Which table transformation mechanism to choose: pros and cons of designs

What is a table-bed

Versatility is the main strength of such an interior find as a table and bed. Two in one, a work area and a place to relax and sleep. The transformation occurs at will, at any time of the day or night, in a simple manner, depending on the design of the device:

• moving the bed from a horizontal to a vertical position and lowering the working surface of the table;
• joint rotation of the tabletop and bed, while the writing utensils on the table remain inviolable;
• pulling out the bed from a niche located under the tabletop;
• the components of the transformer change their position and purpose.

Just a couple of seconds to transform a table into a bed and back.
The main advantages of a universal, transforming table are:

1. Rational use of living space.
2. Multifunctional purpose.
3. Availability of an orthopedic mattress.
4. Extraordinary design.
5. Reinforced, durable frame.
6. Effortless transformation.
7. Reliable fixation of the mechanism.

A transformable table-bed is most relevant for children's rooms or combining a children's area with one of the common rooms.

How it works

The design of the transformable miracle furniture for relaxation and work includes two functional elements:

1. Working surface of the table.
2. A complete place to sleep.

The table in this design can be of different sizes, but its length is limited by the width of the bed. A table with a length of at least 1.2 m is considered comfortable for work. Its height is important; the right choice will ensure comfortable working conditions and will not lead to curvature of the spine.

This piece of furniture necessarily includes a work surface and a sleeping area, which are “activated” if necessary.

At the base of the bed there is a strong support on which the mattress is secured. There are two types of bases:

1. In the form of a lathing made of wood, metal or plastic. This design is called lamella; it ensures good air circulation in the mattress.
2. The solid base is made from a single sheet of chipboard or plastic; it is stronger, but interferes with normal ventilation.

The standard bed width is single or double.

A built-in bed will allow you to enjoy the comfort of a full bed and hide it from strangers.

Types and designs

A transformable table-bed is most relevant for children's rooms or combining a children's area with one of the common rooms. This piece of furniture necessarily includes a work surface and a sleeping area, which, if necessary, are “activated” as follows:

• lifting the table and turning the bed from vertical to horizontal position;
• simultaneous rotation of the bed and tabletop, in which there is no need to remove objects from the work surface;
• horizontal exit of the bed from the niche under the table;
• changing the position and purpose of modular components.

Ease of transformation.

A built-in bed will allow you to enjoy the comfort of a full-fledged bed and hide it from strangers.

A transformable bed has been developed for newborns, including a base on which a crib and a chest of drawers with a changing table are placed. Over time, the base of the model transforms into a full-fledged sleeping place, and the bed turns into a free-standing table.

There is no need to remove objects from the table (the tabletop always remains horizontal).

If the apartment does not have a separate children's room, the ideal option would be models that are assembled into a sofa, and when transformed, turn into a sleeping place with a table or a bunk bed.

This model is capable of changing, turning from one piece of furniture to another, depending on what you need at the moment.

A transformable table bed for a schoolchild in a house with limited space can additionally include a spacious closet, chest of drawers, shelves and bedside tables that will create a single composition. There is also a transformable bed, which has an additional fixed or mobile sleeping place for a second child.

Many people have probably already heard about such things as wardrobe beds, but few have heard about bed tables, which have much more functional features.

Varieties

Furniture transformers for work and rest, depending on the unfolding method, are conventionally divided into categories:

• vertical models;
• with horizontal opening.

A characteristic feature of vertical transformation is the combination of 2-3 structural elements. When assembled, horizontal models look like a furniture cabinet or chest of drawers.

There is no need to remove objects from the table (the tabletop always remains horizontal).

In addition, there are other conversion formulas, for example, a table with a superstructure. Taking into account the layout, the add-on can perform various functional purposes. Another interesting type of design is a table with shelves and an attic-type bed.

Such a model can change, turning from one piece of furniture to another, depending on what you need at the moment.

Dimensions

You should choose a bed with a desk depending on the age of the user. The sleeping place must correspond to the individual characteristics of its owner. The optimal bed length is a person’s height + an additional 20 cm. The width of single-seat models varies between 75–100 cm, the standard length is 190 cm.

Less common are beds designed for tall people. Their length reaches 200 cm.

Children's models are necessarily equipped with sides to protect them from falling during sleep. The height of these elements reaches 20–50 cm. The parameters of a desk in transformable structures are smaller compared to traditional furniture. The optimal length of the tabletop is 120 cm. The height is selected according to height:

1. For kids with a height of 128–136 cm, the ideal desk height is 56 cm.
2. For children 136–155 cm 59–63 cm.

Advantages of folding children's beds, rules for safe placement

Designs designed for two children are the most complex. The dimensions are slightly different compared to standard furniture: the width reaches 140–180 cm, the height of the bed is 30 cm.

Transformation options

The main difference between bed-table models and each other is in the options for their transformation. The main groups include:

• lifting - the tabletop rises up so that the bed remains under it;
• folding - in such models the bed rises and the table folds down instead;
• rotary – transformation occurs by simultaneously turning the table and bed;
• roll-out - in this group, the bed is unfolded by rolling it out from under the tabletop.

The service life of the model, ease of use and its appearance depend on what materials and components are used to make the transformer bed.
There are models in which transformation as such does not occur, and the berth is permanently located above the table. To get onto the bed, you need to use a ladder, which is either attached to the body, or unfolds, or is attached. The options for such furniture can be different, it all depends on your preferences and how you want to furnish the room.

Saving living space is very important in apartments where there is not very much of this space.

Types of designs

The ease of use of a transforming bed with a table depends on the design features of the selected products. All models are equipped with two types of mechanisms:

1. Folding or lifting. When unfolded, the table rises up or is located under the bed. Another option is for the lifting bed to recline along with the work surface. Tipping over and fixing the elements causes slight difficulties, so the designs are suitable only for adults and teenagers.
2. With a rotary or withdrawable mechanism. The bed and tabletop unfold simultaneously, so there is no need to remove things from these surfaces. Another option is for the bed to be pulled out from under the tabletop. This type of furniture is considered the safest, can be easily transformed, and therefore will be the optimal addition to a student’s room.

How to make a transforming bed with your own hands, detailed instructions
It is necessary to clarify that the frame of folding table-beds is fixed to a load-bearing wall. For these purposes, you cannot use partitions made of plasterboard, since their strength is not enough to securely fix the furniture.

There are two options for the base of the bed: solid and lattice. The first is a solid surface consisting of plywood, chipboard or boards treated with protective compounds. This option is characterized by heavy weight and low mobility. The main disadvantages are poor ventilation, blocking the orthopedic properties of the mattress, which negatively affects the quality of sleep.

The slatted base of a bed with a pull-out table consists of a wooden or metal frame to which slats - curved slats - are attached. They are made from different types of wood: birch, beech, walnut. The orthopedic bottom ensures the anatomically correct position of the human body during sleep.

Folding model

Roll-out table-bed

With lattice base

With solid base

Is it possible to do it yourself?

This type of transformable furniture is especially suitable for arranging a children's room. And space is saved for games, and the child will definitely like the unusual design. But spending time together with children in the process of making a transformer in a home workshop will be of even greater interest.

Considering the constant mechanical impact, transformable furniture must be reliable.

If you have certain skills in working with wood and a certain amount of diligence and patience, then you can try to assemble such a “folding bed” yourself. It is important to remember here that you will have to combine two pieces of furniture with different functionality. The main difficulties are associated with the correct installation of a complex mechanism for transformation, without which the design will not work.

The table-bed is quite comfortable and compact, does not take up much living space, but can provide ample opportunities.

Schemes and drawings of the table-bed

To assemble a smart bed yourself, you will need design drawings and a detailed detailing diagram. All this is thought out in advance at the preparation stage. You can use ready-made developments that are freely available in sufficient quantities on the Internet.

To assemble a table bed with a transformer function with your own hands, be sure to use the drawings.

In addition, simple variants of transformational bed-table models are based on the same principle of operation, according to the same scheme. The only differences are in the additional accessories: cabinets, folding tables, side tables, shelves for books. If desired, the finished structure can be equipped with additional elements later.

As when assembling any other furniture, even the most ordinary chair, the diagram must be thought out in advance.

Necessary materials

The final appearance of the finished product largely depends on the quality of materials and components used in production. To assemble the frame, the following materials are used:

• wood is the most expensive option;
• Chipboard – lightweight with a wide range of colors;
• MDF - with the characteristics inherent in wood, but cheaper in cost;
• metal profile - high strength, but nondescript appearance.

To make a table-bed, you can use different materials, depending on your preferences and financial capabilities.
The main furniture components include:

• The transforming mechanism must be selected taking into account the weight of the person, the functionality of the furniture and the size of the room. Pay attention to the material; all lifting devices must be made of hardened steel with increased wear resistance. For a smooth ride, use gas shock absorbers.
• The mattress for the table-bed should be made of lightweight material that can be easily folded and then return to its shape. Spring blocks are not suitable for this purpose.

How to assemble a table-bed with your own hands

In accordance with the drawings, it is necessary to prepare all parts of the structure for assembly. After this, proceed with installation, following the diagram and sequence of actions:

1. We mark, draw and cut out the frame parts.
2. We mount the bed base using fastening fittings.
3. We assemble the remaining parts of the body.
4. On the lower part of the base we install a mechanism for transforming the table and bed.
5. On the sides, on both sides of the lifting device, we make two oval-shaped holes for the subsequent installation of the mattress fastening straps.
6. We mount the table parts and fasten the folding device parts from below.
7. We connect the tabletop and the bed using a conversion mechanism.
8. We place an orthopedic mattress on the base and strengthen it with straps.

Following the drawings and diagrams, prepare all parts of the frame, table and bed. Only after this is the main frame assembled, attaching the transformation mechanism to it.

Decor

In addition to their main purpose, pieces of furniture are designed to decorate the interior. A table-bed is no exception; its aesthetic component varies depending on the room where it will be located. It is best to decorate a nursery in bright colors to develop imagination and create a relaxed atmosphere. You can try a combination of discreet tones for painting the tabletop and brighter, accent colors for upholstering the bed.

It is better to give preference to a model made of MDF for a children's room; in addition, such a bed-table has a huge selection of façade finishes and colors.

Photo prints on the facade of the structure will look impressive. If we are talking about other rooms, then the style of furniture should not fall out of the overall concept of the interior. Typically, materials such as veneer, MDF panels, and polished chipboards are used for cladding the façade elements of cabinet furniture. If necessary, LED lighting and original fittings can be installed as decorative elements.

Features of choosing a finished design

The first and main requirement for transformable furniture, given the constant mechanical loads it experiences, is reliability. Only high-quality materials and components must be used in production. When choosing a transforming table with a bed, you should pay attention to the following points:

• environmental friendliness of materials;
• reliable installation of frame elements;
• parts of lifting mechanisms must be steel with an anti-corrosion coating and a minimum number of nylon inserts.
• metal elements of the bed frame must be completely welded without flaws.

Considering that this furniture is intended for a child, changing the positions of the table-bed should occur without effort, with reliable fixation at the end point.
For better resistance to dirt, wooden elements are treated with a durable paint coating or a laminate is used. The main purpose of a sleeping place is to ensure complete rest. Therefore, it is better that it be equipped with slats and an orthopedic mattress.

Lifting mechanisms

Thanks to lifting mechanisms, the functionality of transformers with a bed is significantly expanded, and scarce square meters are freed up. Table-beds are equipped with the following types of devices:

1. Spring-loaded. The role of the lift in this mechanism is played by coiled springs made of carbon steel. The usage range reaches 20,000 cycles. With intensive use, the products begin to stretch and creak.
2. Gas. The movement of furniture elements is carried out using special pistons - gas lifts. The mechanism is designed for 90,000 cycles, is characterized by high strength, wear resistance, and silent operation.
3. Roll-out. It is used when the sleeping place is located inside the closet or behind it. To access the bed, the racks are moved to the side. This option would be appropriate in bedrooms combined with an office.
4. With a counterweight. Additional space inside the furniture will be required for use. In terms of service life, it ranks first among other mechanisms.

Today, the best bed is considered to be a combination bed, equipped with gas shock absorbers. This mechanism is most convenient to use; women, children, and people with disabilities can handle it. The devices are absolutely safe and prevent accidental lowering of elements. The service life reaches 50 years. The only drawback is the high cost, however, it is compensated by durability and ease of use.

Purpose of a functional bed, popular manufacturers

Roll-out

Gas lift

Springs

The best manufacturers

Manufacturers of modern furniture offer a wide range of serial products for multifunctional purposes. With a slight movement of the hand, bulky beds that fill the entire space of the room are transformed from a relaxation area into a work desk, an elegant chest of drawers, or hide a furniture façade from view. Smart transformable furniture from leading manufacturers are innovative methods for creating modern interiors in residential spaces. The best of them guarantee high quality and service throughout the entire warranty period.

The convenience of just such beds lies in their thoughtful design, which allows you to save space and place a table-bed along the wall.

Belitec

German quality guarantee. German manufacturer of exclusive bed mechanisms with electric drive and remote control. The company offers a wide range of high quality products. The furniture of this company is characterized by high stability and structural stability. The beds are equipped with cold foam mattresses that have five comfort zones. They provide comfortable sleep and support the spine in the correct, natural position, completely following the contour of the body, which ensures the prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The company produces transformable furniture, both serial models and for individual orders.

Clei and Colombo 907

Italian home furniture manufacturer that combines craftsmanship and quality with innovation and research. The company is a leader in the market of smart beds with a vertical transformation method. Furniture from Colombo 907 is distinguished by such characteristics as:

• operational safety;
• reliability of design;
• ease of use;
• increased comfort;
• modularity;
• aesthetics and ergonomics.

These parameters are reflected in the models of the SmartBeds collection.

Thanks to such furniture, you can significantly save space in your child’s room for other furniture, things and space in the room.

IBed

In its activities, the company uses innovative approaches and production with modern technologies. A special approach to the manufacture of folding furniture allows you to create incredibly comfortable bed-tables, characterized by excellent balance of the mechanism. The dimensions of the working surface of the tabletop allow you to organize a place both for written studies and for installing a computer. IBed transformers are equipped with a number of additional accessories in the form of shelves and drawers.

The body parts are covered with laminated chipboard, and the fittings are made of anodized aluminum.

Transform

Domestic manufacturer of multifunctional furniture that ensures rational use of living space in houses and apartments. The company firmly holds its position in the price segment for middle-income consumers. The offered products are made from environmentally friendly, high-quality materials using high-tech transformation mechanisms.

The buyer is provided with a warranty and service.

"Smarti-furniture"

The Penza Furniture Factory produces folding beds with a lifting mechanism both serially and for individual orders. The company is not the first year on the market, its transformable furniture fully complies with the requirements of world standards and is designed for small spaces. Furniture from Smarti uses high-quality components and will provide the consumer with:

• uniqueness of the setting;
• saving living space;
• easy to use;
• reliability, practicality and comfort.

The factory's products are developed and designed by creative designers and highly qualified engineers.

Simple and easy-to-use furniture is sold at an affordable price.

As you can already see, furniture transformers, in addition to their immediate purpose, can also become a real interior find. Especially if you get down to business with your own hands, selecting the necessary materials and attributes to suit your taste. A table-bed is a good solution that allows you to combine a study, living room and bedroom in one room for the price of one.

The popularity of this type of furniture is explained by the increased convenience of the table and the comfort of the bed.