Modern interior solutions differ from classical options in the most attractive and convenient. With proper planning of the space, you can maximize the preservation of the budget and invested effort. Today, the podium bed is becoming more popular. This is a great solution for a small room. After all, a double bed takes up much more space, and also cabinets and a closet usually come with it. Creating a podium is ideal for lovers of minimalism. And if you leave space for drawers in the design, an additional, but not occupying, room for storing laundry will appear.
What is a catwalk bed?
As a rule, the design consists of a platform and a mattress, which is stacked on top, forming, in fact, a full berth. 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 a finished construction. Sometimes designers even create suspended catwalks, which are attached to the ceiling from four sides on the ropes and rise just a few centimeters above the floor. From below it can be fixed so that the structure does not swing.
Features of an extraordinary solution
The bed-podium is best perceived not as a necessary 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 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 zoning the space. There is no need to install lightweight partitions, screens or other objects to separate the berth. The platform itself will determine that it is a bed, dividing the room into functional zones.
Sometimes the podium bed is raised to the level of the windowsill. Several steps lead to the sleeping place, and inside the platform, for example, organize a storage area in the form of small cabinets or drawers. The bed itself offers a view from the window. However, this method is not always good. It is only suitable if the windows are larger than in standard high-rise buildings, and if a truly beautiful panorama opens from them.
Advantages and disadvantages
As already mentioned, with the help of a bed on the platform, 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 extensions in a stylistic sense. Having made the podium under the bed higher, it is possible to organize a place for storage. More complex designs involve the creation of one zone over another in order to save space. For example, a high platform is created, from under which one big or even two small beds extends, and at the top, where the steps lead, a working area is formed.
Do not worry that creating a podium will not be possible to install other furniture in the room. This is just a recommendation. A well-designed room design and the right selection 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 furniture in the Japanese style. Well, or stay on the modern interior, picking up the appropriate items.
Perhaps the main and only drawback is the manufacture of the podium. Firstly, it is necessary to make measurements correctly. Secondly, pick up quality material. Thirdly, make it yourself or find a specialist who will do exactly what you need. Fourth, allocate a budget for the procurement of materials and, if required, the work of the master. In some cases, it’s actually cheaper to buy a regular bed or sofa than installing a platform under a berth. And the more difficult the project will be, the greater the amount that 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 several factors:
- if the ceilings are low, you should not make the podium high, as the room will visually seem excessively narrow;
- it is recommended to select exclusively natural materials that are characterized by durability, the ability to withstand heavy weight and convenience;
- if it is planned to organize a place for storage from below, the height of the platform should be at least half a meter;
- for convenience to the high podium, it is necessary to lay steps.
There are 3 main varieties of a functional catwalk under the bed:
- On a wooden frame. This is a 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 the wall or in the center of the room.
- Platform built into a niche. This option is more advanced and is even suitable for installation on the balcony. If there is a niche in the room, the structure is installed inside the alcove and made taller to leave room for storage.
- Podium with pull-out bed. For example, a working area is organized on the platform, and the bed hides inside the podium during the day. Guides are used to create the structure.
Also, the types of the podium can be divided into 3 other groups:
- Technical - created to hide communications or make additional storage space.
- Decorative - designed for functional zoning of the space.
- Combined - a pull-out bed from below and a work or living area from 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 it 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 wise to install a podium in the corner, as well as make it higher so that the bed moves along the guides. From above, make a workplace or relaxation area.
Often, homeowners do not know how to design a room with 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 day and evening - a sofa, where you can watch a movie with a soulmate or arrange gatherings with friends. For a niche, it is recommended to select the classic version of the podium, equipped with small drawers from the bottom. As a rule, alcoves in apartments are made in the size of about 2.4-2.5 m, and therefore a double mattress will ideally fit into it, and even there will be room for decorative elements.
Another option is a podium by the window. It is also recommended to do it with drawers below, so that the berth 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 a family vacation, or as a full-fledged sleeping place. Unless, of course, the area allows. In addition, the loggia should be warm from all sides, including below, on the floor. But usually the balconies in our country do not differ in spaciousness, so it will only be possible to make an additional single bed. Some make redevelopment, removing the wall separating the balcony and the room. In this case, nothing will impede the implementation of the developed project.
An excellent solution is the podium 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 a children's room they make a complex structure with a working or playing area, as well as with a storage area. The bed is built into the system and drives out on rails when needed. Very comfortable and functional.
Elevated bed in the bedroom
Today, the podiums are very diverse, so you can choose the best option for any type of room, so that the platform is convenient, functional and meets the requirements of homeowners. The most interesting options are presented in the photo.
Ideas for the kids room
Each parent knows how important it is to plan the space in a child’s room correctly. 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 construction 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 really try and not rush, then, of course, everything will work out.
With a simple design, everything is extremely clear. Having at hand your own drawing or taken from the Internet and watching 1-2 videos, it will be quite easy to build a platform. The classic version of the podium can be performed even by a person who has never been involved in and has not been interested in such "designers."
How to create a podium yourself?
So, where to start independent production of the platform? In the reviews, they are advised to select the material first. But before that, you will need a drawing of the podium bed, which will help determine the approximate consumption. It is recommended to do it yourself in accordance with your own parameters. One of the following drawings may also be suitable.
What material to choose? Based on the reviews, for the first floor of a private house, the ideal solution would be a concrete podium. You should not even think about this option in high-rise buildings, since the implementation of the project will lead to floor damage. First, a frame is created that matches the size of the podium. Concrete mortar is poured into it. When the material has hardened, the surface is leveled with a screed, and the preferred flooring is laid on top. You can consider options such as laminate, carpet, tile. A mattress is placed on top.
In the apartment you can think over the design of the podium bed based on a wooden frame. It is light, but durable, able to withstand heavy 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 this option is interesting, below is a video tutorial on creating a podium.
A more complex drawer project
To make a frame for the podium, under which it is planned to organize a place for storage, is more difficult. But, as they say, nothing is impossible. You must first build the frame on the legs, as it will require a spacing from the floor for the boxes. The top of the structure is laid with plywood materials and covered with a finish. Boxes "go" on ball guides. These storage tanks can also be made independently. All the most important points in creating a podium bed with drawers are described in detail in the video.
Sliding berths 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 berth. A frame of the desired size is being built, which can accommodate a single or double bed. It is important to determine the length by which it should extend. Typically, the bed is the same drawer, only larger. The mattress is laid in it, and the berth is ready. Since this type is somewhat different from the previous one, it’s 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 catwalk options
Some are afraid to undertake such a thing, thinking that they still will not succeed. Or simply do not want to mess with the podium due to lack of time. Many homeowners want a room with a podium bed. What to do in this case? You can purchase a finished 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 a project and make it real.