A raised platform transforms a room by creating a unique area for sleeping and at the same time provides space for additional storage. Let’s take a look at all the ways a raised platform is beneficial.
Elevated Sleeping
When standing on a raised platform there is a ceremonial feeling associated with important places such as religious altars and theater stages, we feel we have entered a special place. Our primal instincts kick-in with the idea that the best of everything occupies the highest ground.
For most people, a sleeping area is one of the most important locations since it is the ultimate getaway from a hectic world and the place we spend the most hours in a day at home. Stepping up to a platform gives a feeling of arriving to a cherished place for resting.
Subdivide & Compress
Besides the pomp and glory aspect of a raised platform, having a raised platform is a great way to subdivide activity zones in a room.
A sleeping platform is an intimate space because of the reduced floor-to-ceiling height. The compressed area makes us feel safer and more secure at night – our primal cave-dweller-for-security instincts kicking in.
Crossover Elements
A sophisticated approach to designing a raised platform is to have various design elements such as desks, shelving, or cabinets cross over into the platform zone and be useful as well.
Adjacent Activities
If available space in a room is limited, it is wise to add back-to-back activities in the design development of a raised platform.
A desk with storage above works very nicely to provide s a partial screen for privacy to a sleeping area.
Storage – Drawers, Doors, & Access Hatches
You can never have too much storage in any home. Raised platforms have a lot of storage potential, and access to storage is achieved in several ways.
Slide-out draws are useful for long term storage and additional bedding. These drawers can be quite long to take advantage of all the available space under the platform and work best with rolling wheels underneath.
Platforms can simply have an access door on the side for sliding long term storage containers in and out of the void space.
The top of a raised platform can have an access hatch to utilize the space below the deck. The access hatch can be easily hidden by the platform floor finish or by a bed.
Storage – Hanging
If the platform is high enough (around 4 feet or 1.22 meters), pullout hanging clothing rods will work in the design. A stairway, ladder, or sturdy stepping stool is needed in this arrangement.
If the platform occupies two sides of a corner in a room, pullout hanging clothing storage is accessed from the side.
Adding a Curtain
When a home has limited space, being able to close off a sleeping area is an excellent option. Adding a curtain to a raised platform makes this area a small room within a room. Plus, it is nice not to have to look at your bed all day.
Thin & Tall Rooms
A raised platform helps breaks down the width to height ratio of a thin and tall room that may otherwise cause uncomfortable feelings when sleeping.
Raised Platform Takeaways
- A great way to subdivide space in a room
- The void space underneath is perfect for long term storage
- Elevated sacred aspect and worthy of a peaceful resting place
- Ideally suited for sleeping because it reduces the floor-to-ceiling space which gives a sense of security while sleeping
- The simple addition of a curtain offers more seclusion and privacy
- A desk, shelves, or cabinets added to the design provides a partial screen for privacy to the sleeping area
Another Home with a Raised Platform Design
Visit a tiny apartment that has a raised platform sleeping area with drawers underneath and closes off during the day with a sliding wooden screen.
Photo Tour on YouTube
Please see a QUICK photo tour on YouTube of our Raised Platform for Sleeping and Storage featured in this article!
