Modern interior solutions differ from the classic ones in the greatest attractiveness and convenience. With proper space planning, you can achieve maximum savings in budget and invested effort. Today, the podium bed is becoming more and more popular. This is a great solution for a small room. After all, a double bed takes up much more space, and it usually comes with cabinets and a wardrobe. Creating a podium is an ideal option for connoisseurs of minimalism. And if you leave space for drawers in the design, there will be additional, but not occupying the territory of the room, storage space for linen.
What is a catwalk bed?
As a rule, the design consists of a platform and a mattress, which is laid on top, forming, in fact, a full-fledged sleeping place. The podium can be simple and complex, high and low, functional. The platform can be made independently, ordered according to the project from the masters or bought ready-madeconstruction. Sometimes designers even create suspended podiums that are attached to the ceiling on four sides by ropes and rise above the floor by only a few centimeters. From below it can be fixed so that the structure does not swing.
Features of an extraordinary solution
The podium bed is best perceived not as a forced measure, but as an independent structure that has the right to exist, both in a small and large room. Despite its simplicity, it will become a luxurious addition and even the most pleasant place to relax in the house. The bed on the platform will look best in a minimalist interior, that is, when there is practically no more furniture in the room. So it will become a neat accent and succinctly fit into the design.
In small rooms, as a rule, this solution is used for space zoning. There is no need to install light partitions, screens or other items to separate the bed. The platform itself will determine that it is a bed, dividing the room into functional zones.
Sometimes the catwalk bed is raised to the level of the windowsill. Several steps lead to the sleeping place, and inside the platform they organize, for example, a storage area in the form of small cabinets or drawers. The view from the window opens from the bed itself. However, this method is not always good. It is only suitable if the windows are larger than in standard high-rise buildings, and if they offer a really beautiful panorama.
Advantages and disadvantages
As already mentioned, with the help of a platform bed, you can zone the space in a way that will be convenient for the owners of a small apartment. Moreover, this is an ideal solution for connoisseurs of minimalism, as an accent appears in the room that does not require additions and continuation in the stylistic sense. By making the podium under the bed higher, it is possible to organize storage space. More complex designs involve the creation of one zone above another in order to save space. For example, a high platform is created, from under which one large or even two small beds are pulled out, and at the top, where the steps lead, a working area is formed.
Do not worry that, creating a podium, it will not be possible to install other furniture in the room. This is just a recommendation. Well-thought-out design of the room and the right choice of materials is the key to creating a successful interior design. If the room has large panoramic windows, you can make a low platform and pick up other low Japanese-style furniture. Well, or stop at a modern interior, picking up the appropriate items.
Perhaps the main and only drawback is the manufacture of the podium. First, you need to take measurements correctly. Secondly, choose high-quality material. Thirdly, make it yourself or find a specialist who will do exactly what you need. Fourth, allocate a budget for the purchase of materials and, if required, the work of the master. In somecases, it is really cheaper to buy an ordinary bed or sofa than to install a platform for a bed. And the more complex the project, the greater the amount will have to be spent.
Varieties of catwalks under the bed
There are several options for creating a platform under the bed. When choosing, you must be guided by some factors:
- if the ceilings are low, do not make the podium high, as the room will visually appear too narrow;
- It is recommended to select only natural materials, which are characterized by durability, ability to withstand heavy weight and convenience;
- if you plan to organize storage space from below, the height of the platform should be at least half a meter;
- for convenience, steps must be laid to the high podium.
There are 3 main types of functional podium under the bed:
- On a wooden frame. This is the traditional option. For sheathing, for example, plywood or carpet is used, and a mattress is placed on top of this material. Suitable for placing the structure against a wall or in the center of a room.
- A platform built into a niche. This option is more advanced and is suitable even for installation on a balcony. If the room has a niche, the structure is installed inside the alcove and made higher to leave room for storage.
- Podium with pull-out bed. On the platform, for example, a working area is organized, and the bed is hidden inside the podium during the day. To create a structureguides are used.
Also podium types can be divided into 3 other groups:
- Technical - created to hide communications or make additional storage space.
- Decorative - designed for functional space zoning.
- Combined - a pull-out bed below and a work or living area above.
However, there are no special differences between the first and second groups, but perhaps it will be easier to decide on the desired option.
Where to place the podium?
Not only the dimensions of the structure are important, but also the type of room, its dimensions. For example, if this is a separate bedroom, then the size of the podium can be quite large, since in this room it is he who is the main element. If this is a small one-room apartment, then it would be wiser to install a podium in the corner, and also make it higher so that the bed moves out along the rails. From above, make a workplace or a recreation area.
Often homeowners don't know how to design a room that has a niche in the wall. The ideal solution is to make a podium bed. In a small apartment at night, it can be a sleeping place, and during the day and in the evening - a sofa where you can watch a movie with your soulmate or arrange gatherings with friends. For a niche, it is recommended to choose a classic version of the podium, equipped with small drawers from below. As a rule, an alcove in apartments is made about 2.4-2.5 m in size, and therefore a double room will fit perfectly into it.mattress, and even leave room for decorative items.
Another option is a podium by the window. It is also recommended to do it with drawers below, so that the bed is a continuation of the windowsill. An equally interesting idea is to organize a platform for a bed on a balcony or loggia. Moreover, the podium can be used as a sofa for guests or for family recreation, and as a full-fledged sleeping place. If space permits, of course. In addition, the loggia should be warm on all sides, including below, on the floor. But usually balconies in our country are not very spacious, so it will only be possible to make an extra single bed. Some make redevelopment, removing the wall separating the balcony and the room. In this case, nothing will prevent the implementation of the developed project.
An excellent solution is a catwalk bed in the nursery. In a child's room, it is especially important to divide the space into sleeping, working and play areas. And the area does not always allow you to correctly distribute the squares depending on the needs of children. As a rule, in the children's room they make a complex structure with a work or play area, as well as a storage area. The bed is built into the system and moves out along the rails when needed. Very comfortable and functional.
Elevated bed in bedroom
Today, catwalks are very diverse, so you can find the best option for any type of room so that the platform is comfortable, functional and meets the requirements of homeowners. The most interesting options are presented onphoto.
Kids room ideas
Every parent knows how important it is to properly plan the space in a child's room. And if there are two or more children, then the task becomes even more difficult. If there is no inspiration to create your own project, popular photo examples may help.
Is it possible to make a design with your own hands?
Everyone who reads this article is undoubtedly interested in the question of how to make a podium bed with your own hands. And is it real at all? If we are talking about a complex structure in which it is planned to make drawers, or the bed should be pulled out from below, then only a person who already has similar experience will cope with this. According to reviews, it will be quite difficult for a beginner, because you need to think through every little thing. However, if you try hard and do not rush, then, of course, everything will work out.
With a simple design, everything is very clear. Having at hand your own or taken from the Internet drawing and watching 1-2 videos, it will not be difficult to build a platform. The classic version of the podium can be performed even by a person who has never de alt with and was not interested in such "constructors".
How to create a catwalk yourself?
So, where to start making your own platform? In the reviews, it is advised to select the material first. But before that, you need a drawing of a podium bed, which will help determine the approximate consumption. It is recommended to make it by yourself according to your ownparameters. One of the drawings below may also work.
Which material to choose? Based on the reviews, a concrete podium would be an ideal solution for the first floor of a private house. You should not even think about this option in high-rise buildings, as the implementation of the project will damage the floors. First, a frame is created that matches the dimensions of the podium. Concrete solution is poured into it. When the material hardens, the surface is leveled with a screed, the preferred floor covering is laid on top. You can consider options such as laminate, carpet, tile. A mattress is laid on top.
In the apartment, you can think over the design of the podium bed based on a wooden frame. It is light, but strong, able to withstand a lot of weight. The front platform is usually made of plywood, metal profile, MDF, PVC or OSB. Then it is finished with carpet, laminate, parquet, cork board, ceramic tiles and other materials. If you are interested in this option, below is a video tutorial on how to create a podium.
More complicated drawer project
It is more difficult to make a frame for the podium, under which the organization of storage space is planned. But, as they say, nothing is impossible. You must first build a frame on legs, as you will need to indent from the floor for the boxes. The top of the structure is laid with plywood materials and covered with a finish. Drawers "walk" on ball guides. These storage containers can also bedo it yourself. All the most important moments in creating a podium bed with drawers are described in detail in the video.
Sliding beds from under the platform: to save space
This option is similar to the previous one. The only difference is that instead of boxes it will be a sleeping place. A frame of the desired size is being built, which can accommodate a single or double bed. It is important to determine the length to which it should extend. As a rule, the bed is the same box, only larger. The mattress fits into it, and the bed is ready. Since this type is slightly different from the previous one, it is worth watching another video with a detailed story on how to make such a podium, which, judging by the reviews, is very convenient.
Ready-made catwalks
Some are afraid to take on such a thing, thinking that they will not succeed anyway. Or they simply do not want to mess with the podium due to lack of time. And many homeowners want to have a room with a podium bed. How to be in that case? You can purchase a ready-made design. Such furniture is made to order in workshops. There are also ready-made options in specialized hypermarkets. If finances allow, you can invite a designer who will independently develop the project and make it real.
