Wardrobe-bed transformer: device and rules for choosing folding beds

Types of transforming cabinets

According to their size and purpose, transforming cabinets are divided into three types:

• Single-bed option, which is installed in the bedroom or guest room. They are often used in country houses and cottages. When assembled, it completely frees up space, leaving room for shelves with things, a bedside table or a table. The bed-wardrobe is sold separately or as a set with a set.
• Double wardrobe designed for couples. It has increased reliability and durability compared to other types;
• Children's. The lightness of the design and lifting mechanisms allow even a child to handle the cabinet without much difficulty or force.

Depending on the dimensions, the furniture is installed in a specific room. Small wardrobe beds serve children in their spaces. Massive structures serve as a place to relax in the bedroom. There are other models that have original folding methods.

Main varieties

Transformable furniture is a product that has been in high consumer demand for several years now. It is quite natural that manufacturers are expanding their range, improving and modifying popular models. Along with the usual “2 in 1” transformers, products are offered that combine the functions of 3 or more pieces of furniture. Depending on the area and interior of the room, in each case you can choose the ideal option.

Single and double

A single bed equipped with a lifting mechanism, as a rule, provides standard sizes: length - from 200–210 cm, width - 70–90 cm. Conventionally, one and a half models can also be included in this group, the demand for which is always high. Here the width varies from 120 to 160 cm, while the length remains standard. The dimensions of children's furniture are much smaller, the width rarely exceeds 0.7 m, the length is in the range of 120–160 cm. Products with one sleeping place can be folded out in two ways:

• vertical, when the lift-and-fold mechanism is attached to the end of the bed;
• horizontal, when the side of the bed and the wall of the closet are connected.

Double models can only be folded vertically. Considering the width of the structure, which can reach 2 m, this feature should not be considered a disadvantage. Double transformable beds with a wardrobe can be successfully combined with many modern interior styles; the main thing is to choose the right furniture front. The designs are ideally suited to the trends of minimalism, constructivism, and hi-tech.

Design features of the Dolphin children's bed, popular designs

Bunk

Most often they are used to furnish the rooms of two children, but they are also suitable for arranging sleeping places for two adults. In some models, the upper tier is removed, just like the lower one, and the transformation mechanism is horizontal. In others, the second floor does not transform, being in the same position. In a large family, such furniture would be an ideal option. It is also important that two-tier folding structures look great in loft, country, Provence, Scandinavian, and classic interiors.

Three in one

Wardrobe-beds with a lifting mechanism, equipped with the functions of other pieces of furniture, are often used in the arrangement of children's rooms, offices, and living rooms. There are two types of such furniture:

• wardrobe-bed + sofa, where the lower part of the structure, when folded, turns into a soft seat with a back;
• wardrobe-bed + table, in this case the surface of the latter always remains in the same position.

The dimensions of such structures do not have any generally accepted standards, but each of the models provides specific requirements for the installation method. For example, it is not recommended to install a transforming wall with a bed and a sofa in rooms where there are no main walls. But you can choose the most varied interior for such a multifunctional product: minimalism, modernism, fusion, avant-garde, techno.

Wardrobe bed + sofa

Wardrobe bed + table

With additional elements

In order to increase functionality, the design may include a mezzanine, cabinets, chest of drawers, additional shelves on the sides or a closet above the bed. The high cost of such furniture is compensated by a large number of storage systems. The corner wardrobe-bed deserves special attention. It allows you to rationally use this part of the room, while at the same time freeing up usable space for other structures. In addition, such models are always equipped with shelves and racks, which adds convenience to the use of furniture.

Roll-out bed-wardrobe

When folded, it is a regular wardrobe with compartments. However, as soon as you pull the handle, a sleeping bed pulls out from the bottom cabinet. The mechanism is an accordion that manages to take up minimal space when folded.

The closet can contain spacious shelves, space for a TV or a table. Such universal furniture is used in hotels or at home.

How to choose a transforming wardrobe?

When purchasing a universal model of this type, you should contact companies that can offer a guarantee. One of the companies that has earned trust over the years is the Ikea group of companies. Their retail outlets are distributed throughout the world, including Russia. Residents of remote cities specially come to their stores or order goods via the Internet.

Thanks to a long period of work and high-quality performance, this manufacturer has earned the trust of the majority of Russians. Despite a number of advantages, before purchasing it is necessary to insure yourself and follow the following recommendations:

• in the store, the seller must check the functionality of the cabinet and demonstrate it to the buyer;
• ask for certificates of conformity to view;
• Before purchasing, you need to measure at home the dimensions that the bed will need when unfolded.

When buying at random, there is a likely risk of buying a model that is too large, which will not fit in the room, will block passages or rest against other objects. You will have to exchange furniture that does not fit, disassemble it again and choose a more suitable product. It is better to save yourself from such problems in advance and choose a cabinet in accordance with the space in the house.

Modern options from IKEA manufacturers

As mentioned above, one of the clearest examples of furniture that saves space in an apartment is Ikea products. With little effort, folding beds turn into a compact and spacious wardrobe.

The company's products are equipped with lifting mechanisms. The bed can be folded out on the side or end. The company provides a two-year warranty on its products, and a 20-year warranty on lifting mechanisms. The Ikea transforming wardrobe is a universal piece of furniture that allows you to optimally use the space in your apartment.

Recommendations for selection

To choose the ideal design that combines a wardrobe, a bed, a table, a transformer of another type, where a sleeping place turns into a sofa, or any other types of furniture equipped with lifting mechanisms, you need to take into account many parameters:

1. Dimensions. Here it is important to take into account the height and build of a person, while the dimensions of the bed should not be “butt-to-end”. For children, such furniture is selected “for growth.”
2. Number of beds. A single bed is only suitable for a teenager; adults need to choose single or double bed options.
3. Folding type. Horizontal wardrobe beds are suitable for long and small rooms. If you have a large area, it makes sense to give preference to a vertical model, while at least 2 free meters should remain in front of the structure.
4. Transformation mechanism. In addition to cost and quality, you should pay attention to the size of the niche into which the bed is built. If it is less than 45 cm, only coil springs are suitable, but they are not recommended for use in vertical models.
5. Materials. Considering the versatility of furniture, it is advisable to give preference to wood, or at least MDF.
6. Facades. Along with the design, the degree of practicality of the chosen option should be taken into account. Mirror or glass will require additional care.
7. Design. The selected bed with a table, sofa or other transformable elements must be 100% combined with the existing interior of the room.
8. Manufacturer. Before purchasing a product, you should read reviews from other buyers to make sure the manufacturer is reliable.

Characteristics of folding transforming beds, placement options

The cost of wardrobe beds varies over a very wide range. This parameter is influenced by many factors: materials used, design features, product brand. Of course, you need to proceed from your own financial capabilities, but you also cannot neglect the quality and safety of the product.

Take into account the person’s height and build

Number of beds

Folding type and transformation mechanism

Pay attention to the manufacturer, quality of materials, design and facade

Advantages and disadvantages of folding furniture

The positive qualities of transformers include:

• practicality and ease of use;
• performing several functions simultaneously;
• rational use of indoor space;
• elegant and modern design.

The negative side is the high price. Young families often cannot afford to buy such a wardrobe. They have to save money to buy or buy on credit.

Wardrobe for children

Almost all parents are scratching their heads about arranging the square meters of their child. The problem of choosing children's furniture is acute for parents of two children who live in the same room. A growing organism needs space and at the same time an equipped place where it can store its belongings and rest peacefully. All these functions will be performed by the bed, which will be located in the closet.

When choosing a furniture set, you should consult with your offspring, especially those who have reached adolescence. During this period, the child wants to have modern and stylish furniture that suits his temperament. In addition, such a bed will save you from constant reminders that you need to clean the bed. It will clean itself, you just need to press a button or activate the mechanism.

The best option for a children's transforming wardrobe is furniture that, when folded, turns into a table or sofa. Additional shelves and cabinets will eliminate the additional costs of chests of drawers and shelving. The student will be able to do his homework at the same time, and then, after cleaning up after himself, get ready for bed.

Before you buy the selected option, you should familiarize yourself with the material used to make the furniture and check for certificates. The seller of any salon or store is obliged to provide them to the buyer. The set also often includes an orthopedic mattress.

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Wardrobe bed - pros and cons of design

First of all, it should be noted that a huge advantage of this type of furniture, such as a bed built into a closet, is its ability to save space through quick conversion. As a rule, such beds are even equipped with special belts that secure the bed linen in place, and equipped with niches for pillows and blankets. Today there are many models of folding beds built into the closet. The simplest option (and, therefore, the most budget-friendly) would be the “wardrobe-bed-sofa” model, which is a box under the bed with a small sofa that serves as a shelf under the bed. More sophisticated interpretations include additional blocks of furniture, such as entire walls, shelves, computer tables, etc. The dimensions of the main bed also vary between models. Naturally, the more improvements in a particular model, the higher its price will be.

A wardrobe bed can be an excellent additional sleeping space built into the wall of the living room if the apartment does not have a separate room for guests. This design can even decorate and give a certain elegance to the room.

The disadvantages of beds built into a closet include their high cost. When purchasing such furniture, you should not choose the cheapest option, as there is a possibility of encountering another drawback - breakdown in the event of a poor-quality design or mechanism. Repairs will also be expensive.

How to make a transforming wardrobe with your own hands?

Such furniture is considered a complex product. All elements must be accurately selected and installed correctly. Any distortion can cause breakdown or problems during transformation. In addition, incorrectly assembled furniture leads to injuries and wasted money. Experts recommend not saving on assembly and entrusting it to professionals.

If you have experience assembling furniture, and you are excellent with carpentry tools and materials, then below we offer you a brief description of how to assemble or make an unusual cabinet yourself.

For work you will need the following tools: a hammer drill, a screwdriver, a tape measure, corners, self-tapping screws, a pencil and a ruler.

Materials include: assembly drawing, transformation mechanisms, parts of the structure body made of chipboard or wood.

You can draw a sketch of your future creation yourself, but the rest of the materials will have to be purchased at a furniture showroom. Don't skimp on the sliding mechanism. It must be reliable and durable, because the main load and functionality will be placed on it.

Of the entire range, it is preferable to buy a German device. When you have all the necessary elements in front of you, you can start working.

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Choice of transformation mechanism

Placing the bed inside the closet is provided by a special lifting mechanism. He is responsible for the specifics of furniture operation, its service life and safety. Each variety has pros and cons that need to be considered before purchasing. There are 3 main types of lifting mechanisms for wardrobe beds:

• the manual device is reliable and durable, but requires physical effort, so it is not suitable for the elderly and children;
• coil springs are designed for very heavy loads and can withstand more than 50,000 operating cycles;
• piston devices with gas lifts are silent and easy to use.

Main dimensions of inflatable sofa beds, advantages of furniture

The gas design ensures a smooth rise and fall of the berth, requiring a minimum of effort from the person. A bed with such equipment can be placed in a closet 45 cm deep. A significant drawback: the device remains visible at the head of the bed. Pistons filled with gas are considered the most vulnerable of all types of transformation mechanisms; they quickly become unusable. The spring type lasts much longer, but over time it causes an unpleasant squeak. However, it allows you to hide the bed in a niche by 25 cm. There are vertical and horizontal ways to fold out a transforming bed. The second option is applicable only for single models. The first can be used for furniture of any size.

Regardless of the model chosen, the bed-wardrobe must be regularly checked for serviceability. The possibility of sudden closure or opening of the structure must be excluded. Special fittings prevent them from tipping over, which is especially important for massive products. In order not to worry about your own safety, you should choose high-quality furniture from reliable manufacturers.

Manual

Spring

Gas lift

Procedure

• Decide on the location of the furniture. When unfolded, the cabinet should not rest against objects or the wall of the room.
• For proper assembly, a sketch or finished drawing is required. You must clearly understand where and what detail is shown in the picture.
• Mark the installation location of the main mechanism.
• Assembly should begin with the bed frame (frame). Follow the drawing strictly and check the dimensions. Secure all components with self-tapping screws at a distance of 25 cm.
• Assemble the stock separately from the body. Secure the parts with corners and self-tapping screws.
• Attach the straps to the stock. They are necessary to fix the mattress.
• The box and the stock are connected to each other by a complex mechanism.

If you have questions about assembly and the description is not enough, you can refer to the video tutorials. They will provide detailed and accessible information on connecting the parts of the transforming cabinet.