A narrow sofa is one of the most ancient and mobile pieces of furniture that can fit into any interior. It appeared in Asia in the 16th century and initially looked like a narrow long bench, upholstered in soft material. It was used, in modern terms, as office or office furniture for officials working in the office. It is no coincidence that the word “sofa” itself is translated as “sheets of paper covered with writing”.
The sofa came to Russia in the 18th century thanks to the efforts of Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin, who brought it to St. Petersburg after the end of the Russian-Turkish campaign. The novelty quickly gained popularity among the nobility and, in an oriental manner, they not only sat on it, as in Europe, but also managed to sleep on it.
Modern multifunctional models these days are easy to find in the kitchen, living room, study, bedroom, children's room, hallway and even on the loggia.
Features of the
The concept of "narrow" in relation to this category of furniture has a very broad meaning. On the one hand, they include products with a shallow seat depth. On the other hand, very roomy ones are also referred to as narrow ones, but with a small length when compared with the dimensions of ordinary representatives of this type of upholstered furniture. An example of this is mini-transformers.
Narrow straight sofas are (cm):
- by lenght - from 80 to 250,
- by seat depth - from 40 to 65,
- in width - from 65 (roll-out) to 90 (book, euro book).
The forms are not very diverse. In addition to the classic rectangular ones, occasionally there are oval or fancy ones. Some time ago, in furniture stores, you could often stumble upon sofas in the hallway with a difference in height.
Small-sized models are very convenient when it comes to small-sized rooms or their infrequent use. At the same time, in appearance and performance of the main functions, babies are not inferior to ordinary sofas.
Nowadays, narrow sofas are able to provide from 2 to 5 seats, withstand up to 250 kg, and collapsible models for sleeping provide even a two-meter height in some serial collections.
Special parameters
Height of a narrow sofa - The distance from the floor to the highest point is determined by the purpose, functional features, design solution and the capabilities of the manufacturer.
Height is of fundamental importance only if there is a place for sleeping. In classic models of the "click-clack" type, the standard is 90 cm, in transformers - 70 cm, in the narrowest models - "books", it is reduced to the permissible values according to GOST: when disassembled, the space for a night's rest in width cannot be less than 50 cm …
When decorating the interior, you should initially plan and select the same height for all types of upholstered furniture, if you intend to place them in one in the living room. The only exceptions are fireplaces and rocking chairs.
There is one more design rule regarding the classic design: the backs of sofas and armchairs should not exceed the height of the windowsill. In all other cases, such conventions are disregarded.
The height and depth of the seat defines the sofa's unique vocation. For eating or other activities at the table, its dimensional characteristics practically coincide with the characteristics of chairs - 40/42/45, and there are also 50 cm from the floor. In view of their design features, most transformers are also high. These include all types of American folding beds - 47 cm.
For rest, use lower models with the ability to calmly stretch your legs.
Scroll sofas are considered the lowest among the narrow ones. These original models consist of a rolled mattress or a folded seat. The back is usually decorated in an oriental style. The disassembled sleeping area is located directly on the floor, legs and base are not provided.
On super-narrow seats, from 40 to 45 cm, you won't sit up for a long time, so in order to relax and not rush anywhere, you need at least half a meter. From 60 cm the depth count begins for the overall clamshell models. It is this value that allows the withdrawable systems to be accommodated. More comfortable "books" or "dolphins" have their own standard - 90 cm.
Length is important when planning seating, which must be taken into account when choosing a sofa for the kitchen. According to GOST, one person accounts for 50-60 cm. These minimum values are associated with the space at the dining table, which is necessary for guaranteed comfort and eliminates interference from those sitting next to them.
Operating rules
Over the two decades at the end of the last century and the beginning of this century, upholstered furniture seemed to have narrowed and became smaller by 15% compared to its predecessors. Mini-models against this background no longer contrast so much with the "big brother".
Compactness has become the personification of the hidden reserves of its owner. The Champ couch by Tobias Franzel has combined the passivity of relaxation with active sports training. The back of this soft mini structure transforms into a fighting bag when transformed.
To stand out and be able to defend their place in the sun, manufacturers increase the functionality of products from 2 in 1 to 4 in 1, desperately "stuffing" the backs, armrests, legs and base of the case with all kinds of devices. Oddly enough, ordinary high-quality furniture imperceptibly moves from the category of "things for the poor" into a luxury item, because it is understood that the owner has so much free space that he can afford "simplicity".
Benches
The varieties of this large group are most often defined by narrow and super-narrow sofas of several types:
- without backs;
- with backs;
- with armrests;
- with backs and armrests.
Outwardly, the simplest models resemble modernized benches. The lack of a backrest does not allow you to enjoy a good rest. This disadvantage is compensated for by a lightweight structure, which can be moved from room to room without much effort if necessary.
Benches-sofas can be: lightweight - sofa-canapes on graceful legs with carved light backs, like chairs, or massive, to the floor; hard or soft padded. Small chambers or hanging storage boxes are used as additional elements; shelves and built-in cabinets are rare.
Various materials are used for manufacturing, so the benches are easy to choose in accordance with the existing style of the room.
Backless models are intended for rare celebrations when more seating is required or for offices where there is a short waiting period for visitors. Exquisite narrow banquettes can decorate a spacious living room or hall.
Super-narrow and narrow sofas are successfully used in hallways, dressing rooms, on loggias or verandas, as a bedside foot in bedrooms.
Recliners
The recliner is an invention of the 19th century, a classic attribute of upholstered office furniture. "Recline" in English means "recline", "recline". The first samples were a bench with armrests, due to which a sleeping place was formed. On it, although without much convenience, one could take a nap, tired or staying late at work.
Today, the models of this group suggest mechanisms for transforming all parts of the sofa: backrest, armrests, footrests, headrests. In addition, when assembled, it is possible to automatically or with little effort change the position, adjust the height and angle of inclination of all structural elements. The most advanced electric models are equipped with a massager and a glider.
When assembled, the recliners take up little space, are airy, and fit organically into the interiors of offices, creative workshops or small guest rooms.
Transformers
Due to hidden mechanisms, even when assembled, they are the largest representatives of narrow sofas. Available with or without armrests. All models are upholstered and sometimes have storage systems.
Small giants are most often located in the kitchen, although they get along well in the nursery, office and even in the living room. In all cases, even before purchasing, it is important to foresee how the dimensions of the planned sofa are consistent with other furniture in the room, whether there will be enough space for it in disassembled form (the value is indicated in the description as the width of the product).
There are transformers according to the folding mechanism system:
"Book" - sleeping place formed by opening the form by analogy with a book with a slight forward movement of the seat. A fairly strong and durable design, but the height differences at the junction of the back and seat are very noticeable. Due to additional functions, the "Click-Clack" is considered a modernized version of the "book". The backs of these sofas are fixed in a sitting, half-sitting and reclining position
Couch or "Eurobook" - removable back cushions are involved in the formation of the bed, they fill the vacated space when the seat is moved forward. They have no height differences, are reliable and easy to operate. The sofa belongs to this family
French and American folding beds - guest option. The disassembled French triple fold sofa is not designed for heavy weight. During operation, deformation of individual elements is likely, even with careful use, the clamshell breaks down after 5 years. The bed of both is not very comfortable
With withdrawable system - one of the most reliable transformation mechanisms, designed for frequent use. The sleeping place is located low, which in some cases creates inconvenience
"Accordion" provides the most spacious and comfortable bed, folds out according to the accordion principle. The sofa is reliable in operation, which provides it with a leading position among transformers
"Dolphin" ("Kangaroo") - the sleeping place is formed by stretching the sleeping surface. The system is robust enough for daily use. The duration of operation is limited by the class of closers
To the kitchen
The main difference between these sofas is in additional requirements for the strength and quality of the material.in. Otherwise, the choice of a model for the kitchen is made as in other cases: based on the size of the room, its general style, the decision of the dining area and personal taste preferences.
Temperature fluctuations, pollution, cleaning are a serious test, therefore, wooden parts are treated with a special compound, which significantly extends their service life and prevents possible swelling or cracking. But even in this case, sofas made of flammable materials should be located at a considerable distance from the stove and the battery. The only exceptions are aluminum structures and forging.
The upholstery is preferable to be non-marking, odorless and easy to clean: leather, leatherette, flock, microfiber, reinforced jacquards. The variety of durable and beautiful upholstery fabrics grows from year to year, more progressive solutions with increased protective properties appear.
A narrow sofa for the kitchen is in the next video.