Soft sofas and armchairs
Where to begin
The search algorithm is simple:we determine the initial data, measure the area that we plan to allocate for upholstered furniture, and go to the Internet. Virtual selection takes less time, since there is no need to move around the city, and models can be compared without relying on memory, but simply by clicking on the "windows". The range of sofas and armchairs can be viewed on the websites of the factories "Allegro Classic", "Dobry Stil", Boconcept, Family hall, Dolce vita, Ikea, Möbel & Zeit, Natif. Having settled on this or that sofa, you can "evaluate" it live, visiting a specialized store. At the same time, we do not recommend limiting yourself to an external inspection. You will get a full idea of the quality of the upholstered furniture you like only if you have all the information about the materials used, the filling, and the upholstery. And if you choose a model equipped with a transformation mechanism, you should also learn about its pros and cons.
Sofa "Calypso". Manufacturer: EKMI (Russia). From 87 000 rub.
Model Tank. Manufacturer: Calligaris. New
Armchair "Ron". Manufacturer: Pushe. From 11,520 rubles.
Evaluate the frame
Model Femme. Manufacturer: Arflex (Italy).New. Most sofas and armchairs are assembled from the same structural elements as in the last and the century before last. The full list of components is as follows: frame, base, seat, back, side panels, armrests, legs. And our first task is to find out what these elements are made of, since the stability and reliability of the selected model depends on them. The frame and base are usually made of durable materials that are not very susceptible to deformation.
- The cheapest option In the cheapest models, these elements will be made of chipboard.
- Middle price category The frame and base of sofas and armchairs of the middle price category are made of fiberboard, multilayer plywood, pine, birch, metal.
- Expensive option The supporting parts of furniture named "AB" are made of hard wood (most often beech) or metal.
Well, the question is about the material for the legs andarmrests, if any, is left to the manufacturer's discretion. Much depends on the design decision. Furniture in a modern style will most likely be equipped with metal legs, and classic sofas and chairs - with wooden legs.
Casa sofa. Manufacturer: Interface (Finland). From 85 200 rub.
Sharlota sofa. Manufacturer: Natif. 120 700 rub.
Voima sofa. Manufacturer: Novapak. From 111,100 rubles. If the frame of upholstered furniture is made of durable and reliable materials, in the future the situation will be updated only with the replacement of the upholstery that has served its time.
Check the elasticity of the seat and backrest
Schelly chair. Manufacturer: BoConcept.From 41,200 rubles. Of course, we should be no less concerned about the stability and reliability of the model than the softness and elasticity of the seat and back. It is also desirable that they serve as long as possible, easily taking the shape of the body and just as easily returning to their original position. The key to success is a multi-layer flooring. The bottom layer provides elasticity, the middle layer - softness, and the upper - shock-absorbing - determines how long the middle layer will not sag.
- The cheap option does not providethree-stage structure - the lower and middle layers are a single block of not very high-quality sheet polyurethane foam, known to us under the name "foam rubber". This material does not retain its shape for long - one and a half to two years, after which the sofa needs to be replaced or restored. Even a shock-absorbing pad made of batting or synthetic padding does not save the situation.
- Average price category The stuffing of this sofacategories will look like this: at the bottom - a mesh of rubber-fabric belts, in the middle - polyurethane foam (PUF) or foam rubber (artificial latex), on top - a dense non-woven material - synthetic felt.
- The expensive option And, of course, the most difficult one"pie" in expensive sofas. General support is provided by spring blocks, a lattice or beech slats (battens). What exactly will be chosen depends on the model. For example, due to the spring block, the seat is higher than when using a spring grid or battens. At the same time, the battens make it more elastic, and the spring grid - hard. True, the lack of softness is adjusted with the help of one or more soft fillers - natural or artificial latex, polyurethane foam. The three-layer composition is completed by a shock-absorbing layer of artificial (more often) or natural felt. The back is usually made softer, so there are no spring blocks, lattices or battens in it, and down is often used for stuffing.
Model "Calcutta". Manufacturer: "Allegro-Classic." From 44,420 rubles.
Armchair "Romeo". Manufacturer: "Good Style". From 16 000 rub.
Armchair "Turio". Manufacturer: Pushe. From 15 680 rub.
No matter how cheap or, on the contrary, expensivewas upholstered furniture, before covering it with fabric or leather (artificial or natural), the fillers are covered with another layer - the so-called cover fabric. This can be thick linen, cotton or thin non-woven fabric - interlining. Additional elements Modern models of sofas and armchairs are often supplemented (optionally) with decorative pads on the armrests. Moreover, you can get a certain benefit from buying these accessories. After their installation, the previously soft armrest turns into a mini-table on which it is convenient to put a cup of tea or coffee, a glass of wine. Moreover, the material from which decorative pads are made - wood - is much less afraid of spilled liquids than fabric.
Choose a material for upholstery
Armchair and sofa "Oasis". Manufacturer: EKMI.From 34,000 and from 67,000 rubles. The most affordable option is fabric. But even here, not everything is so simple. Usually, the manufacturer offers up to eight price categories of fabric upholstery. By the way, this does not mean that each category includes one or two materials. The range is usually quite diverse not only in color, but also in texture. A similar "up to eight categories" classification is applied to more expensive leather. High-quality fabric upholstery has:
- natural composition;
- high wear resistance: more than 5000 cycles are considered a good indicator);
- resistance to pilling or pile rolling: standard - 2-5;
- dirt-, water- and dust-repellent impregnations such as Teflon from DuPont and Scotchgard from 3M (both companies are from the USA).
Model Moël. Manufacturer: Ligne Roset. From 169 200 rub.
Sofa Pas si Classique. Manufacturer: Ligne Roset. From 167 280 rub.
Armchair and stool Kupu.Manufacturer: Kaani (Finland). 110,590 and 17,100 rubles. The result is a higher price category and, accordingly, the cost of the finished sofa. In the case of leather, the price is determined by the dressing and the manufacturer. Before choosing this or that upholstery, take a closer look at the finished products in the showroom or at their photographs in the interior, which the factory has thoughtfully placed in the catalog. After all, the manufacturer usually understands better than the buyer what kind of upholstery - motley, plain or combined - will look best on this or that model. You must admit that it may be fun to cover a classic sofa with chintz in a small flower, but such a creation will look more than inharmonious.
Sofa and chair "Omega". Manufacturer: "Allegro-Classic." From 77,500 and from 38,560 rubles.
Sofa Odeon. Manufacturer: Dema (Italy). New
Exit sofa.Manufacturer: HT Collection (Finland). From 68,100 rubles. We select upholstery depending on the style of the sofa. Sofas and armchairs reminiscent of the Empire or Regency era, for example, "Calypso" from EKMI or Sharlota from Natif (both - Russia), will look good in velour, natural or artificial leather. The style of the American West - "Manchester" from "Allegro-Classic" - allows a combination of plain leather and printed fabric. Modern models, such as Spider from Natif or Star from Möbel & Zeit (both - Russia), can be upholstered in fabric and leather. However, their color should be bright, catchy, emphasizing the originality of the form and attracting attention. Country-style furniture (Ektorp from IKEA or Victoria from Family Hall, China) is upholstered in plain, colorful or striped fabric. Retro models, such as Voima from Novapak (Finland) or Turio from Pushe (Russia), look good with checkered patterns or companion fabrics.
Choosing a transformation mechanism
Victoria armchair. Manufacturer: Family Hall.20 901 rub. Unlike foreign factories that do not welcome too frequent unfolding and folding of upholstered furniture, and therefore rarely use anything other than such a time-tested scheme as the "French folding bed", our companies are constantly searching, inventing their own designs. Among the most popular – mechanisms are "Dolphin", "Accordion", "Tango", "Book", "Click-clack". The operating principle of each is consistent with the name. For example, "Dolphin" reminds of the jump of the mammal of the same name, "Accordion" – about the corresponding musical instrument, etc. By the way, the "French folding bed", like its "American" and "Belgian" counterparts, is not particularly suitable for everyday use. The transformation process is tiring. In addition, you have to look for a place for removable seat cushions. And in general, the convenience of the sofa itself, equipped with one of the above-mentioned schemes, is very doubtful. After all, the function of multi-layer filling is performed by a folding bed folded several times and removable cushions. Therefore, before purchasing a sofa, we recommend that you try out the transformation mechanism yourself. It is possible that you will have to refuse to buy the selected model, because in the unfolded state the sofa will go beyond the boundaries of the area allotted to it.
Sofa Spider. Manufacturer: Natif. 42 400 rub.
The Kramfors model. Manufacturer: IKEA. 27 990 rub.
Sofa "Ektorp". Manufacturer: IKEA.From 14,990 rubles. Fabric care The fabric is very convenient. Many, mainly foreign manufacturers, make such upholstery removable. If tea or coffee spills, no problem, just unzip or peel off the Velcro, and the cover can be washed or dry-cleaned. By the way, it is better to find out the care method from the manufacturer when buying. If the upholstery is not removable, for example, greasy stains are dealt with like this. Apply an absorbent napkin, treat the stain with a sponge soaked in soapy water, and then dry the clean surface. Leather care It is even easier to care for leather models. The main thing is to avoid chemical solvents, stain removers, abrasive compounds and substances containing chlorine. They can damage the face layer of the upholstery. The same recommendations are best followed when caring for high-quality leatherette. It is better to install upholstered leather furniture at a distance of at least 30–40 cm from heat sources and intense lighting. Upholstered furniture made of genuine leather should be regularly, at least once or twice a year, treated (greased) – wiped with a sponge soaked in stearin grease. Read about cleaning products for upholstered furniture . Upholstery replacement Unlike cabinet furniture, “upholstered” furniture is more difficult to manufacture and, accordingly, to restore. Therefore, even its simple re-upholstery (upholstery replacement) is better entrusted to a specialist. He will check whether the wooden elements, soft layer fillers, belts or springs need to be replaced. Depending on the complexity, the repair may take several days or weeks. The approximate cost of work is from 2,000 rubles (armchair) and from 4,000 rubles (sofa). The editors would like to thank the companies Allegro-classic, Dobry Stil, Boconcept, Family Hall, Dolce Vita, IKEA, M&F6bel & Zeit and Natif for their assistance in preparing this material.
