The rapido sofa is a particularly attractive solution when you want to combine a sofa and a real bed in one piece of furniture. Thanks to its quick-opening system, it allows you to switch from sofa position to bed position in a few seconds, without having to remove the cushions.
Also called a rapido sofa bed or an express-opening convertible sofa, it can serve as both occasional bedding and a regularly used bed, provided you choose a suitable mattress.
But how does a rapido sofa work, what are its advantages, and how do you choose the right model? Here are the main things to know before making your choice.
What is a rapido sofa?
A convertible sofa rapido is equipped with a mechanism that allows the bed to be deployed quickly, while keeping the seat and back cushions in place.
Unlike some convertible systems that require several steps before accessing the bed, the rapido system allows you to transform the sofa directly into a bed.
The mattress is integrated into the sofa's frame and unfolds with the mechanism. Once the sofa is closed, it disappears completely under the seat.
This design makes the rapido sofa a particularly suitable solution when the bed needs to be opened and closed regularly.
How does a rapido sofa work?
The operation of a rapido sofa relies on a mechanism directly integrated into its structure.
At Convertible Center, the EXPRESS system allows you to deploy the bed using a strap located behind the backrest. By pulling on it, the mechanism opens progressively to reveal the bed.
The cushions remain in place throughout the process: there is no need to remove them or find space to store them during the night.
The sofa can thus go from its living room configuration to a real bed in just a few seconds.
What is the difference between a rapido sofa and a standard convertible sofa?
The term convertible sofa generally refers to any sofa that can be transformed into a bed. However, there are several types of mechanisms, including the rapido system.
The main difference therefore lies in the way the bed is deployed.
With a rapido sofa, the mechanism is designed to allow quick opening without removing the cushions. The mattress is independent of the sofa seat and remains integrated into the frame when it is closed.
Other convertible systems may require more handling or offer a different design for the bedding.
The rapido sofa is therefore particularly attractive when the bed is used frequently and must be set up every evening.
Why choose a rapido sofa?
An opening designed for regular use
When the sofa is transformed into a bed every night, a few extra steps can quickly become a hassle.
The rapido sofa simplifies this step because there is no need to remove the cushions before opening the bed.
This feature is particularly appreciated in a studio or a small apartment, but also in a frequently used guest room.
A real mattress integrated into the sofa
The rapido sofa does not just turn its seat into a sleeping surface. It incorporates a mattress dedicated to sleep, distinct from the cushions used during the day.
Choosing the right mattress is therefore essential, especially when the sofa is intended to be used as a daily bed.
Thickness, firmness, and composition should be considered according to the frequency of use and your sleeping preferences. At Convertible Center, some sofas can accommodate mattresses up to 16 cm thick.
A rapido sofa adapted for daily sleeping
A rapido sofa for daily sleeping must be chosen with as much care as a standard bed.
Beyond the opening speed, you should look at the mattress, the slatted base, and the dimensions of the bed.
For nightly use, prioritize a mattress specifically adapted for daily sleep. To occasionally host loved ones, an occasional bed can meet different needs.
A useful space-saving feature
The rapido sofa allows you to combine two functions in the same place: a sofa during the day and a bed once the bedding is opened.
This configuration is particularly interesting when the available surface does not allow for two separate pieces of furniture.
It can be particularly suitable for:
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a studio;
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a small apartment;
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a guest room;
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an office that doubles as a bedroom;
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a secondary residence;
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a multi-purpose room.
The living room thus maintains its function during the day before becoming a sleeping area when necessary.
What size rapido sofa should you choose?
Before choosing a rapido sofa, it is important to check its dimensions in the closed position, as well as the space occupied when the bed is fully unfolded.
Several bed widths can be considered depending on the layout of the room and the number of sleepers.
120 cm rapido sofa
A 120 cm sleeping surface can be interesting when space is particularly limited. It allows you to keep a compact sofa while having a bed wider than a traditional single bed.
140 cm rapido sofa
The 140 cm rapido sofa is a common configuration for having a double bed while keeping the sofa's footprint under control.
It is particularly suitable for apartments where every available centimeter must be optimized.
160 cm rapido sofa
To benefit from a wider sleeping surface, the 160 cm rapido sofa provides more space for sleeping as a couple.
This width, however, requires you to precisely check the depth available in the room once the mechanism is opened.
How to choose a comfortable rapido sofa?
The opening system is only one criterion to take into account. A good rapido sofa must be pleasant both as a sofa and as a bed.
Check the comfort of the seat
The sofa will be used closed for a large part of the day. The seat depth, its level of firmness, back support, and armrest height must therefore match your preferences.
Choose the right mattress
To find a comfortable rapido sofa, look at the thickness, composition, and firmness of the mattress.
The choice depends above all on the frequency of use: occasional, regular, or daily.
Look at the sofa dimensions
Do not limit yourself to the dimensions of the mattress. The total width of the sofa can vary considerably depending on the design of the armrests and the structure.
In a small room, thin armrests can, for example, allow you to enjoy a generous sleeping area without excessively increasing the footprint of the sofa.
Test the rapido mechanism
If you plan to use the bed frequently, the best thing to do is to operate the sofa before making your choice.
You can come and test our convertible sofas in-store to compare the seats, mattresses, and the operation of the EXPRESS mechanism.
Opening and closing the sofa helps you better understand its daily use.
Rapido sofa: design counts too
Choosing a rapido sofa does not mean having to prioritize functionality at the expense of aesthetics.
Today, there are convertible sofas with very different designs: generous shapes, more compact silhouettes, thin or rounded armrests, high backrests, or even models with sleek lines.
The upholstery also plays a full part in the sofa's style. Corduroy, textured velvet, bouclé, tweed, or more understated fabrics allow you to choose a model that matches your desired ambiance.
The mechanism thus remains hidden when the sofa is closed: there is nothing about its appearance that reveals that a real bed is located under the seat.
Who is the rapido sofa for?
The rapido sofa can serve several purposes.
It is particularly a relevant solution for a person living in a studio who uses their sofa as a main bed. It can also serve as extra bedding in a guest room or allow you to occasionally transform an office into a bedroom.
For people who entertain regularly, the speed of the system also facilitates preparing the bed without having to completely reorganize the room.
The main thing is therefore to determine the frequency with which the bed will be used in order to choose the appropriate mattress and dimensions.
Rapido sofa: a practical solution to combine sofa and bed
The rapido sofa allows you to combine a sofa and a real bed while simplifying the switch from one to the other.
Its quick-opening system, its mattress independent of the seat, and the various bed dimensions available make it a solution adapted to both small spaces and multi-functional rooms.
To choose the right model, take into account the comfort of the sofa, the mattress, the bed width, the dimensions when opened, and the design. And if the rapido sofa is intended to become your daily bed, do not hesitate to come and test different models directly in-store before making your choice.
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