Transforming beds

Transformer beds are an excellent way to save the environment, especially under modest living conditions. They are becoming increasingly popular among Russian consumers. There are people who are still wary of such non-standard options due to the fact that each of them is equipped with a certain mechanism, which, according to some, can quickly fail. But at the present stage, any mechanized construction of a transformer bed is durable and reliable, so this interior solution can be safely called safe.

The main advantage of any transforming model is the ability to save space around you and not to purchase additional pieces of furniture. For small rooms, this option is sometimes the only and optimal way out if it is possible to securely fix the structure against a solid load-bearing wall. However, not all apartments have the opportunity to do this, for example, due to the characteristics of the layout or the presence of interior partitions, which are not suitable for fixing the bed and the lifting mechanism because they will not withstand such a load.

Also, the transformer requires the most careful attitude towards oneself, mainly due to the regularly operating lifting mechanism, which can break down due to its poor quality or because it was treated carelessly.

Transforming models can be used everywhere: in a large bedroom, a classic wardrobe-bed can be decorated with a print or a mirror panel, and it will fit neatly into the room, providing maximum free space. Beds, chests of drawers are especially in demand in small apartments and studios. There is a large selection of models for children's rooms ranging from cots for the little ones with changing tables and comfortable drawers to bunk beds for schoolchildren. Small transformers in the form of poufs, chairs and benches are used in offices where it may be necessary to stay working overnight.

All transforming beds based on the characteristics of their design can be divided into vertical and horizontal. One of the most vivid examples of vertical construction is the “adult” double wardrobe-bed-transformer, the headboard of which is fixed at the wall, and the main part is placed on its entire height. As for the horizontal bed, it is intended mainly for use as a single bed, attached to the wall by the side. The advantage of the model, which is located horizontally, is that the wall space remains unoccupied, and you can put pictures or bookshelves on it, moreover, in the unfolded form, it looks not so cumbersome and takes up little space.

Among other types, there are:

• One of the most famous examples is a transforming bed with a vykatny berth, if necessary, retractable straight from under it. This is one of the simplest models: the spare berth is built into the other. With it, you can optimize the space, and the ability to organize a second bed will be available at any time.

• Lifting folding convertible bed - it can be disguised under the guise of other furniture in the apartment, for example, by installing it in a closet or wall. The mechanism on the basis of pneumatics lifts it up and puts it in a special place. Most often it is an adult double seat, but there are similar models designed specifically for children. The mechanism itself is quite simple to use, and a school age child can handle it without difficulty.

• Chest of drawers bed - it is popular in studios or one-room apartments, ideal for single people who do not need to purchase an extra bed. With the help of a soft mechanical drive, it comes out of a special box, which in the daytime looks just like an ordinary chest of drawers. There is also the most simple, foldable model of such a bed, when it is simply retracted into the box using a simple lifting mechanism.

• One of the most interesting and eye-catching models is ottoman bed. He is deservedly called the most modern folding bed in the world. When folded, it looks like a soft padded stool, the dimensions of which are very compact. But if you lift the lid, inside is the most common metal construction on the legs with a comfortable mattress that extends vertically. The model is easily transformed back: it is enough just to fold it like a regular cot and put it inside the pouf.

• Banquet bed differs from the pouf-transformer even smaller, as well as the ability to organize two or three seats in any conditions, in case of their shortage. If these three places are put together, they can be used as a convenient folding bed. Another difference from a pouf of a similar design is that in the first case the folding bed is retracted directly into the pouf, and in the case of a banquet bed, it is completely transformed.

• Chair bed is a modern modification of the folding chair, familiar to the Russian consumer. The folding mechanism helps to push the bed on the metal frame forward.There are also very comfortable and pleasant to the touch views of such a chair with a frameless design: a soft mattress just wraps up or down, and the whole composition looks like a small soft chair without legs.

• Beds with a convertible headboard provides an opportunity to establish a headboard in position more convenient for the person. You can raise this part of the bed so that it becomes a comfortable support for the back: in this position it is very good to read books or to watch TV, resting at home with maximum comfort.

• Bed-bench It is made of wood or metal, but the best option is a wooden bench, which is a simple retractable structure that can be folded both forward and on the principle of a sofa-book. The option is well suited for giving. The main thing is that a good orthopedic mattress is always at hand: it will help to organize an extra bed as best you can.

• Baby. For the student, one of the best options will be a children's transforming bed, in which two objects change places by day and night: in the daytime the bed goes up,and the table moves down. There is enough space under the table to put small objects or toys there. The advantage of this design is that the child’s room will always maintain order and there will be enough free space for games.

The distance between the lower and upper tiers may be small, so if you have slept beds, they will take up a minimum amount of space. Also, two-story children's beds can be folding. A pendulum crib for small children is the best way to rock a child without additional psychological costs. It is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a pendulum, which sets the bed in motion. The "smart" bed swings, spinning, and the child falls asleep much faster.

In general, beds of a standard rectangular shape with a longitudinal or transverse position relative to the wall have become widespread. However, there are models of more attractive and unusual shape. Most often, these are cribs. Round transforming beds are ideal for small children, even for newborns. This option of the bed represents the greatest safety for the child, because it has no corners.

The most popular vykatnye models on wheels due to the fact that this bed can be moved to any place. The wheels are equipped with a reliable locking mechanism, completely eliminating the possibility of minimal danger to the child. When the child grows up, such a bed can be “customized” in its growth and used as a playpen. The oval canopy for babies has been specially developed by Norwegian manufacturers. It can be transformed into two chairs, a playpen and a small sofa.

There are two basic mechanisms for the operation of transforming beds: spring and hydraulic:

• The spring mechanism is installed depending on the size of the bed and its weight. Its price is low, and it is designed for approximately 20,000 unfoldings. This is enough to bed served for many years. In order for the mechanism to come into action, a tangible physical effort is needed.
• Hydraulic (or gas) - the most modern type of mechanism. All new products are mainly equipped only with them. With it, the bed can be easily fixed in any state, and the transformation itself takes place gently. The hydraulic mechanism is completely safe and produces no noise.

The dimensions of the bed are chosen with reference to the age, height and weight of the person. For preschoolers, a bed 60 cm wide will be enough. The student will already need a standard single bed with a width of up to 80 cm. Teens can already count on a single bed. Its width can be 90, 120, 165 cm. Compact beds 160x200 cm are universal for people of all ages who have an average physique, and can become a useful and pleasant piece of furniture in any room. A wide double bed of 1400 mm or 1800х2000 mm is suitable for a person of any age and weight - it is important that the lifting mechanism is strong and reliable.

Frameworks for transforming beds are made of solid wood, often in combination with a durable metal alloy. There are lighter beds on the metal frame, which facilitates their transformation both manually and using any lifting mechanism. Of course, the frame of the combined construction is both stronger and looks more aesthetic, but it requires more advanced mechanics of raising and lowering the bed, which is able to withstand the weight of wood and metal. Portable models in the form of ottomans, banquettes or chairs have flexible but durable metal frames.

The wardrobe-bed-transformer of white, beige or ivory will look very gentle and create a feeling of airiness and lightness of the space for rest, despite the massiveness of such a design. These colors are especially good when it comes to a separate bedroom.

A one-and-a-half transforming bed in the color of wenge and a dark blue shade will look good in the interior of a studio apartment or living room combined with a bedroom. When folded, it will not differ from another piece of furniture (cabinet or chest of drawers), and the thick and rich colors of this range will give the space an indescribable feeling of home comfort.Wenge of various shades is also preferred if it is planned to install a transformer of any design in a country house or in the country. In the color of lime or honey, you can arrange a two-story transforming bed for school-age children or a bed for a teenage girl.

First of all, when choosing, you should always pay attention to the quality of the materials from which the transforming bed is made. If it is wrong to calculate the load, then, together with budget types of materials, any model of this type can fail very quickly. In this case, you should not give preference to the usual chipboard. It is better to opt for more durable models of MDF, and if you can, then purchase a product made of natural wood. Two thirds of the total load of such beds falls on its legs, so their maximum shape is the letter “G” or in the form of a wide board that is capable of bearing the support.

Many people want to immediately buy a transforming bed with a mattress in the configuration. Since the structures themselves are distinguished by a certain specificity and great variety,it is not possible to complete each of them with a mattress: the bed moves daily, changing its location, and the mattress can simply fall, even if it is fixed by something. It is not recommended to take “environmental mattresses” for transformers that are fashionable now: they are filled with coconut shavings, which, because of their gravity, will create an unnecessary additional load for the bed mechanism.

In order to assemble a crib with a pendulum with your own hands, you will need a small screwdriver, "plugs" and screws.

Initially, a fence is installed, which should be fixed. The head of the bed, the side part and the bottom are connected to each other with screws using a screwdriver. Then the berth itself is installed: it is fixed on all 4 sides, and only after that the movable fence is mounted.It is installed in special grooves, which are located on the sides of the crib. The final fixation of the movable fence is made with screws.

The pendulum is assembled as follows: the four guides are mounted between its bottom and top. Between the two guides located on top, set the bottom. Then the bottom of the pendulum is mounted. All fasteners also need to be fixed with screws. The box is assembled on the same principle as the pendulum. It must be placed inside the pendulum itself, and the bed put on top. To install the bed at the top of the pendulum are mounted two moving parts, to which are attached the legs of the bed. Screws are additionally fixed with plugs.

The leaders in the production of such furniture are:

• Italian companies Colombo 907 and Clei. They produce durable and safe transforming mechanisms. One of the most popular models of Italian designers is a modular bed-transformer: a sofa-table-wardrobe-bed. At the present stage, the manufacturers of Calligaris, Colombo and Clei make not only the well-known wardrobe beds of the classic vertical sample, but also boast novelties in the form of wardrobe beds with a rotation mechanism.
• American firm Resource Furniture developed the concept of a spatial solution, which has become a kind and very convenient know-how: one thing that occupies minimal space in a room can serve as a bed with shelves, as well as a working, dining and even coffee table.
• German company Belitec is an innovator and designer of models with a transformable base with electric drive and massage. This mechanism is unique in that it can be activated by simply pressing a button. Of course, the price of a product with such a control system will be much higher, but it can justify itself many times. Of the German manufacturers, it is worth noting the company Geuther, which introduced additional innovations in children's transformers, improving them with the help of a spacious crate for clothes and additional space for sleeping.

• Decadrages - A French company that owns the original idea of ​​how to equip a non-standard sleeping place for a student. The bed is equipped with a special lifting mechanism, which raises it to the ceiling during the day, and during sleep it can be lowered down to any desired height.
• Transforming sofas are also regularly subjected to improvements of various kinds. HeyTeam created a sofa called "Multiplo", which is a modular system consisting of different blocks, and can perfectly fit into any interior solution. This company creates multi-module models of transformers: 3 in 1, 6 in 1, 7 in 1 and even 8 in 1.
• Of the Russian manufacturers can note two companies that deserve attention: this is "Meter" and "Narnia". They produce transformers with sturdy steel frames and good quality mechanisms. Products are cheaper than foreign colleagues, and these companies are located in Lyubertsy and Kaliningrad.

The first place for reviews is occupied by a transforming bed with an additional roll-out berth. Buyers appreciate it for the possibility of accommodation in a small apartment and at a reasonable cost. This bed hides inside a great backup option in case of arrival of guests.

The wardrobe-bed-transformer is a classic option, already loved by many buyers, in case they want to combine the idea of ​​a large bed and save the surrounding space. The opportunity to masterfully “pack up” a large berth is appreciated so that it cannot be seen during the day. The softness and noiselessness of the hydraulic lifting mechanism and its long lifespan are also noted. For many families, the idea of ​​a transformer was much more attractive than a bed-podium.

Pouf bed buyers are called “surprise box” and willingly get it as a gift for relatives and friends, because such an original piece of furniture is not only aesthetic beauty, but also a benefit: a folding bed inside can be useful at any time. Children's two-story transforming beds of various modifications literally “save” the situation of parents who have two children. This allows not only to organize comfortable sleeping places for both, but also to save space in the nursery.

Of course, the built-in transforming bed should not always be perceived as the only choice in those conditions when the living space is small in size. In the living room, this solution can be a great extra bed. For example, there is a species that masks well when combined with a sofa. This is a vertical folding design, made in the same color and style with the central part of the sofa, which can be placed in a special niche next to the cupboard. When folded, the ensemble looks natural and cozy.

If there is a desire and opportunity, then the bed-transformer can be arranged in such a way that when folded it will completely merge with the surrounding situation and will be completely invisible.

Transformer 3 in 1 (wardrobe-sofa bed) - a convenient and functional classic option. When it is folded, it looks like a cupboard with a sofa in the middle, and when unfolded it is a large double bed, the legs of which, when folded, turn into a hanging shelf. For a small living room, there is nothing better than a horizontal sofa bed built into a plasterboard niche. This extra bed can also be perfectly disguised, using the upper part of the niche as a shelf for souvenirs.

One of the most popular options for the bedroom is a wardrobe-bed-transformer. It is perfect for those who wish to sleep on a very large bed and at the same time keep space in the room. Closet and clothes are placed in the closet, and due to the fact that during the daytime the bed reclines, the bedroom will always look neat and harmonious.

In the next video you can see a review of the 5 most interesting models of transforming beds.