Embraced by the Built-In Bed
Enjoy the custom fit, integrated lighting and storage possibilities in these architectural sleeping quarters
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
See more of this house
See more of this house
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 ...
... 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
More: Platform Beds for Every Style
Inspiring Murphy Beds