Detailed review of chair-beds, popular transformation options

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Apartments in high-rise buildings, as a rule, are quite modest in size. Owners of small cars often face the dilemma of choosing between a practical and stylish interior. The salvation in this matter is multifunctional furniture, which includes a chair-bed.

Advantages and features of folding chair beds in the interior

Universal upholstered furniture that combines the functions of two pieces of furniture at once is the best option for decorating a small bedroom or living area in a small apartment. The transforming chair can be used as a main or additional place to sleep. When folded, the furniture performs the function of a traditional chair. The modern furniture market offers a huge range of folding chairs, so choosing a model that harmonizes with the design of the room will not cause any particular difficulties.

A folding chair bed is characterized by a considerable list of advantages:

• stylish appearance;
• ergonomics;
• functionality;
• mobility;
• reliability.

But, in addition to the advantages, a folding sleeping place has a number of disadvantages. In some models, when transforming a chair into a bed, gaps and differences form between the sections, which causes discomfort. Some models of transformable chairs create a sleeping place that is too low, which also affects the quality of sleep.

A chair bed for daily sleep must have an orthopedic base, otherwise health problems may arise.

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In order not to make a mistake and choose the right chair bed, you need to pay attention to the main structural elements of the product:

• transformation mechanism;
• type of filler;
• quality and type of upholstery;
• frame material;
• build quality.

Tick-tock (Eurobook)

The "tick-tock" chair-bed transformation mechanism works as follows: when the seat is extended, the back of the chair is turned over and lowered - this design allows you to place the model with virtually no gap with the wall, which saves space.

Models of the “walking Eurobook” type do not slip on the floor, which allows you to avoid damaging the floor covering.

The variety of models is not exhausted by the listed options, and below we will consider several more popular mechanisms:

Dimensions of folding chairs - sleeping space parameters

The range of chairs with a system of transformation into a bed offers a wide selection of standard sizes. The minimum possible width of a berth is 60 cm; such chairs are mainly intended for children. The average width of the bed varies in the range of 70-80 cm, and the maximum possible size is 120 cm. The standard length of the sleeping area is 190-210 cm.

The parameters of the assembled chair-bed depend on the design features. Thus, in chairs that are not equipped with armrests, the width of the product is comparable to the width of the bed. In models with sidewalls, the difference in width is 25 cm and above.

Standard dimensions of the assembled transforming chair:

• seat width – at least 60 cm;
• seat depth – from 50 to 70 cm;
• seat height – from 35 to 38 cm;
• back height – from 70 to 120 cm.

Style

The chair-bed should fit the overall style of the interior. For example:

• Provence. Furniture of laconic simple forms based on rustic motifs is suitable. The chair should be as cozy and homely as possible, with wood inserts, carvings, floral or geometric prints.
• Empire style It is better to choose pompous large chairs that match other upholstered furniture. The product can be equipped with legs and armrests.
• Modern. The smoothness of the lines is combined with a massive structure and legs.
• High tech. Modern models with minimal decor. May include chrome or plastic elements.

Types of transformation mechanisms for chair-beds

The designs of chair-beds can use various transformation mechanisms, the quality of which directly determines the ease of use and reliability of folding furniture.

There are the following types of folding chairs:

• Eurobook - the seat of the chair, equipped with special wheels, rolls forward, and a removable backrest fits into the resulting empty space;
• dolphin - the design of the transformable chair includes a retractable block located under the seat. The folding part “emerges” from under the depths of the seat and rises to the level of the main berth;
• accordion - a folding chair consists of three parts that unfold and fold like the musical instrument of the same name. When unfolded, a perfectly flat bed is formed; the accordion model is equipped with a linen drawer;
• French folding bed - a triple folding mechanism, the seat is lifted up and pulled towards itself, unfolding the links;
• with a roll-out mechanism - a roll-out block is installed under the seat of the chair, which moves forward using a loop-strap hidden under the seat. The back turns over and takes the place of the front;
• book - the back of the chair leans back until a characteristic click appears, the seat moves forward slightly;
• sofa - the lower part of the chair moves forward, a pillow is removed from under the seat and placed on the resulting empty space;
• saber - using a handle-strap, the seat of the chair is pulled towards you, while the seat moves and the backrest lowers. An empty space is formed at the head, which occupies the third part of the chair-bed.

A chair bed for daily use with an accordion mechanism is in high demand among consumers. The popularity of the “accordion” transformation system is due to the ease of unfolding and the comfort of the resulting berth.

Types of fillers, which are better

The filling of upholstered furniture should provide maximum comfort, both in a sitting position and in a lying position. The following types of materials are used as fillers for chair-beds:

• foam;
• holofiber;
• latex;
• padding polyester;
• durafil;
• spring block.

Fillers such as synthetic winterizer and foam rubber do not have sufficient elasticity and quickly lose their original properties. The main advantages of synthetic fillers are hypoallergenicity and affordable price.

Modern materials durafil, latex and holofiber are popular due to such qualities as elasticity, high resilience, and long service life.

Spring blocks are an ideal option for daily sleep. The layered structure, consisting of independent springs and layers of filler, ensures the correct position of the body during sleep and sitting, and has an orthopedic effect.

Types of upholstery for folding chairs and their advantages

An important selection criterion that affects the quality of the chair-bed is the upholstery. The key requirements for upholstery material are resistance to wear, fading and abrasion.

There are many types of upholstery:

• different types of fabrics;
• eco leather;
• Genuine Leather.

The choice of one or another type of upholstery depends on the personal preferences and financial capabilities of the consumer.

The following types of fabrics are used for upholstery of upholstered furniture:

• jacquard;
• chenille;
• tapestry;
• flock;
• velours.

An armchair-bed with jacquard upholstery will decorate the interior in a classic style. The fabric is 50% natural cotton and holds its shape well. Jacquard fabric cannot be cleaned when wet, so it is not recommended for use by families with small children and animals.

Unpretentious in care and inexpensive, chenille is characterized by high density and strength. Ideal for daily use.

Tapestry is also characterized by fairly high strength indicators. The advantages of the material include its availability.

Flock is another type of practical material. The velvety, non-woven material is pleasant to the touch and easy to care for.

The main advantage of velor is its spectacular appearance. Despite its sufficient strength, velor is not recommended for use as furniture upholstery for daily use.

Genuine leather is in demand at all times; its spectacular and reliable upholstery is characterized by excellent performance properties. A significant disadvantage is the high price of the material.

Modern eco-leather is practically not inferior to its natural counterpart in its performance indicators and appearance. At the same time, the price of the material is several times lower.

Popular models

A chair-bed is a stylish and functional piece of furniture. You can find this in almost every home. There are models that have received particularly wide recognition:

• A chair-bed with a drawer for linen allows rational use of space, combines convenience, attractive appearance and reliability. With universal dimensions of 92˟86˟900 (unfolded 220), the volume of the box is approximately 70˟50˟70 (cm). You can place drawers under the mattress with different types of construction. If the folding chair is used daily, bedding is placed in the storage container. In a cot for guests, you can hide things that are rarely needed (seasonal clothes and shoes, boxes of equipment);
• The corner chair-bed has earned the love of hospitable owners. It is characterized by compact dimensions of 85˟100˟85 cm. There are no armrests, the contours fit into a small square. These models are good in the kitchen. In everyday life it replaces a chair. When guests are received in the house, the chair can easily be converted into an extra bed. With its help, you can increase the area of ​​the sofa, turning a straight line into a corner one;
• The Baron folding bed has become very popular. Dimensions 140˟120˟150. It is a small sofa for 2 people with high rounded armrests. The width allows you to accommodate two guests overnight. Due to the length of 210 cm, it will be convenient as a permanent sleeping place for one person. Smooth lines and the absence of corners will ensure safety in the house where children live;
• Double chair beds are perfect for regular use and for meeting guests. They are indispensable in a one-room apartment, where the living room is also a bedroom. During the day, this is an area for relaxing, socializing, and watching movies. At night - a full-fledged sleeping place. This model is chosen not only by married couples, but also by those who value space.

What types of armrests are there?

The furniture market offers models of folding chair-beds with and without armrests. A chair bed without armrests has less weight, compact dimensions, and does not restrict a person’s movement during sleep.

The range of folding chairs with armrests is characterized by great diversity. Armrests vary in configuration and can be narrow and wide, straight and wavy, high and low. According to their design, models are divided into products with hard wooden armrests and sides with soft upholstery.

Internal filling

Another important criterion is the content of chair beds. In budget versions, elastic polyurethane foam is used. The disadvantage of this solution is rapid wear and low strength, so it is not suitable for daily use. Even with infrequent use, the material will sink over time, which will ruin the appearance of the structure.

For a comfortable stay, it is better to purchase models that contain latex or periotheca. The technical properties of this material allow you to quickly restore its previous properties. In addition, such designs have a positive effect on ergonomics due to the elasticity of the product.

Folding chair frame - types and features

To make the frame, manufacturers of transformable chairs use materials such as:

• Chipboard or plywood;
• wooden beam;
• metal;
• aluminum.

Products with a frame made of chipboard and plywood belong to the budget category. When choosing a budget model, you should pay attention to the quality of material processing; chipboards must be treated with special impregnations, veneered or laminated.

The wooden frame is characterized by a long service life and can withstand daily loads. The furniture market offers affordable models of chairs with a frame made of softwood and luxury furniture made of expensive lumber. An undoubted advantage of wooden frames is the environmental safety of the products. However, it should be remembered that wood is a rather demanding material; wooden furniture cannot be used in rooms with high humidity.

Steel bases have a large margin of strength and are ideal for daily use. The metal base of the chair-bed must be treated with special compounds that protect the material from mechanical damage and corrosion.

The advantage of tubular aluminum frames is ease of operation and low weight. But constant loads negatively affect the strength and service life of the product.

The ideal option would be furniture with a frame made from a combination of different materials.

Photos of folding chair beds in the interior

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A chair-bed will solve the problem of organizing rest and sleep in small spaces. The main task is to rationally approach the choice of product. Before purchasing, study the design features of the transformable chair, ask a consultant about the maximum loads of the selected model, ask to unfold and fold the chair. Properly selected furniture will bring many joyful moments and will last for many years!