How is it different from a sofa, ottoman and couch?
A sofa, ottoman and couch are completely different interior items. To understand what the differences between these models are, it is necessary to consider in detail the properties of each of them.
Sofa
The sofa can be confidently called a bright representative of the Turkish flavor. Nowadays, such interior items are popular among wealthy people. As a rule, the sofa has a small height. The back and armrests in such furniture are located on the same level. The presence of a back is a distinctive feature of the sofa. This detail is missing in the ottoman.
There are two types of such fashionable Turkish furniture:
- Classic models.
Such products are wide sofas designed for relaxation. They do not have folding or roll-out mechanisms. - Folding models.
These types of sofas are more compact in size. They have folding mechanisms and additional storage systems (linen boxes and sections).
Ottoman
The ottoman is a very popular piece of furniture in Asian countries. There it is complemented by beautiful carpets or colorful capes with contrasting embroidery. Currently, the ottoman is a wide and low sofa.
The most common types of this original furniture are:
- Models made in the form of a high sofa without a back.
- Models in which a small headboard takes the place of the backrest. Quite often, such varieties are equipped with armrests.
A distinctive feature of the ottoman is its width. Such furniture can be used both as a seat and as a comfortable sleeping place. As a rule, an ottoman (like a couch) does not have sharp corners. Such products are especially relevant if small children live in the house. You cannot accidentally hit the ottoman and get injured.
Couch
Stylish couches have an interesting design. Previously, this name meant chairs or hard chairs. Today, such furniture is a single bed with a beautiful headboard.
Most often, couches are compact and have a small height. Such furniture can be placed in a small room.
As a rule, couches are complemented by headboards with adjustable heights. One cannot fail to note the spectacular, sophisticated design of these products. With the help of a properly selected couch, you can “revive” almost any interior.
You can often find exquisite couches that have folding mechanisms and drawers for bedding.
Design features
Visually, this is a type of bed that has one transverse headboard. However, not all models have this function.
The foot of the bed is at the same level or below the mattress. It is usually rounded and looks like the back of a sofa. The body of such a bed can be rigid or covered with upholstery material. It is possible to combine soft and hard elements.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of the original sofa is its versatility. Such furniture is often complemented by various mechanisms and, when opened, can turn into a full-fledged sleeping bed. During the day it can be a small, neat sofa, and at nightfall it can be transformed into a comfortable bed.
Such furniture is inexpensive - if you compare it with large classic beds for bedrooms.
Another advantage of the sofa is its small size. Thanks to this feature, such a piece of furniture can be purchased even for a very small room.
The sofa bed can have an orthopedic base. Such furniture can be equipped with an orthopedic mattress. The spine and back will always be in the correct position on such a sleeping bed. That is why such furniture is often purchased for children's rooms.
Modern models have an attractive and interesting design. Today in stores you can find an option in any style, from classic to empire.
However, a sofa equipped with a folding or sliding mechanism is less reliable, since it contains a large number of additional parts.
They quite often break in such furniture and have to be repaired or replaced. It is because of the susceptibility to breakdowns that many buyers refuse such purchases.
Kinds
An elegant sofa can be made in a variety of options:
- The classic sofa
has an elongated rectangular shape and is equipped with a backrest and armrests. Stationary models do not have additional mechanisms or inserts. Products with beautiful carved details, leather upholstery and furniture studs look especially elegant and “expensive”. Such fashionable interior items will look impressive in aristocratic rooms.
- is very popular today .
Most often, such models are equipped with high or medium backs, and there may be no armrests. These varieties are ideal for small rooms. They can be placed in one of the free corners, leaving a lot of free space. Corner sofas are equipped with folding beds: when choosing this option, you need to take into account the dimensions when unfolded.
- with the “Eurosoph” mechanism
is currently in great demand . Any transforming designs are universal and guest.
- Universal mechanisms
are designed for regular use and are equipped with more reliable bases.
- Guest copies
are more fragile, so they are not recommended for daily use. As a rule, such furniture is used to accommodate guests staying overnight.
The Eurosoph mechanism itself is reliable and can be used regularly. Such systems contain a small number of moving elements and other additional parts that can quickly fail.
This type of furniture is very easy to set up. To do this, it is necessary to extend the drawer to the width of the single sleeping bed, and occupy the free space with the backrest.
It is worth noting that a sofa with such a mechanism will allow you to place a large linen drawer in its interior.
Today, models with a functional lifting mechanism
. In such designs, the mattress along with the base is raised upward, revealing a spacious niche in the sofa frame. Many people store bedding, pillows, blankets and much more there.
One of the most popular and comfortable are orthopedic models.
They contain high-quality bases with wooden slats. These designs enhance the orthopedic properties of mattresses. Such sleeping places are ideal for healthy sleep and good rest. On the bases of such models you can install a mattress with an independent spring block. The choice of a suitable product depends on the location of the lamellas in the base and their size.
The sofa without a back has an original design.
. This fashionable furniture is small in size. Models without a back, but with beautiful armrests, look especially attractive. Such products can be placed in almost any room. The main thing is that the ensemble is consistent in the same style.
Options with a high back look no less attractive
. The trend of recent seasons is models with a luxurious carriage frame or exquisite figured backs, decorated with furniture studs and rhinestones.
Stylish models without armrests
. Most often there are such sofas equipped with low legs made of wood or metal.
Options without armrests with long legs and elongated backs on metal frames are unlikely to be suitable for home environments. Most often, such products are found in public places: cafes, offices, hospitals.
Models without armrests can be supplemented with pillows. They can act as side supports and visually make the furniture more voluminous.
Types of lifting mechanisms
Devices that provide lifting of the berth for access to the internal compartments must be designed for long-term operation, so close attention must be paid to the quality of these elements. Before purchasing a product, you need to check the lifting mechanism in action, evaluate how convenient it is to use, and whether all fastenings are reliable.
Features of single beds with drawers, ways to transform them
The most popular options for lifting devices for ottoman beds and their features:
- Manual lift. The mechanism does not provide for the presence of elements that facilitate raising the berth. The action is performed only by the effort of the hands. Since the lifting part can be very heavy, it is difficult for one person to handle such a task. The bed base is attached to the frame using hinges; it is a reliable and durable device. The absence of springs and shock absorbers reduces the cost of the product.
- Spring mechanism. It has a more complex device. It is much easier to lift the upper block of the ottoman if there are shock absorbers in the form of coiled springs, although you will still have to expend some physical strength. Springs must be changed periodically because they fail over time, especially under the influence of significant weight.
- Gas shock absorber. The most modern models are equipped with such devices. The mechanism is more complex than previous versions and is more expensive. However, a gas lift allows you to lift even very heavy blocks of double beds with extreme ease. This type of work can be done by an elderly person or a child. Gas lifts are powered by compressed air energy. The devices are characterized by smooth operation and are considered the most durable.
For ease of use, you should choose designs in which the rising part can be fixed at the top point. Then it will be more convenient to take things out of the inner drawers without fear of the mattress falling.
Manual lift
Spring mechanism
Gas shock absorber
Styles
The sofa can be made in any style. It’s worth taking a closer look at some attractive and interesting options:
- Provence.
Models in this style can be made from natural and light materials. They should be light. The fabric upholstery of a Provencal sofa can have a light pastel shade, stripes or unobtrusive small prints. - Classic.
A model with a carved back, legs and armrests will look harmonious in a beautiful classic interior. It is recommended to choose options made from natural wood of different shades. The color of the material should be selected in accordance with the color scheme of the room. - Modern.
For a room in the Art Nouveau style, a sofa that combines several different materials at once is ideal. This style provides for ornateness and asymmetry in furniture. A well-chosen sofa will stand out in any interior and attract attention. - High tech.
In a room decorated in a high-tech style, it is recommended to install laconic and minimalist furniture made from modern high-quality materials. - Baroque.
This luxurious and pretentious style includes furniture with elegant lines and carved edges in the interior. For such a room, a model with a figured headboard, carved legs and graceful curved armrests is suitable.
Mechanisms of transformation
Modern upholstered furniture is often complemented by various mechanisms. Each of them operates according to a certain principle.
Eurobook
The most popular is the mechanism called “Eurobook”. It can be classified as a familiar classic, as it is well known to many people. Furniture with this mechanism is durable and very reliable. It can be used daily without worrying about rapid wear of the structural parts. Sofas and sofas with such systems can easily be placed near the wall.
Such models may seem too large in appearance, but this disadvantage is compensated by a spacious and comfortable sleeping area.
As a rule, the Eurobook transformer is complemented by spacious linen drawers. With the help of such furniture you can significantly save space in the room and eliminate unnecessary cabinets.
Pantograph
Another reliable mechanism is the “pantograph”. Furniture with this design combines all the positive qualities of a traditional “Eurobook”. This product has a slightly different mechanism for folding the seat. Sofas and sofas with similar systems do not have wheels, which leave unsightly marks on the floor coverings.
The seats with a pantograph mechanism move apart without touching the floor. Because of this distinctive feature, such models are also called “walking”. The berth in such models unfolds from the backrest, which lowers and rises to the vacant space. The pantograph is a very simple mechanism that even a small child or a fragile girl can easily handle.
Roll-out mechanism
It is one of the most durable and durable. It contains strong and wear-resistant compounds. You can use furniture with such a system regularly.
Such structures unfold very simply: you need to pull the handle located on the front part of the furniture and push the berth forward to its full length, since the front part will pull the rest of the structure along with it.
Roll-out products are most often small in size and are perfect for rooms of various sizes.
Dolphin
The mechanism with the memorable name “dolphin” is most often used in a corner design. Such systems are very simple and durable. Furniture with the “dolphin” mechanism is designed for heavy loads and regular use.
Accordion
The mechanism called “accordion” unfolds very simply and quickly. Furniture with such equipment takes up very little space, which does not in any way affect its practicality and functionality. When using a sofa with an accordion mechanism, the sleeping area is very flat and located at a great distance from the floor.
French folding bed
The most unreliable mechanism is the “French clamshell”. It is not designed for regular use and is only added to inexpensive guest products. As a rule, interior items with similar designs are light in weight, mobile and take up little space in the room. However, they contain cheap lattice bases that are easily dented and fail.
Practical tips for replacing springs on an ottoman
We will give step-by-step instructions for a rather complex technological process; this type of ottoman was made 30–40 years ago. But the quality was so high that the furniture still serves well today, and the frame and lifting mechanism do not require any repairs. Only the spring part is physically worn out.
Step 1 . Carefully remove the upholstery. It is attached around the perimeter with small nails or staples. If you plan to reuse it, do not tear the fabric; remove the fasteners carefully and without excessive force.
Carefully remove the upholstery
Step 2 . Roll up the foam rubber; if it is without much shrinkage or visible damage, you can then install it back. But it is advisable to change this material, it is inexpensive, and in terms of strength it is much superior to the old samples. The foam rubber is attached to the frame with brackets around the perimeter, they are difficult to remove, you can only tear them off. Do this carefully, keep your fingers as close as possible to the places of fixation and only in this position make efforts to pull off.
The foam rubber is also removed and put aside
Step 3 . Remove the top batting. It can also be installed back later. The contact areas will shift slightly and minor wear of the material will be hidden.
The batting is removed next.
Step 4 . Carefully inspect the condition of the spring unit. As a rule, the springs sagged or completely cracked in the middle of the mattress, causing a depression to appear on the ottoman. Depending on the condition, the master must make a decision: to change only some elements or the entire spring block.
The springs are carefully inspected to select the correct repair option.
What differences do these solutions have?
- Replacing springs. Some people believe that this way you can save a lot, but this is not entirely true. The responsible technician changes the springs according to his own algorithm. After removing those that have become unusable, he takes out the springs at the edges and places them in the middle, and installs new ones in the vacant places. This is done due to the fact that it is currently difficult to find reliable springs; low-quality steel wire is used for their manufacture; they cannot withstand the design loads. The metal quickly physically gets tired, the springs initially sag greatly, and with further use they break. Taking into account the complexity and duration of a high-quality replacement, the cost of repair increases, sometimes it can exceed the price of a new spring unit.
- Replacement of the entire block. It runs faster, but only if you managed to buy or make exactly the same one.
If the springs are heavily worn, the unit must be completely replaced.
Step 5 . Remove the block; it is secured with nails or large staples to the lower frame. Remove the bottom batting, you can also leave it or replace it with a new one. The bottom batting is required to dampen sounds while sitting or lying on the ottoman. They appear due to the friction of metal springs on a slab of fiberboard or plywood.
Remove the spring block, pull out the staples
Prices for staple extractors (anti-stapler)
"Rapid" staple extractor R-3
Practical advice. If the bottom batting is in very poor condition, then after laying it out on the surface, it must be attached with a stapler. The fact is that during operation of the ottoman, the springs will eventually move small pieces of material and will come into direct contact with the plywood or fiberboard.
Step 6 . Place the new spring block in place. In our case, it is frame-based and has the best performance indicators. The standard width of the block is 66 cm, and the length is 182 cm, these are still old state standards. If you order the production of an element from other companies, then you must indicate the exact dimensions of the old one.
Laying a new block
Step 7 . Fix the springs to the frame. It is better to use pneumatic or electromagnetic tools; they make the process much easier and faster. First, it is recommended to drive in several staples in the corners and check the position of the springs again. If everything is normal, then continue fixing. The step of the staples is approximately twenty centimeters. There is no need to measure anything, maintain this value by eye, and fix each spring.
The block must be secured with staples
Take staples 1.2 mm wide and 10 mm long; they have increased physical strength parameters and reliably hold the structure. Lateral loads can reach significant values; the spring block must have a reliable margin of safety.
Step 8 . Lay out and sew the batting. We already mentioned that you can use the old one. Fold the edges under the frame of the spring block, carefully align all the folds. To sew, you need to use large needles, there are straight and curved ones. For this work there is no difference, it is convenient to work with any. For stitching, use only strong silk threads. Sew along the entire perimeter, the distance between stitches is no more than 3-4 cm.
The batting is laid back, flattened and sewn to the block frame
Step 9 . Replace the foam, level it and nail it to the new planks.
Use a stapler to fix the foam rubber to the ottoman frame
Prices for the model range of pneumatic staplers
Pneumatic staplers
Practical advice. Do not pull the material, it should lie freely, but also without folds.
The thickness of the foam is at least three centimeters. To improve comfort, attach padding polyester to the top. The foam rubber is fixed with staples, the padding polyester is sewn on. If you plan to install new foam rubber, then you need to know what characteristics to choose it for. To repair furniture, you need to buy standard (ST) or increased rigidity (EL) foam rubber. Professionals advise buying the ST3542 brand for an ottoman, the first two digits indicate the density, in this case 35 kg/m3, 42 is the material hardness index (force in kPa, at which the thickness decreases by 40%). This foam rubber has a warranty period of 10 years.
Furniture foam rubber ST3542
If they will not only sleep on the ottoman, but also relax during the day, then it is recommended to use material EL2842 or ST3542. Such materials cost quite a lot, but the price is justified by the high quality.
Step 10 . Stretch the upholstery fabric, work very carefully, the surface should be perfectly flat. Turn the mattress over and straighten the fabric. It is necessary to ensure that all the sharp corners of the foam rubber are smoothed out a little.
Stretch the upholstery fabric
Step 11 . Now you can nail the material. It is recommended to start from the middle and gradually move left and right. Use one hand to constantly stretch the fabric, and with the other, hold the stapler and drive in the staples.
The fabric is secured with staples
If you have all the materials prepared for replacement, then the process of replacing the spring block will take no more than 1.5–2.0 hours. This is much more profitable than taking the furniture to a specialized repair shop. Just for ordering a delivery truck you will have to pay more than the cost of the purchased supplies.
Dimensions
The sofa can be equipped with a single or double bed for relaxation and sleep. The size of the sleeping space in these interior items directly depends on the size of their cases.
Large models can accommodate a spacious mattress with dimensions of 90×200, 72×200, 90×205, 120×200 cm.
Compact options are most often equipped with more modest single berths. Too narrow sofas, the width of which does not exceed 50-60 cm, are usually stationary and are not complemented by folding mechanisms.
Features of the ottoman
It is a low and wide sofa with a back at the head, often equipped with two armrests. Initially, this type of furniture was common in Asian countries, where it was used for seating and covered with various fabrics or carpet. Today, an ottoman is often used as a full-fledged replacement for a bed.
Such a couch is an ideal solution for a small room, especially in one-room apartments or studios. It is often equipped with a linen drawer and may have additional transformation mechanisms. In this case, the furniture takes on several functions at once (sleep, relaxation, receiving guests), successfully coping with each of them.
As a filler for the “mattress” in ottomans, spring blocks are used, less often - foam rubber or padding polyester. This type of furniture is always used with a bedspread or removable cover.
The main advantages of using an ottoman:
- Easily fits even into the smallest room.
- Allows you to organize a place to rest and sleep.
- Helps to zone the space.
- It assembles quickly, freeing up space in the room.
- Equipped with a drawer for storing linen, it helps to rationally use the space of the room.
- Great for accommodating guests.
Among the shortcomings of the product, they usually note that there is too little space for sleeping, the need for constant cleaning of bedding, and the mattress is not always comfortable and practical.
Material
Sofas are made from various materials.
natural wood is rightfully recognized as the most attractive, durable and environmentally friendly
. Such high-quality material not only has unsurpassed performance characteristics, but also an excellent design.
The most used species are oak, alder, rattan, beech, cedar, walnut, birch and pine. Such furniture is not cheap, especially when it comes to oak and beech models. Birch and pine sofas are more affordable. These materials are distinguished by elasticity and pleasant texture.
If you do purchase solid wood furniture, then you need to provide it with special care.
More affordable options are MDF and chipboard.
However, these materials are not highly wear-resistant and durable. Moreover, cheap chipboard is completely toxic and hazardous to health, since formaldehyde resins are used in its production.
Metal furniture is the most durable and reliable
. A sofa made from such material will serve its owners for many years. However, it is worth considering that such pieces of furniture are only suitable for more modern interiors. They are absolutely not suitable for strict classics or chic empire style.
Different materials can also be used to upholster the sofa.
Let's look at the most common and beautiful options:
- Leather trim
looks stylish and “expensive . Such surfaces retain their presentation for a long time and are very durable. Unfortunately, this furniture is not cheap, and not everyone can buy it. - Leatherette
can be an excellent alternative . This material of artificial origin is denser and does not differ much in appearance from natural material. However, furniture with such finishing does not tolerate temperature changes. In addition, leatherette begins to crack over time and abrasions remain on it. - Eco-leather
is more elastic and pleasant to the touch . This modern high-tech material looks very beautiful. Eco-leather is easy to paint, so furniture with such upholstery is now available in a variety of shades. But do not forget that scratches and defects easily remain on the surface of this artificial material, so an eco-leather sofa should be treated with care. - The most affordable models are those with fabric upholstery
. Most often, jacquard, chenille, velvet, corduroy, plush, cotton and other materials are used for furniture decoration.
Manufacturing materials
The frame of the ottoman is made of metal, wood, wood boards. In the first case, strong, durable products with an original design are obtained. Models with forged elements look elegant and sophisticated; they are usually created to order. Natural wood (cedar, walnut, oak, pine) is used in the manufacture of expensive furniture in a classic style. This is a natural material, environmentally friendly, strong, with a beautiful natural pattern. The products will decorate any interior even without elaborate finishing.
An ottoman made from chipboard is significantly inferior in quality to models made from natural solid wood, but it costs much less, so it is in demand.
Metal
Tree
Chipboard
Ease of use and service life of the product largely depend on the characteristics of the material used to create the base of the bed. Most often, the following options are used as a filler:
- Foam rubber. This is an elastic material that has long been used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture. It is low in cost, but wears out quickly and loses its shape, especially under heavy loads.
- Latex. Expensive, durable material, restores its shape well, retains high performance even with active and long-term use.
- Sintepon. Artificial raw materials with properties reminiscent of natural fluff. The material is resistant to stress and is hypoallergenic.
- Polyurethane foam. Synthetic filler is developed for the manufacture of soft furniture elements. The consistency is similar to a sponge, elastic material, holds its shape well under high loads.
Review of types of single beds from Italy, the best brands
For upholstery, natural or artificial leather is used, as well as durable, wear-resistant and easy-to-care fabric. The material should not fade in the sun. It is better to give preference to fabrics with natural ingredients. They do not cause sweating and fit nicely to the body.
Popular upholstery fabric options: flock, jacquard, corduroy, velor, microfiber.
Foam rubber
Latex
Sintepon
Polyurethane foam
Faux leather
Flock
Velveteen
Velours
Jacquard
Microfiber
Couch
I would like to immediately note that if, for example, a sofa and an ottoman are stepsisters, then the couch is a more distant relative of the sofa. Since ancient times, couches were intended only for sitting. The ancestor of the couch can be called an ordinary chair with a back. Today, this one has acquired features closer to a sofa; it can also be used for sleeping. Only one person can fit comfortably on the couch.
The couch differs from others such as a sofa or ottoman in that it does not have backs. The couch only has a headboard. It will fit perfectly into the interior of a small apartment due to its compact size. The couch is also perfect for furnishing a kitchen, a small living room or a country terrace.
If you're looking for compact, stylish extra sleeping space for guests, a daybed is a good choice. Modern manufacturers have equipped couches with comfortable, spacious drawers for bedding, which is very convenient. And the variety of upholstery fabrics will please even the most demanding buyer.
Ottoman
This item is a low backless sofa. There is an ottoman with bolsters-armrests or one bolster - a headboard. In terms of its dimensions, the ottoman is much smaller than a standard sofa, but slightly larger and wider than a couch.
Initially, the ottoman was the queen of oriental furniture. There she stood in every house, covered with cloth or a carpet. Numerous pillows served as a kind of headboard. A little later, the fashion for ottomans came to Europe and Russia. Currently, manufacturers offer a wide variety of models: an ottoman with a headboard, an ottoman with a mattress, an ottoman with drawers for linen.
The ottoman is very convenient in that it can serve not only as a place for daytime rest, but also as a full-fledged additional place for sleeping at night. It can be installed in a children's room (due to its small size) or placed in a guest room. Thanks to the presence of drawers for linen, the ottoman can serve as a chest of drawers - additional storage space.
Quite often you can find an ottoman in a store that is equipped with a folding mechanism. The backrest lowers and the berth unfolds lengthwise. This allows you to get a full-fledged single bed with small furniture dimensions.
What is an orthopedic ottoman
From Turkic the word “ottoman” is translated as “board”.
Not very comfortable associations, is it? But, despite this, the ottoman is one of the most comfortable options for upholstered furniture, so it deservedly enjoys the love of Russians. It is a low and fairly deep sofa with one low back and often without armrests. The main difference from a sofa is that a traditional ottoman does not fold out . But its seat rises smoothly, and underneath there are spacious niches for storing bedding or other things. Agree, not every bed has such opportunities.
Ottoman linen drawers are an excellent opportunity to store numerous things: toys, seasonal shoes, rarely used dishes, etc.
You can install the item both at home and in the office. And in any case, you will have the opportunity to sit comfortably on the ottoman during the day while receiving guests. At night, it’s easy to turn it into a comfortable place to sleep, especially if you choose an orthopedic model.
Sofa
The ottoman's sister and fellow countrywoman is the sofa. She also came to us from the East. The sofa-sofa appeared in Europe only at the end of the 17th century and immediately gained wild popularity among the local aristocracy. At that time, a sofa was a small, comfortable seating area with armrests and a high back. The sofa-sofa was made exclusively for living rooms, where evenings and receptions were held. Therefore, the furniture had to be compact and narrow. At that time, the sofa was made from valuable wood and upholstered in silk or velvet. Numerous pillows were stuffed with goose down and were a luxurious addition.
Sofa and ottoman are pieces of furniture that were very popular in the last century. In the Soviet Union, they gave the palm to a set of an ordinary sofa and two armchairs, moving for permanent residence to country houses. But today they have begun to become designers' favorites again. The sofa returns from exile in the countryside and becomes a bright spot in the interior.
The modern sofa differs from its ancestors in its larger size. It has a small back height, but a decent width of the bed. If previously the sofa was only a place to relax during the day, today it is a full-fledged sleeping place. A folding sofa is very convenient for small rooms. Such furniture will save space in the room and will be a comfortable place to sleep.
Distinctive features of the bed
The main feature is a removable mattress and the presence of a front/back backrest. Such furniture is used exclusively for sleeping, so it is placed in the bedroom.
The beds are massive and large in size; there are both single and double bed options. Products are often equipped with drawers or a lifting mechanism.
Pros of using a bed:
- Wide range of sizes, the ability to choose almost any required width.
- There is no need to constantly clean your bed linen.
- Provides complete rest and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the spine.
- Helps create an individual relaxation area.
- It has a long service life; if the mattress is regularly replaced, it can be used for decades.
The disadvantages of beds include the fact that such furniture significantly “eats up” the space in the room and is not suitable for receiving guests.
Furniture selection criteria
It is impossible to say unequivocally which is better - an ottoman or a bed, since there is no universal answer. When choosing, we advise you to be guided by the following criteria:
- Functional purpose. For the living room, the choice is obvious; the best option would be an ottoman, since this product is compact in size and more functional. But for a bedroom or children's room it is definitely better to choose a bed with a comfortable mattress.
- Bed dimensions. An ottoman is most often a single or one-and-a-half-sleeping product; therefore, it is suitable only for one person. It is better for a married couple to purchase a spacious double bed.
- Price. There is no clear answer to the question of which will cost less. The price of furniture depends on many criteria, including dimensions, production materials, and available options.
- Materials. Both ottomans and beds can be made from both cheaper laminated chipboard and expensive wood species (see wooden beds). The service life of models made from the same materials will be approximately equal, so the main attention should be focused on what the mattress is made of.
- Boxes for linen. As a rule, almost all models of ottomans have a linen drawer, but in beds such an element is rarely included as standard.
An ottoman is an excellent solution if the bedroom is combined with a living room or you often rearrange the apartment. The bed will be appreciated by fans of large space and people for whom sound and healthy sleep is important.
Design solutions
The design of such an item is quite simple. The folding sofa has a special roll-out mechanism, with the help of which the length of the furniture becomes significantly longer. The convenient design allows you to place such a sofa in any room, even in a small kitchen. When folded, the sofa is small in size and compact. And when unfolded, it becomes an additional sleeping bed for guests or owners who want to relax.
Manufacturers also offer unusual options for this type of furniture. A corner sofa will also save space in the room, making it brighter and visually more spacious.
Canapes
The history of the sofa-canapé begins in France in the 17th-18th centuries. At that time, the Baroque style was very popular in Europe, in which this furniture was produced. Initially, it was difficult to call such a sofa a sofa. These were an upholstered chair or an upholstered bench. Over time, these two options merged together and became more similar to modern versions of the sofa-canapé.
This option has gained particular popularity in the USA and European countries. It is a symbiosis of a sofa and an ottoman, which is upholstered in fabric. The most commonly used wood is mahogany, cherry and walnut.
Blurring boundaries
The current trend in the world of furniture is such that the boundaries and differences between types of sofas are gradually disappearing. Furniture is becoming more functional, compact and versatile. In stores you can often find names on price tags: sofa-ottoman, sofa-canapé and other variations. The designs and folding mechanisms are also varied: a book, a telescope, a folding bed.
A bed is a full-fledged sleeping place with a headboard and footboard, traditionally used for sleeping. Once upon a time, boards were used at its base, on top of which mattresses stuffed with straw were thrown, then armored nets and horsehair mattresses were used, now comfortable orthopedic multi-layer mattresses are placed on top of the hard base.
Sofas (folding and regular) are multifunctional upholstered furniture, the characteristic feature of which is the back and armrests. The sleeping place also turns out to be comfortable - at its base are soft springs, foam rubber or other synthetic materials that have springy properties and allow you to evenly distribute the load on the bones and muscles of the skeleton during sleep.
A sofa is a symbiosis of a sofa and a bed. Like a sofa, it has a back, but the sofa does not fold out, and the armrests and back are the same height. Previously, mattresses stuffed with horsehair or wool were also placed on the wooden frame of the sofa, which were later replaced by springs and foam rubber. This is most often a one-and-a-half or double place to rest, which is complemented by numerous pillows of different sizes and shapes.
A wide ottoman does not transform either, but unlike a sofa, it does not have a back, but there may be a soft cushion at the head. This sleeping place is also complemented by pillows that replace the missing backrest.
The couch is always narrow and, as a rule, with a low headboard, soft and comfortable enough to sleep on even without a pillow.
Corner ottoman model
In order to decide on the shape and style of ottoman models, you need to start from the size and layout of the room and its design. If we consider the option of a small room area, then a corner ottoman with a lifting mechanism will be the most relevant and organic. This solution will help not only save a lot of space, but also completely free up the central part of the room. Unlike a bed, a corner ottoman has a side back that is in direct contact with the wall. It protects the sleeping person from the possible feeling of cold that comes from concrete surfaces, and also protects the wallpaper from damage and dirt. The lifting mechanism in such models is quite simple and easy to use, so the ottoman can very quickly be transformed from a sleeping place into an original sofa.
What is more comfortable to sleep on?
Of course, the most comfortable sleeping place is a bed with an orthopedic mattress.
But for it, as a rule, you need a special bedroom, which is not always possible in small apartments and the lack of a sufficient number of rooms. Under these conditions, you can have a great night's sleep on a fold-out sofa, as well as on an ottoman or on a sofa - whichever is more suitable for the interior of your room and its size. Often such furniture is folding, with lowering backs, equipped with drawers for linen, which makes it multifunctional and allows you to use it both as a place for sitting or relaxing, and for sleeping. Therefore, in a one- or two-room apartment you simply cannot do without a sofa, sofa or ottoman. But the couch is not a suitable place for sleeping at night, and you will hardly be able to sleep well on it, it is too narrow. It is convenient to take a nap during the day or just lie down with a book. Both the sofa and the ottoman are atypical items for European interiors. The first was brought to the Old World from the Ottoman Empire, the second comes from Persia.
These sofas are united not only by their oriental origin, but also by their purpose - complete rest during the daytime. What is the difference between them?
In the classic version, the sofa
- a wide sofa whose backs and armrests are the same height. In a modern, Europeanized version, the armrests of the sofa may be lower than the backrest or even absent.
And here is the ottoman
in the traditional sense, it is a wide, low sofa without a back. However, in a modern interpretation, it can have a low back and the same armrests on one or both sides.
Thus, distinguishing between these types of living room sofas is sometimes difficult.
What is the difference between an ottoman and a bed?
An ottoman used to be a mandatory element in an apartment. Over time, beds took its place, but even now people still use this piece of furniture. Many people wonder: what is the difference between an ottoman and a bed? Differences certainly exist. The ottoman has the appearance of a low-height sofa with armrests and a backrest located at the head of the head. Some models may not have a backrest.
A bed is a piece of furniture that is created specifically for relaxation. The bed usually has two headboards and a removable mattress. This piece of furniture is always located in the bedroom.
What makes an ottoman different is that it can be used as a sofa. Therefore, this piece of furniture is often placed in living rooms. The ottoman has a folding mechanism that allows you to turn a small and compact product into a luxurious sleeping place. An ottoman bed is a functional piece of furniture, because it can be used not only as a sofa, but also as a sleeping place. In addition, it is always equipped with an additional drawer for linen.
Usually an ottoman is considered a type of sofa. It can have a single or double bed. For a bed, it is necessary to purchase a mattress, but for an ottoman you do not need one.
The main differences between an ottoman and a bed
- The ottoman is mainly used in Asian countries; in our country this piece of furniture can not be found so often.
- The ottoman can be made with or without a backrest. The bed almost always has a headboard.
- The bed is specially designed for sleeping, but the ottoman can also be used as a sofa.
- The bed needs a mattress, which significantly increases its cost.
- The ottoman has a drawer for linen and a transformation mechanism.
Now you know the difference between such pieces of furniture as an ottoman, a sofa and a sofa. Which one is better to use depends on your personal preferences.
Source: www.zlatamebel.ua
The couch is an aristocrat among sofas
The sofa-couch came into fashion under Louis XV. Initially, the couch looked like a couch with eight legs and did not have a headboard. Later, its shape changed - a back appeared, and half of the legs disappeared.
In a private interior, a couch is a piece for sitting in a relaxed position, slightly diagonally and not fully extending your legs.
There is a separate type of couch - recamier. It is easy to recognize by its specially shaped high armrest, which merges with the back at the end. You can sit on the river reclining on your side - in this case, its shape follows the curves of the body.
Is a chaise longue the same as a couch?
No. Unlike a couch, it is customary not to lie on a chaise longue, but to sit, leaning only slightly on the armrest.
Kozette literally translates as causette - “light conversation”, which fully corresponds to the purpose of this item. How to recognize her? A chaise longue is a cross between a sofa and a banquette. The first one has a backrest, the banquette does not, and the chaise longue has it in a “shortened” form.
In the classic version, the chaise longue is divided in two by a recess in the back. This can be explained historically - this piece of furniture was created as a private sofa for two. On it, lovers could talk, while their small distance from each other was emphasized.
Types of ottoman
The ottoman of the classic model does not look very impressive; it is made in a traditional design. As a rule, the headboard is covered with thick fabric or leatherette. The structure rests on low legs; the seating area is equipped with a mattress that is completely hidden under the upholstery. Depending on the quality of the ottoman, the mattress can be orthopedic or spring.
Modern models, unlike their predecessors, are more functional and are designed primarily to provide maximum comfort while relaxing. The seat of the ottoman has a flat and smooth surface, which makes it ideally comfortable for sleeping. Models equipped with a lifting mechanism under the berth have a special niche that can be used for storing things. Its dimensions allow it to accommodate not only bed linen, but also quite large accessories (blankets, pillows). However, when choosing this piece of furniture, you need to pay attention to the height of the legs: the higher they are, the smaller the niche will be. Modern manufacturers of upholstered furniture present models made in a wide variety of designs, so an ottoman with a lifting mechanism will organically fit into both a classic interior and a newfangled high-tech one.
