Choosing a sofa often turns into a real quest. There are so many of them that your eyes run up: corner, straight, transformers, with a lifting mechanism, frameless. To find the right one, you need to understand the basic classification: what shape to choose for a specific space, what mechanism is suitable for daily use, and what mechanisms there are in general. In this article, we will analyze everything in essence.
Classification of sofas: where to start choosing
Before looking at the fabric or color, you should decide on the type of construction. The classification of sofas is based on several parameters: shape, functionality, the presence of a transformation mechanism and the type of base. Each of them directly affects the convenience in everyday life. The most common mistake is to choose a sofa only by appearance, without taking into account the area of the room. A large U-shaped sofa in a studio of 30 sq. m will simply block the space, and a small straight one in a spacious living room will be lost.
Sofa shapes: which option will suit your space
The shapes of sofas determine how the furniture will fit into the room and how many seats you will get as a result. At the stage of choosing the shape of the sofas, it is important to understand how they will generally be combined with the overall design of the space, all the decor elements and what function the sofa will have.
Straight sofa
A classic that fits almost any space. A straight sofa is placed along the wall, in the center of the room or as a zone divider. The optimal length is from 180 to 240 cm. If you stop at the straight frameless Horns Base sofa, this option is easy to rearrange, easy to transport when moving and can be easily fitted into a new apartment.
Corner sofa
One of the most popular types of sofas for the living room. It occupies the corner of the room, effectively using the space, and provides more seating compared to a straight analogue of the same area. It can be left and right - depending on which side the long module is located. The shapes of corner sofas come in the format of "L-shaped or G-shaped" - it takes up more space, but creates a full-fledged recreation area for a large family. Our codec presents two versions of corner sofas Horns Corner and Horns Corner Plus.
U-shaped sofa
A massive design for spacious rooms. Surrounds a person from three sides, creating a "hug" effect. An excellent solution for large living rooms or open spaces, where the sofa serves as an architectural element that forms the zone.
Modular sofa
One of the most flexible types of sofas on the market. Consists of separate sections that can be rearranged, added or removed depending on needs. Today - a straight sofa, tomorrow - a corner one with an ottoman. Especially convenient when moving or frequent changes in the interior. At Sita, the modular approach is embedded in the ideology itself: the Horns line sofas are assembled from independent elements, which allows you to change the configuration without buying new furniture.
Island sofa
This is a sofa without support on the wall, standing in the center of the room. Among the types of sofas for large spaces, it is one of the most expressive options in terms of design. It requires sufficient space, but turns the living room into a full-fledged space for communication. The ideal solution in this case would be frameless sofas from the Horns line.
Functionality: fixed and transformers
When the question arises of what sofas are by function, the answer comes down to three categories. Types of sofas differ significantly in functionality - primarily in the presence or absence of a transformation mechanism.
Fixed sofas
A purely "sitting" option without transformation mechanisms. Suitable for those who have a separate bedroom and who do not need an additional bed. The advantage is a more durable design, since the mechanism does not wear out. In frameless sofas, the fixed version is also easier to care for.
Sofa beds
Transformer sofas with mechanisms that fold out into a full-fledged bed. Relevant for one-room apartments, guest rooms or studios. The quality of the bed depends on the type of mechanism and mattress filling.
Transforming sofas of special configurations
Some types of sofas combine several functions at once: a corner sofa with a lifting pouf for storage, a straight sofa with a folding headrest for transforming into a chaise longue, a modular sofa, the sections of which can be used separately as armchairs.
What are the mechanisms for transforming sofas
The mechanism is the heart of a folding sofa. The difference between the options is significant, and it is important to understand it before buying, not after.
Book
The simplest and most common mechanism. The backrest folds forward, forming a flat surface. Reliable, inexpensive, but takes up space in front of the sofa when unfolding - free space is needed in front.
Eurobook (stretch)
The seat slides forward, the backrest drops. The mechanism is more convenient than a classic book: it does not require much free space and unfolds more smoothly. One of the most popular mechanisms among modern types of sofas in the middle and higher price segments.
Accordion
A design where the seat folds into several sections, like an accordion. Allows you to get an orthopedically flat sleeping place. Often used in higher-quality models of the middle and premium segments.
Dolphin
The seat slides forward and down, and the niche under it serves as a storage space for bed linen. Convenient for small apartments where every centimeter counts.
Stretching on rollers
A soft version of a eurobook with reduced effort when unfolding. The rollers reduce friction, so the mechanism remains smooth and quiet for longer.
Click-clack
The back is fixed in several positions: vertical (sofa), horizontal (bed) and intermediate (chaise longue). Simple and convenient - especially in the format of frameless transformers. This is the mechanism used in some models of the Sita Horns Corner Plus series.
Types of sofas by type of base
The classification of sofas would be incomplete without a division by base design. This directly affects durability, seating comfort and price.
Frame sofas
A base made of wood or metal, covered with soft filler. Most classic types of sofas are frame sofas. A wooden frame gives a feeling of stability, while a metal one is lighter and more resistant to deformation.
Frameless sofas
A design without a rigid frame - only a filler in a fabric cover. The shape is maintained by the material inside: foam, foam rubber, or a combination of them. This form of frameless sofas is more adaptive: it adapts to the shape of the body, weighs less and is easier to transport.
Sita frameless sofas are built on this principle. There is no rigid frame, but instead - dense foam rubber and removable covers that can be washed or replaced. The result: a sofa that looks modern, "lives" with the body, and does not force you to adapt to it.
Sofas by interior style
The shapes of sofas are closely related to the style of the interior. A short guide for choosing from Sita further. Minimalism and Scandinavian style - straight or corner sofas with a low profile, neutral fabrics, no decorative elements. Loft and industrial style - massive shapes, dark shades, leather or velor. Classic and neoclassical - sofas with a clear back, decorative screed, laconic armrests. Boho and modern eclecticism - modular systems, bright prints, non-standard silhouettes.
How to choose your option
A few guidelines that simplify the choice. A small apartment or studio. A straight or corner sofa according to your size.
A large living room where the sofa is not used as a bed. Modular or U-shaped without a transformer. Emphasis on seating comfort and materials. The need for flexibility of space. Modular frameless sofa, where the sections can be rearranged. This approach is inherent in the Sita Horns line. Budget and durability. Varieties of sofas with removable covers last much longer: the cover can be replaced without changing the entire sofa.
Types of sofas include shape, design, mechanism and function. Having understood these parameters, it is much easier to find the option that suits the space and lifestyle. What sofas are - depends on the manufacturer and the approach to design. But regardless of the model, the best sofa is the one that you want to stay on longer.
If you are looking for a frameless sofa with a flexible configuration - check out the Sita collection. We manufacture our furniture in Kyiv, sew to order and make sofas that grow with your space. And to come and try the sofas in action, we invite you to our cafe-showroom of upholstered furniture at the address Kyiv, Beloruska, 32.