High style, extravagance, luxury - such associations cause only one mention of the word "podium". The architectural element that in ancient times adorned ancient temples and royal palaces today has moved to private mansions and ordinary, typical apartments. Of course, the modern podium in the interior is much more concise than its predecessors, but its functionality has only increased. It enriches the living space and gives it new, sometimes unexpected, opportunities. Structurally, the podium is the elevation of a certain section of the floor or, otherwise, a platform. To create it, foam blocks, wood, expanded clay concrete and other building materials are used. With the right design, the podium organically fits into the interior of the living room, bedroom, kitchen, modifying and decorating them.
Depending on its purpose, the podium in the interior can be functional, technical or decorative. These are 3 main types, each of which solves a specific problem. To get an idea of the classification will help the table.
View
Accommodation
Frame material
Finish material
Functional
Living room
Foam blocks
Carpet
Decorative
Bedroom
Planed beam
Chipboard
Technical
A bathroom
Metal
Ceramic tile
Universal designs are becoming increasingly common. They combine all the advantages and capabilities of their "competitors". But no matter what role the podium plays, it inevitably attracts one's eyes. It just obliges him to be beautiful. Thanks to the ultra-modern and traditional finishing materials, you can create an eminence in any style: from the intricate-graceful baroque to the rough loft. Details of each species are given below.
Zoning
Decorative podiums serve not only to decorate a room, but also to visually divide it into functional zones. They are also used to change the proportions of rooms, creating visual effects. For example, they help “push” walls, “lift” ceilings, visually increasing the entire space or its individual sections. Using a decorative platform, they focus on an interesting subject, or, on the contrary, divert attention from a problem place.
The height of the decorative podium can be small - only a few centimeters. This option is suitable for rooms with low ceilings.
Otherwise, you may feel that the ceiling is hanging too low, which will lead to discomfort.If the configuration of the room allows, you can build a half-meter platform, which can become the main subject of the interior and at the same time emphasize non-standard high ceilings.
For storing things
Podiums are a great alternative to wardrobes and mezzanines. Forming an airtight space inside, they are ideal for storing clothes, pastel accessories and other things. The standard locations for functional platforms are:
living rooms;
bedrooms;
children’s;
kitchens;
balconies.
A classic example of functionality is the podium bed. Using it in a small Khrushchev, they get at the same time a roomy closet, a convenient work desk and a spacious berth. A significant part of the apartment remains free, the effect of clutter and clutter disappears. Using the platform as a storage for household items is a noticeable increase in usable area. Another option is to place the main interior zone on an elevation, for example, install a TV with speakers on top. The inner space is neatly filled with household items, cables are laid in the same place.
A way to hide communications
Creating decorative and functional podiums in the interior, they are usually guided only by desire. While the arrangement of technical podiums in many cases is the only way to hide objects that spoil the interior.
It is especially convenient to hide various technological elements under elevations, including electric wires and pipes. This is a great option for old houses, where communication systems stand out sharply against the general background and can spoil even the most stylish interior.
Moreover, the creation of the podium will cost much less than a radical reconstruction of the premises with the replacement of unsightly water supply and sewage nodes. The usual place to install camouflage platforms are kitchens and bathrooms, through which several pipes pass.The need to hide cables can arise in any room. Therefore, the technical podium, even in spite of its ordinary purpose, must also be aesthetic. This will allow him to simultaneously perform a decorative function: to give the room a modern look and personality.
Ideas for location and use
In a studio apartment
In studio apartments, designers especially often use multifunctional podiums, which at the same time serve both for storing things, and for masking wires, and for zoning. With the help of podiums, the sleeping area is separated from the working or dining area. The kitchen zone looks originally at a low elevation. Smooth surfaces and glossy plain colors are welcome. Maintained techno style or minimalism. If the studio area is small, a working area with a table and book shelves rises to a high podium. A pull-out bed is placed in the podium niche. Since the podium will turn out high, you will need to equip the stairs. Drawers are placed in its steps, where bedding, as well as CDs, documents, and a first-aid kit can be stored. If there is enough space, 2-3 podiums are arranged, which allows you to conveniently and beautifully highlight all the functional areas.
In a one-room apartment
The specificity of a one-room apartment is the need to create conditions for sleeping, working and receiving guests in the same room. The task is solved by a high platform, decorated in an oriental style. It will replace both a sofa for guests, and a bed for owners. Characteristic features of this design:
pillows and blankets in colorful covers;
a fringed carpet;
drawers;
decorative elements with ornament.
A long, narrow room a small round podium will beautifully divide in half. Another option is to set the elevation right next to the narrow wall, but not near the window. The room will become much more comfortable.For square rooms, narrow and high podiums are suitable, inside which there are storage spaces. The built-in bed will also be comfortable, which does not have to be carefully made every morning and before guests arrive.
In the living room
If families meet with small children in the living room, the guest area rises to the platform, and the play area is set up on the floor. This solution is convenient for both kids and their parents. A similar option will please for lovers of dance. On the catwalk in the living room organically looks:
Piano
home theater;
sofa;
dinner table.
The upper level with a sofa or table becomes the perfect space for relaxation and quiet communication. If the podium serves as a kind of stand for the plasma panel and speakers, then all the wires and adapters are perfectly hidden in its cavities. Thanks to this, the technical details will not spoil the impression, and the interior will appear before the guests in all its glory. Creating a podium in the living room, they take into account that it will be he who will focus on himself, therefore they think through every detail, including the color of the finish or the drapery.
In the nursery
The design of the room for children is created taking into account their age needs. The closest attention is paid to security issues. It is desirable that each element of the interior contributed to the development of the kids, and the atmosphere as a whole was as comfortable as possible. For twins, a podium is set up, at the top of which there are places for study, and inside there are two cribs. On a low podium you can arrange a game corner. Drawers “hidden” inside will become a place for toys. For older children, the podium can serve as a large table with bookshelves. An interesting design decision for a boy over 5 years old is a high bunk podium. On the first tier there is a dressing room with clothes, and at the top there is a bed with sides.With this design of the children's room there is a lot of free space for outdoor games.
In the bedroom
Many people in childhood formed the image of a bed worthy of princesses and queens. She always stands on a dais, and to go to bed, you must climb the steps of the podium. A luxurious canopy hiding a spacious bed adds mystery. Thanks to the podium, the daily bedtime ceremony takes on an aura of solemnity and importance. On the wall podium, a make-up table with a mirror looks great. It’s a good idea to pick up a mirror that repeats the shape of the podium. Of course, the use of such a voluminous and complex design as a podium should not be just a tribute to fashion. It should be dictated by the urgent need to improve living space for themselves and their loved ones.
In the bathroom
A classic design is a bathtub built into the podium with steps. It looks beautiful and solemn, but requires security measures. Anti-slip coating will help you feel more confident. The technical podium in the bathroom is designed to hide the pipes. To have access to key communication nodes, the podium is equipped with doors. In private homes, risers may not be located in the bathroom, but in other rooms. The bath itself is often installed in the center, which creates difficulties with the drainage. Raising the bath to the podium helps to remove this problem and ensure proper drainage of water. To podium in parallel with its technical function, additionally zoned the space, use tiles of different colors. Walls and floors are finished in light colors, and the podium is laid out with darker tiles. Multilevel lighting will make the interior richer and more comfortable, will even more draw attention to such an original subject.
In the kitchen-dining room
Is it worth using a podium in the kitchen-dining room, depends on its layout. Large space needs to be zoned.A bar counter with a pair of chairs is installed on the podium. Given the serious load, it is advisable to choose a monolithic podium for the kitchen (and bathroom). In a medium-sized room, the dining area is elevated, separating it from the work area.
To better indicate the boundaries between functional areas, contrasting colors are used. A bold idea is a high-tech kitchen in black and white.
For its implementation, the floor is laid out with snow-white tiles, and the podium - black. With a significant height of the ceilings, a pantry with household utensils, which do not fit into the existing interior, is transferred to an elevated platform. Inside - drawers for detergents. Such a decision will help maintain a perfect order in the kitchen and emphasize its individuality.
Podium bed
A modern catwalk bed can become the designer core of the bedroom, around which the entire interior will be built. The Japanese also discovered the convenience of a multi-tiered place to sleep. It was they who first saw in the space under the mattress a suitable place where they could put a variety of things: from everyday clothes, to weapons and jewelry. And today, catwalk beds traditionally provide additional storage space. They also transform the room visually and give it a new more harmonious proportion and shape. When planning to purchase such an important piece of furniture, they seriously approach the process of its selection. Familiarity with the internal arrangement of the catwalk beds, their advantages and classification will help create a pleasant environment for sleep and relaxation.
Classification
With all the variety of designer designs, the catwalk beds are structurally divided into two main categories: beds with a berth located on the podium and pull-out beds located inside. The classification of catwalk beds by functional features is in many ways similar to the classification of ordinary catwalks. They are also divided into:
functional;
technical;
decorative;
complementary.
Functional frame structures with a mattress at the top of the podium are complemented by an internal storage system, for example, in the form of drawers. In general, multifunctionality is characteristic of catwalk beds. The berth can easily be transformed into a place of work or rest with comfortable seating and hard surfaces where you can put a laptop or put a cup of tea. There are also special boxes for wires.
The advantages and functions of sleeping places on a hill
The podium beds are functional, practical, they keep heat well in the winter and cool in the summer, which makes the dream strong and enjoyable. Among the main functions:
zoning of space;
correction of the proportions of the room;
careful storage of things;
room decoration.
With a visual change in space, the catwalk beds are not rectangular or square, but round and oval in shape. This piece of furniture does not take up the area of the apartment, but on the contrary, allows you to restore order in a limited private area and subsequently easily maintain it.
Do it yourself
You can make a podium bed with your own hands, even without experience in such work. Given the height of the ceiling and the area of the room, calculate the optimal height of the podium, its overall dimensions. The weight load on the floor should be in the range of 600 kg per square meter. m. A drawing is created indicating all structural elements, including each box. Step-by-step instructions for creating a bed with overall dimensions of 2 m (width), 1.5 m (depth), 0.5 m (height) contains the following steps:
Using small bars (50/50), the frame is constructed, leaving a gap between the logs and the wall of about 2 cm for laying sound insulation.
They build vertical racks (supports).
Fix the upper struts and logs.
Sheathed the front and upper parts of the frame with chipboard sheets with a thickness of 15-18 mm.
Set hinges for the lids of the drawers and the drawers themselves.
The final covering of the podium with carpet.
Installing a mattress.
This is just one option out of hundreds of others that are more complex for self-assembly. To get the best result, only high-quality materials are selected and all calculations are performed with maximum accuracy.
Conclusion
Dare to take such a step as the installation of the podium, it is necessary to predict what will come of it in the end. If earlier, starting a repair, one could encounter a variety of surprises, today computer programs of three-dimensional modeling make it possible to see the upcoming result in detail. Thanks to the desire to improve the interior, the most daring and original design ideas come to life. The catwalks in the interior of modern apartments are not an ordinary fashion tribute. With their help, the full potential of the available space is used. Individual solutions are replacing standard ones, and each person gets the opportunity to equip his house to suit his personal needs.
High style, extravagance, luxury - such associations cause only one mention of the word "podium". The architectural element that in ancient times adorned ancient temples and royal palaces today has moved to private mansions and ordinary, typical apartments. Of course, the modern podium in the interior is much more concise than its predecessors, but its functionality has only increased. It enriches the living space and gives it new, sometimes unexpected, opportunities. Structurally, the podium is the elevation of a certain section of the floor or, otherwise, a platform. To create it, foam blocks, wood, expanded clay concrete and other building materials are used. With the right design, the podium organically fits into the interior of the living room, bedroom, kitchen, modifying and decorating them.
Content
Kinds
Depending on its purpose, the podium in the interior can be functional, technical or decorative. These are 3 main types, each of which solves a specific problem. To get an idea of the classification will help the table.
Universal designs are becoming increasingly common. They combine all the advantages and capabilities of their "competitors". But no matter what role the podium plays, it inevitably attracts one's eyes. It just obliges him to be beautiful. Thanks to the ultra-modern and traditional finishing materials, you can create an eminence in any style: from the intricate-graceful baroque to the rough loft. Details of each species are given below.
Zoning
Decorative podiums serve not only to decorate a room, but also to visually divide it into functional zones. They are also used to change the proportions of rooms, creating visual effects. For example, they help “push” walls, “lift” ceilings, visually increasing the entire space or its individual sections. Using a decorative platform, they focus on an interesting subject, or, on the contrary, divert attention from a problem place.
The height of the decorative podium can be small - only a few centimeters. This option is suitable for rooms with low ceilings.
Otherwise, you may feel that the ceiling is hanging too low, which will lead to discomfort.If the configuration of the room allows, you can build a half-meter platform, which can become the main subject of the interior and at the same time emphasize non-standard high ceilings.
For storing things
Podiums are a great alternative to wardrobes and mezzanines. Forming an airtight space inside, they are ideal for storing clothes, pastel accessories and other things. The standard locations for functional platforms are:
A classic example of functionality is the podium bed. Using it in a small Khrushchev, they get at the same time a roomy closet, a convenient work desk and a spacious berth. A significant part of the apartment remains free, the effect of clutter and clutter disappears. Using the platform as a storage for household items is a noticeable increase in usable area. Another option is to place the main interior zone on an elevation, for example, install a TV with speakers on top. The inner space is neatly filled with household items, cables are laid in the same place.
A way to hide communications
Creating decorative and functional podiums in the interior, they are usually guided only by desire. While the arrangement of technical podiums in many cases is the only way to hide objects that spoil the interior.
It is especially convenient to hide various technological elements under elevations, including electric wires and pipes. This is a great option for old houses, where communication systems stand out sharply against the general background and can spoil even the most stylish interior.
Moreover, the creation of the podium will cost much less than a radical reconstruction of the premises with the replacement of unsightly water supply and sewage nodes. The usual place to install camouflage platforms are kitchens and bathrooms, through which several pipes pass.The need to hide cables can arise in any room. Therefore, the technical podium, even in spite of its ordinary purpose, must also be aesthetic. This will allow him to simultaneously perform a decorative function: to give the room a modern look and personality.
Ideas for location and use
In a studio apartment
In studio apartments, designers especially often use multifunctional podiums, which at the same time serve both for storing things, and for masking wires, and for zoning. With the help of podiums, the sleeping area is separated from the working or dining area. The kitchen zone looks originally at a low elevation. Smooth surfaces and glossy plain colors are welcome. Maintained techno style or minimalism. If the studio area is small, a working area with a table and book shelves rises to a high podium. A pull-out bed is placed in the podium niche. Since the podium will turn out high, you will need to equip the stairs. Drawers are placed in its steps, where bedding, as well as CDs, documents, and a first-aid kit can be stored. If there is enough space, 2-3 podiums are arranged, which allows you to conveniently and beautifully highlight all the functional areas.
In a one-room apartment
The specificity of a one-room apartment is the need to create conditions for sleeping, working and receiving guests in the same room. The task is solved by a high platform, decorated in an oriental style. It will replace both a sofa for guests, and a bed for owners. Characteristic features of this design:
A long, narrow room a small round podium will beautifully divide in half. Another option is to set the elevation right next to the narrow wall, but not near the window. The room will become much more comfortable.For square rooms, narrow and high podiums are suitable, inside which there are storage spaces. The built-in bed will also be comfortable, which does not have to be carefully made every morning and before guests arrive.
In the living room
If families meet with small children in the living room, the guest area rises to the platform, and the play area is set up on the floor. This solution is convenient for both kids and their parents. A similar option will please for lovers of dance. On the catwalk in the living room organically looks:
The upper level with a sofa or table becomes the perfect space for relaxation and quiet communication. If the podium serves as a kind of stand for the plasma panel and speakers, then all the wires and adapters are perfectly hidden in its cavities. Thanks to this, the technical details will not spoil the impression, and the interior will appear before the guests in all its glory. Creating a podium in the living room, they take into account that it will be he who will focus on himself, therefore they think through every detail, including the color of the finish or the drapery.
In the nursery
The design of the room for children is created taking into account their age needs. The closest attention is paid to security issues. It is desirable that each element of the interior contributed to the development of the kids, and the atmosphere as a whole was as comfortable as possible. For twins, a podium is set up, at the top of which there are places for study, and inside there are two cribs. On a low podium you can arrange a game corner. Drawers “hidden” inside will become a place for toys. For older children, the podium can serve as a large table with bookshelves. An interesting design decision for a boy over 5 years old is a high bunk podium. On the first tier there is a dressing room with clothes, and at the top there is a bed with sides.With this design of the children's room there is a lot of free space for outdoor games.
In the bedroom
Many people in childhood formed the image of a bed worthy of princesses and queens. She always stands on a dais, and to go to bed, you must climb the steps of the podium. A luxurious canopy hiding a spacious bed adds mystery. Thanks to the podium, the daily bedtime ceremony takes on an aura of solemnity and importance. On the wall podium, a make-up table with a mirror looks great. It’s a good idea to pick up a mirror that repeats the shape of the podium. Of course, the use of such a voluminous and complex design as a podium should not be just a tribute to fashion. It should be dictated by the urgent need to improve living space for themselves and their loved ones.
In the bathroom
A classic design is a bathtub built into the podium with steps. It looks beautiful and solemn, but requires security measures. Anti-slip coating will help you feel more confident. The technical podium in the bathroom is designed to hide the pipes. To have access to key communication nodes, the podium is equipped with doors. In private homes, risers may not be located in the bathroom, but in other rooms. The bath itself is often installed in the center, which creates difficulties with the drainage. Raising the bath to the podium helps to remove this problem and ensure proper drainage of water. To podium in parallel with its technical function, additionally zoned the space, use tiles of different colors. Walls and floors are finished in light colors, and the podium is laid out with darker tiles. Multilevel lighting will make the interior richer and more comfortable, will even more draw attention to such an original subject.
In the kitchen-dining room
Is it worth using a podium in the kitchen-dining room, depends on its layout. Large space needs to be zoned.A bar counter with a pair of chairs is installed on the podium. Given the serious load, it is advisable to choose a monolithic podium for the kitchen (and bathroom). In a medium-sized room, the dining area is elevated, separating it from the work area.
For its implementation, the floor is laid out with snow-white tiles, and the podium - black. With a significant height of the ceilings, a pantry with household utensils, which do not fit into the existing interior, is transferred to an elevated platform. Inside - drawers for detergents. Such a decision will help maintain a perfect order in the kitchen and emphasize its individuality.
Podium bed
A modern catwalk bed can become the designer core of the bedroom, around which the entire interior will be built. The Japanese also discovered the convenience of a multi-tiered place to sleep. It was they who first saw in the space under the mattress a suitable place where they could put a variety of things: from everyday clothes, to weapons and jewelry. And today, catwalk beds traditionally provide additional storage space. They also transform the room visually and give it a new more harmonious proportion and shape. When planning to purchase such an important piece of furniture, they seriously approach the process of its selection. Familiarity with the internal arrangement of the catwalk beds, their advantages and classification will help create a pleasant environment for sleep and relaxation.
Classification
With all the variety of designer designs, the catwalk beds are structurally divided into two main categories: beds with a berth located on the podium and pull-out beds located inside. The classification of catwalk beds by functional features is in many ways similar to the classification of ordinary catwalks. They are also divided into:
Functional frame structures with a mattress at the top of the podium are complemented by an internal storage system, for example, in the form of drawers. In general, multifunctionality is characteristic of catwalk beds. The berth can easily be transformed into a place of work or rest with comfortable seating and hard surfaces where you can put a laptop or put a cup of tea. There are also special boxes for wires.
The advantages and functions of sleeping places on a hill
The podium beds are functional, practical, they keep heat well in the winter and cool in the summer, which makes the dream strong and enjoyable. Among the main functions:
With a visual change in space, the catwalk beds are not rectangular or square, but round and oval in shape. This piece of furniture does not take up the area of the apartment, but on the contrary, allows you to restore order in a limited private area and subsequently easily maintain it.
Do it yourself
You can make a podium bed with your own hands, even without experience in such work. Given the height of the ceiling and the area of the room, calculate the optimal height of the podium, its overall dimensions. The weight load on the floor should be in the range of 600 kg per square meter. m. A drawing is created indicating all structural elements, including each box. Step-by-step instructions for creating a bed with overall dimensions of 2 m (width), 1.5 m (depth), 0.5 m (height) contains the following steps:
This is just one option out of hundreds of others that are more complex for self-assembly. To get the best result, only high-quality materials are selected and all calculations are performed with maximum accuracy.
Conclusion
Dare to take such a step as the installation of the podium, it is necessary to predict what will come of it in the end. If earlier, starting a repair, one could encounter a variety of surprises, today computer programs of three-dimensional modeling make it possible to see the upcoming result in detail. Thanks to the desire to improve the interior, the most daring and original design ideas come to life. The catwalks in the interior of modern apartments are not an ordinary fashion tribute. With their help, the full potential of the available space is used. Individual solutions are replacing standard ones, and each person gets the opportunity to equip his house to suit his personal needs.