When choosing furniture, we always pay attention to the functions it contains. Upholstered furniture, in addition to convenience and comfort, is most often equipped with a full-fledged sleeping place. One of the ways to transform a sofa or chair into a bed is the “French folding bed” transformation mechanism.
The presence of this mechanism in the design of the sofa speaks primarily of its unusual design.
Today, almost all pieces of upholstered furniture made in such a fashionable “Hi-Tech” style are laid out precisely according to the “French folding bed” principle.
A distinctive feature of a sofa with a French folding bed mechanism is that, taking up very little space, it turns into a real two or three-sleeping bed.
The French folding bed consists of 3 sections connected by hinges. The head section is attached directly to the sofa, the other 2 rest on U-shaped legs.
In order to unfold it, you must first remove the pillows from the part of the sofa on which they are sitting, and then lift it up and pull it towards you.
Unfold, and check that the metal legs that serve as support are level and well secured.
This design is quite simple and compact. To unfold the sofa, you need to remove the pillows, armrests, and remove the cover (if any). Next, the entire mechanism is lifted by a special handle and unfolded in 2 steps. In this case, the legs, due to traction, independently take the desired position.
Folding sofas with the “French folding bed” type of mechanism are not recommended for people with spinal diseases, as well as for children.
It will not be very comfortable to sleep on such a sofa every day due to its peculiar design. But as an option for delayed guests or unexpectedly visiting relatives, it’s simply excellent!
Types of French folding beds
French folding beds differ in the type of bed base.
- Tent.
- Woven mesh.
- Armor (lamellas).
- Awning and armor.
- Welded mesh.
The French folding sofa bed is really similar to the most ordinary folding bed, also consisting of three segments.
Only here the entire mechanism is hidden inside the sofa, under its main seating area.
Bases in the form of an awning and woven mesh are not used by modern manufacturers, since they turned out to be the least durable and sagged during use, creating unfavorable conditions for the position of the spine.
Today, transformation mechanisms have up to 10 slats combined with an awning - thanks to this design they can withstand a lot of weight.
However, daily use of the mechanism often leads to its rapid breakdown.
Armor is a more acceptable option. Made from wood, they provide a flat surface, but over time they can bend unevenly under the weight of the body. Together, the awning and battens give a double effect. This is both a flat surface and load distribution thanks to the awning.
Such a base, equipped with 8-10 battens, can support a weight of up to 180 kg.
Some models are equipped not with armor, but with a welded lattice - the surface of the sleeping area in such sofas is more rigid compared to armor and an awning.
And the most durable (load up to 200 kg) and durable option is welded mesh. The absence of wooden elements minimizes the likelihood of damage to the mechanism, and the welded grille, suspended on springs, does not bend under the weight of the body.
A rare folding bed is equipped with an orthopedic mattress with a spring block and multi-layer filling.
But if this is so, then this sofa will successfully replace a good bed.
Comfortable sofas with sedaflex mechanism
The French clamshell is a mechanism that is currently very popular, although quite recently it was practically not used. This is explained by the fact that the model was not particularly reliable and was not intended for regular use. The first French sofas were equipped with wicker nets, which manufacturers later replaced with awnings. Those, in turn, turned out to be inconvenient and also short-lived, losing their elasticity during use. That is why they began to be classified as furniture for organizing a guest place.
Taking into account all the previous shortcomings and the great need for such an element among owners of tiny apartments, manufacturers released a model that met all the requirements and was suitable for daily use.
The new mechanism already consisted of an awning and four armor, two of which, installed in the central part of the structure, usually bear the main load. This indicator was taken into account, and the element no longer lost its original bend, but still sagged and deformed. Today, a French folding bed has been invented for daily use, consisting of one tent and ten armor. These devices can be considered the most reliable and durable. They last for several years with daily use. Such structures can withstand loads of up to 180 kilograms.
The advantages include:
- Has a low cost;
- In normal times it is used as a sitting place, and if necessary it can be a sleeping bed for guests;
- Has a comfortable surface;
- Withstands heavy weight;
- Suitable for almost any interior.
Some manufacturers produce their own version of French sofas that are suitable for daily use. They consist of welded metal mesh and can withstand weights of up to 200 kg. But such options are usually made to order. Customer reviews indicate that it is better not to use French Euro folding beds for daily use.
Advantages and weaknesses
Before you finally decide to buy a sofa with a French folding mechanism, evaluate its advantages and disadvantages.
Comfortable seating surface – the presented sofas are comfortable.
They are equipped with soft top cushions and comfortable backrests with armrests.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Compactness: a full-fledged sleeping place for 2 people, hidden in the sofa, saves space. | The unreliability of the mechanism is the main drawback of the French folding bed (it is not suitable for daily use), but at the same time it is very convenient to place guests on it. |
| The low price allows you to organize a bed for guests without compromising the family budget. | Lack of a linen drawer (all the space is taken up by the mechanism itself). The exception is corner models, which have a storage compartment on the side. |
| Comfortable seats for relaxation: most often, sofas with this mechanism are equipped with soft pillows and armrests. | The sleeping place is usually 180-185 cm long, not suitable for tall people. |
| Possibility of using an orthopedic mattress (only in versions with a base in the form of a welded mesh) | Most often, thin foam rubber or polyurethane foam mattresses up to 6 cm wide are used. It is impossible to use a hard mattress even with a welded base. |
How to unfold
Even a woman and a teenager can easily unfold a modern folding sofa with a French folding bed mechanism. This is done as follows:
- the protective cover is removed;
- the lower pillows are removed;
- side armrests move away (on some models);
- the upper part of the sleeping place located under the removed pillows rises and easily pulls towards itself;
- all 3 sections are unfolded and installed on U-shaped legs;
- The correct installation and reliability of fixation of the folding bed are checked.
Advantages of sofas with a tick-tock mechanism, basic shapes and sizes
The sofa folds in reverse order smoothly and easily. If for one reason or another the mechanism does not work, no physical effort should be made. Any careless movement can damage the hinge joints, but you need to figure out what’s wrong. With modern models from well-known manufacturers of upholstered furniture, when used carefully, such problems, as a rule, do not arise. The cause of breakdown of the transformable mechanism is most often intensive use in everyday mode.
Review of sofas with “Dolphin” transformation mechanism, tips for choosing
How to choose a French folding bed
Having studied the device, advantages and disadvantages of this model in detail, you understand what you need to pay attention to when purchasing.
- Type of base. In order to increase the service life, it is better to use a tent-plate base (8-10 lamellas) or welded mesh.
- Brand. Check the manufacturer's reliability. This question is very relevant for a French folding bed, otherwise there is a risk that it will not last even a year.
- Build quality. Make sure that the mechanism works properly and can be removed and put back in without difficulty or squeaks.
- Mattress. This element deserves special attention.
As practice shows, the use of 10 armor is quite enough to withstand the weight of a heavy person.
At the same time, models with fewer battens are designed for lighter loads.
Models
Repairing any of the listed breakdowns is labor-intensive and not worth the time and money. The standard solution is a complete replacement of the mechanism. The CenterZ company works with the following types of folding beds:
- an awning in combination with armor is a universal model, suitable for replacing any three-fold and some two-fold folding beds;
- model with wooden armor “Meralat” - the craftsmen recommend replacing it with a more advanced combination of awning and armor or with a durable welded lattice;
- folding bed with a welded grille - this model does not have fragile plastic, wood, or fabric elements, the grille with large cells is durable and can withstand significant loads, its service life is 5-6 years;
- the model with mesh is obsolete and is no longer produced; it is being replaced by a welded mesh or a combination of an awning and armor.
Master CenterZ will replace the French folding bed with a new one on the spot within an hour. The company installs high-quality models with all components. If necessary, it is possible to replace individual battens and plastic holders. The call can be made within Moscow and the region; to other regions you can order delivery of the folding bed by transport companies.
Choosing a mattress
The mattress can be supplied together with the sofa or sold separately. The main rule is that it should be a few centimeters smaller than the base, otherwise you will not be able to collapse the structure.
“French folding beds” are foldable, so mattresses of small thickness (up to 6 cm) are used here.
It's not very comfortable to sleep on them every day, but for guest use it's enough.
The most common types of mattresses are foam rubber or polyurethane foam. Unfortunately, their maximum height is 60 mm, which has a bad effect on orthopedic properties, but is quite suitable for temporary use. With bases in the form of a welded mesh, it is possible to use a mattress up to 7-10 cm thick. It must be understood that fillers such as coconut coir and sea grass are not applicable in this case, because will be damaged and crumble as a result of folding.
The mattresses used must bend easily, so hard mattresses for such sofas are not available.
There is no compartment for linen - all the free space is occupied by the mechanism folded together with the mattress.
The French folding bed, having some drawbacks, can quite adequately serve as a guest bed. And modern production technologies make this design quite durable when used correctly.
Daily transformation of the mechanism is contraindicated, as it can quickly become unusable.
The main thing is to ensure that there are no weight overloads that could damage the fragile mechanism.
VIDEO: Sofa with French folding mechanism.
Despite the fact that the service life of sofa folding beds is quite long, and the safety margin is very high, nothing lasts forever. During use, the structure still fails: the working elements gradually wear out, the frame is deformed, the riveted joints are broken, and the headboard bends. Conventional repairs will only temporarily delay the need for a complete replacement. Therefore, in any of the above cases it is not economically feasible.
The optimal solution would be to purchase a new design. At the same time, it is quite possible and will not require any supernatural knowledge and skills from the owner. It is enough to purchase a new mechanism and install it, guided by the relevant manufacturer’s instructions, as well as using a tool available to any home craftsman. This ensures a long-term effect, akin to buying a new sofa equipped with a completely new sleep system.
So, if the folding bed in your sofa has lost its functionality over time (its metal elements have been damaged, the frame has become deformed, tubes have broken, the awning has sagged, the mesh has stretched, etc.), the only sure way to restore its functionality is to completely replace the entire mechanism. Moreover, there is a unified system of standards on the basis of which these structures are manufactured. Therefore, in many cases, a new product can be installed to replace the old one without being tied to a specific brand. Thus, when replacing a sofa folding bed, it often does not matter who the manufacturer of the worn-out functionality is, what year of manufacture and type of bed. As a result, you can significantly extend the operational potential of furniture without spending a significant amount of money.
Replacing a sofa cushion by the owner himself is also beneficial because many outdated models (especially French-type designs) have been discontinued. Accordingly, the sofa will not only be completely updated, but will also acquire a number of new functionality. At the same time, a French folding bed cannot be replaced by an American one and vice versa. This is due to the fact that the parameters of the mechanisms, methods of disassembling them and the thickness of the mattresses used are different. However, the batten and canopy design can be replaced by the same welded lattice mechanism, which is more reliable.
Experienced craftsmen registered with Yuda repair French folding beds of domestic and imported origin in a short time. The cost of any repair of folding sofas includes the cost of materials and replacement of mechanisms. Private specialists offering services through Yuda will be able to repair breakdowns of French folding beds at home, without transporting the furniture to a workshop.
Stages of work
- Approximate assessment of works based on photography
- Visit of a specialist with samples of materials
- Furniture reupholstery at home, or delivery to the workshop
- Delivery of furniture to the client
- 1 year warranty on work
The craftsmen of our studio repair the following types of folding sofas:
- French folding sofas (with a triple folding mechanism);
- American folding sofas (with a double folding mechanism).
Sofa Master specialists repair folding sofas at home in a short time: they eliminate mechanical damage, replace fabrics, fibers, materials and frame elements, etc. The cost of any repair includes the cost of materials and replacement of parts and mechanisms of sofas. From us you can order the repair of corner sofas inexpensively.
Our workshop phone number is +7, +7 (926) 896-59-74 , call us!
How to order reupholstery of upholstered furniture?
The first option is to call the phone and call an appraiser.
The second option is to use Viber, Whatsapp and send us a photo of the furniture that needs to be restored.
+7 +7
How do private masters work?
Regardless of the cost and manufacturer, French folding beds need to be repaired from time to time. Specialists registered with Yuda will inspect the sofa and comprehensively diagnose its folding mechanism. After this, the specialist will select the best option for repairing the folding bed to restore your upholstered furniture with the least loss of money and time.
The repair of a French cot carried out by Yudu's contractors will allow the breakdown to be eliminated in a short time, while significantly improving the operational capabilities of the bed. If a folding bed or sofa is damaged beyond repair, the technician will completely replace the folding mechanism.
Folding bed repairs, which Yudu performers perform inexpensively, include restoration and replacement of slats. Also during repair work, craftsmen replace:
- parts and transformation mechanisms
- laundry compartment lifts
- folding mechanisms for French folding beds
Replacement of the folding bed awning, riveting work, as well as reconstruction of the metal frame is not carried out due to its inexpediency. With this type of malfunction, the design of the French folding bed is completely changed by Yudu performers.
Repair of a folding bed by specialists registered on the Yudu website is carried out in the following sequence:
- inspection of the French folding bed and identifying the cause of its breakdown
- selection of components for repairing the frame and materials for upholstery and reupholstery of the sofa
- direct repair of the French folding structure, replacement of springs, slats
The time during which the folding bed will be repaired will be announced by master Yuda after determining the scope of work. As a rule, fixing breakdowns of French folding beds takes no more than 3 hours.
Battens and batten holders
Battens and batten holders are the only parts that can be changed in French clamshells. Information on the relevant pages of the site.
to repair a French folding bed that already served its expected service life, which is from 5 to 7 years. In reality, with daily use, even the strongest and most reliable mechanisms can rarely last more than 10 years. Interchangeability allows you to freely change French folding beds produced by different companies. The guest transformation mechanism with a mesh, with an awning without battens or with an awning and 4 battens, which was originally installed in the sofa, can be replaced with a French folding bed with an awning and 10 battens or with a welded lattice.
The page self-repair of a French folding bed describes some types of work that you may be able to do without resorting to the services of a specialist.
What benefits will you get when ordering a service on Yuda?
When you contact Yuda, you significantly save your own money and time on restoring your French folding bed. All work (replacement of mechanisms, reupholstery and upholstery of furniture, restoration) is carried out by specialists registered with Yuda with high quality, at a professional level. By ordering the repair of a folding bed from a domestic or Finnish manufacturer from Yudu craftsmen, you get excellent results in a short time.
Benefits from ordering Yuda services for the restoration and replacement of folding beds in sofas:
- low prices for repairs of French sofa designs with high quality workmanship
- prompt execution of repair work
- selection by craftsmen of materials for restoration work that match the appearance of the sofa
- warranty for the repair of the in-bed folding bed and the spare parts used for this
You will not have to pay for transporting furniture to the workshop, since the replacement of the French folding bed will be done at home in your presence. Experienced craftsmen will take into account the intensity of use of the furniture and select durable materials that can withstand heavy loads.
French folding bed with steel mesh
more details from RUB 8,200
Three-fold sofa transformation mechanisms with welded mesh are a new type of French folding beds. The sleeping area of the mechanism is made of mesh welded from steel rods. The frame of the mechanism is additionally reinforced in places where it is folded with pipes, which, in addition to strengthening the frame, are also used to fasten the mesh. Compared to other models, the French clamshell with welded mesh is more reliable and is designed for loads of up to 200 kg. The mechanism is suitable for replacing all types of three-fold mechanisms in domestic and imported sofas, including outdated and guest models.
If you have difficulties in choosing, comparing models will help you choose a new folding mechanism that is most suitable for replacing the old French folding bed. Repair or replacement of the folding mechanism is carried out without removing the sofa and takes no more than two hours. The set for the new transformation mechanism may include a standard polyurethane foam mattress with a calico mattress cover or a PU foam mattress in a jacquard cover. It is possible to replace the mechanism without a mattress.
When replacing, check the size of the cot, which is not difficult to determine by measuring the width of the bed along the outer sides of the frame pipes. The installation size of the mechanism in the sofa and the length of the berth are not needed for ordering. All prices for folding beds include delivery and installation in Moscow. Before being installed in a sofa, a new French folding bed undergoes preventive lubrication to prevent squeaking. Warranty on the transformation mechanism and installation is 1 year. Payment is made after repair or replacement of the mechanism. Replacement of French folding beds in sofas with sleeping place 100; 120; 130; 140 and 150 are produced within 1-2 days after ordering. Replacing the folding mechanism in sofas with a bed width of 70; 80 and 90 cm are made to order.
Cost of repairing furniture
Yudu performers offer their services at competitive prices. Approximate prices for furniture restoration are indicated in the price lists of the craftsmen. Study them and set the cost when filling out the application that will suit both you and the specialists.
The price for replacing the mechanisms of a French intra-sofa design depends on:
- Difficulty of breaking a folding bed in a sofa
- the need to reupholster and reupholster furniture
- urgency of repair work
On Yuda you will quickly find a master who is ready to perform inexpensive repair work and provide a quality guarantee. Prices for the services of private specialists are lower than those offered by specialized companies.
To get a positive review and increase your rating, the performers will repair your upholstered furniture professionally and quickly. Repair of a French folding bed will be carried out efficiently if you entrust it to experienced Yudu craftsmen.
Frame
In most cases, defects are associated with breakage or deformation of the frame, which arise either from general wear and tear of the transformation mechanism or from incorrect handling of it. The folding bed frame consists of parts connected using rivets. The sizes of French folding beds differ slightly from one manufacturer to another, so the frame cannot be replaced separately. Previously, some imported mechanisms were made from thin-walled pipes. Most modern French folding beds are made of pipe with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm.
The most common failure of the supporting leg occurs. This defect is most typical for previously produced imported mechanisms and practically in Russian French clamshells . After repairing the old leg or installing a new leg, your folding bed will not have a flat horizontal surface, since when the support leg breaks, the frame deforms. If part is deformed or broken, the French folding bed cannot be repaired.
