Sofa transformer into a bunk bed: features and varieties

Furniture is becoming more and more technologically advanced: new transformation mechanisms are emerging. Now the sofa can be turned not only into a regular bed, but also into a wardrobe and a table. And one of the most interesting new products on the transformable furniture market is a sofa that turns into a two-story bed.

How is this possible and what are the features of such furniture? Read our detailed review!

Specifics and advantages of a two-tier transformable sofa

The main feature of a sofa that converts into a bunk bed is the presence of a complex composite transformation mechanism. The principle may be different (in different models the back, the seat, and the lower part are transformed into the second tier), but the transformation always requires a certain sequence of actions. At the same time, it does not require much physical strength: all mechanisms compensate for the force using gas lifts and springs. All models are designed so that even a child or a fragile woman can unfold them.

The main advantage of such a sofa is its versatility: at night it turns into comfortable separate beds for two people, and during the day it becomes a large sofa. This is a practical solution for a children's room, but it can also be used for the living room. There are models that also have a “third form” - a regular single-tier bed. This solution would be ideal for a guest room and will allow you to comfortably accommodate one or two friends staying overnight.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a transformable wardrobe bed:

• functionality;
• ease of use;
• saving apartment space;
• elegance;
• modernity.

A bed-wardrobe is a new technology for preserving free space in a room.

Despite all the attractiveness of lift-up beds, they have a number of disadvantages. This is, first of all, the price. Young families should save for such a purchase or take out a loan. Some people make their own furniture. In this case, there is no guarantee that the item will last long and safely.

Transformable furniture from Ikea is very popular among buyers

IKEA stores have a large selection of functional furniture at various prices. Even the most demanding buyer will find a solution to their problems here.

Compact transformer for the Ikea bedroom.

Some people are afraid of furniture transformers, fearing that the lifting mechanism may close while the person sleeping on the bed sleeps or fall on someone standing next to the assembled bed. For peace of mind, make such serious purchases in trusted furniture stores, where they issue warranty documents for purchased interior items.

The process of assembling the bed is easy and simple; you do not have to put much effort into it.

Busy people are stressed by the need to assemble and disassemble furniture every day. But the owner of the lifting bed quickly adapts, with sufficient skill and patience, he manipulates the mechanism automatically. One move and the bed is ready.

The manufacturer provides up to 20 years of warranty on all assembly mechanisms.

“Two-story” mechanisms for transforming a sofa into a bed

Conventional folding beds have several popular classes of mechanisms that everyone uses, “book”, “pull-out” and others. A folding bunk sofa bed is a different matter: here almost every manufacturer uses its own unique design (more often a combination of several independent mechanisms), and so far there is no single classification for them.

Here is the principle of transformation of several models that can be found on the open market.

• A simple and reliable design: the upper tier is formed by “turning over” the seat and armrests, and the lower tier is formed by lowering the backrest. This design requires the installation of brackets on the wall for additional support of the upper tier.
• Sofa with gas lifts: when folded, the lower shelf is located under the seat. To transform, it goes up, and the seat folds out and becomes a lower berth.
• The lower berth is “hidden” inside: when converted into a bed, the seat rises up on special folding supports, and the berth is pulled out from the drawer underneath it using the “dolphin” principle. The upper tier is fixed with an additional support with a ladder and sides.
• The backrest turns into an upper berth. This design is possible for sofas combined with a wardrobe or “wall”.

All furniture of this type requires practically no free space in front of them: they unfold vertically upward. Therefore, it can be installed even in limited space.

Selection rules

To make a successful choice of a sofa for a tiny living room or bedroom, you will need to be smart. The issue of selecting upholstered furniture for a spacious room has slightly simpler solutions: you can focus on your available funds and taste preferences, but there are no restrictions in terms of the size of the sofa.

In the case of a small apartment, things are somewhat different. Here, in addition to the cost of the model, its design, durability, you will need to weigh the level of functionality, comfort and practicality.

Before purchasing a sofa model, follow a number of simple recommendations. Carefully inspect the sofa not only outside, but also inside, lifting the seat and the lids of the laundry compartments. Pull out all the drawers, if any, in the structure. It is important to understand how easily and complexly all the mechanisms of the product work, and especially the mechanism of its transformation into a sleeping bed. The model must have high-quality fittings, otherwise the fastening and fixing mechanisms of its structural parts may soon become loose and begin to creak.

Do not rush into an overly elaborate design of sofas, as this quality does not always reasonably increase the cost of the model. Indeed, for tiny rooms, the more important characteristics are the level of comfort of such furniture during use, both folded and unfolded. Test the model for its level of rigidity and whether it is comfortable for you to lie on the unfolded bed.

Try to understand for yourself how difficult it will be to care for this model. Will the upholstery be resistant to stains, and how easy will it be to remove them? After all, the more practical the upholstered furniture installed in a small space, the more durable and beautiful it will be. By following these recommendations, you can choose the right sofa option for small living rooms, bedrooms or children's rooms without much difficulty.

Pros and cons of a two-tier sofa design

pros

• Like a regular sofa bed, the two-story one creates two sleeping places. But the plus is that these sleeping places are separated and therefore more comfortable. It is ideal for those cases when you need to place two different beds and a common sitting area in one room. This is a great solution for a nursery for two children or for a living room that is often used as a guest bedroom. This is also a good option for any one-room apartment shared by two people who are not a couple (for example, a mother and a child).
• The second advantage of this design is the space saving. The seat of a two-story sofa does not move apart and does not come forward during transformation - it moves only vertically. Therefore, it can be installed in the most modest studio apartment or in a small children’s room, and the saved space can be taken up with other necessary pieces of furniture.
• The advantage over a regular bunk bed is that during the day you have furniture for relaxing and entertaining. A bunk bed is not a good place to read, watch TV, play video games, or have tea with a guest. But the assembled two-story sofa is fine, because it is beautiful and roomy.

Minuses

• The main disadvantage is the price. Complex transformation mechanisms and limited editions in which such furniture is produced significantly increase its cost. You shouldn’t look for the cheapest model: a low price inevitably means saving on the metal frame and the quality of parts, and this will lead to a quick failure of the purchase.
• The second significant disadvantage is the complexity of transformation. Unlike an ordinary “book” or “roll-out”, such a sofa turns into a bunk bed in several stages: a certain sequence of actions will be required. Therefore, children under 12 years of age should only disassemble this furniture with the help or supervision of an adult.
• Another disadvantage is the difficulty in repairing and finding spare parts: since all such sofas are produced in small series, finding parts of mechanisms to replace broken ones can be difficult. To avoid breakdowns, you need to buy a high-quality model from a reliable manufacturer, and this brings us back to point 1.
• When folded, two-story sofas are large rectangular upholstered furniture. This option may be too bulky for a small apartment.

Shape and dimensions

If we are talking about the shape of sofas, then the following should be noted. All existing models of such furniture today are made in such modifications as:

• corner - this modification of upholstered furniture is very easy to use, has a laconic design and high functionality. If in a small room the space in one of the corners is free from other furniture, it should be used as successfully as possible. It is the corner sofa that will allow you to achieve this goal;
• straight - with the help of such models it is easiest to create an original and functional interior within a small apartment;
• semicircular - very unusual aesthetics are characteristic of such models of upholstered furniture. But their installation requires a spacious living room or bedroom. But for small-sized apartments in urban high-rise buildings, this option is not at all suitable, since there is a minimum of free space in such housing;
• irregularly shaped - they look very original, are made of high-quality materials, are durable and highly comfortable. However, for small-sized housing, this option can be somewhat cumbersome and ineffective in terms of rational organization of the space of tiny rooms.

Irregular Shape Semicircular Straight Corner

And in order to correctly guide you in choosing the size of a piece of furniture of this nature, you should definitely take careful measurements of the room. Analyze which scale option will fit well with the surrounding interior, will look organic and will not lose its high level of comfort.

The standard width of sofas with a transformation mechanism varies from 115 cm to 160 cm, and the length from 180 to 220 cm. But for rooms with an area of ​​7-8 sq. m, the best option for one adult would be a sofa 180x120 cm, and for rooms of 10- 12 sq m, you can choose the option 180x150 cm. Although it is quite possible to make a small sofa with a size of 180x100 cm to order, if the room has dimensions of 5-6 sq m. Such models are relevant if you need to organize an additional sleeping place in the kitchen.

Features of using sofas that transform into a bunk bed

All sofas that transform into a bunk bed unfold differently: some require less effort, while others require more; there are models that need to be secured with a special key after transformation; There are those that need additional wall mounts. Therefore, when purchasing, make sure that all these features suit you.

In everyday life, such a sofa is almost no different from a conventional folding bed, except that it requires a little more time to unfold: you can use regular bed linen (single sets) with it, and care for the upholstery is the same as for a regular sofa. And if the mechanism is used frequently, once every year or two it requires inspection by a specialist and preventive lubrication.

The advantages of invisible furniture

So, what are the benefits of a bed hidden in a closet?

• Two types of folding - horizontal and vertical;
• Choice of design for one or two;
• Convenient “disguise” in the closet, which does not in any way worsen the appearance of the decor;
• A few extra meters of usable space when the structure is assembled;
• Possibility to install an invisible bed in a niche (see photo);
• Comfortable mattress;
• There is no need to collect and lay out bedding every morning and evening;
• Three types of lifting mechanism: gas, mechanical, spring;
• Minimal physical effort to organize a place to sleep.

Is your room very small? Is it only big enough to squeeze in a small sofa? And I really want to sleep in comfort and bask on a large mattress. Do not worry! The Swedish brand IKEA offers to purchase 3 in 1: a nice wall, a comfortable sofa during the day and a sleeping place at night. And it’s even enough for two!

How to choose a two-tier transformable sofa?

In online stores and furniture stores you will probably find several models of a transformable sofa into a bunk bed. Which one to choose depends on who will use this furniture and how often.

• Bed dimensions. If the bed is for children, you can take a more compact option; if you’re an adult, choose the one with the bigger “beds.” Comfortable stock length – human height + 20-30 cm.
• Easy to unfold. To turn a sofa into a bed with a few easy movements, you need a complex mechanism with gas lifts and springs. Such a bed will cost more. But with daily use, you will appreciate its benefits.
• Upholstery material. How practical should it be? For a nursery, it is better to choose easy-to-clean eco-leather or microfiber with an anti-dirt coating, but for the living room, the fabric can be any. If the bed will be slept on every night, choose a fabric that is abrasion-resistant (jacquard or any smooth, lint-free fabric).

The rest of the tips concern the internal organization of the space in your home.

• Design and style. It is unlikely that a two-story transformer will fit into a classic living room, so such furniture is produced only in a modern style. And the choice of colors is quite large.
• Dimensions. When folded, many two-story transformers are large-sized furniture with massive armrests and a thick back. This is a non-removable monolithic structure. Therefore, before purchasing, make sure that you can carry it into the room and that it will not look bulky. A large-scale furniture arrangement plan will help you with this: you can draw it by hand or in a special interior design program (PRO100, Kitchen Draw). The exact width and length of the selected model can always be clarified with the salon managers.

Where can I buy?

You can buy one of these sofas in the store of our partners “KupiStol”. Out of 205 positions, you will 100% find an option that you like :). We are happy to recommend this store to you. And we are sure that you will thank us. Be sure to write a review about the store in the comments. We hope you liked the article. See you later!)

Transformable sofa beds (2 videos)

Transformers for a small room (45 photos)

Photos of folding bunk sofa beds

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Accordion

This is what the “accordion” looks like under the upholstery. The picture shows slats that give the sleeping place orthopedic qualities.

The operating principle of the mechanism really resembles an accordion. To unfold it, you need to lift the seat until it clicks, then pull it forward along with the backrest (somewhat reminiscent of a regular folding bed). The model unfolds in a few seconds.

The main advantage of “accordions” is the presence of a durable metal frame with a lamella lattice. Just like in full beds! Elastic wooden armor absorbs the load, improving the orthopedic properties of the bed. Sleeping on such furniture will be more beneficial for the health of the musculoskeletal system. And the presence of a metal frame has a good effect on the durability and reliability of the product as a whole.

Such sofas protrude strongly forward - this is both a plus and a minus. They need a lot of space in front, but even small models (~ 140 cm wide) easily form a comfortable bed for two.

Pros:

• The “accordion” is more complex than the “book” and “eurobook”; it is reliable and durable, as it consists entirely of metal.
• A slatted lattice with birch battens as a base improves the orthopedic characteristics of the bed.
• Easy to fold and unfold.

Minuses:

• Due to the peculiarities of the folded mechanism, such sofas have a wide back. In some models this is very noticeable. A significant disadvantage for those who care about design.
• Even if it has a drawer for storing things, it will be smaller due to the design.
• Furniture requires a lot of free space in front for unfolding.

Sleeping part: structure and filling

A two-story sofa has two sleeping places, which can be the same or different. It depends on the model. To ensure a comfortable sleep on such a bed, it is important that the place to sleep is comfortable. Let's look at different examples:

• Identical berths from the back and seat. This sleeping place is as comfortable as a sofa seat. Make sure that there are no seams, bumps, or stretch marks, and that the upholstery does not have an unpleasant texture or prickly pile. What's underneath is also important. A good option for filling such a bed is dense PPU (polyurethane foam) or independent springs. Bad options are foam rubber or spring blocks.
• Various sleeping arrangements consisting of a seat/backrest and a pull-out “mattress”. Pay special attention to the quality of the hidden sleeping area. It is important that its padding is thick enough and comfortable for sleeping. The rules for choosing a good filling are the same here.
• Different places: from the bottom of the sofa and from the seat/back. Pay special attention to the sleeping area, which is part of the frame. It should not be hard, otherwise you will have to buy an additional mattress and find a place to store it.

A two-story bed, which when folded can be a sofa, is an innovation that is becoming increasingly popular, and many companies are developing developments in this direction. Therefore, we should expect that more affordable options will soon appear on the market as a result of new developments and competition from manufacturers.

Photo

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