Pros and cons of suspended structures
Like any other furniture attributes, these hanging models have their own advantages and disadvantages.
pros | Minuses |
They are a very original sleeping place. | Due to the reliable fixation of the suspended structure, it is impossible to move it to another place and rearrange it. |
Makes cleaning the floor much easier. | Some suspended models can swing excessively and therefore require additional fastenings. |
Provides the opportunity to functionally use the free space under the bed. | |
Light rocking can contribute to a pleasant rest and healthy sleep. | They make it impossible to install suspended or suspended ceilings. |
Thanks to the huge selection of models, it’s easy to decorate even a small room. | During dismantling, defects remain on the ceiling. |
Advantages and disadvantages
As a rule, most people associate hanging models with outdoor recreation: a hammock stretched between trees sweetly beckons to lie down on it to lie quietly under the sound of grass and a quiet wind. This is where the use of hanging beds came from. It is recommended to fix the bed using reliable and durable fastenings, because the safety of the vacationer depends on this.
Today, manufacturers offer a large number of different models, among which every user can find an option to their liking. Before you go to choose a hanging bed in the store, you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of the products. To begin with, it is worth highlighting a number of advantages:
- Weightlessness – this design has no legs, which creates a feeling of weightlessness and comfort. The bed seems to float above the floor surface, swaying slightly. If you close your eyes, you can imagine that this is a boat, smoothly carrying a person to the unknown distances of calm and relaxation;
- Airiness – the model suspended above the floor allows light to penetrate into every corner of the room. This helps to visually increase the space, especially if other objects do not block the natural access of sunlight from the window;
- Possibility of floor decoration – when the floor covering is left open, the owners have endless design possibilities. Here you can lay mosaic tiles, as well as beautifully lay parquet;
- Harmony - beautiful and strong beds with a flat headboard look elegant and luxurious, even if they are made in a simple classic style.
There are not as many disadvantages to these models as advantages. Among them, the complexity of installation is highlighted: every nuance must be taken into account when installing the structure. The need for frequent floor cleaning is also noted; dust particles from textiles settle under it. Some consumers highlight the swaying of the structure as a disadvantage of the product.
Types of hanging beds
There are several options for fixing structures on a suspension:
- Wall. Due to the fact that this floating model has a hidden fastening, it is possible to create a certain effect of levitation in the air, which looks truly mesmerizing.
- Ceiling. The most commonly used type of fastening, reminiscent of a garden swing. Anchor loops are mounted directly into the ceiling or into beams if placement is intended in the attic.
- Combined. It is the most reliable and safe type of fixation, which, thanks to both ceiling and wall fastening, ensures maximum structural strength.
The photo shows the bedroom interior and a hanging bed with a combined type of fastening.
When choosing a fastener, the static and dynamic load of the suspended product is taken into account; for example, for installing children's beds, the most suitable option would be a combined type of fixation, when one side of the bed frame is adjacent to the wall, and the other is attached with holders to the ceiling.
Backlighting and its nuances
To diversify the interior a little, you can not only install a floating bed, but also equip it with lighting. To do this, several types of lighting are used:
- Chandeliers - these light sources will be appropriate in round-type hanging beds: they are located in the center of the point mounting. In this case, the chandelier illuminates only the structure itself, without affecting the room. To feel comfortable, it is better to choose warm light from lamps;
- Lamps above the bed in the bedroom - pendant lamps look great if they match the style of the product. They can be placed on the sides of the headboard; they will be especially relevant when the structure is wall-mounted;
- Bottom lighting - with the help of such decorative lighting they decorate the interior in modern styles: techno, minimalism, hi-tech. The LED lighting itself is located along the lower edge of the bed frame - it becomes visible even from under the bed linen.
Modern designs of hanging beds amaze with their originality and individuality. Every year, designers come up with new shapes and silhouettes, so they can please even the most demanding consumer. To decorate a children's room, it is better to use a combined type of fastening, and for the bedroom you can choose a ceiling or wall option.
Options for attaching a bed to the ceiling
Fastening the sleeping place on suspensions primarily depends on the type of ceiling.
On chains
It is considered a fairly strong fastening related to the floating ligament. Due to the slightly rough appearance of the chains, they are most often used only in certain style solutions.
The photo shows a hanging single bed on metal chains in a teenager’s room.
On the ropes
Ropes or ropes are attached to the ceiling using powerful anchors. Also, sometimes for even greater strength, the nodes under the base are lubricated with varnish.
The photo shows a fusion style bedroom with a hanging bed equipped with ropes.
On metal cables or hooks
The most durable and reliable option for corner fixation, capable of withstanding the considerable weight of the sleeping structure and the people resting on it.
The photo shows a hanging bed attached to metal cables in a loft-style bedroom.
Bed with lifting mechanism
There are other solutions. This is a special bed with a lifting mechanism that allows you to lift the bed up and free up space in the living room.
The simplest Compact Basic model uses a mattress with a rigid frame, as standard, the legs do not fold. You can use a standard mattress. There are models with folding legs that automatically unfold when the structure is lowered.
Safe use of furniture will be ensured by certain conditions:
- from floor to ceiling there should be a distance of at least 2.25 m, no more than 3.25 m;
- the bed should be attached to the floor, ceiling;
- the difference in floor level between the legs should be no more than 4 cm, between the legs and the lifting column - no more than 6 cm;
- elements of the room should not be placed in the path of the structure between the floor and ceiling;
- in the case of side folding, the berth will lean against the wall or other elements of the room, preventing its destruction; if this condition is not met, it is necessary to install additional rails that strengthen the structure;
- availability of a suitable mattress on a wooden frame.
Installing a bed takes 2 hours for an experienced person, a beginner will need 4-6 hours.
Another problem that requires attention is how the structure affects the floor and ceiling. The weight of the system lies on the floor; the column must transfer only a force perpendicular to it to the ceiling. If the floor is deformed by more than 15 mm under the weight of the structure, then the bed will hang on the ceiling mount, which is unacceptable. The load on the floor can be reduced by installing the column on the wall.
If you install the system in the middle of the room, without wall support, you need to take into account that the bolts on the floor carry an increased load because there is no wall to absorb the load. If it is difficult to securely fix the structure to the ceiling, floor, or if you have any doubts, do not install this system. For suspended ceilings, a ceiling-to-ceiling wood or steel bracket must be added to provide a secure connection between the column and the ceiling. The ceiling mount is secured with 2 screws and a third steel safety rod to prevent the column from falling if the screws become loose.
Below is a drawing showing how to install the structure and what forces affect individual fasteners.
The solution frees up space at the bottom of the room. The mechanism is based on the principle of counterweight. The manual drive ensures smooth, safe, fast operation. The counterweight allows the double bed mechanism to rise to the ceiling very easily.
Bed shapes
Popular types of forms of hanging models.
Round
It requires particularly thoughtful placement, for example, round structures are recommended to be used in the design of terraces, spacious rooms or loggias in a country house. This product can be fixed in the form of one or several ceiling points.
Rectangular or square
The rectangular design is the most traditional shape of a bed, which fits perfectly with any style solution and does not cause planning difficulties. The square one, unlike the previous model, takes up much more space and therefore is not always suitable for an ordinary apartment.
Two-level
Beds located one above the other, using the same fastening, will be the most convenient and at the same time unusual option for a room with two children.
Unusual shape
In addition to the usual ones, there are a huge number of informal and non-trivial solutions, for example, a hanging hammock bed, a ball bed, a nest, a swinging cocoon looks quite original, and products in the form of a real ship or boat will delight any boy. An unusual bed on slings is often used for the recreation area; an elegant figured model, decorated with a canopy, would be appropriate to place in a girl’s room.
The photo shows an unusual hanging hammock bed in the interior of a city apartment.
Other options
There are other solutions for making a hanging bed. Some can be done with your own hands; others will have to be installed by a carpenter.
Bed on cables
This solution deserves attention; it is suitable for rooms with the appropriate height. You can implement the idea yourself. You should choose strong hooks, install them correctly in the ceiling, and periodically check the reliability of the fastenings.
Bed in the ceiling
Professional furniture companies offer real miracles hidden in the ceiling in the form of cabinets and entire wall blocks. You can create a specific set for the design style of a given apartment.
The solution will optically enlarge the room. The wall near the bed, visible after it is folded, should be decorated in light colors, preferably white; a good solution is to use a mirror. An additional trick that optically enlarges the space is the same color of furniture, walls, and floors. A space filled with monochrome color seems more spacious.
Wardrobe under the bed
An idea to save space is to arrange a bed on a low cabinet, making full use of the cubic capacity of the room. This popular solution for children's rooms is also used in one-room apartments for adults.
The lifting mechanism allows you to open a whole wardrobe, which many ladies dream of.
Interesting ideas with photos
Conclusion
The rising price per square meter of housing forces owners to take care of every centimeter of investment. A comfortable, spacious bed is a real space eater. How to enlarge a room without losing comfortable sleep? A bed under the ceiling is a solution that can significantly save space.
The space above our heads usually remains unformed and unused. In the fight for lost meters, an interesting solution is to successfully send the sleeping place upstairs. The bed mechanism is fixed and installed on special rails. You should leave it in the evening and raise it in the morning to a height that does not interfere with free movement below. Another convenient solution for rooms with high ceilings is a mezzanine-attic. There are many options for ready-made solutions from furniture manufacturers.
Recommendations for selection
To choose a truly high-quality product that will fit particularly harmoniously into the surrounding space, consider the following tips:
- First of all, when selecting a sleeping bed, take into account the age category.
- It is advisable to choose beds and hangings made from natural materials.
- This design should be as harmoniously combined with the surrounding environment as possible.
- Only durable and high-quality fasteners and other parts should be used.
- When choosing a mattress for this rather heavy model, you need to take into account that it is high, dense and at the same time light.
Colors and additional equipment
A bed attached to a wall or ceiling already looks unusual. At the same time, you can complement the interior with decorative elements and special lighting. Chandeliers are hung at the place where the product is attached, creating the effect of a monolithic structure. Warm light will add coziness. You can emphasize the peculiarity of the suspended structure with additional ceiling lighting.
LED strips and garlands with warm light running along ropes and chains will create a cozy atmosphere and a pleasant soft glow. Sconces are combined only with rectangular models suspended from the wall on one or both sides.
A bright ethnic style blanket and woven pillowcases are ideal for hanging round beds. Such elements will help create a feeling of originality and comfort. For rectangular options, choose strict bedding that emphasizes minimalist or hi-tech styles. For any bed model, soft textiles are preferable.
If the bed hangs low, you should not choose a long bedspread. It will close the gap above the floor, and the model will lose all its originality.
A hanging bed is a stylish, modern sleeping place that will help save space and transform the interior. The design is emphasized by lighting, unusual blankets and pillows. Before purchasing such a model, you should carefully analyze all its features.
A selection of photos in the interior of the apartment
For children's hanging beds, they mainly choose a combined type of fixation, which is the safest for the child, does not swing and can withstand significant loads. In a bedroom for adults, this hanging model will not only become a central furniture element, but will also create a romantic atmosphere, especially if it is complemented by lighting. There are also many design solutions for newborn babies, for example, these can be hanging rocking cradles, made like a wicker basket, wooden, fabric or knitted cradle.
The photo shows a white hanging bed with lighting in the design of a modern bedroom.
In addition, for transforming a small room, kitchen-living room or studio apartment, suspended transforming models, in the form of a folding, lifting or retractable design in a ceiling niche, are perfect.
Types of fastenings
The main thing for safe use of a hanging bed is reliable fastening to a solid surface. It turns out that such a bed cannot be mounted on a plasterboard wall or a beam that serves only a decorative role on the ceiling.
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Design ideas for outdoor beds in the country
Hanging products, complemented by a back and sides, form a comfortable sofa swing, which is perfect for decorating a veranda or loggia on a personal plot.
The photo shows a summer veranda at the dacha with a hanging wooden sofa bed.
In a gazebo in the garden, a lightweight rattan structure made in eco-design will look ideal; this decor can be supplemented with a mosquito net, which will provide the opportunity to relax and sleep in a bed outside, fully enjoying the views of the surrounding nature.
Placement nuances
The location of the bed in relation to the ceiling or wall depends on the type of room. The owner's wishes are inferior to the capabilities of the premises. The right choice will enhance the safety and strength of the structure.
Selection of model depending on location:
Place | Product type | Additional Information |
Dormitory | Hanging model with ceiling mounting, combined with a fixed bed | A regular bed is installed for parents, and the children's bed is suspended from the ceiling |
Terrace | Classic ceiling mount design | A daytime option with a simplified design. For aesthetic purposes it is complemented by a large number of pillows |
Attic | Model with combined mount | The headboard is attached to the wall, the opposite side is suspended from the ceiling |
Bedroom | Round bed with ceiling mount | Looks unusual, allows you to decorate the space under the furniture in an original way |
Design and features of a floating bed, combination with the interior
Placement affects the longevity of the bed. Round models serve less than their rectangular counterparts. The ceiling mount at one point is less reliable, although it looks original. The most practical way is the combined option. If a person is ready for constant rocking while falling asleep, you can opt for ceiling-mounted models.
When installing a hanging bed, it is safer to choose chains than decorative ropes. If the latter are made poorly, they will wear out over time at the attachment points.
Examples of design in various styles
The appearance of the suspended structure also depends on a certain style direction. For example, in light Provence they often use a sleeping place suspended on white wooden beams; in an industrial loft, rectangular beds are used, decorated with pillows and secured with strong cables or metal fastenings.
The photo shows a hanging bed on thin ropes in a loft-style bedroom.
Models on ropes look especially harmonious in a nautical style, and beds on a wrought-iron suspension will be an unusual and non-trivial solution for an oriental interior. For rustic country, the most appropriate models are those with a frame made of timber with massive beams or ropes as fastenings. Products on chains will fit perfectly into an eclectic style design.
Manufacturing materials
These types of beds are made mainly from natural solid wood.
Less often there are beds on sale that in appearance resemble wood, but in fact are very far from it. These are structures made of chipboard and MDF.
They are more affordable, but structures made from natural wood are more durable and environmentally friendly. Sometimes floating structures with a metal frame are found on sale.
The structure hangs in the air, so the interior design is weightless
Characteristics
The most obvious advantage of such a bed is the ability to optimize free space, which can be a salvation for owners of small apartments. The freed space below, under the bed, can be decorated in an original way - additional lighting will add coziness and romantic charm to your bedroom. And, of course, it makes cleaning the flooring much easier.
Creating a hanging bed with your own hands is quite a difficult task. The disadvantages include installation difficulties. If you get tired of it and want to return to the traditional version, you will need to eliminate the holes remaining in the ceiling. It will also not be possible to move the structure to another place.
Useful tips
A few recommendations for creating a hanging bed will help you quickly understand the technology and do everything reliably and efficiently:
- When choosing a rope for hanging a bed, you need to take into account the number and weight of vacationers.
- If you are making a hanging structure for a children's room, then children will probably swing and jump on it. That is why cables and fastenings must be very strong to withstand heavy loads.
- Be careful when calculating the length of the ropes - the bed you assemble should hang perfectly evenly.
- To attach the structure to the ceiling, select the most powerful hooks and bolts.
- A bed intended for children or elderly people must have a back and sides. They can be made of plastic or horizontal pillows can be sewn to the bed.
Modern models
The bed under the ceiling can be mobile (sliding along guide rails) or immovable, fixed at a certain height. While the former operate using a separable counterweight mechanism and are controlled by a push-button remote control, the latter require a ladder to climb.
According to the type of construction, such beds are divided into:
- Bunk;
- Hanging;
- "Attics";
- French.
Sleeping places in two tiers have become especially common in children's rooms. For adults, there are elegant two-tiered examples with a good-quality staircase. They are also good for classic interiors. There is no hint of the playful nature inherent in children's beds.
Hanging beds have no legs and seem to float under the ceiling. They give the room an atmosphere of airiness and lightness. To save it, you need to leave the space underneath empty. If this is not possible, you can decorate this space with decorative storage boxes or miniature furniture.
The loft bed is often paired with vertically positioned cabinets and built-in desks. This furniture complex can serve as a sleeping area, a relaxation area, a dressing room and an office. The “attic” is usually not high (1.8 m) and can even be placed in a “Khrushchev” building.
For children under 6 years of age, the “loft” and the top bed of a bunk bed are contraindicated. Descending the stairs attached to them can be dangerous.
If the bed has no sides or they are unreliable, then in a dream the child can fall from a height of two meters. In addition, it is difficult for parents to reach their child, which becomes a problem during his illness. The French bed is intended for a married couple. Ideally, it has a high headboard, carved elements and a canopy. Its ceiling version has a simplified appearance, but retains all its inherent charm and exquisite comfort. It is supported by hanging mechanisms attached to the ceiling. The structure can be lowered and raised all the way.