We save free space in a small apartment by making a transforming bed with our own hands

When arranging a bedroom or children's room in a small apartment, people spend a lot searching for a suitable bed model.
After all, such furniture should be compact, comfortable to use and aesthetically pleasing. An excellent solution for small rooms would be to choose a transformable bed. The cost of finished products in furniture stores is quite high. Therefore, we suggest making a transforming bed with your own hands. This way you will not only save your own savings, but also make furniture that will suit you in terms of the type of design, dimensions and appearance.

Advantages for a small apartment

The main advantages of transformable furniture include:

• 
  saving free space . These designs are ideal for small apartments where it is not possible to install massive furniture;

• functionality . During the daytime, they turn into a wardrobe with additional furniture items, and at night, they are transformed into a spacious sleeping area;
• variety . Transformer furniture, depending on the type of design chosen and materials of manufacture, will fit into classic and modern interiors. Their facades can consist of mirror surfaces, visually increasing the space.

Transformable furniture for a small apartment: freeing up usable space

Often you have to fit the necessary pieces of furniture into a limited space and still leave some useful space. Ergonomic transformable furniture can help with this. Photos help you see interesting models. The most important advantage of this furniture is functionality. From one item you can get several elements to decorate a room. Transformable furniture sets are especially needed when you need to combine several functional areas in one room. They help create extra space, as many of these options come with shelves, hangers and a variety of drawers.

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All kinds of shelves and drawers will help create an ergonomic space

In addition, unusual furniture designs make the environment more interesting and aesthetically attractive. The most common types of such furniture are all kinds of chair-beds, tables-books and sofa beds.

The traditional version of a folding sofa is simple, but at the same time helps to save space

The development of technical capabilities has contributed to the emergence of new models: multifunctional tables - transformers, modular systems with folding beds and sofas - transformers with a wide range of different elements.

Such furniture is characterized by the following functions:

• saving space;
• creation of different functional areas in one room;
• organization of disguised storage systems;
• space decor.

Spacious shelves are located under the structure of the folding sofa.

Helpful information! Depending on the type of mechanism used, structures can be retractable, folding, lifting and modular.

Design

According to the type of design, a transformable bed can be:

• 
  vertical . This product is a two-meter-long wardrobe, the head of which is fixed to the wall, and the sleeping place is hidden in the closet during the day;

• horizontal . Such models are equipped with a single bed attached to the wall on the side;
• roll- out These are the most common models in which the lower built-in part slides out and forms a spacious sleeping area. Such models are suitable for arranging children's rooms and adult bedrooms;
• lifting _ This product is equipped with a pneumatic mechanism that easily allows you to remove the bed into a niche in a wall or cabinet.

In addition, the transformable bed can be a folding pouf. That is, when folded, the product is a regular pouf, and when unfolded, it is a small sleeping place. Round transformable beds are also popular, ideal for small children. They are safe because they have no sharp corners.

Help : children's models are often equipped not only with a sleeping place, but also with a sofa, chest of drawers and a work desk.

If there are two children in a family, it is recommended to install a transformable bunk bed in the room. This design has one mechanism by which the product folds and unfolds.

As for additional features, transformable beds are unique and versatile:

• beds for adults can be transformed not only into wardrobes and sofas, but also tables, chests of drawers, closed shelves;
• children's models are equipped with: changing tables, chests of drawers, drawers. Such products can be supplemented with lighting or a canopy.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a transformable bed for a small apartment, you need to pay attention to the materials used, the size and design of the furniture. It is not recommended to make a purchase without taking these factors into account.

Assortment of bed-chest models, their advantages and characteristics

Materials

A small sofa bed, models with a wardrobe, table, podium are made from the following materials:

1. Chipboard. Such furniture is inexpensive, quite durable, but not always safe for health (sometimes the material contains toxic impurities).
2. MDF. Such a transforming couch costs more than one made from chipboard, but it is more reliable, stronger, and has a longer service life.
3. Tree. Solid wood products have a long service life, are safe for health, and beautiful. The best species: birch, cherry, oak. Periodically, the surface will have to be coated with water-repellent compounds. The most expensive option.
4. Metal carcass. Such furniture is durable and difficult to damage. But not everyone will like the appearance and cold surface. This transformable ottoman is ideal for a high-tech room.

Tree

Chipboard

Metal carcass

MDF
Small-sized sofa bed can be upholstered in different types of material. Velor, scotchgard, flock, leather are in demand:

1. Furniture upholstery made of velor is suitable for a baby, because it is pleasant to the touch, soft, and delicate. This material is easy to care for and is quite wear-resistant. Does not accumulate static electricity and does not cause allergies.
2. Furniture upholstered in Scotchgard is inexpensive. The material is strong, durable, resistant. It feels soft and pleasant to the touch.
3. Flock is one of the most popular materials for furniture upholstery. It is durable, easy to care for, and looks quite beautiful.
4. Leather upholstered sofa beds are expensive. But they are easy to care for, they look great and fit into almost any interior.

In order to choose a high-quality mattress for a transformable bed for a small room, you need to decide on its level of hardness. You should focus on individual characteristics. Hard and medium options are suitable for adults, soft ones for children under 15 years of age. You will also have to take into account the weight of the person who will sleep on the bed. High mattresses are suitable for overweight people, medium thickness - for those who are not overweight. You also need to pay attention to the fact that these products can be with or without springs. The second option is orthopedic, which is healthier, which means it is preferable to the classic model.

Velours

Leather

Scotchgard

Flock

High orthopedic mattress

With dependent spring block

Without spring block, medium hardness

Product dimensions

The size of the transformable bed should be selected based on the age and build of the users. Models come in single and double sizes, and there are also options for children.

1. The width of the “Baby” sofa bed is from 60 to 90 cm, the length is from 120 cm.
2. The width of a single bed is from 70 to 100 cm, the length is from 185 cm.
3. The one-and-a-half model with a sofa is 120–160 cm wide and 190–200 cm long.
4. A double bed is 160–200 cm wide and can reach 210 cm in length.

Step-by-step making of a wardrobe-bed with your own hands, ideas for decoration

Children's beds are designed for children up to 6 years old. Single beds are suitable for schoolchildren and teenagers, single and double beds are suitable for adults.

Overweight users should choose larger furniture.

Sofa bed “Baby”

Single transformable bed

One and a half transforming sofa

Double bed-transformer

Construction design

There are universal designs of transformable beds that can even be placed in the kitchen. For example, this is furniture in a classic style. It is distinguished by its strength, reliability, and regular geometric lines. Most often made of wood or its high-quality imitations. Painted in pastel colors.

If the room is decorated with a high-tech style interior, a transforming bed with a metal frame will suit it. The upholstery is preferably black and white. For a minimalist design, you should choose furniture of the same color, but even more functional, for example, with drawers for storing linen.

When decorating a child's room in a nautical style, you can purchase a transformable bed with forged elements, blue or white upholstery. Kitchen furnishings often fit perfectly into a country interior. They are usually made of metal or unpainted wood.

The furniture in the room should be combined with other interior elements: match the color of the walls, harmonize with the floor, ceiling, doors. Naturally, different furnishings should look organic next to each other.

The imagination of manufacturers of transformable children's beds sometimes has no boundaries. Bright models painted in orange, blue, turquoise colors with an admixture of white shades look unusual. Multifunctional furniture, complemented by shelves, drawers, and racks, looks interesting. Some models resemble cars, fairytale castles, spaceships, and can be oval or round in shape.

Classic style

High tech

Minimalism

Country

Mechanisms

According to the transformation mechanisms, transformable beds can be equipped with the following lifting mechanisms:

• 
  manual _ This is the simplest and most affordable option. The bed is raised and lowered manually using physical force. This device has no shock absorbers or springs;

• spring .
  Thanks to the use of twisted springs, the service life of the lifting mechanism is more than half a century. But this mechanism makes unpleasant sounds over time due to stretching of the springs;
• on gas lifts . This is the most convenient, but at the same time expensive option. To raise or lower the bed, you do not need to use force, since the mechanism will do everything itself.

Options for transformable bed mechanisms

The mechanisms with which the transformer is equipped are divided into several types:

• spring
• retractable
• folding
• gas lift.

Unusual sofa bed for a small living room

Bed built into a wardrobe for a room in a Scandinavian style

Spring beds

Transformable bed in the form of a wardrobe for a small apartment

Transformable furniture has a multi-purpose purpose and is easy to put away when not needed. One of these solutions was a transformable bed combined with a closet; at night it is used as a bed for sleeping, and in the morning it is safely put away in the closet or, with a slight movement of the hand, it turns into a desk. As they say: there is a lot of need for invention.

Transformable double bed for a small apartment

In this whole barrel of honey there is a rather big fly in the ointment. Many of these devices are useless for a significant part of people, because they are based on a spring mechanism, if their owner does not have sufficient physical strength. For old, sick and weak people, this pleasure is too much for them. That is, if you are a young father of a family, you may well purchase such furniture and even find some pleasure in unfolding and folding such a transformer in your apartment every evening, turning your child’s bed into a table. For weak women, old people and the sick, daily transformation of the bed is beyond their strength.

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Comfortable sleeping place in a small apartment - a bed built into the closet

Beds with a pull-out mechanism

Comfortable pull-out bed for a small bedroom

However, today on the market it is not difficult to find a suitable model of a transformable bed, based on the criterion of the degree of complexity of their deployment. Perhaps the easiest to use are transformable beds; they are based on a retractable mechanism. The ease of use of the unit does not mean that its mechanism is also simple, therefore, there is a high probability that it will not last long.

Beautiful children's bunk bed with a pull-out mechanism

Manufacturers quite often recommend transforming the bed less frequently. Quite a strange piece of advice, because this is exactly why you buy a bed, which can be turned into a closet every day or, at worst, into a table. Of course, you can choose a bed if you are satisfied with its spring transformation mechanism, because there is practically nothing to break. If there is a strong, strong man in the house, then a transformable bed and its spring mechanism is your option.

Stylish transformable bunk bed for a children's bedroom

Beds with a reclining mechanism

An excellent solution for a small children's room - a folding bed and table

A transformable bed for small apartments can be a good solution if it comes with a folding mechanism. They are usually attached to the wall.

A children's bed with a folding mechanism, which is convenient and easy to hide in a closet

Such furniture has two significant drawbacks. Firstly, such a bed can only be attached to the main wall of the room. Fragile interior partitions can collapse over time. Secondly, when transforming the bed, you can easily injure your arm or leg.

Bunk folding bed for two boys “Airplanes”

Beds with gas lift mechanism

Excellent transformable sofa bed for a small living room

The safest and easiest to use are the gas lift mechanism for deploying the transformer bed. Even an old sick person who does not have great physical strength can transform such a bed into a table or cabinet, since the entire load during its transformation falls on the gas lift mechanism. Here it is, it would seem, I bought a transformer bed, and with it a convenient gas-lift folding mechanism, live and be happy, but even here there is a small problem, or even two.

An unusual bed that can easily be transformed into a table if necessary

Of all the transformable beds, these are the most expensive. In addition, the mechanism of gas lift transformers is short-lived and breaks down quickly, so before buying such a model you need to consult with a specialist and, with his help, select furniture. When choosing a transformable bed, it is important what material it is made of.

A beautiful and comfortable transforming table for a schoolchild’s room

Materials

As for the choice of materials, you can make a transformable bed on your own from:

• natural wood . This is the most expensive option. This product will delight owners with a long service life, beautiful texture, naturalness and environmental friendliness. But keep in mind, natural wood is quite difficult to work with. In addition to special equipment and tools, working with wood requires experience;
• Chipboard . This lumber attracts buyers with a wide range. Laminated chipboard has a rich color palette, various textures and textures. He is easy to work with. Laminated chipboard is suitable for those who have not previously had experience in making furniture;
• MDF . This material is environmentally friendly, easy to use, and durable. It is easy to process, and MDF furniture is aesthetically pleasing.

Drawings and diagrams

Before you start making and assembling a transforming bed, consider its dimensions, design, and materials of manufacture. All this must be put on paper with a pencil, not forgetting to indicate the connection points with fasteners.

You can make a drawing of a bed in different ways :

• independently, armed with a pencil and paper;
• using special computer programs that can be downloaded on the Internet;
• in a specialized company that manufactures furniture;
• download a ready-made diagram from the Internet and improve it according to your personal wishes.

Advice : if you order the production of a drawing from a specialized company, you will also receive product details along with it, which will simplify the manufacturing and assembly process.

Tools

To make a transforming bed you will need the following materials :

• 
  MDF 2 cm thick;

• plywood 1 cm thick;
• fittings and guides;
• PVC edge for trimming;
• lifting mechanism;
• self-tapping screws;
• glue;
• safety belt;
• magnetic buttons.

Tools that will be useful:

• meter;
• pencil;
• sandpaper;
• drill and drill bits;
• screwdriver;
• circular saw;
• perforator;
• anchor bolts;
• metal corners.

How to do it yourself?

After all the materials and tools are prepared, you can safely begin making a transforming bed:

1. 
   First, a special box is made and a special platform is installed for the base of the bed, which is attached to the wall with anchor bolts.
   For the frame we take two boards 2 meters long and one board 1.1 meters long. We connect the boards with screws and furniture glue . We wait until the structure dries, and attach the transverse one to the back side of the vertical boards. We fasten the board on the front side in the same way.

2. At the end of the box we fasten the side trim with screws and glue. We attach a crossbar to the top of the box . Now we proceed to the construction of the folding part. Before laying the mattress, the box should be reinforced with transverse and longitudinal slats, on which plywood will later be laid. This will prevent the plywood from sagging and give the box strength.
3. The folding part of our bed will consist of plywood with triangular crossbars on the sides, fastened with a horizontal board. We fasten the structure with a special mechanism , with the help of which the product will unfold and fold.
4. Now we move on to installing the fasteners and designing the box . To do this, we attach a loop at the top of the product through which the safety belt will be pulled. We place magnetic clasps in convenient places that will prevent the product from opening when lifted. We lay the mattress on the base and attach it to the plywood with glue.
5. The final touch will be the installation of the legs .

Attention : the depth of the box must be equal to the thickness of the future bed. To be on the safe side, the box can be made deeper.

That's the whole process of making a transforming bed with your own hands.

Deciding on the design and construction of the future bed

Wardrobe bed disassembled and assembled, used in a small apartment

Before looking for drawings or purchasing the necessary materials, choose exactly what product you want to receive and what model you will be able to make. Transformer beds are divided into several types.

• Bed-wardrobe - with the help of a lifting device, the bed is pressed against the wall and looks like a simple closet. This type is the most popular among the others and is considered one of the most practical in small living spaces. It is easier to create a transformable bed of this type with your own hands than other models.

Double bed-wardrobe with a comfortable orthopedic mattress

Folding wardrobe-bed with secretary desk and LED lighting

• A bed-workplace is popular for arranging children's rooms because it includes a desk with all sorts of additional drawers, a wardrobe and a bed.

Table-bed for a teenager - functional transformable furniture

Bed and desk - two in one for a loft-style room

• A sofa bed can be found both as a regular one and as an option when the sofa transforms into a bunk bed.

Double bed-sofa in the interior of a small cozy living room

Sofa transformer into a bunk triple bed

• One of the innovations is that the sleeping place rises to the ceiling and is camouflaged there. It is classified as a transformer, since this design instantly frees up a large amount of space, becoming invisible.

Exclusive bed that can be raised when needed

White hanging bed near the ceiling in the interior of a loft-style room

If you are a small specialist and are starting to make a transforming bed with your own hands for the first time, choose a simpler option. As mentioned above, this is a bed-wardrobe. First, make or find a drawing of the future product with the necessary parameters, marking the places of fastenings and connections.

A bed that can be converted into a closet if necessary

The bed-wardrobe model is divided into three main parts, which will first need to be created separately and then combined into one. These elements and materials required for manufacturing are listed below.

1. The body can have any shape and appearance, the main thing is a large niche in which the bed will be placed.
   The niche should be made based on the parameters of the mattress. Laminated chipboard sheets can be used as a material; they are quite unpretentious in processing and have an affordable price. To avoid chipping during sawing, it is better to order chipboard cutting according to the required parameters from the manufacturer. This service is inexpensive, and all edges of the parts will be covered with edge tape. Bed closet frame to be attached to the main wall
2. The base of the bed - for manufacturing you will need a wooden beam - from it you will make a frame and slats or a sheet of plywood on which the mattress will rest.
   Sheets of chipboard or MDF are fixed to the bottom of the base - when folded, they will serve as the front of the cabinet, so this detail should be approached from a design point of view. A bed hidden in a closet is a great option for saving your space
3. The lifting mechanism combines the wardrobe and the bed. Since it bears most of the loads, it is advisable to purchase such a mechanism ready-made. This is one of the main parts of a transformable bed; you should not skimp on it; give preference to a high-quality system.

The mechanism for transforming a vertical wardrobe bed, disassembled

Manufacturing process

Connecting two parts for a double bed - frame and sleeping part

Installation of a transformable bed consists of two points - first of all, you need to make a frame for the folding mechanism, and then - a sleeping place. On the Internet you can find ready-made dimensions for standard single and double models, but if you need other parameters, you will have to calculate them yourself. The Furniture Designer program will be an excellent assistant for this.

We attach the frame using corners to anchors if you have walls made of concrete or brick, or self-tapping screws if the house is wooden

Rigidly fix the strong metal strip to the wall with anchor bolts. This will be needed in order to strengthen the frame with metal corners. For the base of the frame, take two reliable boards - they perform a load-bearing function; the average length for standard shapes of transformer beds is about two meters.

Along the edges, top and bottom, use glue and self-tapping screws to secure them with a cross board. Using adhesive and self-tapping screws, secure the casing to the finished frame. Remember - it is necessary that the depth of the box matches the thickness of the bed.

In order not to end up with a box that does not contain the finished product, it is better to make it a few centimeters larger.

Installation of a wardrobe-bed frame using a bed lift mechanism

Next, you can begin installing the folding bed. As a base, take plywood that meets the required parameters.

In order to avoid damage and sagging of the material, strengthen it from below by installing four boards along and across the future product.

For greater comfort, you can equip the base of the bed with various sides, but remember - nothing should interfere with the lifting mechanisms.

Connected frame and base, with reinforcement of the structure with a wooden block in the middle

The next step is attaching the frame to the wall. For a long service life of the finished product, choose only high-quality fasteners.

Fix the folding part to the frame with hinges, and secure its free end with special fasteners - it is thanks to them that the transformer bed is kept folded and will not unexpectedly fall apart.

If you varnish wooden surfaces, it is more advisable to do this while the folding part is not fixed to the frame.

The last step is the decoration of the finished product

Built-in white bed in a closet with mirrored fronts in the living room interior

The transformable bed can be supplemented with small cabinets, shelves or mirrors, which will give the design greater functionality.

Finishing

If desired, the inside and outside of the box can be covered with a special material that does not allow moisture to pass through.
To make it decorative, a wooden product can be coated with stain, varnished or painted .

To make the transforming bed look believable and resemble a real closet when folded, fittings are applied to the outside.

The end sides are decorated with PVC adhesive tape , which is applied to the product, heated with a hair dryer and pressed firmly.

Advice : if you are serious about saving space in your apartment, try making a lift-up bed, a wardrobe bed, an armchair bed or a loft bed. In addition, you may be interested in a folding or folding table.