When you see the words “globetrotting explorers” now, you probably think of rich people hopping on and off airplanes and moving from one luxurious hotel to another. But back in the 19th century, Louis Vuitton thought of a portable bed that still had some creature comforts for frequent travelers and even military officers that were always on the go. Thus the iconic Malle Lit or Bed Trunk was born. Now it has been updated with a modern touch by two of LV’s artistic directors.
Designers: Nicolas Ghesquière and Pharrell Williams
A few months ago, the Bed Trunk was re-introduced to a new generation of Louis Vuitton fans and was meant to be a supplementary bed or a daybed in the living room. Even though the use of it may have evolved already, the updated version still retains some aspects of this traveling trunk, like the foldable aluminum and beech wood structure as well as the internal mattress and mattress cover elements. Aesthetically though, and maybe purpose-wise, it has been elevated so to speak to more contemporary standards. And of course, expect the price tag to be astronomical.
Nicolas Ghesquière, the women’s creative director, has a more futuristic take on the iconic bed, adding engrave metal plates, modernized corner pieces, and an outer shell that is inspired by the 2023 Cruise collection. But inside the trunk, you get a floral-patterned mattress which is actually a version of a jacket from the 2018 Spring/Summer collection.
Renowned musician Pharrel Williams, who is also the Men’s Creative Director for LV, was inspired by the classic Bed Trunk designs, putting distressed striped paterns on the outside and red and white stripes on the inside. He has his LV Lovers brand embroidered on the jacquard mattress and pillow and put on blond wood elements and black aluminum hardware to show ooff the contrast.
If you’re living in a small space, you’d want to have furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Modular and multi-functional designs have been dominating the scene the past few years especially during the pandemic when the line between work and private life blurred all the more. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and start working from my bed, thinking maybe I should have a desk built in there or have my desk nearer to my bed for a smooth transition.
Designer: Expand Furniture
This wish comes true with the Compatto Rotating Office Murphy Bed with Desk which is literally a bed that can be turned into a working area and even a multimedia space. And when you’re ready to pack it all up at the end of the day (or the middle), you just have to fold it away, turn it all around (literally) and rest in your Murphy bed with the Queen Italian memory foam mattress.
Of course the highlight of this piece of furniture is the fact that you can quickly turn it into a workspace with a few rotations and push and pulls. The wide desk can fit in things like dual monitors, a TV screen, all-in-one iMacs, and small computers. There is also space for file storage, decorations, books, and other knick knacks. There is also adequate places and openings for all kinds of power cords and wires to power your devices.
You will have to assemble everything yourself though as this is a DIY install. But this seems to be a pretty interesting piece of furniture to have if you can manage to put everything together. I will probably have some anxious moments thinking that I will be displacing my office stuff when I’m sleeping but at least I will have a really cool bed and work station in one.
Buying furniture as adults can already be quite a stressful endeavor, but buying one for kids doubles or even triples the difficulty. Not only do you have to consider safety and comfort, but you also have to consider how they can grow up fast and make those products useless in just a year or two. That’s why parents might sometimes be tempted to buy more affordable furniture that they can either dispose of, resell, or give away quickly, which is a practical solution but not a smart one. It would be better if the furniture could actually change and adapt to the child’s growing needs, like this mid-high bed design concept that still be used by the same kid after they’ve grown a bit.
It might be surprising to learn that there is a lot more variety when it comes to kids’ bed designs. Some types are better for certain ages, while others provide room for more than one person. Like most beds, however, these are often designed with a singular target audience in mind, which means they easily outgrow their use and their charm in just a few years. That wouldn’t be much of a problem if not for the expense and waste that comes with replacing those beds again and again.
The Big Eyes bed concept solves that problem by employing a design that can change its purpose depending on the number or age of its owners. And it doesn’t employ complicated tricks like modular or moving parts that could actually be dangerous for a toddler. Instead, you can simply flip it over to change it from a mid-high bed to a basic bed and vice-versa.
The mid-high bed position is perfect for younger kids or siblings who need to share the same bed space. The top bunk is the main bed, while the bottom space can act as a secondary bed or a spacious play area. Once the child grows up a bit, however, removing the ladder and turning the bed over changes the story completely, with the bottom now acting as a basic bed and the top frame as a place to hang cotton canvas play curtains for some privacy.
Big Eyes is made of birch plywood, which gives the bed a warm, welcoming tone. There are no moving parts or hidden compartments, making it easier to turn the bed over as needed. The bed’s design is actually quite minimalist, leaving the freedom of decoration and personalization to parents and kids. That same simple design, however, is also its strength, allowing it to have that reversible functionality you won’t be able to pull off on more sophisticated designs.
Bedroom décor plays a crucial role in providing optimal sleep that is essential for good health and the emotional well-being of its occupants. Considering we spend nearly one-third of our life resting, appropriate décor can transform the bedroom into a sleep haven and offer the perfect environment for rest and positivity. Note that even small changes can positively impact our sleep cycle and help control insomnia or sleep disorders. Here are tips for creating a relaxing ambiance and a décor best suited for sound slumber.
1. Incorporate A Relaxing Color Palette
A soothing color palette with muted colors is conducive to sleep and helps create a calm atmosphere. A soft color palette of grays, light blue, silver, lavender, pale yellow, moss green, and peach contribute to a sound sleeping pattern. The best part about pastel colors is that it adds color and imparts a balanced look to the space. Going for cool colors and avoiding warm colors like red and yellow is highly recommended. Don’t forget to introduce your personal style, and make sure to choose a color that relaxes you. To create a cocoon-like atmosphere, create an accent wall in a deep emerald green or navy blue shade and combine it with white or off-white walls. One can introduce pops of colors in cushions, rugs, art, and statement furniture. Additionally, it is advisable to go for a matte paint finish instead of a glossy finish for a restful look.
The bed forms the bedroom’s centerpiece, so position the bed in the center of the interior wall and make space for side tables on either side. The bed should be ergonomically designed according to the height of the end user. In particular, the design should allow the hips and knees of the occupant to be aligned, and the feet should be flat on the floor when sitting. Consider a reading nook near a window to encourage reading so that it is also a transition to bed during the night.
Maximize comfort in the bedroom and create the mood for sound sleep. Use crisp and luxurious white or ivory sheets with a thread count of 300 to 400. Change the linen at least once a week, and add a soothing fragrance while washing to prevent the build-up of dust and allergens. By neatly making the bed daily, one can add to the aesthetics and imbibe positivity. Also, do not clutter the bed with too many pillows. Pick the right pillow for a sound sleep so that the neck and spine are aligned, and go for two standard pillows and just one accent pillow. For the sheets, quilts, and blankets, opt for natural fabrics and materials like cotton, linen, bamboo, wool, and linen. They are responsive to body temperature and do not trap heat. Note that synthetic materials tend to absorb heat and result in perspiration or discomfort during the night.
Invest in a new mattress that offers optimum comfort, balance, and back support. Don’t go for a mattress that is too soft or firm; changing it every 7 to 10 years is essential.
Tip: As changes in body temperature can disturb sleep, consider a mattress that allows good airflow and less heat retention. The best materials for the mattress are memory or latex foam with a thin breathable cover.
Designer: Chelsea Allen (Down Home Projects)
4. Use Warm White Light
Light plays an integral part in maintaining our natural circadian rhythm. Go for warm white light instead of bright overhead lights, as soft lighting allows one to sleep better. Install dimmer lights so that the body can unwind and enter sleep mode. Some of the best light fixtures for the bedroom include table lamps, reading sconces, and recessed lighting to lightly wash the walls.
For restorative sleep, it is essential to block any light that is filtering into the indoors. Transform the bedroom into a dark, serene space by adding blackout liners for the Roman blinds or drapery. One can also opt for curtains with heavy fabric and light-blocking properties. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent natural light penetration during the wee hours of the day.
6. Create a Clutter-free Space
A messy and cluttered bedroom can affect our sleep, create stress, and cause anxiety. For a relaxing bedroom décor, getting rid of clutter and keeping the storage items out of view with adequate built-in storage is essential. Nothing that is not required in the bedroom, like extra books and to-be-folded laundry, should be there. Make optimum use of wall space with shelves to free up floor space and impart an airier feel to the room. Also, make it a habit to clear clutter and organize it daily so that space does not get overwhelmed. Finally, go for a storage bed and make sure that the underside of the bed does not become a dumping station for keeping extra items, as it may release negative energy.
Minimizing or eliminating distractions by removing electronic items like the laptop away can remind you of office assignments, tablets, or TV, as the light from electronic items can affect your sleep. Keep the charging station of the phone outside the bedroom or in a spot where you can hear the ring in case of an emergency. It is always good to camouflage the TV in a cabinet or armoire. Watching TV can result in disturbed sleep.
Tip: As per studies, avoid using electronic devices an hour before sleep. This is because screen time may expose one’s eyes to blue light. It can disturb the circadian rhythm and negatively affect the quality of sleep.
Designer: Norvo Design
8. Create A Healthy Space
Ensure proper ventilation and airflow to create a healthy space promoting good sleep. This is also one of the best ways to control dampness and mold growth. Additionally, bringing in sunlight during the day can uplift our mood and energy and enable a good sleep pattern during the night. Live plants and flowers can help one feel calm and bring an outdoorsy vibe into the interiors. It’s also a great way to add life, personality, and color into the space. Finally, infuse warmth with family pictures that depict good memories so that the bedroom is your personal abode and is also rich in detail. The temperature should be between 60 and 67 degrees, and humidity should range from 30% to 40%.
External noise may disturb sleep and have an adverse effect on our health. The area around the bed is equally important, so add a rug as it helps in reducing noise; go for premium quality rugs and carpets as they provide a warm and comfortable underfoot. Finally, go for double-glazed windows that drastically reduce noise and create the ideal environment for good sleep.
10. Add Fragrance
Aromatherapy creates a calming ambiance, transforming the bedroom into a stress-free and anti-anxiety zone. Fragrant flowers, scented candles, and essential oils like lavender and jasmine are perfect for creating a calm and relaxed vibe within the interiors.
There are days when you have to pry me away from my couch, or rather, the front of my smart TV. There are also days when I don’t want to get out of bed whether I’m reading or still watching videos on my phone or tablet. Now what will happen if my TV is actually built into my bed? When I don’t have work and I can afford to spend the day there, you probably won’t see me going outside the house, let alone my room. Product designers probably now there are a lot of people like me and so they created this dream bed for that specific market.
Designer: Dreams
Dreams do come true for couch potatoes, or in this case, bed potatoes like me. The Drift Gaming Bed is created specifically for those who would rather spend the entire day playing games in bed instead of going out to smell the roses or something. It’s also perfect for those like me who can binge TV shows and movies like there’s no tomorrow. That’s because the bed has a built-in 43-inch screen TV with 4K display at the foot of your bed that you can put away when you feel like sleeping.
The bed also has other “features” that are still part of the dream scenario for gamers and video bingers. The headboard is the space to put all your remote controls, consoles, headsets. There are even some USB ports on the sides if you need to connect or charge your smartphone and other devices. Under the bed, you get an ottoman storage in case you need to put away some of the stuff that you don’t want on the bed with you like clothes, books, and other devices. There are also LED lights on the headboard and the edges of the bed for gamers who like that kind of that thing. It’s available in three finishes: faux black leather with green piping, faux black leather with blue piping, contemporary gray fabric with black piping.
What would be even more perfect was if there was a built-in ref or food storage on the side so you don’t need to get up for snack breaks. We might get a second version of this gaming bed, in case the product designers are listening. Of course this isn’t the healthiest piece of furniture to have if you’re trying to wean yourself away from screens. The temptation to just stay in and spend 24 hours playing games or watching videos is just too much. But if you can discipline yourself to put away the screen when you need to, this would be the perfect bed for you.
All that the gamers are left to do is, get up to take a dump; for everything else, Bauhutte has all the bases covered. After giving gamers a reason to laze around doing nothing with the Electric Gaming Bed, the Japanese company is now making sure you can have your wardrobe around the bed. That’s like a miraculous intervention, not just for the gaming side of things, but for everyday office/school goers, who can get back home and drape their wear on the hangers retrofitted to the bed.
The interesting concept brought to light is the Bed Hanger Rack, which as the name suggests, is an extension of the open cupboard concept. It attaches to the bed and offers space to hang clothes and racks to stuff smartphones, remotes, game consoles, and other accessories you’d want handy while in bed.
In addition to the hanging storage and shelving extensions, the hanger rack gets slightly more interesting with its assembly: possible to match the layout of your room. The rack can be installed alongside the shorter front or the longer side of the bed; so that it can attach without having to change the placement of the existing bed. The effective usage of the space above the bed permits you to effortlessly store everyday wear on hangers around the bed; so you skip the trouble of folding and sorting the clothes in a regular cupboard.
For someone like me, this option to keep the room neat and tidy without having clothes lying everywhere works as a miracle. It would definitely make the whole process of clothes management efficient and convenient. My chairs and couches can breathe in some fresh air!
Provided with an adjuster to install the rack horizontally, if you may; the rack can be assembled in two ways. You can assemble it on three legs to manage up to 5kg payload, or choose to add in the fourth leg to bear up to 8kgs of clothes weight. The Bed Hanger Rack from Bauhutte can even adjust its height to suit the size of the bed, the length to accommodate your need, and the height at which you want to hang your clothes. Fascinating!
Our bedroom is our haven, our safe space, to which we rush after a bad day at work or simply a bad day in general. My bedroom is my private kingdom, and my bed its bejeweled crown. We all know the importance and need for a great bed. And, we have for sure come across some amazing beds – for example, the HiBed with its 70-inch retractable screen and health monitoring system. Another bed that we came across recently was the Boomerang Bed. Although it isn’t quite as techy and smart as the HiBed… its immense functionality and USP lay in its very simplicity.
Designed by Teixeira Design Studio, the Boomerang Bed is another innovative creation by him. From a bedside table designed with a detachable laptop tray to a slim shelf that looks like an open book encouraging you to read – Teixeira’s designs are simple, functional, and yet unlike any other furniture pieces you’ve seen around the block. The Boomerang bed attempts to be more than just a bed. Teixeira transformed a simple bed into a little living area of its own with the help of an integrated table.
The integrated table can be considered the star of this furniture piece. Just like its name, this handy table “comes and goes”. By simply shifting the table or changing its placement, the adjustable table can adopt various roles and perform multiple functions. You can slide the table from one end of the bed to the other. If you position it at the edge of the table, it can function as a regular desk for you to place your laptop on and work from home! Or you can pull it closer to you, transform it into a bed tray, and have your breakfast on it every morning. It can even function as a TV stand for your weekend-long Netflix marathons. I love how a simple desk can be repurposed for so many uses, allowing you to do almost everything in your bed – from eating to working (not that you should, it is important to get out of bed).
The headboard is upholstered, so it’s pretty cozy to rest against while eating your meals or working on your laptop. Teixeira integrated curved lines into the bed, giving the surface a rather elegant and sophisticated texture, and even giving the impression of a floating bed at certain angles!
Teixeira says, “The prospect for hidden storage was discarded to avoid a saturated and heavy design.” Instead, he opted for an open storage area at the bottom of the bed which functions as a nifty shoe rack or even as a resting spot for your pet.
The Boomerang bed is a simple yet ingenious design that could work well for smaller and compact homes. It’s a furniture design that caters to multiple needs while occupying minimal space.
The Bauhutte BGB-100FA Electronic Gaming Bed is a motorized bed designed to be used with the rest of its insane line of gaming furniture (seen above, sold separately), allowing a user to adjust the angle of incline for both their back and legs to achieve maximum long-term gaming comfort (and presumably help prevent bedsores from never leaving your bed). Needless to say, I must have one.
The bed includes two motors, one for lifting the back of the bed up to 60-degrees of incline and another for raising your legs and feet up to 35-degrees to keep your blood circulating during late-night gaming sessions. Honestly, I kinda like it when my legs go numb. Then I get up and try to walk and pretend I’m a zombie. My wife hates it, but she watches a lot of scary zombie movies and is likely fearful for her brains.
The bed, which is basically a very small version of a Tempur-Pedic Adjustable Bed you’ve probably seen in commercials, costs $674. That’s not bad. Unfortunately, it’s only available in Japan, which I wish I’d known before I ordered one and dragged my old bed out to the curb and set it on fire. Now how am I going to explain that to my wife? SPOILER: with a whole bunch of lies.
Gamers are like dead meat but with big brains that can process information way better than an average Joe. I’ve had my glory gaming days when lounging on the couch or bed with the big screen bringing all the world’s joy – nothing else mattered at that moment. Having all my favorite drinks and snacks at arm’s length, and a precision hold over my controller was the only thing that mattered in those close deathmatches or adrenaline-induing racing games.
In the world of gaming furniture where Herman Miller and IKEA are the goto names, Japanese retailer Bauhutte is slowly inching up the ranks with its tailormade furniture for nerds who are mostly glued to their PC or throttling the gaming console. The Electric Gaming Bed (model number: BGB-100FA) created in close quarters with Japanese mattress maker Nishilkawa, comes with a tablet holder, desk, elevated headboard and snack holder. So, a gamer won’t have to get up for anything other than performing the rituals when nature calls. I’m sure Bauhutte is going to come up with a version with an attached toilet too!
Coming back to present reality, the gaming bed is ultimately going to make all the nerds lazier than ever, but who’s complaining – not the virtual world wizards at least. That’s because the ergonomic bed is loaded with dual motors having two-position tilting capability at the waist and legs. Gamers can toggle the angle of waist support to 60 degrees maximum while the legs support provides 35 degrees of freedom. This brings home the advantage of sleeping, eating, or smashing the hell out of other online players while lying in supreme comfort.
Bauhutte gaming bed is going to be up for grabs at an estimated price tag of 59,800 yen (≈ $480), and the one with the gaming mattress will set you back 83,398 yen (≈ $670). Given all gamers aren’t shy of spending exorbitant amounts of money for their gaming bliss, this one should be on their Wishlist right away!
Perhaps the most ingenious inspirational overlap I’ve seen in a while, the COBBO bed gives beds a rather clever little upgrade! The COBBO bed uses the empty space between the mattress to put a nifty cabinet, reminiscent of the overhead storage you get on airplanes… so you can live out your wanderlust airplane fantasies while sitting at home!
An airplane’s cabin is perhaps the most ideal example of space optimization. Every single nook and corner of an airplane cabin goes unwasted… with the seats being packed in the most space-saving orientation, tables being folded up to eat less space, and overhead areas being used to store luggage, that would otherwise need to be kept on the floor. Michael Hilgers decided to carry this utilitarian approach from aircrafts into regular homes, giving it a minimalist upgrade that looks much more visually aesthetic than functional.
The COBBO bed, designed for furniture manufacturer OTTO, comes with a simple Nordic-inspired design with solid oak legs and white storage cabinets that are located above the sleeping area. The bed’s slightly tapered design serves two purposes, it gives the piece of furniture both visual and physical lightness, since the cabinet above the bed is significantly slimmer than the bed itself. This allowed Hilgers to use slim wooden pillars instead of metal ones, since the cabinet above the bed wouldn’t end up being overly heavy.
The slim cabinet/shelf comes with four doors (two on either side) that open to reveal a perfectly slim nook to store items like books, quilts, throws, and cushions. It’s a clever way to provide storage without cluttering the floor, making it perfect for smaller rooms, student housing, people who like minimal interiors, or just the wanderlust who wants the experience of being in an airplane but can’t travel much because of the pandemic!
