What to look for when choosing an ottoman bed for a girl
In any interior of a children's room you cannot do without a comfortable berth. Especially demanding in choosing a bed are the little princesses, because they need not only comfort, but also a beautiful design. Today, the furniture market offers many options: bed, sofa, sofa, ottoman. In this variety of forms, the ottoman bed for the girl will be the best option. It combines the convenience, compactness and originality of forms.
Characteristics and varieties
The ottoman must meet the requirements for furniture designed for the child. First of all, it is practicality. The product combines two functions - a sleeping bed and a platform for the game, preserves free space in the room. At the same time, the design must be safe. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid models with sharp corners, rigid armrests, without side stops - sides. An important factor is the environmental safety of the materials used. Children's bed must have a certificate of quality.
Do not forget that such furniture is an intermediate option. The child grows, and over time, the berth will be small for him. You will need a full bed or sofa, and this is an additional cost. Therefore, the cost of the ottoman should be affordable.
Manufacturers offer two types of models: classic (compact, lightweight, designed for children up to 7-8 years old) and sliding (can be transformed to increase the size of a berth, suggest operation up to 14-15 years). Sliding models are more expensive but last longer.
According to the configuration of the bed in the form of an ottoman, it can be divided into several categories:
- angular;
- orthopedic;
- models with armrests;
- folding (transformers).
An ottoman with an angular configuration is suitable for small rooms in which there is not enough free space. It is compactly placed near the wall and looks like a stylish sofa. Orthopedic models are distinguished by a curved seat, anatomically repeating the bending of the spine. Options with armrests are more like a hybrid of a classic sofa and sofa.
Among the transformers, the following models are most popular:
- A sliding ottoman in length is a sofa, more reminiscent of a chair with a hard back. The advantage of this model is space saving. It can be placed in the corner of the room, and spread only before bedtime. Due to this, a playground for children's games in the daytime is freed.
- A sliding ottoman with a niche is appreciated for its versatility. Large built-in niches under the pull-out berth allow you to place bedding or part of temporarily unused toys, baby clothes. Niches in the sides of the structure can be used to store toys and bedding.
- The double model is displayed like a book, due to which a full-fledged berth appears. Moreover, when folded, it takes up minimal space.
Ottoman is an ergonomic piece of furniture. It is not only convenient, but also functional. There are two types of designs: with retractable and with internal drawers. In the first case, they are located on the front of the structure or on the sides of the product. In the second - access to the boxes appears when the berth rises.
From the point of view of functionality, models with add-on shelves are interesting. They act as steps to a high bedroom place. They usually have boxes, and during the day you can place books and toys on top. Options with side shelves are not recommended for children under 3 years old.
As for the sides, they differ in size and shape:
- Half - suggest a fence only half the length of the berth. This type of sides, performing the safety function, does not completely limit the freedom of movement of the child.
- Four-way - due to restrictions along the entire perimeter, the highest level of security is provided. A model with such sides is chosen for small children.
- Stationary - such sides are part of the design of the bed and they cannot be removed on their own.
- Removable - used to expand configuration capabilities, for example, in folding models.
Protections on an ottoman of the girl can be executed in the form of classical laths. However, designers often use them as an original and safe element of decor.
CornerWith armrestsFoldingOrthopedicDesign and size selection
If there is a problem of choice: a sofa or a couch, an ottoman will be the best solution for a girl. Its charm is that the original design allows you to design models in the form of bright characters or fairy-tale elements:
- carriages;
- glades;
- lady's car of gentle tones;
- flower;
- house;
- boat;
- face of the animal.
Choosing the form of an ottoman, it is better to build on the preferences of the child. Since decorative elements can significantly increase the dimensions of the product in width, length and height, when choosing this option, you must first determine the dimensions of the product, which can be installed in the available space in the room.
There are also high models in which you need to climb the stairs to the berth. Usually boxes are placed in the steps. The classic size range is as follows:
- 70 x 190 cm;
- 80 x 190 cm;
- 100 x 190 cm;
- 80 x 200 cm.
The height of the berth on the floor level depends not only on the designer's ideas, but also on the type of construction. If the sofa is folding, then when folded, the seat will be higher.
If you could not find the finished furniture with the required dimensions, you can order an ottoman. To do this, you need to choose the sizes, select the desired materials, design, sliding mechanism, come up with a decorative design. The masters will complete the order and take into account all the wishes.
Materials used
It is very important what materials the ottoman is made of. The appearance of the product and the comfort of the child depend on this. High-quality raw materials significantly increase the life of the furniture.
Frame
The frame of the product can be made of solid dry wood, particleboard, MDF or fiberboard. Basic requirements for the base of the sofa:
- reliability;
- strength;
- environmental Safety.
The frame must withstand increased loads during children's active games. Particleboard frame is more affordable, however, inferior to wood in the quality of the material and the reliability of the structure. Fiberboard is usually used not to produce the frame itself, but to create structural elements: handrails and backs. MDF - the material is more durable, moisture resistant and durable. The frame of it is reliable and environmentally friendly. In terms of quality, MDF is second only to natural wood.
ArrayMDFChipboardFiller, mattress
A mattress is placed on top of the frame. His choice should be approached carefully, because not only comfort, but also the health of the child will depend on the design. Polyurethane foam and holofiber have proven themselves well. These are artificial fillers, characterized by moisture resistance and breathability. Their distinctive feature is the ability to "adapt" to the anatomical features of the child, which has a beneficial effect on the quality of sleep.
There are two main options for a mattress:
- spring;
- springless.
The first is equipped with a dependent or independent spring unit. Independent is considered more modern and anatomically correct due to the presence in the design of springs separated from each other.
A springless mattress usually has a small height. You can choose models with natural filler:
- coconut fiber;
- buckwheat husk;
- knocked down horse hair.
Synthetic materials do not lose relevance:
- latex;
- foam rubber;
- synthetic winterizer;
- cotton wool.
Typically, models using synthetic fillers are selected for children prone to allergies.
Upholstery
For the upholstery of the ottoman bed for the girl, various materials are used: both natural and synthetic. Each of the options has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Quite often, artificial leather is used as upholstery. It is dust resistant, suitable for frequent cleaning.
The advantages of synthetic fabrics can also include:
- strength;
- wear resistance;
- bright shades.
However, such materials do not allow air to pass through well, and therefore are not too pleasant for the skin. Experts recommend considering options with natural upholstery. It should be borne in mind that natural fabrics quickly lose their appearance and wear out. But from the positive points it is worth noting that they do not interfere with thermoregulation, and also do not cause irritation on the skin of the child.
Since children's ottomans are used not only for sleep, the appearance of stains from juice and various dyes is inevitable. The model with removable covers that can be washed quickly will help to cope with the problem.
An ideal option for any child will be a model with upholstery, combining the properties of natural and synthetic fibers. Such materials include:
- tapestry;
- jacquard;
- flock.
When using these fabrics, the ottoman will last a long time without loss of attractiveness and bright colors.
Transformation mechanism options
Models vary by type of lifting mechanism. It can be vertical (applies only to double models) or horizontal.
There are several types of mechanisms by the control method:
- Manual - practical and durable options, although they are considered a bit outdated.
- Spring-loaded - often used in small sofas, affordable and convenient to operate.
- On gas shock absorbers - the most expensive, but convenient for the child, because they do not require much physical effort when folding furniture.
The mechanism on the shock absorbers allows you to lift even a heavy berth. In addition, transformation mechanisms are divided into the following types:
- "click-gag" - an improved version of the book;
- roll-out (eurobook) - as a result of the transformation, a voluminous berth is obtained;
- folding bed (French, American, Italian) - the berth unfolds like a folding bed;
- dolphin - allows you to get a wide berth due to rolling out an additional platform located under the seat;
- Accordion - consists of three parts advanced by sectors;
- book - doubles the width of the berth;
- a cougar or a “walking” sofa is a convenient variant of an improved eurobook, when folding which the retractable part does not touch the floor.
A bright and unusual ottoman bed is a successful combination of practicality, functionality and beauty. The product allows you to equip a comfortable berth, save free space for daytime games and organize compact storage of toys.