Advantages and disadvantages
A simple design will protect the child from the negative effects of the environment.
Among the advantages of such decor it is customary to highlight the following:
- protects from dust and drafts;
- softens different types of lighting;
- helps protect against insects without the use of chemicals;
- improves sleep quality;
- attracts attention due to bright fabric;
- serves as a barrier for pets;
- complements the interior of the children's room.
The disadvantages of the canvas over the crib are as follows:
- collects dust easily and requires regular washing;
- the air within the crib may stagnate;
- approaching from any side will become problematic;
- The child may be injured by becoming entangled in the fabric.
Varieties
All fittings are classified according to their functional purpose. Structural parts equipped with gas lifts and rollers are used to transform furniture or move individual elements. This category includes various mechanisms that make it possible to change the configuration, as well as the functional purpose of the piece of furniture. This group also includes devices that allow you to change the height of furniture. In addition, legs, slats and metal mesh, fasteners, decor, moldings are considered a separate type of fittings. The latter is designed to mask technical seams, holes and fastener installation sites.
Fasteners
With their help, the bed parts are connected into a solid structure. The construction market presents to consumers a wide product line of this fittings, which includes:
- Hooks and clamps represented by curved plates. The elements ensure reliability and strength of connections.
- Corners that fasten parts together, placing them at right angles. Used to tie frames together.
- Eccentrics. Such fittings for beds consist of two parts, each of which is installed in a separate part of the piece of furniture to ensure a tight connection. This type of fastener varies in size and configuration.
- Screws used to secure handles, strips, and decorative elements.
- Screws and self-tapping screws are a separate type of fasteners for furniture, similar in shape and appearance. During manufacturing, these elements are treated with special compounds that protect against corrosion and extend service life.
- Nails used for upholstering furniture with fabric or fastening fiberboard.
Each type of fastener is used in certain cases, ensuring reliable fixation of the main and additional elements of the bed structure.
Hooks
Corners
Eccentric coupler
Screws
Self-tapping screws
Upholstery nails
Support parts
The fittings also perform supporting functions. We are talking about legs and extensions to them, ensuring the stability of the furniture on the floor. In addition, the supports are also a decorative element.
Options for placing and designing shelves around the bed, installation methods
This type of furniture fittings for a bed differs in shape, adjustability, and materials of manufacture. Support legs are rectangular, straight, curly or square, made of wood, plastic or metal. Some models are equipped with special extensions that allow you to adjust the height of the piece of furniture according to the user's preferences. Additional supports are bolted to the legs, thus increasing the dimensions of the structure.
If there is a need to raise the bed higher, use stands. Their sizes are selected in such a way that the legs of the furniture are placed inside.
Round
Square
Curly
Adjustable
Plastic
Wooden
Metal
Mechanisms of transformation
Bed accessories include various mechanisms and elements. Their presence ensures the transformation of furniture horizontally or vertically:
- Mechanical - involves raising and lowering the bed manually. Requires physical effort. It is durable.
- Spring - the operation of the device is based on coiled springs. Parts need to be replaced every 2–3 years.
- Gas - the quiet operation of such a device is ensured by spring shock absorbers. The advantage of the mechanism is the easy lifting of the bed, performed with smooth movements, without jerking. The power rating of such fittings allows you to lift significant weight; the gas elevator is wear-resistant, safe to use, and has no drawbacks.
In folding beds, the mechanisms function thanks to various clamps, limiters, and safety elements.
Gas and mechanical type devices are equipped with a pair of shock absorbers; a manual device does not provide such an additional element. In this case, a rotating mechanism is used, installed on each side of the bed. It is durable, but there are no auxiliary parts, so all the work of moving the sleeping area is done through the user’s physical strength.
Advantages of slatted bed bottom, main types and dimensions
Mechanical
Spring
Gas
Orthopedic elements
Another variety represented by mesh structures and lamellas. The mesh is made in the form of a steel frame with springs, and the lamellas are made of wood, in the form of flat, narrow planks. Equally important is the elasticity of the material, because it is the slats that provide the springiness of the base on which the mattress is laid.
For the manufacture of lamellas, birch is most often used, less often - other types of wood. The prepared veneer is glued with a special composition, after which it is placed under a heavy press, giving it the desired bending radius, enhancing the orthopedic properties of the mattress. The thickness of the element in the standard version is 8 mm, the width varies between 4–10 mm, the length is determined by the width of the bed.
Useful tips for housewives on choosing bedspreads for the bedroom
Spring metal mesh
Wooden slats
Decorative accessories
Quite often, furniture is upholstered with fabric. For this purpose, decorative elements are used - nails and rivets. Externally, they differ from the usual construction fasteners. Carnations have different shapes and are made from different materials - metal, glass, plastic.
Canopy location
There are 3 main types of structure installation.
Around the entire perimeter of the crib
The most effective mounting option. It is usually called royal. The canopy fixed in this way looks lush and covers the crib completely. A significant drawback of this arrangement is the abundance of fasteners. Older children develop an interest in everything that surrounds them. There is a risk that a child may accidentally drop the structure while reaching for the holder.
At the head of the bed
A universal solution not only for the first months of life, but also later. With this arrangement, the fabric does not cover the entire cradle, so enough air flows to the baby. In addition, he can freely explore the world around him while lying in his crib.
In the middle
This option is well suited for parents whose child sleeps a lot. It creates the most complete protection against external factors. Sleep becomes deep and comfortable. However, the room must be constantly ventilated to make it easier for the baby to breathe under the fabric cover.
Types of fasteners for canopies
Lightweight fabric is fixed using holders. The appropriate type of fastening depends on the future location of the crib.
Stationary
In this case, the holder can be attached to a wall or ceiling. The downside is that you cannot change the location of the canopy if necessary. This means the crib will also be static. When such fastening is removed, traces will remain that will have to be masked.
Mobile
The most convenient holder option. It is a tall tripod with a ring and several support elements. You can change its position and height.
On a stand
A variation of the previous fastener. The kit includes a floor stand that can be easily removed and moved as needed. You can place it at a comfortable distance from the child.
Step-by-step instructions for assembling the frame
Measure the mattress you will use with your future bed.
It should fit freely in the frame frame, but there should not be large gaps either.
Wooden bed frame diagram.
In accordance with the measurements taken, cut 2 end boards and 2 long boards for the sides. Gather them into a rectangle. Use eyelets and wooden tenons to hold the boards together. The connection should be W-shaped. Cut out the sockets for such connections with a jigsaw or hollow out them with a chisel. The depth of the grooves should be about 50 mm, and the width - 20-30 mm. Lubricate the lugs with wood glue and connect. Align them at 90 degree angles and secure with clamps until dry.
A wooden bed on such a frame is a reliable and high-quality product. This design is an example of a traditional joinery joint. If you cannot make the middle eye joint, you can use a tenon fastener to fasten the sides of the wooden frame together. To do this, you will need to take the boards and prepare mating holes in their end sides, the diameter of which should correspond to the diameter of the wooden tenon. Lubricate the tenons and holes with wood glue and assemble.
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The easiest way to assemble a wooden bed base is to use self-tapping screws with additional fastening using a metal corner.
How to install a canopy on a crib
Mobile clamps are portable, their installation does not require much effort and time. The tripod is attached using several brackets on the crib itself, and a ring is hung on top to which you need to attach the fabric. The installed stand should not rest on the floor. Otherwise, it will leave scratches when the baby rocks.
The ring has special drawstrings on which you need to put the fabric using loops. If you purchased a one-piece hoop, you can attach the canopy with Velcro, ribbons or sew-on loops.
Afterwards, make sure that the fabric fits nicely on the crib. Now you can install the ring on the tripod and the process is complete.
Decoration ideas
The canopy itself will be a pleasant addition to the interior of a children's room, especially if it is decorated in the same style as the furniture and playpen. However, do not neglect decorations; they will attract the child’s attention. Unusual things increase children's interest in exploring the world around them.
Forged Products
Such decorations are, among other things, functional. They can replace the base holder. Most often, forged blanks are made to order.
Stripes or loops
Traditionally, parents who like to furnish rooms in one color resort to this design solution. The decor of wide stripes and loops looks advantageous and also acts as an accent addition to the overall color scheme.
Eyelets
They are chosen for attaching fabric to a holder primarily due to the material. Matte, glossy, interspersed with rhinestones eyelets perfectly diversify the pastel interior of the room.
Corrugated braid
You can choose for decoration if you want to partially or completely hide the holder. In addition, evenly distributed corrugated fabric will add fluffiness. It will help make the crib the compositional center of the room.
Ribbons
The most festive of all the options presented, but also suitable as a permanent decoration. Wide bands that are attached to the ring are often used. A large bow is tied at the end. It is better to hem the edges of the tape so that they keep their shape.
The procedure for assembling the lamella frame
It is also a lattice or mesh. The main function of this structure is to support the mattress. It is thanks to the lamella frame that it will not be pressed inward, deformed and fall to the floor.
Assembly diagram of the lamella frame.
First, you will need to take the fastening stop strip and thread it along the inside of the bed frame, end boards, and sides. Make a height marking of at least 100 mm from the top edge. The rail can be attached along the perimeter with a dotted or solid line. A metal corner will also work instead.
Take a beam (a section of 30x30 mm will be sufficient) and make a frame for the lamella. It is fixed to the internal size of the double bed frame. Place a strip measuring 150x4x2 cm onto the frame. It is attached across the length. The step should be 5-7 cm.
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If you work in accordance with the drawings given earlier, then you will not have any problems with assembling the product, and the finished wooden bed will serve you for many years without the slightest complaints. Finally, all that remains is to treat the frame with sandpaper and open it with varnish.
Principles and criteria for choosing fastenings
When looking for a suitable solution, it is better to be guided by what is your priority: the reliability of the structure or its mobility.
The canopy on a mobile mount can be moved along with the baby's crib. This is important in the first months of life because babies sleep more sensitively and they react more strongly to external stimuli.
In this case, it is worth monitoring the reliability of the fixations and constantly tightening the holders at the joints.
Fixed mounting does not require regular inspection. It better preserves its original appearance. The leading option in terms of reliability: if an older child pulls the fabric, the structure will not be damaged and the holder will not fall. More suitable for older children because the need to move the crib gradually decreases.
DIY holder guide
The cost of a finished holder varies up to 500 rubles. They are mainly made of metal and plastic. However, you can always create your own alternative.
To assemble the structure, you will need a minimum of materials:
- pipe blank (plastic or metal will do);
- fastening ring;
- fabric for the canopy itself;
- decorative elements (optional).
The choice of fabric is an important point. It should not be too dense, but light cotton materials will not work here either.
They will not cope with protecting the child from external factors.
The length of the fabric should reach the end of the mattress. You should not buy a canvas that is too large, because in this case it will drag on the floor, collect excess dust, and interfere with the movement of the crib.
The metal base is pre-treated. It's worth using white metal or painting the finished stand to match the crib and its surroundings. The pipe must be shaped like the letter “G”. The mount should be at a height of about a meter, in the center. Fix the structure in at least 2 places to give it the necessary stability. The metal base can be replaced with a plastic one, then pre-processing of the workpiece will not be required.
To create a ring, you can use available tools. For example, a hoop of suitable diameter. The bigger, the better. The canopy will look more magnificent. The split design is a great option for fabric with drawstrings.
In addition to the hoop, dense wire is used as the basis for fastening. You can create a ring of any diameter from it and adjust it in the future. The ends of the wire should be processed to avoid mechanical damage.
crib fastener
My husband and I spent two evenings assembling a crib. Moreover, initially he wanted to call one of his friends over the weekend and do everything over a beer. But for some reason I came home from work on Monday and unpacked everything... I saw a bunch of parts, a huge box of various fasteners, instructions that you couldn’t look at without tears and without a bottle, I got scared, upset and almost packed everything back. But then I came to the rescue! A master of disassembling instructions and the best foreman in the world!))))) In general, under my strict guidance and thanks to my husband’s well-sharpened hands, we did it. What can I say, assembling furniture is always fun. I have loved construction sets since childhood. Well, I always liked Tetris.))) Last night the crib was completely ready. At least just lie down and sleep. I looked at her collected, swung the pendulum, and seemed numb. I thought with horror that a baby would sleep in it. I didn’t think that my beloved Artemka would sleep here, or my beloved son, my adored child. I just imagined some baby who was just going to come into my life and I couldn’t escape. It was as if I had fallen into childhood, when you are very scared and you can’t run away, or when you become ashamed and embarrassed for your behavior, but you won’t ask for forgiveness or it’s too late, because your behavior entailed consequences. In general, I felt like I was in a hopeless situation, which I seemed to want to resist, but there was no way. I just really wanted to hide in a corner somewhere and not come out, to forget this whole year, to rewind everything back... It was terribly scary and uneasy. I haven’t felt so out of place for a long time. Perhaps for this reason, dads usually pack the beds after the birth of the child, so that the pregnant mother does not go crazy? After all, how strange it is to prepare a bed for someone who has not yet been born. And how terrible it is to see that this very bed is already ready, which means that soon you will give birth to a person for this bed, very soon you will be torn to shreds on the maternity chair, and you will have to rejoice, care and love. It’s as if they put shackles on you and said, now you unload the cars from morning to evening with a short break for sleep, and if you say no, you will be whipped to death, so choose... Well, what fool would choose death?! And you humble yourself. No, maybe later I will be ashamed of my words and thoughts, which is unlikely, but I have to record it. I'm scared that suddenly when I see him, I won't love him, right away and wholeheartedly. What if I don't feel anything? I am very afraid of this notorious postpartum depression, alienation, and caring for a child simply because it is necessary. As a silent reminder of the inevitable, there is a crib in the corner next to our sofa. Here, look.
Recommendations for caring for canopies
This item needs constant care. It needs to be washed and ironed. The more often the better. This is especially important if parents are prone to allergies. In this case, the abundance of dust that the fabric collects can have a bad effect on the baby's health. When washing, avoid products with strong odors. The washed product must be thoroughly ventilated beforehand.
Please note that material with numerous ruffles and decorative inserts may lose its original appearance after frequent washing.
The canopy will help keep the child calm and create a fairy-tale atmosphere.
