Three-section sofas "French clamshell", the pros and cons of the model

Not always the area of ​​housing allows you to place extra guest beds in case of frequent visits of friends or relatives. We have to look for ways to rational use of free space, choosing an alternative option for a berth. Ideally, such furniture should successfully combine a stylish appearance, a high level of comfort and the reliability of the transformation mechanism - the sofa "French folding bed" with a three-section base fits perfectly into these criteria. The model is more practical than all its analogues, each element is carefully thought out, in appearance it is difficult to guess that the design is folding. Since the assortment of French folding beds is quite large, an untrained user will need to find out the working principle, the advantages and disadvantages of this furniture - the only way to get the optimal model for yourself.

What is a

A sofa with a French folding bed mechanism is one of the most common and popular models of transforming upholstered furniture. The name originates from the location of the very first manufacturer of three-section folding systems - the company "Meral" was founded precisely in France. The popularity of the design is due to its compactness, ease of use, relatively affordable price, all kinds of design options for the execution of this furniture.

The transformation mechanism consists of three sections connected by a hinge. Unfolding the sofa is carried out in two stages, as a result of which these elements form a single plane. The life of the product, the thickness of the mattress, the comfort of people resting on this design depend on the type of base.

As a support for the mattress of the French sofa-bed, use:

1. A metal frame, inside of which a durable synthetic awning is fixed, as an option - a wire mesh. The awning design reminds folding beds of the Soviet production. The base with a wire mesh is similar to the shell (spring) beds of the same times. Both options have one significant drawback: over time, the surface loses its elasticity, making it impossible to stay comfortably on the couch. Such supports can not withstand a load of more than 90 kg, even during short-term use. Despite the most affordable prices among the possible modifications, now sofas with this type of base are practically not available.
2. Lamels (armor). The mattress is supported by bent-glued wooden lamellas. The armor is made with a certain bend directed towards the mattress to compensate for the weight of the sleeping person. The material used is inexpensive hardwood (beech, birch) glued into a curved rail 12-15 mm thick. In some designs, an awning covering is pulled over the lattice to more evenly distribute the load, as well as reduce sagging of the mattress. The bases, in which more than 10 lamellas are installed, are considered orthopedic, withstand weight over 150 kg. Designs belong to the middle price category, mainly intended for guest use - it is in this mode that they will last longer.
3. Spot-welded grid. A reliable and durable solution, which, despite the high cost, is in demand among consumers. The metal mesh, fixed on the springs, does not stretch under the weight of a person, allows you to create a permanent bed with an orthopedic mattress, increasing the load on the structure up to 200 kg. Sofa "French clamshell" with a base made of welded metal mesh - the only option suitable for everyday use as a bed.

A compromise is lamellas combined with an awning cover. Wooden lattices are placed on the sections located at the head and in the middle, the rest of the base, which is supposed to be the least loaded, is made with awning or wire.

French clamshell modelThree-section clamshellSpot Welded GrilleMetal frame with synthetic awningLamels

Advantages and disadvantages

Using a sofa with a French folding bed mechanism as a permanent berth is a rare occurrence. Most often, this comfortable furniture is used for a short rest: watching TV, friendly gatherings or reading your favorite book. This influenced the functionality and design of the sofa, formed a number of positive and negative characteristics of the furniture. Among the advantages of the design of sofas:

1. Compact when folded. The depth of the furniture is within 65 cm, while two-section folding structures occupy at least 85 cm.
2. Solving the problem of lack of beds.
3. The possibility of translating into reality the original design solutions.
4. High load capacity - withstand loads up to 200 kg.
5. Simple, convenient transformation.
6. Durability, partly due to the fact that the folding mechanism is used relatively rarely.

Separately, it is worth noting a few more positive features of this furniture:

1. Clamshells for sofas are interchangeable, since they have similar designs and sizes, this allows you to easily replace a failed item without much difficulty.
2. Models with a welded mesh base can be used as a permanent berth with an orthopedic mattress.
3. It is possible to use a removable cover that protects the surface of the sofa from contamination.

CompactnessEase of transformationHigh payloadPossibility of using a removable coverStylish design

Meanwhile, the “French clamshell” model also has disadvantages:

1. To use the sofa as a bed, remove the lower pillows (there is no place for their temporary storage).
2. This furniture is not intended for constant sleep.
3. There are no drawers for storing bedding and other things, with the exception of the overall corner models.
4. On most sofas such as a "French folding bed" you can use only thin (no more than 60 mm) mattresses.
5. The length of the berth does not exceed 185 cm - a tall person will be uncomfortable to sleep.

On some models, the folding base with frequent use quickly fails, creaks during sleep, and is limited in load.

People with a sick spine and children are not recommended to sleep regularly in a French cot.

Not designed for daily sleep.No storage boxes

How to decompose

Even a teenager can transform a sofa. Young children should not try to do this on their own, as the design has movable metal elements that are difficult to control.

The sofa is laid out as follows:

1. First you need to remove the lower pillows, after removing the cover. On some designs, you will have to shift the side armrests and rear cushions.
2. The next step is to raise the upper part by pulling it towards you (some models have a special strap for this).
3. Having laid out the sections, you need to check the degree of reliability of the fixation of the metal legs - they should stand as flat as possible.

The mechanism of the French folding bed is taking shape in the reverse order; the process should not cause difficulties. All manipulations during the transformation of the sofa should be performed smoothly, without making sudden movements.

No need to exert excessive force if the mechanism does not work, as the swivel joints are vulnerable to angular loads and easily break.

Materials of manufacture

In addition to the folding mechanism, the sofa "French folding bed" consists of a body, mattress and upholstery. The quality and appearance of these elements directly depend on the material from which they are made. The hull design should be strong enough, while not heavy, since the heavy weight makes transportation difficult and increases the load on the floor covering.

The following frame manufacturing materials are common:

1. Solid wood. The internal elements are most often made of coniferous species (pine, spruce), since this is the most affordable material with relatively low weight and sufficient strength. The use of solid wood in the frame is less preferred due to its greater mass, laborious processing and high cost. Elements from oak, ash, walnut and other species are more common in outdoor decoration.
2. The most affordable option for the manufacture of an internal frame is a chipboard. Plywood is significantly stronger and more expensive, it is used in structures of complex shape or as elements of the base. Laminated chipboard in upholstered furniture is rarely used, except for the manufacture of outdoor parts.
3. The metal frame is stronger and more durable in operation than wood or its derivatives. External parts may be chromed or made of more expensive non-ferrous metals.

Manufacturers often combine wood and other materials. For example, the supporting structure is made of metal, chipboard is used for the sides and back, and decorative elements are made of hardwood and decorate the sofa outside.

The mattress is either included in the package of the sofa, or is bought separately. Its size along the perimeter should be 3-5 cm smaller than the base. As the filler of the product, furniture polyurethane foam (PUF) or foam rubber is most often used. The thickness of the mattress does not exceed 6 cm, which does not provide the proper orthopedic effect. On the base with a metal grill, it is permissible to use thicker mattresses (7-10 cm).

As upholstery material, woven fabrics, natural or artificial leather are used. A leather sofa looks luxurious, but requires some care and costs more than products with a fabric coating. A compromise option is artificial leather, which, with high-quality manufacture, is quite difficult to distinguish from genuine. Microfiber, velor, jacquard, matting and tapestry coverings are common among woven upholstery.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a sofa with a "French folding bed" mechanism, a number of criteria must be taken into account. Usually pay attention to the type of base, build quality, upholstery material, brand and mattress. Key recommendations:

1. If you plan to constantly use furniture as a bed, a relatively comfortable sleep is possible only on tent-latt surfaces or welded metal mesh.
2. You should make sure that all the moving elements of the sofa work clearly, without squeaks and excessive efforts during the transformation of the base. The presence of backlashes and distortions between the elements of the frame indicates a marriage, which will soon lead to damage.
3. For a French clamshell sofa, the manufacturer of the base mechanism is very important. Products of dubious brands, as a rule, will not last even a year, even with rare use.
4. In the living room, a sofa with upholstery made of leather or textured fabric with a pronounced pattern looks better, for example, tapestry or jacquard. Faux leather is more appropriate in the kitchen - it is cheaper than a natural analogue, more practical than a fabric, and does not absorb odors. In the children's room, do not use expensive and bright types of upholstery. The main criterion is ease of cleaning.
5. The choice of mattress depends on the intensity of use of the bed and the type of base of the sofa. For tented, lamellar and combined surfaces, thin (6 cm) mattresses made of PPU or foam rubber, which in most cases come with a sofa, are suitable. This option is optimal for guest furniture. For regular sleep, a welded base and a mattress 10 cm thick will be required.

The French clamshell model is a comfortable, compact furniture that combines elegant design and design versatility. Naturally, replacing a full bed with a sofa, even with a quality base and mattress, will not work. But for occasional "guest" use, it will be the best option.

It is worth choosing models with a mattress in the kitIt is important to pay attention to build qualityIt is worth making sure that all moving elements work without distortions and backlashesFurniture design is also important

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