What is an ottoman bed, the nuances of choosing it

What is an ottoman

The ottoman bed came to us from the East. It can be described as a low, wide sofa model with a back, which is most often located at the head of the room. The traditional version looks laconic and relaxed. The design differs in the lifting mechanism, with the help of which some types of beds are folded out and take on the size of a regular bed. In another version, such a mechanism is built into only the frame part of the ottoman.

However, it should not be confused with a bed. Both options have certain qualities. So, what is the difference between an ottoman and a bed:

1. The first can be used for both sleeping and sitting, the second is exclusively intended for sleeping.
2. An ottoman is a kind of ready-made sleeping place with a mattress; for a bed it should be purchased separately.
3. The first type of furniture is equipped with a folding mechanism and drawers for linen.
4. An ottoman is more of a type of sofa than a bed.

It turns out that these are really two different interior items. It is interesting that ottomans are much more common in Asian countries, their height from the floor is 30-40 cm, but in our country the classic version is common - a bed, 50-65 cm high.

If we consider from the point of view of convenience, then both models are approximately at the same level. But in terms of functionality, the ottoman wins.

Sofa or bed?

There are many types of ottomans on the market. Furniture is installed along the wall or in the corner. It may or may not have armrests.

The classic ottoman has a fairly low backrest, but today's double model makes it a full-length headboard.

An ottoman designed for sleeping can be single or double. The choice depends on the owner’s requests, purpose, and room dimensions.

What it will look more like - a bed or a sofa - is determined by the design. The soft backrest and headboard on the smaller side will give it a resemblance to a bed. A backrest equipped on the larger side will make the ottoman look like a sofa. In both versions, the design excludes armrests.

Advantages and disadvantages

The selection of furniture requires deep detailed consideration. This approach will help you choose the option that will meet all the buyer’s expectations. First, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages of an ottoman bed:

1. Functionality, versatility. This piece of furniture can be used in the living room or bedroom. Used for sitting, relaxing, and sleeping.
2. Compactness. Due to its small size and ability to transform, the ottoman can be installed even in small rooms.
3. The products are equipped with drawers for linen, which help clear out closets.
4. Wide variety of species. This type of furniture is made from various materials: metal, wood, chipboard, MDF, with soft fabric or leather upholstery.

The original ottoman bed fits any interior style. Such furniture can serve as a place for daytime relaxation or serve as an additional sleeping place.

With all its advantages, this type of furniture has the following disadvantages:

1. The mattress cannot be replaced. It is an integral part of this furniture set. Therefore, if there is any damage to it, you will have to buy a new ottoman.
2. Elasticity. In order for sleep to benefit the spine, a non-elastic, rather hard surface is needed. This type of bed does not meet these requirements.
3. The original ottoman has a high cost.

After all the positive and negative aspects have been considered, you can begin to select a specific model. A variety of options allows you to achieve a harmonious combination of style and comfort. And this is exactly what you want to achieve when planning the interior of a living room or bedroom.

Criterias of choice

Before purchasing such furniture, it is necessary to clarify the parameters of the room. A suitable installation location is pre-selected, its length and width are measured. Many companies produce custom furniture based on specific measurements. When choosing a suitable product, other criteria deserve attention:

1. Material. Wooden models are in harmony with the classic interior; in modern styles it is possible to use metal beds.
2. Mechanism. The sliding structure should be easily transformed and not cause inconvenience during use.
3. Style and color. The children's ottoman is decorated with bright patterns or motifs that should be in harmony with the design of the room. Thanks to the presence of replaceable covers, you can maintain cleanliness and periodically update the interior.
4. Quality. The surface of the structures should be free of scratches, burrs and other defects.
5. Manufacturer. The most popular products at present are IKEA, Freya, Suleiman, and Elegy.

If an ottoman is purchased as an additional bed, you should take a closer look at furniture with pillows. Models with an orthopedic mattress support the spine in the correct position and ensure healthy sleep. High-quality products have quality certificates and other documents that you should read before purchasing.

An ottoman bed is a universal piece of furniture that can complement the decor of a kitchen, living room, bedroom, or nursery. Compact designs are functional, easy to use, and easy to maintain. Stylish models look impressive in classic and modern interiors, provide a comfortable soft surface for relaxation, and with a transformation mechanism they turn into a full-fledged sleeping place.

Material

Mechanism

Style, color

Quality

Manufacturer

Varieties

It should be noted that there are a large number of varieties of this furniture. Some of them appeared relatively recently due to the growing popularity of such a model among designers and consumers. Some models may seem very unsuccessful, but they still exist, which means there is a demand for them. The following types are presented on the modern market:

1. Corner ottoman bed. This modification is the most common. Because, firstly, she is one of the long-livers who have survived to this day. Secondly, such a model can be placed in any corner of the room.
2. Sofa bed with three backs. It may seem that such a design is strange, incomprehensible and unsuccessful. But this is only the first impression. This design transforms the ottoman into a real bed, which can serve for a good rest, and its compact dimensions and interesting design allow it to be installed in a narrow room.
3. Bed with orthopedic mattress. An excellent option that is suitable for both sleep and relaxation. Due to the curved plane, which follows the curves of the spine and neck, the muscle tone of the load on these areas is reduced, which promotes relaxation.
4. Ottoman bed with separate spring blocks. Such models are created solely to increase the level of comfort. The essence of the design is that each spring is in a separate capsule, due to which there is a smooth and uniform distribution of body weight. In this case, if necessary, you can replace one or more springs without harm to the entire mattress. This sofa-ottoman is best suited for the bedroom.
5. With armrests. This option is a combination of a sofa and an ottoman.
6. Ottoman bed with drawers. The attractiveness of this type is that in the additional sections that are located under the bed, you can store bedding and other things. The model is suitable for small apartments, rooms where any space needs to be put to good use.

These are the most popular varieties that exist today. It should be noted that ottoman options are presented in two more categories: for adults and for children. This allows you to adapt the furniture to suit different ages and tastes.

With drawers

Corner

Spring block

With armrests

Orthopedic mattress

Three backs

Drawing

To create a competent piece of furniture you will need to make a drawing. There are different ways to do this:

• we find the finished product on the Internet with all sizes and customize it in our own way;
• draw a diagram of the future sofa with a pencil on a piece of paper, carefully calculating the dimensions of all the details;
• we open a special program on the computer, which will independently calculate all the dimensions and number of parts according to the created template.

Manufacturing materials

Like most modern furniture, an ottoman can be made from a wide variety of materials. Textiles, leather or its substitutes are used for upholstery. Metal and wood are most often used as the basis for the product. There are combined options, for example, a base frame made of wood and a retractable mechanism made of metal. According to the above criterion, the following varieties are distinguished:

1. Wooden couch. This model means a folding ottoman bed. With this form of manufacturing, the entire soft part is attached to a wooden frame. It can be made from oak, pine, cedar and other types of trees. The strength and price of the model depend on the type chosen.
2. Solid wood ottoman bed. It implies a solid base that gives the furniture stability and strength. Typically, such models exclude the presence of mechanical additions and are characterized by small sizes.
3. Metal couch. This option is quite rare. But at the same time, it can be a good alternative for wooden furniture. The stability of the structure depends on the quality of the metal, and the technology itself allows you to build a sliding mechanism into the ottoman. Advantage: relatively inexpensive price.

PPU (polyurethane foam) or springs are used as mattress filler. In the latter version, block structures are found. You should clarify information about the filler in a particular model directly from the store consultant.

Array

Metal

Folding wooden

Tools

To make and assemble an ottoman you will need the following tools and materials:

• 
  tape measure and pencil;

• hacksaw;
• electric jigsaw;
• screwdriver or screwdrivers;
• fasteners for connecting various parts: self-tapping screws, metal corners, confirmations;
• lumber;
• upholstery fabric and filling;
• stain, paint or varnish.

Advice : it’s easier not to buy a tool for one-time work, but to rent it.

Transformation mechanism

During its existence, the ottoman has undergone changes in the design of its mechanism. Some options were created or modified, while others are a thing of the past. The following designs are considered the most popular:

1. Roll-out ottoman with drawers. The simplest and most understandable option in terms of operation. In order to get a sleeping place, you need to pull the base of the bed forward. The back rests on the empty part of the frame. There are drawers at the bottom that are perfect for storing some things.
2. Eurobook. To increase the sleeping space with this option, you need to lift the base of the couch to activate the mechanism and only move it a little to increase the usable area. The backrest also lowers to a horizontal position.

Ottomans with a lifting transformation mechanism should be placed in a separate category, since in this direction there is another division into the following three categories:

1. Manual type of mechanism. The mattress and the frame part of the base are connected to each other by special hinges, so you will have to manually separate and lift one part from the other.
2. Spring-loaded. With this type of coils, they take the main weight of the mattress when lifted. Therefore, the process itself is faster and easier.
3. Gas struts. A relatively new structural element. Its essence lies in the use of springs powered by compressed air.

Such a variety of transformation mechanisms allows you to choose an option to suit every taste. You can find a model that will serve as both decor and a sleeping place. Or you can find one that will show off on the veranda or in the living room without the possibility of increasing the area.

Roll-out

Eurobook

Dimensions

Today there are three standard sizes: a double and a single ottoman, as well as a lorry. They differ from each other in terms of sleeping area:

1. Single type model. This option is perfect for small rooms. It will help save space while adding space for sleeping. In addition, such models are most often equipped with drawers, which will allow you to hide quite a lot of things there. Possible sizes: 80 x 90 cm, 80 x 200 cm, 90 x 190 cm, 90 x 200 cm.
2. One and a half ottoman. The most popular option, which is perfect for both daytime relaxation and good sleep. An ottoman bed measuring 120 x 200 cm is considered the best option for this model.
3. Double type. They are manufactured only with a vertical lifting mechanism. Such an ottoman can be considered a full-fledged sleeping place; it can replace a regular bed for two adults. This option has a drawer for storing things. The model is available in two sizes: 160 x 200 cm, 180 x 200 cm.

Non-standard dimensions of this type of furniture are also produced. If you need an ottoman of a certain size, you can place an individual order with companies that provide furniture manufacturing services. In this case, the customer will receive the option that will suit a certain type of bedroom, living room or veranda. The cost of a custom-made ottoman will be higher than that of stock options.

One and a half

Single

Double

Design and colors

Choosing the right color for furniture is not an easy task. It just so happens that the choice of one model or another is based primarily on dimensions. However, if you consider only this side, you can make a mistake with your choice and not achieve harmony in the interior. As a rule, it is enough to choose upholstery that will match the color of the walls. If you want to achieve greater success in design, you should pay attention to the following points:

• blue or red colors go well together in constructivism, but in classic design one should deviate from this color scheme;
• gray and black will look good in a minimalist or gothic style;
• in the case of modernism, you need to select light colors, so beige is suitable;
• sophisticated people who prefer rococo and renaissance will like colors such as white, golden, beige, and blue.

In order to choose the design and color of an ottoman for a children's room, you must first take into account the child's tastes. Most often, children prefer bright colors. For example, blue, green, red, light blue are perfect for boys; pink, purple, lilac - for girls.

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