Loft beds are great. They turn a good night's sleep into a little vacation. All you have to do is climb the stairs, leave all the worries of everyday life behind and settle comfortably into your own personal dreamland. Our loft beds are also practical. They save free space, because below you can put a desk, a shelving unit, or even set up a seating area.
In the modern abundance of furniture complexes, a huge variety of products is provided to equip the bedroom with everything you need. Often, many of these products stand out from the competition not only because of their comfort and splendor, but also because of their limited availability for the average buyer. A large number of young families still live in very small spaces, which makes it difficult to choose furniture. In this situation, bunk beds come to the rescue, they have earned trust in terms of efficiency and are in great demand among buyers. The monopolist among suppliers of this kind of beds is the giant company IKEA.
Varieties
Each IKEA product is a piece of an overall design project. Purchasing furniture has always been a serious and responsible matter; it is for this reason that one should not rush here, focusing on the design features. When choosing a loft bed, you have the opportunity to select additional elements for different occasions - a chest of drawers, a table or accessories for the nursery:
- made of wood and equipped with a strong ladder, as well as side cabinets and boxes under the steps, looks interesting
- IKEA metal bunk bed , designed according to the standards of the minimalist concept, will be an excellent choice for teenagers, especially for boys who are not particularly predisposed to a lot of frills, but rather prefer versatility and comfort. The bed comes in several types, which, in addition to the surface sleeping space, can also include a desk, pull-out sofa or wardrobe. The table can be used to create a full-fledged work area for a student.
- The simplest model consists of a bed in the upper part and a table in the lower part . For more optimal use, other models are equipped with additional small wardrobes and bedside tables consisting of several sections.
- A bunk bed with a pull-out bed , which makes it possible to put three children to sleep.
Assembly instructions
Assembly of furniture from the Stuva series is carried out according to the instructions from the kit. All products are delivered unassembled, accessories are included. The figure below shows the dimensions of the Stuva bench and wardrobe.
Popular models
Today it is not difficult to find an IKEA store; almost everyone knows it. Of course, bunk beds can be used as a sleeping place for adults, however, the main users of such products are still children. IKEA hypermarkets offer a huge range of products created primarily for children. The models are made from a large number of different materials, have a rich configuration, as well as functional productivity:
- Kyura. A crib for children, a four- or even three-year-old child can sleep on it, if the baby is used to sleeping without his mother. This model is made from durable pine and coated with transparent varnish. You can change the appearance of such a crib thanks to multi-colored panels. IKEA gives you the opportunity to change the design of your bed using an arched fabric canopy. Such models are extremely convenient. At an age when the child is still small, the bed is located below: the child himself is safe, and the mother can quite easily change his bed. When the baby grows up, the structure is placed in a standard way, and a large playground appears on the first tier.
- Tromso. Durable and reliable design of the Tromso model from IKEA for the room of a young or middle-aged child. Such a steel model is being developed. It is quite difficult to damage the bed: the coating is very resistant to moisture. From floor to bottom, the height of the structure is 164 centimeters. With these parameters, you can organize a full-fledged workplace for your child. The total height of the product is 216 centimeters. IKEA recommends purchasing this model for high ceilings – 2.6–2.7 meters. In terms of size, the model is considered a one-and-a-half-bed (140x200 centimeters). This model has high sides, which protects the child from falls.
The important point here is that instead of a vertical staircase, there is an inclined staircase; moreover, such a bed can be installed both on the left side and on the right.
- Stuva. The bed of the Stuva model appears to the buyer in the form of an assembled workstation for a student. The height of this design is 193 centimeters, and the size of the lounger fits the size of a single bed. This type of model comes in several different variations. The end of one edge of the bed is a kind of compartment with shelves or even a combination of shelves and a compartment for a children's wardrobe.
A truly multifunctional desk with a chest of drawers is located on the first tier; here the buyer can choose a configuration with open shelves, one or even three or four drawers.
- Swerta. Metal based construction in its “traditional” steel finish. Of course, this is not at all the original color of the metal itself, since the base is necessarily treated with a polymer composition. This coating protects against spontaneous destruction of the metal and is quite comfortable to the touch, not at all cold, like ordinary metal. The sleeping dimensions of this model fit the standard characteristics - 90x200 centimeters.
Materials
Among the endless abundance of choice of materials, wood, metal and plastic are in great demand among buyers:
- Oak cribs have a virtually unlimited lifespan , are quite durable and reliable, blend perfectly with home decor, and are also completely silent. High-quality and luxurious models are made from birch wood. Beech, alder or ash wood has unsurpassed color and will transform any room with its presence. Solid pine is the most commonly used component when designing a loft bed.
- The metal base of the bed is a durable support, which, at the same time, adds a kind of plasticity to the bed and maintains undeniable reliability. An iron bed always looks more reliable than its counterparts made from other materials.
- Plastic is often used to create bunk beds designed for little ones. These cribs are presented in a rich multi-colored palette and a variety of models. The appearance of such creations is usually based on fairy-tale themes.
Manufacturing materials
When it comes to choosing the right table for work, the material used is of no small importance. Fortunately, there are plenty of options so that everyone can find the best one for themselves.
- Wood is the best choice for a desk. It will give the product a solid margin of safety, pleasant sensations, durability, and attractiveness. However, such products look massive, have significant weight and price. In a small room, a wooden model will look too bulky. Natural wood requires regular treatment with special compounds, periodic renewal of the varnish coating, and maintaining optimal levels of humidity and temperature.
- Thanks to lamination, chipboard can imitate the color and texture of natural materials, is inexpensive, and weighs little. The disadvantages are: high susceptibility to moisture, loose structure, risk of release of toxic substances. All this negatively affects service life.
- MDF is distinguished by strength, resistance to high humidity, and more options in terms of shape. This type of wood board does not contain any harmful components to health. Exterior finishing with veneer allows you to get a product that is similar in properties to wood.
- Glass is often used as a tabletop. The glass surface visually gives the table lightness and expands the boundaries of the room. Despite its apparent fragility, the material is quite durable and reliable, although it is designed to withstand lighter loads compared to wood. Disadvantages include: rapid surface contamination, unpleasant coldness and noise effect from contact with hard objects. Glass requires constant care and careful handling, as it is afraid of pinpoint impacts.
- Plastic provides the tabletop with lightness, a wide variety of shapes and shades, but its durability and strength leave much to be desired. The material is afraid of mechanical and impact effects, ultraviolet radiation.
- Metal is used to make supporting elements. The metal frame can withstand significant loads, looks light, and goes well with wood and glass. To protect against corrosion, it is chrome-plated or painted with a polymer-based powder composition.
Dimensions
When choosing a two-tier structure, a fairly important factor is its size. When a bed is purchased for a teenager or an adult, its parameters must be at least 90x200 centimeters. It is important to remember that for a child who is still growing, a bed should be purchased with allowance for additional space.
Given that the ceiling height in a living space is quite limited, and we all know that children love to have fun on the bed, a sleeping place located under the ceiling can cause physical bruises. Therefore, when buying a crib for a child, you should choose a product with a height of 160 to 180 centimeters.
Peculiarities
Reliability is a fundamental factor in any children's product from IKEA. When creating furniture, exclusively reliable elements are used to ensure good fixation of the bed and its immobility. The presence of raised sides with rigid crossbar filling is a separate plus. IKEA experts advise buying a loft bed for children over 6 years old.
Such beds allow you to create space for entertainment or a workplace on the first tier, which means that the distance from the bottom of the bed to the floor is more than sufficient for the child to move freely under the second tier. Consequently, the height of such a model will be impressive - up to 206 centimeters. Width - measured by the size of the upper sleeping space.
Beds of the Stuva variety, for example, are 99 centimeters wide, and Tromso is equipped with an upper double bed. If there is free space on the lower level, the bed base can cover a fairly large area. It is also necessary to take into account the interesting fact that the bed, without reducing the space of the room, superficially reduces the ceiling area and prevents full lighting. This point should be taken into account when purchasing such a bed; additional lighting of the room may be required.
Most of the loft beds from IKEA are equipped with an additional fixation function. This moment does not depend on the weight of their little owners, but on the increased dynamic load that they create.
Manufacturing Features
For the manufacture of frames, high-quality steel pipes with a wall thickness of up to 1.5 mm are selected, or a profile of the same thickness is used. The dimensions of the pipes used are 40x20 mm, 40x40 mm, or choose pipes with a diameter of 51 mm. To strengthen the frame, jumpers are installed.
For the manufacture of backs and legs, you can use profile pipes as for the frame. Or a combination of materials is selected: a profile pipe with a solid back made of laminated chipboard. When connecting the backrest to the frame, a wedge or bolt mechanism is used.
The orthopedic bed has a base made of steel rods with a diameter of 4 mm, which supports the mattress in the desired position. Another base option is armored mesh. The diameter of the mesh cells is 5x5 cm, 5x10 cm, 10x10 cm. Meshes made of welded elements are rigid and bend little. Meshes made from rolled springs are more flexible and soft.
To obtain the desired shade of the frame, powder dyes are used. Thanks to this treatment, corrosion of the steel base does not occur even at high humidity. The shade can be chosen at the request of the customer, but black and white models are most in demand. The interior of a bedroom with a white bed looks fresh and sophisticated, examples can be seen in the photo. When changing the color scheme of the interior decoration, the frame is repainted. If the room area is small, then choose models with a width of 120 cm.
Welded
Bed frames made by welding are called welded. Such structures are characterized by maximum strength. Most often they are used for beds 160x200 cm or 180x200 cm, when the weight of the product is significant.
The design of welded finished products is characterized by simple shapes and a minimum of decor. They are offered for apartments decorated in modern or classic style. Welded structures weigh more than forged ones and are not recommended for installation in bedrooms with wooden floors.
A welded bed without a footboard can be supplemented with an orthopedic base with wooden slats. Wooden beams are lighter than metal ones, which reduces the overall load on the floors. Welded products are used in rooms with high loads, when the strength and wear resistance of products is more important than their beauty.
Forged
Forged products have a base made of solid metal pipes. By using elements of different diameters, you can get a product that will look original. Forged models weigh much less than welded ones. There are two types of forging:
- Hot occurs when the metal is heated to +600 degrees. The work is done manually. Products are obtained with a unique pattern. Forging requires special skills, craftsmanship and experience;
- Cold processing occurs on special equipment. The process is similar to stamping. Products are produced with a standard pattern. Cold forging can be performed by a general craftsman.
A wrought iron bed with legs and a headboard looks elegant and sophisticated. It can decorate any bedroom in a city apartment or country house. A set of forged furniture 180x200 cm in light colors looks sophisticated and not bulky, despite its considerable size. The products look harmonious in high-tech, ethno, rococo, baroque, modern, and classic interiors.
Interior placement ideas
A variety of design solutions makes it possible to fit the design into almost any interior. Sleeping on a loft bed is always much more interesting than sleeping on a regular model. Beds of this type provide the opportunity to use space twice. In the case where the bed on the first tier is used only as a guest bed, adding just a few decorative pillows will turn the crib into a comfortable sofa. At the same time, there is a lot of space under the attic bed and can be used for any purpose.
Installation nuances
When installing a loft bed, many are faced with the problem of what level the upper tier should be at. In fact, there are no specific rules. However, the placement height largely depends on the height of the ceilings.
According to the method of fastening, all models can be divided into several groups:
- Sleeping place on four supports. This option is considered optimal. The main advantage of such models is their mobility;
- The bed has two supports and is fixed to the wall. This option can be used by adults. Most often, its purpose is to organize a compact sleeping place with a work area;
- The most extravagant model is considered a loft bed, suspended from the ceiling using special fasteners.
In each case, the installation is selected to suit the specific needs of the sleeper and the capabilities of the room. Each model is unique. Do not forget that a beautiful bed should be combined with the surrounding interior in style and color scheme.
Model TUFFING
Metal loft bed Tuffing from Ikea with a ladder in the middle
This Ikea loft bed is made of steel. The dimensions are standard and will suit any room. A special feature of the model is that the stairs are placed in the middle, which makes it easier to go up and down. The sides are made of steel frame and 100% polyester.
Tuffing bed with built-in workplace below in the interior of the room
SWERTA model
Swart bed with ladder, suitable for sleeping not only for children, but also for adults
Another metal loft bed. Here you can climb from the right or left edge, depending on where you want to secure the ladder. You can choose the color of the product - there is a white option. The sides are high bars; they will prevent the sleeping person from falling out of the bed. The height of the mattress should not exceed 10 cm. The model is higher than the previous one, so it is more suitable for teenagers and adults.
White Svart bed with a sofa for relaxing below and a bed for sleeping above in the interior of a children's room
Model STURO
Frame of a large wooden loft bed from Sturo, suitable for two adults
The Sturo loft bed is made of durable and environmentally friendly material – pine wood. The ladder can be installed both on the right and on the left. This model is an order of magnitude higher than others, so the ceiling height must be at least 270 cm. The permitted mattress height is 19 cm, but no more. When cleaning, it is worth remembering that wood is susceptible to swelling, so first wipe the bed with a damp cloth, and then remove the remaining moisture with a dry cloth.
Bedroom in a loft style using a Sturo double loft bed and an equipped seating area
pros
Beautiful and functional loft bed built into a closet with a sofa underneath
In an apartment where there is very little free space, a loft bed is a real salvation - two zones are combined in one space. The lower “tier” can serve:
- workplace - a special tabletop can be bought at Ikea, or any other table can be installed;
Teenage loft bed with desk and chest of drawers located below
- a relaxation corner - a soft sofa or chair, a bookcase and a lamp will help create a cozy island of peace and tranquility under the bed;
Unusual adult loft bed with sitting area for a stylish loft bedroom
- play area - if the loft bed is in the children's room, then the niche can be provided with light and put there, for example, a toy kitchen or just a box with toys;
Pros and cons of beds
Advantages of loft beds from Ikea:
- Affordable price.
- The adjustable height of the upper tier gives two advantages: the ability to lower the “loft” for greater convenience of making the bed and the ability to buy a bed “to grow into.”
- Selection, if desired, of different zones for the product on the same frame. Versatility in all its manifestations in assembly, configuration, modification of functionality, design.
- Easy to fit into any interior.
- An excellent solution for small children's rooms.
- Environmental friendliness and durability of materials and coatings. Cheap and unreliable chipboards, toxic impregnations and plastics are not used.
A loft bed is a harmonious combination of a work area, a play area and a relaxation area.
The disadvantages are the same as those of loft beds and other bunk structures from competing manufacturers: an increased risk of falling from a height and possible psychological discomfort. If your child suffers from sleepwalking or feels uncomfortable even at low heights, it is better to choose other furniture for him.
Ikea beds have an attractive appearance in any design.
Minuses
A bed located in a place invisible to prying eyes under the ceiling in a small apartment
A loft bed is fashionable, interesting and very comfortable, but not safe. A very important disadvantage of such a bed is the risk of falling. It is highly not recommended to purchase such a bed:
- those suffering from sleepwalking;
- sleeping restlessly and tossing and turning a lot;
- elderly people;
- children under 6 years old.
To avoid annoying incidents, you must:
- provide good lighting near the bed, which could be turned on both from below and from above;
- follow recommendations for mattress and ceiling heights;
- eliminate the possibility of getting tangled in wires, bedding and decorative elements, that is, free up staircase space.
If all safety requirements are met, then there is no need to worry - a couple of weeks and you will get used to using the loft bed.
A convenient solution for saving space - a single loft bed for a child and a double bed for parents below
How to choose a loft bed?
Beautiful and comfortable furniture for a small children's room
The Ikea store is unique in that the retail pavilions copy the layout and interior of the apartments, so a trip to Ikea will solve most problems when choosing a bed. You can climb to the “second floor”, touch and study all the details in the models, and then make your choice.
Convenient arrangement of furniture for a one-room apartment combining a small crib and a loft bed for children
If you don’t have the opportunity to actually walk around Ikea, you can go on an online journey through the store’s catalog on the Internet.
Reliable and strong Ikea metal loft bed in the interior of the room
The most important thing in any of the options is to measure the room, especially the height of the ceiling in it. In order to correctly determine the size of the bed, study the dimensions of each model.
Table "Bed parameters"
Bed parameters (in cm) | Model TUFFING | SWERTA model | Model STURO |
Length | 208 | 208 | 213 |
Distance from floor to bed | 145 | 145 | 176 |
Width | 97 | 97 | 153 |
Height | 179 | 186 | 214 |
Table “Mattress parameters”
Mattress parameters (in cm) | Model TUFFING | SWERTA model | Model STURO |
Width | 90 | 90 | 140 |
Length | 200 | 200 | 200 |
For a children's room, it is worth looking at the tuffing model. It is safer than the others: the sleeping place is low enough and you can watch the child. If necessary, you can lower the bed even lower, then making the bed will be more convenient.
Tuffing bed in the interior of a children's room for two children
Two models are optimal for teenagers and adults: Svirta and Sturo.
Svirta is an apartment option. The height between the bed and the floor is quite large - you can create a full-fledged workspace where an adult will be comfortable.
Using Swart's bed to decorate a teenage boy's room
The Sturo model is more suitable for your own home - it is wide, tall and massive. Due to the wood, this bed is heavier and therefore more stable.
Large Sturo loft bed in the living room interior
So now you know which option is right for you. All you have to do is take measurements and you can go to the store.
Tips for choosing
When choosing a designer bed, do not forget to take practical advice from knowledgeable people:
If your bedroom renovation has already been completed, measure the exact area of the space where the bed will be located to avoid any unpleasant surprises. The "standard" size indicated on the packaging does not mean that this standard is suitable for you
It is better to consult a specialist or store consultant again. Sometimes manufacturers indicate the size, referring to the size of the sleeping place, and not the product itself. Pay special attention to the length of the stock. To ensure that the sleeping place does not cause you discomfort, the length of the bed should exceed your height by 15 centimeters
You can choose a difference of more centimeters, but not back to back. An important point is the height of the bed above the floor covering. The classic height is when the mattress reaches the knee of the person standing next to it. True, low models are in fashion now, but we are talking about the classic version.