Recently, bunk apartments have become increasingly popular. And there are several reasons for this choice of homeowners around the world in general and in our country in particular:
- many apartments of modern construction already have a two-tier layout, which allows you to place several functional areas in a small area of the apartment;
- redevelopment of a former industrial premises with high ceilings and large windows into a living space;
- building a private house in a big city (especially in its central part) is becoming more and more expensive every year due to rising land prices. As a result, future homeowners are trying to build homes that make maximum use of the building's height. The construction process can be reduced in cost by using not a full second floor, but the layout of the upper tier above part of the total area of the building;
- In our country there are many apartments of the “old stock” that have very high ceilings. In such apartments it is not difficult to organize an upper level.
Of course, in a standard-plan apartment built in Soviet times, you cannot add a second tier. But the second tier can not only relieve the burden on a private home or “Stalin” building in terms of functional reasons, but also decorate it and raise the level of its uniqueness. If previously the second level was used mainly for arranging a sleeping area, today you can see there a living room, a library, an office, a games room and even a room for water treatments.
Designers from all over the world are ready to offer exclusive projects for those who want to expand the usable space of their home or add an additional level to their planned construction. In our selection of unique, original, practical and modern design projects, you can find inspiring ideas for your own renovation or planning for a new home.
We are developing a plan for the second floor in the apartment
Start with a plan. A properly drawn up plan will not only save you time and effort, but will also protect your family budget from unnecessary expenses. And the first point in this regard should be technical skills. A full second floor can only be created in an apartment with high ceilings, otherwise you will create two entire floors, which will be inconvenient for the whole family.
it is necessary to measure the height of the ceilings, compare the possibilities with the wishes. So, for example, with a ceiling height of 4 meters, you can safely plan your second floor. If your ceilings are lower than this, then you need to think about how to cope with your dream.
Why is the second tier needed?
Dividing the room into 2 levels visually increases the space and increases the functionality of a small room with high ceilings. The height of the ceilings determines the possibility of using this zoning method. A full second level will be 4 meters high. If the distance to the ceiling is 3-3.5 meters, then the second level is made at least 1 meter high, and below there is a dressing room, bookcase, sleeping place or computer desk.
Such high ceilings remained in “Stalin” and pre-revolutionary apartments. Owners of average modern apartments with a ceiling height of 2.2-2.5 meters can only consider the option with a compartment folding bed.
In country houses, the second level can be planned during the construction stage. In this way, you can “extend” the living room when the first tier flows smoothly along the stairs to the second. On the additional tier you can arrange a comfortable area for guests with a bed and a dressing room. At the same time, in terms of costs, such a layout is more attractive than a full second floor.
Two-level zoning is used by creative people who want to create special harmony in the apartment. Historically, the idea developed along with the loft style during the development of non-residential premises of abandoned factories and workshops with high ceilings.
How to calculate the parameters for the second floor in a room?
As mentioned above, to equip a full second floor, the ceiling height must be at least 4 meters. How much space is needed to arrange a sleeping area on the second level?
It's easy to calculate. In a sitting position, a person occupies a height of about 1 meter, add to this value the height of the bed, the width of the mattress and blanket and another 20 cm. It turns out that the second tier should be at least 1.2 meters from the ceiling.
The resulting space under the mezzanines on the lower level must be at least 2 meters. However, this value can fluctuate in different directions, depending on how this space should be arranged.
Bright design solutions
The second-level structure for apartments with a wall height of less than 4 meters is called a mezzanine. It consists of a supporting structure, low railings (balustrades), stairs and a plinth.
The second level of the room will become an island for relaxing, reading books and creativity. This is the personal area that teenagers miss so much in a one-room apartment.
It is more convenient to lift the bed upstairs. In this case, the level height will be minimal.
There are harmonious options that combine a mattress and a table for a laptop or notebook. This idea is not difficult to implement; the additional space will take about 50 cm.
It is advisable to combine the mooring with low cabinets or bedside tables, if, of course, the area of the upper tier allows.
In a studio apartment, you can also create a relaxation area with a TV and a comfortable chair, and thoughtful sound insulation will ensure comfort on both levels.
People of second-level creative professions set up home workshops or offices. This allows you to escape from a calm family environment and focus on work.
Another functional way to use the second level is to create a home library. In a private house it can be substantial, but for owners of smaller areas it can be more modest, but, in any case, this idea looks impressive.
A private house offers more opportunities to implement bold ideas. A multi-level layout can be used instead of an attic. The defective attic floor is then replaced with an open space with a comfortable ceiling height.
When choosing the location of the upper tier, we strive to preserve the practicality and functionality of the lower one. If the height of the walls is less than 4 meters, it is more advisable to place the second tier above the workplace, dressing room, sofa or sleeping place.
An original idea for a studio apartment - a sleeping place above the kitchen furniture. However, such solutions must ensure good ventilation.
The usual location of the mezzanine is above the door. At the same time, the harmony of the room is not disturbed and there is no feeling of constraint and congestion.
The second level can occupy the entire perimeter of a room or hall of a private house. So in the upper part there will be space for several functional areas.
If the room has a non-standard shape, with niches or protruding elements, then this feature should become the basis for determining the location for the second level.
The unique design of the mezzanine is conveyed by the partition and staircase. Partitions are made of wood, metal, reinforced glass or polycarbonate. The choice of material depends on the style and decor of the room. Solid glass provides reliable protection and at the same time allows sunlight to pass through, making the entire structure lighter.
A partition made of wooden blocks or metal rods looks lightweight and does not block daylight, but small objects can fall out through the holes, which should be taken into account if there are children.
Functional partitions in the form of an open shelf or shelf are popular. On the one hand, they cover the layer from prying eyes, and on the other, they serve as additional storage space.
Standards for second-level construction
Experts recommend trusting the construction of the second level only to professionals who guarantee the safety of the structure and the preservation of comfortable conditions.
If there is a sleeping place upstairs, then daylighting does not play a key role - it is enough to install several lamps in the ceiling. Good daylight is desirable for working and reading books. It’s good if the layout of the room allows you to arrange a second tier near the window. Otherwise, you will need high-quality fluorescent lamps.
The next point that should not be overlooked is air ventilation at the top. Hot air is lighter than cold air, so the ceiling is always stuffy. An additional ventilation duct or a good ceiling fan can solve this problem. If there is a small window, then the issue of ventilation is easier to solve.
The base of the tier can be made with sound insulation. This function is performed by cork and mineral wool.
If the height of the ceiling allows you to stand up to your full height, then the height of the partition should reach the waist, i.e. be higher than the center of gravity. This rule is mandatory when there are children. For adults, there are often options without partitions at all.
At the planning stage, the total load on the foundation is calculated. Depending on this, the method of fastening and materials are chosen. The production of a mezzanine is carried out either on an individual order or by ordering a standard model from the company’s catalog.
If you decide to implement a second tier in the room and make additional repairs, then many repair companies can come to your aid. On their websites, as a rule, you can see their portfolio, prices and reviews. After all, repairs are a very complicated thing and it’s not always wise to do it yourself.
Selecting a fence
The most common are glass railings. They are quite strong and reliable, but at the same time they completely transmit sunlight, which is an important condition for the upper levels located away from window openings.
The most compact structures are made of metal in the form of thin pipes, rods, with the addition of forged products. The form can be completely original, it all depends on the direction of the style in which the room is designed and the desire to highlight the enclosing element or make it discreet in the overall space of the room.
The base and fastening of glass screens are made of metal, wooden frames or handrails. But some models consist exclusively of glass, so they seem to dissolve the fence and, expanding the space, give the room a light and weightless image.
Examples of projects
1. Two-level loft-style apartment in a historical building
At first glance, a loft is not an obvious choice for furnishing a 28 square meter studio. However, the high ceilings and location in a historical building determined the style of the project. This is the profitable house of AM Lehman in the center of St. Petersburg.
The height of the walls is about 3,200 cm, which made it possible to move the bedroom to the second level. The main difficulty of the project was related to the technical characteristics: the sink, shower, toilet, hoods - all this remained in place; in many ways, the designers had to deviate from the rules of ergonomics.
Stylistically, everything here is very neat. The mezzanine is softened by the rounded shape of the upholstered furniture, and the cabinet furniture, as well as the staircase with railings, are made of wood. Matte black metal is trending; they are used to make handles for headphones, lamps, and support frames on an accent wall in this color. By the way, note that the emphasis is on the painted wall, not the brick one. Usually it's the other way around.
The staircase is interesting for its shape. It seems airy, weightless. This is an advantage; steps do not burden the space. On the second floor it was possible to install a bed with lamps at the head of the bed; this space is not overloaded with anything else.
Interior in a former communal apartment, inspired by Mexico
Everything is mixed in this two-level apartment: the designers drew inspiration from Mexican culture, Soviet aesthetics and even a catalog of Italian tiles.
It was a large ordinary apartment on Vasilyevsky Island. However, the room was divided into 6 small rooms connected by a common corridor. Now each apartment has a kitchen and a bathroom.
This studio has an area of only 23 square meters, including the second floor. But in this small area, the designers managed to arrange a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom area. In addition, the project has a well-thought-out storage system - a closet in the hallway, small compartments by the window sill and a dressing room by the bed. It is clear that it is impossible to remember everything there. But the kits are convenient to assemble the next day.
To save space, the designers suggested transforming the furniture. There are folding chairs and a pull-out table by the window. Pay attention to the range and style of the project. This is a good example of a contrasting combination of complex colors - brick, lemon and turquoise.
Minimalism in the studio from Taiwan
Duplex studio apartment with an area of 22 sq. M and 3.3 m ceiling located in Taiwan. The apartment is designed for young people. The design is based on minimalism and functionality.
- The file system is well thought out here. This, by the way, is the main pain of small studies. Almost all photos of the interiors of this two-level apartment have shelves and wardrobes: from the stairs to the sofa in the living room and the niches around it.
- The designers even managed to use the free space near the bed for shelves. And in front of the bed there is a small work space.
- Good idea with a two-piece convertible table. They can be folded into a narrow bar counter along the wall. Another option is to place it perpendicularly, aligning the long edges - you will get a wider table.
The stylistic solution in the form of light colors and light wood is one of the classic ones for small studios, close to the Scandinavian style. It may not seem too bold to some, but with such a combination it is difficult to miscalculate. It always looks fresh and not boring.
High ceilings in the house will become the main accent if they are played correctly. Bright colors, unusual textures, and the use of monograms are all options for paying attention to the surface. For brutal interiors, a beam ceiling load is suitable. Depending on the design, you can give the apartment a rustic or industrial pattern and adjust the proportions.
Coffered ceiling - the intersection of beams at right angles. This method is most successfully used for decorating high ceilings.
Walls play an important role in design. If any of them attract attention, it will highlight the correct design and distract from the excessive height of the ceiling. You can beat her like this:
- contrasting colors;
- ornaments with large motifs;
- photo wallpaper;
- textured finishing materials;
- decorative panels;
- simulated window openings;
- mirror inserts.
The brightness of the wall surface can create interest and make imperfections in the room's geometry or design less noticeable.
Curtains for high ceilings
Classic textile window decoration with curtains is unacceptable for an apartment with high ceilings, as it elevates the room. To balance proportions, designers offer the following techniques:
- Placing the cornice as low as possible relative to the window or opening level.
- Finish the decoration with folds covering the top of the window.
- Using Roman types of curtains.
- Forming light folds at the bottom of the window using coffee curtains.
- Make curtains according to the size of the opening itself.
- Elimination of tissue, emphasis on opening.
Stylistic direction
It seems that when creating the design of a two-level apartment, you can give free rein to your imagination and decorate each room in a different style. But this is far from true because, moving from one room to another, a strong contrast will be felt, the apartment will seem less cozy and organized. It is best to erase the boundaries and equip the apartment in the same style. This will create a more orderly, effective and spacious environment. And you can make the interior of each individual room individual if you choose different decor, textiles and other details.
The main styles in modern interiors of two-level apartments:
- minimalism;
- high tech;
- loft;
- avant-garde, art deco;
- Scandinavian.
Minimalism is the most popular trend in the design of two-story housing. This option uses a minimum of furniture and decor, which allows you to create a stylish, elegant interior in which order and comfort reign. The ultra-modern high-tech style, with clear, regular forms, without drawings or abstractions on the walls, has a similar design principle. In an industrial loft, brick and concrete surfaces, various beams, and rafters serve as thematic decor. Avant-garde and art deco are distinguished by their extraordinary settings, where many details differ from classical forms and break generally accepted stereotypes. Scandinavian style or constructivism successfully combines aesthetics and functionality in modern interiors. The best solution would be to stick to one color option in the main design. This will make your home feel more spacious and orderly.
In light colors
When predominantly light shades are used in decoration, it visually expands the space. Any dark detail against such a background will stand out greatly and play an accent role. This way you can play on contrast. For example, in a snow-white interior, a black staircase looks stylish and expensive, as do pieces of furniture of the same shade. And if you decorate the entire interior in soft, warm, pastel colors, the atmosphere will be bright, elegant, cozy and luxurious.
Mix of colors and textures
It is advisable to use a minimum number of different colors and textures in one space. This solution will allow you to avoid unwanted mistakes and create a harmonious interior.
The most successful combinations of various textures in the interior:
- leather with wood;
- smooth and textured surfaces;
- wood with natural stone;
- any surface with a mirror, glass, metal.
Leather upholstery goes well with wooden surfaces of floors and panels. If the room has plain walls, then you can highlight an accent area using relief surfaces, three-dimensional drawings, 3D panels, and textured plaster. Wooden elements combine perfectly with brickwork, natural stone or their imitation. The most win-win combination is the combination of smooth, glossy surfaces with embossed, textured, matte ones. Mirrors, glass, metal parts are appropriate in any interior, as are living indoor plants. If you want to design a room in one shade, then you can highlight functional areas using different textures. When combining several tones, it is worth choosing one dominant one and complementing it with other representatives of the palette. You should first familiarize yourself with color schemes, which will allow you to choose the most successful combinations that can be applied in practice.
Different designs
In a two-level home, the basic design principle is similar to the interior design of a studio apartment. Where it is necessary to adhere to a single style throughout the entire area. The main thing is to design the living room, dining room, hall, staircase in the same style, but in the bedroom, nursery, office, you can display the main direction only in some fragments and decorative details. It is allowed to use competent eclecticism, when several styles are mixed in one room. But there is no need to use a radically different design for each room, as the home will look disorganized and tasteless.
We are making a full second floor in the apartment
If your ceilings pass the "height test" and are great for creating a second floor, you will need to decide in which area you will build the second floor. Some people do this in just one room, others prefer to use all the available space. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. First of all, you need to think about where the staircase will be located, since it will occupy a certain place on the first floor.
If you want to make a second floor above your apartment, keep in mind that some of the furniture may not fit under it (cabinets over 2 meters) or look awkward (shelves under the ceiling). It is also important to know that low ceilings will change the perception of the rooms - the space will seem small, a little uncomfortable. But on the second floor you can create several rooms (it all depends on the area of the apartment) and place the necessary things.
The ability to add an extension directly above part of the apartment helps avoid the feeling of low ceilings. Designers recommend using it. This way you can increase the area of the room without losing the elegant appearance of the lower floor. But, unfortunately, the size of the apartment will not change as much as in the first case.
What materials are needed to create a second floor in an apartment?
To build a second floor, you need a solid foundation. That is why when planning it is necessary to take into account the walls to which the ceiling will be attached. They must be load-bearing, drywall and plasterboard are not materials that you can “rely on”.
Once you have made a plan and double-checked it carefully, you can start shopping. It is necessary to calculate the amount of materials needed.
Typically a piece of wood is used to create the second floor. It becomes the base, the frame, which is attached to the load-bearing walls. We recommend buying laminated veneer lumber, it is much easier to work with. The frame will be complemented by beams that guarantee the durability of your floor. And only on the rafters can you fasten the boards. The foundation for the floor is ready. The whole structure is quite heavy, to which is added the weight of the furniture and the inhabitants of the apartment. Check the fastening systems carefully.
Design features
Multi-level apartments have a number of structural systems, which allows you to create an exclusive environment and emphasize individuality. For example, one large window, the size of the entire height of two tiers, will make the space very bright and will look impressive and luxurious. In an apartment located on the top floor, you can create an attic space that will serve as an office, library or room for relaxation and privacy. In the case where the upper level is made of a mezzanine tier, the height of the lower floor can reach more than four meters. This makes it possible to use various decorative beams, large objects, large paintings, voluminous chandeliers to decorate the ceiling, which will not look bulky and will favorably emphasize the individuality of the design. Any design feature of a two-story apartment can be turned into a unique advantage of the layout if you use imagination and creative thinking. To find inspiration, you should look through successful design projects of multi-level modern homes in order to get interesting ideas and translate them into reality.
How to make a second floor in a room? Ventilation and light
These parameters are very important if you plan to equip a bed or workspace on the second level. As you know, warm air always accumulates under the ceiling (especially during the heating season). If you don't think about ventilation, sleeping in a stuffy atmosphere will be simply unbearable.
Ideally, the second tier will be equipped near the ventilation grille. If this is not possible, you need to contact professionals who will combine the second level with a ventilation system using hoses and a fan.
When it comes to lighting, there are two options. If the second level is supposed to be equipped with a pier, then lanterns are perfect as light sources. If the workplace is equipped, it is advisable to have access to natural light. This can be achieved by creating a second level near the window. If this is not possible, then several lamps with diffused and directional light will help bring the lighting as close as possible to natural.
Design stage
The second-level superstructure allows you to expand the living space without increasing the number of floors of the building, without requiring large investments. The mezzanine floor project is compiled taking into account the following criteria:
- technical condition of load-bearing structures;
- reliability of containment elements;
- design workloads.
Adding a “below the ceiling” level requires not only drawing up a detailed plan, but also obtaining permits, as well as coordinating the work with government agencies. For residential premises, where the load is usually low, a metal structure with a wooden floor is considered optimal. Design elements:
- supports;
- beams;
- ladder;
- a balustrade is an indispensable element, especially when there are children in the house and for a mezzanine where they can stand at full height;
- flooring.
Advice! A staircase with a step height and depth of 16 cm and 26 cm, respectively, is considered comfortable. Since we are talking about organizing a living and functional space, it is necessary to provide sufficient lighting and a ventilation system. The ceiling is the stuffiest space, so it is convenient to place it on the second level of the apartment if there is good ventilation there. Experts recommend installing the second floor next to the ventilation duct. If you plan to use the mezzanine as an office, you will need natural light, so the best place is near a window. Another important criterion is the ceiling height; A space where the ceiling is 15-20 cm above your head is considered comfortable.
House floor planning rules
When developing the layout of two-story houses and cottages, the needs of all family members are taken into account. This allows not only to make the building comfortable for living, but also to take into account the operational load on the floors and foundation. In addition to the general concept, a plan for each floor is developed. The development plan is drawn up in advance
Correct layout of the first floor
When developing a small house project, special attention is paid to the correct layout. As a rule, on the ground floor there are rooms for various purposes, some of which are the same for all buildings
Most often they have:
- Living room where guests will be received;
- Kitchen;
- Guest bathroom;
- Entrance or corridor;
- Boiler room or boiler room.
The ground floor plan is designed to suit the needs of a specific family
In addition to the listed rooms, subject to availability, the following can be provided on the ground floor:
- Cabinet;
- Dining room;
- A guest room.
If space allows, the number of rooms can be increased
Villa and villa plans posted free of charge indicate the possibility of including a garage in the ground floor plan. It should include a separate entrance and the ability to enter the house. For the plan to be successful, long and narrow corridors must be avoided. This can be achieved by combining several rooms. Proper zoning will help separate one room from another.
Garage and terrace are located on the ground floor
Correct layout of the second floor
In classic house designs, the 2nd floor is a recreation area for the whole family. It is customary to enter here:
- Bedrooms;
- Locker room;
- Bathrooms with bath or shower;
- Children's bedrooms.
Second floor – family recreation area
If the area of the house allows, on the second floor you can delimit a room that will be used for family recreation. This is a kind of analogue of a living room, intended exclusively for people living in the house.
The size and number of rooms depend on the area of the building
Additional bedrooms may be available subject to availability
Rules for combining several rooms
If the house area is small, you can combine separate rooms by removing some partitions. This studio layout allows you to maximize free space. Most often, on the ground floor, the kitchen, living room and hall are combined into a single whole with the obligatory assignment of the corresponding zones. The arrangement of the island is provided for the kitchen. A bar counter with this option is required. Its shape depends on the shape of the room. The most popular are triangular, semicircular, and U-shaped designs, but if desired, you can create an arbitrary system according to an individual sketch.
Possibility of combining rooms on the ground floor
The combination of several rooms allows you to exit from the corridors. From any point of the combined space you can get into the office or bathroom. If the area of the room is large enough, the idea of combining several rooms on the ground floor should be abandoned. In this case, the installation of internal partitions will be appropriate, based on the purpose of the room.
Kitchen, dining room and living room in one space
Choosing a style
First of all, you need to decide on the design of a two-story house. Its design must be thought out to the smallest detail. Decide on your preferences and try to decorate all the rooms so that they combine with each other and create a cozy atmosphere.
Provence
This style came to us from France, but it is often used when decorating houses in Russia. Cozy cottage houses in this style are popular with both young couples and families with children.
The second floor is decorated in warm colors. Natural materials and high-quality textiles are used. The walls are decorated using brickwork, wood panels or even simple plaster.
Since the second floor is usually reserved for bedrooms and a living room, you will also need furniture. Choose quality products in the style of the French province. Aged furniture or real antiques look best.
Country
Country style is also very popular in the design of 2 floors. In another way, it is often called rustic style. Natural wood predominates here, which brings an atmosphere of comfort and warmth to the house. To decorate the second floor, you can use not only suitable furniture, but also wooden parquet and dark wood panels.
Arab
The exotic Arabic style looks unusual in domestic homes. True, decorating rooms in this way is both difficult and expensive. In this case, you also have to take into account a huge number of rules. The Arabic style seems so chaotic only at first glance, but in fact everything is very well thought out.
It is characterized by the use of wall coverings and decorative elements with patterns. The fact is that this style prohibits depicting animals and people or installing their figures in your home.
Minimalism
Minimalism and all its branches are now particularly popular. If you don’t like the abundance of things and decorative details, then this design is perfect for your private home.
This style involves the use of simple and concise forms, soothing colors and natural materials. Even a small cottage with a second floor measuring 10 by 10 m will turn out to be comfortable and practical if you follow the principles of minimalism.
English
Fans of Sherlock Holmes will definitely appreciate the conservative and simple English style. It is quite possible to arrange rooms on the second floor in this style. Wood paneling, dark colors, thick curtains and quality furniture will make your bedrooms look like the abode of a famous detective.
This style is perfect for arranging a study or library on the second floor. The design of this room may be the simplest, and it won’t take much time to think it through and bring it to reality.
Chalet
Charming country houses in Switzerland are made in this style. Inside, a mansion of this type looks very cozy. And the style itself is similar to both Scandinavian and country.
How to make a staircase to the second floor in an apartment
Choosing a staircase to the second floor of an apartment is not an easy task. You will have to choose between comfort and free space. A ramp staircase is considered the most comfortable way to move between floors. It has handrails; even elderly or sick people can climb it. However, it takes up a lot of space; for example, such a staircase is not suitable for small studio apartments (the space that you get on the second floor will be occupied by the staircase to the first).
A spiral staircase is an excellent compromise between space and comfort. Climbing these steps is easy, and the stairs take up much less space. The only drawback is the rise time, which increases significantly, and the danger for children and the elderly. The fact is that the steps of such a staircase have different depths in different places, so it is easy to trip and fall on it.
The cheapest and, perhaps, the most inconvenient way is an attached “attic” staircase. It can only be used in apartments where only young and healthy people live. However, if you are making a second floor only in the nursery, such a staircase will be an excellent “simulator” for children.
Do not forget about the restrictions, as the risk of falling from the second floor is very high. The railings on the second floor can be made absolutely anything, it is important that they are high enough.
What are apartments with a second floor?
In the Middle Ages, land was very expensive and families were large. It was then that the need arose to functionally use every square meter of living space. Houses began to go up. Today, two-story apartments are an indicator of wealth, but in those days even simple craftsmen lived in such houses. The dining room with kitchen was located on the ground floor, while the upper floors were intended for bedrooms and bedrooms.
One of the two-level housing options is called a residence. Today, a two-story apartment is no less popular, especially in metropolitan areas with high population density. With this design solution, the room can be easily zoned. A two-level studio apartment allows you to increase usable space in a small area.
ONLY ONE IN FOUR FAMILIES IN RUSSIA CAN BUY DECENT HOUSING
The housing affordability indicator calculated by the Institute of Urban Economics Foundation is only 27%! This means that under our mentally handicapped government, only one family out of four will today be able to purchase housing using their own or borrowed funds. These are people who have a fairly high regular income - at least 75 thousand rubles per month per family.
Others are forced to live in cramped conditions, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Think about it for a minute. This problem is as serious as cancer for 73% of our people.
Tools and materials
Bed made of solid pine The finished bed will be made of natural material: wood, which has proven its practicality and quality over the centuries.
Pine is ideal for this. First of all, you need to prepare all the necessary components with which you will work. So, you need to buy: pine timber 40 × 60 mm for stairs; Pine beams 50 × 100 mm for racks and mattress frame; pine board 20 × 100 mm, 20 × 150 mm and 20 × 150 mm for spacers and sides.
While you shouldn’t be tied to a specific length of boards, first you need to look at what parts are needed, calculate their total length and purchase the material.
In addition, one cannot do without skillful hands, thanks to which such a project can be carried out.
Please note that making a bunk bed from a simple pine board is much more difficult than, for example, from laminated chipboard. This will require certain skills in edge processing and gluing sections of chipboard.
So if you are a beginner, use tabs.
Plywood In addition, to make the base on which the mattress will rest, you need to purchase:
- a sheet of plywood 9 mm thick or a set of slats with side supports;
- self-tapping screws, screws, screws and angles;
- vinyl glue and sandpaper;
- thermal tape or plastic edge;
- decorative washer caps.
Before you start making the bed, all wood that will be used should be left in the house for a week. Your material then adapts to the environment and reaches the same temperature and humidity as the room where the finished bed will be installed. Thanks to this, all elements are not deformed after completion of the work.
The wood, which will be the basis of the entire frame, must be well processed
It is important to work with the right material, ideally even, smooth and without various defects. If your material is handmade, inexpensive and unprocessed, you will have to process it yourself, which will require a well-equipped workshop
Since not everyone knows how to do this and has the necessary tools, it is better to immediately buy ready-made boards that just need to be cut. However, their cost will be higher.
Pine board
Finishing the second floor in the apartment
To make your second floor look not like a separate apartment, but like part of it, you need to create a unified design. The second floor can be finished in the same style as the first, or the entire apartment can be completely renovated. Try using light colors for ceilings and walls to eliminate the "low ceiling" feeling. Consider lighting on both the second and first floors (in the part where the superstructure is located). Ventilation deserves special attention. It will always be hotter on the second floor than on the first floor. Consider the correct location of the air conditioner so that it does not blow directly on the bed or sofa, but cools the apartment.
CRUSHING CAN DESTROY YOUR FAMILY OR EVEN KILL YOU!
Scientists have proven that crowding has a significant impact on human behavior, well-being and health. You can look, for example, at the Great Encyclopedia of Psychiatry (Zhmurov V.A., 2nd ed., 2012) or just type in an Internet search engine - “crowding, consequences.”
Almost always, crowding is associated with a bad mood.
People feel worse when they feel crowded. The state of health is deteriorating.
Studies have shown that people living in crowded conditions have elevated blood pressure levels. Do you know why the mortality rate in prisons is much higher than in freedom? Right. One reason is overcrowding in prison cells.
In crowded conditions, people become hostile to other people! People become more aggressive. To understand what we are talking about, just remember your last trip in a crowded transport during rush hour... In a family, this can lead to frequent quarrels between loved ones, alienation, and divorce.
Device under the ceiling of a berth
A modern studio apartment or the first floor of a private house is increasingly becoming a spacious room in which you need to organize a living room, kitchen, dining room, but there is no space to organize a separate room or bedroom. If the ceiling height allows, it would be a mistake not to try to make an upper level and place a sleeping place there. Since most of the time it will take place in a horizontal position, low ceilings, a wide slope, and a distant distance from the windows are not a significant obstacle.
If there is free space next to or in the back of the bedroom, it is quite logical to place wardrobes or other large storage systems and equip a play area. For this reason, the equipment in the bedroom is very attractive, so the child will have a private corner where he can do his business away from the rest of the family.
Even if the space is very small and has asymmetrical shapes, it is enough to install a bed or a high mattress. And then, despite the low walls and ceiling, a sitting or lying child will be quite comfortable.
Office, library or small workshop
Arranging them on the upper tier and rationally using free square meters is a logical solution, especially if all segments of the room already have their own functionality. The top floor acquires exceptional importance when the apartment or house has a very modest area and every free meter counts. In this case, it can simultaneously be assigned several tasks at once - to serve as an office, a place of rest, a library, a workshop, an area for receiving visitors.
To install bookshelves, a desk, and a station for creative activities, you will need very little space. If there is still free space on the second level, you can add a couple of comfortable chairs, a small sofa or another table. But a room that is too small is not suitable for such purposes, since its area may not be enough to accommodate the necessary furniture and the location of steps .
How to provide access to light on the mezzanine?
There can be two lighting options: daylight or artificial light. It all depends on the functional purpose. If only the sleeping area is on the second level, daylight is not needed. But for an office or library it is necessary to provide good natural lighting. This may require changing the wall structure, breaking through a window opening, or installing a light tunnel.
There must be artificial light on mezzanines. This is solved by conducting electricity and selecting lamps that are placed inside.
Staircase - a functional element of the interior
Main types of structures:
- March. Economical, easy to install. Systems consist of gears. The design makes the staircase very comfortable. Closed flights of stairs are often mounted on a load-bearing wall. Wood or metal is used for manufacturing.
- Life. The best option for interior decoration. Easy to use, beautiful, economical. Spiral staircases can be square, octagonal or round in shape. When designing, it is very important to make correct calculations.
Attention! The staircase can be made without railings. The main condition is that it must be mounted close to the wall.
- Forged. A staircase made of artistic forging will look stylish in an interior decorated in any style.
- Bolted on. A distinctive feature is the absence of a frame. Screwed to the railing. It is durable, stable and ergonomic. The design takes up little space and seems lightweight.
Regardless of the chosen design, making the interior of a two-level apartment beautiful is quite simple. The main thing is not to be afraid to implement the most non-standard design solutions. A two-level apartment is ideal for creating your own space in a small area.
CHILDREN'S PLAY HOUSE
Remember how we all loved playground houses when we were kids? Your child will have his own in his room! Isn't it great?!
