A folding bed built into a closet is a godsend for modest spaces

A folding bed built into a closet, a transforming wardrobe bed, or, as it is now commonly called, a built-in sleeping module, is purchased mainly by those who need to visually expand the space in a difficult way and get a real square footage of usable area in small and medium-sized rooms. Whatever the reason - the need to combine several functional areas within one small room, creating an additional sleeping place or a backup module for sleeping with periodic use, a transforming wardrobe bed will help solve all these problems. Highly functional innovations in modern furniture can help us not only save space, but also obtain fairly durable, high-quality furniture that is easy to use.

Partial wall

A partition allows you to divide the space into two rooms, but not block all the light and air. It can be made half the height of the room, diagonal or with slots/windows. The partition can be a solid high one, but then it is better that it is a column or wall as wide as a bed. The disadvantage of this method is the immobility of the septum.

Three rules for zoning a room

The window serves as a guide for dividing the room. If there are two sources of natural light in the room, great, that means there will be windows in both areas of the room. But in most one-room apartments and studios there is no such “luxury”, so rule number one: the bedroom is located closer to the window opening and further from the entrance.

Lighting will help visually expand the space. Main and spotlights, sconces, floor lamps – the choice is unlimited. Artificial light sources compensate for the lack of sunlight in an area without a window.

To compensate for the lack of space, you need to use non-standard solutions. For example, the sleeping area will be harmoniously complemented by a podium with built-in drawers. It performs two functions:

• visually delimits space due to height differences;
• creates additional storage space without taking up useful space.

Bed in a niche

If the layout allows you to hide the bed in a separate niche, then this is zoning in itself. The mini-room has only one wall open, which can easily be covered with something if necessary. If a niche is not provided in the room, it can be made using a cabinet or plasterboard partition.

How to differentiate between a crib and a sofa?

The desire to organize a separate sleeping place is not a whim. You can’t put an orthopedic mattress on a sofa (no matter how the advertisement would have you believe, even modern sofas are inferior to beds), although it best keeps your back healthy and helps your body lie anatomically correctly. And combining a living room and a hall helps to obtain a spacious room suitable for arranging a study, nursery or dressing room.

The bed should be installed in the far part of the room, and the sofa should be located closer to the exit . Consider the number of niches and windows, the overall layout, and your capabilities.

Will help:

• Partitions . They will hide your bed from prying eyes and can act as a place to store home clothes, linen, toys, and various small items.
• Cabinet furniture . There are regular tall cabinets on sale (almost up to the ceiling), as well as transforming models (they are easy to disassemble and rearrange).
• Screen on wheels or hanging, curtain . The curtain can be moved to the side during the day to make the room brighter. When there are guests, it slides back, creating the feeling of a separate secluded corner.
• Retractable podium . This design hides the bed inside. At night it slides out of the compartment, but during the day it can be quickly pushed back.
• Two-tier design . There are nuances here: it is only suitable for healthy and strong people.
• Decorative elements. This includes highlighting zones, volumetric elements, etc.

There is nothing complicated about zoning and separating the sleeping area. A little patience and perseverance - and your apartment will turn into a cozy corner that will always be waiting for you after work and will give you the opportunity to relax. Let everything work out!

On the pages of our website you will find the following information:

• Is it possible to remodel or restore a bed with your own hands?
• How to strengthen the bed so that it does not wobble or strengthen the old structure?
• Is it possible to lengthen or increase its size?
• How to properly assemble a single, double and lift-up bed or seal an inflatable version of sleeping furniture?

Bed inside the podium

This method solves the problem of hiding the bed when the room is in living room mode or you need to save space. But if one watches TV and the other wants to sleep in the dark, a bed on the podium will not resolve this conflict of interest. The bed can be pushed into the podium, or placed directly in it, closed with a “lid” until it is in use.

More ideas with podiums: “Podium in the interior”

Tips for decorating walls, floors and ceilings

Not only the partition, but also the design of the apartment is responsible for dividing the room. Optimal: each zone has its own design. Don't go deep into dark colors. The sleeping area should be designed so that nothing disturbs comfortable rest. Preferable pastel colors, “airy” furniture (wall shelves, racks), light fabrics for curtains.

The hall can be decorated in bright or deep colors if the lighting problem is solved.

Loft bed

The most radical way to raise a bed is a loft bed. Hiding under the ceiling, you will feel separate from the whole world, and visiting guests are unlikely to notice the unmade bed.

Thinking about a loft bed? Read: “Bedroom under the ceiling: to be or not to be.”

Lighting Tips

There is never too much artificial light, especially when it comes to rooms with limited space. Suitable for the bedroom:

• spot ceiling lights - create a soft glow that does not hurt the eyes;
• wall sconces - the best place for them is by the bed;
• small lamps for bedside tables - if you want to read at night.

Suitable for the living room:

• a flat chandelier will not create a cluttering effect and will not steal space;
• floor lamps are not only a source of light, but also a decorative item;
• spot ceiling lights are never superfluous.

Rack

This partition clearly delineates the separation of zones, but at the same time allows light to pass through and does not weigh down the space too much. And, of course, it adds everyone’s favorite storage spaces! It is better to leave some shelves of such a rack empty or fill them with transparent objects; as an option, purchase a low rack or cabinet. Instead of a shelving unit, there may be a massive cabinet - but you need more light and air, don’t you?

Types of hidden beds under the ceiling: comparison table

Lift bed or fixed hanging bed

Lift bed/BedUP bed

Stationary hanging bed

Lift bed/ BedUP bed	Stationary hanging bed
Mechanism of operation	Works like an elevator mechanism, with the help of an electric motor it rises and lowers at the press of a button	Attached to the wall and cannot be repositioned
Change of position	At night the bed is on the floor, and during the day it is retracted under the ceiling, freeing up space	Doesn't change position
Additional accessories	No	Ladder
Required ceiling height	from 2.5 m	from 2.5 m
Minuses	— Suspension cables require replacement after 10 years of operation; — You need a durable ceiling slab (plasterboard is not suitable); — For installation you need up to 6 holes in the ceiling; — The furniture under the bed will have to be removed each time when lowering; — Difficult to buy in Russia, long delivery (made in Germany, France).	— Not suitable for elderly people and children under 6 years old (due to stairs and height); — It’s inconvenient to go down at night (requires additional lighting); — Prof. required. installation and solid walls (see paragraph 1.3.)
pros	— Saves up to 4m2; — Takes up only 16-35 cm of height (depending on the open or closed design of the bed); — Suitable for any age.	— The space under the bed is always free (if there is enough height for movement, equip a dressing room, if not, a work desk or sitting area); — Easy to buy in Russia.
Price	from 250 thousand rubles	from 35 thousand rubles

Loft bed or mezzanine bed

Secret loft bed under the ceiling

Bed on the mezzanine floor

Loft bed	Bed on the mezzanine floor
Mechanism of operation	Installed on high legs on the floor. The lower tier can be used for different functional areas: work, relaxation area, dressing room.	A floor that is supported by metal or wood profiles on adjacent walls. Typically, the mezzanine floor has a work desk, a dressing room, and a bed.
Change of position	Can be moved	Doesn't change position
Additional accessories	Ladder	Ladder
Required ceiling height	From 2 m (suitable for low ceilings)	From 4.2 m (the distance between the base of the mezzanine and the ceiling surface must be at least 1.2 m)
Minuses	— Not suitable for elderly people and children under 6 years old (due to stairs and height); — It’s inconvenient to go down at night (requires additional lighting); — The space under the bed is always free (if the height is enough for movement, you can equip a dressing room, if the height is not enough, a work desk or sitting area).	— Not suitable for elderly people and children under 6 years old (due to stairs and height); — It’s inconvenient to go down at night (requires additional lighting); — Prof. required. installation and durable walls, ceiling; — Requires approval for construction (additional expenses are required).
pros	— No installation is needed, the structure is simply placed on the floor and does not require additional equipment. fastenings; — Suitable for low ceilings.	— You can organize a separate room, not just a bed.
Price	from 13 thousand rubles.	from 150 thousand rubles for construction.

Conclusion: The most economical and fastest option (from 13 thousand rubles) to arrange a bed under the ceiling is a loft bed: it can be rearranged and transported if the housing is rented. The strength of the walls for a loft bed is not important, the main thing is a more or less level floor for reliable stability. A stationary hanging bed is also a fairly economical option (from 35 thousand rubles), however, it requires durable concrete walls. A bed on the mezzanine floor will allow you to create an additional floor and separate rooms, however, the construction and approval of redevelopment will cost from 150 thousand rubles and the ceiling height must be at least 4 meters. A lift bed with a lifting mechanism to the ceiling is the most expensive option (from 240 thousand rubles), but at the same time it is completely safe for the elderly and children.

Place for placing a bed under the ceiling

• In a narrow room

It is better to install a ceiling bed in a narrow room between two opposite walls. This way the walls will provide strong fixation on both sides.

Hidden loft bed in a narrow room with a blue ceiling

• In a square small room

It is best to install a bed under the ceiling in a square room in a corner. The structure will also be attached to two walls, which is more reliable.

White loft bed with sofa below

• In a small room with high ceilings (at least 4.5 meters)

When there is no width, you can work with height. High ceilings allow you to create a mezzanine floor and furnish a separate room there with a bed.

IMPORTANT: To build a mezzanine, the total height of the room must be at least 4.5 meters, and the height under the mezzanine floor must be at least 2.1 m.

Mezzanine bed with a screen in a loft interior

Screen

The simplest and fastest temporary partition is a screen. Hides the bed from prying eyes and partially blocks the light. When needed, I put it up; when not needed, I folded it and put it away. Moreover, screens can be very beautiful and can become a treasure of the interior. Admire the screens: “Behind the veil of secrecy: screens in the interior.”

Partition

Brickwork, safety glass, plywood, plasterboard - the partition can be made from one material or a combination of two (for example, brick + glass). Doesn't take up much space, looks impressive. It is advisable to decorate partitions made of tempered or plexiglass with curtains or blinds in order, if necessary, to hide the sleeping space from prying eyes. For partial zoning, a low partition that does not reach the height of the ceiling is suitable.

Screen for projector

As we noticed in this and this project, designers are increasingly combining business with pleasure and zoning the bed with a projector screen. In one motion, the screen lowers from the ceiling above the bed, blocking the view of it and turning the room into a living room with a home theater.

Options for separating functional areas with photos

Zoning gives:

• saving free space;
• unusual designer interior;
• the ability to rationally distribute things;
• convenience, comfort.

1. The room is divided into day and night zones:
   Daytime is active activity, work, receiving guests, sports.
2. Night - an area of ​​personal space for relaxation.
3. The room is divided into personal and public areas . Some try to combine them later, but more often such a combination only brings discomfort. A bar can be successfully combined with a dining room or living room, but not with a bedroom or children’s area.

In a one-room apartment

At first glance, this is a difficult task: how to place a recreation area and a place for receiving guests in a limited space? This situation often occurs in studio apartments or in apartments in which the second room is reserved for the nursery.

Important

Keep in mind that such a layout will not give you the sense of privacy and intimacy that you may be striving for. If someone in the hall is watching TV or communicating, in an impromptu bedroom it will all be perfectly audible, and vice versa. The same applies to lighting.

Zoning in the living room

Principles of zoning in the living room:

1. Choose furniture in the same style and color, with the correct geometric shape. An unfolded sofa should not interfere with walking around the apartment, or approaching, for example, a window or bookcase.
2. Don't overload the space. A lot of vases and bowls, photographs, pictures, pillows, and other elements will create the feeling not of a home, but of a gypsy tent filled with junk.
3. Place the bed with the headboard against the wall (how can you beautifully cover the headboard and decorate the wall next to the headboard in an original way?).
4. Before repairing and installing furniture, read a couple of books on the art of design, look at photographs on the Internet. This will allow you to understand how to use color, light, decorative screens, how, where and in what quantity to add bright interior items, how to select texture and textiles.

In a studio

In the studio, the sleeping area can be separated, as in a regular apartment. It will be convenient to install a stationary partition made of wood, glass or plaster (solid or figured) or a mobile one, and hang curtains. Sound insulation, of course, will be zero, but the sleeping area will be externally separated.

Advice

Frame partitions are not recommended: they are expensive and very fragile.

Sliding doors

When open, sliding doors will only mark the boundaries of zones, but when closed they will completely create the feeling of two different rooms: sounds and smells will be muffled, as will light, if the doors are not transparent.

Ceiling

A multi-level suspended ceiling will visually emphasize the zoning of the room into a bedroom and living room. Manufacturers offer a lot of options, ranging from glossy to transparent light-transmitting materials.

A non-standard solution for the hall - a ceiling with photo printing. It looks especially impressive in combination with a neutral (pastel, monochromatic) room design and light-colored furniture.

Finishing the ceiling with beams in two shades is also suitable: lighter for the bedroom, darker for the hall.

Budget options: foam ceiling tiles, wallpaper or painting. You can also combine two materials of different shades.

Glass walls

This is a good way if you want a separate bedroom, but there is not enough window for it. If you surround the bed with glass walls, it will reliably block sounds and smells. Complete the cube with curtains that can be drawn at night or in front of guests, and the room is ready!

Advantages and disadvantages of transforming cabinets

In small-sized dwellings or medium-sized spaces, but designed for large families, saving usable space becomes a top priority. And if in a children's room intended for two, you can install a bunk bed, then in the bedroom, which is forced to serve as a living room during the day, such a design is not enough - the sleeping place must be hidden. Just 15-20 years ago, folding beds were not in great demand due to low reliability and strength of structures, serious weight restrictions and a small assortment. Nowadays, almost every owner of an apartment or private house who needs a hidden sleeping place can afford to find their own option or order an individual one.

Advantages of beds built into a closet:

• obvious savings in usable space;
• the possibility of arranging a sleeping place on several square meters in a room that performs several functional tasks;
• ease of operation (and transformation) of modern models;
• a bed built into a closet, when folded, aesthetically imitates the facade of a closet, fitting perfectly into the existing interior;
• modern swing systems, which are the basis of the folding bed mechanism, are simple in design, reliable and durable, which significantly extends the life of the transforming wardrobe;
• It is possible to install both a single and double module.

The disadvantages of folding beds include the following:

• if, due to a manufacturing defect or regular violation of simple rules for using the mechanism, it is broken, then the entire sleeping module can be considered unusable;
• there are weight restrictions (they have been significantly simplified recently due to the emergence of more durable structures, but there are still limits);
• the impossibility of installing a built-in sleeping module on plasterboard walls - only brick or concrete surfaces with a perfectly smooth and even texture;
• Most manufacturers insist that the transformable bed be installed by installation specialists, otherwise the company may void its warranties or significantly reduce the period of trouble-free operation.

Mix

Don't be afraid to combine the techniques above to achieve the best result for your case. For example, a bed in a niche, on a podium and covered with a curtain - why not?

Or a podium plus a plasterboard partition plus low cabinets, as the heroes of our article “Stylish one-room apartment 40 m2 in Moscow” did.

If you live in a one-room apartment with children, this material will be useful for you: “Children’s area in the parents’ bedroom.”

Photos: homeklondike.com, kvartblog.ru, sysanin.com, home-designing.com, wastedpaper.com

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Closet

Divides the room and serves for storing things. The best option is custom-made furniture according to individual measurements. Plus: it creates a dense partition, which is important when dividing a bedroom into a child’s room and an adult’s. A caveat: the closet hides part of the usable space, so the solution is not suitable for small spaces.

An original solution: a wardrobe with a built-in bed. This option is suitable for families with children. During the daytime, the sleeping area is raised and useful space is freed up.

How to divide space rationally?

The place to sleep is separated not only by charms, but also by the floor; this can be an original covering with a different texture or the level of shade of the walls or lighting can visually create a barrier between rooms. Place a rug in the bedroom to create a visual barrier.

In the living room, place more lighting fixtures, making the lighting richer. But in the bedroom it can be made more subdued, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Paint the walls in the sleeping area a little darker, cover them with contrasting wallpaper and thereby visually divide the room into two.

You can also create something like a podium in it. With its help you can solve several problems, it will divide the room and at the same time you can make convenient drawers in it in which you will store a lot of small things.