Key characteristics of a children's sofa bed, popular models

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Buying children's furniture is a responsible but interesting process. Furniture should suit not only the parents, but the child himself. A special purchase is the children's sofa bed. The quality of your sleep determines how productive the coming day will be. During the day, a child has a lot of things to do, sometimes quite unexpected. And how he copes with everything is influenced by his night's sleep. During sleep, the body's defenses are restored and positive energy accumulates.

The quality of sleep depends on many components, one of which is the sleeping place. Nowadays, parents often choose a sofa bed for their child. The modern furniture industry offers a huge range of sofas, the design of which easily replaces a full-fledged bed and is in no way inferior to it.

The design is so diverse that there is a huge chance of purchasing an exclusive model for your home.

Among such diversity, it is important not to get confused and choose the right model wisely.

Varieties

A sofa bed for a children's room can have one or two tiers. In addition, the models differ in shape, material of the frame and base, type of back, and strength of the legs. The general classification is as follows:

1. With soft sides and sliding drawers - comfortable, versatile models. Suitable for use by babies. The back and sides are covered with fabric upholstery. At the bottom there are drawers for linen, things, any color.
2. Transformers are practical, comfortable products that grow with the child. They can be folded, freeing up space for games - an ideal solution for small rooms and mobile children.
3. Stylized - children's furniture of this type is made in the form of cars, ships, castles, rockets. Decorated with pictures and patterns. These models are very bright and colorful. Children love these options.
4. A couch is a small sofa without a back. For children, they usually purchase a simple, non-folding version. But chaise lounges with armrests and backs, and long soft ottomans are also comfortable.
5. Corner - such models are installed strictly in the corner of the room. They have two sides, one on the short side, the other on the long side. The upholstery is soft and there is usually a drawer underneath.

It is impossible to say for sure which option is better. It all depends on your wishes for ergonomics and the amount of free space in the room. For example, corner sofas when folded take up minimal space, and the transformer adapts to the changing needs of the child. Stylized furniture is beautiful, but it is not a purchase that will last for many years.

With shelves Stylized Transformer

With drawers and sides

Corner couch

Is a sofa instead of a bed a great idea or not?

First, let's figure out how reasonable the idea of ​​​​replacing a bed with a sofa is and what is better - a bed or a sofa bed?

Arguments against"

• Children from 7 years old and up to late adolescence should sleep on an orthopedic mattress. Finding a sofa with good filling is not so easy, because a sofa mattress most often depends on the frame.
• The sleeping area of ​​the unfolded sofa has at least one joint.
• The choice of sofa mattresses (including those independent of the frame) is much smaller than standard ones. If a child has spinal health problems, then finding a mattress individually selected by an orthopedist will be difficult or even impossible.
• The sofa bed needs to be unfolded/assembled daily, bed linen laid and cleaned.

• The sofa is more easily soiled, as it is completely upholstered in fabric.
• It is much more difficult to instill in a child the habit of making his own bed.
• A sofa with a mechanism, unlike a regular bed, is much more likely to break and wear out early.
• Most often, a sofa, unlike a children's bed, does not have sides to protect the child from falling.
• Some models require a lot of space when unfolded.

Arguments for"

• A sofa bed is good because it allows a child to sleep, play, and receive guests.
• Almost all sofa beds have drawers underneath for storing bed linen.
• A bed, unlike a sofa, is more dangerous because it has sharp corners and a rigid frame that you can hit, say, during games.
• The folded sofa can be quite compact - 90-100 cm wide, and the bed usually takes up about 110 cm.

Conclusion: for a small nursery, it is rational to use a sofa bed instead of a bed, provided, firstly, a high-quality orthopedic mattress, and secondly, if the child has a healthy spine and leads an active lifestyle.

Design and size depending on the age of the child

Stylish children's beds can be divided into universal ones, suitable for any age, and models that are designed for the youngest or only for teenagers. Products in the form of cars and fairy-tale figures, multi-colored designs with non-staining upholstery are now in fashion. These are quite expensive sofas, but children under 10 years old really like them. A universal option is a transforming bed. It is more restrained in design and does not have bright decorative elements.

When making children's furniture, non-toxic varnishes and paints that are safe for the health of the child should be used.

A sofa bed for a child should be suitable for his age and size:

1. From birth to 3 years, a sleeping place 60 x 120 cm is suitable.
2. At 3-5 years old, a child can sleep comfortably on beds 140 x 70, 160 x 70, 80 x 190 cm, depending on personal preferences and body size.
3. After 6 years, it is better to opt for a teenage sofa measuring 80 x 190 or 90 x 200 cm.

Folding children's sofa beds with a transformer type mechanism will help save the family budget. You can use them for a very long time. Firstly, they grow up with a child. Secondly, they fold and, when folded, take up minimal space in the room (much less than a regular bed).

What types of folding children's sofa bed frames are there?

The choice of sofa is carried out not only by external parameters, but also by internal design. Several centuries ago, the frame of sofas was made exclusively from hard wood: maple, beech, birch and so on. Now the choice has expanded, and the most popular are: metal, plywood, chipboard, wood.

Wood is still popular, has valuable environmental qualities, and is a durable material. But its successful application requires careful adherence to production technology. Only in this case does it retain all its valuable qualities. For the manufacture of the main load-bearing part of the frame, timber is used, and for the side parts - laminated veneer lumber. All parts are secured with bolts, screws are not used.

Plywood is an expensive material, lightweight and reliable. It does not change the structure during operation. Suitable for small children's sofas as it cannot be glued. For large sofas it is better to use chipboard. Plywood sofas are given an increased warranty of up to 10 years.

Metal allows you to give the sofa an interesting shape. The metal frame is durable, easy to repair, and fire resistant.

In children's furniture it is better to use a combination of materials. This will increase the service life of the sofa and improve its quality characteristics.

Now it’s clear which sofa to choose for your child to sleep on. The main thing is to choose with love and care. And judging by the children’s vivid emotions, it will become clear that the choice turned out to be correct.

Frame material

A regular or orthopedic sofa bed can have different types of base. The task of parents is to choose the best option. Main types:

1. Wood and metal are a strong, reliable, durable combination. Forged models look very beautiful, but have an impressive weight and a high price. But they are not afraid of children's jumping - this is an option for centuries.
2. Chipboard - budget beds, medium in strength, beautiful and inexpensive. Active children's games do not always survive. It is important that toxic varnishes and paints are not used for processing.

Lamels are also used in children's sofas - elastic solid slats that have pronounced springy properties, easily tolerate increased loads, and enhance the orthopedic effect. A solid base can be made of plastic or wood - the first option is several times cheaper, the second is much stronger.

Springs and grilles are flexible, easy-to-clean structures that allow air to pass through well. The mesh may sag, there is no spring. If the legs of the children's sofa are high enough, it will be convenient to clean. The solid blind contour creates reliable protection from debris, but cleaning the floors underneath is not easy.

A single bed can have 4 or 5 legs - models with 5 legs are more reliable.

Wooden frame

Chipboard with metal lifting mechanism

Wooden frame with metal lifting mechanism

Folding sofa with slats

Mechanisms of transformation

There are four popular types of transformation of children's beds. All of them are comfortable and ergonomic. Peculiarities:

1. Roll-out sofa. You need to pull the handle, which is located at the bottom of the body, and the sleeping place will come out from under the sofa. The back will take a horizontal position on its own. Thanks to the wheels, you don't need to put in much effort.
2. Dolphin. The folding principle resembles the movements of a diving dolphin or a jumping kangaroo. The additional section rolls out from under the seat, then with the help of a loop it is placed in the same position as the main compartment.
3. Accordion. This is a compact sofa, when disassembled it takes up to 2 m. To transform it, you need to pull the seat towards you by the handrail until it is fully straightened, and fix the horizontal position.
4. Tango. This is a cozy sofa with a bed, with soft armrests that quickly turn into headrests. The side parts are transformed by pressing clockwise. The load on the armrests when they are raised should not exceed 40 kg.

To make it convenient to unfold a children's sofa, manufacturers use a special mechanism to lift the lattice of slats along with the mattress. It provides access to the niche with laundry, as well as a simple, smooth lift. All bed mechanisms must have a solid working life.

Simple and complex mechanisms

Accordion Tango

Dolphin Roll-out

Stylized sofa

The most popular sofa, which can leave unforgettable impressions and emotions on a child, is a stylized sofa.

Such a sofa can be made in the shape of a dog, cat, or airplane. Such sofas will not leave any child indifferent and cold.

Filler

A bed with an orthopedic mattress is the best choice for a child’s back health. Such bases provide high-quality support to the spine and have a memory effect.

The main types of fillers are spring blocks, conventional hard and soft bases. The first option provides good back support and is quite rigid. There are two types:

1. Bonnel - has a high price and excellent quality, consists of ordinary springs. If used correctly, it is a durable option and provides good support for the spine. The elements are connected to each other and attached to the frame at the bottom of the sofa.
2. Independent springs - in them, each element is placed in a separate case. Under load, the springs operate autonomously from each other. A sofa for a child with an independent block retains its elasticity and attractive appearance, and has good orthopedic properties.

The hard edges of the springs must be carefully insulated to prevent injury to the child.

Springless fillers are a more comfortable and inexpensive option. The main types used in children's sofas:

1. Coconut is considered the most hygienic and safe material. This is an ideal solution for small children. A mattress with coconut bark provides uniform back support, has a memory effect, is not afraid of moisture, and is well breathable. The rigidity is moderate, the material does not cause allergic reactions.
2. Latex is a natural substance obtained from the exotic Hevea plant. It has many advantages - antibacterial, antifungal properties, hypoallergenic, moisture-resistant, elastic shape. It does not rot and does not absorb dust. Hardness is usually medium.
3. Polyurethane foam is a modern modification of foam rubber, durable, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and environmentally friendly. It does not decompose, does not crumble, does not burn, has good orthopedic properties, and is breathable.

Cotton fillers are not suitable for children's beds. They are short-lived, easily soiled, and labor-intensive to care for. Cotton wool is now practically not used in furniture production.

Bonnell Independent springs

Polyurethane foam

Latex

Coconut

Technical aspects: safety, materials, design

Any sofa is considered from several positions:

• safety precautions - how likely it is that a child will be injured;
• material - everything plays a role, from the frame to the upholstery;
• design - not every sofa is suitable for any age and not every sofa will be comfortable to sleep on.

Only after choosing the technical characteristics can you think about the design.

A sofa for a child needs to be chosen carefully and thoroughly

Safety precautions

It doesn’t matter how old the child is, the sofa must meet the standards. No one is safe from hitting a sharp corner, even a teenager. Take into account:

• Softness . A sofa that will be in a children's room should be free of sharp corners. Solid armrests, a rectangular hard seat, shiny metal legs - it’s better to save all this for the living room, where the child will spend much less time than at home.
• Width . Most children sleep restlessly, toss and turn, throw off the blanket and may fall to the floor. A narrow sofa increases the chances of falling significantly - a reliable u/wide seat is much better suited, on which the child can lie diagonally or spread out like a starfish, if he wants.
• Reliability of the mechanism . All sofa beds have a specific mechanism that allows them to open. Before placing one of them in a room, you need to make sure that the mechanism will work smoothly and will not open at the wrong moment, causing injury to the child. It is best if it is heavy enough that the child basically cannot lift it.
• Reliability of elements . Some of the mechanisms have wheels - you need to make sure that they will not roll on their own. Some of the mechanisms have drawers - you need to make sure that the child has no chance of getting stuck inside. Some sofas have armrests and backrests - you need to make sure that they are fastened securely enough and will not fall off during active play.

Choose carefully

Advice Any thing that a child interacts with must be safe for use. But this point is just the beginning of the choice. After all, not every sofa that can be called safe is suitable for a child to sleep on.

Frame materials

A sofa with any mechanism consists of a frame covered with filling instead of a mattress and covered with upholstery fabric. There are a huge number of variations of the first, second, and third.

All frames can be divided into three large groups:

Chipboard frames . The cheapest and lowest quality material available, it is made from recycled wood. The only plus is that it costs less than all other materials. There are many more disadvantages - fragility, unreliability. If the manufacturer turns out to be unscrupulous, the chipboard may emit toxic fumes. A sofa with such a frame will fail within two to three years of intensive use.

Make sure its frame is well hidden

Wooden frames . Real wood is a beautiful, reliable material that always remains in fashion. A frame made from it can last for several decades, smells pleasant, is quite light, has a very low probability of causing allergies, and is completely natural. However, wood burns, is sensitive to biological threats (for example, a pest bug may appear in it), and succumbs to moisture. Over time, it will dry out and begin to creak. This will happen faster if pine or fir was used for manufacturing. In addition, wood is highly expensive.

Metal frames . Metal is a material that is very difficult to damage. A frame made from it can serve for decades, does not burn, is resistant to biological threats, does not dry out, does not rot, and does not cause allergies. Its only drawback is its weight. If the design of the sofa means that it has to be partially lifted, this may be difficult. When buying a sofa with a metal frame, you need to make sure that it cannot harm the child in any way - unexpectedly opening, for example.

Option for a little princess

Advice When buying a sofa for a child's room, you need to make sure that its frame is well hidden and disguised with soft filling, so that even if a child runs into the sofa while running, this will not cause a serious injury.

Filler

The filling is very important for a sofa that is planned to be placed in a children's room. Depending on the age of the child, it should be different:

• newborn children need the most rigid mattress possible - the spine is just forming, any soft filler can cause the development of scoliosis;
• children from three to seven years old need a medium-hard mattress that, if possible, follows the curves of the body - posture is still developing;
• children over seven years old and up to twelve need a medium-hard mattress with a soft cover so that they can sleep comfortably;
• children over twelve are considered equal to adults, since their posture has already been formed - the mattress should not be too soft, and that is all that is required of it.

The filler is very important for this product

In addition to softness and hardness, you need to consider whether the filler absorbs odors - for small children who may not wake up to use the toilet at night, this is especially important. It is also necessary to give preference to materials that do not cause allergies.

All fillers can be divided into three large groups.

The first is spring. Among them:

• Block of dependent springs. It consists of a frame and a spring sheet that bends when you lay on it. This design has existed for more than sixty years, is reliable, and can last ten years. But over time it gets pressed and begins to creak. Not suitable for a child - it bends over large areas and cannot be adjusted individually.
• Block of independent springs. Consists of individual vertical springs, each of which is isolated from the others. It can also last ten years, is reliable and has high orthopedic comfort - the springs sag exactly where the load is placed on them. It does not creak, and a faulty spring is easy to replace. Great for kids, but expensive.

It is necessary to consider whether the filler absorbs odors

Spring frames have good air exchange and do not absorb odors at all.

Not all materials of the second group - synthetic fillers - are the same. Among them:

1 Polyurethane foam . There are two versions - either the material is cut into blocks and a structure is formed from it, or it is poured into a mold and the finished soft part of the sofa is obtained. Does not absorb odors, does not suffer from dust, retains its shape for a long time, and is of medium hardness. But at the same time, it is afraid of sunlight and does not have great orthopedic comfort - it is only suitable for a small child.

2 Struttofiber . It has a high degree of orthopedic comfort, does not absorb odors, does not burn, and does not absorb moisture. Does not cause allergies. It is expensive compared to other materials and is very hard - for a younger student, additional soft lining will be required.

3 Polystyrene balls . For a sofa on which a child will play and occasionally take a nap, this is an excellent material - the balls do not absorb moisture, do not burn, are resistant to biological threats and easily follow the curves of the body. But they are not suitable for sleeping on every night - they are too soft and do not support posture. They also quickly get squeezed, bunch up in one heap and have to be filled up again.

4 Holofiber . A material that was developed at the beginning of the twenty-first century and combines all the advantages of synthetic materials. Does not burn, is not susceptible to biological hazards, does not absorb anything, and is often used in sofas.

Spring frames have good air exchange

Advice: You definitely shouldn’t buy a sofa filled with synthetic padding polyester and foam rubber - they easily absorb odors, stains remain on them and they don’t last very long, bunching up into ugly and uncomfortable clumps.

With the third group - natural materials - this happens less often. Among them:

• Latex. It is made from rubber sap, lasts up to twenty years, and has the highest orthopedic qualities among natural materials.
• Coconut tow. Made from durable coconut fibre. It does not cause allergies, is environmentally friendly and cheap, but at the same time it is very rigid - sitting and lying on it is very uncomfortable.
• Horsehair. One of the most expensive medium soft fillers.

Can be used as a bed

Advice When choosing a sofa, you should take into account the child’s health condition. If he has back problems, a good solution would be to first visit an orthopedic doctor and consult with him.

Upholstery

Upholstery has a decorative function and is important for the appearance of the room - not every material will fit into a specific interior. In addition, the upholstery with which the child is constantly in contact should not cause allergies, absorb odors and be sensitive to stains. The best thing is to be able to wash it if necessary.

To cover a sofa you can use:

• Velor . Soft, velvety natural material, which comes in a large number of colors, does not cause allergies and fits well into a cozy small nursery. Warm, easily breathable, pleasant to the touch, cheap. It can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or, if it is very dirty, with dry washing powder. There are only two drawbacks - after a few years, scuffs will appear on the upholstery, and it is difficult to remove stains from it. Suitable for a teenager's room, but definitely not for a small child.
• Flock . The material is also velvety and pleasant to the touch, which is much more suitable for a child’s room - it can be washed, it is not afraid of moisture and it is easy to remove stains. It is distinguished by a variety of colors and durability, it is difficult to tear. Over time, however, it wears out and also absorbs odors. If your child has problems feeling when it is time to go to the toilet, it is better to choose a different material.

Upholstery serves a decorative function

• Tapestry . An option for the bedroom of a serious teenager, and not for a toddler - the material is too expensive and beautiful for it to make sense to cover a sofa in a preschooler’s room. It is tough and easy to clean - even the most stubborn stains can be removed. Very durable, but not very pleasant to the touch.
• Microfiber . Synthetic, but expensive and good. Washable only on a delicate cycle, dries only in fresh air, but stains can be removed with delicate detergents and a soft brush or rag. You will have to tinker with the ones that have become ingrained. Doesn't absorb smell.
• Ecovelour . Very durable fabric based on natural raw materials, similar to velor. Pleasant, soft, does not fade and does not stretch. Can only be washed with dry detergents.

Advice Before ordering a sofa with a specific upholstery material, you should ask your child’s opinion on this matter. Let him wander around the salon with you, touch different options and also express his opinion - if, of course, he already knows how to speak.

Disney fairy tale

Sofas covered with leather and leather substitutes are not suitable for children's rooms. Firstly, they are stylistically absolutely incompatible with bright toys and the general bright mood of the room. Secondly, the skin is slippery and cool to the touch - the sheet will roll off it all the time. In addition, leather is difficult to care for and expensive.

Upholstery materials

When choosing upholstery for a child's bed, the main factor to consider is practicality. Children are always active and rarely neat, so you need to be prepared for unpleasant surprises like stains and other dirt. Criteria to be followed:

• color fastness;
• abrasion resistance;
• density;
• fire resistance;
• breathability.

The most popular upholstery fabrics for children's sofas:

1. Tapestry is a type of jacquard. The threads are intertwined very tightly, due to which a characteristic beautiful texture is created, and the strength of the fabric is maximized. Various shades and textures are available for sale. Removing dirt is easy. Thermal jacquard is a fabric based on undyed white jacquard fabric, on top of which thermal paper is applied (a pattern is applied to it). Children's sofas with tapestry upholstery are beautiful and non-staining.
2. Chenille is a mixed fiber that contains semi-synthetic and synthetic threads. Since they are intertwined in different directions, the finished fabric is durable. It is environmentally safe, does not absorb unpleasant odors, and does not cause allergic reactions. The only negative is significant moisture absorption. The range of colors is huge, so there is an interesting option for any room. Practicality is enhanced by special impregnations.
3. Flock is a satin, twill, cotton, polyester base for upholstery of children's sofas, covered with artificial fine pile. It has significant resistance to mechanical damage and does not absorb dirt. Flock is suitable for families with pets, as it does not scratch.

Eco-leather, suede, leather, corduroy, velor are not used for upholstery of children's furniture, since they do not meet the requirements. The main inconsistencies are high price, soiling, inability to pass air.

Chenille

Tapestry Flock

Additional functionality

A bunk bed with a sofa underneath for a child's room is a classic option. But there is another solution, like a loft bed. In this case, the sleeping place is located at the top, and below is a table and a play area. Length and width are teenage. The body of a children's sofa with two tiers is usually made of PVC or laminated chipboard. To reach the second floor, a wooden or metal staircase is provided. Standard equipment - wardrobe, cabinet, pull-out table.

Beds with shelves on the sides, drawers, boxes for linen and toys are comfortable. They take up the same space as standard models, but are more functional. The built-in light on the side back provides sufficient illumination for reading; the child will not cling to it, like a regular clothespin.

Transformers come in different variants. All models in this category have maximum functionality and take up minimal space. One design contains everything a child needs - linen drawers, a changing board, and a chest of drawers. A children's sofa bed with convertible laundry drawers can in the future be converted into a small sofa with a side bumper to protect against falls.

The presence of low sides is a useful addition for a child. Children often sleep restlessly and may fall out of bed. Low sides will not provide 100% protection against falls. By choosing a sofa bed with a linen drawer, the buyer will additionally receive convenient storage for bed linen, towels, and various small items.

Additional functions mean maximum ergonomics and space saving, but such products are more expensive than simple designs.

Having a play area below is an interesting solution. Allows you to save space and organize the available space as usefully as possible. The bed niche can be filled in different ways - install a roll-out children's sofa bed, a table or a rack with toys, books and other things in it. The sleeping area on the second floor has railings.

Another comprehensive solution is a child’s bed with a built-in table on the ground floor and a staircase. The cabinet included in the set is equipped with everything necessary - drawers, shelves, rods. By choosing this option, parents provide the child with a full-fledged sleeping place, a work area, and a place to store small items.

An armrest table for a laptop is a good option for teenagers. The folding board can be easily removed and unfolded, has universal dimensions, and allows you to place your laptop off your lap. This means that working with it will be convenient and safe.

If there are two children and one room, it is better to stay on a bunk bed. It saves space and provides optimal comfort. The set includes drawers on guides. If you need a full-fledged sofa, then an accordion bed or a book that folds up quickly and takes up minimal space is ideal for a child’s room.

A children's sofa bed must meet basic parameters. These are color, dimensions, convenience, functionality. All this must be taken into account when choosing, take into account the price and the interior of the room. Safety is important - no toxic varnishes, sharp corners, rough edges or nails. The design must correspond to the age of the child - it can be a classic, teenage or children's stylized version.

Note to parents

The height of the sofa should correspond to the age of the child. Children of three to five years of age need the lowest models.

The estimated service life of a children's sofa is 7 years. After this, the furniture will need to be reupholstered or replaced.

For a child under eight years old, it is better to purchase sofas that fold out like an “accordion” or models with a roll-out mechanism.

For children under 8 years old, an accordion sofa is suitable

The thickness of a sofa mattress in a children's room should be at least 8 centimeters.

Give preference to Teflon-impregnated upholstery. There will be no traces on such fabric either from accidentally spilled liquids or from children's creativity.

Teflon-impregnated upholstery will protect the sofa from stains

The guideline for choosing the color of the sofa should be the child’s temperament. Muted shades and blurry patterns are suitable for fidgets. For passive kids, it is better to choose something bright.

The color of the upholstery will also affect the perception of the nursery space. Pastel will add airiness to the atmosphere, but dark colors can weigh it down and even make it irritating.

A sofa in pastel colors will add airiness to the space

If there are two children in the house, even if they are twins, it is not necessary to buy sofas for them in the same color scheme and design. The exception is the transformable sofa.

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