The children's room should be equipped with reliable, safe furniture that is suitable for the child's age and convenient for relaxation, games, and study. The only difficulty is that high-quality products cannot be cheap, so their purchase has a significant impact on the family budget. An excellent solution could be to choose multifunctional, ergonomic designs, such as a transformable children's bed, available in a variety of designs. Universal furniture, combining up to 8 elements, helps solve several problems in one fell swoop. At the same time, it takes up no more free space than a traditional sleeping place.
Advantages and disadvantages of the design
Children's furniture should be beautiful, comfortable, and safe. When choosing, you need to focus on the functionality of the product, its quality, method of operation, and only then on the cost. In the “transformers” category there are beds for both babies and schoolchildren. The designs differ from standard berths, but are characterized by several significant advantages:
- Almost all models are equipped with length adjustment, which significantly extends their service life, because the child grows quickly.
- The products are as functional as possible - manufacturers provide additional drawers, shelves, and other storage systems.
- High level of safety - transformable children's beds are necessarily equipped with special sides that protect the little fidget from falling during sleep.
- Variability of the size range - furniture is produced not only with standard dimensions, but is also made to order according to the client’s individual measurements.
- With a variety of designs and a wide range of prices, choosing the right option that fully matches your interior features and financial capabilities is not difficult.
An additional advantage of some models may be: a built-in changing table, a pendulum mechanism that allows you to rock the baby without effort, and other useful functions. Like any furniture, children's beds with a transformation function are not without their drawbacks. First of all, they are quite large, so in small rooms they will create a cluttered effect. There is no possibility of adjusting the width - a 60 cm model, convenient for a one-year-old baby, is not suitable for a future schoolchild. In addition, you will need to periodically change the mattress, which will not increase in length along with the sleeping place. Some unscrupulous manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of products, use low-quality raw materials in the manufacture of transformers - the service life of such furniture is unlikely to be long.
Length adjustment
Maximum functionality
High level of security
Variability of size range
Variety of designs and wide price range
What to do when the child grows up
A few years after purchasing the crib, you can disassemble it and use it for an older child. You will have to refer to the same instructions that you used during assembly. Following the manufacturer's recommendations, you can equip a new sleeping place for your baby.
Some models of transformable cribs allow you to transform a crib into a bunk bed for two children. If you have one child in your family, you can use the “second floor” for games. In this case, space in the children's room will be significantly saved.
At the same time, a transformable crib with a changing table will turn into a comfortable bedside table with several drawers, and the boxes will no longer be needed.
Classification of product types
All types of transformable children's beds differ in functionality, dimensions, shape, age restrictions, and folding mechanism. To avoid mistakes when purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with all these nuances.
By functionality
A transforming bed differs from its conventional counterparts in its ability to transform into other pieces of furniture. It can simultaneously combine the functions of 2–8 products, such as:
- sofa;
- bed of other sizes;
- playpen;
- baby changing table;
- shelves, cabinets;
- drawers;
- desk;
- dresser.
2-in-1 designs most often look like a combination of a sofa with a bed and a chest of drawers. 3-in-1 models usually transform from a sleeping surface for a newborn to a table and bed for a schoolchild. In the 4 (5) in 1 options, additional elements include a cabinet, drawers or shelves for storing things. To the 6 (7) in 1 variations, a changing table, armchair or chairs are added. An 8 in 1 transformer can include all of the options listed.
The maximum configuration of a transformable bed for children is 12 in 1 . It includes 2 cradles, 3 beds, 2 sofas of different sizes, a changing table, a playpen, a table and 2 chairs.
2 in 1
3 in 1
6 in 1
8 in 1
10 in 1
12 in 1
According to the transformation mechanism
A children's bed, which can be transformed into other objects, can be equipped with various mechanisms responsible for the convenient unfolding of the structure. How the furniture is modified directly depends on their characteristics. The most common mechanisms:
- Roll-out - for transformation you need to pull a certain part of the furniture towards you and fix it.
- Reclining - involves lowering and raising the bed to a vertical position.
- For collapsible structures - here it is assumed that different elements can be dismantled to create a new piece of furniture.
Advantages of a children's ottoman, the best bed with sides, nuances of choice
Roll-out mechanism
Folding
For collapsible structures
In addition, a separate group includes mechanisms used in the production of sofa beds:
- “book” - you need to raise the seat until it clicks and lower it down;
- “Eurobook” - the lower part extends to be placed in the backrest niche;
- “dolphin” - to install an additional section you will need to lift the seat up and towards you;
- “accordion” - the upper part rises and rolls forward;
- “French clamshell” - folds out like an advertising, three-sided booklet.
Roll-out transforming children's beds with a table or other elements operate using rollers and guides. In folding, collapsible models and sofa beds, a spring mechanism or gas lift is installed. Budget options provide for a manual transformation method, that is, independent lifting of the product. The only advantage of this option is the cost.
If coil springs are installed in the transforming bed, they will take most of the load on themselves. Accordingly, even a child can turn the product into a sofa or table. But over time, this design begins to creak, which causes considerable inconvenience. The gas lift operates using shock absorbers: silent, durable, but expensive devices that provide easy and comfortable transformation.
"Book"
"Eurobook"
"Dolphin"
"Accordion"
"French folding bed"
Manual mechanism
Spring
Gas lift
To size
The standard sizes of transformable children's beds are shown in the table.
| Product type | Length | Width | Height |
| Bed for a schoolchild | 200 cm | 90 cm | Up to 180 cm |
| "Attic" | 160 cm | 70 cm | 120 cm |
| Round model | 130 cm | 75 cm | 120 cm |
| Manege | 120 cm | 60 cm | 120 cm |
| Dresser bed | Up to 180 cm | Up to 80 cm | 120 cm |
Not all manufacturers adhere to the specified dimensions. Considering the multi-component nature of the product, additional parts can increase both the length, width and height of the assembled furniture. For example, a 6 in 1 transformer will take up more space than a 2 in 1 children's bed.
Bed for a schoolchild
"Attic"
Round model
Manege
Dresser bed
According to the age
A children's transforming bed should be 20–30 cm larger than the child's height; this must be taken into account if the product is purchased for growth. The same rule applies to the width of furniture. Models of 60 cm will be optimal for children under 7 years old, but schoolchildren need a sleeping place of at least 80 cm. Therefore, when purchasing a multi-component, durable design designed for a child from 0 to 12 years old, you should give preference to the 80 cm model. Its length must be at least 180 cm.
For newborn children, special playpens, transformable children's beds with a pendulum and round structures are provided. If the child has already reached the age of three, having a playpen or changing table will be pointless. Furniture for schoolchildren and teenagers must be equipped with a table, a chest of drawers with wide drawers, and shelves.
The bed should be 20–30 cm larger than the child’s height
For newborn children, cribs with a pendulum are provided
The width of the universal model is at least 80 cm
By shape
Traditional rectangular designs have been and remain the most popular. They fit into any interior and are comfortable to use. There are many similar options on the furniture market.
Less common, but at the same time very convenient to use options, are round and oval beds. The latter, as a rule, is transformed from the first. Such forms are more mobile, compact, but are suitable only for children under 5 years old. Due to the absence of sharp corners, they are considered safer. Often available in the form of 8-in-1 transformers.
Popular bed models for three children, useful additions
Rectangular
Oval
Round
Folding bed device
The design of folding beds consists of:
- a box (in the form of a cabinet or chest of drawers, sometimes with shelves or mezzanines), which may or may not have a back wall;
- sleeping bed (frame, sometimes slats, base on which the mattress is attached, straps for fixing the mattress and bed in an upright position);
- a rotary (lifting) transforming mechanism for connecting the two above elements to each other.
It can be of different sizes and purposes:
- fold vertically or horizontally;
- The size is selected based on a single, one-and-a-half or double bed.
Types of mechanisms
If your choice is a horizontal folding transforming bed, the sleeping place will be located along the wall, that is, when raised, horizontally. There will be enough space above the chest of drawers to the ceiling to place shelves there if desired. Due to the ease of folding, such pieces of furniture are suitable for children and teenagers.
There are also models of another type, when the vertical bed reclines perpendicular to the body, to which the headboard is adjacent. The sleeping area is retracted upwards, so the box will more closely resemble a closet with a height no less than the length of the bed.
Shapes and sizes
The dimensions of the transformable bed and the size of the sleeping place depend on the area of the room and the intended use.
The width of the body, the height of the berth, and the depth of the storage compartment can be almost any at the request of the customer.
Children's and teenagers folding transformable beds include a folding single mattress. In this case, it is advisable to equip this piece of furniture with shelves, drawers and mezzanines for storage.
For adults, the sleeping bed is made double. The choice of transformation method depends on the size of the bed, the type of mattress, and the intensity of use.
The doors of the transforming bed box can be made in the form of swing doors or move along guides. There are models where the base of the mattress itself serves as the false doors of the assembled cabinet.
The facade of the transforming bed cabinet is made of chipboard, MDF, natural wood; you can order facades with photo printing, mirrors, and colored decorative inserts. The frame can be steel or lightweight aluminum. The color scheme makes it possible to successfully fit such a piece of furniture into any interior and style, from classic to minimalism or modern.
Popular designs
When choosing a transforming bed for a small apartment, you should decide on all the characteristics described above. In addition to the desired appearance, functionality and age of the child, you need to consider how much space the structure will take up when disassembled, whether it is intended for one or two children.
With playpen
A playpen bed is not only a multifunctional, but also a safe product for a baby. Depending on the design features, the furniture can be intended only for newborns or can also be used by older children. Configuration options:
- Chest of drawers designed for storing children's things.
- A large drawer where you can place not only clothes, but also care products.
- A pendulum mechanism that allows you to rock a baby.
- A changing table is indispensable for quickly changing a diaper and changing clothes.
- Sofa - when the child grows up, it will become a guest area, a place to relax.
- A desk is necessary for schoolchildren.
The advantages of such products: absence of sharp corners, mobility, simple operation, bottom height adjustment. High-quality models made from expensive materials have no drawbacks. Cheap furniture has the same features as expensive furniture, but it is less durable.
With a sofa
A transformable sofa bed is a convenient piece of furniture that serves not only for sleep and relaxation. During the day, you can gather with friends on it to watch a movie, play checkers, and more. The shape of such furniture can be the most unexpected, for example, in the form of a car or some kind of animal. In addition, the sofa can be straight or corner. The latter is much more compact, as it uses the corner of the room.
Beds combined with a sofa are ideal for small rooms. Many models are equipped with an orthopedic base, which is a plus. The only disadvantages include the need for daily assembly of the structure, which accelerates the wear of the fittings.
Folding
Another multifunctional children's option is a folding transforming bed. It can be combined with a chest of drawers, a wardrobe and/or a table. There are two types of such structures:
- horizontal, which are attached to the side;
- vertical, fixed in the headboard.
If there are two children in the family, you can choose a bunk folding bed, but in this case it will be horizontal. Additional niches and cabinets for storing all kinds of things are often built into such products. In addition to its versatility, children's furniture (transformable bed-table or wardrobe) takes up little space in the room. To eliminate the presence of shortcomings in the selected model, you need to give preference to products from reliable manufacturers.
Matryoshka
This is the best option for two children when you need to save not only space, but also money. When folded, the structure consists of 2 beds placed one above the other at a minimum distance. Using a roll-out mechanism, the lower tier extends to form a sleeping area. The nesting doll is much lower and cheaper than conventional two-tier structures; it does not have a ladder. The only drawback is the relatively rapid wear of the fittings. To extend its service life, it is necessary to regularly clean the guides from dirt and dust.
Bunk
Transformable bunk beds are indispensable for families with two children, when it is necessary to rationally arrange furniture in a small apartment. Here, two beds occupy an area intended for one. You can choose the best option from the following modifications:
- Composite - the legs of the upper bed are fixed on the back of the lower one.
- Folding, built into the cabinet, representing two separate horizontal products.
- Pull-out designs are the most compact, since one bed is located very low above the other. The latter moves forward if necessary.
- Sofa beds - easily converted into a place to sleep or relax during the day.
- Transformable bed-table. It can be in two versions: a stationary bed at the top + a folding table at the bottom or a pull-out bed that hides the table in the body.
Types of children's ottoman beds, recommendations for choosing them
Such designs are endowed with all the advantages inherent in any transformable furniture. But they still have a drawback. Even if there is a side, a child can fall from the second floor and get injured.
Making the bed from above is very inconvenient, so getting children to fully tidy the room can be difficult.
Composite
Folding
Retractable
Sofa beds
Transformable bed-table
Types of transformable cribs
The models differ from each other in the following indicators:
- Availability of accessories included in the package.
- Ability to change the length of the bed.
- Demountable protective structure.
- Transformation of structural components.
Transformable bed plus chest of drawers. The surface of the chest of drawers is used as a changing table as long as the baby's body size allows. It is desirable to have limiters on the changing table.
As the child's body grows, the sleeping place is lengthened. The chest of drawers is removed from the bottom of the bed and placed next to it or in another place. The front wall of the bed with the bars is also removed. If there are wheels attached to the bottom of the crib on the outside, intended for moving furniture and rocking the child to sleep, they are also removed or fixed.
Transformable bed plus changing table. A folding changing table is attached to the back of the crib. The height of the crib is adjustable. When the bottom of the crib is released to the floor, the crib turns into a playpen. Designs with hanging cradles are sold.
Transformer with a pendulum. The system consists of a high frame, a berth, sides with rods, 2 backrests, 4 supporting stable legs, special metal bottom regulators and a pendulum mechanism.
A pendulum is a device that makes the bed swing. The mechanism is based on a sliding design. It consists of bearings, hinges and wooden strips with holes.
There are three types of pendulums:
- Transverse.
- Longitudinal.
- Universal.
They differ from each other in their swing trajectory. The pumping mechanism has a special lock. Thanks to it, the pendulum is fixed and the structure does not swing. The model with a pendulum also includes a chest of drawers, a changing table, drawers and removable parts.
Add-on transformable crib. Attaches to parents' bed. One side is open, the height of the bottom is adjustable depending on the height of the parent bed. It comes with a set of fasteners for fixing it to an “adult” bed. It has a rectangular or semicircular shape. When the child grows up, it is used as a children's sofa or table.
Transformable bed for twins. For twins, you need to purchase two beds at once. You can buy a universal transformer. Its special feature is a special removable partition that separates two sleeping places for children. If you remove it, two beds will turn into one comfortable sofa. The height of the mattresses is adjustable and can be placed at different levels. The side walls are lowered.
Transformable bed-toy. These models are made in the shape of a racing car, pirate ship, sleeping beauty castle, etc. They are adjustable in length and height.
Manufacturing materials
To produce transformers, be it a small sofa bed or a round multifunctional playpen, manufacturers use the following materials:
- Metal. It is considered a very strong, resistant to various mechanical damage, durable material. But it always remains cold and unpleasant for children, so all open areas of the frame must have a special cover.
- Tree. Despite the high cost, it is recommended for children due to its absolute safety. The best beds are made from unpainted cherry, oak, and birch. But upon contact with water, wood quickly deforms, so it must be coated with moisture-proof compounds.
- Chipboard. The best option for those who want to save a lot. Chipboard beds are quite practical and can last for several years. However, if the composition contains synthetic impurities, the material may pose a threat to the child's health.
- MDF. More reliable and durable than chipboard. Suitable for both newborns and older children due to its high degree of safety.
To ensure the proper quality of the material, you should ask the manufacturer for a certificate of conformity. In the case of chipboard, only class E1 is allowed. If the documents indicate the E2 marking, such furniture cannot be used even by adults.
Metal
Tree
Chipboard
MDF
Design and color
A children's bed does not have to have strict geometric shapes. A boy over 3 years old will love a transformer in the form of a car, and most girls will definitely choose a design similar to a princess castle. For babies, simpler round or oval playpen beds are suitable. Rhinestones, ribbons, colored plastic are used as decoration, and for newborns - a canopy.
The design and color scheme of the furniture must be in complete harmony with the already created interior. Experts recommend choosing calm pastel colors. Universal colors:
- white;
- cream;
- beige;
- brown.
For a boy, you can choose a bed in soft blue, purple, or pistachio colors. Pink and peach shades are suitable for girls. Colored facades decorated with images of Teddy bears, Mi bunnies and other famous children's toys of our time are popular.
Colors that are too bright will irritate the child's nervous system.
Useful tips for choosing
When choosing a transformer, it is unreasonable to be guided by the cost and appearance of the furniture. It is recommended first of all to pay attention to the materials of manufacture: they must be of high quality and safe, because the bed will be used by a child. Experts advise:
- Consider the need for the presence of one or another element in the design. All components of a transformable bed should be equally significant - if there is no need for a built-in chest of drawers, due to the presence of a separate closet, purchasing just such a model is unlikely to be a rational decision.
- Assess the compliance of the furniture with the dimensions of the room - large rectangular structures can clutter up the area of a small room.
- Give preference to natural, safe materials and reliable fittings so as not to think about purchasing new furniture for the next few years.
Transformable children's beds are much more practical than traditional sleeping places, and such a purchase is also more profitable financially. We are pleasantly pleased with the breadth of the range: some models are equipped with a table and chest of drawers necessary for a schoolchild, others are available with a pendulum mechanism, making it easier to rock a baby. For many years, such designs have been in high consumer demand, because they have many more advantages than disadvantages.
Consider the need for the presence of a particular element in the design
Assess the compliance of the furniture with the dimensions of the room
Give preference to natural, safe materials and reliable fittings
