apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I like this room but the floor feels cold to me - perhaps a rug would make it feel cozier ...

I've seen a few photographs in the last year of examples of beds set up in this way. I like the way it looks a lot, and I like that it helps with space planning.

We're thinking of doing something like this if/when we have two children. My first baby — more accurately now a toddler — will soon be approaching the time when the crib is replaced with a bed. I don't want to buy/make a toddler-specific bed. But I'm also conscious of the fact that we may need the bed to work with a sibling in the room. So right now, we're starting to think about whether we should push beds with storage together, or buy beds that can be converted into bunks when they're at a safe age.

This assumes the room is large enough for toe to toe- single beds are generally 78" to 80" long, so that would put the room to be at least 13" in length. Sadly, none of the bedrooms in my house are big enough!

@tallsarah: Not in mine either.

I was planning to adjust the look to push the beds into an L shape. But I just now decided to take measurements after posting the above, and it looks like that's out too. So toddler beds it is. Then we'll likely have to go with bunks. It's really the only option unless we get a regular twin with trundle. But that kind of exaggerates an age hierarchy right away.

In the space above, the arrangement allows them to have that large bank of wardrobes on the one side. So it definitely has its advantages to go toe-to-toe if you have the space.

anyone know what those exact beds are? every 'captain's bed' i have found is either too capatainy (old wood, spindles, fancy brass handles) or a cheap mdf piece. i am not looking for high end - just middle of the road and nice clean lines.

anyone have a source for a bed just like the ones in the pic? (and 10 pts if its in Toronto!)

I love the clean line of closets on the right side. Very nice!

@suewanda- they are from Ikea from several years ago. They no longer carry exactly that style. I think their new version has 1 huge drawer below which makes storage a little more difficult. I have 1 of the old style with 3 drawers- 1 stores extra sheets & blankets. The other 2 store toys. Check your Ikea to see what they carry now. We have been super happy with ours! Now, if only I could find a lower height loft bed that's long enough to bunk with it....

I think this room looks great and they did a fantastic job using the space available!

Suewanda,
We have the follwing bed in twin size in my son's room. It's a cheap mdf bed, but it's very sturdy and the drawers glide very nicely. They are very roomy, too. Built in Canada!
http://www.bedroomfurniture.com/BBD-5600-3K-BBQ-6200-3K-BBT-4106-PRP1134.html

I see too much wasted space -- vertical space -- in this room. I would have used bunks and built a climbing structure or treehouse all the way up.

@anmar: Have you considered a shorter custom-made bed? You can build (or have built) a platform bed surprisingly cheaply. A custom cut foam mattress is also pretty affordable, with the advantage that you can have it covered with liquid-repellent fabric. When you think about the fact that a twin bed is much longer than any child needs before they're a teenager, it's a good way to squeeze two beds into a space in the end-to-end or L-shaped configuration you're thinking about.

I'm not sure if it is just due to the all white in that room (ie paint, window treatment, beds, and floor), but to me, it is eerily reminiscent of a children's detention centre. Maybe more colour? Somehow the beds and wardrobe wall look very institutional.

I just realised that I think there are actual bars on the windows. That may have subconsciouly also influenced my assessment of a children's detention centre.

Thanks for the idea, TammyE.

I saw Design Mom recently custom made beds for her toddlers. They came out looking very nice. I don't love the idea of custom bedding, but my husband's mom is very capable of making sheets etc. for us.

I think the only reason we didn't immediately think of doing something custom is the already ridiculously long to-do/make list we've got over here! Oh well, there's still time.

All I want to know is where to get that airplane!