What is it and why is a mezzanine needed?
Term comes from the French "entresol"... Initially, this was the name of the upper mezzanine, built into the height of the main floor (in modern interiors there are analogues in the form beds under the ceiling).
The mezzanine furniture concept describes open shelves or cabinets located under the ceiling.... May also mean upper cabinet compartmentswith separate doors, and in the Soviet walls there is also a separate building.
Since such a structure is located higher than human height, it is inconvenient to get things located in it. Therefore, spacious ceiling cabinets are used as storage of rarely used or seasonal items... The mezzanine can contain:
- winter shoes in summer, summer in winter;
- sports equipment: sledges, skis, skates, balls;
- Christmas accessories: Christmas trees, toys, garlands;
- items for outdoor activities: tents, folding barbecues;
- off-season accessories: hats, caps, scarves, mittens.
Where is it better to place?
The location of the mezzanines depends primarily on the layout of the hallway itself. For example, in elongated hallways lockers are clamped between long walls - in this way, they are likely to occupy the space above the front door and the passage to the rooms.
This way the easiest to make on your own: The rails are attached to the side walls, so the 4 sides (sides, lid, back wall) are ready. It remains only to make the bottom and fix the doors.
Second option for narrow hallway - wardrobe with a mezzanine along the elongated side. This method is one of the favorite among owners of apartments with long corridors. Cupboard turns out to be roomy. And mezzanines not only create additional useful storage space, but also help to build furniture up to the ceiling, making the room visually taller.
IN rooms with a niche it is logical to build furniture into the recess. There will be space under the hinged shelf for a cabinet, hangers, mirrors, decor.
For rooms with corner cabinets or empty corners, the mezzanines can be L-shaped - before installing, decide how the doors for the mezzanines will open. It is important that they do not touch each other or the ceiling.
How can you arrange the doors?
Since the doors are practically the only noticeable part of the mezzanine in the hallway, their design should be thought out separately.
By choosing installation in conjunction with a wardrobe in the hallway, you automatically solve the problem of a prominent second floor: since the design and color of the furniture will be the same, the mezzanine will remain invisible.
Another way make a closed structure invisible - paint in the color of the walls. Finishing will help the wall cabinet literally dissolve into space.
Option 3 - deliberately beautiful doors... For example, jalousie with bright handles, painted, mirrored in the hallway will look great. The main thing is to choose something suitable for the style of the house.
In certain design directions (country, provence) curtains are appropriate: they perfectly hide the inner world of the mezzanine, are cheaper than doors, and easier to install.
Of course, there is always a possibility abandon facades altogetherleaving the perimeter shelves open. Relative minus - here you have to maintain cleanliness. Therefore, instead of a chaotic accumulation of old things, it is better to put together a home library. Or place beautiful baskets where you can put everything you need.
Besides looks opening technology is important: facades are sliding, hinged. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The former are safer because eliminate the likelihood of hitting your head on the end of the open door But if it is necessary to load or get something oversized, problems may arise, because when opening, only half of the opening is released.
How to do it yourself?
Soviet-built apartments initially assumed the presence of a mezzanine in the hallway - in Khrushchev it was two-sided, the second part opened with a door to the kitchen or living room.
Old constructions are reliable, they do not need to be redone - just update the look. In modern interiors, corridors are not equipped with storage facilities - but if desired, a wall cabinet can be built with your own hands.
Step-by-step instruction
1. First of all, decide on the material... The modern mezzanine in the hallway is made of drywall (mounted on special metal profiles), chipboard, chipboard, MDF, wood, plywood.
Chipboard or wood does not require additional decor, they themselves look aesthetically pleasing. The rest of the materials will have to be painted, pasted over with wallpaper.
Important! If there is already furniture in the room, make a mezzanine from the same material and the same color.
2. Moving on to measurements: Take measurements from the intended installation location. When placed between the walls, you will need the depth, height and width of the future product.
3. The frame is screwed: Installation starts from the bottom.
- 4 bars form a rectangle on which the bottom will subsequently be installed.
- Another 3 beams (2 side + top bar) are placed on the front wall - they will become the basis for attaching the doors.
4. Next is to set the bottom - it is convenient to cut it in place, especially if the walls are not parallel to each other. To make the furniture withstand the weight of a large number of things, choose natural wood or thick plywood for the bottom. Particleboard, MDF require strengthening (especially on wide, deep models).
5. The last step - facades... The hinges are screwed to the top or side inner rails located at the front. Leave a gap of 0.5-1 cm at the top - this eliminates the possibility of touching the ceiling.
Video tutorial
For an interesting option on how to arrange a mezzanine without complicated preparation and measurements, see the video instructions:
How does it look in different styles?
Installing wooden flooring is not enough; it should be designed to match the style of the hallway.
It is permissible to leave open shelves in the hallway, made in industrial or scandinavian style.
Classic direction requires the use of chamfered or patina door models. It is best to order a modular set or support the appearance of the mezzanine with other furniture: a hanger, a shelf for shoes, a chest of drawers with clothes.
Light cozy hallway in a modern style conveys the idea of invisibility: for this, the cabinet under the ceiling is equipped with glossy fronts without handles. Various options of fittings are used for opening.
Interior design ideas
Improving storage space depends on where exactly in the hallway they are located. Example: Along the long wall, to simplify the task of getting something from above, equip a mobile ladder.
If the mezzanine is part of a tall cabinet, for harmony in the interior, it is enough to arrange them in the same way. There are separate storages in the hallway above the entrance group - in this case, their color is matched to the walls or doors (if they are lighter than the walls). Otherwise, the shelves hanging over your head will look cumbersome.
There is no need to perceive the mezzanine as an outdated storage option: modern design also implies their use. The main thing is to arrange the lockers correctly.