Folding beds - rational use of small living space
Small apartments are not a difficulty at all, but a unique opportunity for a good rest. Modern folding beds allow owners to use living space rationally, while not prejudice to themselves. Thanks to the lifting mechanism, manufacturers create many options for transforming the bed place. Such devices are perfectly combined with sofas, wardrobes and pedestals. As a result of this commonwealth, several pieces of furniture are simultaneously placed in a small area. However, the question arises of how to choose the right model for your apartment. To do this, you need to consider each of them separately.
Folding beds - an amazing constructive solution of our time
Engineers have developed only 2 types of such devices. Vertical patterns are suitable for buildings with high ceilings, because the mattress length for them is from 200 to 220 cm. These are mainly double lifting beds, which are installed in studio apartments. Horizontal models are single, and sometimes one-and-a-half designs. Due to their small size, they are mounted in wardrobes, where free space is taken under the shelves for storing things. This option is used in children's rooms or living rooms.
The frame for such furniture is made from:
- MDF;
- natural wood;
- DPS.
The basis for orthopedic mattresses in the products are bent-glue lamellas. The lattice surface has unique cushioning properties as it reduces back pressure at maximum load. As a result, they are evenly distributed over the entire surface, which increases the life of the product.
When choosing a folding bed, it is important to take into account some of the features of the device of its frames:
- The optimal number of adhesive strips should be 26-30 pcs. As a standard, they are located at a distance of 5 cm (for springless mattresses) or 3 cm (spring products) from each other.
- Narrow lamellas (3-4 cm wide) are especially flexible and absorb any sound waves.
- Wider slats (5-7 cm) begin to deform over time, especially at the joints with the frame.
- Method of attachment to the base. Overhead lamellas are fixed with a special metal rim. The cut-in parts are mounted using 2 pins-holders.
Furniture should only be fastened to concrete / brick walls that have full bearing capacity. Raising and lowering the bed daily puts a lot of stress on the building. Therefore, it is not recommended to mount it to plasterboard partitions.
Given such structural features of the base of the transforming bed, you can find a worthwhile option for your apartment. Moreover, the buyer will clearly understand what exactly he is investing in.
Classification of folding bed mechanisms
Depending on the location of the device against the wall (vertically or horizontally), the principle of its folding is determined. The swing-out models use air springs, and the swing-out models use special hinge systems.
Among other things, there are 3 types of folding bed mechanisms:
- Spring loaded. Designed for intense loads. The device consists of coil springs of different calibers, as well as an adjusting screw. It is he who controls the force of compression and extension of each spring under a power load.
- Gas-lift. These expensive wall-to-wall folding beds are durable and easy to use. A special pneumatic piston is built inside the system. It is driven by gas, which creates pressure on the piston when the structure is raised or lowered.
- Remote or manual. A bed with a remote control folding mechanism is considered very comfortable. Thanks to the integrated electric drive, the system can be unfolded or folded from a distance. The functionality of more primitive manual-type models is dependent on human effort.
When buying furniture, you need to carefully consider the fixation system in the closed and open position, as well as at the moment of movement. The warranty period for the product as a whole must be at least 1.5 years. But manufacturers give the mechanism up to 5 years.
Often the cost of the bed, as well as its service life, directly depends on these features. To understand which option is suitable for each individual apartment, you need to consider several models of such structures.
Varieties of folding beds - an opportunity to create a chic interior
Good sleep determines 90% of the success of the next day. Therefore, the folding bed should be comfortable, spacious and easy to use. However, housing problems do not allow sufficient space to be allocated to a sleeping place. Manufacturers have found a unique solution to this problem.
Folding wardrobe bed - mastery of 21st century disguise
Such transforming furniture fits perfectly into children's room, study or living room. For sliding wardrobes, manufacturers suggest choosing double models (euro standard). The furniture set will luxuriously fit 2 single beds, separated by shelves, bedside tables or shelves. Each such folding bed, built into the wardrobe, is equipped with legs, either pull-out type, or in the form of a solid platform. For ease of use, the sleeping mattress is fixed with special straps.
The facade of such products is made from:
- plastic;
- laminated chipboard;
- mirror panels;
- natural wood;
- MDF.
On the practical side, it is better to choose cabinets with sliding doors. In them, the headboard goes deep into the furniture by only 30-40 cm. Swing doors, when disassembled, will close the berth by almost half. Moreover, it does not look very aesthetically pleasing and beautiful.
The doors of wardrobes with folding beds are the main decorative element of the room.
Mirror surfaces can be different:
- matte;
- with photo printing;
- colored;
- with contour patterns.
Designers often combine these decoration methods. They also install shelves inside the cabinet, which enhance the supporting function of the furniture walls. In addition, it gives the interior a complete look, as books or souvenirs on these shelves create a homely effect.
In other models, the facade is made in accordance with the design of the furniture complex. However, sometimes the legs sticking out of it can spoil the aesthetic appearance of the interior.
Convertible bed with sofa or all inclusive
Of course, free space in the room is very good. Still, when there is no way to lay your head at lunchtime, then this is already bad. Moreover, mobile babies sometimes so want to lie in a comfortable bed or jump on it. Lifting beds with a sofa, which simultaneously perform several functions, will help to correct the situation. The cost of such "3 in 1" models is quite high, so they are not suitable for everyone.
It should be borne in mind that the height of such structures is quite large, since in the unfolded state they are installed directly on the sofa. In this regard, there must be sufficient clearance between the device frame and the furniture.
Bed in the form of a curbstone for a nursery
The lifting mechanism in such models can only be of the horizontal type.This furniture is produced in medium size. No titanic efforts are required to lift the bed. A child can do this too. For this reason, they are much cheaper. Remarkably, such a bed is attached both to the wall and to the floor. Due to this, it can be installed with its end to the plane, thereby dividing the room into 2 parts.
Manufacturers also offer original designs of a two-tier plan. For large families, this is a great opportunity to rationally use the living space. The first floor often acts as a very long table, at which 2 or more people can teach lessons. The steps in these models are made of pipes. In addition, special bumpers are provided in the upper part to protect the child from falling during sleep. Thanks to the transformer bunk beds, children always have enough space for their fun.
The proposed review of folding beds showed that a small apartment is not a cause for panic. The original models of lifting structures will allow you to place an overall sleeping place in a small room. As a result, all family members will be able to recuperate after a hard day.