When there is no possibility to organize a full-fledged place for sleeping, there is a desire to buy a fold-out sofa. But it is uncomfortable to sleep on it, and over time your back will start to hurt. In a small apartment, you can find a better solution - this folding transforming bed. It is presented in different types, differs in design. Among this variety, you can choose an option to suit your needs.
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Folding transforming bed: features, device
Despite the complicated name, the bed in the unfolded state fully corresponds to the definition. It is a full-fledged place to sleep: it has a base in the form of a curved pipe or legs (depending on the model), mattress, headboard, bed - a set of slats, like a full-fledged orthopedic bed. It is necessary to understand the difference with other folding models - the folding version does not change the dimensions when assembled.
The sleeping area is tucked away into a niche designed for it. Given that the structure is large, it is quite heavy. This means that you need to make some effort to support the bed to prevent strong impacts during folding. This is facilitated by lifting mechanism.
In the niche, the furniture module is fixed with the help of anchor bolts. This structure should be connected to the sleeping area, not too rigidly, but firmly and reliably. The issue of such a contradiction is resolved hinges. Due to its weight, the folding transforming bed should only be mounted near a load-bearing wall. Partitions will not withstand such a load. In addition, the situation when the bed is not securely fixed is dangerous.
When the bed is raised, it is completely hidden in the niche. A decorative panel is provided on the outside. It is important that it fits into the interior.
You can choose an option:
- plastic: modern material, easy to care for;
- boards: chipboard, MDF;
- glass surface or mirror.
Lifting mechanism
The structure is assembled in different ways. The principle of operation is the same - the bed with the mattress fixed on it moves from one plane to another - from horizontal to vertical.
This is facilitated by mechanisms:
- spring;
- gas lift.
More simple and accessible - first option. Coiled springs have a limited operating cycle - the structure rises/falls up to 20,000 times. To ensure reliability, a steel bracket is provided. It is used to attach to the furniture box. An adjusting bolt is also provided. It allows you to change the degree of spring tension.
Alternative option - gas lift, which contains nitrogen. The piston mechanism is connected to the rotary plates and the main bed. Thanks to it, it is much easier to hide the sleeping place in a niche. It is the gas lift that is preferred to be used in new furniture models.
This mechanism has significant advantages.:
- long service life – up to 50 years;
- ease of control: the bed can be assembled even with one hand, and the mechanism is designed in such a way that part of the trajectory of the structure
- overcomes by inertia;
- there is no risk of the body hitting the walls of the niche, since the gas lift operates very smoothly.
The spring mechanism also has its advantages, despite the simplicity of the design.:
- the furniture looks better because the spring is less noticeable than the gas lift, which is always conspicuous, even though it looks modern;
- it is possible to change the degree of tension;
- more reasonable price.
What are the pros and cons of a foldaway bed?
When buying furniture, difficulties often arise: choosing a suitable option that will fit into the interior of the home. Comparing all its features makes the task easier.
Advantages of a foldaway bed:
- the ability to free up space and use it for other purposes;
- implementation of a large number of functions;
- saving time, no need to make the bed every time;
- ease of operation of the design: the lifting mechanism makes operation easier;
- the ability to select a design in accordance with the interior design of the room;
- modern look of furniture, originality of design solution;
- An orthopedic mattress is provided, ensuring comfortable sleep and health.
There are also disadvantages:
- difficulties that arise when you want to rest during the day - you need to find extra strength to unfold the bed;
- the need to choose a reliable place for installing a large-sized structure, not all apartments comply with building codes, maybe the renovation was done a long time ago, if the plaster is crumbling, installing a transformable bed is permissible only after a major renovation, when all layers of finishing are removed, right down to the plaster;
- high price.
The price is adjusted depending on the design and dimensions of the furniture. There are more affordable options.
What types of folding beds are there?
When considering a transformable bed with a lifting mechanism, it may seem that there are a small number of models available in stores. In fact, the choice is very wide.
The main classification is based on the type of construction.:
bed-wardrobe: when raised, it is completely hidden in a niche, such a design is called secret, since there are no signs of a sleeping place when the mechanism is raised, this is a universal option that will suit any interior, the main advantage is the solution to the main problem - freeing up space in the room;
folding sofa bed: allows you to organize a place to sleep and a separate corner for rest, for which a sofa is provided outside (from the facade side), when the furniture is unfolded it acts as a support, this option is suitable for those who want to sleep in a bed, but need an additional place to rest, where you can sit down during the day;
bed-table: compact due to the fact that the table is small in size, it performs its main function when the bed is hidden behind a decorative panel, but if you need to prepare a place to sleep, the table turns into an additional support - it takes on the load from the bed and the sleeping person, this option is often chosen for a child's room.
The classification of folding beds is also carried out by format.:
- horizontal;
- vertical.
Also, children's models are represented by a large number of types oriented horizontally. Among them, there are many options with a table.
Folding varieties are also presented in other options:
- single;
- double.
Types of beds with an additional sofa
Different types of beds are used if the set includes a sofa:
- the sofa seat is retracted downwards and remains between the walls of the frame; a special mechanism is provided for this;
- With the help of a gas lift, the seat rises, and there is free space underneath it, which can be used usefully - for storing things;
- manual disassembly of the sofa - the seat will have to be removed each time in order to proceed to the process of unfolding the bed.
The above features do not affect the dimensions of the furniture, so the choice should be made based on the level of comfort. The least suitable model is from the last group, which requires manual disassembly of the sofa. This requires additional effort. If you perform such an operation every day, a person gets tired over time.
The dimensions of the sleeping area can be:
- children's bed: 60x120 cm;
- single: 80-100x190 cm;
- one and a half: 120-150x190-200 cm;
- double: 140-160x190-200 cm.
Larger options (200x200 cm) are usually not found among folding bed models. This is due to the need to lift the structure and free up space for it when unfolded. It will be difficult to move such a product. In addition, there will be no room for it in one-room apartments.
To order a bed of non-standard dimensions, you need to take into account the load on the wall, since it changes depending on the parameters of the furniture.
What to consider when choosing - which model is better
The most obvious criteria are considered first: size and design. Other parameters that must be considered are:
Furniture format: horizontal, verticalIt is necessary to determine whether there is enough space on the wall for a niche/furniture box and whether there is enough area in the room where the bed will be folded out.
Type of lifting mechanism. Gas lift, although more noticeable, provides comfort of use. If funds allow, it is better to choose this option.
Type of bed: with a sofa, table or "secret" option. The choice does not always depend on preferences; you should take into account the configuration of the room, the number of seats, when the bed is tucked away into a niche, and the purpose of the sleeping area.
Type of frame and decorative panel materials, which remains visible after the sleeping area is raised. To reduce the weight of the structure, chipboard and MDF are used - common materials for the manufacture of mid-priced furniture.
Mattress parameters. Usually, for folding beds of this type, it is recommended to purchase products with a width of 15-25 cm. This will determine whether the bed will fit into the niche.
Popular questions
It is necessary to take into account the parameters of the fittings - the lifting mechanism, fasteners. Many products are designed for beds up to 100-200 kg, this is a significant load, but with the right choice, the fittings will be able to withstand it, the maximum pressure on the unfolded device is 250 kg.
The modern appearance of the structure is provided by a furniture board, laminated chipboard, vinyl veneer, frosted or painted glass. The choice of option is made taking into account the design of the room, the color of the finish, the purpose of the room (living room, children's room).
A single bed of minimum width can be used in different rooms, including those where sleeping space is not usually arranged: a study, a glazed and insulated loggia. This became possible due to the compact arrangement of all elements in the body of the furniture box.
There is an extended model – a wall bed. The set includes a bed, as well as a storage system, a table, a sofa, and sometimes an armchair.
Most often, the warranty is provided only for beds that are installed by experienced craftsmen who are on the company's staff. If you make a mistake, the operation of the structure will be disrupted, since a huge weight exerts pressure on the lifting mechanism, and do-it-yourself installation can be carried out with violations of technology, which will lead to a breakdown.
When buying a folding bed, first free up space in the room. This solution is often used where every centimeter of space is important - in very small apartments. To make the sleeping place comfortable, you need to choose a model taking into account the size, lifting mechanism, purpose of the furniture, etc. It is better to entrust the installation to specialists.
