The variety of styles in interior design and furniture allows you to create original solutions taking into account personal preferences and ideas about living comfort. One of the most popular trends is loft - stylization of an abandoned space using metal and wooden structures. It is attractive because at minimal cost and using simple materials it is possible to create a quite decent appearance of the room. Moreover, you can do this yourself, without going to specialized salons. In this article we’ll look at how to make a loft-style bed with your own hands in a matter of hours using available materials.
Features of the loft style
The industrial regions of the United States are considered the birthplace of this unusual trend. It appeared in the 40s. 20th century, when an economic crisis raged in America. At that time, the cost of land was astronomical, and many factory owners abandoned workshops and factory premises, declaring themselves bankrupt. As a result, a large amount of free space appeared in industrial districts, which was successfully adapted for housing by the poor and poor creative intelligentsia with unlimited flights of imagination. They hauled into attics and warehouses all the rubbish that could be useful for home improvement.
As a result, a completely unremarkable, at first glance, loft style was born, which still remains a current trend in interior design. Initially there was no direction as such. People simply organized living areas without thinking about aesthetics. Today the trends have changed. Now a loft is not a haphazardly furnished dwelling with unfinished walls, but, on the contrary, a rather fashionable modern trend in the design of houses and apartments.
Features of the loft style include:
- Free layout without fences. Partitions are used only when separating space for bathrooms
- Panoramic glazing, no curtains and maximum natural light
- Styling walls to look like brickwork
- Predominance of red, brown, terracotta shades
- Use of rough, unprocessed raw materials for furniture production: wooden pallets, beams, metal pipes
- Simplicity of finishing from natural materials: stone, glass, brick, wood, leather, etc.
As for the beds, there are no rigid frames. The simpler the better.
Tools and materials
The tools you need to prepare are:
circular saw;- square;
- tape measure and pencil;
- miter saw;
- hammer;
- sandpaper;
- drill;
- screwdriver;
- clamps;
- end barb
Materials you will need :
- beams with a section of 100 by 100 mm;
- board for side;
- bars for lamellas;
- various fastenings: metal corners, self-tapping screws;
- glue and paints and varnishes;
- laminated chipboard for the back.
How to make a loft-style bed with your own hands
The loft style is notable for the fact that it does not require large investments or special skills. Anything you can get your hands on will be useful. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to try to hide protruding supports and supports. On the contrary, it is preferable to leave them in sight. When manufacturing, you should not focus on accuracy. Every flaw in the form of a peeling metal base, an unsightly worn appearance of the structure, frayed fabrics should be turned into an advantage, thereby adding charm to the entire composition. Creating a real work of art is not at all difficult. The following recommendations will help you make a stylish bed in the loft style:
- Purchase suitable materials for the niche. In this case, the ideal option would be wooden pallets, slats, beams, which can be purchased for a nominal fee at the nearest construction site or even picked up free of charge subject to pickup.
- Prepare raw materials: dry, sand, paint and coat with protective impregnation
- Choose the location of the future bed
- Assemble the structure from pallets into a single composition. To add strength, it is advisable to use self-tapping screws. They will prevent the bed from loosening over time. The shape can be any, depending on the area of the room and personal preferences
- Place a low mattress on the resulting frame. It is advisable to cover the base with any rough material before doing this. A construction stapler is suitable for these purposes.
- Choose bedding that suits the style and color scheme
- Supplement the composition with decorative accessories: inscriptions on the walls, hanging fabric screens, pillows-thoughts to create a complete look.
The main advantages of such an unusual bed are ease of assembly and ease of transportation. If necessary, the bed is easy to assemble and disassemble.
Characteristics of furniture
Based on the material used, loft-style beds are divided into two types:
Photo | Description |
Natural wood Queen beds are the most common. At the same time, the wood should look natural and rough. Raw material best suits the loft style. Also, the wooden bed frame can be painted in natural dark colors. | |
Metal These models have simple angular shapes. They are laconic and not decorated with anything. Please note that forged decor is practically not used for furniture in the loft style. |
A notable nuance of the loft is the aging of the bed
In the loft style, real vintage beds are highly valued. Such antique furniture becomes the main decoration of the bedroom. However, it is difficult to find, and it is very expensive:
Intentional aging of furniture is a style feature.
- As a result, the practice of artificially aging furniture is common in lofts. This is done using patination, craquelure, and brushing techniques. The resulting effect of a cracked and peeling coating is enhanced by applying scratches and abrasions to it.
- Another characteristic touch notable for a loft is the imitation of a “past life” for the bed. For this purpose, various signatures and symbols are applied to the footboard, back or supports of furniture. For example, the same ones that are used to stamp boxes during transportation or factory logos.
Bed geometry
Most often, loft-style furniture has a simple rectangular shape.
Loft aesthetics combine a variety of elements and interior items. Therefore, the configuration of a bed in this style can be very different.
The bed can have either a high or low headboard. It depends on the size of the bedroom.
Often the sleeping place is arranged on a storage pallet.
Rectangular wooden pallets are often used as a podium for furniture. The same devices are often found in warehouses. This is another characteristic feature of a loft.
Bed position in the interior
When decorating a room in a loft style, a sleeping place can be placed in a conventional or non-standard way. It all depends on the dimensions of the room, its configuration and your preferences:
Image | Bed location |
On the floor. This sleeping position is the most common:
| |
At the ceiling Using a special design, the furniture is fixed in the corners at the selected height:
| |
On a big ledge Its size should be sufficient for comfortable installation of furniture. This bed arrangement is suitable for bedrooms with high ceilings. | |
On a stand Such models are similar to a bunk bed. Only downstairs, instead of a second bed, is a desk, sofa, storage systems, etc. installed. This option is ideal for small bedrooms. | |
On the podium Most often it is installed in the middle of the room. Made from metal, wood or pallets. Storage systems are often placed inside it. | |
In a niche In this case, the sleeping place is covered with a screen, a decorative panel, or installed in a wall recess. |
Loft style bed options
The loft style is unique in its theme, which allows you to create quite creative combinations from incompatible things and materials that are completely different in texture. Deviation from the accepted classical canons makes it possible to realize the most daring ideas.
Methods of fastening beds:
- On a platform, usually made of wooden beams
- On legs-supports: stationary and mobile system
- Hanging system.
Types of headboards depend on the frame material
- Metal using patches and rivets
- Wooden. It is possible to use photo clippings
- Natural: artificially aged wall covering or rough stone finishing.
- Placement directly on the floor
- Raised type of frame on suspensions
- Availability of additional storage boxes
- Multi-level base with many shelves made of wooden slats.
Features of the loft style
Like everything new, the loft style is a long and well-forgotten old option for arranging your home. The history of its origin goes back to the distant 40s of the last century in the USA. At that time there was a difficult economic situation in the country and there simply weren’t enough places to live for everyone. There was only one way out. Use as housing any previously unsuitable premises - warehouses, attics. There was no time to plan and arrange everything beautifully, so the home was a creative chaos.
Afterwards, it was this image that creative people fell in love with and began to use. They liked the freedom of style and the ability to express themselves in this way. The characteristic features of this image, which you can also try to create, are the following:
- The entire space of the room is a single whole. Only the bathroom and toilet are fenced off. Everything else creates one big composition.
- Windows should be large, open, without curtains.
- Not only are the walls not covered with wallpaper, but they also try to give them the appearance of brickwork with elements of damage and destruction.
- It is preferable that wooden boards, beams, and metal supports are visible.
IMPORTANT! This style, first of all, implies a lot of free space in the room without unnecessary obstacles and with a minimum of things.
Even the beds are created specifically for this style. They do not have and should not have any specific image, since the main role here is played by the imagination of the designer himself. There are no clear boundaries, there are only placement rules. The bed should not take up a lot of space. A folding option is common; often beds in a loft-style room are simply placed in the center of the room and surrounded by other interior elements.
How to make a loft-style bed with your own hands
There are many options for making beds, the appearance of which will suit the loft style. The choice of design must be made by the owner of the room himself. Here everything will depend only on the imagination and the author’s own wishes. The loft style is just right for creative people who are constantly looking for ways to express themselves. Since this style is characterized by both simplicity of design and striking appearance, the bed can be made without worrying that it will look unsightly or not meet accepted standards and dimensions. This, on the contrary, will become a kind of highlight in the interior.
The basic rules for building and an example of creating a bed with your own hands are given below. Step-by-step instructions will help you achieve good results and save on buying furniture:
- The first step is to select the materials from which we want to make our designer furniture. In our case, we will take construction pallets. They can be easily obtained at the nearest construction site.
- Dry and remove burrs and nicks using sandpaper.
- For a longer service life, it is recommended to cover the wood with a layer of primer, varnish or special impregnation.
- Connect the pallets together with a single frame. This will be the basis of the future bed. You adjust the quantity and size yourself, guided by your capabilities and your own preferences. You can make both rectangular and L-shaped.
- Once you have a frame, place a mattress on it that is not too high, but one that gives softness to the structure and completely covers the entire surface.
- Choose the color of the blanket and pillows to match the interior and complete the look. There are usually a lot of pillows used. They are evenly laid out around the perimeter of the blanket.
- For beauty and decoration, you can decorate the walls near the bed with inscriptions, and screens are usually used to enclose the bed - they are hung at the base of the bed.
This method is the most economical and convenient to construct. Ease of transportation will also be a definite plus. Pallets can be very easily disassembled and transported if necessary.
How to choose material?
The timber can be made from different types of wood:
oak _
This type is characterized by high strength, resistance to negative factors, and a long service life. This type of wood is ideal for making beds. Moreover, experts say that sleeping on an oak product is good for your health. But keep in mind that oak is difficult to process. If you are new to carpentry, it is better to choose a simpler material;- ash _ Furniture made from this wood has a beautiful texture. A bed made from ash timber will be strong, durable and reliable. This option is suitable for bright rooms where the fine structure of the wood fibers will be clearly visible;
- beech _ Such timber also has a lot of positive qualities. But it absorbs moisture well and requires mandatory treatment with antiseptic agents. When steamed, this material becomes flexible. Consequently, products can be given original and intricate shapes;
- pine trees Its scent cannot be confused with other breeds. Pine is perfectly sawn and cut with both electric and hand tools. In addition, pine timber is the most common and affordable;
- larches . This wood has a unique texture. Therefore, it is in demand in the manufacture of various furniture items. Larch does not rot and has excellent technical qualities;
- cedar _ This material is considered one of the most durable. A bed made from this timber will be distinguished not only by its pleasant aroma, but also by its relief pattern.
Advice : experts recommend giving preference to timber made of cedar, oak, and beech when making beds.
Loft style bed options
There are numerous options and models. The loft style is popular because it is not characterized by following strict rules, so the image and type of design depends only on you.
There are different methods of fastening:
- suspension system;
- support on the floor;
- special frames made of beams.
By type of headboard:
- metal body with cushions on it;
- wooden structure;
- artificially aged cladding.
Bed base design:
- flat bottom;
- the presence of a special recess in the frame for storing things;
- highly raised frame type;
- several levels of pallets in which you can put shoes, tools, books and much more.
Peculiarities
- The first feature of the “loft” style was the use of only natural materials - solid wood, metal, brick, glass, stone in the design of the room as a whole and the sleeping area, among others.
- The second is a minimum of partitions . The bed and bathroom can be within walking distance of each other. But at the same time, “loft” loves multi-level placement. A staircase often leads to the sleeping area.
- The third is simplicity , a minimum of things, lack of pretentious decoration. The mattress can lie on pallets, which will also serve as drawers for shoes or clothes. Some carelessness in the design will make a bed made of solid pine an accent that attracts attention.
- Fourth – convenience and comfort . This style allows for any arrangement of the bed: on a solid wooden base, on a metal frame, on a hanging cradle, the main thing is that the mattress is comfortable, the light illuminates the desired space, and there is a soft carpet next to the bed.
- Fifth, when decorating the bed and the room as a whole, natural colors : brick, shades of yellow, green, dark blue, gray, black and white.
- Sixth - do not try to hide pipes, supports, ceilings . This is the special chic of this style. The metal elements will be the rationale behind your metal bed frame.
- Seventh - in the room of a brutal bachelor or people who love freedom, allow yourself to misbehave : add one element that does not correspond to the created image. Place an orange heart-shaped toy on the bed, covered with a Scottish blanket in black and brick colors. This single element will make your guests look at you in a new way. But only one element and only compatible colors.
Color spectrum
Color is one of the most powerful tools for zoning and visually changing space. In the combined bedroom-living room, use those shades in which you feel comfortable being and relaxing. Too flashy, flashy and aggressive colors will tire you over time if you spend day and night wearing them.
Plain finish
The easiest way to harmoniously combine space is a calm, monochromatic background. Paint all the walls the same color or wallpaper them in a small, barely noticeable pattern - and the room will immediately become complete. And even scattered furniture will not be so conspicuous.
Contrasting accents
Contrasting or bright inserts, stripes, accent walls - all this helps change the space and gives it personality. Pronounced verticals visually raise the ceiling, and horizontal lines push the walls apart. A bright sofa or blanket will breathe freshness into the interior, colorful posters will create an atmosphere of light creative chaos, and a green corner will add coziness.
Adjacent shades
If a single-color finish is too boring and bland for you, use the fashionable technique of combining several variations of adjacent tones. After all, even white can be different, not to mention dozens of interpretations of blue, green, red or yellow.
Neutral range
If you prefer proven classics, then all the classic combinations are win-win for you: black and white, brown and beige, a variety of gray or natural green. Many popular trends of minimalism, Scandinavian style and neoclassicism are still based on this range.
Locations
Depending on the location, the sleeping place in the loft room can be:
- on a podium , which is created from metal structures, solid wood or pallets;
- in a niche - the bed can be completely or partially hidden by a screen or false panels, or simply stand in a recess in the wall;
- in the attic - to save space in a small room or with an original design, the bed can be placed in a second tier, which can be climbed by stairs;
- in the center , being the main element of decor;
- under the ceiling on a lift.
Detailed master class on manufacturing
Step 1: Determining the bed design. Calculation of consumables. Sleeping place 190x90 cm. You can independently adjust the dimensions of the structure with the transfer of changing the size of the necessary parts. Construction of a drawing (you can download ready-made diagrams from the Internet with attached cutting and dimensions).
Step 2. Processing, drying, impregnation of wood. The material must be dry to avoid deformation later.
Step 3. Cut into parts. For assembly you will need 4 longitudinal posts, staircase parts with transverse footrests, boards for a berth with holes for ventilation - 2 pieces, fencing sides made of timber - at least 5 pieces (for double boards or decorative decorations, parts are added locally, based on their drawing designs).
Step 4. Assembling the structure. It is better to connect the parts of the bed in the room where it will stand, so as not to run into the problem of a large product drifting with its significant weight.
Step 5. Finishing. Painting, varnishing. Experts recommend applying several layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly.
Frame structures
According to the design of the loft frame, the bed can be:
- on legs , while wooden bases look homely, warm, and metal legs tend towards minimalism;
- two-tier (attic) - most often used in children's rooms; the first tier can be a bed, a desk, a wardrobe or a play area (a bed with a house);
- sofa – suitable for small spaces or when combining a kitchen and a bedroom;
- a platform is a metal or wooden frame, which can be open or draped with leather, fur, or fabric;
- mobile - this model can be made independently from pallets and furniture wheels; it can easily be moved around the room if necessary (for example, during cleaning);
- floating - the bed is attached to the ceiling with four ropes and creates a complete immersion in the marine atmosphere; lightweight pallets will perfectly cope with the function of the frame;
- wardrobe - the bed is higher than usual, because under it there are drawers for things;
- pallets stacked on top of each other will allow you to place a mattress on top, and on the sides there will be convenient shelves for things, shoes or books;
- floating - this is an extraordinary solution that will make your attic cozy and mysterious: install one or more legs - supports under the platform in the center so that they are not visible from the sides, install decorative lighting from below and enjoy the effect produced;
- retractable - the bed is mounted on wheels and is located under the main bed of medium height, used as an additional bed;
Making a table from pallets
From the pallets from which we made the bed above, you can make other furniture. These can be large and small tables, sofas, armchairs and much more. Now we’ll look at the option of creating a simple table with metal legs that will look very organic in a loft-style apartment.
Step 1. First you need to prepare. To create such a table, it will be enough to take one pallet, and you will also need to make or buy 4 metal legs of the same height. You will also need a saw, screws, a screwdriver, a brush and varnish. Sandpaper for sanding or a sanding machine will also come in handy.
Preparing everything you need
Step 2. The pallet needs to be partially disassembled. It is very large, and we are making a small table. Therefore, the excess pallet needs to be sawed off, and several boards need to be detached from the remaining piece of the pallet - they will be needed to create supports for the legs.
The pallet is disassembled
All excess is cut off
Step 3. It is recommended to sand all workpieces with sandpaper so that they are not prickly and dangerous. Next, you need to screw along the right and left ends along the board from those pallets disconnected from the rest. You should get flat platforms to which the legs themselves will be attached.
There should be flat areas
Step 4. To attach the legs to the corners, you need to screw metal corners at a short distance from the edge.
Screwed metal corners
Step 5. The free spaces between the boards on the “front” side of the table need to be filled with other boards from the rest of the pallet. They can be nailed, or they can be screwed onto self-tapping screws. There should be a solid surface.
All voids are covered with boards
Step 6. Next you need to fix the legs on the back of the table.
Metal legs installed
The table is varnished
Step 7. When the varnish is dry, the table can be used for its intended purpose. Namely, use it as a coffee table, a small dining room table, or put some things in unique shelves.
Ready-made table in loft style
Advantages of furniture made from pallets
Video – Loft-style chest of drawers
It turns out that loft furniture is quite simple to make. Moreover, you don’t have to look for expensive and exclusive materials - some of them can be brought almost from a landfill. Of course, you can buy new furniture, but why spend money if there are such simple ideas as presented above?
Types of headboards
The headboard can be a classic version or an unexpected design find.
You have a podium - then take a piece of a curved board the width of a pedestal and a height of 50-100 cm. Whether to varnish it or leave it in a natural color depends on the surrounding surroundings. Nail it to the wall and your headboard is ready. If the frame is covered with leather or fabric, make the same headboard.
Vertical slats of different or the same height, different or the same tree species, knocked into a single sheet or with gaps - this is just your individual decoration of the sleeping place. You can make photo frames from the same slats or a single piece of wood. Black and white photos are often hung above such a bed, but this is not necessary.
A natural headboard can be a raw brick wall or a rough stone wall. For a hint of style, one such wall is enough.
If the bed is made of a metal frame, then a justified solution would be a metal headboard: tubes with simple bends, a rectangular sheet with imitation rivets or patches.
Like the entire structure, the headboard can be artificially aged, scratched, or peeled off the paint. This completely suits our style. To give an antique atmosphere, you can apply drawings, inscriptions, and symbols symbolizing the 40s of the twentieth century to the headboard.
Decor
Another element of a loft-style bed is a canopy. Since the use of curtains was not practiced in attic living spaces, creative bohemia, leading a nocturnal lifestyle, tried to hide from the early morning sun behind a canopy. Depending on the location of the bed, this canopy could be made of thick, coarse fabric or light textiles. The loft bed can be completely covered with a mini curtain to create a personal space.
It is customary to cover the bed itself with a plain metallic fabric, if it is present in the decoration or furniture. A Scottish plaid or soft tanned animal skin will decorate a bed with a wooden frame.
Bed linen and bedspreads in a large bright floral print can look unusual, but interesting. This is the only accent that this style can afford. On the sofa bed, place several throw pillows in a contrasting color and texture.
Don't forget the bedside rug. This can be a discreet product with short pile. Either knitted colored rugs throughout the room, like in a country house, imitation or natural animal skin.
Variety of models
In addition to standard beds in the Loft style, which can be easily found in furniture stores, other popular models are also chosen to decorate a room in the above style. Let's consider three non-standard options for such furniture.
Sofa
This sleeping place is ideal for a compact room. Just like a bed in this style, the sofa should have a clear and strict shape. The color is monochromatic. When creating such furniture, designers are guided by rectilinear forms. The frame of the product can be made of metal or natural wood - this is an ideal option for a Loft.
"Attic"
This model is actively used when decorating a child’s or teenager’s room in the Loft style. The bed received this name due to its high placement. The sleeping place is supported on a special structure with high legs, which raises it almost to the ceiling. You can find models with built-in wardrobes that are located under the bed. You can also create a workplace below.
Podium
This is the most common bed model in the modern Loft style. The sleeping place is placed on a large stand made of pallets or large boards. Drawers for storing linen and other things can be installed in the pallet. A practical and stylish option. This type of furniture is best chosen for spacious bedrooms.
Many modern manufacturers are engaged in the production of beds for the above style. For sale there is furniture made in Russia or imported from abroad. Everything is done to ensure that clients have the opportunity to choose furniture according to their financial capabilities.
Panama
The Panama bed will fit perfectly into a minimalist Loft. Model for two berths. The frame is made of durable and wear-resistant metal. Also, natural wood was used to create the bed. “Panama” is made in dark colors. The structure was equipped with strong lamellas 2 centimeters thick. Thanks to them, the bed has excellent shock absorption and provides reliable support for the entire body.
The amazing combination of metal and wood attracts attention. The bed looks stylish, restrained and strict
The wood is treated with a special compound that will preserve the beauty of the solid wood for many years.
Dimensions: 160x200 centimeters. Materials: metal, solid wood, textiles. Product code: TL-11-1-0077
Dante
The soft, stylish and laconic “Dante” model will fit perfectly into a Loft-style room. Thanks to the rich colors, the bed will become a bright accent that will dilute the gray tones in the room. Buyers can choose from two color options – blue and blue. The bed is covered with soft and durable textile material. For convenience, the model is equipped with spacious drawers. The color of the product harmonizes perfectly with a white mattress and light bed linen.
Dimensions: 160x200 centimeters. Materials: fabric, solid hevea. Article: TL-11-1-0072
Alexandria
Double bed “Alexandria”, made in a laconic style. The base of the model is made of natural solid wood. This option has a high headboard with soft upholstery in delicate colors. The model will serve the buyer for many years without losing its presentation. A distinctive feature of this model is the classic notes that can be seen in the appearance of the product.
The strong and reliable frame will withstand long-term high loads.
Bed dimensions: 160x200 centimeters. Material: textiles, solid hevea. Article: TL-11-1-0071