Children's sofas with sides: types, materials and secrets of choice
When purchasing the first sofa bed for an older child, it is always recommended to give preference to models with sides. The purchase of these parts does not require a large overpayment, but it provides reliable protection against falls at night.
Peculiarities
The sides are side partitions, usually upholstered with fabric and filled with foam rubber, which are fixed around the perimeter of the berth. Their main task is prevention of falls at night. The children's sofa with sides is a reliable structure that protects the child while sleeping.
Since in most cases it is supplied complete with an orthopedic mattress, in addition, it also prevents the development of scoliosis. The surface of the sofa bed is quite soft but sturdy and the height poses no danger.
This compact design is ideal for small rooms., since in the daytime you can play on it, and at night it is enough to get bed linen, in some cases to put forward additional sections and get a rest. The ability to pick up removable sides allows you to transform the sofa over time into a sleeping place for an older person.
The sofa bed is available in various colors and designs, as well as with additional sections for storing linen and toys. The disadvantage of furniture is the need to regularly clean the soft sides, which not only get dirty, but also have the ability to accumulate dust inside.
In addition, if you choose a solid board for the bed, it will impede the flow of fresh air.
Species overview
The upholstered sofa is available in several configurations. A convertible sofa bed is quite common. When folded, it looks like an ordinary chair, but when unfolded it allows you to provide a place to sleep for a child from 3 years old and older. Sliding structures are also suitable for small rooms, the additional sections of which are rolled out. When buying, you must make sure that the sliding sections have rubberized wheels that do not spoil the floor coverings. The sides of these sofas are usually not very high.
A sofa bed with soft sides running along the perimeter cannot be folded out, and therefore do not fit "for growth"... As a rule, they are purchased for children 4-5 years old who sleep restlessly and constantly toss and turn. In most cases, sofas are equipped with drawers for storing personal items.
By the way, it is this type that is easiest to complete with an orthopedic mattress... A regular sofa bed is more suitable for older children. Firstly, it creates a huge sleeping space, and, secondly, the fences do not lengthen, which means they remain rather short.
If the family has two children, then it is better to purchase a bunk bed, both berths of which are limited by bumpers. While the upper tier always looks the same, the lower tier can be a regular bed or a full pull-out sofa.
For older children, a sofa couch or an ottoman may also be suitable, the features of which are the presence of either one or two abutting sides.
Board types
The bumpers for sofas themselves also come in different types. For example, there are half structures that enclose only part of the berth. However, all-round are also produced, located around the entire perimeter of the sofa. Although this solution provides the child with greater safety, climbing over the permanent fence may not be particularly convenient.
Standard bumpers are installed by the manufacturer and are static. The removable sides can be removed during daytime hours and returned during sleep, or completely removed when the child grows up.
The fence can be soft or hard, made of wood. The first variety looks much more attractive and additionally protects against injury due to its rounded shape. But hard sides do not require, unlike soft ones, special care, and structures equipped with them are usually cheaper.
Materials (edit)
The choice of materials for a children's sofa should always focus on environmental friendliness and safety.
Frame
The frame for the upholstered sofas is made of either wood or metal. The most preferable option is natural wood, for example, oak or birch, which, despite the significant cost, serve for a very long time. A more budget option is MDF.
Wooden frame looks attractive, it is harmless to the health of children and does not require special care. In the event that the choice is made in favor of metal frame, you should be prepared for possible injury. However, such a sofa will last much longer.
Upholstery
The upholstery material for a sofa with upholstery intended for a small child must be durable and practical. Since the child is unlikely to restrict himself to restful sleep and is more likely to jump and play on the surface, the likelihood of staining is very high.
Thus, preference should be given to such a material that is easy to wash, withstands the active influence of the child and is pleasant to the touch. Of course, it is important that the tissue does not cause allergic reactions.... Natural chenille and tapestry are the most suitable in this situation, but flock with velor can wear out quite quickly.
It is better to take the fabric with Teflon impregnation, which additionally protects against dirt.In principle, one should focus on natural fibers or a combination of natural and synthetic, in which the latter are presented to a lesser extent. Linen and cotton are suitable for sofas for very young children and provide them with the necessary heat exchange.
It is better not to choose leatherette for upholstery, as it usually deteriorates quickly in children's rooms.
Shapes and sizes
A sofa bed for a children's room should be chosen small in size and with rounded corners (regardless of the shape). The design can be made in the form of a standard rectangle with an additional retractable or transforming mechanism.
The small bedroom will comfortably accommodate corner model, allowing you to save free space. Square sofas for small children also exist, but, as a rule, they are laid out in an elongated structure.
As for the size of children's sofas with sides, the minimum width, that is, for a three-year-old child, is 60 centimeters, and the length of the berth is 140 centimeters. When choosing a transformer structure, it is necessary to focus on a length of 150 centimeters and a width of 70 to 75 centimeters when unfolded.
In general, in order to calculate the ideal length of a sleeping place for a child, it is enough to measure his height and add 20 centimeters each in the leg area and the head area.
Criterias of choice
You should choose a sofa with bumpers for small children, having decided in advance on the place where it will be located. The fact is that some models are right-handed, while others are left-handed, and therefore the lack of thoughtfulness of this aspect can cause certain inconveniences.
In addition, the model should harmoniously fit into the existing interior, so that the child gets used to a comfortable environment from childhood. For children from 1 year old or even 2 years old, the sofa is not yet recommended, but at 3 years old a child can be transferred to an "adult" place to sleep. If the furniture is selected for 4–5 years, then it makes sense to choose a transformer model, the sides of which can be dismantled over time.
It must be added that, if a child from one to three years old still gets a sofa with sides, it is important to correctly determine the size... The optimal width of the berth is 60 centimeters, and the length does not exceed 1.2 meters.
If you choose a base of large dimensions, then the child will not feel protected.
Regardless of age, materials must be of high quality, environmentally friendly and have undergone the necessary processing. Experts do not recommend choosing frames from chipboard, since this material may contain hazardous substances. It is better to select the bed lengthwise "for growth" or equipped with a retractable base, which will allow you to further adjust the structure to the actual growth.
The sleeping place should be at least equal to the sum of the child's height and 30 centimeters. The surface of the sofa must be resilient, and the structure itself must remain stable even with active children's games. It is important that there are no sharp elements and that the mattress itself is orthopedic.
Although there are models with light and sound effects, it is not a good idea to purchase one, because the mechanism quickly either bores the owner of the room or breaks down.
Of course, designs and colors should be decided with the child, but adults should also be in control. It is better to give preference to pastel colors and not to overdo it with images of cartoon characters.
For example, if you buy a hot pink sofa for girls with the image of princesses, after a couple of years it may become very disliked or simply bored and stop pleasing. By the way, sofas equipped with drawers are especially recommended for a children's room.
In the next video you will find a brief overview of the Kemi children's sofa with sides.