How to choose the right bunk bed with a sofa underneath for parents

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To save space in your apartment, you can install compact furniture. Bunk beds with a sofa help to rationally distribute space. To choose a reliable option, it is important to understand what types of furniture there are and what you should look for when making a purchase.

Pros and cons of bunk furniture

Such furniture is becoming popular primarily because it saves space. The following advantages of bunk beds are also highlighted:

• There are different models;
• you can choose the furniture material;
• many colors;
• have a wide range of prices, thanks to which anyone can purchase furniture, regardless of income level;
• used in apartments with different designs.

The disadvantages include the danger of falling from the second tier. Therefore, it is important to ensure that there are high, strong sides at the top.

Stairs can be dangerous due to the following nuances:

• it was made from low-quality and harmful materials;
• she is in an inconvenient place;
• it was manufactured with violations;
• it is dotted with cracks and burrs, which can cause injury during use.

Before purchasing a two-story bed with a sofa, you need to check its bottom. If furniture is purchased for adults, it is enough to focus on the person’s weight. If for kids, they are allowed to jump on the bed to check its reliability.

Types of models

The popularity of the model has prompted manufacturers to create new designs of beautiful bunk beds. Today, among the variety of transformers, the following stand out:

• composite;
• sofa cabinet;
• folding;
• transformer;
• attic.

Attic

Sofa cabinet

Transformer

The folding
composite sofa is quite practical; it can be undocked and you get two standard beds instead of one sleeping place. This is very convenient if there are heated debates and the children cannot decide who will occupy the lower and who will occupy the upper floor. The model provides a soft, spacious sofa below.

Convenient two-tier models can be created complete with open shelves, chests of drawers and cabinets. This is a functional set of furniture made in the same style. The main advantage of the model is its relatively low height and minimal distance between sleeping surfaces. In the assembled position, two adjacent sleeping beds occupy a small space.

The folding design consists of folding beds built on top of each other. If all previous models significantly saved usable space, then in this version the location of the berth is arranged as compactly as possible . This is due to the fact that the widest horizontal surface when assembled is parallel to the wall. Experts admit that this is one of the most ergonomic and rational methods of arranging a small children's room.

One of the amazing inventions of mankind is the transformable sofa. The design can easily be transformed into a bunk bed. The compact model will easily fit in a small country house or in a room where a young family with children lives. The sofa is transformed with one lifting movement and does not require additional actions during the assembly or disassembly process. In the evening, the transformable sofa is two full-fledged sleeping beds; during the day, it is a resting place for all family members.

The structure got its interesting name, the attic, thanks to the double bed installed on the second tier. You can climb onto such an interesting crib using steps; they also serve as spacious drawers. Under the bed there is most often a wardrobe and a wide desk. The functional set includes all the necessary pieces of furniture and takes up half the space of a full-fledged children's set.

Methods of application

Thanks to the thoughtful functionality of bunk beds with a sofa, you can sleep well and have a quality rest during the day.

The furniture is used for receiving unexpected guests, having tea, watching cartoons, and adults relaxing on the sofa located below.

Since the model is equipped with a sofa below, the following problems are solved:

• no need to buy additional furniture;
• no need to radically change the style of the room;
• The room is rationally used, divided into functional zones.

If the room is large, two-tier furniture with a sofa will give the room a special flavor.

In practice, such furniture is better suited for adults. If you buy it for a child, it is better to place him sleeping downstairs. The model is perfect for one child. On the second floor he can sleep at night, and on the lower floor he can rest or play during the day.

The type of sleep the vacationer will have depends on the position of the back of the sofa.

Position	Peculiarities
Oblique	When you tilt the back of the sofa you can get quality rest
Horizontal	If the backrest is lowered horizontally, you get a large place to relax and sleep at night
Classic sofa	The back doesn't move. The sofa is used only for sitting

There is a minus, if the back of the sofa does not lower, the lower part of the furniture cannot be used as a full-fledged sleeping place.

Views of an attic with a sofa below

Let's look at what options for loft beds are offered for sale by domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Lightweight designs

The leadership in this segment is held by 3 models from IKEA:

1. SWERTA.
2. VITVAL.
3. TUFFING.

Ikea loft bed with work area - Tuffing model
Material of manufacture - metal. Those who buy such beds can only insert their own sofa, suitable in size, under them. Or purchase a folding version, for example, a roll-out type.

There are more than 20 positive reviews about these models on the Otzovik website

According to reviews from owners of small-sized apartments who bought IKEA products, there are only 2 disadvantages of such an attic bed:

1. A slight creaking of the second tier mesh under the mattress during intensive use.
2. For apartments with a height of up to 2.50 m, a child on the upper tier in a sitting position touches the ceiling with his head.

This is interesting: A double loft bed is a rational solution for a small room.
You can read more about the products of this manufacturer in our article Ikea loft bed.

Modular designs

Most often in this segment, manufacturers sell models made from laminated chipboard.

The dimensions of such furniture are standard sizes of mattresses and simple folding sofas

Structurally, these models are of the same type:

• Non-demountable section of the second tier with a simple ladder.
• Standard sofa (most often a Eurobook).

Produced by many manufacturers due to the simplicity of design and availability of materials. The most famous: “Borovichi-furniture” - there are more than 30 reviews about it on the Otzovik website.

Reviews about a specific manufacturer are always available online.

Of the minuses, all the unsubscribed buyers of modular furniture for loft beds with a sofa note:

• Flimsy design. Most often, the manufacturer uses cheap laminated chipboard for assembly.
• Difficult to assemble. Most manufacturers in this segment do not bother with the quality of fit of parts, so buyers constantly have problems with self-assembly.
• Discomfort. This parameter applies to the sofa - buyers complain about an uncomfortable sleeping place for adults. The second tier for a child is usually equipped with a mattress, so there are no problems with it.
• Lack of storage space. The main parameter of such furniture is compactness. Therefore, if you need additional storage space, you should look at models with sections in the stairs.

Staircase drawers provide small storage space

Bedroom sets

This type of furniture implies the presence of not only 3 full-fledged sleeping places (2 adults + 1 schoolchild), but also places to store clothes and items.

This set includes a wardrobe, wall drawers, a bedside table and a pencil case

For example, they have a whole children's series of such headsets called Funki Kids. It is available for both boys and girls.

Two adults will no longer be comfortable on such a sofa.

To increase storage space, manufacturers modify the design of the loft bed itself. For example, they place the second tier for a teenager perpendicular to the sofa. Such furniture will have to be placed in the corner of the room.

Corner arrangement of the set with a cabinet, cabinet and shelves for storage

What types are there?

Bunk beds come in different types. There are options when the child sleeps upstairs and meets guests downstairs or learns homework at the desk. There are also models for two children, when the lower sofa can be fully unfolded for sleeping, and in the morning it folds compactly.

For children

Children should have an equipped place in the room for sleeping, studying, and playing. If it is cramped, it will be very difficult to fit the listed areas into it. In such a situation, children's bunk beds with a sofa will help out.

When deciding on the model of furniture for sleeping and daytime relaxation, it is important to consider age. You should not place a child under six years of age on a high floor of the bed to avoid injury due to inattention and young age.

For adults

Adults living in a small room can purchase two-tier furniture for comfort and increase space. Thanks to such a bed, one living space can be comfortably divided into functional parts.

Thanks to the design, there is an area for intimate relaxation, as well as for leisure. Such furniture will make the studio apartment more original and non-standard.

For teenagers

For boys and girls, two-tier furniture will help them easily divide the room into zones. The child sleeps on the bed above, and on the sofa below he prepares his homework.

On such furniture, teenagers will be able to comfortably retire to think about their own lives and get to know themselves, as well as to meet with peers.

Which one is better to choose?

For children, a “two-story” sofa is selected taking into account their age. For very young children under ten years of age, beds measuring 70x160 cm are more suitable. For teenagers, the size of the bed should be within 90x200 cm.

If children in a family are of different ages, then you need to focus on the older child and choose models designed for an adult. The height of the entire structure when disassembled is approximately 180 cm. For small children, there are models with a height of about 120 cm. Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the transformer is made. The highest quality models are made from valuable wood species, such as oak or beech. Models assembled from modern laminated chipboard or MDF are not particularly reliable. Fiberboards are best used to create drawers or open shelves.

Stairs are made from chromed metal or wood. A wooden staircase with a slight slope is considered more convenient for climbing to the upper tier. Manufacturers rarely produce models with this design, so to ensure greater safety, it is necessary to give preference to flat, wide steps.

The color and texture of the upholstery material is selected in accordance with the already chosen style. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the intensity with which the furniture is planned to be used. For a transformable children's sofa, you can sew replaceable covers - this will help preserve the upholstery of the sofa from various contaminants.

Even in a furniture showroom, you need to independently check the operation of the transformation mechanism. Experts recommend assembling and disassembling the two-tier model several times. If the transformation takes place with great difficulties, you should not hope that the mechanism will be developed; it is better to refuse to purchase such a product. When choosing a two-tier sofa, you do not need to save money; it is better to give preference to a high-quality and durable model from well-known and trusted manufacturers.

Types of bunk beds

To choose the right model of bed with sofa, it is important to familiarize yourself with its types. The information will help you choose a comfortable option for any apartment interior.

Classic

The classic model consists of two beds for sleeping and a ladder. The advantage of such furniture is that it has a low cost. A large selection of finishing materials allows you to choose the most suitable option for any interior.

The classic bed is easy to use, but it is quite massive, making it difficult to move.

With a table

The bunk bed and desk model transforms the lower floor into a study space. The tabletop can be pulled out or folded back. The folding option allows you to move the table horizontally by lowering it down.

This type of furniture allows you to create a comfortable place in a very cramped room for doing homework or working.

With wardrobe

Some two-tier models have built-in drawers. They are usually installed at the ends of the bed. Thanks to several cabinets of different sizes, you can make a rise to the second floor.

The advantage of beds with cabinets is that you don’t have to buy a separate cabinet. It's also a great space saver.

With a sports corner

For the physical health of children and saving space, it is recommended to consider the option of a bunk bed with a sports corner consisting of a wall bars, a horizontal bar and rings. Sometimes such a corner is complemented by a swing, a rope ladder or ropes.

When choosing such a model, be sure to take into account the age of the child, since sports equipment is different for toddlers and older children.

What to look for when choosing

To choose a high-quality option, you need to take into account several important nuances, which we will discuss in this section.

Material of manufacture

The following solutions are used for the frame:

• Solid wood . Excellent material, characterized by reliability and attractive appearance. Pine is most often used, but more expensive models use hardwood.
• Chipboard or MDF . The main advantage of such structures is their low cost, which determines their popularity. But strength and durability leave much to be desired; the service life of this option is much shorter than that of its analogues.
• Metal . The most durable and durable solution that can withstand loads well and is lightweight. The downside is that such furniture is not suitable for every interior.

Metal structures are strong and durable

It is very important to consider the filling of the sofa; there are three options:

• Dependent spring blocks . A reliable and inexpensive solution, over time individual elements may sag or, conversely, come out and create discomfort.
• Foam rubber, polyurethane foam . A cheap solution that is not durable and sags over time.
• Orthopedic bases . The best option for today. The mattresses provide a comfortable position and, if necessary, can be easily replaced with new ones.

Orthopedic mattresses on the sofa are an excellent solution

Dimensions

In order for the design to fit into the interior, several parameters must be taken into account:

• Free space in the room . If the bed clutters up the space, it will spoil the impression of the decor.
• Ceiling height . You should not choose a high model if the ceiling is low. The minimum distance from the surface of the bed to the ceiling is 60 cm.
• Bed width . The minimum value is 80 cm for an adult and 70 cm for a child. There are more options to choose from.

For a double bed, the minimum permissible width is 160 cm

• Bed length . In order for a person to sit comfortably, the length of the bed must be at least 20 cm greater than his height. If you are choosing a model for a child, then it is better to select options with a reserve.

Rules for choosing bunk beds

To purchase comfortable and ergonomic sleeping furniture, it is recommended to listen to the following selection rules:

1. There should be a gap of more than 90 cm between the upper bed of the bed and the ceiling so as not to disturb the ventilation of the sleeping area.
2. It is better to buy wooden furniture. But, an economical option is allowed - from high-quality MDF.
3. Before purchasing, it is important to decide what function the bed should perform. If you plan to fold the lower tier, it is better to purchase a bunk bed with a sofa below.
4. The staircase must be made of wood. Since metal handrails often slip and can cause injury. It is better for kids to take furniture with a ladder in the form of bedside tables.

Attention! The most important rule before buying bunk furniture for children is to make sure that they have no fear of heights. If they are afraid of it, they should choose a matryoshka model.

Design options and their main features

Let's look at the main types of bunk beds with a sofa. They can be divided into three main types and each has different versions.

Classic designs

This includes ready-made furniture with a bed on top and a sofa below. This is a time-tested solution, available in different versions. The options differ mainly in the type of execution of the lower tier.

Illustration	Description
	Systems with fixed sofas. A classic solution designed for relaxation; if the length is long enough, then one person can sleep there. Often such structures are made of metal; they look solid and are very durable. The main advantage of this solution is the low cost and reliability of the design, since there are no moving elements.
	Beds with a Eurobook sofa . This version of the mechanism differs in that when unfolded, one part moves forward, and the second lies down, forming a flat surface. A fairly lightweight and easy-to-use system that has proven itself in daily use.
	Models with a classic folding sofa. In this solution, the sofa folds out according to the classic layout, which ensures ease of use. This option does not provide good quality sleep, so such models are recommended to be used as options for guests, and not for constant use. This option is difficult for children to lay out, remember this factor as well.
	Models with chair-bed . There is a folding chair in the design, which, if necessary, can be transformed into a sleeping place for one person. A convenient solution, often used in children's rooms.
	Designs with a cabinet. If you need storage compartments, then this option will come in handy. The cabinet can be present in any of the varieties described above; its dimensions and configuration depend on the model of furniture that is used. To get even more space for things, choose systems with drawers in steps, as in the example shown in the photo.
	Double bed downstairs . This option does not apply to sofas, but it needs to be mentioned here because of the similarity in design. Used if a child sleeps upstairs and parents downstairs, this is an excellent solution for one-room apartments.

Transformable sofa

A modern solution with a number of characteristic features. The folded structure is a sofa or other piece of furniture, which transforms into a full-fledged two-story version, which can accommodate both children and adults. The main varieties are:

Illustration	Description
	Transformable sofa . A design that quickly turns from an ordinary sofa into a bunk bed. The folding mechanism is metal, which ensures its strength and durability. The models are convenient, but you should choose options from the expensive segment; budget solutions often have problems with the mechanism, and it breaks down quite quickly.
	Wardrobe-sofa with folding beds . A solution that during the day resembles an ordinary sofa with a wardrobe, and in the evening quickly transforms into a bunk bed; the sleeping places are hidden in the structure. Not a bad solution for a one-room apartment or a nursery with two children.
	Wardrobe-sofa-transformer . The design combines beds, a sofa, and a full-fledged wardrobe with shelves for storing clothes and linen. A complete solution, ideal for small apartments.

Stationary models

These designs are different from traditional furniture, they are mainly intended for adults and come in the following types:

Illustration	Description
	Bed on a fixed partition . The solution is suitable for rooms with high ceilings. A wooden floor is installed on which the bed is placed, and below there is a seating area with a sofa or soft chairs. Such systems are often used in country houses and in rooms that are designed in an open space concept.
	Metal constructions . You can make them yourself or order them according to your own drawings. Most often, the system is quite simple and consists of four metal racks, a sleeping place at the top and modules made of pine and MDF at the bottom, each of which serves as a small bedside table. Storage boxes are also made at the base under the sofa. The iron version combines high strength and low weight.
	Wooden structures . They have approximately the same design as metal systems, but are cheaper and easier to construct, since the wood is easy to cut and process. The material used is pine or more durable oak.

Arrangement of sleeping places

When buying a bed, it is important to carefully study how it is constructed, what sizes it comes in, what it is made of, and what mattress is suitable. After studying all the parameters, you can choose the most suitable option for quality sleep.

Dimensions

There are beds with different sizes. But the most common parameters are the following.

Size	Who is it suitable for?
700 x 1500 (1600) mm	These beds are designed for small children. It is important to look at ease of use
800 (900) x 1900 mm	This model is perfect for a teenager. Sometimes used by adults
90 x 2000 mm	Great option for adults, but can be used by teenagers.

When buying a bed for small children, it is worth considering that they grow quickly. Therefore, you should not choose very small models. You should focus on the size.

Base

There are two types of bed base.

1. Furniture with slats - thin wooden or plastic planks - is of the orthopedic type. Thanks to this base, the mattress is well ventilated.
2. Furniture with a solid base is made of plywood. This type is often found in transformers. The downside of the base is that the mattress is poorly ventilated.

The most reliable and convenient are lamellas. Therefore, it is worth assessing their quality before purchasing a bed.

Mattress

The bed mattress is usually purchased separately. It is important to consider who will sleep on it. A sleeping place in the form of a sofa must be chosen taking into account the requirements of the sleeper.

To support the spine, a sofa model with an orthopedic mattress that has a certain degree of rigidity is selected.

The best option for a mattress is considered to be anatomical, which is able to take the shape of the human body.

Important! When buying a mattress for a child, look at how he lies on it. If the shoulders and hips sink, and the back and legs are “on the surface,” then the mattress has ideal rigidity.

Main Use Cases

When considering this type of furniture, you should immediately decide on the purpose of its use. Let's consider what is special about such structures and how to use them in the interior:

• Resting-place . You can hang a TV in front of the structure and watch your favorite movies or TV shows. In this case, models with a stationary design are used, which are noticeably cheaper than other options. They may have a backrest adjustment function to find the most comfortable position.
• Guest sleeping area . In this case, the sofa should be folding so that, if necessary, you can quickly turn it into a bed. There are different folding systems; we will look at them in more detail below. There may also be an option when the sofa is wide and long enough so that one person can comfortably fit on it without folding it out.

Folding out allows you to turn the sofa into a full double bed

• Stationary sleeping place . If the sofa will be used daily as a place to sleep, then special attention should be paid to its design. Ideally, the system should consist of orthopedic mattresses to ensure comfort while sleeping.

Fillers

A high-quality and comfortable sofa for a bunk bed should have high-quality filling and upholstery. Most often, the lower tier of the bed – the sofa – is filled with:

• Foam rubber. This material is durable and has an affordable price.
• A spring block with springs that depend on each other. After 10 years of use, the springs may begin to break and come out.
• Spring block with springs independent of each other. This filler is softer and can last a long time. Each spring is hidden in a separate fabric cover. It is comfortable to relax on such a sofa.

The bolsters, pillows and armrests included with the sofa are usually filled with padding polyester or holofiber.

Types of sofa next to a bunk bed

Bunk furniture below often consists of a classic straight sofa. It can be placed against any wall of the room.

A corner sofa is used in bunk beds that have a corner shape. Furniture is placed in the corner, making the room more spacious.

Material

It is recommended to buy furniture from environmentally friendly, safe material, for example, beech, oak, birch or pine. Natural wooden structures will last a long time.

It is important that the bed is covered with hypoallergenic varnish, free of formaldehyde.

Sofa upholstery

For a sofa on which you plan to rest only during the day, natural or eco-leather is suitable as upholstery.

For sleeping, it is better to choose models upholstered in velor. This material is soft, easy to clean, and retains its original appearance. The bed does not run away from the velor, it does not wear out for a long time.

Transformation of furniture

If the bedroom also serves as a living room, the option with transformable furniture will be the best. Sofas are most often folded out like a book. To unfold the sofa, lift the seat up until it clicks. The backrest is tilted back and the seat is lowered down. The disadvantage of this transformation is the sleeping place with tubercles.

Advice! To make sleeping comfortable, it is recommended to choose models with a “Eurobook”. The seat in such furniture rolls out and the backrest lowers. A big plus is that you don’t need to move the sofa to unfold it.

There are also sofas with roll-out transformation. The furniture is simply pulled out. When folded, the model does not take up much space in the room, and when unfolded, it is comfortable to sleep on.

Material of manufacture

The material from which the furniture is made is an important criterion when choosing it. Especially when it comes to furniture for a child. If an unsuitable mattress is easy to change, then to change the frame you will have to purchase a new set of furniture, which is not always possible. Therefore, it is better to worry about the quality of the base before purchasing. The design must be strong, without sharp corners, and the materials used must not be harmful to health.

1. Metal
   . The main frame of a two-story bed is made from this material. Such structures are quite strong and wear-resistant, but care must be taken that all joints are well processed. Otherwise, there is a risk of touching the protruding part and injuring yourself. The top of the metal is treated with a special paint, due to which the choice of façade colors can be quite extensive.
2. Wooden
   . They are considered environmentally friendly, and, accordingly, the safest for use in children's rooms. The furniture is made from beech, oak, alder and birch veneer. The wooden base will be very durable. Modern processing methods make the array smooth, eliminating the possibility of planting a splinter. Chipboard and Chipboard: These materials consist of natural sawdust with a laminated surface. The facade imitates wood texture and, with proper care, is in no way inferior to veneer in terms of wear resistance.
3. Combined
   . Perhaps the most common option. It involves a combination of different materials in the manufacture of one set of furniture. For example, the main frame can be made of metal, and the doors and fittings can be made of chipboard, etc.