Mezzanine floor in an apartment: 9 tips for arrangement

Published: 09/19/2020 3111 views Kitchen design with mezzanines to the ceiling and suitable mezzanines for the bedroom and other rooms

Everyone is accustomed to the fact that the mezzanine is something like a large top shelf. Usually compotes, jam, rolled vegetables, waste paper, unnecessary clothes and equipment are sent there for storage. In the design world, this phenomenon is looked at completely differently.

If you translate the word itself, you get “upper mezzanine.” This means that if you wish and have certain technical capabilities, you can organize an entire additional room.

Today we will briefly tell you about different options: mezzanines for the bedroom, hallway, kitchen with mezzanines to the ceiling. But first, let's talk about their advantages and features.

Modern varieties

Just half a century ago, mezzanines looked standard and unattractive. Few people paid attention to their appearance. Now furniture manufacturers, architects, and designers offer a large number of stylish options. Feel free to choose from:

• mobile or landline;
• one-sided or two-sided;
• closed and open;
• two-door or one-door;
• mounted separately or connected to the cabinet.

You just need to initially understand all the specifics of the design. At a minimum, imagine how much the ceiling height will decrease in order to calculate possible parameters.

Half-floor in a house. Mezzanine - design options

The classic form of these superstructures is considered to be a square (rectangle), but the flight of thought of a designer or architect, in addition to the desire to make their home unique, can offer a lot of other options (circle, triangle, polyhedron, etc.).

Typically a mezzanine structure has a custom roof. Alternatively, it can be equipped with access to a balcony. This superstructure can be either a heated room or used exclusively in the warm season. For practical people, it is possible to provide for the possibility of isolating the superstructure for the winter from the main building, which will significantly save on heating costs.

It may seem that such extensions are analogous to an attic, but this is erroneous based on the following criteria:

• The attic has sloping walls, which is unacceptable for a mezzanine.
• The attic is not always a living space. The mezzanine is an exception.
• The window openings of the first one can be located in the roof, but this is unacceptable for the second!

Since the structure is used without separation from the main building, this can significantly improve the lighting of the room located underneath.

Important!

After completion of construction, the mezzanine is recorded in the documents precisely as a superstructure and there can definitely be no talk of any change in the number of storeys or tiers.

There are many options for the execution of these architectural elements. Classic - along the axis of symmetry of the house. However, options where the mezzanine may not be present in the singular are no less interesting and are entitled to the interest of the average person.

What is required to create?

If this is an additional room, a well-fixed or stationary staircase must be connected to it. A folding one will not provide adequate security and is generally immediately crossed off by professionals from the list of suitable solutions.

The optimal height of the mezzanine is 2 meters, from the platform to the ceiling - at least 1.5 m. The main light source will be built-in LED bulbs or floor lamps. In order not to experience a lack of air, it is worth making a dormer window or installing a fan. As a modern alternative, split systems with forced ventilation are offered. Sometimes they are decorated and skillfully disguised in the interior.

Before choosing a model and installation, it is advisable to carefully consider the situation again. Mezzanines should fit organically into the overall style, match in color, material, shape.

What to consider when arranging?

Once you have decided on the type of design, you need to think through a few more important points:

• Height mezzanine. After the construction of the superstructure, both resulting floors can be called full-fledged only in those apartments where the ceiling height is from 5 m. Considering that apartments of this scale either do not exist or exist in small quantities, many are thinking about building a mezzanine with a ceiling height of 3 m or more. m. In this case, there is only enough space to accommodate a person in a sitting and lying position. Calculate height mezzanines are possible according to the formula. To the height of the tallest person in your family, you need to add 20 cm three times (the distance from the top of the head to the mezzanine floor, the average thickness of the slabs used for the floor, the distance from the top of the head to the ceiling). For example, 175+20+20+20=235 cm. This value must be subtracted from the ceiling height in your home. If we are talking about a ceiling 3 m high, then after the construction of the mezzanine, the distance from its floor to the ceiling will be only 65 cm, which will not allow an adult to even sit down on the bed and level up. Minimum recommended height the mezzanine floor is 120 cm. Then the height of the first floor, taking into account the thickness of the ceiling, will be 180 cm, which gives us a total ceiling height of 320 cm. Options for placing the superstructure at different ceiling heights are shown in the figure;

• Square. The size of the platform should be no more than 40% of the total area of ​​the room. Whether the mezzanine will be made in the form of a square or a rectangle, you need to decide depending on its location, the configuration of the room and the purpose of the superstructure. If this is an additional sleeping “room”, you need to focus on the size of the bed, etc.;
• Choosing a location. Due to the fact that it is often necessary to sacrifice the height of the “first” floor in order to leave enough space on the mezzanine to move, it is located above non-residential areas. It is rational to build mezzanines over wardrobes, over kitchen units, over bookshelves, over beds and sofas and other elements whose lack of height can be compensated for by additional depth or height;
• Type of stairs. Stairs, especially within small or one-room apartments, can be a real problem. After all, in order for it to be comfortable, the distance between its steps should be no more than 25 cm, and their depth should be at least 30 cm. For families with children, flight stairs will be the most convenient. Also, the span must have handrails. The most convenient option for placing them is close to one of the walls. This will make it possible to use the space under the span. The advantage of spiral staircases is that they can be placed anywhere on the mezzanine, depending on the need. However, it may be difficult for older people to get up; they need to adapt to moving in a circle, and in this case it may be difficult to carry large objects onto the mezzanine. In order to save space, many people prefer to use ladders. But they can be unsafe for both children and adults. When using such stairs, it is necessary to ensure reliable fixation of its ends, both in the plane of the floor and in the mezzanine ceiling. Possible options for installing the stairs are shown in the figure;
• Fencing. Railings around the perimeter of the superstructure must be erected without fail. If children live in the room, the height of the railings should be selected in such a way that children cannot climb over them. If the fence is not solid, then the distance between the bars should be minimal so that children cannot crawl through them;
• Lighting. In most cases, natural light cannot fully illuminate the mezzanine floor, so it is necessary to provide a high-quality artificial lighting system. The degree of illumination will depend on the purpose of the room. If this is a break room, a powerful light may not be needed. In a study, on the contrary, the lamp should illuminate the work area well. If for one reason or another it is no longer possible to organize overhead lighting, table lamps and floor lamps and diode strips are used. An interesting way out would be to install a false window with lighting;

• Ventilation. It is known that warm air always rises. Because of this, the mezzanine floor can be hot, stuffy and uncomfortable. The problem can be solved by installing forced ventilation by installing a split system;
• Heating. Whether a heating system is necessary on the mezzanine floor is up to you to decide. If the apartment is warm enough during the cold season, then you can do without it. Otherwise, limit yourself to purchasing a heater. Infrared is best. You can also use a film infrared floor. Its advantage is that it does not weigh down the structure and can even be laid on a wooden base and under any type of floor covering.

Basic styles and ideas

In a classic interior, noble tones and objects made of natural wood should prevail. They are functional, reliable and last a very long time. The currently popular minimalism is characterized by laconicism. Storage systems visually merge with the surrounding space, while they are very convenient and spacious.

If you like styles such as country and Provence, eco, give preference to light shades, simple colors and natural materials. They will help create home comfort. The priority is pastel colors and aged white. You can leave the shelf open and place wicker baskets with various small things in it.

Materials used

You can find cabinet models made from different materials. The choice of one type or another depends on the interior and personal preferences.

Natural wood. This material is environmentally friendly and provides comfort. If the panels are treated with impregnation with water-repellent components, they are ideal for mezzanine facades and cabinets with hinged doors. The sliding system may not support the weight of the shaft. The disadvantage of furniture made from this material is the relatively high price and instability to mechanical damage;

MDF and chipboard panels. Due to its affordable price, this material is the most popular. The base for cabinets and facades is made from it. Wood panels are available in a variety of finishes. Their decorative coating can be of different colors, imitating natural textures.

Foil, plastic or veneer perform not only a decorative, but also a protective function, giving the furniture water-repellent properties and resistance to mechanical damage;

Mirrors and glass panels. More durable materials are used in wardrobe doors;

Cabinet filling - shelves, grids, rods - made of metal or plastic;

There are many options for storage systems, but it is worth choosing quality accessories. After all, the life of the cabinet depends on how the door guides and cabinet rollers are made.

Useful design tips

Due to the additional structure under the ceiling, the balance is disrupted and the space seems heavier. To maintain harmony:

• Make the outer part the same as the ceiling, or decorate it in light colors.
• Think in advance about how the doors will open and close. They should not touch the chandelier or other objects.
• Add visual height with mirrored panels.
• Leave space for free access to windows and furniture.

If your budget is modest and the interior is made in classic, conservative styles, do not rush to give up the mezzanine. It can be made not from valuable wood species, but from high-quality materials that imitate them.

Nowadays, tiles, panels, and various wood-look boards are in fashion.

Interior design ideas

Improving storage areas depends on where exactly they are located in the hallway. Example: along a long wall, to simplify the task of getting something from above, an escalator is installed.

Unusual ideas for arranging a mezzanine floor

The free space can easily be adapted into a corner for creativity or a workshop. Here no one will interfere with embroidering, drawing, sewing, or modeling something. If you like to grow flowers and herbs, a specially prepared place at the top will also come in handy. Take care of additional lighting, wise choice of plants - and enjoy your beautiful mini-garden whenever you want.

It’s also a good place to play board or computer games, just read, chat on the phone, even a coffee table is not necessary. In most cases, pillows or ottomans and rugs are sufficient. Some also manage to turn the mezzanine floor into a home bar, especially often placing it above the kitchen area.

Where to start arrangement?

If all the pros and cons are weighed, and a clear decision is made that there should be a mezzanine in your apartment, you need to take care of safety.

Before choosing a location, design, etc., it is necessary
to evaluate the very possibility of erecting a superstructure:

• first of all, it is necessary to carry out an examination of the technical condition of the building’s load-bearing structures;
• obtain a conclusion permitting the construction of a mezzanine;
• order a superstructure project and have it approved by the relevant authorities.

Modern kitchens with mezzanines

What are the advantages of such storage systems in the kitchen? You visually expand the space and remove a bunch of things inside the cabinets. Now cleaning will definitely take much less time, and you won’t have to frantically remember where you left the old scoop or country saucepan. By the way, it’s generally a good place to store everything you rarely use. If you need something, take a chair or stool and calmly get it.

The idea is good, but it doesn't suit everyone. First you need to check all the characteristics of the room. Is there enough ceiling height and space for a closet with a mezzanine? Will there be any problems with communications, including ventilation outlets and hoods? If everything is in order, start designing.

A universal solution is a white kitchen interspersed with a couple of warm shades. If you have a large number of kitchen appliances and appliances, you should take a closer look at neoclassicism. Use beige, gray and white tones, modern materials. Avoid ebony and glossy facades. Shiny surfaces are appropriate when decorating a kitchen in a high-tech style.

Want something more original? Turn to Gothic with its raw wood and natural stone, or lounge with pleasant, unobtrusive colors and soft corners. Romantics will love the white and blue nautical design, while fans of Asia and Africa will love the Indian and Egyptian designs. The first is characterized by carved elements and the brightest colors possible, while the second is characterized by mystical and historical images, patterns, and massive furniture sets.

Conclusion

The mezzanine is a popular design solution for apartments and office spaces with high ceilings. It allows you to place additional offices or rooms, move a kitchen and even a bathroom there.

Remember that redevelopment will be considered a mezzanine erected only in the premises of residential buildings. In non-residential buildings this is already reconstruction, and there is a different way of approval.

Coordination of this redevelopment is a costly undertaking, both in time and finances. We can help you save time. Sign up for a free consultation with us and we will tell you how to act specifically in your situation.

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Zamyatin Dmitry Alekseevich

Zamyatin Dmitry Alekseevich

General Director of LLC "APM-1" Design workshop PEREPLAN.
Education: Higher technical (Master's degree from Moscow State University of Civil Engineering)

Specialization Coordination of redevelopment of commercial and residential real estate in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Secrets of creating a kitchen with mezzanines to the ceiling

To prevent the upper shelves and cabinets from appearing too massive, arrange additional lighting. It is good above the dining and work areas, next to paintings and mirrors. It is also an effective tool for zoning.

Cabinets are made from chipboard, MDF, and natural materials. The main thing is resistance to moisture, temperature changes, and mechanical damage. Be sure to install a hood that protects objects from steam and gas.

Cabinets can also serve a decorative function; in this case, they are not closed with doors and are loaded to a minimum. A very original option is to place storage systems directly on the ceiling. One gets the feeling that they seem to be “hovering over the islands.” They are usually actively used in everyday life, for example, when cooking. They open from several sides.

How to decorate a room with a mezzanine?

Mezzanines seem to many to be a useless relic of the past, but this internal detail is greatly underestimated. Mezzanines simultaneously solve the problem of storing things and preserving free space: a real lifesaver for small apartments.

Functional wardrobe

If a piece of furniture has doors, then it can be used as a locker for things that are not used at certain times of the year. This way, there will be no clutter in the apartment, and there will be free space in the wardrobe for new things.

Mini library

This option is suitable if the mezzanine is spacious. No doors needed. To protect books from dust, you need to use a curtain that fits the size and complement it with a pendant, which will be a source of dim light.

Additional comfort in the room will be guaranteed. You can place books on shelves in different ways, the main thing is that everything looks organic. Collectors of paper books will appreciate this idea.

Secret hideout for children

With this option, the closet should be much larger and taller than usual. Also, for convenience, it will need to be equipped with a ladder. But you can be sure that children will be delighted with such a small but cozy corner. It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the corridor so as not to constantly trip on the stairs. This option is suitable for large houses.

Decor element

Oddly enough, the mezzanine will act as a piece of furniture if it is decorated with decorations, lamps or even flowers. Anything that the owner of the apartment likes is suitable as decoration.

Device recommendations

Furniture with a mezzanine should be sufficiently lit. A simple lamp or lamp installed in the room will not be enough to be able to navigate. Typically a mezzanine is installed in a hallway or hallway that is poorly lit.

Experts recommend:

• Install a lampshade to protect the light source. This will avoid mechanical damage to the chandelier when placing things;
• It is best to place the lamp or the lamp itself closer to the shelf.

The mezzanine above the door is a wall. Its main function is to fill the free space from the ceiling to the opening.

Doors for mezzanines can be designed as curtains. This method is rarely used, since such a design will not look aesthetically pleasing. The situation is different if the closet door and the curtains in the room are made of the same material.

How to disguise a mezzanine

The mezzanine can be made less noticeable. To do this, there are the following techniques.

• The upper shelves can be hidden behind sliding wardrobe doors. This simple-looking system is spacious and practical;
• Finishing the mezzanines with mirror panels will “dissolve” them in space. This technique will help to visually complicate the geometry of the corridor and create the illusion of another room;

• The absence of handles will make the mezzanine facades less noticeable. In this case, the door opens by pressing;
• The built-in mezzanine can be finished with the same finishing materials as the walls.

The problem with storage space can be solved by installing an attic closet in the hallway. To make it convenient to use and the appearance pleasant, it is important to take into account the features of the room, the style of the interior and arrange the furniture correctly.

What if the kitchen is corner with mezzanines?

Great! This is a godsend for small spaces. The third tier is installed on all sides or on just one. One of the fashion trends is gray furniture in the kitchen. It looks stylish and goes well with bright colors that act as an accent. You can place a small dining table or a comfortable bar counter.

Two-tone kitchens also look beautiful and stylish, especially the white top and gray bottom. The shiny surfaces of the facades add attractiveness.

There may also be open shelves in the middle of the headset and LED lighting throughout. To “lighten” the interior, large household appliances are placed in special compartments.

How to make a 2nd floor in a house. Second floor construction technologies

To build the second floor of a private house, several technologies are used:

• masonry;
• use of reinforced concrete structures (polystyrene concrete);
• wood laying;
• frame-panel technology;
• prefabricated structures.

The use of brick and reinforced concrete is usually possible after strengthening the walls and foundation or on separate “piles” that are located around the perimeter of the entire house. In wooden houses, the second floor is made of timber, but the final finishing can be done no earlier than in a year.

Strengthening a structure is quite labor-intensive and costly work. If there are no financial opportunities and time, then the superstructure can be made from lightweight frame panels or a prefabricated structure.

Advantages of frame technology:

• light weight;
• low cost of materials;
• fire safety;
• ability to carry out work in any weather conditions.

Ready-made prefabricated structures have appeared on the construction market, which consist of individual elements and are assembled into a single structure at the construction site. They are made from various materials, the most common being wooden trusses and frames; the joining of elements occurs through a keyed connection.

The most practical and easy-to-assemble glued structures of the bent type, fastened in a hinged way. However, due to their high cost, they are rarely used in domestic construction.

Frame and truss structures made of metal have proven themselves well in mass construction. They are reliable and affordable, their only drawback is the difficulty of lifting the parts to the top. Often it is necessary to use heavy construction equipment.

All about mezzanines for the bedroom

They are indispensable for lovers of large double beds, as they automatically free up space for a small sofa or armchair, dressing table, or wardrobe. What about the mezzanine floor in the bedroom?

1. Place a light bed, a floor lamp and a vase of flowers upstairs, and a dressing room below. Hang a mirror on the wall, a shelf under it and a pouf next to it. The result will be almost a boudoir.
2. Make a dressing room on top. In this case, choose lightweight cabinets or sliding, wall-mounted systems.
3. Make several bedrooms in one room at once: on the upper level - an adult, and on the lower level - a children's room.
4. Use the mezzanine floor to create a guest room if you often have friends and relatives spend the night. You can hang curtains or put up a screen to isolate your personal space.

This is the optimal solution, because you definitely can’t make a living room above the kitchen, and such mezzanines will look strange in the living room.

Legal subtleties and cost of project approval

The design of the mezzanine largely depends on what it is intended for. The condition of the building and the load-bearing capacity of its floors are also of great importance. Even before creating the project, you need to decide what the lighting and heating will be like, where the ventilation will be located. The house must be inspected for the presence or absence of defects.

The construction of an additional level is, according to the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation, an internal reconstruction. This means that to carry out this task you need to obtain permits from regulatory authorities. The process will take at least 8-10 weeks.

After construction, there will also be paperwork - you will need to put the new facility into operation, obtain documents from the BTI and make changes to the Unified State Register.

Self-approval will cost approximately 150 thousand rubles. This amount includes the redevelopment project, issuance of a technical report, approval by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station, official consent of all owners to carry out the redevelopment, creation of a technical plan, state duty for the new plan and making changes to Rosreestr. There are organizations that are ready to do everything for you, but in this case, legalizing the mezzanine will cost even more.

IMPORTANT. The validity period of the received permit is one year. During this time, it will be necessary to complete all work on the construction of the additional site. Otherwise, you will have to renew your permit.

It is difficult, but possible, to legitimize an already erected mezzanine. If there are no obvious violations, they will meet you halfway. However, a fine of 3,000 rubles - for individuals - will need to be paid.

The process of constructing the mezzanine floor has just begun, but by this time all documents should be ready

If the ceiling is low, the second level will not be comfortable enough

Wardrobe with mezzanines in the bedroom

It is multifunctional, compact and roomy at the same time.

Visually increases the area of ​​the room. Experts advise buying models equipped with side shelves. They are usually built into a niche. Lighting fixtures act as decorative elements. Often in sleeping mezzanines there are no doors; blankets, blankets, pillows and neatly folded bed linen are stored on open shelves.

Arrangement of storage space

On the mezzanine floor, located in a noisy area of ​​the home, it is rational to arrange an area for storing things.

• Such an area can be a logical continuation of the kitchen located underneath it. Then cabinets of the same design and color as in the kitchen set are installed on top. There you can store small household appliances, excess dishes, or create a full-fledged pantry for storing preserved food. Such a necessary corner often has no place in a modern interior;
• In small apartments there is often no space for storing home textiles - towels, bed linen, extra pillows and bulky winter blankets. All these items are usually distributed in sofa and bed niches or stored in wardrobes. As a result, most pieces of furniture have a solid and bulky appearance, which in turn visually makes the room even smaller. Prefer more elegant and light pieces of furniture, and place everything you need on the mezzanine.

Mezzanines under the ceiling in the hallway

Many people still have the usual “containers” in their hallways for storing pickles, old books, magazines, empty cans, sleds and other “goods.” Have you ever thought that these extra meters can be used in another way - to also become an interior decoration?

For example, next to the front door you can make hanging shelves for hats, gloves, umbrellas and even souvenirs. Thanks to the closed case, your things will be protected from dirt, dust, and moisture.

Mezzanines are also placed along the perimeter of the corridor, so there will be more room. But it is important to remember to reduce the height of the ceiling and decorate the bottom so that it organically complements the interior. Hanging structures made of dark natural wood are good for creating a classic atmosphere, they will be complemented by cute items with floral prints. To decorate a corridor in a minimalist style, use light mezzanines, country - open niches made of environmentally friendly materials.

A mezzanine shelf instead of a mezzanine - conditions for its installation

If the ceiling height is less than 4.4 meters, a mezzanine cannot be erected, but the installation of a mezzanine shelf is permitted. You can make a sleeping place on it or organize storage of things.

The main difference between the shelf is that you cannot build a stationary ladder to it; you need to make an attached or folding one.

The mezzanine shelf is not included in the area of ​​the apartment. When it is approved by the Moscow Housing Inspectorate, permission is not required from the authors of the house project.

Here is an example of a completed shelf:

The staircase leading to the mezzanine shelf is always attached. It can be made from storage shelves. The main condition for the ladder is that it can be easily removed and put away. Photo: imbuilder.ru

Another example of a ladder. Photo: promoidom.com.

Below is an example of what not to do: a mezzanine shelf with a permanent ladder. This is a violation, since formally such a shelf is considered a full-fledged mezzanine, but the height of the ceilings in this case does not allow making a mezzanine.

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