So, your child has outgrown the crib, and you are faced with the task of choosing a new sleeping place for him. Sofa beds are well suited for children from three to twelve years old; they can be very different in both shape and “content”. They can also differ significantly in cost (6-122 thousand rubles) and in the type of roll-out mechanism. And besides, there are also such options as a couch, a children's bed, a sofa and much more.
Varieties
A sofa bed for a children's room can have one or two tiers. In addition, the models differ in shape, material of the frame and base, type of back, and strength of the legs. The general classification is as follows:
- With soft sides and sliding drawers - comfortable, versatile models. Suitable for use by babies. The back and sides are covered with fabric upholstery. At the bottom there are drawers for linen, things, any color.
- Transformers are practical, comfortable products that grow with the child. They can be folded, freeing up space for games - an ideal solution for small rooms and mobile children.
- Stylized - children's furniture of this type is made in the form of cars, ships, castles, rockets. Decorated with pictures and patterns. These models are very bright and colorful. Children love these options.
- A couch is a small sofa without a back. For children, they usually purchase a simple, non-folding version. But chaise lounges with armrests and backs, and long soft ottomans are also comfortable.
- Corner - such models are installed strictly in the corner of the room. They have two sides, one on the short side, the other on the long side. The upholstery is soft and there is usually a drawer underneath.
It is impossible to say for sure which option is better. It all depends on your wishes for ergonomics and the amount of free space in the room. For example, corner sofas when folded take up minimal space, and the transformer adapts to the changing needs of the child. Stylized furniture is beautiful, but it is not a purchase that will last for many years.
With shelves
Stylized
Transformer
With drawers and sides
Corner couch
Is a sofa instead of a bed a great idea or not?
First, let's figure out how reasonable the idea of replacing a bed with a sofa is and what is better - a bed or a sofa bed?
Arguments against"
- Children from 7 years old and up to late adolescence should sleep on an orthopedic mattress. Finding a sofa with good filling is not so easy, because a sofa mattress most often depends on the frame.
- The sleeping area of the unfolded sofa has at least one joint.
- The choice of sofa mattresses (including those independent of the frame) is much smaller than standard ones. If a child has spinal health problems, then finding a mattress individually selected by an orthopedist will be difficult or even impossible.
- The sofa bed needs to be unfolded/assembled daily, bed linen laid and cleaned.
- The sofa is more easily soiled, as it is completely upholstered in fabric.
- It is much more difficult to instill in a child the habit of making his own bed.
- A sofa with a mechanism, unlike a regular bed, is much more likely to break and wear out early.
- Most often, a sofa, unlike a children's bed, does not have sides to protect the child from falling.
- Some models require a lot of space when unfolded.
Arguments for"
- A sofa bed is good because it allows a child to sleep, play, and receive guests.
- Almost all sofa beds have drawers underneath for storing bed linen.
- A bed, unlike a sofa, is more dangerous because it has sharp corners and a rigid frame that you can hit, say, during games.
- The folded sofa can be quite compact - 90-100 cm wide, and the bed usually takes up about 110 cm.
Conclusion: for a small nursery, it is rational to use a sofa bed instead of a bed, provided, firstly, a high-quality orthopedic mattress, and secondly, if the child has a healthy spine and leads an active lifestyle.
Design and size depending on the age of the child
Stylish children's beds can be divided into universal ones, suitable for any age, and models that are designed for the youngest or only for teenagers. Products in the form of cars and fairy-tale figures, multi-colored designs with non-staining upholstery are now in fashion. These are quite expensive sofas, but children under 10 years old really like them. A universal option is a transforming bed. It is more restrained in design and does not have bright decorative elements.
When making children's furniture, non-toxic varnishes and paints that are safe for the health of the child should be used.
A sofa bed for a child should be suitable for his age and size:
- From birth to 3 years, a sleeping place 60 x 120 cm is suitable.
- At 3-5 years old, a child can sleep comfortably on beds 140 x 70, 160 x 70, 80 x 190 cm, depending on personal preferences and body size.
- After 6 years, it is better to opt for a teenage sofa measuring 80 x 190 or 90 x 200 cm.
Folding children's sofa beds with a transformer type mechanism will help save the family budget. You can use them for a very long time. Firstly, they grow up with a child. Secondly, they fold and, when folded, take up minimal space in the room (much less than a regular bed).
What types of folding children's sofa bed frames are there?
The choice of sofa is carried out not only by external parameters, but also by internal design. Several centuries ago, the frame of sofas was made exclusively from hard wood: maple, beech, birch and so on. Now the choice has expanded, and the most popular are: metal, plywood, chipboard, wood.
Wood is still popular, has valuable environmental qualities, and is a durable material. But its successful application requires careful adherence to production technology. Only in this case does it retain all its valuable qualities. For the manufacture of the main load-bearing part of the frame, timber is used, and for the side parts - laminated veneer lumber. All parts are secured with bolts, screws are not used.
Plywood is an expensive material, lightweight and reliable. It does not change the structure during operation. Suitable for small children's sofas as it cannot be glued. For large sofas it is better to use chipboard. Plywood sofas are given an increased warranty of up to 10 years.
Metal allows you to give the sofa an interesting shape. The metal frame is durable, easy to repair, and fire resistant.
In children's furniture it is better to use a combination of materials. This will increase the service life of the sofa and improve its quality characteristics.
Now it’s clear which sofa to choose for your child to sleep on. The main thing is to choose with love and care. And judging by the children’s vivid emotions, it will become clear that the choice turned out to be correct.
Frame material
A regular or orthopedic sofa bed can have different types of base. The task of parents is to choose the best option. Main types:
- Wood and metal are a strong, reliable, durable combination. Forged models look very beautiful, but have an impressive weight and a high price. But they are not afraid of children's jumping - this is an option for centuries.
- Chipboard - budget beds, medium in strength, beautiful and inexpensive. Active children's games do not always survive. It is important that toxic varnishes and paints are not used for processing.
Lamels are also used in children's sofas - elastic solid slats that have pronounced springy properties, easily tolerate increased loads, and enhance the orthopedic effect. A solid base can be made of plastic or wood - the first option is several times cheaper, the second is much stronger.
Springs and grilles are flexible, easy-to-clean structures that allow air to pass through well. The mesh may sag, there is no spring. If the legs of the children's sofa are high enough, it will be convenient to clean. The solid blind contour creates reliable protection from debris, but cleaning the floors underneath is not easy.
A single bed can have 4 or 5 legs - models with 5 legs are more reliable.
Wooden frame
Chipboard with metal lifting mechanism
Wooden frame with metal lifting mechanism
Folding sofa with slats
Mechanisms of transformation
There are four popular types of transformation of children's beds. All of them are comfortable and ergonomic. Peculiarities:
- Roll-out sofa. You need to pull the handle, which is located at the bottom of the body, and the sleeping place will come out from under the sofa. The back will take a horizontal position on its own. Thanks to the wheels, you don't need to put in much effort.
- Dolphin. The folding principle resembles the movements of a diving dolphin or a jumping kangaroo. The additional section rolls out from under the seat, then with the help of a loop it is placed in the same position as the main compartment.
- Accordion. This is a compact sofa, when disassembled it takes up to 2 m. To transform it, you need to pull the seat towards you by the handrail until it is fully straightened, and fix the horizontal position.
- Tango. This is a cozy sofa with a bed, with soft armrests that quickly turn into headrests. The side parts are transformed by pressing clockwise. The load on the armrests when they are raised should not exceed 40 kg.
To make it convenient to unfold a children's sofa, manufacturers use a special mechanism to lift the lattice of slats along with the mattress. It provides access to the niche with laundry, as well as a simple, smooth lift. All bed mechanisms must have a solid working life.
Simple and complex mechanisms
Accordion
Tango
Dolphin
Roll-out
Sofa models for girls
“When looking at folding sofas, one must take into account that this item will remain in children’s everyday life for several years, therefore, its color scheme and upholstery pattern should not be tedious or intrusive.”
Like boys' sofas, girls' sofas also stand out, first of all, for their color, and only then for the specific design. For young beauties, they are covered with fabric of warm, light shades. Girls respond well to bright solutions, so don’t be afraid of rich colors.
Bright sofa for a girl's children's room
Among cartoon characters, young ladies prefer princesses and fairies, gnomes and unicorns. They are especially delighted with thematically designed sleeping places, for example, a sofa-carriage, a Thumbelina bed, designs with canopies or in the form of cute animals. Such furniture will perfectly diversify the decor in the nursery. Girls' sofas always include cushions decorated with ruffles and tassels. Sofa cushions can be sewn in the shape of a mushroom, cloud, sunflower, chamomile and other non-standard, but very attractive options.
Themed sofa for the children's room
General nuances
When looking at folding sofas, you need to take into account that this item will remain in children's everyday life for several years, therefore, its color scheme and upholstery pattern should not be tedious or intrusive. The same applies to the design of the sofa. It should remain relevant as the child grows up.
The sofa should remain relevant as the child grows
The desire of parents to buy a sofa “with a reserve” is understandable and natural, but it still must be smaller and lower than an adult so that the kids can climb on it independently.
Filler
A bed with an orthopedic mattress is the best choice for a child’s back health. Such bases provide high-quality support to the spine and have a memory effect.
The main types of fillers are spring blocks, conventional hard and soft bases. The first option provides good back support and is quite rigid. There are two types:
- Bonnel - has a high price and excellent quality, consists of ordinary springs. If used correctly, it is a durable option and provides good support for the spine. The elements are connected to each other and attached to the frame at the bottom of the sofa.
- Independent springs - in them, each element is placed in a separate case. Under load, the springs operate autonomously from each other. A sofa for a child with an independent block retains its elasticity and attractive appearance, and has good orthopedic properties.
The hard edges of the springs must be carefully insulated to prevent injury to the child.
Springless fillers are a more comfortable and inexpensive option. The main types used in children's sofas:
- Coconut is considered the most hygienic and safe material. This is an ideal solution for small children. A mattress with coconut bark provides uniform back support, has a memory effect, is not afraid of moisture, and is well breathable. The rigidity is moderate, the material does not cause allergic reactions.
- Latex is a natural substance obtained from the exotic Hevea plant. It has many advantages - antibacterial, antifungal properties, hypoallergenic, moisture-resistant, elastic shape. It does not rot and does not absorb dust. Hardness is usually medium.
- Polyurethane foam is a modern modification of foam rubber, durable, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and environmentally friendly. It does not decompose, does not crumble, does not burn, has good orthopedic properties, and is breathable.
Cotton fillers are not suitable for children's beds. They are short-lived, easily soiled, and labor-intensive to care for. Cotton wool is now practically not used in furniture production.
Bonnell
Independent springs
Polyurethane foam
Latex
Coconut
Upholstery materials
When choosing upholstery for a child's bed, the main factor to consider is practicality. Children are always active and rarely neat, so you need to be prepared for unpleasant surprises like stains and other dirt. Criteria to be followed:
- color fastness;
- abrasion resistance;
- density;
- fire resistance;
- breathability.
The most popular upholstery fabrics for children's sofas:
- Tapestry is a type of jacquard. The threads are intertwined very tightly, due to which a characteristic beautiful texture is created, and the strength of the fabric is maximized. Various shades and textures are available for sale. Removing dirt is easy. Thermal jacquard is a fabric based on undyed white jacquard fabric, on top of which thermal paper is applied (a pattern is applied to it). Children's sofas with tapestry upholstery are beautiful and non-staining.
- Chenille is a mixed fiber that contains semi-synthetic and synthetic threads. Since they are intertwined in different directions, the finished fabric is durable. It is environmentally safe, does not absorb unpleasant odors, and does not cause allergic reactions. The only negative is significant moisture absorption. The range of colors is huge, so there is an interesting option for any room. Practicality is enhanced by special impregnations.
- Flock is a satin, twill, cotton, polyester base for upholstery of children's sofas, covered with artificial fine pile. It has significant resistance to mechanical damage and does not absorb dirt. Flock is suitable for families with pets, as it does not scratch.
Eco-leather, suede, leather, corduroy, velor are not used for upholstery of children's furniture, since they do not meet the requirements. The main inconsistencies are high price, soiling, inability to pass air.
Chenille
Tapestry
Flock
Additional functionality
A bunk bed with a sofa underneath for a child's room is a classic option. But there is another solution, like a loft bed. In this case, the sleeping place is located at the top, and below is a table and a play area. Length and width are teenage. The body of a children's sofa with two tiers is usually made of PVC or laminated chipboard. To reach the second floor, a wooden or metal staircase is provided. Standard equipment - wardrobe, cabinet, pull-out table.
Beds with shelves on the sides, drawers, boxes for linen and toys are comfortable. They take up the same space as standard models, but are more functional. The built-in light on the side back provides sufficient illumination for reading; the child will not cling to it, like a regular clothespin.
Transformers come in different variants. All models in this category have maximum functionality and take up minimal space. One design contains everything a child needs - linen drawers, a changing board, and a chest of drawers. A children's sofa bed with convertible laundry drawers can in the future be converted into a small sofa with a side bumper to protect against falls.
The presence of low sides is a useful addition for a child. Children often sleep restlessly and may fall out of bed. Low sides will not provide 100% protection against falls. By choosing a sofa bed with a linen drawer, the buyer will additionally receive convenient storage for bed linen, towels, and various small items.
Additional functions mean maximum ergonomics and space saving, but such products are more expensive than simple designs.
Having a play area below is an interesting solution. Allows you to save space and organize the available space as usefully as possible. The bed niche can be filled in different ways - install a roll-out children's sofa bed, a table or a rack with toys, books and other things in it. The sleeping area on the second floor has railings.
Another comprehensive solution is a child’s bed with a built-in table on the ground floor and a staircase. The cabinet included in the set is equipped with everything necessary - drawers, shelves, rods. By choosing this option, parents provide the child with a full-fledged sleeping place, a work area, and a place to store small items.
An armrest table for a laptop is a good option for teenagers. The folding board can be easily removed and unfolded, has universal dimensions, and allows you to place your laptop off your lap. This means that working with it will be convenient and safe.
If there are two children and one room, it is better to stay on a bunk bed. It saves space and provides optimal comfort. The set includes drawers on guides. If you need a full-fledged sofa, then an accordion bed or a book that folds up quickly and takes up minimal space is ideal for a child’s room.
A children's sofa bed must meet basic parameters. These are color, dimensions, convenience, functionality. All this must be taken into account when choosing, take into account the price and the interior of the room. Safety is important - no toxic varnishes, sharp corners, rough edges or nails. The design must correspond to the age of the child - it can be a classic, teenage or children's stylized version.
Note to parents
The height of the sofa should correspond to the age of the child. Children of three to five years of age need the lowest models.
The estimated service life of a children's sofa is 7 years. After this, the furniture will need to be reupholstered or replaced.
For a child under eight years old, it is better to purchase sofas that fold out like an “accordion” or models with a roll-out mechanism.
For children under 8 years old, an accordion sofa is suitable
The thickness of a sofa mattress in a children's room should be at least 8 centimeters.
Give preference to Teflon-impregnated upholstery. There will be no traces on such fabric either from accidentally spilled liquids or from children's creativity.
Teflon-impregnated upholstery will protect the sofa from stains
The guideline for choosing the color of the sofa should be the child’s temperament. Muted shades and blurry patterns are suitable for fidgets. For passive kids, it is better to choose something bright.
The color of the upholstery will also affect the perception of the nursery space. Pastel will add airiness to the atmosphere, but dark colors can weigh it down and even make it irritating.
A sofa in pastel colors will add airiness to the space
If there are two children in the house, even if they are twins, it is not necessary to buy sofas for them in the same color scheme and design. The exception is the transformable sofa.
