Forged iron folding baldaquin project

[florin.radu]

Hello guys,

I am thinking of starting a very ambitious project.

My girlfriend always wanted a baldaquin bed (made of forged iron). I've always wanted a folding bed that would go all the way up the wall.

Since I didn't do too well with the Christmas present this year, I thought of making it up for the 10th of March, when her birthday is.

Instead of just a regular, forged iron baldaquin bed, I thought why not have them both.

So, this is the project: a forged iron baldaquin bed that would fold against the wall and save some space.

I know that the framing of the baldaquin will stay in place and it wouldn't seem like I'm saving lots of space so I am thinking of tweaking the bed in such a way that, when it is folded (against the wall) it will bring up a folded table or bench from underneath it.

I don't have an established budget as I am not going to do all the work at once.

I would greatly appreciate any piece of advice on any aspect of this project, but I am mostly interested in the following:
1. How do I go about doing this so I don't make it look like a Nazi torture machine? Should I be using wood instead of iron?
2. What should the weight of the bed be, since I want to use as less hinges as I can (for the aspect)?
3. Do you think it can be done by a fairly handy person? (without lots of outside help)

Thank you in advance of taking time to read/answer this post.
Merry Christmas.

[merlin50]

like this

[Hitch]

Beds are relatively simple to make.
Wood or metal, now that's your choice...
Are you any good with either, can you weld?

No idea about fold up beds, perhaps one could be purchased, then the frame over it all made to suit. Likely too make the project simpler for you.

[florin.radu]

I can do a few things out of either wood and metal;
Yes, I can weld.

I was thinking about ordering some (custom made) forged iron parts from a dealer and put them all together.

[Hitch]

Sorted then..... are you in the UK, theres a few suppliers of these parts I can recommend if so.

Custom made parts tend to be expensive, and have long lead times...... Id be inclined to design it around readily available parts from somewhere like here-
http://www.dciron.co.uk/

[florin.radu]

Thanks a lot, Hitch.

You really have a point in having to wait for too long for custom made parts.

I will be looking into stores similar to the one posted by you.

I'm outside UK (Romania) but I'm pretty sure I can find something similar.

This forum is definitely a good place to seek assistance.
Thank you again.

[Hitch]

I know in this country, there are about 10 firms i can think of off the top of my head..... i guess there must be a few similar set ups in Romania.