French sofa: furniture with taste (21 photos)

The name may seem outlandish, in fact, you have probably seen more than once a similar version of a berth. The French sofa is quite popular due to its convenience, ease of use and functionality.

This model differs from ordinary folding sofas in the folding mechanism and ease of construction. We will talk about the pros and cons of the French clamshell, the features of its use in the article.

What is a french sofa?

The French sofa-book took root in the market for a long time. Over the years, the folding mechanism and the sleeper itself have been improved more and more for the most comfortable use.

The berth of the unfolded French bed is a metal frame with flooring in the middle. Initially, wicker nets were used as flooring, then an awning. Such a wicker design was inconvenient and short-lived, and tents without a supporting base sagged quickly, so for a long time the sofa bed was not seriously considered as an option for a daily full sleep.

Soon, manufacturers found a new solution: use a polypropylene awning and armor (metal plates) as a frame. This option is much more reliable and durable. The optimal solution for daily use are folding beds made of awning and ten lats - this design also has orthopedic properties, sleep will be more comfortable.

There is an option for a bed using a metal mesh, which is better suited for daily use, but such models are rarely found on sale. The metal mesh is more wear-resistant than other options. There is another plus of the base of the grid. As a rule, thicker mattresses come with such a sofa. If the base is made of lat, the mattress will be much thinner.

If you choose a metal mesh as the base, pay attention to the size of the cells. The fine mesh is stronger and has orthopedic properties.

The French sofa, as well as any folding sofa, is presented in two types: direct and angular. The corner sofa "French folding bed" is ideal for a home living room or kitchen. The advantages of this option: saving space and interesting design.

Assembly mechanism

The folding design is completely hidden inside the sofa. On top of the seat is a pillow, it is not part of the structure. You can convert a folded sofa to sleep very quickly and easily. Automatic metal support legs are built into the mechanism, the design has a convenient handle located in front of the berth.

To lay out the sofa book, you need to remove the pillow, pull on a special handle and pull out the mechanism. It folds out like an ordinary clamshell.

The folding mechanism consists of three sections and folds three times. The first head section with the help of hinges rests on the mounting angle. The next two sections - the head and foot are installed on metal legs in the shape of the letter "P". During the transformation of the sofa legs are laid out automatically.

The result is a small berth. In the morning, it again folds into three layers and turns into a cozy compact sofa.

Advantages and disadvantages

Sofas with the mechanism “French clamshell” have their pros and cons. The pluses include:

• Attractive appearance. Both corner and direct sofas fit perfectly into any interior and fit any furniture. The variety of design allows you to choose from many different upholstery fabrics. There are even leather sofas in stock.
• Compactness. When folded, the French sofa book takes up a minimum of space. This is a great option for a small apartment, where every centimeter of space is important.
• Profitability. With all its advantages, the cost of a sofa is relatively low.
• The ability to choose the length of the berth. The French clamshell is available in ten size options.

There are some disadvantages:

• No storage boxes for laundry.
• Low service life. If you opted for a French couch, it should be borne in mind that it will last a maximum of seven years. This is the lifetime of the mechanism of this model, which quickly wears out and fails.
• Not suitable as a daily bed. The sofa-book has a very thin mattress in the kit, and this does not affect the quality of sleep in the best way.

When choosing this model, you need to consider where the sofa will be located, how often it will be used as a sleeping place.

Distinctive features of the French clamshell

There are two types of folding beds: French and American. You can distinguish them by the following signs:

• Seat depth. In French sofas, it is smaller, about 64-70 cm. The American version has a depth of about 80 cm.
• The transformation mechanism of the French folding bed is always inside - under the seat and on top is covered with pillows. French sofas have a triple folding mechanism, while American sofas have a double.
• The thickness of the mattress. The French version provides for the use of a mattress with a thickness of not more than 6 cm. While the American book can be used in conjunction with an orthopedic mattress.
• The French model is more compact than the American one and has standard sizes. In the event of a breakdown of the frame parts, they are easily replaced with new ones.

The French sofa wins in compactness and standard performance, but only for a permanent berth of two options.

How to make a French folding bed comfortable for sleeping?

A French clamshell sofa has enough advantages to use. If you want to turn it into a place for constant sleep, to make it quite real.

One has only to take care of acquiring a good quality mattress. Despite the fact that this bed model does not provide for the use of orthopedic mattresses of standard thickness, you can find the right option with a minimum thickness. Sofa “French folding bed” with an orthopedic mattress is the most optimal solution to ensure a calm, comfortable sleep and a good rest.

It should be remembered that the maximum mattress size for this sofa is 145 cm by 185 cm. For tall people, such sizes are unlikely to be convenient, given the extra space for a pillow.

French sofa in the interior

French sofa book can be used in any interior style. Simply select the appropriate material and upholstery design. Also, these small sofas can be used in almost any room.

On the kitchen

Most often, the sofa to the kitchen is selected angular - this model adds coziness and warmth to the interior, and if the sofa is laid out, then if necessary it can be used as an extra bed (for example, for guests or a child).

The kitchen sofa “French clamshell” is a very good option due to its compact size and wonderful appearance. Suitable for use even in small kitchens. Convenience and simplicity of the folding mechanism will help to equip a berth quickly when necessary. You can also use the option of a French folding bed without armrests - this will save unnecessary space.

In the living room

For the living room, both a direct version of the sofa and a corner are suitable. The variety of models and workmanship is so wide that you can easily pick up a sofa that is ideally suited to the existing interior.

As a rule, the living room is the largest room in the house, so you can safely choose a three-seater sofa type “French folding bed” for it. Despite the large number of beds, thanks to a hidden folding mechanism, the sofa still remains compact and not bulky. This option will be useful when placing a large number of guests, but you can use it as a daily bed.

In the bedroom

Organic French sofa will look in the bedroom. For the equipment of a berth it is better to choose a double sofa. When choosing a model, it is worth paying attention not only to the style, color and upholstery material, but also to the materials from which the berth is made. A fine option is the base of a fine metal mesh - it will be more durable. Such a base has an orthopedic effect. You can use the mattress that comes with the sofa, but it is better to choose a special orthopedic suitable for the parameters of the French bed.

If you are looking for a cozy and comfortable sofa, capable of easily transforming into a sleeping place, if necessary, while not occupying too much space, then the French folding bed sofas will be an ideal option. In addition, this is a successful addition to any interior. Multifunctional, stylish and beautiful sofa will organically look in any room. It remains only to choose a model with characteristics that are right for you.