Small sofas: TOP-140 photos of small sofa models. Pros and cons of small sofas, choice of shape and upholstery


Compact sleeping sofas

A transformable sofa, capable of turning into a sleeping place, can provide owners with an invaluable service in a situation where it is impossible to provide overnight accommodation for a guest in other rooms.

Another function of a small sofa is to zone a room, for example, in the case of combining a kitchen with a reception area.

What is the difference between a sofa and a sofa?

A sofa is a sofa whose back and armrests are the same height and design. As a rule, this height is closer to standard armrests, so when you recline, you may not find any support for your head. The popular model of English origin Chester belongs to this type.

  • Blue sofa with beaded armrests

The main features of the difference between a sofa and a sofa:

  • Same height of backrest and armrests;
  • Pretentious, elegant design;
  • All surfaces are soft;
  • Transforming models “sofa bed” and storage compartment are rare;
  • The size is on average smaller;
  • There is always a hard base under soft pillows.
  • Luxurious baroque sofa

The dimensions of a classic sofa are smaller than those of a sofa, and there is no folding option.

However, in 2022, the sofa and sofa are found in a wide variety of variations: large and small, straight and angular, high and low, quilted and smooth. A sofa that folds out into a bed creates a special coziness, a feeling of a cozy nest.


  • Beige sofa with soft pillows

The plurality of models and variations ensure that the sofa is appropriate in the interior of any style. From majestic Empire style to loft, from Provence to minimalism - you just need to choose the color and material of the upholstery, shape and size.

Difficulty of choice

The process of choosing a folding sofa for the kitchen is limited by several factors.

The main role in the choice is played by ease of use, the required area in the assembled and disassembled state, reliability, efficiency of the entire structure and transformation mechanisms, design and functionality of the upholstery.

What is the difference between an ottoman, a sofa and a bed

An ottoman differs from a bed in the following ways:

  1. The main thing is that the ottoman has a ready-made soft sleeping place, and the bed is just a frame for the mattress.
  2. The sleeping place is located low, close to the floor;
  3. Many ottoman models fold, saving space in the room;
  4. Most modern models have a full or partial longitudinal back;
  5. It is comfortable to sit on the ottoman during the day; pillows for sitting while sitting are also included.
  • Ottoman with cushion in the form of a bolster

The main difference between an ottoman and a sofa is a flat and fairly rigid sleeping area. Each sofa bed involves a sleeping place of two or more parts, the hollows between which create discomfort. The folding “ottoman” mechanism assumes the presence of a solid mattress and a roll-out rigid base onto which it unfolds.

  • Comfortable sleeping place that saves useful space

The backs of the ottoman are usually thin and rigid, which significantly saves space. Their main function is to protect walls from contamination and abrasion. To comfortably lean on your elbows, pillows are placed on such backrests.

  • Exquisite ottoman with monograms

Models of sofas for the kitchen

Owners of apartments with small kitchens often opt for corner structures.

Corner sofas save space that is in short supply, provide space for storing bedding and other things, and also provide residents with a full-fledged place to sleep.

In miniature kitchens, where it is impossible to expand the sofa, they install a sofa without the possibility of transformation, but with a voluminous bottom drawer and additional shelves that can be decorated with souvenirs or a flower vase.

For studio apartments, folding sofas with semicircular outlines are suitable, capable of turning into a comfortable place to sleep at night.

Sofa and ottoman - oriental guests in a European interior

Both the sofa and the ottoman are atypical items for European interiors. The first was brought to the Old World from the Ottoman Empire, the second comes from Persia.

These sofas are united not only by their oriental origin, but also by their purpose - complete rest during the daytime. What is the difference between them?

In the classic version a sofa is a wide sofa whose backs and armrests are the same height. In a modern, Europeanized version, the armrests of the sofa may be lower than the backrest or even absent.

In the photo: the laconic sofa-sofa Alberta Recanati is made with two options for armrests.

In the photo: a sofa in the classic style Mantellassi Elisir.

But an ottoman in the traditional sense is a wide, low sofa without a back. However, in a modern interpretation, it can have a low back and the same armrests on one or both sides.

Thus, distinguishing between these types of living room sofas is sometimes difficult.

In the photo: Lago Air is a modern version of an ottoman.

In the photo: designer ottoman Tonin Casa Duny 7380.

Modular options

Using such models, you can change the configuration and location of individual furniture elements. The set often includes shelves for books, a small bar and built-in drawers for storing kitchen utensils.

When choosing, one should not forget about the reliability and strength of the parts of the transformation mechanism, and their silent operation.

Note!

  • Dark sofa: advantages and disadvantages of dark sofas. Features of choosing dark shades of a sofa for different styles (photo + video)

  • Chest of drawers for the bedroom: TOP-170 photos and videos of chest of drawers for the bedroom. Choosing the shape, size, color and material of the chest of drawers

  • Light sofa: TOP-130 photos and videos of light sofa options for different rooms. Varieties of upholstery materials and colors

Recamier

In the 19th century, a general fashion for antiquity reigned in Europe. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans preferred not only to read and write, but also to eat while lying down. Furniture in Europe began to be made in the “a la antique” style. One of its most striking examples was the “recamier” couch, named after a famous society lady during the time of Napoleon. The first such bed was made from frescoes discovered on the walls of ancient Pompeii. In one of the museums in Paris there is a painting where Madame Recamier is depicted lying on such a couch.

Folding couch

This piece of furniture takes up little space and combines comfort and functionality. Models are produced both with and without backrests, as well as with drawers for storing household items.

There are two types of folding mechanism: folding and roll-out.

Yoke on a chaise longue

Over the years, morals became more restrained, and the fashion for reclining on the couch during a conversation faded away. A new model has appeared, the so-called chaise longue. The shape of chaises (French la сausette - light conversation) can be different, but what they have in common is that a couple, sitting decorously facing each other on opposite sides of the sofa and placing their hands on the armrest, could at the same time furtively touch their fingers behind the back of the chaise unnoticed for others. Nowadays, a chaise longue most often refers to a seat in the corner of a sofa.

Sofa bench

In addition to its main function, this design serves for long-term storage of various things. Due to its ease of production, it has a low price.

The style neutrality of this sofa allows it to fit harmoniously into any environment. There are corner models sold complete with a folding table.

What is an ottoman, sofa, couch and what is their difference from a sofa and a bed?

  • Soft blue sofa

Are you looking for original solutions for furnishing your apartment or house? Is it difficult to navigate the variety of models and names of leisure furniture? Today we’ll figure out what an ottoman, sofa, couch is, how they differ from sofas and beds, and how they are used in the interior.

  • Exquisite white sofa with carved wooden armrests

Sofa folding designs

The most common types of transformable sofas with a berth:

Note!

  • DIY Wardrobe - Step-by-step instructions for making your own wardrobe. Varieties of cabinet shapes and sizes. Selection of materials (photo + video)

  • Sofas from IKEA: features of models from the manufacturer. Varieties of sizes, shapes and designs. 120 photos + video reviews
  • U-shaped sofa: TOP-160 photos and videos of design ideas with a U-shaped sofa. Pros and cons of the design, choice of upholstery and color of the sofa

Advantages and disadvantages, what to look for before purchasing

Sofas and ottomans are a universal type of upholstered furniture; they are suitable for a living room, bedroom, nursery or hallway. They fit perfectly into any interior; they are often purchased for office space; women's beauty salons and showrooms love them for their sophistication. Recently, sophisticated models made of microfiber or velor with a carriage headboard (capito) have become very popular.

If you buy one with a folding mechanism for daily sleep, pay attention to the filling; it is better to choose a spring block. For those who like a harder surface, you should opt for high-quality polyurethane foam.

If you have the opportunity to see the product in person, ask the seller to lay it out; in inexpensive models you may feel the joint between the halves of the mattress.

A useful tip that not everyone knows about is that in such sofas, to reduce the cost, one part of the mattress can often be made on a spring block, and the second on polyurethane foam. If you come across just such a model, it is better to refuse the purchase. Due to the difference in materials, uneven rigidity will be heard; over time, the polyurethane foam will sag faster, which means comfort and quality of rest are minimal. And lastly, you shouldn’t skimp too much on upholstery, especially if you have animals, children in your home, or it will be in a public place.

Source

Recent Entries

Recent comments

  • Vika Spotnikova on 100 photos of living room design: tips and ideas, choosing style, decoration, furniture in 2022
  • Mebelion team on TOP rating of sofas for sleeping for every day
  • Regina on TOP rating of sofas for sleeping for every day
  • Mebelion team on Ideas for gamer room design 2020
  • Ivan on Ideas for gamer room design 2020

French folding bed

The French folding bed is designed for small spaces. Due to the fact that aesthetically attractive backs do not participate in the transformation, the model does not lose its grace in any condition.

Chaise lounge

Well, we got to the chaise lounge, which in French sounds like a chaise longue (long chair). Modern sun loungers very vaguely resemble their prototype. They come in a wide variety of models and are made from different materials. The modern type of chaise lounge, consisting of metal tubes, canvas flooring and a leather cushion under the head, was created by the famous French architect Le Corbusier.

In conclusion, I would like to note that today’s canapés, couches and chaise longues are completely different from the first examples of this upholstered furniture. Models of modern sofas are equipped with electric drives, can be folded out, are produced in modules and have become more practical, having, unfortunately, lost the elegance of antiquity.

join the discussion

Share with your friends

Most standard apartments in multi-storey buildings cannot boast of a large number of square meters, which is why homeowners have to look for furnishing options that will, on the one hand, correspond to the necessary functionality of the room, and on the other hand, will not create a clutter of furniture in the space. Small folding sofas can be a good solution. In our article we will talk about what they are and how to choose the optimal model

Accordion

The accordion occupies a significant area, but is durable and does not create difficulties when unfolding. For these reasons, it is recommended for studio apartments.

Note!

  • Gray sofa - TOP 180 photos and video designs with a gray sofa. Advantages and disadvantages of furniture in gray tones. Gray sofa upholstery options
  • Bookcase - the need to use a bookcase. Varieties of designs, sizes and shapes. Bookcase materials (photo + video)
  • Leather sofas: advantages and disadvantages of leather sofas. Color options in leather upholstery. Combination of a sofa in the interior (photo + video)

The couch is an aristocrat among sofas

The sofa-couch came into fashion under Louis XV. Initially, the couch looked like a couch with eight legs and did not have a headboard. Later, its shape changed - a back appeared, and half of the legs disappeared.

In a private interior, a couch is a piece for sitting in a relaxed position, slightly diagonally and not fully extending your legs.

In the photo: a couch with textile trim Arketipo Coast.

There is a separate type of couch - recamier. It is easy to recognize by its specially shaped high armrest, which merges with the back at the end. You can sit on the river reclining on your side - in this case, its shape follows the curves of the body.

In the photo: recamier from the Silik factory. Left: Art. 599. Right: Art. 598.

Sofa book

The sofa book is available in four main versions. All models have storage drawers and disassembly is fairly easy.

This design does not imply its frequent use in the unfolded state. For this reason, it should be purchased only if such a sofa is not a permanent sleeping place.

Overview of species

Let's take a closer look at the most popular types of mini-sofas.

Roll-out

Models with a roll-out transformation mechanism usually have a metal frame, and this is an undoubted advantage of the products, since the service life of such furniture is quite long.

When disassembling the sofa, you need to roll it to the side, then you get a double bed.

Most often, such sofas are installed in the nursery.

"Eurobooks"

Disassembling this sofa involves several steps:

  • First, you should remove all the pillows located on the sides;
  • then you need to push the seat forward all the way;
  • the backrest is placed in the vacated space.

As a result, you get a level and comfortable place to rest.

As a rule, a fairly spacious unit is provided under the seat to accommodate bedding and other bedding items.

Folding beds

Folding models are considered the simplest and cheapest, and the method of their transformation is the most common for compact sofas.

Model features:

  • the design has a small folding bed built into the lower half of the sofa;
  • when disassembling the product, lift the lid, remove it, and then unfold the folding bed;
  • the sleeping place consists of three sections;
  • The dismountable mechanism is simple, so even children can do the job.

Upholstery options

The most popular types of upholstery for the kitchen: genuine leather, as well as its artificial analogue, vinyl artificial leather.

These materials are resistant to mechanical and any other aggressive influences. There are other upholstery materials that are no less durable and not susceptible to stains.

In a spacious kitchen, the sofa is placed away from the stove and sink, that is, where splashes of oil and water cannot reach. Kitchen furniture in pastel colors remains the most popular in a modern interior of any style.

Fillings and upholstery materials

The choice of upholstery and filling must be approached with special attention, since the service life of the product and its quality depend on these characteristics.

Depending on the room in which the sofa will be located, the best materials for its upholstery are selected.

Ideal options for models in the living room are leather or fabrics with clear patterns (tapestry or jacquard). Such materials will better reflect a person’s position and character than others.

A leather sofa is suitable for both a classic interior and a high-tech design

For the kitchen, it is better to choose a model with faux leather upholstery. It does not absorb odors and is easy to clean. In the children's room they choose cheap upholstery made of flock, chenille, and artificial leather. The sofa should have a calm pattern, be resistant to stains and easy to clean.

A leather sofa can be “fitted” into the kitchen interior by adding accessories in matching colors

For a home with pets, the ideal upholstery option is flock. It is the most resistant to damage. Spring confidently occupies the leading position in quality among fillers. According to consumers, such a filler will not only last a long time, but will also provide maximum comfort. The spring filler is reliable and can withstand heavy loads. It circulates air inside and benefits the back and spine. In addition to a large number of advantages, such a filler also has disadvantages, the main ones being high price, creaking and difficulty in repair.

Flock is the most practical of all possible fabrics for covering upholstered furniture.

The most popular filler is polyurethane foam.

Holofiber is capable of changing and restoring shape.

Holofiber is durable, reliable and does not cause allergies. Prevents dust accumulation and is resilient and elastic. At the same time, low-quality material manifests itself in the appearance of dents.

It is distinguished by lightness, softness, elasticity. Holofiber has an affordable price. The main properties are moisture resistance, breathability, strength, and the inability to cause allergies. This filler has no significant disadvantages.

One of the important elements of the sofa design is the filler.

Place of the sofa in the kitchen

A small kitchen sofa can be placed:

  • Near the window, where classic and corner models look good.
  • Opposite the stove and kitchen cabinets is a variation of the typical layout.
  • In a spacious kitchen and studio apartment, the sofa is placed in the center.
  • A corner sofa is placed in the corner of the room, sometimes complemented by a small table. The freed up space is used for other furniture and kitchen appliances.


In case of difficulties in choosing due to the wide variety of models, photos of the most successful designs of small kitchen sofas posted on the Internet can be of great help.

Canapes

Here, for example, is an elegant sofa called a canape. How does this model differ from a couch or ottoman (ottomane is a wide sofa with pillows replacing the backrest and bolsters on the sides)? The classic French canapé was intended to seat only 2-3 people. It has many graceful legs, hard armrests and soft upholstery. A canape looks like several chairs placed next to each other. Well, the word “canape” itself (French canapé - sofa, couch) came to France from Greece. There it was borrowed from the Egyptians, where the conopeum was a soft bed with a canopy that protected from mosquitoes. Nowadays we call a canapé just a small elegant sofa. The British use more sonorous names: loveseat and settee, that is, a sofa for lovers or just for two people sitting.

They say that the first sofa was brought to Russia from Paris as a gift to Empress Catherine by her favorite Grigory Potemkin. It was just an awesome piece of furniture - a “Turkish sofa”, strewn with bright pillows, on which as many as 12 people could fit at once. Probably after this, gigantomania associated with sofas came into fashion. In those days, in the houses of rich dignitaries, entire sofa rooms were set up, entirely filled with upholstered “Turkish” furniture. This is where this mysterious “pate” appeared.

An absolutely new model of upholstered furniture (by the way, translated from French the word pâté means soft mass, dough, pie). Most often this is an island round sofa with a raised platform, a backrest or a vase stand in the center. Such sofas, having survived many years, are still produced today. True, now they require a fair amount of ingenuity to place in our city apartments. In the old days there were no problems with this - the pate was installed in the center of the sofa, and the rest of the upholstered furniture was located along the walls in a circle. The classic version of the pate model sofa can be seen in the lobby of any hotel.

Photos of small sofas

How to choose an ottoman

You can decide which is better, an ottoman or a bed, only by knowing the parameters of the room and the features of its use. Here are some arguments:

  • An ottoman and a sofa are cheaper than a bed with a mattress.
  • An ottoman is more compact than a bed, it looks good and is conveniently located in a corner or along the wall.
  • Folding models are especially relevant for the living room or children's room, where free space is necessary.
  • A large bed and bedding inevitably turn the room into a bedroom, and a sofa and ottoman make it multifunctional.
  • The bed is more durable than an ottoman because it can be replaced with a mattress. You will have to get rid of the ottoman when it loses its elasticity and shape.
  • Modern ottoman with original shape

The Soviet ottoman often had a sleeping place consisting of several pillows and had an unpresentable appearance. Modern models have come a long way from this prototype, and therefore the ottoman is relevant again in 2021.

  • Compact ottoman in lilac tones

When choosing a specific ottoman model, pay attention to the following parameters:

  1. Folding mechanism: in addition to the “ottoman” of the same name, a roll-out couch, a Eurobook and others are used.
  2. The base material must be reliable, this parameter is especially important for folding models. The highest quality ones are made from solid wood.
  3. Availability, shape and height of backrests. Choose corner models especially carefully: the location of the backs determines in which corner the ottoman can be placed.
  4. Mattress type: independent spring blocks are the most expensive and comfortable; nothing will put pressure on the side. The usual spring mechanism adapts less well to the shape of the body, and soft fillers such as thick foam rubber are available, but are short-lived. What is better is up to you to decide.
  5. The practicality of the upholstery material and the ability to remove covers for washing are especially important for children's rooms.
  6. The shape, color, materials must correspond to the design of the room.

  • Comfortable sleeping place for several people

Before purchasing, be sure to evaluate what the model looks like in real life: pictures in catalogs may not accurately convey color and create illusions regarding size.

Where to put and how to use the couch

Certain types of couches are appropriate in absolutely any corner of the home: in the hallway, living room, bedroom, nursery, office on the balcony or loggia, even in the yard. Most models look organically with a long end to the wall or independently, in the free space of the room.


  • Daybed with light upholstery

This furniture is convenient for reading a book, knitting, welcoming guests, or just relaxing. Take a laptop, tablet and headphones with you, and you won’t notice how your body will completely relax and doze will creep in unnoticed. In the bedroom, it is convenient to place a blanket or blanket on the couch, and in the nursery, the mother can comfortably breastfeed the baby or take a nap if the child wakes up often.


  • Model with metal decorated legs

What types of couches are there and how they differ

The first association of many people when they hear the word couch is a hospital, an examination by a doctor. There are completely different, stylish and comfortable couches for home interiors.

  • A couch-bench with a fairly hard long seat is ideal for the hallway, where you can put on your shoes or sit on it while waiting. Also suitable for daytime relaxation. These models are light, airy, visually occupy a minimum of space, but at the same time are very functional.
  • Well-chosen upholstered furniture with bright accents
  • Daybed-bench for a country house
  • The chaise lounge has a curved anatomical shape, making it ideal for relaxing and even taking a nap after a hard day. This couch is suitable for those who have enough free space, because most models are massive and oversized, and look rather ridiculous against the wall.
  • Comfortable eco-leather chaise longue

An ideal solution for relaxing in the office or for those who do not like to push their sides on the sofa.

  • Comfortable lounge chair for relaxing
  • The couch-bed is far from classic models; the transformation mechanism turns it into a full-fledged sleeping place for one person. The optimal solution for the living room and for the owner meeting friends, and for an overstaying relative staying overnight.

  • Daybed-bed with transformation mechanism

  • The couch-chair also has a transformation mechanism, but in this case the platform extends and hides on which you can stretch your legs. A compromise option for those who have no place to sit or feel uncomfortable sitting in a soft chaise longue.
  • Comfortable place to relax

Any couch is narrower than an ottoman, sofa bed or sofa in a classic design. None of the varieties listed should be used as the main sleeping place.

  • Additional seating area

The sofa-couch is more of a sofa, since it has a full back and 2 “headboards”. The name couch in this case indicates the folding mechanism of the sofa. When folded, headboard armrests have an inclined plane and allow you to sit reclining with your legs stretched out, like on a couch. By lowering these armrests, you can get a full-fledged sleeping place for one person. For a teenager or in a small apartment it can become the main one.

  • A sophisticated model in a delicate powdery shade
Rating
( 2 ratings, average 4 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]