Popular models
Under the general name “bed-dresser” there are several variants of the product. Each is characterized by a certain structure, size, and functional elements. The model line includes different designs:
- Crib for newborns. The berth is identical in shape to the playpen. The built-in pendulum helps rock the baby to sleep. The advantage of modern children's beds with a chest of drawers and drawers is the transformation into a teenage model.
- Folding bed. Convenient transformer that allows you to lower the bed at night. During the day, the piece of furniture looks like an ordinary chest of drawers.
- Two-tier model. The chest of drawers for two children is equipped with two independent sleeping places. Drawers are located in the steps leading to the second floor, or under the lower tier.
- Chest of drawers with pull-out table. Multifunctional design, the tabletop here reclines or extends. The work table unfolds during the day when the mattress is raised up.
- Loft bed. The structure is characterized by the presence of an upper berth. On the lower tier there is a table and a wardrobe. Some models provide gaming and sports elements.
- Sofa bed. A universal model that can be an adult or children's transforming bed with a chest of drawers. The ability to convert a bed into a sofa allows you to place such furniture in the living room.
- Smart furniture. The set includes a bunk bed, bedside tables, table, shelves. Both mattresses are reclining. The lower one is converted into a desk, and the bedside tables act as steps.
For adult users, models with folding beds and transformers are optimal.
For newborns
Folding
Bunk
With extendable table
Loft bed
Sofa bed
Smart furniture
Crib with a pendulum
When touched, the crib begins to rock, making it easier to lull the baby to sleep. The crib is equipped with a device that detects movements. As a result, the pendulum starts automatically. The crib will last your baby up to three years, after which you will have to buy a larger model. If you set the bottom lower, the sleeping place turns into a playpen.
If you remove the drawers behind the pendulum mechanism, you can change the position of the berth. The model with retractable drawers is used up to 5 years of age. A model with a removable pendulum and chest of drawers allows you to use a place to sleep for up to 12 years.
Advice! When planning to place a model with a pendulum, it is important to leave additional space. Otherwise, the crib will knock on the wall while rocking, which will prevent the baby from falling asleep quickly.
Manufacturing materials
Structural parts of bedroom furniture are made from different raw materials. Its quality affects the strength, reliability, environmental safety, durability, and appearance of the product. Manufacturers use:
- tree;
- MDF;
- Chipboard.
Types of transformable beds for a small apartment, their functionality
Solid wood is ideal for the production of a children's bed with a chest of drawers. Such raw materials guarantee a long service life of furniture without loss of basic characteristics. Throughout use, the natural material retains high resistance to mechanical stress, aesthetic appeal and environmental friendliness. Most often, inexpensive but durable pine is used for production. And to increase their presentation, these boards are covered with veneer made from valuable species.
In second place in terms of quality and cost is MDF. The big advantage of the material is that no toxic substances are used in the manufacture of fiberboards. The dense and homogeneous structure of MDF explains the long service life of furniture products. In addition, thanks to modern processing, the panels have an attractive appearance.
Chipboard is inferior to the first two types of materials in quality, but benefits due to its lower cost. Chipboard is reliable when using furniture. It makes beautiful dresser fronts and bed frames.
When purchasing furniture made from chipboard, you need to remember the possible toxicity of the composition that is used to glue the chips.
Tree
MDF
laminated chipboard
Design dimensions
The dimensions of functional furniture depend on the type of construction. An ordinary adult chest of drawers has a standard length of 200–220 cm and a width of 90–200 cm. Only the height changes, which depends on the number of tiers of drawers. The dimensions of beds for teenagers are within 90 × 200 cm. The length and height of bunk models are dictated by additional modules that are included in the kit: bedside tables, table, steps.
Step-by-step making of a wardrobe-bed with your own hands, ideas for decoration
The dimensions of transformers and folding models differ in assembled and disassembled form. When choosing such a bed, you need to calculate in advance how much space the folding or pull-out elements will require. In the room where there is an adult transformable chest of drawers, there should be free space for people to move around.
Models designed for newborns are always larger than the usual dimensions of the cradle. The changing table takes up additional space, thereby increasing the length of the structure. The width of the child's seat remains standard - 60–80 cm, and the length is 170–180 cm.
Large structures hardly fit into small rooms. Compact models, on the contrary, get lost in the atmosphere of spacious rooms. When choosing a chest of drawers, you should take into account not only the ratio of the size of the furniture and the area of the bedroom, but also the configuration of the room. If you plan to place the bed in a niche, the parameters depend on the width of the wall.
How do folding horizontal transformer beds work?
A compact chest of drawers hides a full-fledged sleeping place that does not take up useful space. The functionality of the transformer depends on the technical parameters of the parts. The configuration of multi-component furniture contains basic structural elements.
Frame
The frame consists of a bottom, two side strips, a back and a front panel. Between the parts, a base (bottom) for the berth is installed. Additionally, stiffening ribs and strapping for the mattress frame are used. Design dimensions:
- width from 2 m;
- height – from 1 to 1.6 m;
- depth – 340-450 cm.
The frame of interior items is made of wood or composite materials. Strong versions made of pine, birch or oak are coated with protective impregnations. Lightweight parts can support the weight of an adult. Models made from compressed sawdust are inferior in strength to natural raw materials. The top of the slabs is laminated or veneered.
The folding mechanism is fixed to the frame using metal corners and steel hinges. The fittings are mounted on an iron plate, which is welded to the base of the bed. If the design of the model does not use a connecting strip, then the structure is strengthened with a springless mattress, otherwise the furniture will not fit tightly to the wall.
Mechanisms of transformation
The lifting system is the main component of a multifunctional chest of drawers. The folding horizontal transformer bed unfolds with one push (Push) or by pulling it towards you. Mechanisms are divided into 2 types:
- Spring. Concealed mounting device. During lifting, twisted spirals are tightened, which easily move the berth. The simple and concise design adapts to any type of mattress. The models are suitable for children and adults and can support weights up to 120 kg.
- Gas lifts. The mechanism is based on a shock absorber. The structure moves smoothly and quietly. A gas-powered lifting device with proper operation will last 50 years. The only drawback is the high price.
A horizontal transformable bed-chest for a teenager or an adult operates on springs. Due to constant manipulation, the mechanical parts of the gas lift wear out, so it is more reliable to use models with twisted spirals. Shock-absorbing furniture is suitable for a child. The locking device will prevent spontaneous opening.
Sleeping area
The base for the bed is created taking into account orthopedic and anatomical characteristics. Dresser beds use a structure made of slats or slats that are attached to the facade. Elastic elements bend under weight and quickly restore their original appearance. In inexpensive furniture, a solid bottom is installed. Budget solutions are inconvenient to use and have a limited load life.
<
>
Mattresses are chosen depending on the physical parameters of the person resting on the bed. The optimal height of the model for adults and teenagers is from 20 to 40 cm, children's options are 12-15 cm. The thickness of the object affects the depth of the furniture. The thinner the mattress, the more elegant the chest of drawers. Bed dimensions:
- width – from 70 to 160 cm;
- length – 2-2.2 m.
Single and one-and-a-half-bed models are suitable for children and single adults. Double folding beds do not exceed 1.4 m in width. Interior items of large dimensions (from 1.65 m) are too high, bulky and difficult to transform. Instances are not suitable for small rooms.
Straps are used to hold the mattress and bed linen on the frame. Strong springy parts with a fastex latch open according to human movement. Straps with three-slit buckles help secure the top layer to the bed. In models with one element, the slings are attached in the center. In furnishings with three components, they are installed at the base, at the heads and at the feet.
Facade
The facades of solid wood chest of drawers are decorated with carvings. Expensive wood looks beautiful with a glossy or matte surface. Designs made from natural unpainted material focus attention on the pronounced structure of the raw material. Safe furniture is suitable for installation in a nursery.
Inexpensive models made of MDF and chipboard are covered with wood veneer. Externally, the slabs do not differ from natural components. Composite parts are decorated with colored enamel or PVC film. The panels are lined with laminated plastic (chipboard) and designs are applied to the surface. Fake handles and drawers imitate a furniture façade.
Mechanisms of transformation
Folding and retractable types of bedroom furniture are equipped with special control mechanisms. They allow you to easily unfold and assemble the product. Simple devices require more force, while more advanced systems provide easier operation. There are three types of transformation mechanisms:
- Manual. The device is used in retractable furniture. The bed moves due to the operation of roller or ball guides. To ensure smooth sliding, the mattress is slightly lifted towards itself. It is not advisable to choose such a bed for teenagers and young children, as it will be difficult for them to cope with the heavy structure on their own.
- Spring-loaded. A system of metal spirals ensures the operation of folding beds. The number of springs in a set depends on the weight of the structure. The simplicity of the mechanism is simultaneously combined with a long, trouble-free service life. Springs make it easier to recline the bed, so they are included in both adult and children's sets.
- Gas lift. The mechanism ensures very easy and smooth lifting of the mattress. At the same time, a gas shock absorber requires greater financial expenses than a spring shock absorber. However, the ease of use and quietness outweigh all the disadvantages.
For children's models of chest of drawers, it is advisable to choose spring mechanisms or gas lift.
Manual
Spring
Gas lift
Tips for use
Simple dresser beds and more complex transformers require special attention from the owners. Constantly pulling out drawers, unfolding a bed, tilting a table - all these manipulations gradually wear out mechanical devices. Each time it is necessary to check the quality of fixation of elements. If necessary (the appearance of creaking, resistance), the working metal fittings are lubricated with machine oil. Screw fastenings are periodically checked and loose screws are tightened.
Popular types of accordion chair-beds, features
Over time, dust and small debris accumulate in cracks and gaps, so regular cleaning of the house should alternate with general cleaning. A crib that includes a changing table requires more careful care. Such furniture must be constantly maintained in hygienic condition.
When arranging interior items, it is important to take into account their overall layout. If there is a transformable bed in the room, it is important that when unfolded the furniture does not create obstacles to movement. Open drawers and tilted countertops can not only cause injuries, but also break from impacts. Beds with desks need additional lighting, so it is recommended to consider the electrical wiring system so that there is an outlet next to the furniture. If this is not possible, the solution would be to change the arrangement of furniture.
A comfortable multifunctional bed-chest of drawers is a great solution for many spacious and small-sized apartments. Variations in models, sizes, materials, and designs allow you to choose the right one. And compliance with the operating rules guarantees pleasure from long-term use of such a product. Comfort, convenience, reasonable savings of money and square meters - the most important thing that combined furniture gives.
If creaking or resistance occurs, the working metal fittings are lubricated with machine oil.
A crib with a chest of drawers needs regular hygienic care
Beds with a desk require additional lighting, so it is advisable to provide an outlet next to the furniture
Disadvantages of Practical Choices
Unfortunately, transformable cribs are not without some disadvantages, which include:
- The need for constant monitoring of the condition of movable fittings, runners, removable headboards and sides. During operation, these parts may wear out and require timely replacement.
- When purchasing, you should evaluate the condition, mobility and quality of the crib in more detail, because the safety of the baby is the first task of every parent.
Cribs built into wall niches, cabinets, as well as crib-tables require preliminary repairs and preparation of the alcove itself before installing the structure.
