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Modern residential design combines minimalism and practical constructivism: designers strive to create not just stylish, but also highly functional interiors that are not overloaded with unnecessary details. This is true for small rooms, which are quite difficult to make cozy and spacious at the same time.
Types and types
Transformable furniture is convenient if the room area is small. For small apartments this is a salvation. Another area is if the room is multifunctional. This is also typical for apartments with a small area. For spacious houses or apartments this is not necessary. Perhaps for the organization of additional beds when guests visit.
In any version - folded or unfolded - it looks great
Basically, transformable furniture combines two types of objects in one piece. Moreover, most of them are associated with sleeping places. You can find: wardrobe-bed, table-bed, bed-sofa.
By the way, in the case of the example - a sofa bed - be careful. Do not confuse it with the upholstered furniture popular among our grandmothers called “sofa bed”. It was not the most comfortable sofa, which folded out into something resembling a bed (also, by the way, not very comfortable).
These are the transformable sofas now
In the current version, these are two different objects combined into one. A full bed with a mattress rises during the day, representing a wardrobe and part of the back of the sofa. A soft seat is available. It turns out to be a sofa. But not folding, but “stationary”, so to speak. As a rule, additional pillows make it more comfortable. At night they are stowed away (maybe a storage box under the sofa seat) and the bed is lowered. So, as you can see, this is a completely different piece of furniture.
Tables can also be folding
There is also transformable furniture, which is associated with the “appearance” of the table. Moreover, the table itself can have different purposes:
- to organize an additional (or main) workplace;
- to increase the area of the dining table;
- to increase the working surface in kitchen units.
There are also triple transformers. Basically it is a wardrobe-bed-sofa or a wardrobe-bed-table. They differ from double cabinets only in that the cabinet is large in size due to the non-transformable part with shelves.
Criterias of choice
If you decide to purchase a bed-wardrobe, you need to first take care of the quality of the product. Reliable fastenings, expensive fittings, durable materials will be the key to long-term use. A stylish façade will complete the overall positive picture.
Transformation mechanism
Various models of transformable furniture with a built-in bed provide certain types of fastenings. Depending on the total weight of the folding module and its configuration, the type of transformation mechanism may vary significantly. Most often used:
- Spring mechanisms, the operating principle of which is designed for thousand-fold use due to the presence of twisted and gas springs made of carbon steel. The depth of the niche for this type of fastening must be at least 25 cm.
- A gas lift looks like a piston containing gas under high pressure, which allows you to silently and smoothly change the position of the bed unit. The depth of the niche should be more than 45 cm.
On exclusive designer models, an electric drive mechanism can be installed. After receiving a command from the remote control or the power button, the module will be assembled without additional mechanical impact. If you plan to make a transforming bed with your own hands, you can consider using a manual mechanism - changing the position of the bed unit will be done manually.
In addition to the type of mechanism, the types of wall mounting also differ. For bunk or children's models, as well as sofas of all types, the side fixation method is used. For a wardrobe-bed with a sofa, horizontal fastening is the most optimal and practical. For single or double products, installation is most often done on the lower part, due to which the folding occurs vertically.
Springs
Gas lift
Manual control
Electric drive
Manufacturing materials
The transformable wardrobe-bed-sofa can be made of various materials. The final cost of the entire sample directly depends on their properties. You also can’t ignore stylistics - not every raw material suits the chosen concept equally well.
The frame of the folding bed must be made of high-strength steel, this will ensure that the correct geometry of the entire structure is maintained.
A bed with a lifting mechanism is traditionally made from slabs and lumber. Thickness and structure directly affect strength, so the thicker the type of structural product, the better. The most popular are:
- laminated chipboard (LDSP);
- board made of fine wood fraction, coated with film (MDF);
- natural wood of various species.
Types of beds built into the closet, features of selection and installation
Budget models are most often made from artificially obtained materials. Their strength properties are characterized by a high coefficient. The finishing of the facade can be done using veneer - a thin cut of wood glued to an artificial material.
Exclusive models in the premium price category are made from natural lumber. Wood is rightfully considered the most environmentally friendly raw material for the production of furniture cabinet parts. Models made from pine, linden or oak look presentable and have a pleasant smell.
When producing a lift-up bed with a sofa, certain materials are also used for upholstery and filling. Budget-type folding furniture rarely comes with an orthopedic mattress, which contains spring mechanisms. Preference is given to special high-density furniture foam rubber, which does not shrink and retains its shape for a long time. Synthetic padding or padding polyester is also used. However, they do not have high performance characteristics.
External upholstery is selected to match the overall color of the room. Preference is given to dense furniture fabrics that are resistant to abrasion, such as microfiber, velor, chenille, matting, as well as natural or artificial leather.
laminated chipboard
MDF
Natural wood
Foam rubber
Sintepon
Sintepooh
Microfiber
Velours
Chenille
Gozhka
Leather
Transformer dimensions
The size of the space that the furniture built into the closet will occupy depends on the parameters of the room, the number of beds, as well as the folding mechanism itself. The 3 in 1 transforming sofa consists of the following structural elements:
- wall cabinet module;
- frame with upholstery;
- folding legs;
- fastening system.
As a rule, the length of the sofa varies from 1.8 to 2.2 m. The width can be from 1.1 to 1.5 m. A wide range of models allows you to choose the best option for any room. The ideal solution for a small room up to 9 m2 would be a sofa 1.8 × 2.2 m.
The dimensions of the built-in bed depend on the dimensions of the bed. If you plan to accommodate one person, a width of 0.8–1.2 m will be sufficient, for children - 0.7 m. The length varies slightly, for an adult it is 1.9–2 m. In double models, the width is from 1. 6 to 2.1 m.
The size of the niche required to store furniture when folded is influenced by the chosen transformation mechanism. Depending on its dimensions, the depth of the cabinet can be from 25 to 45 cm.
Since the appearance of the assembled cabinet depends entirely on the wishes of the customer, the number and size of shelves may vary. The width is determined individually and has no clear dimensional boundaries. The height directly depends on the distance to the ceiling. As a rule, these dimensions range from 2.1–2.5 m.
Pros and cons of chair-beds, criteria for choosing a functional model
Transformable furniture: pros and cons
The advantage of furniture transformers is obvious: they take up less space than two separate items. That's all. Actually, there are no other advantages. But there are disadvantages:
- Higher price.
- Basically, only one of the possible options can be used at a time.
- It takes some effort to unfold/fold. Not all older people or children are able to do this on their own. There are a number of automated models with a remote control, but they are more expensive. And this is subject to the already considerable price of transformable furniture without an automatic drive.
- Special mechanisms are used for transformation. And they can break or jam. And this is an additional minus.
Rational use of space is the main advantage of transformable furniture
In general, that's all. If you still want to have transformable furniture, choose not only functionality and appearance. Pay attention to the mechanisms. They must be made of good steel, the movement must be easy. If you have the slightest problems when unfolding or folding, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Transformable bed
All beds built into the closet are equipped with orthopedic mattresses, which are fixed to the frame. Basically, transformer furniture of this type is folding. In one state, the frame is raised vertically, held in place by spring or pneumatic holders. This furniture looks like a wardrobe. In another position, the frame is lowered and rests its legs on the floor. In this case, everything looks like a bed that stands next to the closet.
A transformable bed can be hidden in the wall
When planning to buy a lift-type transforming bed, keep in mind that it should stand near a load-bearing wall. Since the structure is attached to the wall, it must withstand heavy loads. So it won’t be possible to place such furniture next to a weak partition. Maybe roll-out models, but there aren’t many of them and they don’t have the same effects.
Wardrobe bed
Wardrobe beds differ in the orientation of the mattress relative to the surface of the cabinet. There are models that are attached to furniture with the long side, and others with the short side. In the first option, the cabinet is wider; its upper part can be used for its intended purpose - as sections for storing things.
Transformable bed built into the closet
This type of transformable wall is suitable for narrow spaces. But only a single or one-and-a-half bed can be built in. This type is also called a “horizontal folding bed” - the long part is located along the horizon.
The same type is used for bunk wardrobe beds. They have two separate beds located one above the other. When assembled, they look like a cabinet.
Bunk folding bed-wardrobe
To climb to the second tier, install an additional ladder. This is the main inconvenience. Firstly, it is far from safe; there are no railings at all. Secondly, it needs to be kept somewhere while the beds are folded. In general, there are disadvantages. But there is also a huge plus - the space savings are very significant.
The advantage of this option is lower price. These models do not require large lifting power, since the load on the mechanism is not so high. In the most budget options, springs can be used. Due to this, the cost is reduced.
Transformable furniture: vertical folding bed is convenient for small apartments
There are also models in which the bed is attached to the wall with a short part. Such models are sometimes called “vertical folding beds”. Here the price is higher, since the load on the mechanism responsible for lowering and raising is considerable. Pneumatic lifts are already used here, and they must be of good quality. There are even options with automatic drive and remote control.
This option has single, single and double beds. The larger the size, the more attention you should pay to the lift. You should also check the mattress fixation system. It should be reliable, but at the same time, provide the ability to remove the mattress for drying/disinfection without any problems.
Walls with built-in beds (transformable wall)
This is an even more solid and expensive type of transformable furniture. Part of the wall - side or central - can move away, revealing a vertical bed hidden behind it.
Transforming wall with a lowering bed
This furniture has no less functionality than a regular wall. The only difference is that it requires more “depth” space so that part of the cabinet can be moved aside. But all the shelves are functional, which is rare in transformable furniture. Even if they are less deep than they could be in a regular closet, the bed is not visible during the daytime. The view is business or official, the room can be a living room or dining room. And in the evening, with the bed lowered, it turns into a bedroom with a full bed.
Roll-out beds
Another transforming bed is hidden under a work, play or second bed. This option is most often used in children's rooms. It is safer because the sleeping place is low, which is important for children.
Transformable furniture: a roll-out bed that hides under the desk
Pay attention to the photo. To make it convenient to use both the bed and the table, both the table and the bed can be pulled out. Very smart and compact. For small apartments, this is an excellent option for a child’s room.
Another nuance: a drawer for storing linen under the bed. In principle, this place may be empty. In this case, you can do without a retractable tabletop, since the legs can be hidden under the folded bed.
How a sofa is arranged in a folding wardrobe bed
Shapes and sizes of sofas in convertible folding beds
Another important part of the transforming wardrobe-bed is a cozy sofa. Two types of sofas can be used in folding structures:
- straight - a classic sofa, ideal for placement in the center of the room. Thanks to it, the bedroom can easily be transformed into a living room;
- corner is a spacious, functional and extremely ergonomic option. It can easily fit in the corner of the room, freeing up additional space.
Sofas can be of different sizes:
- width: from 115 to 160 cm;
- length: from 180 to 220 cm.
For small rooms of 7-9 square meters. meters, a sofa measuring 180 x 120 cm is suitable, and for more spacious rooms with an area of 10-15 meters it is better to choose the option 180 x 150 cm or more.
Sofa frame and additional features
The main part of the load during operation of the sofa is borne by its frame. As a rule, transforming sofas use reliable metal frames with a mechanism for synchronizing the lowering of the legs, which ensures increased stability of the structure. Frames made of wood or plywood are less commonly used.
Note: Sofas can be equipped with comfortable niches or special elastic bands for storing bedding and folding pillows.
Sofa filler
The comfort of a sofa largely depends on its filling and upholstery. Manufacturers offer various filling options for transformable sofas:
- polyurethane foam (PPU) - used most often in transformable furniture. It is durable, affordable, but quite tough;
- a spring block with dependent springs is another popular filler for a transforming sofa. It is comfortable to use, but less reliable than polyurethane foam. After 7-10 years of operation, the springs, under the influence of natural wear and tear, will begin to burst and come out, tearing the upholstery;
- spring block with independent springs - soft, comfortable and durable. However, its use in transforming sofas is undesirable, since when in a vertical position the springs lose contact with each other and the sofa can sag to one side.
To fill individual elements of the sofa - bolsters, pillows, armrests - padding polyester, holofiber or padding polyester can be used.
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Upholstery materials
If the filler can significantly influence the characteristics of the sofa, then the choice of upholstery is more a matter of taste.
The most expensive upholstery material is genuine leather. It is environmentally friendly, durable, wear-resistant and easy to maintain. But it is not recommended to use it if there are animals in the house - the smell of natural leather attracts them and the sofa may be damaged.
Eco-leather, which is not inferior in performance characteristics to natural leather, will cost much less.
If the interior focuses on luxury, then a tapestry is ideal. But it is difficult to care for: it can only be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.
The most practical option for a bed-wardrobe-sofa is velor. This is a soft material, it is easy to clean, does not lose color and texture even when washed with soapy water. In addition, it wears less during the transformation of furniture than other types of upholstery.
A correctly chosen three-in-one wardrobe-sofa-bed will become an indispensable interior detail and will last for many years. With its help, the problem of lack of space can be easily solved and even the cramped room can become a spacious and bright room.
Table transformer
No less than models of transformable tables. For living rooms, transformable coffee tables that fold out into a dining room are good. A couple of moves and the living room turns into a dining room.
The unfolded area is larger, but the design is also more complex.
Coffee table turns into dining table
Transformation methods are different, but mainly lifting and sliding tabletops are used. When folded, the two parts of the tabletop overlap one another.
Transformer: bed-table
There is also a transformable table for a bedroom or children's room. In this case, the desktop rises up, and the berth is lowered on a rotating hinge and rests on the legs. The location of the mattress in this case is horizontal, saving space is significant. In addition, the room does not lose functionality either day or night.
Several cabinets on top - for storing books or things
A more strict option for a minimalist interior
Side cabinets - for storing various small items
This is a good way to free up space for games in the nursery and organize an additional sleeping area to accommodate guests. Ideal for schoolchildren, also suitable for students.
There are also more solid-looking options that can be placed, for example, in the living room or dining room. Again, to accommodate a large number of guests.
Vertical bed-table. This type of transformable furniture is not very common, but can be in demand in small apartments
This transformable furniture can already be called a table-bed-wardrobe. Since more complex modifications also contain sections with shelves on the side. If the ceiling is high, shelves with doors can be placed on top, above the bed level, to store rarely used items. This option is useful if you do not have a dressing room in which out-of-season items are stored.
For kitchen
There are transformable tables for the kitchen. Some use the same principle as the famous book tables. A certain “piece” is added to the main working surface, fixed in one way or another to the main tabletop.
Transformable dining table for the kitchen
This transformable furniture is good for one-room small-sized apartments of an old building, where every centimeter counts. When there are few people, it can be folded. If necessary, the area is increased.
Some retractable tabletops may be supported by legs, while others hang in the air, supported by guides
There are also tables with extendable tops. In this case, you also need to pay attention to the fixation system. It bears a considerable load, so there must be a margin of safety. It comes from good metal and a reliable system of rollers, on which the tabletop extends.
Increase usable table space in the kitchen
The type of metal used to make the guides is also important for the kitchen. At a minimum, it should be galvanized metal, but better - stainless steel. As a last resort, for budget models, powder coating is suitable. This is not to say that it is much cheaper than galvanized steel, but it does provide more color options.
Popular models
Designed for everyday use, transformable furniture is an excellent way to functionally utilize your living space. Thanks to its presence, you can quickly turn the living room into a bedroom or provide an additional bed in any other room. A folding bed built into a closet can help out both in case of unexpected guests and when it is necessary to accommodate a large number of family members. The most popular models of this design:
- With built-in sofa. The berth is fixed horizontally - the mechanism is located on the side. If necessary, it is possible to install a wardrobe-bed with a corner sofa or with a straight model.
- With a folding bed. It can be combined with a single or double modification, where the mechanism is placed at the foot and the bed is folded vertically.
- For children, with one or two beds. Sleeping places for two children are obtained due to the horizontal arrangement of the bed blocks one above the other (lateral fastening of the mechanism), and for one child the bed can be secured by both vertical and lateral folding.
Installation of a transformable wardrobe-bed with a sofa is carried out exclusively on load-bearing walls. If there are no permanent partitions, you should opt for other options - without the need for vertical fastening.
The design of the 3-in-1 wardrobe-sofa-bed is significant, so before installation you need to evaluate the characteristics of the floors and walls. Their surface must be perfectly flat, which will ensure reliable fixation, tight fit and, as a result, long-term operation.
Design and equipment of the bed-stand, operating features
With built-in sofa
With folding bed
For children
Transformable sofas
Another type of transformable furniture is sofas. Everyone knows the old model - the sofa bed. But this is not about her. This is not a very good option, although it is widespread. There are more interesting ones.
Sofa bed
This type of transformable furniture is fundamentally different from the old model: a full-fledged bed is transformed into an equally full-fledged and comfortable sofa. The bed in this version is mounted vertically, mostly single and double mattresses.
The most common version of a transforming sofa
The principle of operation is the same as that of the wardrobe-bed. The sofa is installed permanently, the bed is fixed raised and can be upholstered with soft fabric to match the sofa upholstery, the role of the backrest is played by pillows. Before unfolding, they are removed, the bed is lowered, which lies on the sofa and rests on retractable legs. A shelf can play the role of a leg (as in the photo above).
There is another type of such furniture: a wardrobe-sofa-bed. It differs from the one described above only in that more sections with shelves or cabinets are attached next to it. If the ceiling height is sufficient, shelves/cabinets can be located above the bed.
Sofa bunk bed
For children's rooms, a good option is a sofa that transforms into two beds, located one above the other. This model involves a complex mechanism, so the cost of such transforming sofas is quite high.
The sofa turns into a bunk bed
But the model is very convenient. Both the sofa and the beds are comfortable. Compared to a traditional bunk bed, it does not take up space as much, but saves it no less.
Sofa table
Sofa with table. This option is rather exotic. Its functionality is not so high. But as an option for non-standard furniture it is good. The sofa table has a movable back made of wood (or its substitutes) or plastic. While transformer furniture is used as upholstered furniture, there are no external differences. If necessary, the backrest can be folded forward, where it rests on the floor.
Sofa table. Can be installed on the veranda - as a place for relaxation or possible gatherings
As a rule, such a transformable sofa has one more way of use: it converts into a bed. An additional ottoman extends from under the seat. That is, this is a 3 in 1 option.
Another option for a transformable sofa is a modular design. This is not exactly what was described before. All upholstered furniture is divided into segments that can fit together in different ways.
Modular convertible sofa
As a rule, the sofa itself is extendable or folding. It is installed permanently, and smaller mobile units can be moved. They often have casters.
3 in 1 lifting wardrobe bed device
Frame and mechanism for transforming a wardrobe-bed with a sofa
The 3 in 1 wardrobe-sofa bed is equipped with a complex mechanism that allows you to easily transform the device into the desired piece of furniture. As a rule, its operation is based on the use of a certain type of spring.
There are two types of sofa bed lifting mechanisms:
- on twisted springs made of durable carbon wire. They are able to withstand any load, and the service life of this mechanism is on average designed for fifty thousand ascents and lowerings. With daily use of the transforming bed, this will last for seventy years;
- on gas springs, which are piston devices into which gas is pumped. He is under pressure. When transforming furniture from one position to another, springs ensure a smooth change in position. In terms of wear resistance, gas springs are not inferior to coiled ones, but at the same time they do not make squeaks when unfolding furniture.
Many people fear that transformable furniture can “collapse” at any moment and pose a danger to human health and life. In fact, if the springs are in good condition, then spontaneous transformation of the wardrobe-sofa-bed is not possible.
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It is impossible to say unequivocally which mechanism is better. In each case this is determined individually. It should be taken into account that the coil spring mechanism is absolutely invisible, and the size of the niche for the bed is 25 cm.
Gas springs allow you to hide the bed up to 45 cm deep, but are noticeable at the head of the bed.
Based on the location of the bed relative to the wall, there are:
- horizontal lifting mechanism: the berth is in contact with the wall on its side;
- vertical lifting mechanism: the bed is in contact with the wall at the head.
Parameters of a berth bed with a sofa 3 in 1
A sleeping place is an important part of transformable furniture, because a person’s comfort during sleep depends on it. Its sizes may vary. Thus, a built-in transforming double bed with a sofa allows a married couple to comfortably accommodate, no worse than on a classic bed. And for one person, a narrower and more compact model is perfect.
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The dimensions of the folding bed can vary as follows:
- width: from 75 to 180 cm;
- length: from 190 to 220 cm.
The quality of your night's rest directly depends on the mattress you use. Most often, mattresses with dependent springs are used in lift-up beds. They are equipped with a double steel frame that holds the springs in a vertical position. This prevents the mattress from sagging. However, such mattresses are quite hard, so they are often supplemented with a compacted cover made of latex, coconut or memory foam.
To soften the surface of a mattress with dependent springs, it can be equipped with additional filling or a removable cover made of natural or artificial soft material can be used.
It is not recommended to use mattresses with independent springs in folding beds, since in a vertical position the connection between the springs is broken and the mattress settles to one side.
The front part is a transforming wardrobe-bed with a sofa
The main design element of a wardrobe bed is its façade. It can be made of the same material as the cabinet body - as a rule, it is MDF or laminated chipboard in light or dark tones that imitate natural wood. But there are also plastic, mirror and combined facade panels.
Chipboard facades look quite strict and are suitable for lovers of minimalism and clear lines in the interior. If you want interesting solutions, it is better to give preference to mirrored facades. Firstly, their reflective properties help make the surrounding space visually larger and brighter. And secondly, mirror surfaces provide wide scope for decoration - they can be made colored, matte, decorated with contour patterns, or even used photo printing.
The facade can be designed not only as a regular storage cabinet with two compartments, but also as a full-fledged wall with shelves, drawers and racks for storing things. Some facades are equipped with built-in lighting, which not only performs a decorative function, but also serves as a night light.
Unusual Transformers
There are several transformers that are difficult to classify as furniture. For example, a shelf that turns into a small table. An ideal option for a walk-through room if there is nowhere to put a stationary table, but there is only a piece of wall in a walk-through area.
Shelves that turn into a table - at least original
An equally original solution is a picture or mirror that turns into a table. In this case, the tabletop is attached to the wall using hinges. A mirror or picture is attached to its back surface (which becomes the front surface when raised).
A mirror on the wall becomes... a table
The legs are made in the form of a frame frame. When the table is needed, it is folded back. When not needed, they are attached to the wall again. This is also one of the very good options if the table can only be installed in a walk-through area. An ideal solution for some small apartments.
