For many people, the issue of purchasing or ordering is relevant. folding bed-cabinet This modern technological development can very well complement the interior of your room. But such a product cannot be ordered from us everywhere. Is it possible to ask for a folding bed-wardrobe on your own? Maybe.
What is needed to make a bed-wardrobe?
Folding bed
Three components are needed:
1. Ability to tinker;
2. Tool;
3. Funds ($300-1000), depending on your skills and capabilities.
Let's take a closer look at each aspect.
1. The ability to tinker - assumes that you have some experience in using basic carpentry tools, and doing this brings you pleasure. If in your life you have made a bedside table, shelf or birdhouse according to size and your creation aroused admiration among others, then you definitely know how to craft, and you have every chance of making a bed yourself.
2. Tool. You need a corner, a level, a tape measure, a ruler, a carpenter's pencil, a saw with small tooth, drill with hammer. Screwdrivers, pliers, clamps, keys, files, sanding paper, shoemaker's knife, drills, hacksaw for metal. The missing tool can be purchased, but you won’t be able to do without it when creating a folding bed-wardrobe.
3. Funds (costs). Before starting a project, it is imperative to first calculate the cost of work and materials and add 10 percent of the total amount for unforeseen expenses.
Where to begin?
Before starting work, you need to clearly determine the overall dimensions of the structure and all structural elements future bed. Design all components, fastening elements, decide on materials and, most importantly, on the mechanism for lifting the bed-wardrobe.
As a rule, such a design consists of three main elements: a firmly fixed fixed base and the actual movable base - a bed with a mattress, which are connected to each other by a hinge.
Let's look at each element more specifically. Each of them performs only its own functions, and the reliability and functionality of the future product depends on the meticulous approach to the implementation of elements.
The fixed base must be strong enough in itself, because for its intended purpose it must withstand a serious load, because a moving bed and a lifting mechanism will be attached to it, and in addition, the base must be firmly attached to the wall or ceiling and floor. There can be many options for the design of this bed element. Furniture manufacturers make the base mainly as a box for the cabinet, which is additionally attached to the wall.
In this case, the wall must be laid with at least two bricks. Since the furniture is made of chipboard, in this design of the base it is justified to strengthen the vertical walls of the base to which the moving part is mounted with metal corners or a hardwood board. Chipboard is too fragile a material to withstand heavy loads, and in such a massive structure as a bed-wardrobe, a margin of safety will not be superfluous.
Also, the basis can be two vertical support posts made of strong dry board or metal pipes, securely fixed to the ceiling and floor.
The lifting mechanism is the connecting link between the static base and the movable frame with the mattress. There can be many options for its implementation, the main thing is that the lifting mechanism is as strong as possible and that it is securely attached to other structural elements. These can be garage curtains, axles with a bearing, a solid axle running across the entire width of the bed and movably connecting to the sidewalls.
But the hinge itself is only half the battle; the frame with the mattress should easily rise and be fixed in a vertical position. There are several options here too. Gas shock absorbers (elevators) are ideal for this purpose; blocks of twisted springs and a counterweight, which is mounted on a movable bed-frame, can be used to reduce the load when lifting. The moving part should be as light as possible in order to reduce the load on the entire structure and the lifting mechanism.
A factory orthopedic frame consisting of metal profile square section and birch lamellas, which are made from plywood and bent in a certain way. This lifting part will be as light and functional as possible.
The orthopedic frame is equipped with legs, the height of which can be adjusted to required sizes. And so that the mattress does not move around the perimeter of the orthopedic frame, you need to make a side from a high-quality board or plywood.
The ratio of the force of the springs and the moving part of the bed is determined experimentally, depending on the weight and materials from which you made the structural elements.
Do it yourself
DIY sofa
The sofa is the main piece of furniture in the interior of the living room or any other room intended for receiving guests, relaxing or watching TV. One of the important questions when...
Compact and multifunctional folding furniture - great option for a small apartment. Often the same room has to be used for different purposes, and the room has to be transformed from one state to another very quickly, so the use of folding furniture is very useful.
The working principle of a folding bed. a - the bed can be easily removed from the cabinet niche; b - bed unfolded.
A folding bed is one of the most popular options for creating a versatile space.
Folding bed options
- Folding. Very convenient option, which allows you to significantly save room space, since the structure can be completely removed. You can make such a bed yourself; just take a regular spring mattress and place it in wooden frame and secure the structure with loops to a beam nailed to the wall.
- Secretary bed. This design consists of two supporting posts to which a folding bed is attached. In this case, the outer wall, when folded, will serve as a desk cover.
- Folding bed. A well-known Soviet-era version. Modern folding beds are more convenient and compact, they fold easily and can be stored in special bedside tables and cabinets.
Features of the folding design
Folding structures can be horizontal or vertical. If we are talking about a sleeping place for a child, then most often they choose horizontal version, which a child is quite capable of folding on his own. As for the load on a folding bed, it can be absolutely anything, so it’s perfect for everyone, regardless of weight category. Solid wood or chipboard is used as the main material, and a mandatory element is a lifting mechanism in the form of gas elevators or special springs. It is more rational to use gas elevators, whose service life is longer than that of springs, and they do not require additional adjustment. You should also take into account such a nuance as fastening the bed, which is only possible if you have thick concrete walls.
A folding bed is a multifunctional piece of furniture. Additional shelves above and on its sides, cabinets, racks, and you can provide a special compartment for bed linen will help to further expand the purpose of the sleeping area. If your bed goes into a closet, then another similar closet for storing things will look good next to it. The folding design can fit into almost any interior, regardless of the size of the room and its purpose. The main thing is to carefully work on the stylistic design of the room and wisely select other pieces of furniture. The dimensions must comply with generally accepted standards: the width of a single bed should be 80 cm, a double bed should be 160 cm, and the length should be at least 2 m. A mattress is selected in accordance with the dimensions, the filling of which can be very varied depending on personal preferences.
Making a folding bed yourself
To build a bed with your own hands, you will need boards, chipboard or fiberboard, plywood, fasteners, a lifting mechanism, hinges, a mattress, and belts. First of all, it is worth drawing up a project for the sleeping area, in which all dimensions will be accurately indicated. The best option there will be a transforming bed that folds into a closet. In this case, its width and length should be slightly less than the width and height of the cabinet. Then we proceed to making the frame of the future bed from boards and chipboard. Please note that the structure must be, on the one hand, durable, and on the other, light. The front legs of the bed can be made in the form solid wall, fixed on hinges.
Particular attention should be paid to the installation of the lifting mechanism. As noted above, it is best to use gas elevators as a lift, the power of which is selected in accordance with the weight of the bed. The gas elevator is installed in this way: the parts are attached to the sides of the bed and the sides of the closet. The next step is to install the shock absorbers first from below and then from above. If you decide to make a single bed with a light bed, you can limit yourself to hinges and not install an additional lifting mechanism. After constructing and installing the bed frame and installing the lifting mechanism, all you have to do is lay the mattress and secure it with special straps. The final step will be the installation of cabinet doors and adjustment of fittings. Your trundle bed is ready for use.
Any folding bed is a wonderful design move for both a small room and a spacious room. During the day the room can be used for relaxation, study, work, and at night you can relax on comfortable bed. By making a folding bed with your own hands, you will create a unique and original interior, saving significant amounts of money.
One of the most stylish and ergonomic solutions for unusual bedrooms in private houses and apartments is the purchase of furniture such as a wardrobe bed. In appearance, it is no different from an ordinary bed, but its main feature is hidden inside. The design of the wardrobe bed has a mechanism that attaches it to the wall. Thus, if there is a lack of free space, you can easily fold the bed, securing it in a vertical position, and thereby significantly expand the free area. In the evening, the structure can easily be moved to a horizontal position, and thanks to a special tilting mechanism, absolutely any housewife can handle it.
In the closet, it has exactly the same appearance as in the photo.
As you can see, the design is quite unusual.
How to make a wardrobe bed with your own hands? About the design
First, let's look at the configuration of this type of furniture. And it consists of only a few parts:
- Grounds ( sleeping place).
- A steel frame (frame) that is fixed to the wall.
In this case, the base is attached to the bottom of the frame. This configuration is also called a “compartment bed” in the furniture industry. It can be attached to the frame on one of the short sides. In this case, the furniture when folded will look like a cabinet. If the base of the structure is connected by a long end, then the product in this state can be used as a cabinet. However, no matter what type of wardrobe-bed it has, the main thing is that it is firmly fixed to the wall and does not “slide” to a horizontal position.
About the drawing
As we can see, the wardrobe-bed (a photo of the diagram of this furniture can be seen below) has a very primitive design. However, if you decide to make this product yourself, you should not abandon the drawing. Draw a diagram of the location of all the workers and mechanisms, calculate the distances, all dimensions and make the calculation. This way, you will not only reduce the risks of creating a crooked design (as happens when creating a product from a drawing “from your head”), but also significantly reduce the cost of materials, since you will already know the exact number of metal corners and wood boards. When purchasing the latter, you should pay attention Special attention their quality, since the correct positioning of the mattress and your overall comfort during sleep will depend on them.
It should lie tightly on the boards. But at the same time, the mattress should be placed so that it can be easily removed if necessary.
Do-it-yourself wardrobe-bed - the process of assembling the frame structure
The frame is the base of the entire bed, which must withstand enormous loads and not bend when mechanical damage. In our case, it will consist of 3 sides of the same height and sides that hold the boards and mattress. One of the parties will be supplied lifting mechanism, accordingly, it must be as durable and reliable as possible. Its height may be equal to all other sides, or it may be slightly lower - there is no difference. Which one to choose? Made by yourself, it can be supplied with both a gas lift and furniture hinges. The latter option can be considered if the budget for the manufacture of this design is very limited.
But before you make a wardrobe bed with your own hands, remember that all the parts that will form the frame must be connected into a complete structure with wooden pins. They should be coated first special glue. You also need to drill holes for them before installation. The pins should not have a round, but a rectangular shape, that is, each corner in them should have an inclination of 90 degrees. Of course, it is impossible to guarantee a reliable connection of all parts with glue alone, so when it dries, screw several additional screws into the structure. This way you can finally secure all sides of the bed.
Limiters
After screwing in the screws, you need to install special mattress stops on the wardrobe bed yourself. Also, do not forget about additional stiffening ribs, which will give the device greater strength. A yard with a cross section of 100x50 millimeters should be secured around the entire perimeter. It will serve as a limiter for the mattress. Here we attach the longitudinal crossbar. After this, it is necessary to install the transverse planks. The mattress itself will lie on the latter. The boards are installed at an equal distance from each other. The optimal distance is 50 centimeters.
Mounting location
How to make a wardrobe bed with your own hands after assembling the frame? Here you need to think about exactly where it will be installed on the wall. It is best to use self-tapping screws to connect the cabinet to the base.
You can also use special steel fasteners, which are attached to the sides of the device and then mounted to the wall.
Installation of the lifting mechanism
As we noted above, this furniture is equipped with either gas elevators or furniture hinges. In the first case, you will need to buy 2 elevators and for each of them make a corresponding base on one side of the frame.
In the case of hinges, you will also need 2 of these devices. Please note - the wardrobe-bed with a gas-lift type lifting mechanism is designed so that most it takes on the load and weight of the tool. Therefore, you can lift even a one-and-a-half-size sofa with just one hand.
Facades
After this, it is necessary to purchase and install planks into the facades, which are attached to the long side of the device frame. Partially, these parts can serve as a side. They are mounted to the base using special loops, which are usually included with these products.
If used as planks and other wooden parts If you used products from fresh wood (natural pine, for example), then it is best to treat it with additional varnish.
It is not necessary to use paint. All you need to do is buy a jar of transparent or translucent varnish (the label will say “for wood”) and brush over all areas of the surface wooden products. It is also worth noting that before varnishing, this product should be carefully treated with stain.
Film finishing
There is one more Alternative option- gluing wood with a special film. It can be painted chrome, wood of any ornament or plastic. This way you will not only protect the bed from moisture, but also make its design harmonize as much as possible with the interior of the bedroom. By the way, even a chipboard panel covered with such a film can look like natural oak or cedar (of course, if you choose the appropriate sticker design).
Additionally, this bed can be used as a wardrobe when folded. To do this, you just need to equip its frame with additional shelves. This design does not harm the interior of the room at all, and also significantly saves free space in the house.
On at this stage can be permanently attached to the wall and used as a full-fledged sleeping place for 1 or 2 people (depending on what frame dimensions you have chosen).
If you value your small and cozy apartment, despite all the hardships and hardships that it presents to you every day, this lesson is for you. You can significantly increase the free space in your bedroom with just one item - a DIY folding bed. The main and most expensive element in this assembly is a spring mechanism, with the help of which any ordinary wardrobe can turn into an unusual folding bed.
Step 1: Cabinet Frame
Before you begin assembling the cabinet frame, you need to decide on the wood. As the main material, we chose the cheapest sheets of plywood, which were immediately cut to size in the workshop. So when you go to choose the material, you need to clearly understand what you want to get in the end and have a detailed plan or drawing of the folding bed. We connect three plywood sheets in the shape of the letter P and twist them using corners and self-tapping screws.
Step 2: Partitions at the back
When the U-shaped structure has already been formed, all that remains is to strengthen it with transverse plywood sheets. The first bar on top goes at an angle; it will serve as the head of the bed, which is why it is better to tilt it slightly away from the bed. Below, under the headboard, we place a plywood partition, and under it, on the other side, a beam that gives rigidity to the entire structure.
Step 3: Bed Base
As a base for the bed, we made a frame from boards 10 cm high and 2.5 cm thick; the size of our frame should ideally fit into the frame near the wall. We screw two sheets of plywood underneath the frame, and cover the joint of the two sheets again with a plywood sheet.
Step 4: Place it against the wall and attach the folding mechanism
As soon as the base is ready, we place it against the wall and fix it with corners, dowels and self-tapping screws. We will also definitely need a folding mechanism, which must be screwed to the sides of the base in accordance with the instructions (detailed and understandable) included in the kit. You won’t find such a mechanism in a regular hardware store, so if you don’t have specialized stores nearby, we recommend looking for it on the Internet.
Step 5: Connecting the body and bed
At this stage, you simply need an assistant, without whom it will not be easy to screw and hold the mattress frame. It is noteworthy that already at this stage, after you have connected the folding mechanism to the frame for the mattress, you can safely use such a bed, but you still need to complete the finishing work.
Step 6: Finishing
To make the front of the folding bed look like a closet, we used this simple technique. Pre-cut plywood blanks will form the appearance of two doors and will be able to effectively, and most importantly inexpensively, diversify the boring façade of our bed. How and with what to fasten these boards can be seen in the photo below; you can use both nails and short self-tapping screws.
Well, the time has come for the dirtiest of all processes - painting. We decided to lighten the whole project a little and used traditional white paint, but you have a lot of choice, so don’t be afraid to experiment, get creative and develop your own individual style.
Step 7: Finished Folding Bed
We deliberately did not disclose the installation details of the legs, since they usually come complete with a folding mechanism, or are sold separately, also with fairly clear instructions.
Voila! Not too bad for a budget project and a first attempt at something like this. Now it's time to bring in bedside tables, lamps, a mattress, a blanket, pillows, and a large rug. Finally, screw two handles on the front of the frame to make it more like a closet, and also to have something to pull on the bed frame.
An example of the use and construction of such a folding bed
The bed with a folding mechanism is a transformable design. The product can be modified into a cabinet if necessary, furniture wall, helping to save space in small apartments. The design is easy to use, compact, technologically advanced, and provides quality rest. DIY folding bed - a budget option. Self-installation reduces the cost of the product, allows you to develop your own design, add details (shelves, mirrors, etc.).
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Types of folding beds
Designs with a folding mechanism are multifunctional, because... combine several pieces of furniture. Manufacturers produce beds combined with a wardrobe, sofa or shelving unit. There are designs that transform into a cabinet.
A bed with a folding mechanism, built into the closet, allows you to accommodate a single bed or a double Euro-format bed. Options have been developed that hide 2 separate beds. The doors of the simulated closet can swing open or slide apart.
Models of beds combined with a wardrobe and a sofa are ergonomic and allow you to create a place for daytime rest. The design is spacious, so only double-size models are produced. A bed with a sofa is more expensive than other transformers.
The design with a folding mechanism can be modified into a cabinet. When disassembled, the product serves as a sleeping bed, and during the day it frees up space for a study. The model is budget-friendly, because does not require a powerful lifting device.
Placing a folding bed on the balcony is an ergonomic solution for small studios. But to organize a resting place, you will need to insulate the room.
Folding beds can have one or several tiers. The more common products are single-seat. Designs with 2 tiers are used when arranging rooms for children and teenagers.
According to the opening method, models are divided into 2 groups: transversely folding (horizontal) and longitudinally folding (vertical).
Vertical lift bed is popular in small apartments. The sleeping bed is attached perpendicular to the wall surface. The model is not limited in length and width. The size range is represented by single, one-and-a-half and double products. The structures are massive and are not intended for children's rooms.
Beds with a horizontal lifting mechanism are suitable for narrow rooms with low ceilings. The designs are optimal for attics and children's rooms, because... take up minimal space even when unfolded. The products can be disguised as bookcases and shelves.
Types of fasteners
3 types of folding mechanisms for transformable beds have been developed: manual, spring, gas.
IN handheld device There are no elements that make it easier to lift the bed, so physical effort is required during operation. The mounting structure is simple, reliable and inexpensive. However, the mechanism is not suitable for children's bedrooms.
The spring design is universal, with affordable price. The lifting mechanism uses twisted spirals. The manufacturer issues a warranty on the system from 3 to 5 years. During operation, the bed must be inspected and the condition of the springs monitored.
The gas mechanism is the most functional, reliable, and durable. The device does not require physical effort during operation, because the bed is raised by gas lifts. The power of the mechanism is selected depending on the dimensions of the structure and the weight of the mattress. Manufacturers' warranty on devices is 10 years. The cost of the mechanism is high.
Fastening elements are selected taking into account the dimensions of the bed. The configuration of the room and the availability of free space influence the choice of horizontal or vertical view rise.
The power of the gas mechanism is selected taking into account operating conditions. Some devices have a limit permissible load, therefore it is necessary to take into account the weight of the bed and mattress when choosing a wall mounting system. Amplifiers and blockers are included with the mechanisms to protect against arbitrary operation of the device.
Drawings of a folding bed
When making a folding bed with your own hands according to the drawings, you can use diagrams with standard parameters. Custom design is also possible. You can design furniture according to drawings tailored to the dimensions, room configuration and required functionality. The product can be complemented with a chest of drawers, drawers, shelves, including them in the drawing.
Typical design should be built using the parameters of the bed base, cabinet frame, lifting mechanism, and decorative elements. It is required to attach the box to the wall, based on the dimensions shown on the dimensional and assembly drawings. It is important to accurately carry out the installation diagram of the power element, taking into account the thickness of the mechanism, the height and width of the bed, the thickness of the sides, etc. It is required to display the main fastening lines in the drawings.
Self-assembly of the structure
Before making a folding bed, you need to prepare a set of tools, raw materials, elements and installation diagrams. Will be required wooden beam under the frame, edged boards for crossbars, and for sidewalls and headboard - furniture panels. The kit includes plywood sheets, loops for attaching the structure to the wall, bars for legs. The set of tools includes a tape measure, a level and a square, a jigsaw, a set of screwdrivers and screwdrivers, a drill, and a grinder.
Work on assembling the structure is carried out at smooth surface. At each stage it is necessary to check the perpendicularity of the corners using a square. A typical design involves the assembly of an internal mechanism, a sleeping surface, front walls, handles, and straps for securing bedding and a mattress.
DIY vertical folding bed
The vertical lift structure includes a box, a sleeping surface, lifting device. For the type of fastening, the strength of the walls is important; concrete or brick panels are preferred.
Work begins with the assembly of the frame, the dimensions of which are influenced by the size of the sleeping bed. The main components of the box: vertical and horizontal walls, back panel, supporting shelf and baseboard. The depth of the frame is determined taking into account the thickness of the mattress, 32 cm is added to the indicator. For a furniture box, the width of the mattress is important, to which 16 cm is added. The parts of the box are attached with self-tapping screws, the elements located on the facade are attached with glue.
Then the sleeping area is assembled, which consists of the sides, headboard, and slatted base. The mattress is attached to loops of belts. The box and the bed are connected with a lifting mechanism using self-tapping screws. The work is completed by installing the parts. Shelves are installed on the sides of the box, and cabinets for linen are installed below.
What do you do with old furniture?
