DIY loft style bed

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.

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.

General characteristics of the loft style for furniture

The peculiarities of this direction are that it is designed for spacious apartments with an open layout. High ceilings and large floor-length windows are desirable, and the absence of partitions is almost a mandatory requirement.

This style was originally bohemian, preferred by artists and designers, since such a space is suitable for setting up a studio, holding presentations and fun parties. The direction emphasizes the desire for creative freedom and refusal to follow generally accepted trends.

Therefore, the furniture can be different - vintage pieces will get along wonderfully with modern ones. For example, a classic leather chair will be complemented by a somewhat futuristic metal coffee table.

Furniture in the loft style, made by yourself, is welcome. What should not be in the decor is what bohemians would call bourgeois furniture, that is, expensive fashionable new items or antiques.

But a combination of modern things with some family rarities (for example, a carved bookcase inherited) is welcome. Metal furniture (for example, a shelving unit) can be combined with soft poufs, a serving table on wheels made of metal and wood can be combined with vintage chairs.

In search of inspiration, you should look through magazines dedicated to architecture and design. It is not necessary to exactly copy what you liked from the photo; you must first imagine how the item will look in the room. You can cut out images of the furniture you like and arrange them on a sheet of paper to get a visual representation of the compatibility of such things.

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.

The main features of the loft style

It is easy to determine that in front of a person is a room decorated in this style.

Just pay attention to some signs

The room should have a lot of free space, and there are usually minimal partitions in it. In general, only the toilet and bathroom can be separated in the apartment. That is why the loft style is often used in studio apartments, where even the sleeping area is located in a common area.
The windows should be large and preferably from floor to ceiling. This is the main source of light in the room. Moreover, curtains are used extremely rarely.
The presence of various beams in the ceiling area is welcome, the ventilation does not need to be closed, and iron fittings add charm, but do not spoil the appearance of the room.
You usually cannot see wallpaper or other decorative material on the walls in a loft-style room. Brickwork or concrete is often imitated or left completely as is. Also, plywood, metal, etc. can be used for finishing. It’s funny, but to achieve the desired effect, sometimes you sometimes have to purchase quite expensive materials.
Option for the floor - concrete, board or marble. No complex designs or anything pretentious or extravagant.

And the main highlight of the loft is the furniture. It may be somewhat unsightly in appearance, made of simple materials, and does not have any decorations or monograms. Its charm lies in its simplicity and functionality. At the time when the loft was born, everyone had no time for luxury.

Loft bedroom

To make loft furniture, you can use simple boards, iron pipes and some modern materials. It is best if they have a somewhat aged look.

Loft style kitchen

Although, despite the apparent simplicity, to decorate a room in a loft style you need to have a certain taste. In general, with a successful combination of circumstances, a loft can harmoniously combine the incongruous. For example, a brightly colored modern sofa and an antique chest of drawers. So this style can be very, very different.

There are several loft style trends

Table. Loft style directions.

Direction Characteristic

Bohemian

This option is chosen by artists and poets, in a word, creators of beauty. Moreover, they can use the style not only at home, but also when organizing their own personal exhibition or show. Here the walls and ceilings are left almost without decoration, but other interior items or decorations are selected with a special sense of beauty. The walls may be decorated with paintings, there may be musical instruments, some sculptures, etc. in the room.

Glamor

This is a rather gentle loft, in which the same iron beams and beautiful chandeliers or sofas in the Baroque style can be perfectly combined

Here, much attention will be paid to lighting and directly to chandeliers and shades. The colors used for decoration will be gentle and pleasant (for example, it could be lilac).

Industrial

This is the most popular loft option, as it is the simplest and does not require anything special from the designer

It is enough to create the appearance of a moderately lived-in space. Furniture made by yourself is ideal for this type of loft. Even if it is a little unsuccessful, it will look no worse in almost industrial conditions than furniture from a store. Here any decorations are unnecessary.

Bedroom in loft style

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.

DIY bed

Since loft implies a certain carelessness in finishing and roughness of materials, an attempt to make a bed yourself can be crowned with success. A good bed for the bedroom will be obtained by using ordinary pallets. The material is easy to transport, process and collect from it what is required.

Pallets can be used as a whole or disassembled into components. You will also need tools: a hammer and nails, sandpaper, varnish and a brush. Let us indicate the order of work.

The slats on the pallet are processed using sandpaper, then they are coated with a protective primer and varnished (painted). By knocking together several pallets, you get the base of the bed. The headboard can be made using any of the methods listed above. After which the mattress and all bedding are placed on the frame.

A more labor-intensive, but effective way is to make a bed from bars with a cross-section of 100 by 100 mm. The square shape allows them to be laid next to each other, tightly fastened with a wooden plank or metal staples. The entire timber must be processed and given a color that suits the specific interior.

The unpredictability and dynamism of loft-style interiors make the latter very popular today. By decorating the bedroom in accordance with the requirements, you can get an original relaxation area. A modern bed can be easily placed in the center of the room or placed in a niche.

A loft is not the prerogative of owners of spacious premises; a modest area can be easily stylized to match the specified style. All you need is the presence of a brick wall on which the masonry itself is visible (or its imitation), an abundance of light and the use of wooden or metal structures.

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.

“Commercial” Option of Loft Style

The commercial Loft style in the interior is implemented in rooms with very high ceilings intended to accommodate offices and other institutions.

It is characterized by the use of functional furniture with simple lines and a complete lack of decoration. They are replaced by original interior items, converted from scrap materials. For example, it could be a coat hanger welded from scraps of water pipes. A shelving unit made from almost untreated boards or a housing from a large fan used as a base for a table top will also look interesting.

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.

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

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.

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;

Furniture in the loft style in the interior of different rooms of the apartment

Furniture in the loft style amazes with its massiveness and elegance. Even the effect of wear and signs of antiquity looks original and elegant. This is an extremely convenient and practical design that is suitable not only for spacious rooms, but also for small rooms. Here we will dwell on this in more detail.

Living room

The design of the living room should be carried out according to the general principles of style: rough finishing, ceiling beams and open communications. Against this background, a sofa acts as an accent, the size of which should correspond to the area. The soft area is complemented by a pair of armchairs and poufs.

Household appliances are placed along the walls on shelves and cabinets. It is not necessary to select everything in the same range; the concept allows and even welcomes the use of mismatched items, as if collected from a flea market.

Study

The office requires the presence of office furniture. Creative people choose an unusual environment, which, on the one hand, will be as functional as possible, and on the other, mobile. If possible, chairs, cabinets and tables are equipped with wheels for quick movement during negotiations or for solving certain problems.

The style allows the use of antiques and rare furniture, which is appropriate to place in the office. The modern generation prefers universal transformers with a metal frame and glass or wood tabletops to antique items. In addition to the usual surroundings, be sure to place convenient shelving that will emphasize the business status of the owner.

Children's room

Furniture in the nursery is used for zoning instead of bulky partitions. To free up as much usable space as possible, cabinets with mezzanines are preferred, which should be well secured. Often, instead of a separate desk and sofa, they choose a loft bed. On the second floor there is a sleeping place, and the first is given over to a work or play area.

You can attach ladders and handrails to the side walls so that your child can climb up. Such designs are functional and will help children’s physical development. Frameless armchairs and ottomans will complement the decor. The child will independently change the design of the room at his own discretion.

Bedroom

The loft allows the use of both modern furniture and antique chests of drawers, chests and rocking chairs. At the same time, the main design principle must be maintained - maximum space. In the bedroom, the main place is occupied by the bed, often installed on a podium.

In small rooms, built-in furniture is preferable; in a spacious bedroom, you can install a tall wardrobe on the entire wall. Side tables and poufs will complement the decor. It is advisable to choose models with wheels, since loft loves mobility.

Kitchen

The principle of kitchen design is no different from other rooms, only practicality comes first. Often the upper tiers are abandoned, replacing them with racks. Free walls are left open or several shelves are installed.

Bathroom

You can put an old grandma's chest of drawers or a shelf in the bathroom, which is high time to throw away. A modern cabinet and a mirror without a frame or, conversely, in an ornate frame, will go well with a retro setting. In a spacious room, metal furniture treated with protective compounds would be appropriate. Traditional design materials: glass and wood will also fit perfectly.

Loft style studio

A loft is the maximum amount of free space, so it is ideal for studio apartments. Furniture must be carefully thought out. You should choose only the essentials to avoid clutter.

The standard set of furniture for a living room in a studio is as follows:

sofa;
coffee table;
a pair of armchairs;
TV table;
racks.

In the dining area you should definitely have a large table or a bar counter with interesting chairs. The bedroom area can be fenced off with glass partitions.

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.

Varieties

Loft beds are available as single (0.8 m–1 m) or double (1.40 m–1.60 m). The bed can be located on a dais, podium, attic, in the central part of the room, niche or under the ceiling. The list of popular models includes:

Classic - beds equipped with legs. Wood or metal is used to create them. The models look the most comfortable, at home.
Two-tier - suitable for arranging a nursery. On the lower “floor” there is a storage system or work area. Wooden structures are suitable for kids, metal ones for teenagers.
In the form of a sofa - relevant for small spaces or when combining a kitchen space with a bedroom.
With an imitation of a platform - the mattress is placed on a frame that remains open or is draped with textiles, leather, or fur.
With a mobile frame - you can make it yourself using pallets and wheels. The products are mobile and easy to move.
With a suspension system - fixed to the ceiling using special ropes.
With storage drawers - allows you to free up space and place a huge number of things.
A floating bed - the sleeping place is supported not on the usual legs, but on supports located in the central part of the bed.

Pull-out beds in the loft style have become widespread. The base of the models is represented by a platform on wheels; it is used to organize an additional bed.

Classical

Bunk

Sofa

With platform imitation

With mobile frame

With hanging system

With storage drawers

Soaring

Retractable