Chair-bed: types of mechanisms and selection rules

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.

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.

Where to place the chair-bed

In spacious living rooms, such structures can serve many functions. Place it in the corner of the room and complement it with a cabinet, table, basket or lamp, it will be an ideal place for reading books and newspapers.

Where else can you use a chair with a sleep function? Of course, it is also well suited for small living rooms, which often play several roles at once. This is due to the fact that in apartments where every centimeter counts, you need to use smart and practical solutions. And this chair will successfully replace a bed for sleeping at night.
A very interesting idea is to put a chair-bed in the youth room. Available in a variety of styles and colors, this compact piece of furniture will fit perfectly into your room without taking up much space.

A children's room is often small in size. Initially, there is only a small crib in it. For obvious reasons, this need for space increases over time, but the size of the room remains the same.

In such a situation, many decide to choose a folding chair for sleeping. This piece of furniture replaces a small sofa or bed.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Small chair beds for small rooms have their advantages and disadvantages. Such furniture:

compact;
mobile;
has an affordable price.

It is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms and children's rooms. Among the disadvantages, there is a small sleeping place, which is obtained after arranging the furniture. It will not be the same as a full bed.

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.

Filling

The filling of the chairs must be chosen so that the materials retain their shape for a long time. Peculiarities:

An independent spring block - the chair follows all the curves of the body, which creates an orthopedic surface for a restful sleep. Among the advantages, elasticity and long service life should be noted.
The dependent spring unit is reliable, well ventilated and able to withstand increased loads.
Springless block - chairs are filled with latex, synthetic padding, padding polyurethane or polyurethane foam. The filling is elastic, durable and will last more than 10 years without deformation.

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.

Material

Whatever the dimensions of the chair-bed are chosen, the material is important. It is important that the furniture meets international standards and is safe. It is advisable to choose a design with an orthopedic mattress that is not harmful to health.

The filling can be a spring block, polyurethane foam or a mixed type. Sectional models usually have spring blocks. They provide additional resistance to unfastened parts of the folding structure. Because of the springs, there are no folds on the product and you get a solid sleeping place. They provide excellent orthopedic effect.

Polyurethane foam is used in standard and orthopedic products. It increases the elasticity and resilience of furniture. The top layer is usually latex to keep the product soft. For this reason, even a hard chair will be pleasant and comfortable.

The mixed version consists of coconut coir and polyurethane foam. It is usually used for custom-made furniture. The covering is usually leather. Combined fillers are durable and can be used frequently.

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.

What's good and bad about the model

Compact multifunctional furniture is good for small apartments. Chair-beds fully meet the listed requirements, are easy to use and relatively cheap compared to other upholstered furniture. The advantages of folding models include:

variety of models, shapes and colors;
compatibility with other pieces of furniture;
low price;
compactness and functionality;
availability of a storage system;
light weight, due to which the chairs are quite mobile;
convenience during the day and comfort at night while sleeping;
easy care.

A small chair bed is suitable even for a small apartment. Due to its light weight, such furniture can be easily moved around the apartment or transported to another place when moving.

There are not many disadvantages to folding chairs. Firstly, this is a relatively small bed when unfolded; only one person can fully fit in such a bed. Secondly, not everyone is comfortable lying on a narrow bed, where they cannot spread their arms and legs while sleeping. It is worth considering the availability of free space in front of the chair itself - when unfolded, it takes up twice as much 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.

Location

Armchair beds are universal furniture. Although you can arrange the furniture as you wish, it is still better to take into account a few recommendations:

There is no need to place furniture near the door, as it will be uncomfortable for the vacationer.
When laying out the structure, do not block the passage.
The product should not be placed in a draft.
In winter, it is better not to install the structure near heating radiators.
It is advisable to avoid areas with direct sunlight.
For some furniture, elastic covers are produced that keep the appearance attractive for many years.

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.

How to choose a chair-bed

Selecting upholstered furniture in itself is not an easy task. You need to pay special attention to many things. One of them is size. It is necessary to carefully measure the free space so that the chair-bed does not take up too much space in the apartment.

Another important aspect is the folding and unfolding system. There are many models on the market, so you should definitely find out what the advantages and disadvantages of each option are.

Decorative differences, including the color and material from which the chair bed will be made, depend on the preferences of the buyers.

One parameter that needs to be taken into account in particular is how you plan to place the chair in the room. Basically, there are two main options here, in which either the seat of the chair or its support reclines. Depending on this, the way it is placed inside the apartment will change.

Photos of folding chair beds in the interior

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!

Why do you need a chair bed?

A chair-bed is a piece of furniture that you can't do without in small spaces, although it is ideal for large houses. A suitable reclining chair is, above all, a piece of furniture that uses an efficient and simple mechanism. With its help, the chair can be transformed into a bed in a few moments.

The traditional chair is characterized by great comfort and an interesting composition. As a rule, it is used both as a comfortable piece of furniture for relaxation and as a decoration for the living room. The chair-bed differs from it only in the ability to transform it into a comfortable sofa. When might this option be needed?

Of course, when the owners live in a small house and every square meter is valuable to them. Moreover, during the day this furniture will be an ordinary chair, and at night it will be a practical and comfortable bed.

Lycksele

The models in this series are designed in Art Nouveau style and retain a minimalistic appearance. The chair does not have armrests or wheels, which make it less mobile.

You can sleep on this chair every day, as it is equipped with a special orthopedic mattress. In the production of this model, latex is used, which completely follows the contours of the body.

Product options

Fabric, without slats. These are similar to those that were before, only their quality is much higher. Anyone who lies down on it does not fall through like in a hammock due to the fact that the fabric is dense and well stretched. Sleeping on this one doesn’t hurt your back, and when folded it’s very compact. A folding bed like this can be used without a mattress, although sleep will be more comfortable with one. Its lifespan is relatively short, since the fabric does stretch somewhat over time, and this affects comfort.
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Classic is an analogue of Soviet products, albeit of higher quality. The durable tapestry is secured with springs. The maximum weight it can withstand is 100 kg. Its problems are the same as those of the products presented above: the fabric can stretch and fray, the springs can rust.
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An orthopedic bed is almost a full-fledged bed, since it has a rigid metal frame and wooden slats. This provides a firm base for the mattress. You won't be able to sleep on such a bed without it. The only difference from the usual place to sleep is the ability to fold it and hide it in a secluded place.
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Mattress

You should pay close attention to it, since sleep comfort depends on it. The mattress often comes with a folding bed, but its high quality is not worth talking about

In order to choose exactly what you need, it is better to contact the consultants of a specialized store, who will suggest the best model.

Orthopedic mattress for a standard folding bed

Combination of coconut and natural latex in an orthopedic mattress

Medium firm mattress

Design

Orthopedic cots with mattresses have the following design:

The overall frame is made of metal, often aluminum or steel. The main thing is that the frame is light, since it will need to be constantly moved.
The orthopedic base is lamellas, as on all orthopedic beds. They are quite thin, but at the same time durable and elastic. Made from birch and other natural materials. The lamellas are slightly curved upward, due to which it is possible to obtain hardness, but at the same time springiness.
Orthopedic mattress.

It unfolds extremely easily, since it consists not of three sections, like those that were used previously, but of only two. That is, less effort needs to be put into unfolding. There are even products called folding chests of drawers. At night it unfolds, but during the day it hides in the chest of drawers to which it is attached.

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Features of orthopedic folding beds

Modern folding beds with slats last a long time. Folding furniture has many advantages.

Simplicity of design. There are no complex mechanisms, which significantly extends the life of the product.
Compactness. The weight of the furniture is from 5 to 15 kilograms. When folded, it does not take up much space, which simplifies transportation and storage.
Strength. The use of modern metal alloys in combination with high-quality slats significantly extends the life of the bed.
Low cost. You can buy such a bed for almost pennies, which cannot be said about full-fledged orthopedic furniture.
Easy to repair. If necessary, you can easily replace the lamella or other structural element.
The bed consists of two elements, so there are no difficulties with folding it out.

A folding bed with slats with a mattress is an excellent solution if you need to provide temporary overnight accommodation.

Furniture classification

When choosing a chair-bed, you need to focus on several indicators. These are features of mechanisms, design, materials. Thanks to this approach, you will be able to find the most convenient and compact option for a small room.

By transformation method

How comfortable the chair-bed will be depends largely on the features of the folding device

It is important to pay attention to whether you will have to apply a lot of force, how much space the furniture occupies when assembled and disassembled, whether it is mobile and many other nuances. The following mechanisms are popular today:

Cot. To get a place to sleep, you need to lift and pull the seat towards you, releasing the assembled parts of the furniture. In American models, the mattress is folded in half, in French models - in three. The thickness of the mattress depends on the number of folds.
Accordion. The berth is formed by the backrest, which is larger than the seat and consists of two parts, with their backs facing each other. The chair folds according to the accordion principle - two elements form an elevation and are fixed by the seat. The design is considered the most successful, since when unfolded it gives a flat surface without gaps.
Eurobook. The seat is pushed forward, and the backrest is placed in the vacant space. Such chair-beds are compact and do not form gaps when placed against a wall.
Click-clack. Like the Eurobook, it gives a smooth surface. To unfold the furniture, you need to raise the seat to a height at which a characteristic click is heard, and then lower the mattress. The chair is assembled in the same way, but in the opposite direction.
Eurosophist. To unfold the bed, you need to pull out the linen drawer and remove the back cushion. Then you need to turn the top of the mattress over and place it on the linen drawer.
Tango. The mechanism provides three backrest positions - for sitting, relaxing and sleeping. It can be vertical, slightly tilted or laid horizontally.
Dolphin. Part of the berth is hidden under the seat. To unfold the bed, you need to pull out the lower section, take out the mattress and fix it flush with the seat.

Cot

Accordion

Eurobook

Click-clack

Eurosophist

By type of design

Chair-beds differ not only in their folding mechanisms. They can have different types of construction. The most popular options:

With compartments for linen. One or more drawers are built into a piece of furniture. Since the storage issue is especially acute in small rooms, such models serve as additional space for folding things.
With orthopedic base. Thanks to the design that relieves stress on the spine, chair-beds are suitable for daily use. The anatomical effect is ensured by a special frame and filler. Furniture should be selected taking into account individual characteristics.
For children. Compact models are convenient for sleeping at night and playing during the day. Bright fabrics are used for upholstery; images based on fairy tales and cartoons are applied to the surface. If there is a catastrophic lack of space in the nursery, you can install a mini-sized chair-bed.
Corner models. Thanks to the design, you can save as much usable space as possible. Furniture is produced with one or two backs, without armrests.

Chair-beds are made with or without armrests. Products without side walls are easier to unfold and have a wider bed. The downside is that they fail more often because the structure is less secure.

With compartments for linen With orthopedic mattress For children Corner With armrests Without side walls

Layout mechanisms

The presence of this function distinguishes the chair-bed from standard solutions. Thanks to this mechanism, the furniture can be easily folded and unfolded. There are many methods of propulsion devices, but the most popular are:

Book. Such designs are distinguished by their simplicity and reliability. To prepare the chair for sleeping, the user only needs to move the chair away. This mechanism functions for a long period and rarely breaks down.
The Euro-book is characterized by rapid transformation, which takes a minimum of time. The mechanism is also highly durable and reliable. The only drawback is that it takes up more space than traditional models.
Roll-out. Such products are suitable for children, as they are easy to extend, but for the transformation to be comfortable, you will need a lot of space. Most of these options are equipped with shelves for storing linen.
Dolphin has a 3-part compound. Unfolding is simple. The only drawback is that when folded the seat is too high, so this solution is not suitable for every user.
American folding bed. This is the only option that is difficult to transform. At first it will be difficult for a person to understand the operation of this mechanism, but over time one can get used to it. The peculiarity of this design is high reliability and trouble-free operation over a long period.

Children's models

Parents who are serious about the quality of their child's sleeping place highly appreciate children's orthopedic folding sofas. Such models take care of posture and promote maximum relaxation during sleep. Thanks to the folding mechanism, they save space in the room, freeing up space for games during the daytime.

Due to the elastic orthopedic base, it is convenient not only to sleep on them, but also to sit during the daytime: play, draw.

The main advantages include:

ease of operation;
ability to withstand heavy loads;
the presence of a breathable body;
environmental friendliness, safety;
small size;
multifunctionality;
bright, interesting designs.

Manufacturers produce children's sofas from reliable materials. The upholstery is made of soft and wear-resistant fabric. Their soft back is high and comfortable. And so that the child does not get injured during games or sleep, there are no hard metal or wooden elements on the surface.

When choosing reliable furniture for children, pay attention to the following:

Transformation mechanism. Children's sofas fold out in the same way as adults. The most popular models: Eurobook, accordion, click-clack

To save space, it is recommended to pay attention to corner products, for example, dolphin; Design. In furniture stores you can find many interesting, attractive models

Consumers can opt for plain sofas with bright elements (appliqués). For the youngest children, you can purchase models in the shape of animal faces, in the shape of ships, cars, princess carriages, and swans. This furniture also comes on sale with original prints. It can depict: cars, cartoon characters, animals and other ornaments and patterns. With such furniture, the child’s room will be transformed and become interesting for the baby;

Materials: upholstery and mat filling. Most often, children's furniture has polyurethane foam padding, which does not cause allergic reactions, is environmentally friendly, and does not accumulate dust. Also an excellent choice would be models with coconut filling, felt, wool, and bamboo. The upholstery should not fade or fade in the sun. The ideal option would be products with removable covers. This will make it more convenient for parents to monitor the hygiene of their baby’s sleeping place;
Mattress. It can be springless or spring. But you need to keep in mind that spring types are suitable for children over 10 years old. There are sofa models in which the mats are components of a lattice base. But options with a removable mattress are more common.
Base. Can be metal or wood. The most reliable design is a metal frame and a wooden grille with slats.
Degree of hardness. For children from 3 to 13 years old, models of medium hardness are selected, and for teenagers - softer ones;
Additional functions. Manufacturers equip children's furniture with laundry drawers and shelves.