How to make a mezzanine with your own hands: step-by-step instructions for different types + video

In what cases is a mezzanine needed?

Owners of their own houses can be said to be luckier than residents of apartment buildings. In a private home, you are free to design your hallway so that it only serves as a place where you can take off your street clothes and not visit it until the next time you leave the house.

But the owners of apartments, especially those built in the Soviet era of the Khrushchev type, are forced to think about arranging the hallway so that it can accommodate an often large amount of clothes, shoes and much more important things, while remaining as spacious as possible. The mezzanine does an excellent job of storing household belongings while remaining unnoticeable and not interfering with the passageway of the corridor.

What is a mezzanine?

Modern design options for mezzanines in the corridor

When looking for fresh ideas and inspiration, a selection of photos of mezzanines in modern interiors will come in handy.

In the large hallway

Such convenient space-saving storage structures are not a thing of the past.

In a small hallway

Modern manufacturers produce stylish and attractive options, the features of which are worth taking a closer look at.

Peculiarities

Compared to standard furniture structures, the mezzanine is often used as additional storage space for various accessories. Rarely are these items used as the main components of the interior, but the exception in this case is the corridor.

The mezzanines in this room are used to store out-of-season shoes and clothes. Often, hanging structures are used for other purposes. For example, mezzanines can be used as a storage room and placed directly under the ceiling. This option can be found especially often in small apartments where there is no additional space for storing items.

Often such spacious and at the same time compact cabinets are used in the bathroom and even on the balcony. But still, in the corridors these structures look more harmonious. They complement the interior favorably and at the same time provide additional storage space for clothes or other items.

Unusual options for using a mezzanine floor

Besides these obvious ways to use extra space, there are some more unusual ideas.

• Young people who like to spend time in the company of friends will certainly appreciate the idea of ​​​​arranging a mini-bar on the mezzanine. It is most convenient if it is located above the kitchen area. All you need is to install a bar counter and purchase chairs. An optional but useful element will be a small refrigerator. Don't forget about a rack for placing glasses and glasses and several shelves for bottles;
• If you have a large family or company and you like to spend time playing various games, you can use the free space for these purposes. You don't need a lot of furniture. All you need is a coffee table, a soft rug and comfortable cushions to sit on. You will also need a place to store the games. In a similar way you can adapt place and under the videogames;

  
  

• Home greenhouse. Lovers of indoor plants often complain about the lack of meth on window sills or for installing special stands. You have the opportunity to create a personal green corner in your apartment on the second floor. But in this case it is necessary to take care of additional lighting. Such a green area will become the central element of the interior and instantly enliven the atmosphere. At the same time, the greenhouse can also be your relaxation area if you place a comfortable chair among the plants;
• If you are engaged in any kind of creativity or handicraft, then it is advisable to use the mezzanine as a personal workshop.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Apartment design

What is a mezzanine

What is a mezzanine? In itself, it is a shelf for things, separated from the common space by doors, located under the ceiling. This is an excellent solution for the corridor, because this is where most rarely used things are most often stored.

In this case, the mezzanine will help preserve free space, while itself taking up space under the ceiling above the door or in a narrow passage. In the past, such a design did not look very good, to put it bluntly, but today it can be properly decorated and will not even attract attention.

Mezzanine under the ceiling Source dizainexpert.ru

What is a mezzanine - in legal and simple language

The need to build a mezzanine is associated with an increase in the usable area of ​​the main or auxiliary premises. This option for changing the configuration of premises is actively used in the development of design projects, as it allows you to expand or optimize residential and office space. When arranging mezzanines, the following rules must be taken into account:

• the mezzanine area cannot exceed 40% of the room area (if this size is exceeded, the mezzanine floor must be approved);
• within the boundaries of the premises it is allowed to equip only one mezzanine area;
• it is prohibited to build mezzanines to accommodate kitchens, bathrooms, baths and showers;
• Plumbing equipment, gas or electric stoves must not be removed or used on the mezzanine.

Installation of the mezzanine is carried out on the basis of a project, which can be ordered by the owner of the premises. If the object is owned by several persons at once, each of them must give consent to carry out construction work.

Since the construction of a mezzanine entails a change in the configuration of the premises, to carry out construction work it is necessary to obtain project approval. After completion of the work, the owner must undergo cadastral registration and record the new characteristics of the premises in the Unified State Register of Real Estate.

Is it necessary to draw up a project for the construction of a mezzanine and have it approved through municipal authorities? If this rule is violated, the owner may be held liable for uncoordinated redevelopment. Although the administrative fine for such an offense is quite small, at the request of the owner of the housing stock, the violator may be required to restore the original condition of the property. Such consequences may arise even if you purchased an apartment with unauthorized redevelopment.

What is a mezzanine

Rules for placing a mezzanine

You need to take into account several rules so that your mezzanine does not stand out from the interior:

1. The facades and lower part of the structure must match the color of the walls and other furniture in the room.
2. The finished mezzanine should not, by sticking out, block the light source, and should not be too large.
3. Under the lower shelf of the mezzanine, if it is located in the aisle, a person of even tall stature should calmly pass.
4. Do not overdo it with the number of upper shelves in a small room, otherwise you will visually reduce it even more.

The combination of the mezzanine with the surrounding interior Source stroy-m78.ru

Mezzanine in the nursery

Can serve as a play area and additional living area. In the second case, the main thing is that a comfortable bed fits in and there is room for normal movement. Choose a ladder carefully so that your child can easily climb up.

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It is better to install lamps in the ceiling in the play area, and in the living mezzanine place a table lamp or sconce, and for the stairs, lighting with motion sensors is useful. There must be low and strong railings and high stair railings. The most suitable material is wood, and an anti-slip coating will come in very handy. You can store board games, books, dolls, soft toys, construction sets and sports equipment below on the top tier.

What materials can a mezzanine be made from?

A convenient and functional box can be made from various materials. Chipboard (chipboard), MDF (medium density fiberboard), solid wood, and even plasterboard are suitable, but it is more likely for the external decoration of the shelf.

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of materials

These are the main disadvantages and advantages of the most common materials that you can use when thinking about constructing a mezzanine. But as experience shows, the most common material for making furniture and mezzanines, among other things, is laminated chipboard.

Prices for chipboard laminated panels

Chipboard laminated panel

Installation Tips

The process of installing the shelf itself is incredibly simple: it should be attached to opposite walls, thereby correctly distributing the weight over the entire surface of the base. Don’t forget that the design should fit correctly not only into the space, but also into the interior. To do this, take care of doors that are in harmony tonally and stylistically.

Ideas and design features of a mezzanine floor in a house or apartment

Admiring a high ceiling is irrational. You need to use not only every square, but also every cubic meter of your home to your advantage.

A mezzanine floor helps to significantly expand the area and functionality of a house or apartment. Before you decide to remodel, get acquainted with SNiP standards, design nuances and projects of modern interiors. Do not forget that any changes must be agreed with the relevant authorities.

1. What is a mezzanine floor - definition and standards
2. Work plan for the construction of an additional floor
3. Types and design features
4. What to do on the mezzanine and what style it is suitable for
5. Secrets of arranging a mezzanine superstructure
   Safety requirements
6. Which staircase is better to choose?
7. What is important to think about in a project
8. Furniture requirements
9. Design ideas and photos of residential mezzanines

What is a mezzanine floor - definition and standards

The exact definition of a mezzanine floor can be found in the rules “Residential multi-apartment buildings” (SP 54.13330.2011). A mezzanine in an apartment or house today is usually called an internal area located within one floor and occupying no more than 40% of the area of ​​the room. This is the current version of the previously valid SNiP.

Please note that the main difference between a mezzanine and a full floor is that it cannot occupy more than 40% of the room in which it is designed and be higher than 1.8 m. If the superstructure takes up more than 40%, then it will be considered a floor (SP 118.13330.2012). The mezzanine is used not only in residential buildings, but also in hotels, thereby separating functional areas.

There are strict design standards for mezzanine floors. The sufficient height of the room according to SNiP established by the standards is at least 2.5 m. If the ceilings are 1.5-1.6 meters higher than required, then you can think about a superstructure. When designing a mezzanine in a new house, it must be immediately included in the project.

Given the minimum permissible height of the room, it is better to build a superstructure over non-functional areas. For example, above cabinets, hallway, kitchen work area, library. Often the platform is built above the bathroom or dressing room.

If the extension is small, it can be done over part of the living room, for example, over the area in which the TV, wall unit or other furniture is installed. The floors floating in the air above the work area look good.

The only exception where it is permissible to ignore the norms is at the dacha. A country house with a mezzanine floor can be of almost any height, but still, do not forget about comfort and plan a mezzanine in a house less than 3 meters high .

Work plan for the construction of an additional floor

To make a mezzanine area in an apartment according to all the rules, follow the plan:

1. Contact specialists and order an examination of the technical condition of the load-bearing structures of the house.
2. Get your hands on a conclusion on the technical feasibility of constructing a mezzanine based on an examination.
3. Order a mezzanine floor project and submit it for approval by the relevant authorities.

If an additional floor is planned in a new house under construction, then it must be included in the project at the stage of developing the entire housing project. It's simpler, more reliable and safer. As a result, you can get a full-fledged one-and-a-half-story house.

Types and design features

The design of the mezzanine floor can be beamed or beamless. In a beam structure, the beams rest on the load-bearing walls of the house or specially constructed supports. Floorings are laid on beams.

The design includes:

• load-bearing beams installed along the walls (reinforced concrete, metal I-beams, channels, wood);
• load-bearing flooring (wooden panels, lined hollow concrete panels);
• floor beams forming the floor and ceiling;
• flooring;
• ceiling decoration;
• protective curbs;
• stairs.

The construction of a mezzanine floor without beams is simpler - the floor slabs rest on supports or load-bearing walls. More common are combined options with a metal frame supported by load-bearing walls or supports, and a monolithic concrete floor installed on the frame.

Some companies offer custom-made welded structures that are quickly installed and are not afraid of high loads. The wooden frame is covered with wood, since it is significantly lighter than concrete.

Inside the site, lighting, wiring and other communications are provided. As a rule, a suspended ceiling (slat or tiled) is chosen, since it is convenient to attach it to beams. A suspended ceiling is suitable for monolithic slabs. To avoid the “pressure” of the ceiling, you can provide a ceiling with inserts made of durable glass.

The price of a mezzanine floor depends on its size and the materials used for construction. The cost of work in regions varies greatly, so we will not indicate specific prices. Find several companies in your city and compare prices.

What to do on the mezzanine and what style it is suitable for

Considering the small height of the mezzanine area in the apartment, it should include areas in which a person spends a small part of the time. Most often, mezzanines are equipped with:

• bedrooms - main and guest - a good solution for those who want to make a bedroom in a one-room apartment; mini-offices; children's rooms; canteens; recreation areas; libraries; corners for creativity (see how to make a craft corner in your apartment).

Often, a one-and-a-half-story layout is used in offices and shopping centers. The height of production premises can also be partially reduced to accommodate small offices and recreation areas.

Not every design style can use such an add-on. The idea of ​​a mezzanine floor fits perfectly into loft and minimalism, but it will look ridiculous in classical directions. In a country house, it is quite possible to choose country or eclecticism for design.

Secrets of arranging a mezzanine superstructure

What exactly will be on the mezzanine needs to be decided before its design. It is important to take into account all the technical and design details in the project.

Safety requirements

The mezzanine can become the most dangerous place in the house if you do not take care of the fences. You shouldn’t rely on your adequacy; you definitely need to install at least low curbs .

If there are children in the house, fences should prevent not only accidental falls, but also the possibility of climbing over them or climbing up. For permanent high fences, you can use impact-resistant glass or plastic.

If there are no children, air-permeable borders, for example, openwork or forged, are suitable. When arranging a bedroom above a living room combined with a kitchen or hall, it makes sense to provide curtains to provide a privacy zone and not depend on general lighting.

Which staircase is better to choose?

The design of the mezzanine floor necessarily includes a staircase. The main requirement for it is compactness; the staircase should occupy as little usable space as possible in the main room. At the same time, the steps must be comfortable and safe, especially if the superstructure is planned to be used regularly.

The most convenient are flight stairs , which are most practical to place against the side wall of the main room. The design can be played up so that the space under the stairs is not empty, but is used in the interior. A rational approach is drawers in the steps.

The least amount of space is taken up by cantilever staircases that look like they are floating in the air, fixed directly on the walls. This option is acceptable if there is a solid wall. Reliability and safety are due to the fact that each stage is attached separately. According to standards, such a stage must withstand a load of at least 150 kg.

Spiral staircases look very impressive in modern interiors , but they cannot be classified as comfortable. Walking in circles takes some getting used to. This design is more suitable for young and athletic people. But do not forget that it is almost impossible to lift anything along it. The advantage of a spiral staircase is that it can be installed not only from the edge, but also in the middle of the site.

What is important to think about in a project

Lighting . If the apartment does not have huge windows, and the mezzanine is located along blank walls, there will not be enough light, and it is necessary to install separate lighting. It is better to avoid large chandeliers, giving preference to built-in ceiling lights, curtain lighting, wall sconces, floor lamps with high legs, and table lamps.

Ventilation . To avoid suffocation and headaches, you need good ventilation. The easiest way to solve this problem is to install a split system with forced ventilation. This approach will solve two problems at once: it will provide an influx of fresh air and cool the room in the heat.

Heating . If you don't want to heat the whole house, but want to provide comfort in the mezzanine area, use heaters. The most economical is infrared. It does not heat the air, but warms objects. Point heaters at areas that need warmth and avoid wasting money heating a large home.

The second method of local heating is a heated floor system. An infrared film floor is suitable for installation on a mezzanine. It does not weigh down or thicken the structure, is easy to install, safe and suitable for many types of finishing floor coverings. It is convenient to place the film locally - only in the right places.

Furniture requirements

You will have to abandon heavy and bulky furniture in an apartment or country house with a mezzanine floor. Most often, furniture has to be delivered not by stairs, but by means of lifting devices.

a futon bed is often used - a metal or wooden frame on which a high orthopedic mattress is placed. In minimalism and loft this is quite acceptable. This sleeping place is low and light. If you can't do without a bed, choose the lowest Japanese-style beds.

It is better to leave all the cabinets below, and limit yourself to floor hangers on the mezzanine. Strong walls are the way out. The cabinets can be made hanging. The same applies to hanging tables and work corners.

If there is a window, consider making a window sill sofa, this will allow you to get useful furniture without taking up space or weighing down the ceiling.

Design ideas and photos of residential mezzanines

Get inspired by photos of beautiful mezzanine floors, see what designs professionals come up with for them, what furniture they choose, and how they organize the space. Please note that add-ons can be either very small, designed for only one bed, or full-fledged rooms. It all depends on the initial area and height of the room.

In a new country house, you can make a mezzanine around the perimeter of the large hall. In this case, on the superstructure floor you can provide several different rooms - guest bedrooms, an office, a library. In some cases, doors can be used.

In a small apartment, it is rational to arrange a sleeping area or office upstairs. In a teenager’s room, you can select a sleeping area, freeing up space for games and activities. If there is very little space, then you will only get a sleeping place above a closet or desk.

When choosing live plants to place in an area without windows, follow our tips for choosing flowers for the bathroom or choose stabilized flowers.

Now you know what a mezzanine floor is, what it can be made of and how to arrange it. The main thing is to remember to coordinate the project and trust the work only to professional builders. Safety and reliability come first!

Suitable location for the superstructure

So, we’ve sorted out the materials, now we need to think about how our mezzanine will be located and what needs to be taken into account in order to avoid mistakes when assembling and placing it.

In order for the mezzanine to be used harmoniously, you need to choose a convenient place for it

As already mentioned, the mezzanine is located under the ceiling in any of the rooms in the apartment, but if it is a corridor, then the most frequently used and convenient place is above the entrance door to the kitchen. When installing the structure, consider some points that you should pay special attention to:

• be sure to think through the design, calculate the dimensions and amount of material required, ideally, create a drawing of the product;
• the depth of the product is also an important point that must be taken into account; if you make the cabinet too deep, it will be very inconvenient for you to get everything you need from it;
• if, nevertheless, you decide to make a fairly deep cabinet, then it is more convenient if you make it double-sided;
• make sure that the walls on which the box will be mounted are strong enough to withstand the load;
• for safety reasons for you and your household, the base material must be durable;
• the mezzanine should fit harmoniously into the overall layout and design of the room;
• the shelf under the ceiling should not interfere with access to the window and the free opening of the door above which it is located;
• be sure to find the location of the electrical wiring in the walls so as not to damage it during installation;
• design the structure so that there is no free space between the top of the drawer and the ceiling, otherwise this space will not be functional, only dust will accumulate in it.

There should be no gaps between the ceiling and the storage area

Mezzanine floor: comfort or headache? Opinion of a designer and lawyer

A room with high ceilings, but a small area, involuntarily suggests that it would be nice to use the free space, and at the same time transform the interior, because such a room visually looks like a well, that is, it is not particularly attractive, and even to some extent has a depressing effect.

But what exactly can be done in this case? The first thing that comes to mind is to make do with simple techniques: for example, hang wallpaper with horizontal stripes, hang a multi-level or cascading chandelier in the center of the ceiling, and heavy curtains with folds on the windows. This will solve the interior design issue, but will not increase the number of square meters. You can go the other way: build a second mezzanine floor and thus get additional usable space.

In this article, we will figure out whether it is worth building a mezzanine, what it will give the owner, under what conditions redevelopment can be carried out, and what documents will need to be collected for approval with regulatory authorities.

Pros and cons of a mezzanine floor

A mezzanine floor in a house or apartment has obvious advantages:

● The space under the ceiling can be used as a bedroom, nursery, library, office, dressing room, mini-cinema. ● After approval of the layout, the square footage of the constructed floor is included in the total area of ​​the apartment, which increases its cost. ● Real estate with an unusual layout is in great demand among buyers, and therefore its cost is higher than that of standard premises with a similar area. ● The horizontal extension visually expands the room no worse than other design tricks.

However, despite the obvious advantages of the mezzanine, you should know in advance about the disadvantages of such redevelopment:

● The superstructure cannot be used for any purpose - it is prohibited to install plumbing fixtures, gas or electric stoves in it, which means that it will be illegal to equip a bathroom, shower room, toilet or kitchen in it. ● In houses with mixed floors (for example, wood + brick), the structure will require reinforcement, and the mezzanine will have to be built in a lightweight version. ● There are certain requirements for the construction of a mezzanine floor: – the total height of the room must be at least 4.5 meters; – the mezzanine must be erected at a height of at least 2.5 meters from the floor; – the height of the space from the mezzanine floor to the ceiling must be at least 2.1 meters; – in one room it is permissible to erect no more than one mezzanine, although there may be two stairs to it; — the area of ​​the mezzanine floor should be no more than 40% of the total area of ​​the room.

In case of violation of at least one of the listed requirements, the owner of the apartment will have to pay a fine in the amount of 3,000 rubles (legal entity - 300,000 rubles). In addition, it will be impossible to register the constructed floor as a mezzanine, which means that it will not be possible to count on additional footage.

In order to be able to fully use all the advantages of the mezzanine floor and avoid mistakes during redevelopment, you should entrust all stages of its construction to a specialized organization.

Necessary documents and stages of mezzanine construction

The process of approving redevelopment in the BTI and the Housing Inspectorate takes two months. However, starting it before obtaining permission is fraught with a fine, and sometimes even a requirement from regulatory authorities to return the premises to its original state.

Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to a clear work plan:

1. Collect a complete package of documents for presentation to the Housing Inspectorate, which includes: - a mezzanine floor project (plan of the actual layout of the premises, drawings of structures and equipment, floor plan after the construction of the mezzanine, diagrams and structural drawings), preferably prepared by an employee of a design organization with an SRO license; – technical conclusion on the admissibility of redevelopment, which should be agreed upon by the SES; – title documents for the property; – consent of all owners to carry out work, certified by a notary; – application for redevelopment; – BTI technical passport.
2. It may take about 30 days to process your application. After receiving a positive decision from the Housing Inspectorate, which is valid for 1 year, redevelopment can begin. If it is not possible to meet the deadline within 1 year, it will have to be extended.
3. In order for the Housing Inspectorate and BTI inspectors to confirm the acceptance of work after the completion of the redevelopment, it is necessary to carry out a number of the following actions: – send to the MFC a work log and certificates of inspection of hidden work signed by a representative of the design organization; - invite an authorized official from the Housing Inspectorate to the premises to confirm compliance of the constructed mezzanine with the design documentation; – receive a certificate of completion of redevelopment from the Housing Inspectorate; – order a new technical passport of the object from the BTI; – after a technician from the BTI has measured the premises, obtain a technical passport; – order a technical plan on electronic media from an organization providing such services, transfer it to the MFC for making changes to Rosreestr and the cadastral chamber.

The total cost of the entire package of documents that must be obtained from the beginning to the end of the work (including state duties, technical conclusion, redevelopment project, etc.) is approximately 150,000 rubles. However, the mezzanine floor is worth the financial costs and effort, as it opens up new opportunities for owners in terms of room zoning and interior design.

A little about the approach to repairing and ordering furniture

It would be foolish to refuse a convenient and spacious cabinet above the kitchen door. Therefore, few people completely demolish it - most often, during repairs, owners are interested in the question of how to make a mezzanine with their own hands in the corridor, update the structure itself and the external design.

Personally, I am somewhat skeptical about towns and cities with all sorts of nailed-on blocks and strips in attempts to create a mezzanine in the kitchen with minimal effort. They come up with everything they can - they paint over old plywood structures with a thick layer of paint, glue on decorative film and even oilcloth just to somehow improve the look of outdated furniture. All this is useless. As they say, the horse is dead, get off it. If you do it, then do it. Take out the old stuff completely and make a normal, new mezzanine.

1. Assemble a box from plasterboard. Only the facade part will be made from “furniture” materials (chipboard, plywood, solid wood or MDF).
2. Assemble the cabinet frame and facades entirely from chipboard or plywood. The mezzanine itself will be “suspended” on supports, long narrow slats. And it moves a little onto the upper door frame, as if “standing” on it.

Let's consider both options.

How to make a mezzanine from chipboard or plywood

There are two options here. Make a mezzanine for the kitchen by analogy with the previous method. That is:

• Secure the bottom with metal corners or bars onto which it slides.
• Assemble the panel for fastening the front part, as for a built-in wardrobe.

By the way, the facades can be made not hinged, but sliding, but the access will be exactly twice as wide as the width of the sliding door. Therefore, if you plan to use the mezzanine in the kitchen above the door in the hallway for storing large items, it is better to abandon this idea.

As the bottom you need to use plywood, solid wood or clapboard type boards - any fibrous material. The chipboard is too fragile, the chips do not provide the necessary elasticity and the bottom, without additional rigidity, will simply bend and break under its own weight.

The second option is to assemble a full-fledged cabinet, with its own walls (possibly without a roof), lift it and slide it onto special mortgages in the form of planks or a metal corner.

Such a cabinet will “stand” on the side supports on both sides and on the door jamb on the third side. You can make a mezzanine in the apartment through, opening from both sides, from the kitchen and from the hallway, if necessary.

The design will look like this.

The main thing is to correctly measure the niche from all sides. The bottom of the mezzanine cabinet in the corridor above the door is made larger than the side walls. That is, the side walls move slightly (a couple of centimeters) towards the center. This play will help the mezzanine “stand up” more tightly when the walls converge or diverge. After all, you can always file the bottom in place - and the side walls will not interfere with this.

One more nuance. If you make a mezzanine in the hallway/kitchen from chipboard, then you need to install a stiffener that would strengthen the bottom. But it’s better, as I wrote above, to choose plywood or solid wood.

It is impossible to say for sure which method is better to choose to make a mezzanine with your own hands. It all depends on your skills and idea of ​​what the end result should look like.

How to choose a mezzanine

If you decide to buy a ready-made mezzanine, then consider the following:

1. Room dimensions. Measure the height, length and width of the room so that the future mezzanine fits your size.
2. If you have a small hallway, then the best option would be a corner mezzanine. It will not take up much space, but will accommodate a lot of things and will be as functional as possible.
3. Do not forget about the types of mezzanines in the interior. A closed model will best protect things from dirt and dust.
4. The mezzanine should fit into the overall interior. Choose an option that, in terms of its external characteristics, will match other furniture in the hallway.
5. Decide on the place where the structure will be placed, whether it will be one cabinet or several.

The mezzanine in appearance matches the interior Source stalnie-dveri-spb.ru

Mezzanine in modern interiors

French in origin, the word “mezzanine” means the upper mezzanine built into the interior of mansions and cottages. Nowadays, the mezzanine will fit perfectly into the modern interior of not only a country house, but even a studio apartment.

Advantages of mezzanines in the interior

Like any design technique, the mezzanine has its pros and cons. First, about the advantages.

• Ergonomic use of vertical space

The appearance of an additional “half-floor” will make it possible to place shelves with books, wardrobes, which essentially serve as an attic or closet, as well as additional sleeping space for guests.

• Visual solution for a disproportionately elongated room

A suspended platform will perfectly “shorten” a long rectangular room and allow you to intelligently use the entire area of ​​the room.

• Privacy

The mezzanine is primarily a lounge area, separate and located on a different level from the rest of the apartment. The only question is what you want to place in it.

Disadvantages of mezzanines

• High ceiling height required.

You need a lot of space for a mezzanine. Not every home can boast four-meter ceilings.

• Structural strength

In order to build a comfortable, durable and - most importantly - safe structure, you need some money and skillful, reliable hands.

If the “contra” arguments still haven’t confused you, let’s move on to the issue in more detail.

What is needed to create a mezzanine?

• High ceilings

To make your tall household members and guests feel comfortable and safe, the mezzanine must be located at a minimum height of 2.1 meters. The height from the mezzanine platform to the ceiling should be at least the height of a sitting person - approximately 1.1 meters. Plus small “allowances” for the thickness of the structure itself (about 20 cm). In total, the total ceiling height for a comfortable mezzanine location should be at least 3.4 meters.

• Ladder

For safety, it is better to bring a fixed, stationary ladder to the mezzanine platform rather than a folding one. It is also necessary to calculate and provide a place in the interior of your apartment.

• Lighting and ventilation

Carefully consider the location of additional lamps or fixtures, since the main light source in the room will not illuminate the mezzanine canopy sufficiently. Floor lamps or LED lights located in the ceiling work well.

As a rule, it is quite hot upstairs, under the high ceiling of the apartment. So you can install a fan or make a small dormer window. This will allow fresh air to circulate freely.

Ideas for designing an apartment with a mezzanine

• Study or library

Privacy is what the mezzanine can fully realize. The isolated location of such a “balcony” is undoubtedly a plus for the workspace. In addition, the office will not require a very high ceiling - the height of a “sedentary” height will be quite enough. We place shelves for books along the walls, and the desktop fits perfectly near the attic or dormer window. We can also place books under the stairs leading to the mezzanine platform.

Don't forget to take care of soundproofing. To do this, the platform can be glazed around the perimeter or covered with thick curtains or screens.

• Children's

Who didn't dream of a tree house as a child? You can make your childhood dream come true, saving space in your apartment, by placing a children's bed and a desk on the mezzanine. The area under the platform can be filled with built-in wardrobes for clothes and toys.

In addition, you can use the mezzanine to accommodate an extra bed if you have several children. Excellent analogue of a bunk bed! In general, your imagination is limited only by your budget.

Of course, it is necessary to take care of safety: the platform must be fenced with strong railings, the ladder must be firmly fixed to the floor.

• Place to rest

An excellent option for not very high ceilings and large panoramic windows. On such a canopy you can place pillows, soft ottomans or chaise longues, a bean bag chair, or a low coffee table. Carpet, textiles, soft flowing lines, cozy little things like candles and ceramic vases will fit perfectly into the design of such a room.

An advantage in favor of choosing this particular purpose for the mezzanine is the fact that in this case you can get by with an extension ladder. This paradise nest will give peace and comfort to you and your guests, but it will not be an essential space.

• Bedroom

Modern design magazines are increasingly using the “mezzanine” as a sleeping area. An extraordinary feeling of peace, airiness, isolation - the mezzanine will veil the outside world from you. This effect can be enhanced with light chiffon curtains or an oriental-style canopy.

In this case, you need to pay special attention to ventilation - upstairs, under the ceiling, it can be stuffy.

DIY mezzanine

Figuring out how to make a mezzanine in an apartment is very simple. The design of the mezzanine itself is simple - it is a combination of longitudinal and transverse beams, covered with flooring, and supports in the form of pillars and/or walls.

Steel supports are more labor-intensive and difficult to finish, but they are also more durable, do not vibrate and do not shrink.

The entire structure can be covered with plasterboard, or fiberboard. These materials allow LED lights to be placed under the platform.

What does the law say about mezzanines?

The construction of a mezzanine does not require the approval of the house designer if you do NOT intend to:

• embed load-bearing beams into the wall,
• install a stationary ladder - the load on the floor may increase.

If you approach the issue thoroughly, you will need to contact the cadastral agency or the main designer of the house to make the necessary calculations and agree on a project to make changes to the layout of the apartment.

mezzanine - advice from the experts

The bottom of the product must be at a height of at least 2 m from the floor, for the mezzanine - the remaining space above.

When placing above a door, align the bottom plane of the shelf with the top of the doors. This option is the most practical and looks aesthetically pleasing.

Do not leave any free space between the top of the structure and the ceiling. This dead zone will only collect dust.

The mezzanine should not block access to the window or door or interfere with their opening.

The appearance of the room and its ergonomics should not be compromised. If you hang a shelf incorrectly, it can make the room look too narrow, low, or elongated. Be sure to maintain the effect of open space.

For a room with high ceilings, you can safely use a gallery mezzanine. This design encircles the room on three sides and is well suited for placing a home library. However, keep in mind that the width of the gallery mezzanine, taking into account the bookshelves, will be about a meter, while the standard shelf size is much smaller.

Quite often, mezzanines are used in bathrooms and kitchens. Before installing the product, make sure that the wall structure can withstand such a load.

Most often, mezzanines are placed above the front door. This space under the ceiling is almost never used. To compactly place rarely used accessories, use a spacious mezzanine in the kitchen. This product will free up more space and rid the room of clutter.

The best place to place a mezzanine is a narrow and long corridor, hallway or living room. There is no need to be afraid that the room will decrease in height, because the shelf will only take up a small part of the wall. Such furniture will help modify the layout and make it more interesting.

Wardrobe with mezzanines in the bedroom

It is multifunctional, compact and roomy at the same time.

Visually increases the area of ​​the room. Experts advise buying models equipped with side shelves. They are usually built into a niche. Lighting fixtures act as decorative elements. Often in sleeping mezzanines there are no doors; blankets, blankets, pillows and neatly folded bed linen are stored on open shelves.

A few ideas for decorating door leaves

If you don’t want your mezzanine to blend in with the furniture, you can take note of the idea for decorating doors.

1. You can cover it with artificial leather, laying a layer of foam rubber as a filler. We secure it to the back of the door using a furniture stapler. And if you want your doors to look more pretentious, create the effect of a carriage tie using the same stapler, only from the outside. Decorate the paper clips with leatherette-covered buttons or plastic rhinestones.
2. If you glue a mirror sheet to the door, the space in your corridor will visually appear larger and higher. The mirror can be glued using special glue or silicone sealant.
3. If you still decide to decorate the doors with wallpaper, then cover them with a layer of PVA glue, which will create a protective film and prolong the beautiful appearance of your product.

The mezzanine with transparent doors looks stylish

Ceiling installation (Option - load-bearing joists)

I take 30x30mm logs (maybe 30x40 - but the height will still be 30). I arrange it this way.

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Attachment points are points of support. 148 cm is still too long, the central part needs to be strengthened. I'm thinking of doing it this way:

Next, under the joists are sheets of 6mm plywood. Completely painted dark. Evenly. I hope to hide the joints of the sheets in this way.

Next, make the visual part with protruding squares:

• Squares approximately 35x35 cm white.
• The gap between the squares is 2-3 cm - this will be exactly the dark, uniform ceiling.
• The squares will protrude 4-6mm from the ceiling so that you can grab them to open the hatch, and for beauty.
• Some squares will have built-in ceiling lights
• it should look like tiles but with wide and deep joints

The diagram is as follows (side view)

On the left - a square (light gray) - this is a 45x45 or similar size log adjacent to the entire perimeter. It is screwed to the concrete wall. I will attach transverse joists (dark gray rectangle) to it with screws from below. Blue color is 6 mm plywood. sheet. Under the red plywood - 4-6mm plywood for indentation

Thus, such squares can almost completely hide the cracks of a hidden hatch and the joints of plywood boards. Like a hidden hatch for tiles.

I’ll probably put fiberboard on top of the joists so that it’s even.

Pros:

• 6 mm plywood is not expensive

Minuses:

• transverse joists eat up 3 cm of usable area.

What not to do when constructing a mezzanine

It’s not difficult to make an add-on for storing household belongings, but to make the product convenient and functional, you should still take into account the advice of experienced craftsmen:

• you should not place the superstructure lower than two meters above the floor level, otherwise your household members or tall guests risk getting injured when passing by the structure;
• when decorating your new shelf, you should not cover the doors with wallpaper in the same color as the walls, otherwise the design will visually clutter the space;
• in addition, the wallpaper quickly gets dirty, scuffs appear and its attractive appearance is lost;
• at the stage of hanging the sashes on gas lifts or mezzanine hinges, do not open downwards, this option will be extremely inconvenient for use at height, since the ability to get the necessary thing from the depths of the superstructure is limited;
• the mezzanine doors should not touch the chandelier and interfere with the opening of doors to other rooms.

You cannot place furniture too close to the mezzanine, which will interfere with its opening

Opening mechanism

Not only design, but also functionality depends on the opening mechanism.

• Swing - attached to hinges, quite convenient and practical. Provide full access to the niche.
• Sliding - installed when there is no room for full opening. They cannot provide full access to things.

If the room has enough free space, you can purchase a spacious and functional mezzanine.

• Folding is a very convenient option for a long mezzanine.
• Lifting up - the door opens up on the fittings. The mechanism prevents it from closing under its own weight, which allows you to fully use the width of the opening. Convenient and reliable, but not cheap.

A corner model is ideal for a small hallway.

Note! Don't make the sashes too long. Over time, they can sag on the hinges. You should also pay attention to the choice of a comfortable handle.

Facing

For cladding the product they are most often used:

• adhesive film, with various patterns and textures, suitable for the overall interior of the hallway;
• curtains, used for products without doors;
• blinds, such a door opening system saves room space;
• when the doors open towards the top, it is necessary to calculate so that the handles do not damage the ceiling.