Features of a folding bed

A folding bed is a great option to provide complete rest when space is scarce. It takes up a minimum of space and can be quite roomy.

Advantages and disadvantages of a folding bed

Roll-up beds have the following benefits:

1. Ergonomic. In the daytime, the bed is folded without cluttering the room. If necessary, it can be expanded in a few seconds and become a full-fledged sleeping place.
2. Functionality. Folding beds are almost always equipped with a variety of hidden and open storage spaces: drawers, pencil cases, shelves and sections. They can also replace the bedside table. In addition, the design may include a table or sofa.
3. Ease of use. The mechanisms of the beds allow them to recline, roll out and disassemble in just a few effortless movements.
4. Durability and reliability. Folding beds are made of durable materials and high-quality fittings, and their mechanisms are designed for frequent folding and unfolding, which ensures a long period of operation.
5. Modern design. When unfolded, the bed looks stylish, and when folded, it is completely disguised and is a decorative or functional part of the interior.

The disadvantages of the design include the following:

1. High price. It consists of high-quality materials and a mechanism, and therefore it may be unsafe to choose too budget options. It should also be borne in mind that a folding bed is a whole complex containing hidden and open storage spaces, which, if using a regular bed, would have to be purchased separately.
2. Lack of constant free access to the sleeping area.
3. Risk of injury due to inaccurate use or system malfunction.

Note! The structure can only be installed near the load-bearing wall, since otherwise the surface may not withstand the load, which will lead to the collapse of the bed.

Varieties of folding beds

Folding beds can be with vertical or horizontal rise. In the second case, there is free space above them, which can be occupied by storage places. There are also models with sliding halves, the elements of which hide the spread bed.

By the size of the bed, beds are divided into:

• single;
• one and a half;
• double;
• king-size, allowing you to comfortably accommodate three people;
• bunk.

By the type of mechanism, beds are divided into:

1. Roll-out. The design is made of several sections, which unfold gradually as they move out of the box.The mechanism can be placed in any facade and does not take up much space. The working part of such models occupies the lower level, leaving the upper free. The direction of movement and speed are regulated by the remote control, since the mechanisms are electrified.
2. Folding. When assembled, they look like a cabinet front. To unfold, pull the upper edge of the box and lower it down. In the unfolded state, the box is based on the legs.
3. Swing-out. Outwardly they are similar to rotary models, but they work on a different principle. In this case, the shelves on the back of the bed will remain in a single position permanently. Remote control, therefore, it is important that strong alloys are used for fastening systems.
4. Combined. This is a multifunctional furniture that combines a bed, wardrobe, drawers and shelves. Some of the models can be transformed into a sofa in the middle.

Note! For tilt-and-turn models, a lot of space is required, since when rotating the cabinet opens to one side.

That tuck into the closet

Such beds are built into the body of any furniture set, usually a wardrobe. Most often, a bed with a folding mechanism is placed in a wardrobe. When disassembled, the headboard partly remains in the closet. To avoid blocking adjacent furniture with cabinet doors, models with triple doors are used. Each of them is equipped with a separate guide, which allows them to be displaced to a single extreme position.

Into the wall

The hidden built-in beds are practically indistinguishable from the wall surface when folded. They are attached to it, and therefore the wall must be strong enough. The design assumes the presence of a small niche or box surrounding the folded bed.

On the reverse side, such models can look like a cabinet front or a shallow rack. You can decorate them with pictures and even attach a TV, the main thing is to securely fix it. Also, on the outside, you can place a large mirror, which will visually increase the space.

Mechanisms for pull-out bed

When choosing a bed, you should definitely pay attention to the transformation system installed in it. Despite its strength, all fittings are subject to gradual wear and loosening, and therefore must be regularly inspected and replaced.

Gas lift

The simplest and most comfortable mechanism to use. Nitrogen gas shock absorbers absorb the entire load. In addition to them, the power units include steel axles and metal plates.

Note! When using this type of lift, you must carefully familiarize yourself with its structure and the rules of safe operation.

The plates are attached to the bed and wall or closet, while being located around the axis of rotation. When expanding and folding, they move along an axis. Gas lifts allow evenly distributing the load. All this provides an extremely simple decomposition process that even a child can do. The following advantages of this type of lift can be distinguished:

• the durability of the components;
• silent work;
• ease of movement;
• high injury safety;
• wide range of products.

The disadvantage can be considered the unaesthetic appearance, since a fragment of the mechanism is visible at the head of the bed.

Manual lifting with hinges

When unfolding, some effort is required, which makes this mechanism the least popular. The hinges are installed at the head of the bed, and when folded, the mattress is secured with latches. Due to the lack of auxiliary parts, the adjustment process becomes more difficult, but the strength of the mechanism increases.

Spring blocks

The action of the structure is based on individual springs and built-in blocks. The tension of the mechanism is adjustable and calculated based on the weight of the berth. The correct calculation allows you to make the structure quite durable.

The work of the lift is carried out with the help of coil springs, which slow down the removal of the mattress from the body, thereby ensuring smooth unfolding. The main load falls on metal parts, the average service life of which is five years.

A comfortable horizontal or vertical sleeping place can be equipped in a wall or in a closet, which will significantly save space. Folding beds can become not only practical, but also an extremely aesthetic option for arranging a room.

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