Naturally, the main place in the bedroom is reserved for the bed. Most often, the product takes up most of the area of the room. Given the small size of the bedroom, this becomes the main problem when creating a stylish and cozy interior.
The use of transformable furniture - a pull-out bed - helps to rationally solve the issue of ergonomics.
These models seem to be an ideal alternative to a traditional bed. Compared to the classic version of organizing a sleeping place, transformable products have a number of advantages:
- the bedroom space looks significantly more spacious;
- ease of use, since retractable/roll-out technologies are much easier to operate than folding ones;
- reasonable prices relative to other furniture;
- creating a harmonious design and neat appearance of the environment. A properly selected and hidden bed can become an indispensable part of the interior.
Pull-out models are perfect for small bedrooms, and also make it possible to create an additional bed in any other room. Of course, such products are most in demand in one-room apartments.
Varieties of retractable models
The ottoman can well be considered as a full-fledged sleeping place. The difference between the model and the sofa is the absence of soft and permanent backrests and armrests. When assembled, the role of back support is performed by pillows that rest on small hard sides.
Almost all models are equipped with a folding mechanism that allows you to increase the sleeping area. Some ottoman models are also equipped with drawers for linen.
The main advantages of the ottoman:
- flat surface of the bed (no joints or seams);
- simple and easy folding mechanism;
- looks great in any room, convenient for use in a children's room or adult bedroom;
- does not take up much space, but creates a full-fledged sleeping place.
A certain type of ottoman is a sofa, which has a back and armrests of the same height. The most popular transformation mechanism for a sofa is a roll-out one, when the berth is pulled out from under the seat. Then the backrest is lowered into the resulting space and a place for proper rest is created. The most common models are double and triple (resembling a classic sofa).
Types of roll-out beds
The design of the product includes two important elements: a base and an additional seat that can be pulled out if necessary. The following types of models are distinguished:
- regular - a stationary bed with a pull-out bed. This design justifies itself in the case of frequent guests staying overnight;
- built-in – the sleeping place is hidden in the furniture.
Manufacturers and designers offer several options for arranging transformable furniture:
- in a closet - such a structure greatly saves room space. The negative point is that the closet becomes less functional, since the main part is occupied by a sleeping area. A bed with a lifting mechanism can be single or double.
- to the podium - the practicality of this option leaves no doubt about the choice. Because you can, at your discretion, equip the space above the bed: a work area, part of the guest area, the main sleeping area. The purpose of the podium is selected individually and depends on the number of residents and rooms in the apartment. To create a complete and comfortable area on the podium, it is desirable that the ceiling height be at least 2.8 m;
- into a special equipped decorative niche. This is an elegant option for stylish interiors, but it loses in terms of saving space;
The sizes of retractable models differ in all respects. The width of the beds is single (from 80 to 100 cm), one-and-a-half (from 100 to 150 cm), double (from 160 to 220 cm). When choosing a model, it is worth keeping in mind that the single version is more suitable for teenagers.
Based on a person’s height, manufacturers offer products in the following lengths: for teenagers and a bed for short adults – 190 cm, for buyers of average height – 195 cm, for tall buyers – 200-220 cm.
The height of the additional bed is of great importance when arranging a sleeping place. The lower the mattress is, the more difficult it is to get out of bed, so low models are not recommended for use in bedrooms for older people.
An acceptable height for a sleeping place is considered to be the level of the knees, but due to the nuances of the design of a pull-out bed for two, it will not always be rational to install the product taking into account such a height.
Pros and cons of the design
A pull-out bunk bed is a cross between a traditional stationary model and a transformer that can change its appearance. The product looks like a regular medium-height sleeping place, but in the lower part, instead of the usual storage boxes, there is another bed. During the daytime, it is retracted, completely hidden in a special niche, and before going to bed, it is rolled out thanks to sliding rollers. Among the advantages of the products:
- Space saving. In a small studio apartment or children's room, such a system will be especially useful. The designs are comfortable for sleeping and take up minimal space.
- Ease of use. The lower berth, equipped with wheels or rollers, can be easily rolled out if necessary. The furniture can be used by children and teenagers.
- Practicality. Many models are complemented with special niches and drawers for storing bedding or toys.
- Stylish design. Bunk beds have a neat appearance and attractive design. Both traditional products made of light wood and unusual variations in the form of a boat or a car are popular.
Modern beds with a pull-out bed are not without some disadvantages. First of all, these are difficulties with installation - correct installation and adjustment of mechanisms should only be carried out by a specialist. Long-term use of the structure leads to damage to floor coverings. Unsightly roller marks remain on surfaces not protected by carpets. Another possible problem is the emergence of disputes between children over the right to use the upper tier.
The main structural elements of pull-out beds are the base and the sleeping area, which can be rolled out if necessary.
Features of the design of retractable mechanisms
The classic option is to equip withdrawable models with a roller mechanism. Operating principle: wheels are screwed to the bottom of the bed base, which move along guides when the bed is pulled out. Sometimes systems are not equipped with guides, and the rollers roll directly on the floor. To get the transforming bed, just pull the strap fixed in the central part of the bed. The structure should roll out easily, without effort.
When assembling beds with lifting mechanisms, two types of devices are used:
- on coil springs - highly reliable and durable, designed for approximately 70 years of daily use;
- on gas springs - has excellent performance characteristics that are not inferior to coil springs, the special feature is the silent use of the structure.
How does the retractable mechanism work?
The retractable mechanism consists of rollers and guides. The first ones are mounted to the movable module, and the rails are attached to the main structure. To get an additional sleeping bed, just pull the loop in the central part. Some models are designed without guides. The side parts of the frame serve as movement limiters, and the wheels are screwed directly to the base of the bed.
When choosing, you should pay close attention to the material and size of the rollers. Wide wheels with a soft rim will not harm the floor covering even with intensive use due to the reduced load, and will delight you with a low noise level.
A standard double pull-out bed involves lifting an additional module to the level of the main surface. For these actions, a “Dolphin” type mechanism is used. After moving out the lower block, you need to pull the special loop towards you and up until it is installed in the extreme horizontal position.
In expensive models, the transformation can be carried out automatically. The process is controlled remotely. The sleeping block moves out of the closet. The side parts of the structure are converted into bedside tables, which consist of a drawer and a pull-out shelf. After folding in the central part of the furniture wall, you can organize a workplace. The folding tabletop is placed on special supports.
Pull-out beds are a good choice for interiors not only in a modern style. Such models will easily fit into the Provence, country, etc. trends. But their main advantage is saving space.
Children's pull-out bed
The use of retractable models is very popular in children's rooms. For a restful sleep, a child needs a proper resting place, but no less valuable is the presence of free space for outdoor games (especially for boys). All these requirements are most fully satisfied by retractable beds (transformers). Like any piece of furniture, these designs have positive and negative sides. The advantages of the products include:
- practicality. Thanks to spacious storage systems (drawers, shelves), the issue of cabinets and accessible placement of things is resolved;
- economical use of room space;
- mobility of the contraction ensures ease of operation;
- durability and safety of the product;
- wide range of models;
- no age restrictions - retractable systems allow you to create full-fledged sleeping places for children from 1.5 years old.
The disadvantages of a two-level design include: some discomfort for a child sleeping on the lower level (especially when a child sleeping on the second level comes down); over time, marks from rollers may form on the floor (especially on soft flooring).
Bed types
The design features of some models are determined by the number of beds created. Popular models include the following types:
- with fastened tiers. This budget model is available in two-tier (pull-out bed for two children) and three-tier (bed for three children). The lower berths are made along the entire length of the structure, their movement is limited by roll-out mechanisms. Since there are no side steps, a significant drawback is that when a child comes down from the top bed, he has to climb over the person sleeping on the lower tier. Despite the shortcomings, these are excellent options for arranging sleeping accommodations for large families;
- retractable system with the ability to freely move sleeping places. Advantage - the roll-out element can be installed anywhere in the room, so there are no significant disadvantages;
- with a retractable mechanism, side steps and a retractable section (drawer). A very complete and functional model. The drawers are convenient for storing bedding items. The presence of steps allows the child to descend from the upper bed without disturbing the neighbor;
- roll-out bed-podium. In such a system, parallel arrangement of beds on the same level is possible. The number of beds is determined individually, as are the options for arranging the surface above the podium.
Pull-out beds in the interior - advantages
The peculiarity of such models is that they allow you to competently arrange a small room, and at the same time create all the conditions for a comfortable stay. And during the day there is a lot of free space in the room and it does not look cluttered.
These beds are quite popular due to their many advantages.
- Simple and reliable mechanism.
- Reasonable price.
- Interesting and varied design.
- Compactness.
- Functionality.
The disadvantages include: the need for constant unfolding, the possibility of damage to the floor covering. Not everyone likes a sleeping place that is located in the central part of the room or is located too low.
A pull-out bed is suitable for a small apartment or studio, or a children's room.
Bed sizes
The dimensions of the sleeping places are selected individually, taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of the children. It is advisable to choose full-size beds with a width of up to 1 m and a length of up to 2 m. The height of the lower tier is determined by the design of the system. In three-tier models, the lower bed is located at a distance of 10-15 cm from the floor. A bunk pull-out bed with drawers can have different heights for the lower tier. If the system is equipped with several rows of niches/drawers, then the height of the beds will be individual in each case.
If the beds are equipped with sides, then the gaps between them should be within 2-6 cm. The standard depth for the mattress is 7 cm, and the height of the side walls is 10 cm.
If the required dimensions were maintained when assembling the structures, then using the beds will be easy and convenient.
Basic requirements for children's beds:
- safety of materials, guaranteed by certificates of quality and compliance with environmental standards (for wooden products);
- ease of transformation;
- certain bed dimensions;
- quality of coating of canvases and edges;
- the presence of fixation mechanisms (a retractable system with drawers and individual elements must reliably maintain a given position) and sides.
Varieties
Modern roll-out beds are designed not only for small children, but also for teenagers and adults. Models are classified by size, materials of manufacture, location of the lower tier. Many products are equipped with additional elements that increase the practicality and ease of use of the furniture.
Types of bunk beds with wardrobe, design options
To size
One of the most important criteria for choosing roll-out beds is dimensions. The following traditional options are possible:
- Single. The width of the bed varies between 80–100 cm, length - 160–200 cm. Models are optimal for children and teenagers.
- One and a half. The width can be from 100 to 140 cm, the length - from 190 to 200 cm. Designs with such parameters are quite rare.
- Double. The standard width is 160–180 cm, length – 190–220 cm.
The most popular is a two-level bed with dimensions of 160 × 80 cm. The dimensions of the lower tier are 8–10 cm smaller than the upper tier, which is why younger children usually sleep downstairs. Models with interesting thematic designs are designed for preschoolers. It is important to remember that such a sleeping place will last only a few years, then you will have to replace it with larger furniture.
The height of the bed is of no small importance. Low models are not equipped with additional drawers. Higher units have built-in storage compartments, so the distance between the lower level and the floor will be greater. There is a simple way to find out the ideal furniture parameters. The optimal bed would be one in which the roll-out element is at the level of the knees of the user, an adult or a child. Otherwise, the process of getting out of bed will be difficult and uncomfortable. Not all bed options are suitable for small spaces. It is recommended to leave at least 90 cm between the upper level and the ceiling.
If you cannot position the traditional model correctly, you should pay attention to a roll-out bunk bed-matryoshka.
Single
One and a half
Double
No additional storage space
With drawers
According to the material of manufacture
Furniture intended for children must be durable, environmentally friendly, and safe. The following types of materials meet the listed requirements:
- Tree. To create the frame, various types of wood are used: birch, oak, pine, ash. All structural elements are carefully ground and polished, coated with varnishes and paints to prevent injuries. Furniture does not tolerate high humidity or temperature changes and requires proper care. The advantages of the material include natural origin, durability, environmental safety, and attractive appearance.
- MDF. Wood fiber boards are often used to create furniture facades. The surface is treated using film, veneer or plastic. A bunk bed made from this material is reliable, durable, and affordable.
- Chipboard. High-quality slabs do not lose their performance properties over a long period of time. The panels are not susceptible to mold, rot, and are protected from mechanical damage.
- Metal and plastic. The first is in most cases used for the production of frames. The second is used together with other materials; it is used for finishing the facade. Plastic is resistant to negative influences and allows you to imitate various textures.
Features of bunk beds for children, safety requirements
A pull-out bed designed for two children is subject to high loads. Models made from combined materials last a long time. Wooden structures with facades made of MDF, chipboard, and a tandem of metal and wood are popular.
Sometimes beds are made of wood, metal and plastic; usually such products have an original design.
Tree
MDF
Chipboard
Metal
According to the location of the lower tier
The design of pull-out beds provides different options for the location of the lower level. Most often, parallel or perpendicular placement is found in relation to the upper tier. The first option is considered classic; the pull-out beds roll out easily, are not located too high, and are therefore suitable for small children.
The perpendicular arrangement allows you to free up space under the upper bed. This space can be used for additional storage systems: cabinets, shelves. If necessary, organize a full-fledged work area with a small desk.
Parallel
Perpendicular
According to the presence of additional elements
A bed with a pull-out mechanism is often equipped with storage niches. Thanks to the presence of drawers, it is possible to save space in the room. The most convenient option is the location of the compartments under the lower berth. You can place bed linen and seasonal items there.
Features of a bunk bed house, the best models and manufacturers
The ladder helps you climb to the second tier, reducing the risk of injury. Often steps are equipped with shelves and drawers for toys and books. Products intended for children under 6 years of age are equipped with sides, which reduces the risk of the baby falling while sleeping.
With roll-out drawers
With stairs
With ladder and drawers
Material requirements
When making retractable systems, manufacturers most often use more than two materials. The frame is assembled from metal or wood, and natural timber or boards are used as the base.
MDF and chipboard are used to manufacture the main elements. Products with laminated surfaces are somewhat more expensive, but the beds are more durable, resistant to moisture and mechanical damage.
When making furniture, it is important to avoid chips and nicks on the surface and edges. Compliance of products with norms and standards of environmental friendliness and safety must be confirmed by appropriate certificates.
A correctly selected model of a retractable bed system is quite capable of becoming the main element of the interior, as well as creating a comfortable place to relax. Significant space savings allow you to equip apartments taking into account the wishes of residents and not depend on the number of square meters.