DIY folding bed

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Transformer

Reading time: 9 minutes. .9k. Updated 09.09.2019

To prevent furniture from taking up the entire space of a small apartment, designers come up with designs that combine functionality with a compact arrangement. Most often, the ability to transform is given to a place to sleep. A folding bed that performs several functions looks organically in the interior. When disassembled it is used for its intended purpose, and when assembled it becomes an organic element of the decor.

Advantages and design features

The folding design consists of a box made in the form of a cabinet with shelves or mezzanines. The sleeping bed is a frame made of MDF, chipboard or natural wood with a width of 38 to 70 cm. The facades can have a mirror surface, be decorated with patterns or photo printing.

There are models with an orthopedic lattice on an aluminum and steel frame or with a base for a mattress. The width of the mattress ranges from 80 to 200 cm. To fix the mattress in a vertical position, the device is supplemented with belts. A lifting or turning mechanism is also installed.

A folding bed will be an excellent choice for a stylish studio apartment or will save space in a bachelor's apartment. A relevant solution is to connect a sleeping area with a wardrobe. In this case, you can use the shelves in the closet to store clothes and use stationary racks at the head of the room.

Benefits of use:

• Smart saving of usable space. At night there is a full-fledged place to sleep with an orthopedic mattress; during the day it is retracted into a special niche;
• In a horizontal position, it occupies an area of ​​2.5 sq. m; when folded, it takes up 1.4x1.9 m;
• Expanding the functional purpose of rooms. A built-in folding bed is placed in the living room and stored in a closet for the day;
• There are horizontal and vertical transformers, which allows you to use them not only for relaxation, but also as a table, cabinet, pouf or sofa;
• The design is attractive when folded and unfolded and becomes an addition to the design solution of the apartment;
• The models operate thanks to safe gas shock absorbers and fold easily without requiring significant physical effort;
• Easier apartment cleaning. Now you don’t need to bend over to remove dust under the furniture - routine work is speeded up without causing any trouble for the housewife;
• In the morning, it is enough to fasten the belts over the bed and hide the bed; there is no need to make or fold bed linen every day;
• A wide selection of folding beds, photos of which are offered by the furniture industry. A few years ago the designs were unknown, but now the most interesting configurations of Transformers are presented;
• Variety of design solutions. The style of the frame will fit into a high-tech interior or turn into a bright detail in a child’s bedroom;
• Installation is possible in any room.

When folded, it becomes part of a closet or wall, and if necessary, it can easily be folded back, turning into a bed. Lifting elements allow the structure to be raised and lowered, and the box becomes a place for storing things. A wall with a folding bed-cabinet is rationally used, where a home library can be compactly placed on shelves and racks.

Sleeping furniture options

Once you have decided on the place where you will sleep, you need to decide what type of furniture to use. There are many more options than meets the eye, so you need to study the pros and cons of each.

Chair-bed

A fairly compact type of furniture that can simply serve as a comfortable place to relax during the day, and as a sleeping area at night. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the chair can be extended almost into a real bed. But for maximum comfort, you should still put an orthopedic mattress on top.

There is some debate about which way to turn the chair.

If from the window, then when the guest wakes up in the morning, he will see a kitchen sink, stove and, possibly, unwashed dishes - not the best impression in the morning. If you turn the chair towards the window, then there is a risk of waking up ahead of time due to the first rays of the sun.

Sofa bed

The design of such furniture is very similar to a chair-bed, but the dimensions are still larger, so this option is suitable only for spacious kitchens. In rooms where the problem of lack of space is acute, for example, in Khrushchev, it is better to get by with a chair.

In any version (even a corner one), the sofa bed must be compact and must have a drawer for storing things.

You can put a blanket with a pillow or rarely used kitchen utensils there.

Criteria for choosing a sofa

Small sofas are one of the most popular solutions. Knowing a few nuances will help you choose the best option for difficult kitchen conditions.

Another factor to consider in advance is the availability of storage space. If the set is small, then rarely used utensils can be stored in the sofa.

The most space is in corner models. If you can’t find the perfect sofa in stores, you can always make custom-made furniture. But this option will cost more.

Folding method

The folding mechanism is selected depending on the size of the room and the location of the sofa. There are several options for the kitchen.

In any case, in the store you need to measure the sofa folded and unfolded and compare the measurements with the available space in the kitchen.

It is important to leave space for comfortable passage and cooking.

Kitchen Area

A standard option that is perfect for those who favor practicality. In addition to its high functionality, the kitchen corner is often the central part of the interior due to its attractive appearance. The corner shape always fits better into the kitchen design and looks much more comfortable.

The most compact corners are those that include a sofa itself, as well as a table and stools - each piece of furniture fits perfectly with the others not only in style, but also in size. The following advantages of kitchen corners can be highlighted:

• the landing is as comfortable as possible;
• compact, but accommodate more people;
• multifunctional (can act as a sleeping place, have drawers for storage).

Most often, it is the kitchen corner that becomes the best option for sleeping space, especially in a small kitchen.

Folding bed

If previously a folding bed was something from the world of fantasy, now such options are becoming more and more common in ordinary apartments. The only negative is that it takes up a lot of space along the wall. But in any case, this is less than what an armchair or sofa corner would take.

There are more creative ways to arrange a sleeping area in the kitchen. For example, large pillows, poufs, shelves and even kitchen benches.

Of course, such options are used only for temporary overnight accommodation, for example, for guests. For greater comfort, you can put a mattress or at least a soft blanket on top.

The sofa turns into a folding bed in the minimalist kitchen

Model overview

Transformers allow you not only to save useful space in apartments, but also to create zoning of rooms using folding beds from Italy, offered in a wide range in relation to the price range and the quality of materials.

According to the classification, they are divided into vertical and horizontal devices:

1. Vertical models are classics. They are divided into single, one and a half and double. Suitable for small apartments with high ceilings, in a vertical position they become part of the closet and fit into the interior. The structure is attached to the wall, and a lifting mechanism is installed there. It reclines perpendicular to the body, and then, when raised, retracts into a niche at the top. In one motion, the device slides into the closet, turning the bedroom into a study. The width of the cabinet depends on the client’s preference, and the depth is at least 45 cm. As an option, attach the model to a concrete wall in order to hide it in a plasterboard niche for a day;
2. Horizontal wall beds are only available as single beds, so they are often chosen for children or teenagers. The horizontal arrangement in the cabinet differs in appearance and principle of operation of the mechanism. When unfolded, the berth is located along the wall, and when folded, it rises horizontally. In this case, the height of the ceiling is not important, and the size of the cabinet will be smaller.

A built-in bed is a frame that fits into a wall niche or cabinet. When folded, the bed linen and mattress are secured with straps. Double folding beds combined with a wardrobe are equipped with drawers for clothes, mezzanines, shelves and compartments.

Lift-and-tilt mechanisms are divided into:

• Folding action - with the help of pneumatic springs the bed becomes horizontal, when unfolded it stands on legs;
• Tilt-and-turn action - to facilitate operation, the tilting mechanism is equipped with swivel hinges.

Folding

Wardrobe beds have increased functionality and can replace several pieces of furniture at once. For sleeping, they offer a comfortable single or double bed, which occupies 2-3 square meters of space, and during the day it transforms into a spacious closet.

Advantages of the model:

• There is space for storing things;
• Possibility to install built-in shelves and drawers;
• Lifting beds along with a folding mechanism are designed not only for adults, but also for children;
• Saving money on the purchase of cabinets, bedside tables and shelving;
• Various forms of folding models, the oval modification looks extraordinary;
• The legs of the folding bed rotate 90 degrees when opened.

Tilt&Turn

The bed drawings repeat the structure of the rotating structures, only with other built-in mechanisms. Here, the folding and rotating mechanisms work together, and the entire device is mounted in a niche or cabinet. The device contains not only a reclining bed, but also several shelves that do not change position during transformation.

Usage nuances:

• All the advantages of using lifting models;
• Space saving in small bedrooms;
• Products of this kind are manufactured only after drawing up drawings and agreement with the owners in order to make maximum use of the usable area;
• Books or decorative items are placed on the shelves.

The model will last a long time, is easy to use, fits into any type of interior from classic to modern styles. If there is a problem with the structure, you can find all the parts yourself, and the creaking that appears is eliminated after tightening the bolts and lubricating the connections.

Popular for small rooms are three-in-one models, complemented, in addition to a single or double bed, with storage drawers, a sofa or a table. A complete folding bed can consist of five pieces of furniture, that is, it is additionally equipped with a mirror and upper shelves.

For a comfortable night's rest, the transformer is equipped with legs, and an orthopedic mattress allows the spine to take the correct position. When lifting the model, the legs are hidden in special grooves or turned into a decorative element.

For the bedroom

The standard length of folding beds is from 200 to 210 cm. The design is suitable for any apartment with low ceilings, and the width is chosen depending on the future purpose:

1. Single people choose a single model with a width of 0.9-1 m;
2. One-and-a-half will appeal to young families; about 1.8-1.9 m will be required;
3. For double bedrooms you need a lot of space - 2-2.1 m. In small bedrooms, an overall design can be installed if you leave the space free from other furniture.

When choosing a transformer for the bedroom, pay attention to the following features:

• High price category, especially for items made according to special drawings;
• Folding beds are mounted only against a load-bearing wall that can withstand such a load;
• The appearance of psychological discomfort. It seems that in a vertical position the fastenings will deteriorate and the entire structure will collapse down. This opinion is erroneous, because all devices are repeatedly tested for strength, and are securely fixed during installation.

Transformers for the bedroom:

1. Folding - with the help of a built-in mechanism they take a vertical position, and if you grab the bottom edge, they easily take a horizontal position;
2. Tilt-and-turn – the folding bed is complemented by a wardrobe with drawers and shelves. When disassembling, they can be swapped with one click, so there is no need to empty the shelves of things;
3. Combined - they justify the inflated price by functionality; they consist of several pieces of furniture. In addition to the sleeping place, the set includes a table, a sofa and a wardrobe.

Folding structures can perform several additional functions. Before purchasing, you should indicate how to use this model:

• With a folding table or shelf;
• With a sofa or chair;
• With lighting;
• As a wardrobe bed.

Furniture should match the style of the room, without overloading with unnecessary details. If you order a design from a specialized company, all the design features of the model’s facade are taken into account.

Selection of furniture for different styles

It is important to choose furniture that fits perfectly into the interior. This applies not only to color or size, but also to kitchen design. The following tips will help you properly add a sleeping space to your interior.

For children's

A folding bed in a children's room must meet sanitary and hygienic requirements:

• Reliable mechanisms are built into manufacturing;
• Lightweight body design;
• Equipped with a chest of drawers and enclosing bars;
• Use of permanent connections for permanent fastening;
• Natural fabrics for decoration;
• Memorable design.

For a child, the folding bed is supplemented with instructions indicating all the listed characteristics. When ordering, customer suggestions are taken into account, and the age and gender of the future owner are taken into account. The design should include a complex of a folding bed and a convenient place for board games.

Bunk

Parents of two children will like it. Horizontal arrangement will help hide two sleeping places in one closet. Will save the space of the children's room twice. The second tier should not be given to preschoolers; let the older child settle there.

With wardrobe

The design with vertical orientation and reliable fastening is placed in a closet for a day. For a single bed, a narrow cabinet or wardrobe will serve as a niche. The design is produced as a piece of furniture, although in larger bedrooms it can become part of a furniture set.

With desk

Folding designs for schoolchildren are best selected in conjunction with a desk. The acquisition will solve the problem of sleeping space and the lack of space to equip a full-fledged workspace.

Types of folding structures for children's rooms:

• A transformer consisting of a wardrobe with a built-in desk, and at the top there is a sleeping area;
• Bed-table - writing desk, chest of drawers and bed;
• A model with a locker at the top and a folding table at the bottom with a folding single bed; they can be swapped throughout the day;
• Pouf bed - for small rooms, at night it turns into a single bed, during the day it is used as a seat.

Where can I embed

Folding beds are installed not only in the bedroom, but in the living room or study. In a vertical position, the structure looks like a wardrobe or wall panel. Guests will never guess that behind the mirrored doors is hidden a full-fledged sleeping place with an orthopedic mattress. The design will fit into country, minimalism or hi-tech style.

In the classic version, the Italian folding bed is raised upward using a mechanism and, when folded, performs the function of a wardrobe. Other designs are built on a different principle and have external differences:

• A horizontal folding bed provides for horizontal rather than vertical mounting to the wall. This option is suitable for those who choose a small wardrobe and a single bed;
• Installation of the structure into a recess in the wall;
• When folded, it rises into a chest of drawers or closet using special handles;
• For retractable models, more space is needed - a wardrobe or wardrobe;
• The podium design is rare; it is reserved for the lower cabinet in the bedroom wardrobe.

The bed-wardrobe is securely attached only to a brick or concrete wall (thickness of at least 25 cm) without unevenness. Plasterboard partitions and wooden walls cannot withstand significant loads, so a reclining vertical bed cannot be mounted to them.

Varieties

Beds with a lifting device are divided into horizontal and vertical. For the living room, it is preferable to choose a two-seater vertical type model. When lifted, additional space is created in the form of a cabinet and mirror. A horizontal mechanism is ideal for compact models of children's furniture. When assembled, it resembles a chest of drawers with built-in drawers for storing linen. Models with sliding halves are also popular - the elements hide the disassembled bed.

The best sofa bed models for a teenager, designs and colors

Depending on the size of the bed, the bed in the wall can be single, one-and-a-half, or double. Sometimes there are more comfortable models - king size. Thanks to the spacious mattress, they can comfortably accommodate 3 adults.

There are also several main types of built-in furniture:

1. The folding model has gained popularity due to its simplicity and practicality. It can be folded and disassembled without much difficulty, allowing you to save space and create an additional work area. But the mechanism of economy class models is not very reliable, so when choosing, they primarily rely on the strength of the structure and its load capacity.
2. A bed built into a closet can vary in size. The folding principle is quite simple - open the doors, lower the bed. The wardrobe is equipped with sliding doors that can be moved to the extreme position. Even with the bed unfolded, it is easy to reach neighboring shelves and sections. The only negative is the open cabinet doors, which spoils the aesthetic appeal of the room.
3. The transforming bed consists of two functional products - the sleeping place itself and a full-size wardrobe in assembled condition. There are drawers for folding bed linen and additional things. Transformers with built-in storage systems and pull-out shelves deserve special attention.
4. The hidden model assumes the existence of a niche. The product is attached directly to the wall, which should be quite strong. The structure cannot be installed on a partition made of plasterboard or wood.

The sleeping place must support one and a half weight of the sleeping person, otherwise there is a risk of breaking the lifting mechanism.

Beds are also divided according to the material they are made of, which directly affects their cost. The most expensive models are those made from solid wood with a lifting mechanism on gas shock absorbers. The most budget-friendly ones are with a plastic facade and a chipboard frame without automatic lifting.

Folding

Built-in cabinet

Transformer

Hidden

Reliable mechanisms

The design consists of shock absorbers, swivel legs, special mechanisms on both sides of the model, a base for the mattress and fastening elements. Legs for a folding bed can be used in vertical and horizontal models; they can be easily stored in a niche or closet.

Furniture for folding beds is selected to suit individual needs and wears out over time and therefore requires regular inspection. The folding beds are equipped with a gas or twisted spring mechanism to make it easier to move the bed into a vertical position, because it, together with the orthopedic mattress, can weigh up to 30 kg.

Gas elevator

Lifting using a gas mechanism extends the service life of the structure; operating such a mount is not difficult. Instead of springs, a gas shock absorber is built in; the manipulations performed are carried out silently, without physical effort. The gas presses on the piston, driving the mechanism by increasing the pressure inside. You will have to pay for comfort, but the device will last a long time and will not require frequent adjustments. Models have been developed with special mechanisms that allow you to move the bed along with bed linen and pillows into the closet by pressing a button.

Manual lifting using loops

Although this option is considered very practical and durable, not everyone can lift a heavy structure. Due to the difficulty of raising and lowering, it is almost never chosen. The presence of shock absorbers and springs is not provided; the model is fixed with latches.

Spring blocks

Thanks to the built-in spring blocks and separate springs, the structure is activated. In relation to the weight of the berth, the springs can be tightened and adjusted at your discretion. It will last a long time if you calculate the loads and ensure that the body does not bend.

There are many configurations of folding beds. They offer a choice from budget models to more expensive ones made from natural wood and durable lifting mechanisms. You can build such a structure yourself, but use reliable materials that can withstand constant loads.

Types of transformation mechanisms

The lifting device is one of the most important factors when choosing a wall bed, which you should pay close attention to. Its reliability directly affects the durability of the product. There are three types of elements:

• on gas shock absorbers;
• on springs;
• manual, without automation.

Advantages and main features of sofa beds, design options

The most budget models are with a manual mechanism. Physical strength will be required to raise and lower the bed every day. Spring mechanisms are used less often, less force will have to be applied. But this type of device requires regular replacement. For example, a wall bed with a spring mechanism has a warranty of up to five years. The best device is considered to be a device with gas shock absorbers, which can serve properly for more than 20 years.

In the last decade, electric drive models have appeared on the market. They are rarely installed in private homes; more often such systems are used in hotels and premium hotels. A remote controlled bed is not as reliable as it seems at first glance. Any breakdown in the system will not allow the bed to be folded out.

Gas lift has remained the most reliable transformation mechanism for many years.

The type of device is chosen in accordance with the wishes and requirements of the owner. For people with disabilities and fragile girls, it is preferable to take a gas lift or a remote-controlled model. If you are ready for daily physical activity, you can opt for a spring or manual mechanism.

On gas shock absorbers

On springs

Manual

Electric drive

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