DIY podium bed: step-by-step instructions, drawings and dimensions

Multi-tiered structures and transforming mechanisms always attract attention. Firstly, they look impressive. Secondly, at first glance they seem very convenient and functional. In fact, in reality, this is not always the case. However, sometimes making a podium bed with your own hands with additional cabinets and storage drawers or a sleeping area at the base is quite justified. Especially if the apartment is small, and the task is to make maximum use of every free corner.

Frame materials

Podiums can be made of cast concrete or a wooden frame lined with sheet material.
In the first case, concrete is poured into a pre-installed frame, which follows the shape of the future podium. After the concrete has hardened, its surface is leveled with a screed, then the floor covering is laid. It can be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet, linoleum, etc. The concrete podium is very durable and reliable, it does not lose moisture, does not rot and can withstand heavy loads.

The podium based on a wooden (metal frame) is very light, practically does not load the floors and is suitable for apartments in urban high-rise buildings. The front platform of the podium is made of flexible plywood, metal profiles, MDF panels, PVC plinths. The finishing of the podium can be done using various materials: carpet, laminate, parquet, linoleum, cork, ceramic tile.

Decoration

Neither OSB boards nor plywood have an attractive appearance. Therefore, you should not skip the decorating stage. Keep in mind that a podium under a bed, which will be used as a place of work, rest or entertainment, requires compliance with safety rules.

The floor should not be slippery, which means choosing appropriate materials

Particular attention is paid to the steps. Carpet or laminate is perfect

These are, of course, not residual options; the owner of the apartment has the right to independently decide how to decorate the elevation he has erected. It could be:

• ceramic tile;
• linoleum;
• parquet;
• wooden plank.

Beautiful design solutions in the interior

For a small and narrow bedroom, the best option would be a podium bed, which has wide drawers and a couple of steps. The bed is installed on top of the podium (classic option), which provides it with cozy natural light during the day, and at the top you can leave space for a bedside lamp, a floor lamp and several shelves for books.

In a one-room apartment, the type of podium structure will directly depend on the size of the room. If the area is large, you can set aside a part of the room for a sleeping place, which is usually fenced off with a high cabinet or rack with built-in drawers and shelves. The sleeping place is arranged using a regular wide mattress in the upper part, and below you can arrange a compact workplace in the form of a table with drawers. Thus, the podium becomes multifunctional, and a person can do different things while in the same place.

In a “Khrushchev” apartment it is also quite possible to build a simple podium structure, taking into account the peculiarities of the layout of such an apartment. Small area and low ceilings are not an obstacle for those who want to arrange a compact and comfortable sleeping place, but all this must be taken into account when planning the size.

Create a drawing

Drawings of the podium bed are drawn up based on exact measurements of the room and the planned dimensions of the mattress. Small rooms are simply covered with a podium into parts with different heights; in other cases, the length of the bed (as well as the dimensions of the drawer with the sleeping bed) is adjusted to the mattress. The width of the furniture varies from 1.2 to 1.5 m for children’s models, 1.7–1.9 m for double models. The height of models with drawers of any type varies between 40–70 cm.

Detailed sketches of beds are made on paper or electronically, using online editors or furniture design programs. If you have no experience, you should use ready-made drawings, scrupulously observing the specified indents and gaps

It is also very important to purchase materials of a given thickness

Distinctive features of luxury beds, popular styles and designs

If it is necessary to change the length or width of the frame, the dimensions of the retractable elements and external facades are simultaneously adjusted. The intervals between adjacent boxes and the specified gaps must remain unchanged. In particular, the width of the drawer placed under the bed in any case should be 2.5 cm less than the box itself, and the minimum permissible distance from the bottom to the floor is 1 cm.

Podium bed with a berth on top

This model provides the opportunity to organize a voluminous storage system in the podium space. A podium bed of this type, created with your own hands, can be located in any part of the room, even in the center, however, it is still better to equip it in non-accessible places. Built-in drawers at the bottom will allow you to unload cabinets or even abandon their use in a given room, replacing them with wall shelves.

Podium bed with a berth on top

Where to begin

The start of work will also involve structural design. The drawing should reflect the dimensions of the frame, headboard, the size of the sides securing the mattress, the number and location of drawers, and, of course, all available dimensional proportions. To calculate the strength, the maximum load on the floors should not be more than 750 kg/m2.

Podium bed design

Assembling the podium

For this sleeper model, the podium will have a block structure consisting of 3 parts. The side block is fixed to the back at a right angle. The central block will divide the space into two equal halves, which is necessary for the symmetrical installation of sections of the storage system. If necessary, the structure can be made collapsible and in order to increase its mobility, the headboard block can be secured with wing nuts or simply secured with standard bolts. The photo will show you what the podium bed will look like at this stage.

Assembling blocks from timber

The blocks are assembled from timber. Holes for mounting pins are drilled in the parts. The joints are additionally lubricated with an adhesive compound. After assembly, the structure is fixed with clamps and left in this form until the glue dries.

The central block is the shortest. It is attached to the podium bed structure using four spacer elements. The top panel is recessed somewhat deeper. This will give you enough space to lay down the central cross board needed to create the bed frame.

Mattress frame

Supporting bars are fixed along the perimeter of the podium. This time the fastening elements are screws. The joints are also treated with glue to give greater strength and reliability to the joints.

Then support bars are placed, which will take on the entire load. You will need to place 3 of these elements on the headboard and backrest. In the area of ​​the central block – 2.

To strengthen the front parallel crossbars in the area where the retractable sections are located, special T-shaped stops are used. You can see what the podium bed looks like at this stage in the photo.

Assembled frame for the podium bed

The base of the bed, which can be assembled from slats or OSB sheets, is laid on the support bars. Now all that remains is to equip the structure with protective sides along the height of the mattress, and the steel place will be ready.

Pull-out sections

To install them you will need a 1.6 cm section board and plywood. On the walls of the drawers assembled for the podium bed, cut 5 mm recesses with your own hands. A plywood bottom will be inserted into them. The locations of the grooves for the drawers in the central block will be determined by the height of the roller wheels, with which the retractable sections will be equipped for ease of use. It should be taken into account that the lower drawers cannot be installed lower than one centimeter from the floor.

Assembling drawers

The role of the basis for the guide runners of the drawers will be performed by bars with a cross section of 1.3 x 1.3 cm attached to the sides of each part of the central block.

Attaching drawer guides

Podium façade cladding

“When working on a podium bed with your own hands, it makes sense to order ready-made models of facades according to individual sizes, which are made of plastic and MDF”

You can look for a hint on how best to sheathe the façade of a podium bed with a sleeping place on top in the photo. If you choose plywood for this purpose, then its surface will need to be carefully sanded. This can be done with fine sandpaper. Then the façade will undergo the procedure of priming and painting or opening it with varnish.

Bed frame trim

When working on a podium bed with your own hands, it makes sense to order ready-made models of facades according to individual sizes, which are made of plastic and MDF. Their surface can be matte or glossy, have patterns in the form of imitation carvings, for example, or any other decor. This solution will look very impressive.

Ready bed podium

How to make a do-it-yourself podium bed with a pull-out bed

This design solution is especially relevant for small-sized children's rooms designed for two or more children. The “upper” bed of the podium is stationary, and the lower one extends from the base. By the way, such two-tier and three-tier pull-out cribs can be seen in kindergartens.

A drawing of such a pull-out bed from under the base of the podium looks like this.

The limiting stop is the raised side - it clings to the front bar of the body and prevents the sliding part from completely extending beyond the niche. For strictly linear movement, erect support wheels are installed on the sides of the pull-out bed. It is better if the wheels are in a rubberized shell, so as not to spoil the floor covering with them.

In various variations of the do-it-yourself podium bed, the upper tier can form a double bed, and the lower tier can form a single bed, in combination with other roll-out storage systems. Or used in conjunction with another single bed.

The principles when designing and developing a drawing of a podium bed with your own hands with an additional sleeping place will be the same:

• The retractable part rolls out on upright wheel supports. When choosing, be guided by the characteristics of the recommended weight (for example, up to 30 kg) and the type of wheel shell. It is not worth mounting on guides, since there simply cannot be an ideal floor level in such a wide area. And the retractable mechanism will fail very quickly.
• The limiting edge prevents the roll-out part from being “pulled out” from the niche. This is important, since the design is quite heavy, aiming and “getting” back into the designated niche will be problematic.
• The upper tier is necessarily reinforced by a lattice structure made of slats. It is better to use a beam or take a ready-made orthopedic base on a metal base.

What is the model?

Externally, podium beds differ from ordinary ones in that they have a raised area above the floor, which is called a podium. The design consists of a huge flat box, as well as a niche for a mattress. Before you start making it, you should study all its subtleties, namely, that podium beds come in several types:

1. Designs where the berth is located above the podium. This provides an opportunity to get free storage space.
2. In the second place, the berth is retractable and, when assembled, is hidden under the podium. Most often this type is used in small apartments.

Pros, cons of podium beds

The podium bed has many advantages:

• high functionality - during the day the bed is hidden in the podium, freeing up significant space in the bedroom;
• the podium bed looks stylish, original, and adds a “zest” to the interior;
• if there is a podium, storage, rest, and work areas can easily be combined (in such a “multifunctional” block a computer desk, a closet, and a sleeping place are placed);
• convenient zoning of the room - the podium visually separates the sleeping area, this will be the best option for studios and one-room apartments;
• in a high podium you can store a lot of things - the sleeping place is then placed on top.

This design significantly saves square meters.
But the design also has significant drawbacks:

the item is difficult to make with your own hands - solid skills in manufacturing and assembling furniture are required; ordering a product from professionals will be expensive - the product is voluminous, it will take a lot of material, you need a strong frame, a reliable roll-out mechanism; the podium is not suitable for every room - when planning it, it is important to take into account the area of ​​the room, its configuration, ceiling height, features of the location of doors, windows, niches, columns; To roll out the bed you will need free space; resting on a roll-out shelf, located almost in the middle of the bedroom, seems psychologically uncomfortable to many people.

During the daytime, the bed can be hidden under the podium and free up most of the living room or bedroom. At the same time, it will be possible to combine a recreation area, a guest area and a storage area.

Let's sum it up

In conclusion, I would like to say that a podium-type bed is not only a functional piece of furniture, but also a real decoration for any bedroom. Therefore, if you have the desire and free time, you can try to build such a product with your own hands. If you follow the instructions and put in the effort, the result will please you for many years!

A bed made from pallets is an excellent opportunity to get high-quality furniture without major expenses. You just need to prepare the tools, buy a few pallets and set aside some free time for work. Find detailed assembly instructions in a special article.

Accessories

Before choosing bed accessories, you need to decide what style of bedding your family prefers. These can be solid colors or patterned bedding. Bedspreads in solid colors can be elegant, simple and can add a trendy hotel style to the bedroom. Pastel shades can promote a relaxing and tranquil environment that is great for bedroom decor.

The right fabric of bedding and other accessories can complement the style of the bedroom. Fabrics with a sheen are a more popular choice than plain cotton or other matte fabrics. Fabrics with a sheen can brighten up a dark bedroom and create a more glamorous atmosphere. Accents and accessories can be added to the bed to make the room more beautiful than it already is. A pillow with a bright, original accent, chosen to match the bedding set, will create more coziness in the room than the softest and most beautiful bedspread.

Types of designs

There are a large number of different types of installations, which differ not only in external, but also in design features. They are assembled in different ways and consist of a large number of different parts and elements for assembly.

Frame traditional podium

The most common options due to their lightness and a large variety of different stylistic solutions. Made from lightweight wooden sheets. Some models are made of high-strength steel. Such materials allow you to create a structure yourself if you buy all the necessary materials.

Each version of the podium bed has individual design features that allow you to choose the right model.

There are many different models available on the modern market, which allows you to choose the best option for everyone. Such products are the best solution for decorating a children's room.

Pull-out design with drawers

This is a fairly common type of installation. The beds are installed on a pull-out base. They can be removed at any time to free up space in the room. This solution is common in small apartments and private houses.

Due to the retractable bed, the podium can be used as usefully as a relaxation area with a sofa, a gaming or work segment.

You can store any things on top of the podium. This place can be equipped as a work or play area, depending on the purpose of the room.

With monolithic base

Large and massive structures with high strength and durability. An entire section of living space is used as the base of the structure. After selecting a location, a frame is installed and filled with concrete. After drying, the base is covered with the material from which the floor covering is made.

This model is distinguished by a solid podium, which mainly performs decorative functions.

The bed frame and the bed itself are installed on top. This installation will last for many years due to its manufacturing from reliable materials. The main disadvantage is the lack of mobility. There is no possibility to move the structure if desired.

Let's start work

The basis of the bed that we will make is also a frame podium. The work consists of several stages.

We have outlined a plan, now we can safely get to work.

Location options

If the podium bed is designed near a window, the best option is a podium with drawers at the bottom. This placement saves space and adds natural light as the bed rises higher. It is better to remove the radiator from the window, and instead build a special convector into the floor. Thus, the bedroom is divided into two parts, which look great, being in the same color and style. For finishing, you can use environmentally friendly materials made from natural wood or laminate. To visually increase the space, you can decorate the walls with mirror panels or stick photo wallpaper with a beautiful landscape on them.

If the room has a niche or alcove, this is an ideal place to install a classic podium, because in this case there is no need to construct a pull-out bed. It can be simply installed in a niche, additionally equipped with modest necessary interior items, depending on the wishes of the owner. The standard dimensions of the alcove are 2.40 x 2.50 m, which allows you to place a double bed with drawers below.

There are many ways to place a podium on a balcony or loggia, despite the limited space. If the width of the balcony allows, you can put a place to relax on a classic podium. The disadvantage of a cold floor can be compensated for by integrating the popular “warm floor” heating system into the podium. An excellent “two-in-one” method is to place structures along the entire length of the loggia in the form of several wide and durable wooden boxes in which homemade supplies will be stored. In warm weather or if the balcony is properly insulated, place a mattress on top of the drawers - and the sleeping place is ready.

There is a great opportunity not only to build a large podium, but also to install an additional heating system in the room, installing it inside the structure, which will serve both technically and functionally at the same time.

In the children's room

When arranging a children's room, you should, first of all, zoning the room: the child should always have a place to sleep, play and do school homework. Both retractable and classic options can be equally suitable for equipping a children's room. The good thing about a pull-out bed is that there is more space in the room; moreover, when using this option, it is very easy to place the necessary areas in the nursery: the sleeping place itself pulls out, and at the top of the podium there is a study area in the form of a table, chair and several bookshelves. During the daytime, the bed can easily be removed inside the podium, and the child has an ideal space for games.

The option with built-in beds is very convenient if there are two children in the family. Sleeping places in the form of vertical roll-out beds are symmetrically located to the left and right of the podium, the steps are in the middle, and a kind of room with a work area is equipped at the top. During the day, the beds are removed inside, and thus there is enough space for two in the room.

Another good way to arrange a children's room is to place a bed there on a high podium with many drawers where the child can put anything: from toys to school supplies. The room will be provided with both order and sufficient space for games. If the choice is to create a high podium, you can also install a small built-in table with a retractable mechanism, which will be both practical and very convenient.

Varieties of bed-podium designs

The dimensions and configuration of podium structures are limited only by free space and the designer’s imagination.

The characteristics of the podium depend on many factors.

Main varieties:

• The mattress is placed on top of the podium.
• The bed slides into the platform.

How to make a retractable podium bed

Let's learn how to make a podium with a pull-out bed with your own hands step by step. First we draw a preliminary sketch. On the sketch we mark the location of the niche for the bed and additional storage systems. Then we make a more detailed drawing. When calculating the height of the platform, it is worth taking into account not only the height of the bed frame, but also the height of the wheels, the thickness of the mattress and bed linen.

Algorithm of actions, step by step:

Step 1. Select the material. Optimally - timber or board from 40 mm for the box and MDF, plywood or OSB for cladding. There will be less hassle if the materials are cut to the required sizes right in the store. The board must be well dried and processed and have no visible defects - knots, cracks.

Timber is a suitable material for a podium.

Step 2. We will need a tool:

1. Hammer, hacksaw, jigsaw.
2. Drill, hammer drill.
3. Construction pencil (for sketches, drawings, markings).
4. Stapler.
5. Tape measure, ruler, square, level.
6. Painting tool.
7. Emery (fine grain).

Additionally, we purchase gel wheels for a pull-out bed (4 pieces), a slatted bottom for a mattress (a solid base makes it difficult for air circulation), screws for wood, anchors for mounting in the wall, and a metal corner.

Make sure you have all the necessary tools in advance.

Step 3. Make a box from timber or boards. Before assembly, mark the boundaries of the frame on the walls and floor, along the width and height of the podium. Along the drawn lines we fasten the support bars, to which we attach other elements of the box, horizontal and vertical. It is better to strengthen the connections of the longitudinal bars with the transverse ones with a metal corner.

First you need to make a box.

Step 4. We cover the box with sheet material: MDF, OSB or plywood.

The box must be covered with sheet material.

Step 5. We make a frame for the bed from timber, a pre-purchased lattice of lamellas, and sheathing. We fasten pre-purchased helium-based wheels.

A bed frame is made from timber.

Some tips:

• Felt gaskets in joints experiencing maximum loads will prevent creaks in the structure. Additional sound insulation of the inside of the frame will prevent the appearance of dull sound when walking along the podium.
• The wood should be pre-applied with an antifungal coating.
• When calculating the overall height of the structure, do not forget to take into account the cross-section of the timber and the thickness of the sheathing.
• Measure seven times... and you won’t have to redo it.

How to make a retractable podium bed in an apartment yourself?

Let's look at the first option for making a retractable podium bed. At the initial stage, it is worth deciding on the height of the podium. Since this design will represent a certain elevation above the floor level.

The frame of the product is mounted on wheels to make it easier to pull out the bed. Using this model, you can significantly save space in a small room.

On the manufactured podium you can place: bookshelves, a workplace or a play area for a child. If you make a podium the width of the entire room, you can equip it with built-in sections for storing personal belongings.

Tip: If you place a pull-out podium bed in a narrow room, you can give it a more square look. That is, with its help you can easily correct an unsuccessful layout.

The advantages of this model include:

• functionality;
• aesthetics;
• ergonomics;
• ease of installation;
• light weight.

Drawing with dimensions

After choosing the type of design of the product, the materials for its manufacture and other nuances, it is worth drawing in detail on paper what your product will look like. Your diagram should indicate all the elements of the bed with exact dimensions and fasteners. Having a well-drawn drawing will greatly simplify the process of manufacturing a piece of furniture and prevent errors during its assembly.

Useful tips

By reading some recommendations you can avoid mistakes that arise when making furniture:

• cuts of all parts must be carefully processed using sandpaper to prevent the appearance of chips;
• before painting, the surface must be wiped from any remaining chips so that it turns out uniform;
• sheets of laminated chipboard can be fixed to the surface using construction adhesive.

The assembly of the structure must be done efficiently

Types of such beds

Podium beds vary in:

• frame material - wood or metal;
• shape - rectangular, square, semicircular, asymmetrical;
• dimensions - average width - 80-120 cm, length - 185-220 cm;
• height - usually 40-75 cm;
• functionality - the presence of additional sections for storage, folding tabletops, etc.

For creative, creative people who welcome everything new and unusual in design, this is a great opportunity to add some zest to a familiar interior.

The main thing is to take care of the reliability of the retractable mechanism and the strength of the frame, since regular everyday use requires greater wear resistance.

Types of structures

According to their design features, podiums with a bed are distinguished:

• strictly functional - their base allows you to hide defects in the designed space and communications. Usually has several storage drawers;
• decorative - decorate the room, create the necessary accent, zone the space;
• combined options - combine both types.

In order to roll out the bed, there must be free space.

The following types of structures are also distinguished:

• with a monolithic podium - the “box” itself is made in one piece, it is strong, durable, looks solid, has a lot of weight, and is suitable for installation in a private home;
• with a frame base - traditional frame construction. Here the bed is placed on top of the podium. This bed decorates the interior; it is lower than other models, usually does not have storage systems, but is complemented by bedside shelves and a luxurious headboard;
• combined (multifunctional) - this structure contains a spacious storage system, many shelves, drawers, niches, which allows you to replace an entire chest of drawers or cabinet. The storage compartments are camouflaged and are made from several sides. The platform here is high and voluminous - there are steps for it;
• retractable – functional, practical, this is the best option for cramped rooms. The sleeping place hides in the podium and extends on rollers. A work or play area or another full-fledged bed is placed on top;
• mobile – is a platform with storage systems. At night they put a mattress and bedding on it, during the day they clean it, using the space for other purposes;
• balcony type - placed in the space of an insulated balcony, loggia. It is smaller in size than a room bed and has storage systems;
• round - looks impressive, luxurious, but is only suitable for a spacious square-shaped room. The bed will become the “semantic center” of the room; it is usually placed in the center, in a niche or in a corner, complemented by a soft headboard and several shelves;
• with built-in lighting - an original idea for decorating a podium, creating the effect of a bed “floating” in the air. An LED strip is mounted along the platform cover, under its steps, and multiple storage sections are placed inside.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

1. Carrying out zoning without loss of area.
2. A good option for organizing space in small rooms and studios with the placement of several functional areas in a limited space.
3. The podium bed fits organically into various interior styles: classic, Scandinavian, country, Provencal and others.

The podium has many advantages.

Disadvantage: increased risk of injury. Even the lowest podium is an additional step on which you can trip. Consider the safety of the structure at the design stage, especially if there are small children or elderly people in the family. Another disadvantage appears when masking communications - complicating access to wires and pipes.

One of the disadvantages of the design is the high risk of injury.

You should not make a podium in a room with low ceilings.