Advantages of sofas with a tick-to-tack mechanism, basic shapes and sizes

Due to their compactness and ease of use, the folding sofas quickly become and still remain popular furniture, which is often used to decorate small apartments. One of the folding design options is a sofa with a tick-to-tack mechanism. Our article will describe in detail all the features of this interior item.

What is a tick-tack sofa, or pantograph

This design is the exact opposite of the usual transformers, in which the lower part is advanced due to the wheels passing on the floor. It is also worth noting that the pantograph is the second name of the tick-to-couch sofa.

It can be either direct or angular, go without or with armrests. Its layout allows you to get a standard double bed with sizes from 140x200 cm or more. It can be equipped with an orthopedic mattress.

How the sofa ticks

To decompose it is a simple task, just follow this instruction:

Remove pillows and other decorative items from the pantograph.
Gently raise the seat and pull it toward you, slide it forward, and then place it on the floor.
To fill in the empty space that appears behind the seat, lower the soft part of the back into it.
Cover the laid out furniture with bed linen.

Photo: The principle of operation of the tick-tock mechanism (pantograph) in the sofa

To assemble the pantograph back, follow all the steps described in reverse order. Folding and folding the sofa is very easy, so it can be used to design a children's room without worrying that the child will not be able to cope with it on their own. Transformation is possible even with one hand.

Photo: Tick-tack sofa, model Julia by Hoff

Advantages and disadvantages

The main benefits include the following:

Ease of use.
Reliability and durability.
Smooth surface of a berth.
Capacious linen box.
When unfolding the legs do not spoil the floor covering.

Tick-tak sofas have few disadvantages, but they still have:

for some, the folded seat may seem too wide,
the design consists of a large number of parts, which complicates the repair of furniture in case of breakage,
high price.

Customer reviews

Most often, buyers of “tic-tac” sofas are satisfied with the purchased furniture. They note the following benefits:

Convenience and ease of folding and folding, thanks to which the furniture can be used by both children and adults,
compact sizes, allowing comfortable placement of such furniture even in the smallest rooms,
convenient double back partition,
unassembled pantograph looks no worse than assembled,
beautiful appearance, which allows you to harmoniously fit into any interior,
comfortable and roomy linen box,
spacious sleeping place, which easily fits two adults.

What is the difference between tick-tack and eurobook mechanisms, which is better

Tick-tock is an improved version of the Eurobook, characterized by a transformation mechanism.

When unfolding the Eurobook, the seat is rolled with wheels on the floor each time, while the tic-tac design has a pantograph that allows the seat to be pulled out without touching the floor.

Because of this feature, the frequent use of the Eurobook as a bed can lead to rapid damage to the flooring. Therefore, if you plan to disassemble the transformer furniture every evening, you should buy a tick-tock, which is completely safe for any floor covering. In addition, the wheels used in the Eurobook often fail, which is another drawback of this design.

Video: The tick-tock mechanism (pantograph) in the sofa, as it unfolds

The tick-tak sofa bed is comfortable and reliable furniture, perfect for a small apartment. If you invest in the purchase of such an interior item, you will get a sofa that will fit perfectly into the design of your home and will last for many years.

Design features

If you plan to use upholstered furniture as a guest or a permanent place to relax, you must purchase a sofa with a transformation mechanism. The teak-tack sliding system has a rather complicated structure, made of durable metal parts. To prevent skewing of the frame during the transformation, a synchronizing bar and a special spring are installed in the sofas.

To extend the structure using the pantograph mechanism, it is necessary to perform a series of sequential actions:

Raise the seat up using fixed loops or holding the edge of the frame.
Pull the block towards you in a smooth motion, without much effort.
Extend the mobile support legs, if the mechanism does not provide a spring that automates the process.
Lower the back into the vacant space, with the help of which the sofa is laid out and converted into a flat berth.

The presence of rubber pads on the legs of the sofa will protect the floor from mechanical damage.

Unfolding the structure is carried out in almost two movements, this does not require physical effort. Hence one of the names of the mechanism - "tick-tock." The simplicity and ease of transformation allows you to install such a model in the nursery, because the child will be able to independently prepare for bed.

Sofas with a tick-tock mechanism differ in shape, frame material, filler, and have both pros and cons. Their main advantages:

convenient transformation
folding system strength,
flat surface of a spacious resting place,
maintaining the integrity of the flooring,
the ability to install furniture close to the wall,
the presence of a capacious box for storing linen.

Cons of tic-tac sofas:

the inconvenience of a too wide seat when folded
the difficulty of repairing the pantograph mechanism for the sofa due to the large number of parts,
high cost model.

Varieties and sizes

The tick-to-tack transformation system has several more names designating the same mechanism:

“Pantograph” is the official name of the sliding mechanism used on the market and in manufacturers' catalogs.
“Puma” - a berth is formed not by lowering the soft back, but by raising an additional platform, hidden under the seat. The model does not have a compartment for linen.
“Walking Eurobook” - differs from the standard model by the absence of roll-out rollers spoiling the floor covering.

Pantograph

Cougar

Walking Eurobook

Two main types of transforming sofas are distinguished in form:

Direct sofa. It is located along the wall, extends with the help of one main section.
Angular. The L-shaped model has two sections, the side one being stationary with a box for storing linen, and a retractable one can significantly increase the size of a berth.

For the convenience of attaching pillows in preparation for bed, removable holders are used.

Manufacturers offer pantograph sofas with removable or stationary, soft or hard armrests, with open shelves or minibars integrated in the sidewalls. Some models do not have armrests at all. Such designs are installed in the bedroom, because the lack of side parts facilitates access to the unfolded sofa from any direction.

Despite the fact that there are no official uniform dimensional standards, and manufacturers offer to make the selected model in any required dimensions, several basic options for upholstered furniture differ: standard straight, large, small and corner sofa. The table shows the parameters of products of different sizes. You should definitely familiarize yourself with the dimensions of furniture before purchasing.

The size of a berth, mm

Seat depth mm

When purchasing a furniture structure, it is necessary to pay attention to the dimensions not only in the folded, but also in the unfolded state. Sofa "pantograph" requires a lot of work space for folding.

Materials of manufacture

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture make transforming sofas with a variety of filler, upholstery and frame material. The life of the products depends on the choice of components. By production of economic models cheaper, and therefore less qualitative materials are used.

For the manufacture of the basis are used:

Metal frame. The steel frame is made of thin-walled tubes. Models with a tick-to-tack transformation mechanism are produced with the installation of a combination or metal base. The use of slats or wave springs allows you to increase the permitted maximum weight to 250 kg.
Tree. Solid and durable frames are made of hard material: oak, walnut, ash. Using pine reduces the cost of production, reduces the cost of finished products, but adversely affects the quality and durability. Elite models are made of mahogany. The folding mechanism of the sofa is made of steel parts.
Particleboard and plywood. Combined frames in which wood and wood-particle boards are connected are installed to reduce the cost of furniture. The most fragile are sofas with a base of plywood.

As a filler in the manufacture of sofas are used:

Polyurethane foam. A popular artificial filler is foam rubber made from a mixture of polymers. For sofa mats, both standard sheet material of different thicknesses and a cast version manufactured for a specific shape are used.
Bonnel springs. An economical mattress whose individual springs are connected together by a spiral wire. Cons of this option: short service life, the inability to replace individual springs and low orthopedic effect.
Independent spring unit. Each spring of such a mattress is placed in an individual linen bag, which greatly facilitates the replacement of individual parts, and also increases the duration of the furniture's operational life.

An orthopedic mattress with an independent spring unit, a tik-so sofa folding mechanism and wear-resistant upholstery material are recommended components of ideal upholstered furniture for rest and sleep.

A huge amount of materials can be used for upholstery: velor, jacquard, chenille, flock, tapestry, artificial or genuine leather. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, it is necessary to pay attention to certain properties of tissues:

Wear resistance. To increase the service life, fabrics are treated with special impregnation, which increases the strength and fire resistance of the material.
Breathability. The "breathing" tissue is protected from the development of bacteria, parasites.
Hypoallergenicity. This is a necessary criterion for furniture in a nursery or bedroom.
Ease of care. Daily dry or wet cleaning injures the fibers of the fabric, deforming the coating. Teflon spraying increases the dust, dirt-repellent properties of the fabric.
Color fastness. High-quality material does not fade in the sun, does not change the brightness of the colors during heat treatment or mechanical friction.

Popular manufacturers

Russian manufacturers use modern equipment of the latest generation, high-quality materials, high-quality fittings. Designers develop the latest models of upholstered furniture taking into account the wishes of consumers. Popular factories that monitor the quality of finished products and offer a wide range of sofas with a pantograph transformation mechanism:

Parma. Factory from Perm, which specializes in the manufacture of children's furniture. The work uses only high-quality and safe materials from Russian and foreign manufacturers.
Ardoni. Another domestic company known for its modern and practical furniture. Production is in Ulyanovsk. The company prides itself in combining the experience, knowledge of the masters and the latest developments.
MDV. Domestic manufacturer, which has been operating since 1998. The product range includes more than 150 furniture models. The manufacturer assures that any product can be used both at home and for commercial purposes.
"Master Furniture". This company specializes in the manufacture of only sofas and armchairs. The assortment includes direct, angular, modular models, recliners, and kitchen products.

The sofa “tick-tock” is very convenient to use, easy to fold out, does not take up too much space, therefore it is in demand among people with different incomes and living standards. It does not damage the floor, forms a flat berth. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to the model from a well-known manufacturer, be sure to familiarize yourself with the quality certificate.

Parma Ardoni MDA Master Furniture

Reviews of goods in the category Pantograph sofas (tick-tack)

Comfortable, stylish, compact.

Beautiful, soft, comfortable, easy to fold out, removable covers.

Comfortable, large berth, comfortable, lightweight mechanism - easy to fold out.

There is a smell. But when you buy a new car, it also smells.

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What does it mean?

The tick-to-tack mechanism got its name for a simple way of folding, which is performed in two movements: “lifted - pulled”. It belongs to the longitudinal-extendable type of folding and has both its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the tick-to-tack mechanism are as follows:

unfolding occurs without the need to move the sliding part on the surface of the floor or floor covering, which avoids damage to surfaces caused by the regular movement of the support elements along the same path,
transformation mechanism does not require much effortthat allows you to carry out the folding sofa bed for both children and the elderly,
high reliability and large allowable weight loads, which are provided by the increased bearing area of the sliding part, when compared with mechanisms using rollers,
spacious pallet boxes for storing bedding and decorative pillows.

The disadvantages inherent in sofa beds with a tick-to-tack mechanism are as follows:

the large width of the pull-out panel of the sofa makes it inconvenient to use it for sitting, which usually requires the use of special decorative pillows,
the tick-to-tack transformation mechanism is rather complicated structurally, in case of breakdown its replacement will cost a lot,
the use of an expensive transformation mechanism and the presence of special decorative pillows causes a high price for the product, when compared with other options.

Varieties of sofas

Transforming sofas with a tick-to-tack mechanism have the two most common varieties - regular (straight) and corner. The design difference is clear from the name, namely:

ordinary (direct) built according to the classical scheme and have one pull-out section the size of the entire sofa,

angular are L-shaped, in addition to the main section there is a side section, which can be both stationary and folding.

Corner models constructively allow combining the area of the main pull-out section and the side, which significantly increases the total sleeping area of the bed. The back of the sofa fits in place of the extendable section, creating with it a common surface. For the convenience of placing pillows, additional removable supports can be used, which are installed only for bed mode and are stored in drawer pallets. Side backs are made with and without armrests.

Children's models usually do not have armrests, and the backs themselves are completely covered with a layer of soft filler to ensure safety.

Orthopedic models are made in such two ways as:

with orthopedic construction and the filler of the panels of the sofa bed,
with separate orthopedic mattress, which is used only in bed mode, allowing you to extend its life and simplifying replacement if necessary.

Frame

For the manufacture of frames and side backs of sofa beds, both natural wood and its combination are usually used. with modern types of particleboard, fiberboard and plywood. Sections are performed on a metal frame, with a combination of metal and wooden elements or are completely wooden. The folding mechanism is made of metal. The retractable section has elements for convenient holding in the form of handles or structural grooves and recesses.

Fillers

Fillers for sections of sliding sofa beds are one of the most important factors of ease of use and durability. Due to the design features, spring metal blocks are used extremely rarely, and polymeric materials are used for orthopedic options. Typically, the filling of sections is combined from several types, the main array is made more durable and elastic, and the top layer of soft materials is used to create relief and improve performance.

As fillers for sections using such modern materials as:

polyurethane foam - highly porous foam material, which is obtained by mixing several synthetic polymers, the service life is 5-8 years,
periotek - non-woven material made of high quality polyester fibers, service life - 10-12 years,
struttofiber - combined material produced by the technology of "non-woven independent springs" of synthetic and natural fibers, service life - 10-12 years,
synthetic winterizer - synthetic material in the form of a non-woven fabric made of polyester fibers, service life - up to 5 years,
holofiber - An improved version of synthetic winterizer, with fibers of a spiral structure, the service life is 5-10 years,
latex - combined material based on natural rubber, service life - up to 20 years,
durafil it is a non-woven fabric made from hollow polyester fibers glued to the base, it has a structure resembling a spring block, its service life is 10-12 years,
foam rubber - the same polyurethane foam, but of the lowest quality and strength, service life - 3-5 years.

Upholstery

Upholstery materials from natural, synthetic and mixed fabrics have a wide selection of characteristics and colors. They must be selected depending on the operating conditions of the sofa bed, given the presence of direct sunlight, pets, use in children's rooms. Consider the most popular upholstery options.

Cotton - natural inexpensive material. Its environmental friendliness allows you to use it for children's furniture. It usually has a wide selection of colors, patterns and patterns. The service life is 5-6 years.

Shenill - for its manufacture using a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. Its surface has a pleasant to the touch pile. It has high strength and wear resistance, hypoallergenic. Of the disadvantages is the high absorption of liquids. Service life - up to 30 years.

Velveteen - can be both natural and artificial. It has sufficient strength, resistance to sunlight, is not afraid of exposure from animals. The material requires careful maintenance, has increased absorption of liquids. Service life - up to 15 years.

Flock - artificial material having a nice pile surface. It is characterized by high strength and water resistance, animal hair does not stick to it. The disadvantages are the absorption of odors and the attrition of the pile over time. Service life - up to 15 years.

Suede and velor - natural or artificial material having a pleasant velvety surface. The natural version is used less and less, inferior to the artificial one in strength and durability. The service life is 7-12 years.

Jacquard - special technology of weaving yarns provide the material with high strength. It has a spectacular embossed texture and high resistance to sunlight. Service life is 10-12 years.

Tapestry - a classic material from natural raw materials, but recently synthetic additives have been used to increase strength. It has a long service life, a wide selection of colors and patterns, while it does not tolerate exposure to direct sunlight. Service life - up to 15 years.

Genuine Leather - one of the most expensive natural types of material. It is characterized by high strength, moisture resistance and ease of maintenance. The disadvantages include a small selection of colors and the effect of “stickiness”. Service life - up to 20 years.

Arpatek - artificial material originally created for the automotive industry. The advantages of the material are strength, abrasion resistance, color fastness and ease of care. Service life - up to 15 years.

Important! For most types of upholstery materials, a large number of varieties are produced, which often have their own unique names, which can create difficulties when choosing.

Dimensions

“Tick-tak” sofa beds are produced in various sizes, the choice of which depends on the manufacturer’s product range and purpose. Typical parameters are as follows:

ordinary (straight) models have a length of 205, 225, 245 and 260 cm, a width (depth) of 100, 105, 110 cm, a height of 75, 80, 85 cm,

angular ones have a length of 225, 235, 250, 270, 350 cm, a width (depth) of 155-180 cm, a height of 75, 80, 85 cm.

Important! After unfolding the sofa, the berth usually has dimensions 195x155, 215x155, 210x160, 320x170 cm.

The sizes of children's models are as follows:

length - 100, 120, 160 and 185 cm,
width - 80, 85, 90 and 100 cm,
height 65, 70, 75 and 80 cm.

Important! In shops and furniture salons that directly work with the manufacturer, the opportunity to individually order product sizes, as well as upholstery and filler material is available.

Color palette and design

Equally important when choosing a sofa bed is its style and color, which should be in harmony with the overall style and color palette of the room. Designers distinguish more than 50 styles used in the manufacture of modern furniture, the main ones are presented below.

Hi-tech (or lounge) differs in calm monophonic colors and simplicity of geometric shapes. The use of metallic chrome elements is typical, but natural wood is used extremely rarely. Modern fabrics are used for upholstery, color preferences are given to black, white, gray, silver and metallic.

Loft - A modern style for ordinary rooms. He uses canonical elements - open concrete walls, brickwork, communications. Preference is given to concise models of bright colors, incompatible materials are used at first glance - plastic and stainless steel in combination with upholstery made of natural materials.

Art Deco inspired by the aesthetics of cubism and the ethnic styles of small nations. Unusual natural materials or their imitation are traditionally used - ivory, noble wood, bamboo. Exotic types of genuine leather or their artificial substitutes are ideal for upholstery.

Eco created as opposed to urbanism, for those who seek back to nature. Only natural wood and its natural colors are used, imitation of knots and natural texture, repetition of natural forms. Upholstery is also made from natural materials.

Patchwork - patchwork. This style is now incredibly popular.

Boho - very distinctive, rich style, replete with bold colors. Furniture usually has squat, wide and comfortable shapes without any frills. Often this style is used in children's rooms.

Retro (60-70s of the XX century). Furniture should be compact, without excessive decor, but at the same time of various shapes. Strict and angular, with smooth bends and fantasy solutions are popular. The colors are classic, pastel colors with a predominance of geometric texture.

Military different brutality and functionality, it is ideal for men. Sofa bed in this style should be a strict geometric shape, a little rude. The decoration should be in a minimalist style, but decoration with elements of heraldry is allowed.

Shabby chic - the style of artificially aged things and their elements, creating a special atmosphere of bohemian chic. It is characterized by shabby legs and armrests with a predominance of light colors.

Classic characterized by the mandatory presence of carvings, pads, gilding and other pathos elements. Only natural materials are used, the colors of the upholstery are mostly calm, with floral ornaments.

How are they laid out?

Unfolding and folding the sofa bed “tick-tock” will not cause difficulties and does not require much physical effort. It is recommended to read the operating instructions from the manufacturer of the product, it will indicate personal features for the model. Typically, this is the arrangement of handles or other elements for holding the drawer during folding or folding, especially support devices or surfaces, a method of folding the back panel and returning it to its original position.

To unfold the sofa, you should adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

remove decorative pillows and used coverings,
lift the front of the drawer and pull it outward until it is fully extended, then lower it,
if necessary, fold decorative pillows into drawer pallets,
lower the back of the sofa into the vacant seat, while remember to place the strap correctly for conveniently raising the panel.

To fold the sofa, it is worth following steps such as:

lift the back panel using the existing strap for convenience,
remove the decorative pillows from the pallets,
lift the drawer and gently push it into the sofa until it is fully folded.

Review Reviews

Customer reviews of sofa beds with a tick-to-tack transformation mechanism allow us to confidently consider it rather reliable and durable. Users clearly mark a positive aspect of the convenience of folding the sofa without the need to move the moving part on the floor or floor, especially those who previously had folding sofas with a system on casters that constantly got tangled up or left marks on the floor surface. And also for many, the positive point is that for use in the single version there is no need to lay out a sofa bed, but simply remove the decorative pillows.

Negative reviews usually relate to decorative pillows, which often have dimensions that do not allow them to be stacked in drawer pallets, and they take up space in the room while using the bed.

See how to fold and unfold a sofa in the video below.

Color Options and Decor

Sofas of various colors are produced. In the assortment of any manufacturer, there are certainly classic black, white, gray options. For lovers of pastel colors to choose from pink, beige, peach, lilac shades. Among the bright colors, the most popular are saturated blue tones, fresh green, juicy red, dazzling yellow.

It is important not to make a mistake with the choice of color. The option you like should be in harmony with the interior design of the living room or bedroom.

The sofa comes with pillows that are covered with the same material as the furniture itself. Such accessories, depending on the texture of the fabric, are often decorated with ruffles and frills. So that the sofa does not lose its attractiveness over time, and scuffs do not appear on it, a plaid is used to cover the product. It is represented by various materials, such as acrylic, fur, terry, tapestry, silk, satin.