Photo: safehouz.com Transformable furniture has become a real salvation for small-sized apartments, because they still haven’t come up with a better way to really save space. Although in fact it appeared much earlier than is commonly believed. The first beds with drawers were used in the houses of the nobility in Germany, and chests of drawers were used en masse by the British at the same time. We tell you what modern manufacturers offer!
Wardrobe-bed-sofa
Such furniture will help owners of one-room apartments who dream of sleeping on a bed and not on a sofa. Externally, the structure looks like a sofa with a wall. In one compartment of the closet the bed is hidden in a vertical position, in the other there are sections and drawers for storing things.
Modern models are designed in such a way that you don’t even need to remove the pillows from the sofa - they “move away” when the folding bed goes down. And the bed linen is secured with special belts, so the bedding does not need to be cleaned every morning.
Tips for choosing
- Lifting mechanisms should be chosen from European manufacturers, since they offer their products of the best quality and provide a greater guarantee on the elements;
- It is necessary to correctly calculate the total load on the bed. If cheap materials are used for construction, then after a short amount of time the furniture is in use, it may break. Sometimes it happens that an item cannot be repaired, but only completely replaced;
- Natural wood and MDF structures can withstand daily loads for a very long time;
- When installing lifting elements, you should pay attention to the quality of the wall used. It must be capital, since drywall can simply collapse under the current loads. Also, unevenness, clearly visible defects, as well as cracks can distort the mechanism, and subsequently the entire structural element;
- Particular attention should be paid to the supports for the transformer bed, since it is the legs that bear almost the entire load, not only from the object’s own weight, but also from the weight of people;
- A sliding double bed is one of the most popular models on the modern furniture market. They are mainly made to order and are also decorated to suit the different style of the room. The main thing is to describe to the designer what you really want to see in the room, explain or clearly show the general appearance of the room, and then choose one of the design projects proposed by a specialist in this field.
You need to choose a bed made on a metal frame. This will increase the service life of the entire structure. A wooden structure, of course, is lighter in weight and is made from environmentally friendly material, but wood can break at any time, and it is also susceptible to rotting without special treatment with special compounds.
A multifunctional transformable bed, in some cases, is the only available option that can fit in a small room. These items are gaining great popularity and importance. Moreover, they will include all, without exception, functional characteristics. This is a good alternative to a regular sofa, which over time becomes completely uncomfortable to sleep on. Modern manufacturers of various pieces of furniture will help you make a choice in favor of a transformable double bed.
Wardrobe bed
A wardrobe bed is a little simpler than a transformer with a sofa, and most importantly – more compact. This is a good choice for small bedrooms or living rooms that already have a separate sitting area. The bed easily rises and falls, and when folded, it presses tightly against the wall and replaces the wall of a closet.
A full double bed can occupy up to five square meters in a room. A transformer will not take up more space than a regular deep cabinet: there are even models up to 45-50 cm. There are two types of designs: vertical with niches on the sides or horizontal with drawers and shelves.
85 small apartment design ideas (photos)
Advantages
The advantages of this piece of furniture, as well as its installation in a small apartment, include:
- Mobility - this saves space to a large extent;
- It creates the opportunity to combine different functional areas in one room;
- The presence of an orthopedic mattress on a double bed makes it more suitable for sleep and relaxation;
- Practicality;
- Functionality;
- Easy to use.
The practicality of such models is achieved with the help of a high-quality mechanism, which is paid attention to first. In addition, keeping the room clean will be much easier. Standard bed models do not allow complete wet cleaning of the floor under the item, which cannot be said about a transformable double bed.
The only drawback of these models is their cost. Often transformers are made to order, and this is always more expensive.
Transformable dining tables
The transformable dining table solves the problem of visiting guests and festive family feasts. So many places are not needed in everyday life, but a massive table takes up almost half of a small apartment. Transformers are quite compact and expand due to the folding mechanism.
You can expand the usable area by at least 20 centimeters, at least by 1.5 meters - the main thing is to choose the right model. Some tables are laid out manually, but there are also automatic designs. A convenient option is a combined louver mechanism, when additional planes are installed on both sides.
Preparation of tools and materials
To transform the bed, a mechanical , spring or pneumatic (gas lift) mechanism is used. The first type is the most inexpensive and consists of levers that unfold with the application of muscular force. They are almost never used, because children, women and the elderly have difficulty laying them out.
The spring mechanism is a little lighter; hinges can be used in its design, so the transformation is easier. The pneumatic option is the most acceptable, but such a device is expensive.
From the tool prepare:
- a tape measure from three meters long, a pencil, a square, a bubble level will also come in handy;
- for sawing you need a jigsaw or a portable circular saw, a hacksaw, or a sawmill in the workshop;
- pliers, clamps, a hammer with a metal and wooden head, a knife;
- stapler, brushes for impregnating wood, screwdriver, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers.
Andrey Peregubsky
Furniture handyman
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When choosing a frame, the environmental friendliness of the material is taken into account. It is better to work with natural wood, but for non-essential parts, pressed laminated chipboards, MDF, OSB are used (shelves, the bottom of a sofa niche, etc.). These materials must have a sanitary certificate in accordance with the formaldehyde resins in the composition to regulatory indicators.
Choose wood:
- for expensive options: oak, mahogany, teak (they do not need to be impregnated);
- mid-priced birch, beech;
- cherry, acacia, pine, fir (require mandatory processing to increase moisture resistance).
Holofiber, padding polyester, padding polyester, and foam rubber are used as fillers The upholstery is made of jacquard, flock, velor, corduroy. Faux and natural leather work well. Leatherette is almost no different in appearance from natural material, but is cheaper.
Transformable coffee tables
Previously, to gather with friends for pizza or board games, you had to move the dining table into the living room. Coffee tables were too small and low until transformable models appeared.
If you have a small studio apartment for one or two people, then a transforming coffee table is your choice. For everyday use, a small bar counter combined with a work surface is sufficient. And when guests arrive, you can fold out the coffee table - and then you won’t need a bulky dining table at all.
85 small living room design ideas (photos)
Step-by-step description of the DIY manufacturing process
Once the cut is ready and all the parts are edged, you can begin the drilling and assembly process. From the front side, the holes are drilled with a 7 mm drill from a 5 mm end. To ensure that the holes match, first mark them with a pencil. The ends must be drilled exactly in the middle, and the drill must go perpendicularly.
It is quite possible to perform each action yourself, even if you lack the relevant experience.
Assembling the frame and box
Separately assemble the cabinet frame and mattress box
For proper operation of the mechanism, it is important that the cabinet has a diagonal. Checking for its presence is quite simple, first measure the distance from one upper corner to the opposite lower one, then repeat the procedure on the other side
The difference in diagonals should not be more than 3 mm; if you get more, press one by one on the corners of the frame to give it the shape of a regular rectangle.
For ease of use, you need to choose the right size mattress: 150 mm smaller in width and 400 mm in length than the base.
Installation of the transformation mechanism
The transformation mechanism is attached with bolts and nuts to the sides of the bed and the walls of the closet. Each mechanism is accompanied by instructions with the exact location of the fastening; this diagram must be followed with the greatest possible accuracy. When assembling it yourself, it is better to use the simplest mechanisms based on hinges.
When attaching transformation mechanisms, it is necessary that the box and frame are on the same level. After the fastening stage is completed, it is necessary to check the operation of the mechanism. It should open smoothly.
In order for the box built into the frame to be lowered and raised without problems, it is necessary to install a lifting mechanism.
Installation of legs and headboard
Legs for bed wardrobes can be purchased ready-made at a furniture fittings store; they are connected using a strip, the rotation of which makes them disappear inside the box. In addition, specially designed decorative handles located on the false panels can also be used as legs.
The headboard for the bed can be ordered from a studio, or you can sew it yourself using foam rubber for these purposes.
It is important that the cape on it is removable, which will allow you to remove it and easily wash it.
Metal products are the most convenient, especially if they are connected to each other by one strip.
Final finishing and decoration
After you have made sure that everything works, the last step is finishing the bottom of the bed to imitate the cabinet. There are many options here; first of all, it all depends on your tastes and imagination.
First of all, of course, you should take into account that the cabinet should be harmoniously combined with the interior. The decorative facade does not have to be solid. Someone breaks it into several parts, attaching a handle to each, thereby creating the appearance of a cabinet with several doors.
You can also use double-sided furniture tape to attach a mirror insert or glass with photo printing. In addition, a large facade does not have to be cut into several parts. You can create the appearance of several doors using decorative tape.
A wardrobe built into a furniture wall will be difficult to mistake for a bed if its bottom is designed in exact accordance with the front side of the other elements of the set.
Podium bed
The podium bed looks stylish and impressive, perfectly zones the space without vertical partitions and saves space. This modern design immediately refreshes the interior and allows you to do without cabinets. Communications are sewn into the podium, wires and sockets are hidden, drawers and retractable modules are built in.
The most bulky are models with a monolithic base, but they are the most reliable and durable. Wooden or steel frame structures can even be made with your own hands. And podiums with a retractable base hide linen, bedding, seasonal clothes and other things that constantly take up a lot of space.
Design examples in various styles
Any interior style and color scheme will suit a 20 square meter bedroom.
- The abundance of white in the Scandinavian direction will provide even more space, allowing you to install more furniture.
- The classic interior of a 20 square meter bedroom assumes predominantly warm, light colors - beige, gold, ivory. Plus complex relief design of furniture, rich decorative textiles.
- The style is modern classics, on the contrary, for simple, laconic forms. The palette has calm, dusty or dirty tones.
The photo shows a bedroom design in Provence style
- The design in the loft style is quite dark, make a classic white ceiling so that the 20-square-meter room remains large.
- Minimalism is distinguished by laconicism not only in the decoration and number of pieces of furniture - even in large bedrooms of 20 square meters, limit yourself to the essentials. The same applies to decor and accessories - the fewer there are, the more minimalistic the design will be.
- The popular cozy eco-style for the bedroom means the use of natural wood and fabrics, natural shades.
Wardrobe-table
Cabinet-tables with folding table tops allow you to create a full-fledged workplace even in a small apartment. A retractable or folding tabletop is good for a bedroom, small living room or children's room. There are models combined with wardrobes or built-in dressing tables, in which it is convenient to hide cosmetics.
The classic option is a retractable tabletop in a secret drawer or a flat folding wall. It can also be hidden in a niche of the linen closet behind the sliding doors. There are designs with shelves and racks, folding cabinets, classic secretaries with a spacious central section and wall-hung models.
Interior of a small apartment for rent
Types of mechanisms
As you may have already noticed, the beds are laid out differently. There are many implementation options (technical), but the essence is not very different, so there are only two main types of such systems:
- Horizontal - the bed will recline on its side.
- Vertical - the bed is lowered at the end. The folding mechanism is installed at its head.
Example of a vertical folding bed mechanism
You can find original and convenient solutions among both types. How about, for example, the option with a built-in sofa?
A wardrobe bed combined with a sofa can be found in specialized stores. The structure has a vertical structure. Its meaning is that when folded, in front of the “wardrobe” there will be an ordinary sofa, on which it is comfortable to sit while watching TV, for example. When unfolded, we get a regular bed, which will be much more comfortable to sleep on than on an unfolded sofa. By the way, such furniture is also a transformer, which is very common in our country.
Wardrobe-bed combined with a sofa
Taking a break from the types of models, let's talk a little about their quality. Undoubtedly, the presence of complex mechanical parts in the design makes the furniture less reliable, therefore, when buying something like this, you need to be sure that high-quality fittings are installed, otherwise the product will not be able to perform its main function. We understand that it is almost impossible to check this when purchasing, so we give the following advice.
First, ask the seller for a quality certificate. It must be mandatory. All mechanisms must be made only of steel, and not some low-quality alloys, which are often very fragile. Secondly, ask if there is a warranty on the fittings. Many, especially small enterprises, do not provide such a guarantee, which should already lead you to certain conclusions. For example, the same one provides a 20-year warranty on accessories, subject to daily use. It is clear that we will not unfold the bed 20 times a day, but still the figure is impressive and instills confidence in the manufacturer. Thirdly, when buying such furniture, it is better to contact trusted manufacturers. Yes, you will definitely pay more, but it's worth it. As Baron Rothschild once said: “I am not rich enough to buy cheap things.” In this case, the message of the aphorism is completely justified. Fourthly, right in the store, try how comfortable the bed is. The mechanisms must work smoothly, without distortions or play.
You should make minimal efforts for this - pay special attention to this if you are buying furniture for a children's room. If any of the above is present, then in the future the situation will only get worse.
Transformable bed for a small apartment
If you have completed all the checks and are satisfied with the result, then you can safely purchase furniture. Be sure that it will serve you faithfully for as long as possible.
Transformable furniture for a children's room
Undoubtedly, transformable furniture always saves young parents, because in a nursery it is most difficult to maintain a balance between functionality and the fact that the child needs a place to play and explore the world. Previously, transformers ended with prefabricated walls and height-adjustable tables, but now there are many more of them.
Lifting beds are combined with wardrobes and shelving, chairs turn into ottomans, and a desk turns into a gaming coffee table. Two-tier designs are very popular: on top there is a sleeping place, and below there is a work corner, a closet for things or a small sports corner. Modern modular furniture can also be assembled into a “matryoshka” and free up free space!
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How to choose
The first thing you should pay attention to is the performance properties of the furniture.
Considering the peculiarity of such sofas, strength and reliability are important. If the internal parts and base are made of plastic or chipboard, they will quickly deform and crack. This sofa will not serve you as expected. Choose solid wood. Products made from spruce and pine are more budget-friendly, but expensive hevea, oak, ash or beech will add durability. Check the folding mechanism on site to ensure that the required effort is commensurate with the physical capabilities of those who will use it. Give meaning to connections and joints. Screws and dowels are secured more securely than glue and self-tapping screws.
Comfort will be determined by the elasticity, stiffness of the filler and shock absorption of the springs. Regarding the latter, an independent spring unit is preferable. If the manufacturer used dependent springs, then there should be a special layer above them to soften the sensations. Some models are available with an orthopedic mattress for greater relaxation and better sleep.
Small-sized transformable sofas, depending on the manufacturer’s idea, can easily accommodate an adult with the size of a sleeping place when unfolded. Do not forget about the main purpose of such structures. Sofas that are more than 1.6 m in length are in no way suitable for saving square meters.
When choosing a color, consider the features of the room. The modest space loves light colors. Thus, the white gloss of the facade will visually expand the space, but will cause a lot of problems if there are small children and pets at home. Excessively bright colors can quickly become boring.
From a psychological point of view, shades of green are the best among non-trivial solutions: they fill you with optimism and help you relax internally. Brown and gray tones are practical. A black sofa in a home space looks too dark and formal, especially if covered in leather.
From the point of view of the stylistic unity of space, design plays even more importance than color. Eclecticism requires careful verification. The most optimal is the modern high-tech style, which implies rectangular shapes, discreet decor and ergonomics.
A mirror facade or mirror fittings will add variety and space. Particularly complex sofas can be equipped with lighting, which not only performs a decorative function, but also replaces a night light.
Decorating ideas for different living room styles
To maintain a certain style direction, it is important to choose furniture that emphasizes the unity of the decor
Modern style sofas
The decoration of the living room in a modern style does not differ in the variety of colors. The furniture here is functional, arranged comfortably and concisely. Its design is dominated by geometrically correct shapes.
The photo shows an unusual four-seater sofa with a low back and a built-in table.
Classical
Timeless classics emphasize the owners' love for luxury and sophistication. The furnishings are refined, in pastel colors, and the upholstery is made of expensive fabric, for example, velvet.
Neoclassical
This is a combination of nobility and pragmatism. The furniture is characterized by high-quality fabrics and filling; the decor uses a natural palette and simple ornaments.
In the photo there is a living room combined with a kitchen. The furniture looks neat and expensive, and the patterns on the pillows echo the textiles on the windows.
Provence
Calming Provence is not associated with pretentiousness - it exudes homeliness. Soft sofas with floral patterns, quilted bedspreads, and lavender shades fit perfectly into the interior.
The photo shows a provincial-style living room with a white three-seater sofa.
Minimalism
The leading colors in this style are white and gray interspersed with shades of natural wood. The space is not cluttered with furniture. The upholstery material is presented in a light palette and is devoid of complex patterns.
Modern
The living room in Art Nouveau style combines glossy surfaces and bright lighting. Modular furniture with metal elements and without bulky decorative elements is used.
The photo shows a living room in the Art Nouveau style, where a three-seater corner sofa is adjacent to a glossy coffee table.
Good color palette
By skillfully using colors, you can visually increase the area of the smallest room. An indispensable assistant - the colors of ceilings, walls, furniture. There are various ways in which colors influence reality:
- orange-yellow shades fill the interior with warmth;
- gray, brown, beige evoke comfort and tranquility;
- blue and light blue - expand the space;
- Green shades are calming and peaceful.
Bright colors create a feeling of space; the room will seem larger.
The listed options are ideal for a recreation area, because... their main function is to bring calm. But other facts must be taken into account:
- The sofa can become an accent detail of the interior. To do this, choose furniture with bright upholstery. Or cover the seat with a blanket in a rich neon color. In the evening, the bright detail can be covered with a neutral-colored blanket to relax and unwind a little.
- If the tone of the walls is light, a sofa with upholstery a couple of shades darker than the walls will look stylish.
- The classic option is upholstered furniture in pastel colors. For a teenager, a gray or brown sofa is suitable. For newlyweds or a young girl - olive, milky, creamy, white colors.
For this kind of room, light, pastel colors are more suitable.
Note! Wallpaper for the bedroom with a small pattern or geometric pattern will visually “pull apart” the walls
A correctly selected color palette will make the interior irresistible.
