Children's and teenagers' transformable bunk beds: features, photos, videos

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.

Interior design

When choosing a sofa, you need to pay attention to the color of the furniture and its size, as well as the amount of free space in the room.

There is also a variation in which the first tier produces a double bed

If the sofa will be located in the nursery, you can choose products in light colors with fabric upholstery, choosing a shade that matches other furniture in the room.

It is necessary to take into account that it is also necessary to choose the size of the sofa in accordance with the height of the people who will use it.

Since the transformable bed is in an unfolded state only during sleep, you don’t have to worry about it ruining the interior. But the metal frame is combined with few styles, so if it will be unfolded during the day, it is important to choose a model in which the metal elements are hidden or painted.

“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.

Sofa mechanism

Bunk beds are furniture that can significantly expand the boundaries of a room by saving its space. Depending on the intended purpose, sofas on the lower tier can have several types of mechanisms:

folding standard;
Eurobook;
sofa with pull-out mechanism;
pantograph.

A conventional folding sofa is represented by the “book” option, where in order to unfold the product, you will need to lift its seating part, tilt it slightly forward and lower it. Then the backrest leans down and becomes a full-fledged place to sleep.

A sofa of the Eurobook type is folded out in a different way: the seating part is pulled forward, and the back, which transforms into a sleeping place, is placed on the resulting empty surface. This type of mechanism is most preferable for bunk beds with a sofa. The retractable mechanism is characterized by a three-part design: the seating part moves forward 2 steps, and another section is taken out from below, which serves as the middle part of the berth. In this case, the back remains motionless.

In a pantograph-type mechanism, the front part of the product rises slightly upward and extends towards itself. The backrest is placed on the resulting void. This type is also preferable in the structure of the bed.

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.

What to look for when choosing

Any transformer needs additional space when unfolded. If you choose folding furniture in a store, it will be easier for you to assess what the space of the room should be so that the bed does not interfere with people in any position, does not block the door to the room, does not block the passage, and so on.

The bed should be an accent in the room, but not take up all the space.

The second important point is what is included with the bed? For example, it may turn out that a mattress and drawers for linen are present in the photo in the online store catalog, but they are not included in the package and you need to pay for these items separately.

In the living room, a transformer can perform several functions at once.

Be sure to ask what weight the bed is designed for. If you are interested in a two-story model, for example, a transformable children's bunk bed with a table, the issue of strength becomes more important than when purchasing a standard crib.

The transformable sofa is suitable for placement in any room.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other piece of furniture, a transformable bunk bed has its pros and cons. The advantages are as follows.

Space savings are especially noticeable when using the folding version. The disappearance of the “sleeping area” frees up maximum space.
Changing the decor - transforming the bed into another object that is more needed during the daytime, not only saves space, but also allows you to organize it more rationally.
A bunk bed is the best solution for two children in a small nursery. And if at “altitude” children are afraid to sleep, or parents worry too much, you can choose a composite option: it’s safe, and the sleeping area still consists of only one bed.
Additional accessories - transformers are developed based on the principle of maximum use of space. The vast majority of models are equipped with additional devices: shelves, drawers, countertops, and so on.
The cost of the structure is almost always less than the price of two separate beds and all those pieces of furniture that the transformer replaces.

Folding transformable bed

The disadvantages of a transformable bunk bed are no different from the disadvantages of a stationary structure.

The threat of falling is solved in the case of a composite model. In all other cases, it is recommended to equip the second level with really high sides. This does not exclude the situation when a child consciously tries to overcome the fences and jump off during play, but it does exclude the possibility of a fall at night.
For some time, while the children are too small, parents will have to lay out the transformers.

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.

Prices for transformable bunk beds

The cost of products is determined by their complexity . The price of a transforming sofa starts from 30 thousand rubles, and a collapsible model made of alder can be purchased for 6 thousand rubles. A complex of two folding beds with a wardrobe and pull-out tables will cost 190 thousand rubles. Of course, it will be cheaper to make a bunk bed with your own hands, but the design of the transformer is too complex for this.
The material matters . Metal transformable bunk beds are cheaper than those made of oak or beech, but more expensive than options made of solid pine. In the case of a transformable sofa, the cost is also affected by the upholstery.
The design of the model, although it does not determine the category, also affects the price.
And in any case, a foreign manufacturer will be more expensive than a domestic one: it’s not a matter of quality, but the need to get fairly large products through customs.

Compared to conventional two-tier models, transformers are more functional and practical. But they suggest a simpler design: the numerous decorative details necessary to turn a bed into a car, for example, are unacceptable here. The operation of most mechanisms is designed for a rigid geometric shape, and there is no room for decoration elements.

Photos of folding bunk sofa beds

Key Features

Before you buy yourself a two-tier transformable sofa, I strongly recommend studying its features and capabilities.

This is not an ordinary transforming sofa, capable of turning into a bed with 2 tiers. Therefore, a complex mechanism for transformation is used here. In this case, great physical effort is not required. This type of mechanism is designed so that even children and fragile ladies can use it.

The key feature is the versatility of such a complex design. At night there are 2 full beds for 2 people, and during the day there is a regular roomy sofa. Since it does not fold out, but rises vertically, this helps save space.

There are also models that have 3 modes at once. This is an ordinary sofa, a bed with 2 tiers, and a single-tier bed with 2 seats, if I may say so.

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.

Manufacturing materials

Transformers are made from the same materials as standard products, but are not equipped with a mechanism that allows them to be modified. The only difference is the built-in metal frame that can withstand heavy loads.

The upholstery of the sofa can be different and the choice of a particular option depends on the cost. For example, there are many identical designs that have different upholstery and filling and, accordingly, different prices.

Transformable sofas can be either fabric or leather

A leather version with latex filling will have a higher cost when compared to the exact same sofa covered with fabric and filled with polyurethane foam. There are also options with spring mattresses, which are used less and less.

Recommendations for selection

Important points when choosing a model

When buying a transforming sofa for a child's room, you should first of all focus on the age of the child. This furniture is not suitable for very small children, but it will be ideal for children starting from 7-8 years old and teenagers.

It is important to remember that a child at least 5 years old can sleep on the top bunk.

The main thing you should pay attention to when buying a transformer is the transformation mechanism itself.

First, you should try to fold and unfold the transformer yourself, then ask your child to do the same.

It is important to remember that when transforming a bunk bed back into the “sofa” mode, there should not be any foreign objects on the top bunk, since when folded it automatically goes into a vertical position. The mattress must be fastened with a special belt.

Another important detail is the protective sides, which should be at least 30 cm high, and preferably higher.

Since the sides enclose the bed on three sides, the fourth should be tightly adjacent to the wall.

The staircase that comes with all such structures should not raise doubts about its strength. It is better if it is arranged slightly at an angle and equipped with handrails.

You should make sure that the transformer is equipped with a protection system that protects the structure from accidental folding. Such a system includes a locking mechanism and a key to it. If the key is kept by the parents, they have no need to worry that the child will try to fold the sofa on his own without their knowledge.

For a transforming sofa, the quality of the frame is very important

Metal frames are very reliable, but quite expensive and more suitable for modern interiors. The most inexpensive option, suitable for any room, is a chipboard frame, but there is a risk that the chipboard will be of poor quality, and therefore saturated with formaldehyde.

Therefore, when purchasing a sofa with a chipboard frame, you should require sanitary and hygienic certificates certifying that environmentally friendly chipboard of at least E0 class was used in the production of furniture.

Frames made of natural wood - oak, ash, alder - significantly increase the cost of the product. Frames made of pine or birch can serve as an affordable and at the same time worthy alternative.

Since the sofa will be used every day, you should choose a model in which the components of the frame are connected not with screws, but with bolts and nuts, otherwise the structure will quickly become loose and become unusable.

To fill sofa mattresses, manufacturers offer a wide range of environmentally friendly materials: foam rubber, latex, coconut coir - a natural coconut filler with antibacterial properties.

It is also possible to use holofiber as a filler - a modern material made of pure polyester, very soft and flexible.

The cost of a transforming sofa from domestic manufacturers is in the region of 27-37 thousand rubles.

The production of such models is carried out by the children's furniture factory "Bambini", the factory "Kalinka", as well as the factory "Borovichi-furniture".

Transformers from foreign companies will cost 66-127 thousand rubles. Manufacturers of this furniture are represented by Italian companies Clei and Stema.

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In the vast majority of cases, the manufacturer gives you the opportunity to independently choose the upholstery color that suits the interior, or offers several options to choose from. If there is no shortage of cash and none of the ready-made samples fits the required parameters, then a transforming sofa can be ordered.

With careful use and compliance with safety rules, a durable, reliable, beautiful and multifunctional sofa that transforms into a bunk bed will become a real boon not only for kids and teenagers, but also for their parents.

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What is a lifting mechanism and how does it work?

Beds with a lifting mechanism are very popular, which is not at all surprising, because they serve as both a bed and a chest of drawers. Thanks to a special design system, the bed easily turns into a convenient mini-wardrobe where you can store various things. As a rule, the system is quite simple: the berth is raised using a spring or a gas lift.

Both bed base lifting mechanisms work on the principle of creating a force that can move the bed into a horizontal or vertical position. The lifting device is a structure consisting of several steel strips that are assembled into a frame. The system is often equipped with locks to prevent the bed from folding inadvertently.

Types of lifting devices

There are three types of lifting mechanism.

Lifting mechanism for bed on coil springs. This is a budget option, but in practice it works well. The metal spring bears the brunt of the load, so it can wear out over time. Also, this type cannot withstand heavy loads on the stock.
Gas bed lift mechanism. It is more reliable and convenient. Thanks to this fastening, you can easily raise and lower the berth. The average warranty for gas elements is 5-6 years.
Hinged version with manual bed lift. This is the simplest type, but it is difficult to use because it requires a lot of strength to lift it on your own.

In general, it is obvious that the mechanism for raising the bed with gas shock absorbers is the most profitable and convenient method, although it is not cheap. Such a rookery allows you to use heavy orthopedic mattresses, but at the same time easily lift the sleeping element. Also, this mechanism has a long service life compared to others. A shock absorber for a bed with a lifting mechanism makes it possible for overweight people to use the bed.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of a bed that can turn into a comfortable chest of drawers are:

freeing up free space in the bedroom due to the fact that linen, bedding, etc. can be stored at the base of the bed;
neat and aesthetic appearance;
reliable safety of things for sleeping, which come into less contact with the environment;
no hassle with drawers, from which it is difficult to get pillows and blankets.

As for the minuses, there are only two of them. The first is that if you purchase a spring version, you will have to spend a lot of effort to raise the stock. The second is carrying capacity. Only the version with gas elements can withstand heavy loads.

Criteria for selecting a lifting mechanism

In order for the bed lifting mechanism to work efficiently and properly, the following details are important when choosing.

Type of lifting element.	As it turned out, gas shock absorbers are the most reliable and durable, so it is advisable to choose sleeping structures with such a system.
Lifting devices must be selected depending on the weight of the base.	If there is a discrepancy, it will be impossible to use the design.
Material from which the bed is made: metal, wood, chipboard, etc.	It is better to take a wooden one, as it is durable and environmentally friendly
Ease of use.	It is important that the bed has a lifting mechanism that can be easily used.

To summarize, we note that a bed with a lifting mechanism is a very successful and convenient option for owners of small bedrooms. Such a bed will visually increase the space of the room, giving it an attractive look.

Which material is better?

Different materials are used for transformers. But a lot depends on the raw materials. Cost and quality are determined by the material. Also, the style of the furniture. High-tech or classic, minimalism or empire. And the technical characteristics do not remain aside. I mean the mechanism and fittings.

The structure must be made of high-strength steel. No compromises! Transformers will be used daily. Only durable metal can prevent deformation.

Components and additional parts can be made of aluminum or plastic, this will make the bed light. But not the frame. It must be a strong monolith. Pay attention to this when purchasing. The weight of the bed indicates its “solidity”. Apart from the base, all other elements are made from chipboard, MDF or solid wood. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Solid wood is great for making transformable beds. But its cost is high. Beware of fakes. To make sure it's real wood, run your fingernail over it. There will definitely be a barely noticeable trace.
MDF is used most often. Wood fibers treated with high pressure are environmentally friendly, durable, and wear-resistant. The prices for this material are more than affordable.
Chipboard is a thing of the past due to its unsafe nature for humans. Although first class slabs are still used today. They make quite durable, environmentally friendly, lightweight, and the most inexpensive transformers.

Transformers whose parts are made of iron, plastic, or chipboard do not deserve your attention.

We evaluate manufacturers

The furniture quality rating is as follows:

The sole leader in the production of transformable beds is the Italian factory Clei. The official representative on the Russian market is Stanley. Expensive, high-quality, ergonomic furniture. In the Russian Federation for more than 50 years.
Manufacturer of sleeping places with a lifting device from Russia - TRANSMEB on the market since 2002.
IKEA is a famous company producing transformers, familiar to customers in our country for more than 30 years. The company produces stylish Swedish furniture designed to suit different budgets.
Sonata is another domestic manufacturer of transformable beds.
Askona is excellent quality from Stockholm, guaranteeing comfort for Russians.
Ormatek is a domestic version of comfort.
Rayton is a manufacturer of hypoallergenic products.
Toris is a designer of transformable furniture from Austria. Provides quality guarantees for lifting mechanisms that are unsurpassed by competitors in terms of durability.
Hoff is a manufacturer of Russian orthopedic structures.
MebelevaGroup is a budget Russian manufacturer of transformers.
"Charm-furniture" is a Russian production of transformable beds. Gaining popularity among compatriots.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the rating is quite conditional. It is based on customer reviews and promotional materials. When purchasing transformers, take this information into account. If it was useful to you, I'm glad. Subscribe to my website, together we will look at the problems that concern us.

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