The principle of operation and types of mechanisms for a folding bed
The main task of furniture in a small apartment is to save space. To save space in a small room, a folding bed mechanism will help, which allows you to use the executive space as a wardrobe. Let's consider different types of lifting mechanisms and their characteristics.
The device and principle of operation of the lifting mechanism
Such a device allows you to use the bed as a sleeping place and as a wardrobe for storing things. This makes it possible to save space in the room and make it more spacious.
The mechanism for the wardrobe-bed allows you to raise the bed frame to a certain height, which frees up space under it for storing various things: bed linen, seasonal items and more. In addition, it greatly simplifies and shortens the cleaning process, since there is no need to wipe dust under the bed.
The transforming bed is a box, a transforming mechanism, handles for lifting, metal legs for the stability of the structure, a mattress, a base, straps for fixing. It is not difficult to mount such a structure on your own, since for this you only need to prepare the base of the bed and install a ready-made lifting mechanism.
Advantages and disadvantages
In order to decide whether it is worth installing such a mechanism or buying a ready-made structure, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of a wardrobe bed.
Let's take a look at the benefits first:
- Ergonomics - the ability to properly use the available space;
- The design includes at once two functions of various pieces of furniture;
- Compactness;
- A large number of ideas and designs, so you can easily find something suitable for the bedroom;
- Ease of use (this depends on the mechanism that will be installed on the bed);
- Attractive appearance.
Now let's figure out the cons of this model:
- If the lift breaks down, there is a risk of injury;
- High price;
- A new place for dust appears, which is quite difficult to clean;
- Inability to clean the flooring or bare floor under the bed without moving;
- With the wrong choice of mechanism or its malfunction, serious problems can arise;
- Great weight.
It should be borne in mind that the service life of such a structure depends on the installed mechanism.
Varieties of folding bed transformation mechanisms
In order to determine the design and choose the highest quality and most suitable one, you need to study the existing varieties.
Manual
This is the easiest and cheapest option. Its cost is about one and a half thousand.The essence of the work is that a person, with the help of his physical strength, independently raises the structure. This option will not work when the bed itself is too heavy, as well as for vertical lifting.
It is not worth buying a bed with such a device for children, as the child will not be able to cope with lifting such a large weight and may be seriously injured.
In this case, there is no way to get full access to the space, which will reduce the number of things that can fit there. The service life of such a device is short: about 20 thousand rises and falls. This is approximately 3 years of service.
Gas
This mechanism is more suitable for vertical transformation of a double bed. The lift is carried out due to gas shock absorbers, which work as follows: when pressure is applied to the lever, pressure is created on the piston with gas. This raises the bed.
Such a device is the most optimal option, since no effort is required to lift - even a child can handle it. It itself consists of a cylindrical container with nitrogen, a damper with oil and a piston. In addition, this also includes metal plates and corners, a steel axle and the elevator itself.
The downside is the high cost, but this is offset by a rather long operating period - about 10 years. Replace the gas shock absorber can be easily replaced by yourself.
Spring loaded
The spring mechanism for the folding bed is also very popular. Lifting is carried out by springs that take on part of the load.
It should be borne in mind that for transformation it is necessary to apply some effort, since the springs take only part of the load.
You can reduce the force pressing on the mechanism, for this you just need to remove a certain number of springs. But it must be taken into account that it is impossible to reduce the load on a person, since it is not possible to put additional parts.
After about 5 years of service, the springs fail and need to be replaced. A significant plus is the low cost - in the region of two thousand rubles.
What to consider when choosing
After having figured out the types of lifting mechanisms, it is worth paying attention to some features that play an important role.
Availability of additional accessories
The bed-wardrobe can be equipped with some additional components. It can be forged elements on the headboard and foot of the bed, upholstery with any material. You can also find models not just with empty space under the bed, but with systematized drawers and shelves.
In addition, some pieces of furniture may be included with the bed: cabinets, shelves, ottomans or armchairs. This also includes lamps and floor lamps. All this has a significant impact on the choice of a particular bed for a bedroom.
First of all, you need to rely on the already finished interior of the room and personal preferences. But rest assured, there are a huge variety of ideas and options, so you can easily find something suitable.
Room dimensions
The size of the bed will primarily depend on the size of the room and the number of people who will sleep on it. Consider the options for sleeping places, depending on the size.
Sizes of single bedrooms:
- 0.7 * 1.9 meters;
- 0.8 * 2 meters;
- 0.9 * 1.9 meters;
- 0.9 * 2 meters.
There may be other sizes, depending on the manufacturer.The most common sizes are 0.9 * 1.9 meters.
Sizes of double rooms:
- 1.4 * 2 meters;
- 1.6 * 2 meters;
- 1.8 * 2 meters;
- 1.6 * 1.9 meters.
You also need to take into account the height. It can be low (up to 50 centimeters), medium (from 50 to 70 centimeters), and high (over 70 centimeters).
When choosing a baby bed, you need to focus on the size and age of the child. Keep in mind that the child is constantly growing, which requires you to buy a bed a little more than you should.
Purpose of the room
The appearance and mechanism that will be installed on the bed depends on the purpose of the room. So, for a children's room, it is better to choose gas shock absorbers. The crib should be decorated according to the child's tastes: the room of a princess or a brave knight.
A spring mechanism can also be installed in a teenager's bedroom, since at this age there is already enough force to lift the bed. In terms of design, it is better to give preference to muted, calm tones, since at this age you need to focus on study and rest. A manual lift can also be installed in the bedroom of an adult, since it has enough physical strength.
It is also worth paying attention to the size of the bed, in the nursery it is preferable to choose a single or one and a half double bed, but for a teenager or adult it is better to choose a double bed.
Load
The load depends on the size of the bed and the version of the installed device. For spring and manual mechanisms, you need to give preference to horizontal lift, but gas shock absorbers are perfect for vertical ones.
Only the horizontal version needs to be installed in the nursery, it will be easier for the child to lift it. The bed can be replaced with a sofa, which will perform the same function.
The best manufacturers of folding beds
Consider the most popular models of folding beds with a lifting base.
Mone Trade model No. 200
A large bed with a simple design, made of high quality chipboard. The outside is covered with a leather substitute. The headboards are rectangular. A gas shock absorber is used for lifting.
Mone Trade model "1206 Alba"
Particleboard again acts as a material. Decorating with velor and leather substitute. The lift is carried out using a gas shock absorber.
Ascona model "Isabella"
Particleboard and birch plywood are used as material. Decorated with artificial leather.
Ascona model "Greta"
Made of chipboard, upholstered with fabric and leatherette, foam lining for greater softness.
Ascona model "Marlena"
Rectangular headboard, all fragments are made of chipboard. Wide range of colors. The lifting device creates a large storage space.
Lonax model "Aurora"
High quality materials, the frame is made of natural wood.
Benartti seville
A pneumatic mechanism is used. The bed is made in a luxurious style, a wide variety of colors.
There are many other models, but these have the best characteristics and a lot of positive reviews.
The choice of a wardrobe bed with a built-in lift mechanism depends on many factors. It is necessary to take into account the installed lifting device, the material from which the sleeping place is made, the flowering and the manufacturer, will help to save space in the room correctly and remove unnecessary things from the eyes.
Video: how to make a bed with a lifting mechanism yourself
