Embraced by the Built-In Bed
Enjoy the custom fit, integrated lighting and storage possibilities in these architectural sleeping quarters
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
In most houses the bed is a piece of furniture, something that can be moved to various locations within a room or within the whole house, just like any other furnishing, be it a chair or a sofa. But the bed's location is often determined by a number of architectural factors — solid wall surfaces, windows, doors — making it ideal for considering it as a built-in rather than a store-bought item. This decision can be based on a number of reasons, such as design consistency, a custom fit, and the incorporation of storage.
This ideabook presents examples from bedrooms for adults and children, be it queen-size beds or bunk beds. If you're considering a built-in bed for your current house or next project, read on.
Browse built-in bed photos | See the Ultimate Built-in Bed
This ideabook presents examples from bedrooms for adults and children, be it queen-size beds or bunk beds. If you're considering a built-in bed for your current house or next project, read on.
Browse built-in bed photos | See the Ultimate Built-in Bed
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| This wood platform bed seems to emerge from a wood alcove with shelves, drawers, and even a clerestory window. This solution creates a cohesive environment, adds some well-placed storage, and incorporates custom touches, such as the reading lights. |
by Hufft Projects
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Kansas City-based Hufft Projects clearly spends a good deal of effort on the master beds in their residences, as evidenced by this and the following two built-ins. Like the previous example, this platform emerges from an alcove, whose dark finish gives an embrace that is antithetical of the full-height glazing.
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by Hufft Projects
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| The second Hufft Projects bed features a nightstand and headboard mounted to the wall; the latter is articulated in a brick pattern that recalls the gray brick exterior that gives the Curved House its name. |
by Hufft Projects
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The last bed by Hufft Projects featured here is a Murphy bed, which retracts into the wall when not in use. Located elsewhere in the Curved House, the wood finish is the same as the master bedroom and other casework throughout the house.
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See more of this house
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by Ian Engberg
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| Speaking of beds emerging from alcoves, this platform bed is well integrated with the nightstands, but it's most striking for the way the light shines down from the recess. The dark wood panels are a dominating presence, accentuating the zone of light below. |
by Birdseye Design
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A padded headboard is fitted within a wood wall with various spaces for storage. Reading is an especially relaxing way to wind down the day and ease off to sleep, so providing for the activity —with space for a book and the all-important light — points to a built-in bed.
by Bjorg Magnea
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This platform bed is quite different from the previous examples. While it offers much of the same amenities — nightstand, book storage, light — it does those things in different ways: the nightstand is an extension of the platform; a nook is carved into the wall for books; and the light is mounted directly to the wall. Most striking is the way the bed is mounted to the wall and open underneath.
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| Bunk beds are ideal for being constructed as built-ins, given that they are like miniature two-story structures inserted inside a room. This pair of bunk beds incorporates storage below the bottom bunks. Next you'll see it from another angle. |
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| The wall surfaces also match the beds and help create an enveloping environment for the lower bunk. The slats at left offer the possibility for storage or display. And of course we find the ubiquitous Tolomeo lamp for reading without bothering the other sleepers. |
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| I have to say I love this bunk bed, particularly the way it merges storage with the steps that provide access to the top bunk. Sure, it takes up more space than a bunk bed with ladder, but it's so fun and full of personality that it might never get old, even as the kids do. |
This bed cubby is made exceptional by the small windows and the great amounts of storage provided around the bed's opening. I can understand why the bears are enjoying it so much!
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| This playroom Murphy bed is part of a wood casework wall with lots of storage. A Murphy bed offers the possibility to fill in the deep areas around it with closets and shelves. |
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This last example might not be a bedroom, but the padded seating in this play room is pretty creative in the way it's inserted between two polycarbonate walls, and in the way it reaches towards a window at the low portion of the roof. The small nook creates ...
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| ... a reading nook for the kids, one with a great view and great light. I think it would make a great bed! More: Platform Beds for Every Style Inspiring Murphy Beds |
Comments
Traci Rolz I'd like to take my bed with me when I move, thanks.
16 months ago · Like
anewphase This design is so much in tune with Frank Lloyd Wright.
16 months ago · Like
acscott loved this! thanks for a great ideabook!
16 months ago · Like
sethrin no, no and no
16 months ago · Like
Nat probably not so great for a claustrophobic person like me although I do like the shape of the bed frame in photo #7 the way it curves
16 months ago · Like
Nicole Orner I like the built in beds, if I had the funds I would do this for my kids rooms, it would save so much space.
16 months ago · Like
Sharon Barnard John has the best ideas on HOUZZ.
16 months ago · Like
Jennifer Johnson Lots of cozy ideas!
16 months ago · Like
John Hill Sharon, you're too kind!
16 months ago · Like
susandanelski love love love built ins
16 months ago · Like
moniquesmith too modern too straight and cold who would sleep here not for me and my guests
16 months ago · Like
Lindsey I agree with Sharon. John - you're articles are the best!
16 months ago · Like
paulaj Murphy beds seem so efficient, and sleek, but I wonder if I would ever really make it and put it away. You'd have to move anything you put in its place back every time you need the bed. Unless I had maybe only one room to live in.
16 months ago · Like
mmsalg Sometimes space just calls for built- in things. Beds take up so much space in a room. To be able to fold it up or have it built-in or around bookshelves, lofts or desks could make great use of smaller space. Love most of these ideas. Here are a few other ideas and also a way to get in touch with makers to help you make the exact piece to fit your needs. http://www.custommade.com/search?mode=projects&q=murphy+beds
16 months ago · Like
kalarock I think these are beautiful...We have a 1964 split level with small rooms and are doing all built ins in our bedroom. Do people go to custom cabinet shops to get the suspended drawer/night stands? We are going to mount cherry plywood across one wall for the headboard but would like some suspended drawer units and shelves. I haven't found anyone yet that specializes in bedroom cabinetry.
15 months ago · Like
dayjoysky I love this idea. All four of my children will have built in beds when we finish the new home. For those who say they'd like to take thier bed with them when they move--the home we are building now will hopefully be in the family for generations. And I love cozy built in spaces, whether it is next to the fireplace or for a bed.
9 months ago · Like
cozarth We did a bunk bed but made the bottom two columns of drawers and shelves with a desk in the middle. It ended up being a good selling feature of the house because because it excited the kids. It was also seriously functional. The bedroom was small and with this we only needed one piece of furniture. There was a lot of storage and work space in it. We built it for an extra long single mattress so that as he grew his feet wouldn't hang off the end and he didn't change anything until he went off to college.
6 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 2, 2012.
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