Models for the children's room
For a child, his room is a whole world where he learns, grows, and communicates. It is very important that everything in it only helps the correct development and pleases the baby. One of the most important details is furniture, it must be ergonomic, fulfill its functionality and please the eye. We will pay special attention to the children's sofa today.
In furniture stores and websites, there is a great variety of different models. How to choose the right one? Parents should remember that the participation of the child is very important in such a matter, it is worth asking his opinion and offering different options.
Depending on the space of the room and functionality, you can choose the following models:
A couch-couch is a small sofa with a small back and an armrest-headboard. Usually, such a model is not complemented by a sliding mechanism and has only one berth, but it may have a box for storing bedding, linen and other things. Such a model looks quite organically in the interior and does not clutter up the space. The design can have a solid stand or be located on wooden and metal legs
The sofa chair model will fit well into a small nursery. Thanks to the folding mechanism, you can save space for the play or study area, and when rearranging, it is easy to move the chair to another place. There should be no fixed objects near the sleeping place; they can interfere with the folding of the sofa chair
The ottoman sofa resembles a sofa couch in shape; it is often complemented by pillows and soft round poufs. The ottoman is usually equipped with a spacious niche and is suitable for storing toys or bedding. There are models with one or two pull-out drawers for linen
A sofa-sofa with low armrests and a backrest of the same height is well suited for a child and will compactly fit into the interior. If desired, the solid mattress can be supplemented with appropriately shaped pillows. The sofa can have a base in the form of a frame made of wood or plywood, sometimes in the form of metal legs
Many people liked the "loft bed" or "sofa loft". The model can combine a sleeping place and a resting place. On the lower tier, there is usually a soft sofa or work area with a computer desk, and upstairs there is a bed. Accommodation with a sofa downstairs will be an exit if two children are growing in the room
There are options where the space under the "attic" is occupied by a wardrobe and shelves for storing books, toys and other things. For a spacious room, you can choose a model with a stepped staircase, a more compact version is a staircase with rungs. A wardrobe or several pull-out wardrobes can fit under a large staircase.
For two children with a small age difference, "sofa-chardak" will do just fine, but if the difference is large, you should think about other options. A very young family member will be uncomfortable sleeping on the couch, and going up and down can be difficult and dangerous.
If the child is very small, carefully choose between a sofa and a bed. During sleep, the baby can easily fall off the couch, and in the crib it will be protected by the bumpers.
An unusual solution can be a transforming sofa. Such a model is completely disassembled and assembled into different, most bizarre, combinations. Perfect for relaxation, sleep and play. You can "assemble" a sofa with or without armrests, high or very low. Some models even transform into a dining area with a table and several poufs
Another type of transforming sofa is a sofa with an additional pull-out berth. Such a sofa can be quite high, since another bed is hidden under it. A great solution in a small room for two kids
A corner sofa will fit perfectly in a spacious nursery. Most often, children's models are more compact than adults, but the mechanism remains the same. Often, the body of a corner sofa is complemented by a niche for bedding and linen. When unfolded, such a sofa can easily replace a double bed for a baby
Requirements for a sofa for children
In order for the child to fully rest, the place to sleep and rest should be as comfortable as possible, you should not focus only on design and functionality. The safety of the sofa plays a special role here. Some materials can cause allergies and may be dangerous for your baby.
Documents in the form of a certificate of sanitary and epidemiological examination must be attached to any children's product, you should definitely familiarize yourself with them.
It is worth paying attention to the strength of the product. Children are very active, they love to jump on the couch, hide in its drawers. To make the design reliable, we choose high-quality materials, they will last longer and withstand the active lifestyle of the child.
A wooden or metal frame is perfect, without protruding sharp corners, protruding nails and splinters. For a teenage child, a construction made of high-quality MDF is suitable.
According to GOST, it is not allowed to manufacture children's sofas using plywood or chipboards of E2 category for formaldehyde and too soft wood fiber boards. The wood must be well dried and free from traces of large knots. High-quality chipboard should be covered with a special colorless paint, otherwise it can be dangerous to the health of the child's lungs. Uncoated, this material can release phenol and formaldehyde resins.
H It is not worth choosing models that are too high and narrow, they are prone to overturning. A low and wide sofa is more suitable for games. The height should be no more than 70-75 centimeters.
It is better to choose an artificial material as a filler, it causes less allergies. Foam rubber, synthetic winterizer or felt will do. The mattress of the sofa must not consist of separate pillows, this can interfere with proper rest and the development of the spine.
No harmful dyes should be used in the upholstery of the sofa. Natural fabrics are the safest option, but they won't last long. In this case, a cover is additionally selected, it can be easily removed for washing or replaced with a new one. Materials with a sliding surface will not work; during sleep or play, they can cause injury to the child.
According to GOST, the upholstery for children's sofas must withstand at least 5000 Martindale cycles and have low peeling (rolling). These characteristics can be found in the attached certificate. Fabrics must be resistant to fading and fire resistant. Nowadays, Teflon coating is widely used, which is applied in a thin layer over natural fabric. Such a film allows the fabric to breathe, but does not allow moisture and dirt to pass through, they can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
If you choose sofas with a folding mechanism, it is worth checking the quality of the metal structures, their reliability. The mechanism should not be too tight or too flimsy, move with clues or sound. It is important that the child himself copes with the task of laying out the sofa.
Dimensions of the sofa
It is recommended to replace a crib with a mini sofa only when the child reaches 3-4 years of age. The sofa does not have high sides and is not intended for babies and small children; you should pay special attention to this fact.
But there are special baby sofas or mini sofas. This model does not have a rigid body and consists of pillows. Such a model is absolutely safe and will take up the minimum amount of space. The child will not fall off the couch or hit. The disadvantage of this model is that it will soon have to be replaced, as it will quickly become "small" for the baby.
To determine the optimal size of the sofa bed, take into account the age of the child and the size of the nursery. When not unfolded, the length and width of the sofa should allow the baby to sleep peacefully, to roll over comfortably. It is important to remember that the child grows quickly and after a couple of years a small sofa may be too small for a comfortable sleep.
The ideal bed width when the child can fit outstretched arms on it. When choosing a length, they are guided by growth, a size larger by 30-40 centimeters will go. For a child from 3 years old to 5, standard sizes are 140 * 70, 160 * 70, 190 * 80 cm. From 5 to 15 years old - 80 * 190 or 90 * 200, which already corresponds to the "adult" standard.
If the size of the room allows, you can choose a corner model, when laid out, it will be more spacious, and when folded, it will fit the child's guests and give a large field for games.
Frame types
When choosing a frame for a children's sofa, you should count not only on the weight of the child, but also on his guests and active games. Not every structure can withstand frequent jumps and runs.
The metal frame will last a long time and make the piece of furniture lighter and more mobile. But you need to choose a stainless steel, this will retain its original qualities longer and will not be exposed to moisture. Quite good structures are made from a thin-walled steel pipe, which allows you to implement various transformation systems.
For example, sofas with a click-gag mechanism are made on a metal frame, which can be expanded in three positions: normal, reclined back and full layout. It will be convenient for the child to relax, watch movies or leaf through magazines on a slightly reclined back.
On wooden frames, transforming sofas are produced that do not have a layout or with a simple roll-out mechanism. This design is more durable, there is simply nothing to break in it, but soft woods wear out faster. When choosing a wooden frame, attention is paid to the processing of wood: the surface should not be rough, and even more so it should not have chips or splinters. This type of material is completely natural and therefore will be safe even for small children.
A coniferous frame should not be chosen for a child, such a tree does not withstand the heavy loads of children's outdoor games. Birch, oak or beech will last a long time. Solid wood is a natural air conditioner, with it the air in the room will be cleaner and more favorable.
There are many options for the frame of children's furniture made of wood-based panels, but you should definitely find out if the technology of their manufacture complies with GOST for children's furniture. Modern technologists make it possible to manufacture chipboard panels using harmless glue.
Folding mechanism
Children's room is a child's world, in which he must become independent. It is important that all mechanisms and structures are available to him. The sofa is no exception. It is important that the child himself can easily prepare his sleeping place.
If you choose a folding sofa or a sofa chair, you should pay attention to these models: "dolphin", "click-gag", "accordion" and "eurobook".
Any mechanism should open without sounds or clues. It is worth checking the system right in the store, if the child cannot cope with the design, it is better to look for another, more convenient one.
The dolphin mechanism is suitable for both toddler and teenager. In its normal state, the sofa occupies a small space, but when it is laid out, the pull-out unit seems to "emerge". With proper operation, such a mechanism will last long enough. "Dolphin" is used in the construction of straight and corner sofas. The advantage of corner models is that they are often supplemented with a laundry box with a lifting mechanism.
Experts advise against choosing a sofa with a "book" mechanism for a child. The design is not the most reliable and comfortable, not every child can handle it. If the sofa is against the wall, it will have to be moved aside when unfolding, which is not very convenient.
A more suitable option would be "Eurobook". The seat of the sofa must be pulled "towards you", while a niche should form between the back and the seat. Then, the back is lowered into the vacant space, the back of the back should be on top. It is important that the densities of the seat and back are the same, otherwise sleep will bring some inconvenience. Such a simple mechanism is not complicated and is within the power of a child.
The accordion mechanism got its name from the folding bellows of the musical instrument of the same name. The design consists of three elements: two parts for the backrest and one for the seat. To straighten the sofa, it is enough to slightly raise the seat and push it forward. If, during prolonged use of the sofa, it is necessary to replace the metal parts of the mechanism, they are easy to find in any store.
The sofa with the accordion mechanism can be offered in several versions:
- With a box for linen. The size of the box depends on the frame. In the metal version, its size is usually smaller than in the wooden one. A large sofa with a wide berth can also have two drawers. This design will greatly facilitate the storage area. It is important that the boxes can also be used with the assembled structure, for this it is enough to raise the seat.
- Without armrests. The absence of armrests will allow for more seating space, while the dimensions of the sofa will remain the same. Such a model will look unusual and fit into the modern interior of the Minimalism or Hi-Tech style.
- With orthopedic mattress. The ergonomics of the furniture, especially the bed, is very important. This model is ideal for children whose skeleton is still "mobile". The design is equipped with additional supports and is thought out to the smallest detail, and a special orthopedic mattress will give your child a sound, healthy sleep.
The "click-gag" mechanism is silent and involves a metal folding mechanism. To unfold the sofa, it is enough to raise the seat so that the back is in a horizontal position. When the lifting mechanism is locked, the seat can be lowered. This option is more suitable for adolescents than toddlers.
A feature of this model is the ability to fix it in an intermediate position. The intermediate half-sitting position is excellent for relaxing the spine.
The sofa is often supplemented with soft armrests with the same folding system, this will increase the seating area or, when assembled, will serve as a comfortable support for the child's head or elbow. The click-gag system also provides for storing bed linen or toys in a compartment with a lifting mechanism.
A sofa with removable covers is ideal for a nursery. If the fabric gets dirty, it is easy to machine wash it or wipe it with a cloth.
In modern transforming sofas, the usual mechanism does not exist. Such furniture resembles a multifunctional constructor. With the help of small movements of parts and the imagination of a child, the sofa can easily turn into a sleeping place, a low table or a "castle". The kid will be delighted with such a simple design.
Most often, these sofas contain wooden and soft foam or fabric modules. It is worth taking care of the weight of individual parts, wooden surfaces or boxes should be made of light wood and be perfectly smooth.
Pay attention to the filler
It is worthwhile to carefully consider the choice of filler for the seat or mattress. For the correct formation of the spine, the child needs a solid surface for sleeping, do not choose too soft a sofa for children. A sufficiently correct orthopedic surface will be created by self-contained spring blocks or lamellas. But, if you choose between these designs, the springs will be more durable.
One of the most hypoallergenic and safe fillers is foam rubber with a fine-mesh structure. It is better to give preference to models with solid foam rubber, and not cut into pieces, such filling is more useful for comfortable sleep and rest. This material is one of the most used and popular for a long time.
Relatively new, but no less safe - polyurethane foam or polyurethane foam filler. The material resembles foam rubber, but denser and more durable. It belongs to the most non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
If you need to choose a softer material, holofiber is perfect. It resembles fluff in density. Used for filling pillows and soft poufs.
To prepare new upholstered furniture for children's use, it is worth cleaning it, this is a necessary condition.
Examine the surface of the sofa carefully and vacuum it. This will get rid of wood dust that fills the air in furniture workshops.
Wipe the entire fabric and wood surface and linen drawer with a damp cloth.
For the first time after buying a sofa, ventilate the baby's room more often, this will help get rid of the smell of new furniture. This smell can be pleasant, but it often causes allergic reactions in children.
Choosing upholstery
The composition of the upholstery fabric is very important, the material will come into contact with the child's body and should not cause discomfort or allergies. Too slippery fabric can be uncomfortable: the child will often fall and slide off during sleep, active games. Natural materials are not durable, linen or cotton upholstery will often have to be pulled over or covered with a removable cover. You can forget about upholstery made of leather or its substitutes, such material will be cold in the cold season, and in the heat it "sticks" to human skin.
The fabric for a children's sofa should be color-fast, not fade in the sun, and easily wipe clean. Furniture with removable covers is perfect for a children's room, so the stains from sweets, felt-tip pens and dirt will not remain forever. Special impregnation can also protect the upholstery from the hands of a little artist. Teflon coating will create a thin film on the fabric and prevent dirt from sticking into the material.
Combined fabrics that contain both artificial and natural fibers are ideal. Perfect: flock, velor or jacquard
Flock. The fabric is very resistant to mechanical damage, which is important in a house with a little fidget, moisture resistant and easy to clean. If there is a cat or dog in the house, their fur will not stick and stay on the flock. Among the disadvantages, it easily absorbs odors.
The jacquard fabric is durable yet soft to the touch. You can safely choose rich shades, they will not fade in the sun or from time to time.
The velor contains cotton, polyester and viscose. It is breathable, does not stretch and has a pleasant velvety surface. The downside is that such a fabric withstands only careful cleaning and wears out quickly if used improperly.
Color Tips
How to choose the color of the upholstery so that the child likes it, but at the same time retains its beautiful appearance? There is a way out - motley colors, on them traces of ice cream, crayon or street shoes are not so noticeable. A model with bright pictures of your favorite cartoon characters or fairy tales will delight any kid.
But when the child grows up, he may get bored or dislike too intrusive pictures. For a neutral version, a geometric ornament, a beautiful pattern of curls and flowers, a drawing of a cityscape are suitable.
You should not take risks and choose a sofa that is too light or white, such models quickly get dirty even in the living room.
It is important that the color matches the interior solution
A room in restrained shades of gray, metallic and beige will be perfectly "diluted" by a bright sofa in red shades.
But do not choose acidic and ultraviolet colors, they attract too much attention and do not give your eyes a rest. A sofa in bluish, matte blue, beige and pink shades is suitable for a bedding room, here it is worth getting a replaceable cover.
Be sure to take your child with you to the store or show him samples in the catalog, on the website. Furniture should please, first of all, its owner.
