Key features of a children's sofa bed, popular models
Among the varieties of children's bedroom furniture, products combining a place for sleep and daytime are especially popular. A classic example is a children's sofa bed, which has various types of designs. There are models of classic and original design, with a standard set of functions and additional options.
Varieties
A sofa bed for a children's room can have one or two tiers. In addition, the models differ in shape, material of manufacture of the frame and base, type of back, strength of the legs. The general classification is as follows:
- With soft sides and drawers - comfortable, versatile models. Suitable for use by toddlers. The back and sides are covered with fabric upholstery. Below are provided drawers for linen, things, any colors.
- Transformers are practical, convenient products that grow with your child. They can be folded, freeing up space for games - an ideal solution for small rooms and moving children.
- Stylized - children's furniture of this type is made in the form of cars, ships, castles, rockets. Decorated with pictures, patterns. These models are very bright, colorful. Children love such options.
- Couch - a small sofa without a back. For children, they usually get a simple, non-folding option. But comfortable and sun loungers with armrests and backs, long soft ottomans.
- Corner - such models are installed strictly in the corner of the room. They have two sides, one on the short side and the second on the long side. Upholstery is soft, usually there is a drawer below.
Which option is better, it is impossible to say unequivocally. It all depends on the wishes for ergonomics, the amount of free space in the room. For example, folded corner sofas take up a minimum of space, and the transformer adapts to the changing needs of the child. Stylized furniture is beautiful, but it is not a purchase for many years.
With shelvesStylizedTransformerWith drawers and sidesCorner couchDesign and size according to the age of the child
Stylish children's beds can be divided into universal ones, suitable for any age and model, which are designed for the smallest or only for teenagers. Products in the form of cars and fairy-tale figures, multi-colored designs with non-marking upholstery are in fashion now. These are quite expensive sofas, but they are very popular with children under 10 years old. A universal option is a transforming bed. She is more restrained in design, does not have bright decorative elements.
In the manufacture of children's furniture should be used non-toxic varnishes and paints that are safe for the health of the child.
A sofa bed for a child should be suitable for him by age and size:
- From birth to 3 years, a berth of 60 x 120 cm is suitable.
- At 3-5 years old, the child is comfortable sleeping on beds 140 x 70, 160 x 70, 80 x 190 cm, depending on personal preferences and physique.
- 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 mechanism such as a transformer will help to save the family budget. You can use them for a very long time. First, they grow up with a child. Secondly, they fold up and when folded take up a minimum of space in the room (much less than an ordinary bed).
Frame material
A regular or orthopedic sofa bed can have different types of bases. The task of parents is to choose the best option. The main types:
- Wood and metal - a strong, reliable, durable combination. Forged models look very beautiful, but have an impressive weight, high price. But they are not afraid of children's jumps - this is an option for centuries.
- Particleboard - budget beds, medium in strength, beautiful and inexpensive. Active children's games do not always withstand. It is important that toxic varnishes and paints are not used for processing.
Lamels are also used in children's sofas - elastic one-piece slats that have pronounced springy properties, quietly tolerate increased loads, 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-maintain structures that pass air 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 do the cleaning. A solid blind contour provides reliable protection against debris, but it is not easy to wash the floors underneath.
Wood frameParticleboard with metal hoistWooden frame with metal hoistFolding sofa on lamellasA single bed can have 4 or 5 legs - models with 5 legs are more reliable.
Transformation mechanisms
There are four popular types of baby bed transformation. All of them are comfortable and ergonomic. Features:
- Roll-out sofa. You need to pull the handle, which is located at the bottom of the case, and the berth will move out from under the sofa. The back will take a horizontal position on its own. Thanks to the wheels, special efforts are not necessary.
- Dolphin. The principle of unfolding resembles the movements of a diving dolphin or a jumping kangaroo. An additional section is rolled out from under the seat, then with the help of a loop it is placed in one position with the main compartment.
- Accordion. This is a compact sofa, in unassembled form, it takes up to 2 m. To transform it, you need to pull the seat on the handrail until it is fully straightened, fix the horizontal position.
- Tango. This is a cozy sofa with a bed, with soft armrests that quickly turn into headrests. The side parts are transformed by spinning clockwise. The load on the armrests when they are raised should not exceed 40 kg.
To make it convenient to lay out a children's sofa, manufacturers use a special mechanism to lift the lamella lattice together with the mattress. It provides access to a niche with linen, as well as a simple smooth rise. All bed mechanisms should have a solid working resource.
Simple and complex mechanismsAccordionTangoDolphinRoll-outFiller
A bed with an orthopedic mattress is the best choice for children's back health. Such bases provide high-quality support for the spine, have a memory effect.
The main types of fillers are spring blocks, conventional hard and soft bases. The first option provides good back support, is quite stiff. There are two types:
- Bonnel - has a high price and excellent quality, consists of ordinary springs. Provided proper operation is a long-lasting option, provides good support for the spine. Elements are connected to each other and are attached to the frame at the bottom of the sofa.
- Independent springs - in them each element is placed in a separate cover. Under loads, the springs operate autonomously from each other. A sofa for a child with an independent unit maintains elasticity and an attractive appearance, has good orthopedic properties.
The hard edges of the springs must be carefully insulated so that the child is not injured.
Springless fillers are a more comfortable and inexpensive option. The main types used in children's sofas:
- Coconut is considered the most hygienic and safe material. This is the perfect solution for young children. A mattress with coconut bark provides even back support, has a memory effect, is not afraid of moisture, and allows air to pass through. The rigidity is moderate, the material does not cause allergic reactions.
- Latex is a natural substance derived from exotic hevea. He has many advantages - these are antibacterial, antifungal properties, hypoallergenicity, moisture resistance, and elastic form. It does not rot and does not absorb dust. Hardness is usually average.
- Polyurethane foam - a modern modification of foam rubber, durable, non-toxic, non-allergenic, environmentally friendly. It does not decompose, does not crumble, does not burn, has good orthopedic properties, and allows air to pass through.
BonnelIndependent springsPolyurethane foamLatexCoconutCotton padding is not suitable for a baby bed. They are short-lived, easily soiled, laborious in terms of care. Vata is almost never used in furniture manufacturing.
Upholstery
When choosing upholstery for a baby bed, the main factor to consider is practicality. Children are always active and rarely neat, so you need to be prepared for unpleasant surprises such as spots and other pollution. Criteria to be guided by:
- color fastness;
- abrasion resistance;
- density;
- fire resistance;
- breathability.
The most popular upholstery fabrics for children's sofas:
- Tapestry is a variety of jacquard. The threads are intertwined very tightly, due to which a characteristic beautiful texture is created, and the strength of the fabric is maximum. On sale are different shades and textures. Removing contaminants is easy. Termozhakkard - a fabric based on an unpainted jacquard fabric of white color, on top of which thermal paper is applied (a pattern is applied to it). Children's sofas with tapestry upholstery are beautiful and non-marking.
- Chenill - a mixed fiber, which includes semi-synthetic and synthetic threads. Since they are intertwined in different directions, the finished canvas is durable. It is environmentally friendly, does not absorb unpleasant odors, does not cause allergic reactions. The only negative is the significant absorption of moisture. The assortment of flowers is huge, so there is an interesting option for any room. Practicality is enhanced by special impregnations.
- 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, dirt does not absorb. Flock is suitable for families with pets, as it does not scratch.
Faux leather, suede, leather, velveteen, velor are not used for upholstery of children's furniture, since they do not meet the requirements. The main inconsistencies are the high price, soiled, inability to pass air.
ShenillTapestryFlockAdditional functionality
A bunk bed with a sofa below for a nursery is a classic option. But there is another solution, such as an attic bed. In this case, the berth is at the top, and below is a table, a play area. Length and width are teenage. The body of a children's sofa for two tiers is usually made of PVC or chipboard. To climb to the second floor, a wooden or metal staircase is provided. Standard complete set - a case, a curbstone, a sliding table.
Comfortable beds with shelves in the sides, drawers, baskets for clothes and toys. They take up as much space as standard models, but are more functional. The built-in lamp on the side back provides sufficient lighting for reading, the child will not cling to it, as for a usual “clothespin”.
Transformers are represented by different options. All models in this category have maximum functionality, occupy a minimum of space. In one design, everything that a child needs is collected - linen boxes, a changing board, a chest of drawers. In the future, a children's sofa bed with transforming type linen boxes can be laid out in a small sofa with a side bumper to protect it from falling.
The presence of low sides is a useful addition for a child. Children often sleep restlessly and may fall out of bed. Low sides are not 100% fall proof. Choosing a sofa bed with a box for linen, the buyer will additionally receive a convenient storage for bedding, towels, various little things.
Additional functions are maximum ergonomics, space saving, but such products are more expensive than simple designs.
The presence of a gaming zone below is an interesting solution. Allows you to save space, it is most useful to organize the available space. The niche of the bed can be filled in different ways - to install a roll-out children’s sofa bed, a table or a rack with toys, books and other things. The berth on the second floor has a railing.
Another complete solution is a bed for a child with a built-in table on the ground floor and stairs. The cabinet as part of the headset is equipped with everything necessary - drawers, shelves, barbell. Choosing this option, parents provide the child with a full-fledged berth, a working area, a place for storing little things.
A laptop armrest table is a good teen option. The folding board is easy to clean and unfold, has universal dimensions, allows you to place the laptop on your lap. This means that working behind 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 kit includes drawers on rails. If you need a full-fledged sofa, then an accordion bed or a book is ideal for a nursery, which quickly folds up and takes up a minimum of space.
Children's sofa bed should meet the basic parameters. These are color, dimensions, convenience, functionality. All this must be taken into account when choosing, take into account the price, the interior of the room. Safety is important - no toxic varnishes, sharp corners, rough edges and nails. The design should correspond to the age of the child - it can be a classic, teenage or children's stylized version.