A marble bed design is a built-in platform made of brick or concrete and finished in marble, granite or smooth cement, with the mattress laid on top. It never creaks, termites cannot touch it, and it stays cool, which is why such beds are common in hot parts of India, farmhouses and holiday homes.
Because it is part of the house, a stone bed must be planned before flooring or along with a renovation. The 6 original designs below show white marble, granite, cement and exposed brick versions, each with its size and how it is built. If you would rather have a movable frame, compare them with our low height bed designs and floating beds.
Marble Bed Design and Granite Stone Platforms
In a marble stone bed design, the cladding makes the platform easy to wipe and very hard wearing. A white marble bed design keeps a room bright; granite stone bed design hides stains better.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildBrick, white marble
- StorageNone, solid platform
A white marble top and sides form a 14 inch platform, while a teak panel behind the pillows adds warmth. A cool, bright choice for a sunny room in a hot city.
Tell your carpenterAsk the mason to round all marble edges and corners; sharp stone edges hurt shins.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildBrick, black granite, teak
- Storage2 front drawers
Black granite on the top edge resists stains and chips. Two teak drawers set into the brick base give storage that a solid platform usually lacks.
Tell your carpenterLeave drawer openings in the brickwork while building, and fit wooden frames before the granite goes on.
- SizeQueen 60 x 75 in
- BuildConcrete, beige marble
- StorageNone, recessed base
The beige marble top overhangs a recessed base by 4 inches, so the platform seems to float. A warm strip light underneath makes a gentle night light.
Tell your carpenterPlan the light strip wiring and a switch near the bed before the marble is laid.
Cement, Brick and Concrete Bed Design for Masonry Beds
A cement bed design costs less than stone and suits rustic, farmhouse and modern rooms. Brick and concrete can be left exposed, plastered smooth or finished in a coloured cement coat.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildBrick, grey cement finish
- StorageSide niches
A smooth grey cement finish on the platform runs into the side walls, with open niches for books and a lamp. Simple to build during a renovation.
Tell your carpenterAsk for a sealed cement finish so it does not shed dust; seal it again every year or two.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildExposed brick, wood top
- StorageNone, solid platform
Red brick left exposed with neat joints gives a rustic farmhouse look, topped by a solid wood plank. Best on the ground floor, where its weight is not a worry.
Tell your carpenterAsk the mason for flush pointed joints and a clear sealer so the brick does not crumble.
- SizeQueen 60 x 75 in
- BuildConcrete, white cement
- StorageLift-up ply lid
Rounded corners and a white cement coat give a soft, sculpted look. A lift-up ply lid on top hides storage inside the concrete box.
Tell your carpenterLine the inner storage box with a damp proof sheet so quilts stay dry in the monsoon.
How a Stone or Cement Bed Is Built
- Fix the mattress size first and mark the platform on the floor, about 2 inches bigger each way than the mattress.
- Build the base in brick or block, leaving gaps for drawers, niches or a storage box.
- Cast a concrete slab or lay a stone top, keeping the finished height at 12 to 18 inches for a low look, or up to knee height for easy sitting.
- Clad in marble or granite, or apply a cement finish and seal it.
- Let it cure fully before the mattress goes on, usually two to three weeks for concrete.
On upper floors, ask a civil engineer whether the slab can take the extra weight. A hollow box with a ply top is much lighter than a solid concrete block.
Bed Stone Design Materials Compared
| Finish | Feel | Upkeep | Cost level |
|---|---|---|---|
| White marble | Cool, bright | Stains with oil and tea; seal it | Medium to high |
| Granite | Cool, hard, glossy | Very low | Medium |
| Kota stone | Matte, earthy | Low, oil it now and then | Low |
| Cement plaster or coat | Smooth, modern | Seal yearly against dust | Low |
| Exposed brick | Rustic | Seal joints | Low |
For the rest of the bedroom marble design, match the platform to the floor or pick one shade darker so it stands out a little.
Problems with Masonry Beds and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Mattress gets damp underneath | Put a slatted wooden base or a breathable mat between stone and mattress |
| Too cold in winter | Use a thicker mattress, a quilted pad and a wooden headboard |
| Cannot rearrange the room | Plan the bed wall carefully; it is permanent |
| No storage | Build drawers, niches or a lid box into the base at the start |
| Hairline cracks in cement | Fill and reseal; let concrete cure slowly by keeping it wet |
Questions people ask
Is a stone bed good for health?
A stone bed is firm and cool, which many people like in summer. The comfort still comes from the mattress, so use a good one and keep air moving underneath to avoid damp.
Can I build a cement bed in a rented flat?
Usually not, as it is permanent and needs the owner's permission. A low wooden platform or a low height bed gives a similar look and can be moved.
Which is better, marble or granite for a bed?
Granite is harder and resists stains better. Marble looks softer and brighter but needs sealing. For a simple marble bed design, white or beige marble with rounded edges is easiest to live with.
How high should a built-in bed be?
Low platforms sit 12 to 18 inches high. If older family members will use it, raise it closer to knee height so getting up is easy.
What is a bricks bed design called in shops?
Masons call it a platform bed or a pucca bed, meaning a solid built bed. Some readers search for bricks bed design or a bedroom self design with cement for the same idea.
Can a marble bed have storage?
Yes, if planned before building. Leave drawer openings in the brick, or build a hollow box with a ply lid. Our storage bed ideas show more ways to hide things.