Category Archives: Furniture
Geeky Beds Part 4: Jurassic Park
It’s been awhile since I posted something related to Jurassic Park, fortunately this idea came to mind for the Geeky Bed series.
There are already quite a few bed frames out there (especially from IKEA) that look similar to this bed frame. Just need to slap on some silver paint and alternating lights to mimic the electrical fence from the first film.
While grownups and kids may get a kick out of this design, it just occurred to me it would look much better as a crib, or one of those safety gates you place to keep toddlers/pets at bay as well.
Playstation 4 Flat Concept
Compared to some of my other console designs, this is a very minimalist approach, one that uses my often-preached need to flatten electronics. Flat as in the same orientation as your LCD TV screen. If the TV can be a space-saver, then why can’t all your component electronics and consoles be the same? Your entertainment unit should only be about 7-10 inches deep in this blogger’s opinion. Sitting orientation is like so:
Depicted above is the Star Trek View Screen LCD monitor. Check it out in this post.
With this Playstation 4 standing parallel to the wall, I gave it a ‘S’ shape design, so you can nicely feed it discs and the cords in the back. This way the cords are hidden from view:
This is a very simple design, using a very low-key approach. Typically I would add LED lights and a few other bells and whistles. However in light of Sony’s latest PS3 console iteration, which reduces the LED lights and power consumption, I thought I’d take the same approach. One LED power indicator, and it’s pretty much a black slab. A hybrid of the PS2 and PS3.
My thoughts then turned to the faceplates of the first version of the Xbox 360. Having those graphics on the console certainly livened things up. With a big black box staring back at you, I thought I’d take a similar approach, and create a stand that would turn your Blu-Ray or PS4 game case into a faceplate of sorts, by providing a place for it to sit:
The stand would retract from the base stand, creating a perch for your jewel case. This feature acts like a theater marquee of sorts, announcing what you are currently playing or watching. Makes for a nice display. Also it’s very handy to have, as you’ll never misplace your case again.
No controller design here, but I it would likely be another DualShock for the PS4. Though it would be great if it had some of the features from this Xbox Slim controller I designed.
Geeky Beds Part 3: The Shoebox
I love shoes as much as the next person, but not enough to collect them or anything like that. I am very much aware of the die-hard shoe enthusiasts, of which documentaries and songs have been made. And for those who love shoes, I offer this shoebox-themed bed.
It’s pretty simple: the bed frame is a giant replica of a shoebox, with the box lid placed underneath. The duvet cover would feature a print of some shoes, laid out as though they were in said box.
Given the big boxy look, I would probably have some shelves built-in at the base to store - what else - shoes. Scratch that - probably clothes and junk. You don’t want smelly shoes under your bed, unless you are one of those enthusiasts, who have a large rotation of shoes and deodorize all of them diligently.
Geeky Beds Part 2: Wrestling Ring
Please note: this is just a design, I do not make or sell beds. Please go here for more information. Original post as follows:
Here is one I’m a little surprised no one has done yet, even as a home-brew project: a bed based on a WWF/WWE wrestling (or boxing) ring. It would feature the ropes and turnbuckles of a ring, and the wrestling mat graphics would be printed on the duvet and/or sheets.
If this was made, the temptation to recreate wrestling acrobatics would be huge. I would make the corner poles telescoping (would descend when there is weight on them). The bed would need to be sturdy in case the kids like to jump around. As a safety precaution the ropes could have a break-away feature (like your Xbox 360 wired controller).
This design is more for kids, but if adult wrestling fans want one, be prepared for the non-stop ribbing.
Not shown: the pillowcase would have a folding chair graphic.
BONUS IDEA: A baby crib shaped like an MMA Octagon. That would be hilarious - to see your toddler crawling around a blood-stained UFC ring.
UPDATE: This is one of my most popular posts, so I did a 3D version. Most of the other beds got a 3D version, feel bad this one didn’t!
Geeky Bed Ideas Part 1: Ghostbusters
One of the items I featured in my Geeky IKEA series was a duvet cover that looked like the original Nintendo Game Boy. I have a few more bed ideas along that vein, enough for their own spinoff series.
Here is a duvet cover that features the gold and black hash marks with an accompanying Slimer pillowcase, together giving the appearance of the Ghostbusters’ ghost trap. This would look great on a black and blocky bed frame, like the IKEA Malm one I used here.
You could go the extra mile add some decorative touches around the bed frame, but I think the duvet and pillowcase alone speak volumes.
Parents might appreciate the appearance of this design, as it would look like their kids are being ensnared by this trap device - their reign of terror is over (until the morning).
If IKEA Made Geeky Furniture Part 15: Skyscraper Comic Book Display Case
I recently used a Comic Book rack for Blu-Ray movies earlier in the IKEA series, so where does that leave actual comic books? Perhaps a bookshelf/display case shaped like the Daily Planet will fit the bill.
Of course it could be another comic book building such as the Daily Bugle or the Baxter Building, but for the purposes of this idea the Daily Planet is the most iconic. Certainly doesn’t hurt being affiliated with Superman either.
This design is based on those fancy china cabinets, which are typically fitted with glass doors and interior lighting. I thought I’d add some exterior flood lights too, much like a skyscraper would have.
Besides the lights and the spinning globe, the ledges on the building would be ideal to display your action figures (as seen above). A few other odds and ends could be added, like flag poles, gargoyles, blinking red lights (markers for air traffic), and so forth.
I think the lighting and glass - while crucial in making this appear just like a building - adds luxury and class to the overall look. It’s a great way to display your comics.
This particular design is only about 7 feet tall, so there is room for growth. A few imperatives: a switch to turn off both the lights and Daily Planet globe, and the glass has to be specially-coated to preserve the books from damaging UV light.
I’d love to have one of these for my books, games, films, and other assorted geeky wares.
If IKEA Made Geeky Furniture Part 14: Home Theater Stage
Of all the items I’ve designed for the Geeky IKEA series, the one that has stumped me the most was trying to create an Entertainment Unit / Home Theater display. This is because my first instinct would be to do a Star Trek view screen display, but I think that works fine as a stand-alone TV. There were a few other ideas, but nothing I really wanted in my living room.
You’ve probably seen those audio video specialists who will set up a fancy “movie theater” system like this in your home for a pretty penny. These designer theaters feature lots of bells and whistles (popcorn machine, theater bucket seats, poster displays, lighting systems) on top of all the state-of-the-art electronic toys. Because of the scope and price of this installation, it’s a luxury few can afford.
But what I want is the stage home theater for the everyman, the average Joe or… Josephine. A basic entertainment unit with a curtain and some mood lights. Maybe a few options like remote-controlled curtains and built-in speakers, but that’s all you need really.
This centerpiece is aimed at film aficionados, gamers, and anyone who likes atmospheric furniture. Having this in the living room will definitely get you thinking about watching films, and will amplify your film-viewing experience.
However if you have a cat that likes to climb curtains, you might want to pass. Also you’ll have that one friend who’ll joke about you operating a puppet show, but you can smack him upside the head.
For those who own a comparable entertainment unit currently, I can’t imagine it being too difficult to affix curtains and lights. A nice little pet project for a rainy day.
