Choosing a bed

A person spends a third of his life in a dream and half the success of a nightly recuperation depends on a bed. In addition, this piece of furniture is central to the interior of the bedroom. Therefore, it is important to choose the right bed to make your vacation more efficient, and the design of the room - harmonious.

The bed is a structure consisting of a frame (two backs and side panels) and a frame for a mattress. Despite this simplicity of design, different variations of design and performance are possible. Because of this, there are a large number of types of beds.

The very first classification concerns the type of supporting structure. There are three possible options:

• the frame is hung on the backs at the head and legs, thus, they are the basis of the product;
• the frame is a bearing support, and the backrest subsequently superimposed on it. It may have legs or a solid surface directly on the floor;
• the support is based on the legs, and the frame is not connected with it. In fact, it is only a "case", the outer shell.

There are also different types of the base itself, on which the mattress is then laid:

• armored metal mesh. From its advantages should be allocated a long service life. However, due to the fact that the structure itself does not possess a large indicator of rigidity, it eventually begins to sag under the weight of a person;
• wooden slats or the so-called lamella base. They have sufficient rigidity, and therefore it can be said that beds with such a base are orthopedic. The more rails and the smaller the distance between them, the stronger the design and the greater the load it can withstand;
• sheet panel. Most often it is made of plywood, MDF or particleboard. Among the advantages of such a framework - low price. Among the disadvantages - such sheet materials are unstable to high loads.

Different variations are possible in the main elements of the bed - at the head and footboard. For a start, the headboard can be either present or completely absent. Its presence makes the bed more comfortable, as it can easily be half-seated, and the pillows do not fall to the floor. If the headboard is missing, then a wall can replace it. In addition, it can be an integral part of the structure, as well as be a separate element. In this case, the headboard is most often attached to the wall and the bed is already moving towards it.

The headboard itself can be low or high, different in shape, decoration. It is made from the same material as the frame or use any other - from upholstery textiles to mirror panels.

In modern, especially minimalist models, the footboard is most often absent. It is predominantly smaller and less noticeable than the headboard. It can be either a single panel or an item forged with patterns. On some models, instead of the footboard, you can find a headboard connected to the side panel. This bed can be placed in the corner,at the same time it will turn out to lean against any of the walls and not to freeze.

Round and oval beds - non-standard, original version. Unusual bed model can be the main decoration of the interior, however, it is difficult to place in the room, especially small. Despite the fact that such beds are often large, with a diameter of up to two meters, it is not as comfortable for two to sit on it as on a classic rectangular one.

Types of beds can be divided by functionality. First of all, any of them is a place for rest and sleep. However, there are models with shelves and drawers for storing bed linen. Storage space is both built-in and attachment.

Often the beds are sold with a mattress in the set, which significantly saves time and effort, because in addition there is no need to go shopping. In total there are several main types used for sleeping:

• wadded mattress. Its undoubted plus is low cost.Among the downsides is the gradual rollability of the material, which leads to mounds on the surface. Such a defect is palpable, so over time it becomes uncomfortable to sleep;
• mattress based on foam rubber and its analogues. Despite the softness of the source material, it is from them that the rather rigid orthopedic models are made. Among the shortcomings - a short service life;
• spring mattress which are both connected and independent of each other. Depending on the design, they can be of different degrees of rigidity. Beds on the spring mattress will be a good acquisition for those who have back problems;
• water mattress. The filler is water or liquid based on it. This kind of use is not often used, as it is rather complicated in operation, cumbersome and has the effect of sleep on the waves, that is, it greatly strains the vestibular apparatus.

In addition to classic beds, in modern times there are unusual models: transforming or equipped with the latest technology. And the first are not limited to the option of opening the lid. So, there is a crib "6 in 1", which with the help of simple manipulations can be: a round or oval bed, changing table, sofa, playpen, table with chairs. This bed allows you to save money and space in the bedroom.

There are beds with remote control. Motors are mounted to the frame of such models, which move the zones of the head and legs, lift them and lower them. Sometimes there is a mechanism that can create a massage effect. With the help of such a bed you can adjust the height of the zones, taking into account preferences and physical features. Among the shortcomings can be called the need to bring to the bed outlet or adapter.

Smart Beds still not in wide use, which is connected, first of all, with the high cost. Such “smart” models read information from a person directly during his sleep, changing the shape of the mattress depending on the change in body position. Some can adjust the temperature of the coating, making it more comfortable, independently raise the head area in case of a snoring sleeper.

Finally, the types of beds can be classified even according to the decor: its presence or absence. This category includes not only the design of visible elements - headboards, footboards and side panels, which can be wooden, metal, upholstered in fabric. Accessories include, for example, canopy. Such models are bulky and appropriate in large bedrooms, however, create a special luxurious atmosphere.

Special originality is different children's beds, which often take quite guessable forms of toys, cartoon characters and other items. For example, a popular model in the form of a racing car. There are also soft, without mattresses, resembling huge pillows, such as the bed "Pokemon". But for babies, simple, maximally safe and comfortable, with high sides, for example, Mishutka bed, are the most common.

For newborns there is a cradle bed. She not only has high bumpers so that the child does not fall, but also has several modes - stationary and swinging. Some models are automated, so you don’t need to waste your time on rocking the baby before bed.Of course, mechanical programs have a smooth course and small amplitude of movement.

A profitable acquisition will be a transforming bed, which is able to turn from a cradle into a changing table or playpen. There are models that include even more functions. They meet all the necessary criteria for a children's cradle, while saving space in the bedroom.

For twins in their first months of life, one bed for two is quite suitable, however, over time, the question of an extra bed will still arise. You can watch the model, which is more than usual, and in the middle is divided by a soft roller. In this case, each baby will have its own place, and they will not interfere with each other.

If space allows, you can immediately purchase two separate or twin beds. Plus doubles in the fact that they are cheaper than two separate, and many are also equipped with a wiggle mechanism. But the disadvantage is that even in the case of quarantine it will be difficult to separate children into different rooms, since it is impossible to separate one bed from another.

In total there are two main types of sliding models:

• from 0 to 10 years. Initially, it looks like a bed for a newborn, often in a complete set with a changing table and chest of drawers. Over time, the cradle can be transformed - remove part of the fence, lower the bottom, add necessary centimeters in length to the bottom, stand and table. In its original form, the dimensions of such a model are 120x60cm, and the maximum after all modifications is 160x70cm;
• from 3 to 15 years. This is a full bed with a sliding mechanism. As the child grows, the transforming part is being pushed more and more. The initial width of this bed is larger than that of the previous model - 80-90 cm. Some models are equipped with additional storage boxes, removable and stationary sides. Thus, this model is suitable for both the baby, who is just learning everything, and for the schoolchild and teenager.

For children, there are often themed beds that will not only decorate the interior, but also help to express individuality. For girls and boys make beds in the form of cars, animals, ships.Over time, this model will lose its relevance, but for some time it will become not only a place to sleep, but also useful for the game.

For smaller rooms, the ergonomic solution will be wardrobe bed, folding to the wall. Such a model works with the help of a lifting spring mechanism. There are all basic sizes - from small cots to double. When the bed retracts into the wall, there are decorative cabinet doors on the outside. Most often it is impossible to open them, and their presence is due to the disguise of a berth.

There are several types of built-in beds:

• horizontal side wall adjacent to the wall;
• vertical, in contact with the wall of the headboard.

Some manufacturers complicate the design, equipping the wall-bed with a table, a mirror, a sofa, a place to store things.Most often, the cost of rising beds is lower than that of each piece of interior separately. However, many of these models cause concern due to the folding mechanism.

The category of beds with a ladder includes many models designed for various occasions. A bunk is suitable when two children, a teenager or an adult live in a room. This option saves space, and often money.

It is possible to make a three-tier structure with the help of an additional floor platform, which usually moves under the lower tier. In some cases, it has a lifting mechanism, due to which a complete double or triple bed is obtained.

The loft bed is a two-story one, however, there is free space under the bed below. This design is ergonomic, as it allows you to create a work area, a small library, a wardrobe, a workshop under the place to sleep. Children's models of beds-attics with a slide are capable of taking the child into play at all.

Among the unusual species with a ladder can be called a hinged bed.It is a fixed platform, fastened under the ceiling with secure fixings. Under the bed - completely free space. This option is only relevant if the apartment has high ceilings. Another type of mounted model is a platform moving up and down along the fixings on the wall. For convenience, the rails are equipped with a counterweight system or a fully automated mechanism.

Minus almost all of these beds is associated with the inconvenience that occurs when changing bed linen. You should also understand that in order to lie down you will have to either lower the bed space, or get to it by the stairs.

Among the original beds can be called a model with light. The most commonly used contour LEDs along the base and edge. Also possible is a garland of incandescent bulbs. Dimmed light can create a unique intimate atmosphere in the bedroom.

A more standard, but very convenient in terms of design option - modular furniture.It is a set of basic interior items, made in one single style. Most often the bed along with a wardrobe or chest of drawers is present in all modular sets.

A bed with a place to store linen will be a useful acquisition not only for a small apartment, but also for any other. Among the common options are shelves at the bottom, drawers, a compartment under the mattress. There are models with a mezzanine over the headboard.

The choice of color of the bed should directly depend on the overall interior, the shades already existing in it and the concept:

• You can make the design in full neutral gamma, add small accents or play on contrasts.
• Also possible monochrome option when decoration and furniture complement each other, matching in color, but differing in shades.

• The most traditional option for the bed - natural woody or imitating it. All shades of brown are included in this category: both light wood, such as alder, and more saturated dark walnut. With a contrasting interior, bright finishes and neutral furniture are selected or, on the contrary, basic walls and floors, but the bed, the wardrobes,the tables are saturated and variegated.

• Wood unnatural but neutral in spectrum is white, gray and black. The first is the most popular in the style of country, Scandinavian, provence. And white is quite rich in shades - from warm, rather even beige, to cold with blue. Gray also has many shades with different saturation, but black is a rather categorical color.

• The materials from which the beds are made are subjected to all kinds of processing, including staining. Thanks to this you can find models with red, pink, green, blue frame, and in general there are no restrictions on possible colors. And there is such a variety not only for children's and teenage beds. Many styles allow such an unusual color of furniture.

In total there are three main materials from which the beds are made. Each has its own set of characteristics, features and appearance, which is suitable for a particular style.

The variant that has been used since ancient times is wood. Large selection of different breeds makes natural beds affordable. Among the inexpensive species there is an array of pine and spruce, and beds made of beech, oak, mahogany, and ash are especially expensive.Noble breeds are not only durable and wear-resistant, but also have high aesthetic qualities due to their texture, natural pattern, shade and even aroma. Often you can find beds of exotic breeds, for example, rattan, teak, wenge.

Breeds are classified not only by nobility and high prices, but also by hardness. Among the soft species - linden, pine, spruce, alder, aspen. Among the solid - oak, beech, ash. Soft rock is amenable to any treatment, but it is also easily subjected to mechanical damage. With careless handling, chipping and cracking may occur, and burrs will appear in untreated wood.

Defects can also occur if the furniture is made of poor quality material that has gone through the wrong processing stages. Therefore, you should carefully inspect the entire wooden surface for the presence of blistering and irregularities. For furniture take dried wood without cracks and knots. Most often it is polished, varnished, but also possible staining, waxing, visual aging. In addition, this material can be decorated with carving, tinting and imitation of the texture of more expensive rocks.

It is important not only what kind of wood is taken, but in what specific form. Most often, it is made of planks, which makes the construction concise, light and outwardly smooth. This is a classic model that will fit into any setting. Much more original version of the logs, which is ideal for country style. The tree in this form looks massive, which is why the bed itself has a rather bulky look. Such a visual feature does not detract from the material's ability to make the overall atmosphere in a rustic way cozy. Beds of logs can not be found in large chain stores, however, they can be found from private craftsmen or ordered from them.

Some log models are maximally simplified in their design - they consist of basic structural elements without any extraneous details. Fantasy bed models look very similar to a fabulous den of curtains.

Recently, beds of pallets or,as they are called pallet. Often they are made with their own hands or ordered from the masters. The main advantages are low price and stylish appearance. Among the downsides is the need to organically fit such material into the overall interior. This can be done with the help of other furniture made in a similar style, for example, you can put a coffee table out of the pallet.

Before becoming a single design, pallets are polished and coated with varnish or paint. Such a bed can imitate the color of a noble breed or be unusual bright, for example, turquoise. The most suitable for quality are pallets labeled with EUR and EPAL.

Metal - quite affordable and cheap material. The bed design can be forged or welded. The first method allows you to make intricate models that fit the design of a variety of styles. The main advantage of this material is its strength and ability to withstand huge loads, even with its own low weight. In addition, such furniture is easy to care for, since it is enough just to wipe it with a rag.

For the manufacture of furniture are mainly used aluminum and steel.The first type is lighter in weight, but expensive, and steel is the opposite. Metal can be processed in every way, for example, nickel-plated, painted, chrome-plated, and also subjected to design forging. Because of this, these beds can be entered into the interior of any style ranging from high-tech to country.

Increasingly popular and in demand are starting to use beds made of wood-based panels. In total there are several types, but their essence comes down to pressing the material and applying the top layer - wood veneer or film. These plates are hollow inside, which reduces the weight of the products. The undoubted advantage is the low cost.

In total there are four types of wood-based panels:

• DSP - wood chip Glued and then compacted chips or spikes. It is very important to buy such furniture from trusted companies and stores, as a poor-quality product can be toxic due to bad glue. The strength of the material is not inferior to the pine array.
• LDSP - laminated chipboard. From above it is covered with plastic, film with a pattern of wood. Thanks to lamination, the material is resistant to minor mechanical damage. Chipboard is cheaper than chipboard.
• MDF - fibreboard made of sawdust, fastened with paraffin and lignin. Due to this composition, the material is considered environmentally friendly. MDF can be manipulated with processing, so it can be given various forms, imitating the thread. This material is durable, long serves, while it has a low price.
• Fiberboard - fibreboard. It is made from wood dust using a wet method of pressing. Most often, fiberboard is found in the drawer of the beds, as it is not suitable for creating frames. Due to the pressing method, the material cannot be thick. One side of the slab is rough and the other is covered with a film or laminate.

There are certain standards of dimensions that are most optimal and comfortable. In total, they are divided into four categories, but differ in width and length from each other:

• single beds. Pretty narrow models up to 100 cm wide. Sizes 90x190 and 100x190 cm are considered optimal for a person with average height and weight.This width is enough to feel comfortable at night, and such furniture saves space considerably. There are also longer options, for example, 80x200, 90x200 cm;
• one and a half sleeping. Beds 120 cm-140 cm wide. Model 120x200 and 120x190 cm is considered acceptable for one person, but 160x190 cm is suitable even for two;
• double. The width of these beds starts from 160 cm to 200 cm. The best option is 180x200 cm, because so easily fit and two will feel comfortable at once;
• royal. More than 200 cm wide. Such a model is acceptable only in a large apartment and a bedroom, because otherwise it will occupy all the free space.

The criteria for the dimensions and the height of the bed. In many cases, the choice should take into account the physiological characteristics of the owner. Tall people will simply be uncomfortable to sit down and get up from a very low model. There are three options:

• low - from 20 to 30 cm;
• medium - up to 60 cm;
• high - 70-90 cm.

Usually dimensions are determined by centimeters, less often by millimeters and inches. In some places, the values ​​of width and length can change. However, a bed of 90x200 cm and 2000x900 mm is in fact one and the same, therefore, it is enough just to study the size range in one or another catalog more carefully in order to be better oriented when choosing.

The most beautiful and luxurious beds are made in style. "classic". This direction implies a demonstration of high status, even some arrogance. That is why the bed in such an interior is solid, massive, often decorated with columns, a canopy, spectacular legs and a headboard. You can also find models with inlaid and with rhinestones. You can find many models with soft upholstery made of expensive materials, such as velvet.

Furniture in styles such as "Eco" and "country"on the contrary, simple. It should be associated with rural life, unity with nature, unpretentious comfort. In the design of the bed as much as possible natural, and this applies to everything: the material, colors and design.

In the direction of "eco" metal, chipboard, plastic are not used at all. The "country" has more directions in which the national peculiarities of certain countries impose their imprint. For example, in a simple sophisticated "Provence" welcomes curved metal headboards. English style is less romantic and more mundane. In the design of the beds there are details with forging or massive elements of natural noble wood.

Modern trends are stylish, minimalist and most often they lack many decorative techniques, for example, carved and forged ornaments. Minimalism laconic, but at the same time comfortable, even if we are talking about a bed without a back. Style "high tech" the most urbanized, technical and original. Furniture has strict geometric shapes, and the materials themselves are the decor, and not any processing. This direction welcomes plastic, metal, glass.

Style "loft" begins to be popular, despite the fact that it is both concise and unusual at the same time. He is related to the industrial direction, but at the same time more bohemian.Within the boundaries of this style, you can find both minimalistic wooden beds and massive steel beds.

The same model can suit one person, and be absolutely contraindicated to another:

• First of all, when buying, you should find out exactly what size of furniture is needed. And you should take into account both the dimensions of the room where the bed will stand, and the physical characteristics of the person. To calculate the correct length, it is necessary to add 15-20 cm to the growth of the future owner. You can check whether the width is suitable, you can simply lie on the bed, put your hands behind your head and see if your elbows reach the side panels. If they are in contact, you should choose a bed with a larger width. The height of the bed is suitable if the mattress laid on its base reaches the level of the person’s knees. In some cases, you can choose a higher model, especially if there are health problems.
• It is important that the bed is not only suitable for physical features, but also was in itself of high quality. In order to check the purchase for this criterion, you should carefully examine all the elements.The main surface, regardless of the material and method of processing, must be flat. It happens that the painted material bubbles, upholstered in fabric - puffs up, there are cracks in the wood, and chipping on the metal. All these defects should not be, as they reduce the life of the bed.
• At the joints of parts should not be visible glue stains. All legs should be the same length and equally level on the floor. The decor on the headboard and the footboard can be asymmetrical, even if it was intended by the designer. Drawers should close tightly and not jam. It is important how firmly hold the attachment, do not hang out.

• Luxury beds are distinguished by their special elegance, the highest class, quality and the corresponding price.. For them, the most expensive tree species are most often chosen, for example, oak, beech, cherry, and upholstery materials - silk, eco-leather. Often luxury furniture made to order, while working only with environmentally friendly materials. Despite all this, the purchase of an elite bed should also be considered carefully, checking every detail and the state of the object as a whole.
• Economy class beds made from cheap materials - solid pine and spruce, wood-based panels, making furniture more accessible. Despite the low cost, the furniture should still be of high quality. In the case of uncertainty about the seller and the store, it is better to avoid buying a bed from a particle board, since if this is not done properly, this material may give off noxious fumes.
• When buying a bed should consider the interior of the bedroom and its size. In a large room, you can turn around and pamper yourself even as a king-size model, but in a small room you can limit yourself to a single. In case you need to save space, you should look at the bed-transformers. Modern models can be assembled and disguised as a wall, closet, without interfering with the use of the room during the day.

Regardless of the size of the room and the style of the interior, there are several recommendations for placing a bed. First of all, they are associated with the features of the layout and overall comfort:

• The bed should not be placed next to the doorway or against the wall in which he is located. This is primarily due to psychology and anxiety about the situation when someone enters the room.At the same time, it is necessary to avoid the location behind the door, because then the incoming one will be seen not immediately.
• Do not stir the resting place near the windows.to avoid overheating from the heating system or cold from walking drafts. To avoid irritation from extraneous noise, the bed should not be put to the wall, behind which there is a kitchen, a bathroom, a bathroom. In the case of thin walls and noisy neighbors, it should also be placed further from the adjacent wall.
• Special attention should be paid to what is above the bed. The ceiling with a slope or beams, a massive chandelier, drawers and shelves will be alarming. Excessive discomfort appears when you see your own reflection in the mirror from the bed. You should not have a bed next to sockets, electronic devices. The foot should not rest against the wall, since then an uncomfortable limitation of the viewing angle of the room is created.
• Approach to the bed in the room should be at least 60 cm. If we are talking about two tenants in the bedroom, then each of them should have free access to each of the parties. If the bed is for one, then it can be placed along the wall.

• In the small bedroom the bed should be placed across, to visually increase the space, and to make it costs closer to the window. It happens that the width of the room does not exceed 2.5 m, that is, it is narrow, elongated. In this case, there is no way out except to put the bed along the wall so that one approach to it is open. If the apartment is regulated by the heating system, and the windows are thick and do not let through drafts, you can put a bed with a headboard to the window.
• In one-bedroom apartments and studio apartments the room serves as a bedroom and living room at the same time. To create a more comfortable atmosphere, the room can be zoned. To enclose the bed with a screen or curtain, plasterboard wall, non-massive bookshelf. Moreover, if the room is small, then in the bedroom area should be left only a bed, and equip the workplace in the living room.
• Not all designers share the concept of visible space zoning.Many advise to abandon the real partitions, and instead use different shades and textures of the finish.
• Putting a bed on the balcony, you can organize as an additional guest bedroom, and a place to relax. To begin with, it is necessary to put the room in order and make it suitable for sleeping - to warm the floor and walls, to put a high-quality double-glazed window, and to close the windows with curtains or blinds.
• Since the balconies are most often small in width, it can be difficult to find a bed there. Most often it is easier to make custom-made furniture under certain measurements. As a suitable model can be called a podium with a mattress, transforming bed-wardrobe, folding from the wall. They significantly save space, allow you to use it for other purposes. The podium can be made hollow inside to store bed linen in it.

The furniture market in China is primarily focused on Western consumers, so the products were created according to the sketches of European designers:

• Among the famous factories and salons are listed Kinwai, Four Seasons Furniture, Songdream, The BHS.
• There are many reviews about reasonable price. Chinese furniture at the same time, owners note its high quality. However, some met beds made of poor-quality material with defects.

• Many seek and order furniture from malaysia primarily because of the material. For the production of beds, craftsmen often take the Giwea tree, that is, the rubber. This breed is compared to oak due to its high wear resistance and hardness. Externally, the Guivea smooth and natural gradient colors. The prices of Malaysian beds vary - from 8 to 80 thousand rubles. Among the reviews there are often compliments to a beautiful type of furniture and at the same time not a very high price. Negative emotions are associated only with the discrepancy between the colors of the real model and the photo in the online catalog.

• Japanese furniture manufacturers quite concise and minimalist, while elegant. A popular model is the low beds, which are reminiscent of national tatami and futon. In addition, the cost of these beds is not very high. Among the well-known Japanese manufacturers selling furniture in Russia, there is a factory Matsuoka.

• Especially popular are euro furniture manufacturers. Italy is famous for the elite products made from designer sketches of high quality materials. Among the famous brands - Bolzan Letti, MD House, Vaccari International. French factories for the production of beds prefer natural materials, practical and versatile forms, the design does not cause contrasts. Among the manufacturers can be called Ambiance Cozy, Collection Pierre, Grange.

• American manufacturers make beds that combine the classics and modernity. They create furniture that does not lose relevance over the years. There are such companies as Ashley, Drexel Heritage, Bernhardt, Vanguard Furniture. Buyers like the originality of the design and shape of the beds, as well as a reasonable price.

• Among the factories that are closer to Russia, Belarusian should be highlighted. Products of this country cause many admired reviews. Buyers are satisfied with the appearance, great variety, as well as excellent quality.Among the famous manufacturers - Zarya, Forest Deco Group, Gomeldrev, Pinskdrev, Bobruiskmebel.

On how to choose the right bed, see the next video.