Among the various shapes and dimensions of furniture, a special place is occupied by products whose configuration allows them to be installed in the corner of the room, thus freeing up maximum living space. We are talking about corner U-shaped sofas.
All such sofas, due to the peculiarities of their structure, are modular structures. The main division of species is into equilateral and scalene. Moreover, even sides of the same length can have different functionality and purposes.
For example, an ottoman can be placed on the left side, and the right side will have an armrest with a built-in bar or drawers.
It is also practiced to turn one of the corners into a backlit coffee table or bar. There are models that provide complete autonomy of the modules. These are, as a rule, leather products without armrests.
The classic configuration allows several options:
- an accordion sofa without armrests, a similar style armchair and an ottoman without a backrest;
- the main module with high armrests level with the back, an ottoman sofa with a back and a pouf;
- a sofa without armrests and two sofas or two armchairs, depending on the depth of the entire assembled structure;
- combinations with two identical modules and one armchair or pouf are less common.
The U-shaped sofa modules have roller wheels for quick and easy movement, one pair of which has stoppers for fixing in the chosen place.
They also practice installing fasteners for more reliable fixation when assembled. They may be located under the bottom, then they are inconvenient to use. Or be built into the facade and disguised as decorative elements.
Advantages and disadvantages of U-shaped sofas
When assembled, the structure provides a compact, harmonious seating area, separating it from the rest of the room.
When unfolded, a large sleeping area appears, which, however, is not without certain drawbacks.
To get into the depths of the sleeping place, especially if the furniture is placed in the corner of the room, you need to climb almost the entire sofa.
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The specific shape allows you not to purchase a guest table, provided that you have a coffee and corner table and surfaces built into the armrests.
The main disadvantage is that the dimensions are too large. In small rooms, such furniture will overwhelm and dominate the entire interior, so for such rooms it is recommended to purchase small corner sofas.
Selection of U-shaped sofas
When choosing the optimal model, the main attention is paid to the dimensions of the main element. Considering that they are somewhat superior to the standard ones, there were cases when the modules simply did not fit through the door.
And once in the apartment, with the help of partial dismantling, the assembled structure required significantly more space than planned.
The next most important place is where the sofa is used. The quality of the back side of the back and body depends on the corner in which the furniture will be placed.
Ideally, it should be covered, just like the front one, because once installed in a certain corner, the sofa will not be there all the time. After trying to rearrange it, it may turn out that the back of one of the sides is covered with “technical” fabric.
Then you should pay attention to the shape. This factor depends on individual preferences. Some people like to lie down in front of the TV; for this, a design with a deep seat, long side elements and a low back is better suited.
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In contrast, models with guest specialization are designed for more comfortable relaxation in a sitting position. They are characterized by a high back with a headrest, a shallow seat with a bolster at the lower back and a slight thickening at the end of the seat under the knees.
Product packaging
The modular U-shaped sofa allows for several configuration options:
- A device with armrests as a base, a high back, an ottoman sofa and a pouf, located opposite from each other.
- The design is without armrests, there are side additions in the form of an armchair, a sofa without a back.
- Two models of the same configuration, as an addition - a pouf or an armchair.
- The product has no armrests, there are side chairs or two sofas.
Most models are equipped with spacious and ergonomic drawers for convenient storage of bedding and other things.
In the video: modular sofas of different configurations.
Frame of U-shaped sofas
The material and build quality directly affect the service life of the product.
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The most popular material among furniture makers is wooden beams.
Dried hardwood is best suited: beech, oak, walnut. The use of coniferous species: spruce, pine, larch is allowed in products of a lower price range.
Multilayer timber made of plywood has proven itself to be quite good. When assembling a case from chipboard, the final product will be too heavy; in addition, such cases are afraid of moisture, and we should not forget about the harmful fumes of phenol-formaldehyde resins.
The most reliable is a frame welded from profiled pipes and metal profiles. Typically, such designs are used for elements of non-standard shape.
Standard sizes
Any corner sofa consists of two parts: main and side. As a rule, the first is 50% longer than the second. The side module is one piece with the main one; extremely rarely it can be attached. There are standard sizes of sofas: from 230 to 280 cm in length - the main element, from 150 to 180 cm in width - the side part. However, on the modern market you can see furniture of other sizes. Compact models reach a length of 203 cm, large ones – 406 cm. It is also possible to create a custom-made product according to individual drawings.
The dimensions of the sofa also depend on the transformation mechanism. The most popular are:
- "Eurobook";
- "French folding bed";
- “roll-out transformer”;
- "dolphin";
- "pantograph".
The dimensions of the corner sofa with the Eurobook transformation type are 180–220 cm for the main part and 115–140 cm for the side. The French folding bed is characterized by the following parameters: 130–186 cm – the main element and 50–80 cm – the side one. A roll-out transformer is considered one of the most convenient. The dimensions of this type of sofa are 160–220 cm for the main part and 80–120 cm for the side part. The dolphin, characterized by the longevity of the mechanism, has dimensions of the side part of 150–200 cm and 98–170 for the side element. Pantographs are corner sofas with parameters of 180–235 cm for the main part and 105–140 for the side.
The most convenient and reliable mechanism is considered to be the “dolphin”, the most short-lived is the “French” or “English clamshell”.
The height of the sofa also matters. Usually it is 50–150 cm. Products that are too tall can block part of the window, which should be taken into account when choosing. Another important parameter is the depth of the sofa, which directly affects the comfort of using the furniture. Its value is 50–90 cm.
Colors and decor of sofas in Provence style, important characteristics
Eurobook
French folding bed
Roll-out transformer
Dolphin
Pantograph
L-shaped
This is a standard type of corner sofa, where the side part is 2 times shorter than the main one. Such furniture is often used to zone a room. It also allows you to harmoniously play out the corner space. This is a multi-purpose option that works well for a rectangular room. Most of the designs are supplemented with special niches for storing linen, which increases the comfort of use. Standard sizes of sofas of this type can range from 200 to 210 cm for the main part. If square meters are limited, it is possible to choose a more compact option. Then the dimensions of its base will be 170–180 cm. The width in both cases is 120 cm.
U-shaped
These are large-sized products that are rarely chosen for an apartment, since they require a large area. As a rule, they are larger in size than standard ones. The main part is 280–405 cm. In this case, the side elements can have the same or different dimensions. This parameter varies between 110–190 cm. Models resembling the letter P are ideal for large halls. They allow you to create the effect of an enclosed space and are also used for zoning a room.
Modular
Individual segments of such furniture can be arranged at the discretion of the owners. Moreover, each of them carries its own functional load. Useful area is freed up due to the ability to adjust the length of the product. The standard version is characterized by a length of the main part of 230–300 cm. Corner elements can be made in the form of armchairs, poufs or small sofas. Their sizes vary from 95 to 145 cm. A special feature of the models is the ability to shape the dimensions at your own discretion, so a modular piece of furniture can be placed in the living room of any parameters. Most sofas are complemented with drawers, tables, shelves and other useful elements.
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Round and semicircular
Products in the form of a circle or semicircle look original and beautiful. Their feature is a streamlined shape and the absence of sharp corners. The dimensions of the corner sofa for the living room can be both small and large. Such furniture can be installed in the kitchen or children's room. It is ideal for filling a bay window area. It can also be placed in the center of the room. The standard height of sofas in the form of a circle or semicircle ranges from 75–90 cm. Small products can have a length of about 230 cm, large ones - up to 405 cm. As for the circle, this is not such an ergonomic shape, so it is recommended to install furniture in rooms no larger than less than 25 m2. Their main part is 300–405 cm. The height of the back of the radius sofa is at least 90 cm.
When choosing round and semicircular designs, it is recommended to use objects and furniture with smooth lines in the interior.
Transformation mechanisms for U-shaped sofas
In U-shaped sofas, standard mechanisms can be used in any sections, central or side.
The choice of a certain type has little effect on the final cost of the entire headset.
But you should take into account the fact that the total internal space of all elements of the set is much larger than that of a simple transformable sofa.
There is no need to save space for a small linen box integrated into the design. Therefore, it is more advisable to choose a more reliable and convenient, albeit somewhat cumbersome, mechanism.
One of the most suitable. for this type of furniture, there are American and French folding beds, which can provide a flat surface without joining elements and a mattress with an orthopedic effect.
Types of structures
The U-shaped sofa comes in a wide variety. The main difference is considered to be the structural feature. Models come in the following types:
- equilateral and scalene;
- with folding chair;
- folding and without folding mechanism.
Folding
With folding chair
Versatile
Fixed
Angular transformations are often observed in structures. For example, one of the corners can turn into a bar or coffee table. There are also models in which the modules are completely autonomous. As a rule, this is a leather sofa without armrests.
Models come in stationary and modular types. In the second case, the construction blocks can be moved and used for various purposes. Corner structures of this type have the shape of an even letter p. The corner parts may differ in length.
Variants of semicircular models also have a beautiful appearance. But they are designed to be installed in the center of the room.
Filler for U-shaped sofas
It is what the sofa cushions and backrest are filled with that affects the comfort of use and the softness of the seat.
The most budget-friendly are spring blocks. They can be dependent - fastened to each other and independent, when each spring is in a separate fabric case.
Dependent blocks are more rigid and reliable. They have a low degree of wear, but over time they begin to creak terribly. The independent design is less durable, but provides a greater degree of comfort, and the sleeping place acquires an orthopedic effect.
Foam rubber mattress is the cheapest filler. Used in economy class products. It is hygroscopic and, when exposed to heat and moisture, can release harmful substances and become moldy.
High density molded polyurethane foam. Used in furniture in the mid-price range. Typically used as a shock-absorbing layer in multi-component structures.
Between the main volume occupied by spring blocks and a combination of several layers of natural - coconut fiber, and artificial: padding polyester, holofiber, materials.
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The most expensive and, as sellers assure, environmentally friendly material is natural latex, which is made from natural rubber. This material is moisture resistant and elastic. Products made from it have an orthopedic effect.
Folding mechanisms
Almost all sofas (except kitchen ones) are made with a folding bed. The difference is not only in size, but also in the type of mechanism used. Not only convenience, but also the direction in which the berth is unfolded depends on this.
A corner sofa for a children's room can be in the form of a cartoon character
Eurobook
One of the most popular mechanisms, and all its charms are manifested precisely in corner sofas - the seat can quickly and easily be transformed into a large sleeping place. The seat moves forward and the backrest falls into the vacant space.
Simple and reliable mechanism. There is only one point: the retractable part must be on wheels. Moreover, it is better if they are wider, otherwise there is a high possibility of damaging the floor covering.
Pantograph or "tick-tock"
Modification of the Eurobook. The frame of the folding structure is made of metal, with additional springs added to it, so that it turns out that the folding part first rises a little upward, then falls down in an arc. Further, the process is also simple - the backrest is lowered into the vacant space. In this design, wheels are not needed, since the folding part does not move on the floor.
The mechanism is more expensive, but is suitable for use on soft floor coverings and does not harm them at all. This folding method is suitable for daily use and does not require much effort. Even a child can cope.
Dolphin
This mechanism for transforming a sofa into a sleeping place appeared a long time ago. The transformation occurs in two stages:
- An additional part of the berth extends from the bottom of the sofa.
- With a little effort, it rises to the same level as the stationary part.
The mechanism is simple and reliable, but it must be pulled with sufficient force. Suitable for daily use. The linen drawer in such a corner sofa can only be in the side part.
Corner sofa with folding mechanism “Accordion”
One of the popular mechanisms of folding sofas is the accordion. It unfolds in one motion - you use special hinges to pull the seat towards you. In this case, the seat moves forward and the backrest unfolds.
The mechanism is reliable, easy to maintain, and can be used every day. But there is a significant drawback - significant effort is required to activate it. Essentially you are pulling most of the sofa. One more point: this mechanism is incompatible with spring blocks of any type.
Sedaflex or French folding bed
This mechanism is only suitable for guest sofas - it is not recommended to use it every day. Firstly, it is not very convenient, and secondly, the mechanism is not designed for this. It unfolds in several steps:
- Remove the cushions from the seat.
- Raise the seat up and slightly towards you. It becomes supported.
- Unfold the last part of the lounger, lower it down, while straightening the legs.
It’s not very convenient, and significant effort is required at the second stage. What’s good is that this mechanism is compatible with spring blocks.
