A bed under the ceiling in a one-room apartment: which one is suitable and how to make it yourself

Small-sized apartments have become commonplace for residents of megacities. The main problem that has to be solved is the rational placement of furniture. Often, due to a shortage of square meters, a bed is sacrificed in favor of a folding sofa. But no sofa can replace a full-fledged sleeping place with an orthopedic mattress. Therefore, the designers found a compromise solution - a bed under the ceiling. In this article we will tell you what types of designs there are, what is best to choose for a one-room apartment and how to make such a piece of furniture with your own hands.

Luxury or necessity

Beds under the ceiling, leaving open space below, are a way out of the situation. Such furniture takes up little space in small apartments, and is quite often installed in studios.

The question immediately arises as to how convenient it is to use a ceiling bed in a small room, because the standard height in apartment buildings is 2.5-2.7 m. But, despite this fact, a ceiling-mounted sleeping place is perfect for small apartments. It helps to vertically and horizontally zone the room by arranging a study, dressing room or living room below. At a higher altitude, for example, in a private house, you can organize a small kitchen. Every centimeter is used rationally and even a corner of 5 m² becomes suitable for living.

This is a great alternative to transformable sofas. They do not replace a sleeping place. In addition, a lot of time is spent on spreading and making the bed, the shortage of which is especially acute in the morning.

Such beds are used not only in cramped apartments, but also in spacious housing as a highlight of the interior. You can choose a model to suit different styles - classic, modern, Provence, country, loft and even high-tech. They become a source of pride for the home owner.

The bed is suspended permanently or a mechanism is installed that allows it to be removed from the ceiling. Another option is floor-mounted, on supports. All of them have the following advantages:

• space saving;
• an excellent solution for parents if they have to sleep in the same room with their children;
• interesting design technique;
• can be placed in any room.

Such furniture is especially convenient in rooms where there are niches of suitable size. It is ideal if the bed fits completely into it. In other cases, at least the guides of the elevator mechanism are hidden in the recess.

Disadvantages must also be taken into account:

• in case of poor-quality installation, the structure may collapse, so the installation must be approached very responsibly, especially if the space below will be actively used for children's games or work;
• the space of the room is somewhat reduced due to overhanging furniture;
• beds with a lifting mechanism are highly difficult to install; specialists are required;
• stationary furniture with stairs is not suitable for older people and small children;
• It is not always convenient to change underwear;
• The second floor is warm, but it can be stuffy and uncomfortable to get out at night.

Types of drives for LiftBed and BedUp beds

In order for furniture to move without physical effort on the part of a person, drives are needed. The mechanisms transmit energy, which starts the lift and moves the bed. Equipment for a bed that retracts under the ceiling is divided into two types according to its variety.

Electronic

Automatic drives operate on electricity. The device is based on a motor that operates on current. The transformer block included in the kit is connected to the intra-apartment network. The platform is controlled using a remote control with buttons. In expensive models, the folding process is started remotely.

The technology is used by the German brand “LiftBed”. The lifting bed to the ceiling has protection against accidental operation of the mechanism. If the weight of the berth is more than 9 kg from the weight of the empty bed, then the structure will not rise. A person can rest peacefully on the bed and not worry about involuntary movement of furniture. When the house loses power, the platform is lowered manually.

Manual

Mechanical elevator models operate using counterweights. If you move the bed, the bed will lower or rise. To start the drives, no physical effort is required; just touch the lever (body) with your hand. The technology is used by the French trademark “BedUp”.

If a person lies on a bed, the counterweight does not move the furniture. The owner's weight is greater than the weight of the load, so the stock does not rise. Under the ceiling, the interior item is fixed using fasteners. The detail prevents the structure from accidentally returning to rest mode.

Placement nuances

Designers very elegantly fit a ceiling-mounted bed into the interior. But in addition to aesthetic aspects, technical ones must also be taken into account.

When mounting to the ceiling, check whether the ceiling can withstand the required weight. It is especially important to carry out correct calculations in old and panel apartment buildings if there is a residential floor on top: furniture and appliances are already pressing on the slab in the neighbors’ apartment, and the load is also created by the residents themselves. Therefore, it is much safer to use other types of sleeping arrangements.

They check the height to the ceiling, based on the height of those living in the apartment. The distance under the frame must be such that the person below can move safely. At least 70 cm is left from the mattress to the upper ceiling. In low rooms, a wardrobe or desk is placed under the bed.

You should also pay attention to lighting. It should be soft so that it does not blind your eyes. The most convenient devices are those with a directional light source.

When using drop-down beds, the following rules apply:

• the optimal distance from floor to ceiling is 2.25–3.25 m;
• there should be no obstacles on the way of movement;
• insufficiently strong walls are strengthened;
• the permissible difference in floor level between the legs is about 4 cm, to the lifting column - 6 cm.

The installation location is selected based on the configuration of the room. So, in square rooms it is most convenient to place such an object in the corner. In a narrow and oblong space, use the area between the opposing long walls. In a loft, such furniture is even installed in the center.

Sometimes a hanging bed looks too massive. Then auxiliary lighting is placed above it, which visually adds space. Lamps or a diode strip from below create a levitation effect.

With suspended and suspended ceilings made of plasterboard, there is empty space between the finishing and the base. For models that rest on this structural part of the room, fastening is carried out through decorative cladding to the rough ceiling.

Sleeping area

The bed, hidden in the ceiling, is not inferior in comfort to stationary models. The size range of furniture is large, so you can choose a piece of furniture to suit the owner’s requirements. The standard length of the bed is 2 m. The width depends on the type of model:

• single – 90-100 cm;
• one and a half – 140-160 cm;
• double – 170-200 cm.

Strong and reliable frames are created from natural wood. Lightweight material does not require additional reinforcement of the lifting mechanism. The only disadvantage of raw materials is the high price. Inexpensive composite boards are inferior in strength to solid wood. In combined models, wood or metal is used as a base, MDF is used for decorative finishing.

The space under the mattress ensures a healthy sleep and securely holds bedding under the ceiling. In inexpensive models, a solid sheet of plywood is placed on the bottom of the frame. Durable material is poorly ventilated, so there is a risk of fungus appearing in the fabric and wood.

The lamella base is a comfortable orthopedic design that supports the mattress well. The optimal width of the planks is 5 cm, installed at intervals of 4 cm. Narrow birch slats are elastic, therefore they ensure the correct positioning of the body during sleep. The bed adjusts to the weight of the sleeper and quickly restores its shape.

Which option is better to choose for a one-room apartment?

For one-room apartments, furniture with an elevator mechanism is universal - the bedroom turns into a living room and vice versa in seconds. A lifting bed is suitable for adults, children, and people with health problems.

But BedUp and LiftBed load the ceiling, floor and wall. Therefore, if doubts arise regarding the reliability of building elements, such furniture is not used. It should be borne in mind that when lowered, the beds are quite bulky and take up a lot of space. In addition, under them you can only place a low soft corner, a coffee table or a folding table, which will have to be removed during sleep.

If the choice fell on products with an elevator lifting mechanism, experts recommend designs equipped with two lifts built into the bed frame - they are lightweight. But the main disadvantage of such models is the very high price; many are simply not able to afford such luxury.

With high ceilings in a room where active adults live, a hanging mezzanine bed is convenient. It will cost less than the previous option. In this case, the space below will be fully used. Shelves, play complexes, a desk with shelves, a wardrobe or other objects are placed here.

But the most practical and versatile option for small-sized apartments such as Khrushchev-era apartments would be a loft bed. The cost of such furniture is low, and under the bed you can place a desk, sofa or wardrobe. The space will be fully utilized and used rationally. In addition, attic-type furniture is suitable even for low ceilings.

For children over 5 years old, a loft bed is simply an ideal option. The child will be happy to climb to the second floor, and below you can make a play area or put a school desk.

Children's beds, as a rule, have a rectangular shape, which fits comfortably into a standard interior and does not take up much space.

Types of lifting mechanisms

The bed, lowered from the ceiling, operates using a lifting device. The silent sleeping place reaches the floor in 20-30 seconds. Furniture manufacturers offer three types of designs that have different characteristics.

Wall-mounted

The bed moves along a guide rail that was mounted into the wall. The berth was connected with hidden counterweights using steel cables. The device easily raises and lowers the platform. Advantages of the models:

• ease of operation;
• affordable price;
• reliability.

The cables pass through the blocks and are connected by a lifting mechanism. Single beds are fixed to the wall using 1 device located in the center of the headboard. Double models are installed on double rails in the corners of the bed. To prevent the structure from accidentally falling down, the furniture is secured in the upper position with a stopper.

Under the base of the bed

The mechanism is placed under the base of the bed. The drum of the device is installed at the bottom, and the cables are thrown over the blocks. When ascending, the ropes are wound onto a reel, and when descending, they are unwound. Advantages of the models:

• safety;
• ease of installation;
• automatic drive.

The bed, which descends from the ceiling, has locking legs in the lower position for security. The supports prevent the structure from accidentally lifting up. To place and disguise the mechanism, you do not need to equip an additional niche. Steel ropes are passed through the corners of the furniture and secured at the top of the room.

On the ceiling

The berth on the ceiling drive is fixed using chains (steel cables, elastic belts) under the ceiling of the living space. Rollers are placed on the ceilings, through which ropes with counterweights are thrown. Benefits of beds:

• ease of operation;
• reliable design;
• the possibility of placing an elevator in any part of the room;
• compact block.

Movement is provided by a mechanism under the ceiling and cables. The bed stops at any distance from the floor. To prevent the bed from rocking, limiting legs are used. To disguise the lifting device, a false ceiling or a special niche is installed in the room.

How to make a bed under the ceiling with your own hands

Let's look at a few simple options that even craftsmen with basic carpentry skills can build.

On chains

Let's look at an example of how to make a hanging swing bed on metal chains yourself. If you don’t want it to swing, you can additionally attach the structure to the wall. The bed is made like this:

1. From a sheet of plywood with a thickness of at least 12 mm, cut out the bottom to the size of the mattress.
2. A frame with stiffening ribs is made from 10x15 cm bars, which are nailed across the bottom at a distance of 40-50 cm. They will not allow the plywood to sag under load.
3. Along the edge of the lounger, restrictive boards made of boards 25-40 cm high are installed (they can be increased if the mattress is massive).
4. The edges are cleaned with an emery sheet and the wood is coated with paint or varnish.
5. Hooks are attached to the sunbed in the corners, into which a carabiner and chain are threaded.
6. Anchors are screwed to the ceiling and chains are hung.
7. If necessary, the headboard is fixed to the wall to prevent the bed from swaying.

On metal pipes

This version of a hanging bed is fixed to the ceiling with steel pipes, so it will not swing. For production you will need:

• 4 pipes, each with a length equal to the distance from the bottom to the ceiling, with threads on both ends;
• bolts, washers for them;
• flanges - 8 pcs.;
• elbow to pipe - 4 pcs.;
• a board 25-40 cm high for making a frame and 10-15 cm for lamellas (transverse parts that form the bottom).

They make a bed like this:

1. Cut the board and assemble the box according to the size of the mattress. The parts are fastened at the corners with bolts.
2. A small block is stuffed around the perimeter of the inside of the box, onto which the lamellas are laid and fixed with an indentation of 20-30 cm.
3. Flanges are attached to the sides of the head and foot parts of the bed, into which the pipe elbow is inserted.
4. The remaining 4 flanges are screwed to the ceiling.
5. After this, long pipes connect the lower part of the bed with the upper fastenings. At the base, the pipes are screwed into the elbow, and at the ceiling they are screwed to the flanges.
6. At the final stage, the wood is coated with varnish, stain or paint.

Children's loft bed

Now let's look at how to make a small loft bed for a children's room. First, a model is selected and the boards are cut according to the drawing. Then the parts are sanded to smooth out sharp corners and eliminate chips. Next is the assembly:

1. Mark the mounting locations and drill holes.
2. The crib frame is assembled, consisting of a frame and support bars.
3. At a height of 40 cm, the lower frame is made using slats, which are fixed on the back side of the supports of the ends of the future bed.
4. Transverse slats are attached to the frame, which form the bottom. The number of elements depends on the weight of the child.
5. Install side rails of about 40 cm, which will prevent the baby from falling while sleeping.
6. A ladder is made and attached to the frame.
7. The wood is opened with varnish.

What's included in the set?

There is no standard configuration for a bedroom set - everything is selected based on the consumer’s request. Most often, the set includes 3-4 modules, including:

• bed;
• bedside tables;
• wardrobe;
• dresser;
• toilet table;
• desk;
• banquette or pouf;
• armchair, lounger or chair.

The main element of any bedroom is, of course, the bed. It is to this that all other furniture is usually selected. In small bedrooms it is sometimes replaced with a podium to save space. For small bedrooms, beds with drawers are also convenient - bed linen or clothes are stored in them. Also, when choosing, keep in mind that models with legs will look more airy than solid solid structures.

Modern bedside tables are available in a huge number of designs - standard with a drawer and door or lightweight weightless consoles, on wheels or brackets, floor-standing or hanging. Base your choice not only on appearance, but also on size - in narrow rooms, for example, after installing a bed, there is very limited space for cabinets.

Bedside tables do not have to be symmetrical and identical - replace one of them with a chest of drawers or remove them altogether to make the interior more modern.

Wardrobes are found both free-standing and built-in - they are united with the rest of the furniture by facades. The size and shape (straight or corner cabinet) are selected based on the dimensions of the room and the required storage space.

In addition to or instead of a closet, purchase a chest of drawers. Unlike the previous version, its functions do not end with storage inside - a TV is often placed on the tabletop or used as a makeup area.

The photo shows a bedroom set with a wardrobe and a chest of drawers

A dressing table is the dream of any woman; so that it does not stand out from the ensemble and looks harmonious, buy it in the same style as the bedroom set. A mirror must be hung or installed on top; this should not be forgotten when planning lighting. An additional light source is needed here.

If you often have to work at home, set up a cozy office right in the bedroom. To do this, you will need a desk and a comfortable chair.

Many bedroom sets include upholstered furniture:

• it is convenient to fold a blanket on the bench at the foot of the bed before going to bed;
• chairs or poufs are used next to tables;
• a cozy chair or couch will replace the seating or reading area.

Photos of interiors with a bed under the ceiling

A bed near the ceiling is a good furniture option when there is a shortage of free space in a cramped apartment. But we must always remember that sleeping at altitude is associated with the risk of injury. Therefore, you should choose only trusted manufacturers. Installation of devices with a lift mechanism is trusted to specialized companies. And if you want to make a bed under the ceiling with your own hands, then the materials need to be selected with special attention. Only then will it be possible to save space and get enough sleep without risking your health. A selection of photographs will help you find interesting ideas and choose the right option.

Recommendations for selection

It is important to summarize the main points that you should pay special attention to when choosing.

1. Check the reliability of the fastenings, the presence of a counterweight safety system mechanism (from falling of the bed) and the entire structure as a whole in the store. The most reliable materials are metal and wood (natural, MDF panels). Before operation, all structural components must be checked for defects.
2. Before installation, check the reliability of concrete floors.
3. Choose the dimensions that suit your room. The store has a variety of sizes, but they may not fit all rooms well. Consider the height of family members, i.e. those who will use this furniture.
4. The bed should match the style of the room.
5. You should not use this option for organizing a sleeping place for a child. This is traumatic for a preschooler.

Pros and cons of suspended structures

Like any other furniture attributes, these hanging models have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Useful tips

A few recommendations for creating a hanging bed will help you quickly understand the technology and do everything reliably and efficiently:

• When choosing a rope for hanging a bed, you need to take into account the number and weight of vacationers.
• If you are making a hanging structure for a children's room, then children will probably swing and jump on it. That is why cables and fastenings must be very strong to withstand heavy loads.
• Be careful when calculating the length of the ropes - the bed you assemble should hang perfectly evenly.
• To attach the structure to the ceiling, select the most powerful hooks and bolts.
• A bed intended for children or elderly people must have a back and sides. They can be made of plastic or horizontal pillows can be sewn to the bed.

Frameless hanging chairs

Products that do not have a rigid frame are made of durable fabric and hanging ropes or slings. Depending on the hanging method, the design may include some other elements.

For example, the chair in the next photo is an ordinary rectangular pillow with metal eyelets installed in the corners.

Another option for a soft hanging chair

A chain is passed through them, attached to the ceiling beams. As you can see, the design is extremely simple, but very comfortable to use.

Bag chair

To make the next model, you only needed fabric, rope and a strong wooden rod, which can be used as a handle from a shovel or other garden tool. Four holes are drilled in it with a diameter equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the rope.

The fabric is folded on both sides and sewn with a double seam on a machine so that a rope can be threaded into the resulting drawstrings. After which it is threaded through the holes of the rod and tied with large and strong knots that prevent it from slipping out.

Hammock chair