Loft bed

Owners of small-sized apartments often have to master the skills of rational distribution of usable space to create a comfortable, functional and cozy interior. Competent organization of space implies, first of all, its optimization to the maximum, which is best facilitated by compact pieces of furniture. Especially when it comes to a modest bedroom, where the owners are sometimes forced to rack their brains even when placing a standard set of furniture: a bed, bedside tables and a wardrobe. In this situation, practical and stylish loft beds come to the rescue.

The loft bed is a regular bed, except for the location of the berth - on the second tier, so there is a staircase that provides access to the bed. The design includes a sleeping surface and a frame part with support legs. The models are distinguished by the equipment of the lower floor, the device of which can provide for various auxiliary elements: a sofa, closed and open storage systems, a play area, a sports corner.

It is advisable to purchase two-story loft beds for rooms of limited footage - one-room apartments, children's rooms, studios. Regardless of the functional purpose of the room, such a purchase provides several practical advantages at once:

• Saves space by taking up space just against one wall.
• Allows you to combine the sleeping area with any other segment: work, play, leisure, dressing room.
• Helps shape interiors through attractive designs.
• Contributes to maintaining order in the room, because the package often includes all kinds of modules: shelves, pull-out / swing cabinets, shelves and dressers.
• Keeps you in good shape due to the daily descent / ascent of the stairs.
• Eliminates the need to purchase individual furnishings, acting simultaneously as a bed, table, wardrobe.

The loft bed becomes a real lifesaver for a compact room and an original element for zoning a spacious room. At the same time, it is worth mentioning the weaknesses of this design, namely:

• No guarantee of complete safety of the user... The presence of a second tier in itself does not allow attributing the loft bed to a completely safe structure, especially for a child. He can fall during sleep, play and when trying to go down, especially when half asleep.
• Lack of fresh air. When heated, oxygen rises upward, where its circulation slows down, therefore, given low ceilings on the second tier, it can be stuffy.
• The need to equip the structure with bed and workstation function a separate lighting fixture, since natural light and general lighting do not penetrate the working segment in full due to the second tier.
• Inconvenience when cleaning the bed every day and every time changing bed linen. Even if adults cannot solve such problems without a chair, then what can we say about children.
• The problem of psychological discomfort for fear of heights.

Furniture stores offer a huge selection of loft bed models. There are two categories of such products:

• Custom built-in furniture.
• Turnkey solutions with lower cost compared to previous models.

Designs are made for users of different age groups: adults, young children and teenagers. Double designs for adults are distinguished by impressive dimensions and a reinforced frame part with higher strength characteristics. The range of finished products is represented by the following modifications of multifunctional products:

• Standard Models... The standard design provides for one sleeping area on the upper floor, while the lower one remains empty, which means filling it with your own purposes in mind. In this regard, such models are universal, so free space can be used for arranging various functional segments.

• Loft beds with a downstairs work area. Models combined with a table, where a sideboard, drawers or bookshelves acts as an addition. A bed with a school corner is a profitable solution, thanks to which the child receives a full-fledged space for sleeping, studying and playing. Among the low models such as a half-bed bed, there are modifications with a pull-out or built-in table, and the feature of tall beds is that there is enough free space at the bottom to place the working area directly under the upper tier.

The constructive solution of the working segment can be:

1. Spacious table, the size of which is equal to the dimensions of the sleeping surface.
2. Table + shelving. Shelving models have a work area divided into two parts.
3. Table + wardrobe. Here, the arrangement of the working space is made according to the principle similar to the previous version.
4. Table + curbstone. Structurally, the tabletop is located on a pedestal that serves as a support.
5. L-shaped table with an elongated tabletop, where the surface on the side is intended for the placement of organizational technology and other means for work.
6. U-shaped table provides maximum comfort, but it will no longer be possible to save space, since a lot of space will be required to accommodate such a structure.

• With storage systems of different types. Modifications with a wardrobe for storage or with a chest of drawers. The doors of the wardrobes can be opened in different ways and be hinged, sliding or in the form of sliding doors like attic beds with deep wardrobes. This also includes models with a lifting mechanism, thanks to which access to the internal storage systems, hidden under the berth, is opened. Such a bed helps to maintain order in the room, allowing you to place inside not only bedding, but also many other things.

• With a niche for a sofa. High, bunk with a staircase on the side, combining the functions of two pieces of furniture. Here, an ottoman can be included in the package at once, or the lower tier remains free specially for the installation of a sofa. Provided that the furniture is made individually, even a corner sofa can be placed below. There are double models, where instead of a sofa there is a transforming chair, which, if necessary, turns into another sleeping place. There are designs with a cradle for a newborn, you can buy a finished product, or you can make it to order in a single style and color scheme for the upper and lower tiers.

• With play area... Such models can be considered not only for the smallest, but also for adolescents.The design feature of products of this type is the location of the playing space on the lower tier under the sleeping surface. Models with a slide are interesting, an alternative option is a climbing wall, where the entertainment function is complemented by a sports one.

• With a sports complex... Adherents of an active lifestyle should take a closer look at models with a sports corner or wall bars. In addition to horizontal bars and crossbars, the designs include ropes, rope ladders and rings, and children's models are very often equipped with rope swings.

• Other models... Using the service of custom-made furniture, you can become the owner of an original product with a canopy. An auxiliary wooden structure is made, and then it is simply mounted on top and decorated with curtains. Modular furniture with the ability to change the design by rearranging certain components is interesting. You can order a double bed with a wide berth at the bottom and storage systems at the top.

The style of the loft bed can be completely different, which makes it easier to choose a model for rooms with an interior designed in a particular style. Let's consider the most relevant options:

• In a nautical style. In the case of a nautical room design, the bed should have the maximum resemblance to a ship's bunk. Distinctive features: a snow-white color scheme of details, a laconic design of a staircase stylized as a ladder, where wide steps often act as the basis of the frame and are located at an angle, the protective sides and the lower part of the structure are decorated in rich shades of blue or blue palette.

• Classic. The design of loft beds in a classic style is distinguished by the thoughtfulness of every detail and the use of predominantly natural tones in the surface finishing. These are solid, comfortable structures with massive wooden supports - square beams, a vertical staircase with wide steps and rectangular safety boards. The most popular color solutions are dark walnut, wenge, oak.

• Loft. For an original industrial design of living space, an unusual metal loft bed with a clear geometry of shapes without smooth lines, roundness and such decor as carving or fanciful curls will be an excellent solution. The color scheme can be monochromatic - white, gray, black, brown, beige or in a pastel palette. The design must be 100% comfortable in order to match the concept of loft style - one of the most practical and functional style directions.

• Provence. Rustic style or French country is a popular trend, the possibilities of which are very often used to decorate bedrooms. Classic loft beds made of light wood, painted in delicate, airy tones of a light palette or with the effect of aged wood, become a harmonious addition to such an interior.

The huge assortment line of loft beds includes not only models of standard shapes, but also many original and unusual designs, especially among children's products. In addition to the beds described above with a slide as a play area, children's furniture of this type can be:

• In the form of a house - wooden or made of plastic panels. The most popular option in this case is models with curtains instead of one wall, due to which the structure instantly transforms into a free play segment.
• In the form of a car, which can be purchased for children from 2 years of age. By design, it can be a van, bus, locomotive, fire engine.According to a constructive solution, one option provides for the lower tier, which serves as a sleeping place, and a playground is equipped at the top. In another version, the sleeping surface is located on top, and the lower floor is used as a working area.
• With a free playground. It implies equipping the play area with storage systems for sports equipment or toys, and the completion of additional elements is carried out by the buyers themselves.

The main purpose of loft beds is to ensure a comfortable sleep, for this reason, the dimensions of the sleeping surface become one of the key criteria for choosing a suitable model.

Each age group has certain sizes:

• Toddlers up to 3 years of age - mini models up to 130 cm high.
• Preschoolers of the age category 3-6 years old - 160x70 cm.
• Children 6 - 10 years of age - 150x80 cm, 160x80 cm.
• Children of the age category 10-14 years old - 170x80 cm.
• Teenagers and adults - 80x180, 80x190 cm.

Ergonomic compact baby furniture complexes with a length of 170-180 cm are intended for children from 5 years of age. The design is represented by a bed, a roll-out computer desk and a wardrobe.

Classic model has dimensions of 140x200 cm, the standard parameters of one-and-a-half beds of European manufacturers are 140x190 cm, and large double beds are 200x90 cm. Among the adult models there are low, medium and high modifications. So, for low structures, the height is 130-140 cm, for medium-sized ones - 150-160 cm, and for high ones - 2 meters. In the first and second cases, the constructive solution significantly limits the possibilities of arranging the first tier, which can only be used as a storage system.

Models with a sofa (a book-type transformation system) the berth in the unfolded state has dimensions of 120x200 cm, and on top the sleeping surface is narrower - 80x200 cm.Beds of 160x200 cm are equipped with a lifting mechanism, due to which the berth is raised, opening access to the internal storage system.

Loft beds are available in metal or wood. Lightweight wooden structures, distinguished by their strength, reliability and durability, are in consistently high demand. Carved products have an attractive appearance, fitting into any interior solution. Solid wood is considered an environmentally friendly material, since no toxic compounds are used in the woodworking process, and structural elements are glued together with harmless resins. The most democratic price tag is for models made of pine timber, and beech products have increased strength characteristics.

Modern furniture makers in order to reduce the cost of production, combined materials are used in the manufacture of beds. An array is used for the production of frames, while shelves, safety boards, countertops, storage systems bases are made of laminated chipboard, fiberboard, chipboard. When choosing a children's model, pay attention to the safety class, permissible - E1 and below. Furniture made of chipboard often contains harmful compounds, so it is better to immediately make sure that there is a certificate of compliance with safety standards or even refrain from buying a bed for a child from this material.

Metal products have a copper or steel frame made of hollow tubes; polymer or decorative powder spraying is used to protect against corrosion. An interesting stylistic solution for the forged construction with chrome plating. The advantages of metal products are low weight, stability and reliability. Cons - rapid cooling of metal parts, which leads to unpleasant tactile sensations and age restrictions. Metal loft beds can be purchased for children from the age of 5. An alternative to an all-metal structure is models made of combined materials: metal + plywood coating and metal + wooden frame.

The stylish and coloristic solution of the loft bed, which in itself is an unusual piece of furniture, often sets the tone for the entire design of the room, shaping the interior.

The traditional color palette for boys is blue or light blue, and pink for girls. For boys You will surely like a loft bed in the form of a bright red fire engine or a cute green van, not to mention a white and blue nautical-style bed. Girls furniture complexes in a romantic pastel palette of delicate shades of yellow, pink, pistachio, lilac are suitable. Young ladies will not mind the nautical style, especially when it comes to their own bed with a dolphin. An elegant white loft bed is always a winning solution.

Do not forget about the ability of certain shades and color duets to influence the emotional state. For fidgets, choose a bed of calm, balanced shades that will tune in the right mood before bed.

Among domestic and foreign manufacturers of loft beds, the following brands and models deserve special attention:

• "Legend" from St. Petersburg - production and sale of furniture for children.
• Mebelev ("MebeLev") - unique environmentally friendly children's furniture for boys and girls in the form of sports cars, Barbie houses, police cars.

• "Yaroff" - children's furniture factory.
• TUMIDEI - furniture from an Italian manufacturer. Original models of loft beds for adults.
• Minsk Furniture Center Sanremi - a Belarusian manufacturer using mainly pine wood in the manufacture of furniture. The company presents a wide range of loft bed models for children and teenagers.

Popular models of furniture complexes:

• Legend 4.3 with corner staircase, bedside table and work area. The dimensions of the berth are 190x80 cm.
• Legend 37 with a straight staircase, wardrobe and a comfortable school corner. The colors of the panels to choose from - orange, blue, lime or pink in combination with the main light shade of wenge. The dimensions of the sleeping surface are 175x70 cm.

• Kid ("Yaroff") - practical, multifunctional furniture for children. The structure consists of a cabinet, a pull-out table, a drawer, an end cabinet, a ladder. The kit is suitable for children from 2 years of age. The dimensions of the berth are 70x160 cm.
• Italian children's loft bed VECCHIA MARINA in a classic style, it has a unique design, rich appearance and excellent functionality.
• Cielo by Sanremi with an orthopedic base and bumpers, which are equipped with the perimeter of the sleeping surface. On the lower tier there is a niche for a training area or a game segment. The ladder can be installed from either side. Sleeping surface dimensions 90x200 cm.

Children's and teenage loft beds must meet a number of requirements regarding, above all, strength and safety, given the presence of such an unsafe element such as a ladder. And her child will use it every day and more than once a day.

Product safety is expressed in the following:

• Stability of the structure and reliability of the fasteners. Make sure it can safely support the child's weight.
• The presence of high bumpers and comfortable handrails with an anti-slip coating.
• The convenience of the stairs. Keep in mind that wooden ladders are preferable for toddlers, as iron ladders are too cold and slip a little.
• Sufficiently spacious gaps between the lower and upper floors, as well as the upper floor and the ceiling surface. This is especially important when the bed is purchased for a small apartment, where high ceilings are quite rare.

For even more information on how to choose a loft bed, see the next video.

Among loft beds, there are solutions specially designed for the needs of the smallest users from the age of 2.

Constructive solutions of models for different age groups have their own characteristics:

• 3-4 years - the products are distinguished by a low sleeping surface, in addition, the distance between the upper part and the floor is on average only a meter. At this age, models with a play space on the lower tier, a sports corner, and a fabric house will be the most suitable.
• 5-6 years old - the optimal height is up to 160 cm. Models for preschoolers provide for a working area, here the gaming segment should no longer take up too much space.

• 7 years - for a schoolchild of elementary grades, a furniture complex of one and a half meter height is suitable. It is important for a first grader to have a full-fledged training segment with various storage systems to accommodate everything he needs.
• Teenage models have a height of 180 cm.

There are various basic designs of loft beds, and if you have certain skills, you can build them yourself. The difference between them lies in the way of fastening:

1. Independent structures with four supports are the most popular option, due to the ability to equip a place for a bed in any suitable area of ​​the room.
2. The frame base with wall attachment and two supports is more stable. The downside is difficult dismantling.
3. Bed without a bottom with a ceiling mount frame.

Tools:

• Hammer, drill or screwdriver.
• Spanners.
• Roulette and square.

The frame part is preferable to be made of thick timber, and the rack is sheathed with dry boards, from which a staircase with handrails will also be built. Let's consider the manufacturing process using the example of the first option.

Preparatory work:

• Choosing a suitable place.
• Taking measurements.
• Drawing creation and detailing.

Workpieces are cut using a circular or circular saw. To remove burrs, an emery cloth or a sander is used. Holes are drilled for fasteners (furniture dowels or screws).

Step-by-step assembly instructions:

• Pre-treatment of the joints of structural elements with an adhesive, after which you can start twisting the workpieces using screws or screws.
• Assembly of the frame part. The bars of the base of the future bed are fastened with screws with racks.
• Periodically, it is necessary to control the clarity of the observance of the vertical and horizontal by means of a level, and the correctness of the perpendicular connections of large structural elements with a corner.
• Shelf stitching.
• Formation of the inner stop frame by fastening the frame part with long longitudinal bars in order to ensure the reliability of fixing the berth boards.
• Fastening the side-limiters.
• Construction of the stairs.

For more information on how to make a bunk bed with your own hands, see below.

If we analyze the reviews of the owners of loft beds, then most of the users consider such an acquisition to be profitable, especially those who live in small apartments.

So, what pleases in such products:

• Requires a minimum of space.
• Functionality and compact size.
• They do not look massive and do not overload the interior.
• Unusual design that children are delighted with.
• Play areas and sports corners do not bore children for a long time, allowing parents to redo a bunch of homework while the child is playing.
• Convenient location of corner models.

The photo gallery presents original loft beds in different styles and colors. You can consider in detail how these or those furniture designs look in a one-room studio apartment, acting as an element of zoning, in the living room, bedroom and children's room.