutions and models of sofa beds, with single or double beds. Convertible sofas, with a modern design, comfortable and upholstered, with ergonomic seats, adjustable backrests, with an unmistakable style that can meet any aesthetic, functional and space requirements, even according to the furnishing style of the rest of the home.