Bed frame, what is it for and how to choose a suitable design

Types of beds

Classification by number of beds

Single bed. Designed for one person. The running dimensions are considered to be a width of 80-120 cm and a length of 190-210 cm. The base of such a bed most often consists of 15 wooden slats.
Double (double) bed. Suitable for overnight sleep and comfortable rest for two people. More often the width is 160-230 cm, and the length is 200-220 cm. The design itself consists of 30 lamellas.
One-and-a-half bed. This type of furniture is suitable for one person. A little more than a single room. The width ranges from 120 cm to 160 cm, the length reaches 190-220 cm.

What types of bed designs are there?

The load-bearing support is the back of the headboard and the wall near the legs, and the frame with the sleeping place is superimposed on them.
The main load is taken by the bed frame with a berth, and the backrests are then hung on it.
The base with legs acts as a support, but the backs and side walls are not connected to it in any way.

Classification by functionality

Beds with drawers for storing linen, which give the bed additional functionality. Drawers come in both add-on and pull-out types.
Bedroom furniture without storage space.
Design with an internal storage box and a lifting mechanism (this model is considered not very convenient, since it becomes necessary to constantly lift the bed with the mattress).

What types of headboards are there for beds?

Connected to the bed, separate (in the form of unique cabinets), screwed to the wall (in the form of a frame).
High or low.
Solid or with small gaps.
Hard or soft.
Rectangular, semicircular, square or unusual shape.
Laconic or with decorative elements.

What materials are beds made from?

Wooden. They are considered durable, reliable, environmentally friendly and safe.
Metal (forged and welded). Such furniture looks extravagant, sophisticated and elegant. But not everyone will like a cold metal headboard.
Leather. This sleeping place does not collect dust and wool and is easy to clean.
Constructions made of MDF, chipboard and high-quality plastic. These varieties are characterized by budget.

The material of construction does not greatly affect the quality of sleep, but it is important that it be durable. Experts recommend giving preference to metal and wood, since such materials have a long service life.

What style are the beds in?

Rectangular. A classic sleeping option.
Round and oval. They are considered non-standard beds. They are distinguished by their large size and the ability to fit into the created interior.
Built-in (transformable bed). A functional solution for small spaces, they can be converted into a chest of drawers or a bookcase.
Podium bed. The structure consists of a flat wooden base. Suitable only for a spacious bedroom, since such a structure takes up twice as much space.
Bunk (one bed rises above the other). Such models are intended for a children's room, as they save free space.

Classification by bed base

The structure is made of natural wooden planks (lamellas), which have a certain rigidity, but at the same time retain plasticity. This foundation has good orthopedic properties. The more lamellas in the base, the longer the service life of the product. And the smaller the distance between them, the greater the load such a structure can withstand.
Armor mesh made of metal. The mattress is placed on top of such a mesh. This design will last for a long time, as the metal mesh is durable. But due to reduced rigidity, such a base sags under the weight of a sleeping person.
Construction made of sheet material (chipboard, plywood, MDF). The cost of such a bed is lower than the other two options. But resistance to strong pressure and weight is also reduced.
Slatted base (has bent and metal slats). Improves the characteristics of the sleeping place.

Bed shape

Round - can be classified as designer furniture. Ideal for an apartment with a high-tech or art deco style. This bed design looks good in a large and spacious room.

Leather is a fairly expensive option. Such a bed should be placed only in an interior that suits it. Caring for it is very simple - just wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

Transformer. Ideal option for a small room. The bed can be folding or built-in. The bedroom headboard will be hidden when assembled.

Podium bed. Looks good in a spacious room. Drawers can be placed below the bed. This design is valued by consumers because of its functionality and storage system.

Bed configuration

The bed frame consists of:

backrests (headboard and footboard);
drawers (side panels designed to accommodate linen drawers);
supports (two or four legs or a solid podium).

The sleeping place can be equipped with ottomans, bedside tables, built-in cabinets and bedside tables.

Additional options:

box for storing bed linen;
a lifting mechanism that provides additional space for personal belongings;
backlight function (lamp built into the back or side);
orthopedic base;
protective side (barrier), it can be built-in or removable, more often found in cribs;
canopy;
mirror inserts.

Another part of the package is the mattress:

Based on foam rubber or its substitute. Using innovative technologies, an orthopedic mattress with sufficient rigidity is created from such soft material. However, its service life is short-lived.
Cotton mattress. An affordable option, but it is not recommended to use it for a long time. Vata has the ability to roll into tubercles, which impair the quality of sleep and negatively affect posture.
Spring mattress. It is considered a suitable option for those with back problems. There are several types of spring blocks and coating options (width of intermediate layers); the service life of such mattresses varies.

The mattress filling can also be anything: coconut coir, latex foam, wool or natural felt, purified buckwheat.

Manufacturing of metal frame

Many people are interested in how to make a metal bed frame yourself. To make such furniture, you need to have skills in working with a welding machine. However, you can make a simple frame from profile pipes or angles using a bolted connection.

Preparation of materials

The size of the bed will depend on the dimensions of the mattress. You will need the following tools:

Bulgarian;
drill with a set of metal drills;
roulette;
square;
square file;
metal brush;
sandpaper;
paint brushes;
primer for metal surfaces;
paintwork.

The material will depend on the design features. The cross-section of the pipes must be at least 20 mm and the thickness - 2 mm.

Creating a backrest

The process of making an iron bed begins with the headboards. To do this, blanks are made from a profile pipe, which are then laid out on a flat surface. The joints are fixed by welding. It is important to monitor the parts so that they do not move to the side during cooking. After this, they begin to clean the joints using a grinder.

Frame making

Now they make a skeleton or metal frame. For this, a channel and corners are used. The end parts of the frame are made from the latter, and the drawers are made from the channels. Special counter holes are drilled into the frames, into which the spikes from the brackets will be attached.

Assembly of the structure

After making the frame, they begin to assemble the entire structure. The frame is welded to the backs with a continuous seam. As a base for the mattress, steel strips are attached to a ready-made frame.

The legs are placed last. When the entire structure is ready, they begin to clean it with a grinder and paint it.

Peculiarities

The pros and cons of beds are considered depending on the type of their design and other details.

Lifting mechanism for beds:

there is no need to exert effort to pull out the drawers;
there is a significant saving of space in the room;
air circulation becomes difficult and ventilation of the mattress decreases.

Sleeping place with solid base:

dust and dirt do not accumulate under such furniture;
the service life of the mattress itself is extended, it does not deform and retains its original appearance for a long time;
It is almost impossible to break through the solid base; in the future you will not have to change the bars of the grill.

Beds with slats base:

the lattice helps to press dents into the mattress, which negatively affects its condition;
the slats break and require replacement.

Beds made of natural wood:

Due to the fact that the elements are made from different types of wood, everyone can choose a decorative design that suits their own budget.
The advantages of wooden finishing include environmental friendliness and naturalness of the material used.
The disadvantages are the capriciousness of the tree itself and the high cost of some species.
Another disadvantage is the susceptibility of wood to changes in temperature and humidity, so placing such a bed in rooms for seasonal use is not recommended.

Based on the shape of the bed, it has become fashionable to purchase round beds. Theoretically, they are considered double, but in reality it is uncomfortable for two people to lie on them, since there is little free space left. Such furniture is only suitable for a room with enough space.

Additionally, you will have to order a special non-standard mattress, the same bed linen, blanket or bedspread, which can cost a significant amount. But the advantages include the absence of corners, which reduces the risk of injury at home.

Low furniture is not suitable for walk-through rooms. There is a constant draft at the base of the floor in such rooms, which is also felt during sleep. A product that is too tall will clutter up the space. This bed is not suitable for small and narrow rooms.

What types of bed bases are there?

It is customary to distinguish separately types of beds based on their base. Among them are:

solid - represent a box in which the mattress is placed. The bottom is flat, usually made of plywood or boards. Over time, plywood can sag. In this design, air circulation is difficult, which leads to moisture accumulation in the mattress. Also, it is better not to use solid bases with orthopedic spring mattresses, since it does not provide a springing effect, like a base with lamellas; as a result, the springs are subject to a heavy load and they quickly fail;
with slats - a modern option that allows the mattress to “breathe” and provides an additional orthopedic effect.

How to choose a bed

The first thing you pay attention to when choosing a bed is the stylistic decision. Having decided on it, you can proceed to the following characteristics:

Choosing the right size (length). To calculate it, you need to add 15-20 centimeters to the height of the person who is going to sleep on this bed.
A comfortable width is considered to be the width at which a person, lying with his hands under his head, will not be able to touch the side edges of the bed with his elbows.
As for the height of the sleeping place, the ideal option would be when the top level of the mattress is in contact with the knees of a person in a standing position. But for older people, a high bed would be an acceptable option.
You should choose a design with a lifting mechanism when it comes to a lack of free space for storing personal belongings.
If in the future such furniture will be often moved around the room, then it is better to choose a design made of slats and grilles.

Determining criteria:

comfort and degree of rigidity of the support;
width that will not hinder movement;
full set;
dimensions;
the quality of the material from which the bed is made.

As for the last criterion, we can go into more detail here. So, if the choice falls on a bed made of metal, you need to make sure that it is coated with an anti-corrosion alloy. It is important that it can be washed, and at the same time it does not succumb to rust in the future. If you opt for a wooden bed, then it is better to give preference to solid wood.

Before purchasing, check how stable the bed is on the surface. The joints and connection lines of the parts are inspected. There should be no visible leaks from the glue anywhere. All screws must be installed evenly and firmly.

Bed frame height

There are three main bed height standards:

European;
Oriental;
American.

A low oriental bed with a height of 20-40 cm from the floor is perfect for those who like to sleep on the floor. This option is considered more youthful, since it is difficult for an older person to get up from a low sleeping place.

The average height is considered classic - a European bed - 50-60 cm. This bed model is located at knee level.

The American model is very tall and can be 80-100 cm from the floor.

Which is better

Experts do not recommend choosing cheap beds made from chipboard or similar materials. At the time of their production, adhesive mixtures are used, which subsequently release harmful volatile substances into the air. And if you constantly inhale such components, it can be harmful to your health.

Before purchasing furniture where “gluing” is used, you need to familiarize yourself with the brand of the fastening agent used and make sure that it is harmless and safe.
To do this, you can ask the seller or manufacturer to provide certificates confirming the points described above. The transforming bed has the most advantages:

Saving space and the ability to place it even in a small room.
Incomparable functionality, due to which, in addition to the bed, the buyer purchases a wardrobe, sofa or table.
Ease of use despite the massive design. It is easy to control such a system due to pneumatic springs and a special lever.
The ability to match any interior, since such a bed is always hidden and does not introduce dissonance with its presence.

Assembly and operation

Before bringing the bed into the room, it is necessary to clear the passages and prepare a place for assembly (area 6 sq.m.).
For self-assembly, the warranty only applies to the parts of the product itself.
The bed is assembled in rooms where there are no ceiling beams and the ceiling height is at least 2.5 meters.
During transportation, do not move the bed holding the slats.
If the headboard or side walls are decorated with mirrors, then they are glued using special double-sided tape (three strips per length of the mirror product).
The maximum load on the sleeping place should be no more than 150 kg (taking into account the weight of the mattress).
Remove dust from the surface of the bed using a soft, dry cloth or polishing wipes, using specially designed compounds.

Bed models

Before going to the store, you need to find out for yourself what kind of bed you need. Get the missing information from the Internet, ask consultants in stores, ask for reviews from people who recently purchased a bed, look at a photo of the bed in the bedroom.

What types of bedroom beds are there? Today, the variety of choices makes you wonder - which one to choose? How to place the bed?

Precautionary measures

Try not to spill liquid on the wooden elements of such a product.
Connections that are secured with screws, screws and ties should be checked periodically and tightened if necessary.
It is not recommended to install the sleeping place near heat sources such as radiators and stoves, as well as directly to damp walls.
Jumping on such furniture, including children, is not allowed.
To make the base last longer, do not place heavy things on its edge.

Common Defects

The following nuances indicate defects::

If the product looks neat on the outside, but the hidden elements are assembled roughly, this indicates a low quality bed or clandestine production.
When purchasing wood furniture, you need to inspect its appearance. Surface heterogeneity and cracks indicate a decrease in the strength of the material itself.
There are glue smudges at the joints. However, during a cursory external examination of the product, such defects may not be noticed, so these places are checked in more detail.
The upholstery (head of the bed) is covered with scratches and wrinkles.
There are loose connections between elements, especially if the base is equipped with additional drawers.
The legs are of different lengths or have chips on them.
A headboard made with decorative elements may have differences on the right and left sides.
The surface covered with paint bubbles and has sagging.

In order not to buy a defective product, before purchasing it is necessary to check all parts and components for defects.

Bed manufacturers

Askona offers a wide selection of mattresses and beds. They are manufactured in Russia together with European countries. Materials: moisture-resistant plywood, eco-leather, chipboard and polyurethane foam. The beds can withstand heavy loads. The pluses include decent upholstery and a quality mattress.
Dream Line produces beds only from natural solid ash and beech. The base consists of orthopedic lamellas, which only enhance the beneficial properties of the mattresses.
Fratelli Barri are Italian beds. Each product looks like a work of art and brings a touch of sophistication to the interior. But the cost is also more noticeable.
A budget option is a bed from the manufacturer Horizont . The base is orthopedic, and it is made from natural materials.
Lonax company first specialized in mattresses, but recently the factory began producing high-quality beds for healthy sleep. The frame is made of laminated chipboard and birch plywood. Eco-leather is used for the upholstery material. All fittings are Italian.
Mozhga is safe and completely natural. The company is more focused on the production of cribs. They are made from solid birch. Finishing is carried out using water-based dyes. Only safe polyurethane enamels and varnishes are used in our work. The base parts and drawers are made of natural wood, which is lined with decorative paper and HDF.
Olimp factory has many years of experience in the manufacture of furniture, including beds, which are made from natural wood. They are truly distinguished by their reliability and practicality, as well as their long service life.
Beds from Promtex-Orient are unchanging classics and 100% functionality. Straight lines and compactness of the base itself do not load the space of the room and are combined with the rest of the interior.
Roll Matratze will satisfy the buyer's request regarding the choice of a massage bed and will provide a line of orthopedic mattresses. The base is collapsible and consists of narrow, overhead slats made of birch. Some models are equipped with grilles that allow you to adjust the hardness of individual zones.
You can find a transformable crib from the manufacturer SKV . This company has been producing this kind of furniture for 10 years. The cribs are presented in a variety of colors, and the cost range allows each buyer to choose an option that suits them. All products are made from environmentally friendly materials.
SMK are standard beds at an affordable price. The frames are made of wood, which ensures their durability. The stable metal legs are equipped with plastic tips that protect the floor surface from dents and scratches.
Manufacturer Triya . All models are made in a laconic style, which simplifies their arrangement with other furniture in the room. At the same time, the sleeping place will not burden the space, and the presence of drawers will provide additional functionality.
Vasko , a furniture factory with 20 years of experience, presents comfortable and compact beds with a lifting mechanism and linen drawers. The material of the frame and headboard is laminated chipboard, which is painted to match the color of natural wood.

The presented manufacturers are only a small part of the factories and companies that produce high-quality beds from different materials.
Therefore, the buyer should first decide on his own requirements for such furniture, and then make a choice in favor of one brand or another. Advertising from sponsors: // // //

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.

Types of bed bases - characteristics, pros and cons

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 orthopedic bed bases, selection criteria

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.

Making a bedspread with your own hands, instructions, tips

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.