Double bed with a lifting mechanism, which is better to choose and why

The cost of empty space in modern residential premises often exceeds the cost of material assets in these premises. This leaves a certain imprint on the selection of furniture and the organization of the interior. A correctly selected double bed with a lifting mechanism can solve several problems at once. Firstly, it is a sleeping place, which has a pleasant view and is designed for two people. Secondly, many things can be stored in it due to the considerable amount of internal space.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the positive qualities of beds with a lifting mechanism, the following can be noted:

The absence of drawers that limit the distance to the walls and have a significantly lower capacity and service life;
The orthopedic frame is included in the design of the bed and it does not need to be purchased separately;
Convenient access to the contents of the internal space. The mattress smoothly rises with a special mechanism, without requiring significant effort;
Significant savings in free space in the bedroom and the apartment as a whole;
The material of manufacture of such furniture solutions allows you to choose the best option for the price, appearance and functionality of the product;
Relatively easy care. The design has no areas inaccessible for cleaning.

There are also negative aspects:

The horizontal arrangement of the bed body, which is also a wardrobe, contributes to the rapid accumulation of dust and debris. However, this is easily eliminated by timely cleaning;
A high-quality lifting mechanism is not cheap, and its budget counterparts have a significantly lower operational resource. This point should be taken into account when choosing and, if it is supposed to often raise the structure with a mattress, emphasize the quality of the mechanism;
The area affected by the bulk of the sleeper may sag over time. The likelihood of a similar problem depends on the mass of the user, the characteristics of the mattress and orthopedic base;
Double beds with a lifting mechanism in the vast majority of cases - these are dimensional products that have a high mass. The combination of these two factors imposes a number of restrictions on the movement of the bed, which cannot be carried out alone without damaging the floor;
The design of some beds makes it extremely inconvenient or even impossible to clean the bedside space.

Types of mechanisms and opening options

The mechanism for lifting the mattress largely depends on the type of bed. If this bed is stationary, it will most likely have a Victoria lifting mechanism for which gas shock absorbers or coil spring devices are used. For built-in beds, a hinge mechanism is used, the design of which may differ depending on the direction of folding.

Opening options are distinguished by the method of implementation and the direction of folding. Most often, beds are equipped with a manual lifting mechanism, but there are solutions with an electric drive and a remote control. The beds are folding in two directions - horizontal and vertical, more often you can observe the last option. Let us consider in more detail each of the types of lifting mechanisms.

Gas shock absorbers

Beds equipped with such devices are most comfortable to use. The entire load when lifting the orthopedic unit with a mattress lies on the lifting mechanism, which allows you to open the bed without much effort.

The mass of the structure that gas shock absorbers can lift depends on the pressure in the pistons and can reach 100 kg. This makes it easy to cope even with massive models of mattresses and orthopedic frames. The disadvantage of shock absorbers is their high cost, which, on the other hand, is offset by reliability, convenience and a long service life.

Spring mechanism

Models on spiral springs have a more affordable price, and therefore are still in demand by the consumer. Although according to some observations, demand for them is steadily falling. There are a number of reasons for this, the main one being the small operational resource of the mechanism.

For the manufacture of springs, high-quality steel is required, which the manufacturer does not want to spend on cheap products. As a result, the service life of the spring is on average 3 to 5 years, after which it stretches and stops working. The service life does not depend on the number of lifts, because the spring is in the most extended state when the bed is folded. It is impossible to replace only a failed element of the mechanism; you need to change the assembly completely.

Another disadvantage of the spring blocks is their significantly lower lifting power compared to gas shock absorbers, which is also constantly decreasing. The child will not open such a bed, some female representatives, too.

Hinged

The easiest and most affordable option. To access the contents of the internal space, the mattress will have to be removed. In addition, you will have to get objects with one hand, the other will need to hold the structure so that it does not fall on your head. Of course, you can ask someone to hold them or back them up with something, and in some constructions fixation is provided. Nevertheless, such mechanisms are still popular, which is facilitated by simplicity, reliability, almost unlimited service life and, of course, cost.

Bed options (carcass shape)

The main components of the bed are the frame, base and mattress. The mattress can be ordered separately or use the one left from the previous bed. The base is what the mattress rests on and with which it rises by means of an appropriate mechanism. Well, the frame is actually a large box for useful things, on which the base and mattress are located. So, what you need to know about these elements when choosing a double bed with a lifting mechanism.

Frame

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the dimensions of the bed. This factor is especially important if the bed is taken under an existing mattress or there are spatial restrictions. There are standard sizes for both beds and mattresses. Double options can be 1600, 1400 and 1200 millimeters wide. The length in most cases is 2 meters; specimens of 1900 mm are much less common. If a length of more than two meters is required, such a bed will have to be ordered individually, like a mattress. This also applies to non-standard solutions, for example, round, oval, heart-shaped or other objects.

The most common three types of frames:

The first species is characterized by the presence of two backs and two side panels (tsar). In a budget version, the entire frame is made of laminated particleboard (chipboard). Connections are realized using furniture corners or eccentric couplers (minifix);
A more expensive option is that it has a draft frame (similar to that described above). To him, in turn, are attached decorative backs and pads on the legs. Outwardly, such beds look much more spectacular, which largely depends on the material of decorative elements. The support, as in the first case, falls on the back;
The most reliable frame is an option reinforced by an additional cross member made of chipboard, which is located in the middle of the structure and serves as a support. In addition, in the design of such frames there are legs, which also bear part of the load.

One detail that any of the above types of bed frames has is its lower part, in other words, the bottom. This element is sometimes subject to considerable loads, because some owners put a lot of different good inside the bed. Nevertheless, it is made in most cases of fiberboard, which is not at all of high strength, but use it because of the relatively low weight. A more expensive, but equally lightweight and more durable option is plywood.

Base

As mentioned above, on this element lies a mattress and, of course, the owner himself. On cheap beds, the base can be made of chipboard. Despite the relatively high strength of this material, it flexes over time. This is because in a double bed with a lifting mechanism, the base is always in the same position, since it is bolted to this mechanism. That is, if it could be turned over, then the deflection did not take such noticeable forms.

Good beds use a different type of bed. As a rule, it consists of a metal frame filled with lamellas. The frame is made of a square pipe or corner and includes several sections. Their number depends on the berths, but there are deviations both up and down.

The space between the sections is filled with lamellas, which provides air access to the bottom of the mattress, preventing dampness. Lamels are arranged with a certain frequency, usually there are at least 30 pieces. In addition, they are slightly curved and installed so that the bend is directed towards the mattress. This provides the best orthopedic effect, preventing sagging of the most loaded parts of the base. The lamellas themselves are made in most cases from hardwood: beech, ash. But there are also plastic products.

Ottoman bed

Fairly comfortable and at the same time compact furniture solution. Its main purpose is to save useful space in small rooms. Externally, the ottoman is a laminate or wood frame equipped with a lifting mechanism. The main distinguishing feature of a regular bed is the presence of a side back, which you can lean on. Angular construction is also quite common.

Appearance and decor

The appearance of the bed is determined by the manufacturing material of the external elements, the shape and configuration.

Materials used for the manufacture and decoration:

The most inexpensive options are made of chipboard, imitating wood or, which is much less common, - stone;
If you look in ascending order, then the next most presentable option is also a frame made of chipboard, but with decorative overlays. These pads are most often upholstered with dermatin in white or another color so that the bed takes on a completely different look. Any material can be used as an upholstery coating: with or without a pattern, plain, or color. Leather upholstery made from natural materials is less common, as it is much more expensive, and by its practicality and appearance it is only slightly superior to dermatin;
Wooden beds. As the name suggests, an array of valuable species of wood, such as oak, ash or beech, is used here. There are products made entirely of wood, as well as those in which only wooden lining, and the frame itself is all from the same chipboard.

In addition to the above materials, there are more rare ones, the use of which is purely individual. We are talking about forged metal structures, products made of glass, plastic, natural or artificial stone.

Form and equipment

The standard and most common form of lifting double beds is rectangular. But this does not prevent to diversify the appearance, for example, by the relief design of the backs and side elements. Also, in addition to the classic rectangular shapes, there are round options with a soft headboard.

The beds can be equipped with built-in cupboards or bedside tables as additional equipment. These accessories serve as stands for the lamp or as shelves for storing various little things.

Requirements to Consider

Important points that you need to pay attention to before choosing a double bed with a lifting mechanism:

The nodes of the bed should not make sharp sounds during operation, namely squeaks or rattle;
The base of the bed should be flat, without sagging or deflection. Except as expressly provided by the manufacturer;
The place for storing things is tightly closed and does not have excess openings through which dust and other debris will fall;
The materials used to make the mattress and other components of the bed do not cause allergic reactions;
The product is convenient to use, easy to open, equipped with a handle or strap to raise the base with a mattress.

If the bed has already been bought, in order for it to properly serve the entire prescribed period, you must adhere to some rules:

Do not store food products, strongly smelling liquids, caustic and toxic substances in the box;
No need to allow children's games inside the box, for example, "hide and seek."

Some pets have a habit of chewing or scratching the coating of the outer frame. To keep the bed longer in attractive appearance, protect access to the product by such pests.