Decorative Futon

Decorative Futon

Which is better...a bunk bed or a loft?

My room is SO TINY. I don't know the exact measurements, but all I know is that it is way too small for two people to be sharing it, and there's definitely only enough room for one bed.

For all our lives we've had a bunk bed but it's going to collapse any second. & because my sister is leaving for college this September, I've decided that it's finally time to replace it. But the only thing is, my new bed has to be either another bunk bed, or my second idea was to get a loft bed & put a futon underneath. I thought that would be nice because my sister won't be home for the majority of the year and in the meantime I can use the futon as a couch.

So I was wondering what would be more functional and which would be cheaper? I don't mind getting another bunk bed but I just thought that it would be cute to have a futon to watch TV and put little decorative pillows on when my sister isn't home!

Thanks so much!

*I will pick a best answer*

I LOVE the loft idea!!! I am totally picturing you turning your bedroom into your very own "apartment", ya know. Im loving the idea of decorating with a few funky throw pillows (I highly recommend picking up a few "accent pieces" at Pier 1 Imports - you only need a few staple items to really transform your room into a living space that really reflects your personality. What a nice way to celebrate getting the room all to yourself!!) Also, just like you said, bed up in the air, couch facing TV - very cool! The other thing that's nice, and I dont know if this is something that may matter to you, but if you have company over and you dont wanna be out in the living room with your parents - lets say especially if were talking about a boy - then I think your parents would be much more comfortable with you two sitting on a "couch" and watching movies or whatever, than they would your bed (as in, that's never gonna happen). The couch keeps it really casual, and it also keeps your bed a private entity, which is nice. I dont like people sitting on my bed, never have. I like to keep it neat and tidy and its a place I go to read and relax and I dont want anyone else messing it up, putting their feet or shoes on my bedding, or eating on it and dropping crummies or staining the comforter with chocolate or Cheetos paws. You know what Im talking about, no one is going to take care of your stuff the way you would - so for that reason, I keep my personal stuff private.

As far as cost goes, I cant say for sure - its going to depend on how you shop. If youre willing to do the research you can get a really nice futon on the cheap. And Im thinking a loft bed could either be purchased, or made if you know someone handy, for less than a full bunk bed set.

Last thought - When I was working on my undergraduate degree, it was VERY popular for people to have their dorm room set up just as your explaining. If not a futon, they would put a desk/chair set under there with a lamp and computer - offering up a nice study space. Oh, and dont forget the mini fridge (which we filled with POP, and NEVER EVER beer *wink*)

Anyhow, you've done the bunk thing for a while, I think youll be much happier with a change that is, as you said, very fun and FUNctional. This set up will "last" longer too. You have to think, as you get older your taste is going to keep on changing. The older you are, the more youll hate bunk beds and love the "my own place" feel that the other set up provides. Whenever I redo a room in my home, I always think - "how long will I be happy with this?" and then I try to choose classic furniture items and colors. As in - dont paint zebra stripes on your walls, get zebra pillows instead. Then in a week when you want peace signs instead, you can easily switch things up and not get in over your head with cost and effort.

Sorry this is getting too long, I didn't mean to do that. But I did want to offer just one last thought, which is actually in favor of the bunks. The ONLY thing that is better about the bunks is mattress quality. If youre sister is gone for good and only coming back for a few days at a time, then the futon should suffice. But, as you know, futons are not ideal for a long term sleeping arrangement. That said, Im still completely sold on the loft idea.

Good Luck - Congrats on your new space - ALL YOURS!!! Enjoy Lovely!!

Interior Decorating Secrets for Apartments

So you have a small apartment. You are possibly wondering, how do I make my small space look comfortable and inviting with out looking cluttered? I have your answer. Actually several answers.

First of all start with looking around, notice the placement of windows and which way the light reflects in the rooms during different times of day. You do not want to blind someone, who could possibly be visiting, by that stunning sunset. Also look at your current furniture and the colors that it is or is not. Some colors can make a room look small, clinical and cold.

Good warm toned colors also make it more comfortable for you to live there. Browns, Reds, Yellows, and Oranges are great colors to open up space and make the room warm and inviting. Use accent rugs to help with the addition of colors as some Landlords do not allow you to paint. Sofa Covers are a great way to add color and save from wear and tear on your furniture.

When choosing a color scheme please note that you should choose something that is easy to clean i.e., browns and grays. White is not a good choice, unless you plan on never really living in your place.

Try to look at the big picture, small living rooms mean that you shouldn't get a sectional sofa. Instead try a small love seat or futon couch. Not only does the futon couch help with space but it can be converted to a bed for those single room apartments.

If you are on a budget and don't want to get rid of your current bed and you are in a studio apartment try a bed that looks like a bunk bed with out the lower bunk. That way you can store your dress and other articles under the bunk and enclose it with a curtain and no one can see your unmade bed up top. This is very useful for bachelors.

Try creating rooms with the use of decorative screens. It can make a single room look like two or more rooms are there. Also remember your curtains, they should be allowing the light in, the more light you allow in the bigger the space looks.

Use a small bistro table as a dining table. It is intimate and makes for a great coffee talk spot. If you are lucky enough to have some one in your apartment remember to always hide your laundry. Laundry laying around makes the apartment appear cluttered and small.

Plants are a great way to make your room appear bigger. Try hanging them from the ceiling or by using hooks on the wall. Don't forget the importance of mirrors. The use of mirrors can make your small apartment look large. Use a focal point and angle your mirror towards it, it gives the illusion of depth.

Most importantly make sure you always have a clean space, it is always bigger when it is clean.

Ok so now you have gone and cleaned, you are noticing that the apartment still looks small. Question your storage. You need some ideas for storage you say? Well I am full of them.

Look around and if you notice you have lots of magazines lying around get yourself a magazine holder. It is a handy little box that is decorative to your specific likes and it cleans up your tables of clutter.

Get your self a footrest that has storage inside of it. It is nice for when the surprise guest comes over and you need to store something quickly. A coffee table with storage underneath it is also a wise choice. The more storage you have that isn't added clutter makes your life easier.

Wall shelves help to eliminate tabletop mess. Put your collectible gnomes on a small wall shelf and look at all the free space you have just created for yourself.

All of the suggestions presented here to you are easy do it yourself projects. You can get most of these easy to use items at your local all purpose store and hardware store.

About the Author

john savage is a decorating enthuiast. If you would like to learn about the insider secrets to decorating then please
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Decorative Futon

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