CHI Good Questions: 70's Corner Group Bedroom Set?

Jillian sent us an email: "I am desperately trying to find where I might be able to purchase a 1970's bedroom set called a "Corner Group" bed set. I used to have one in my bedroom, as well as my brother in the '70's I would like my two kids to have a set in each of their own rooms, but just can't seem to find any. Do you think that some one out their still has one or two, or do you know of a furniture company that can make them? They are so awesome for a older kids room..to have friends over and they are also space savers. If you can direct me to someone that sells them, I would be very grateful. Thank you."

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Jillian - we are also posting this on AT's site all about design and home life with kids, Ohdeedoh, so be sure to check for suggestions in the comment thread from the readers there as well...

We're not 100% sure if this is similar to the bed sets you remember from the seventies, but PB Teen has a few "Corner Unit" bed sets, made up of two twin beds and a corner unit and hutch. The locker style (shown above) is on sale right now, and they also offer a white or dark brown set.

Does anyone else remember these "Corner Groups"? Any recommendations on other sources for either a vintage of new set is welcome in the comments....

Comments (10)

Kind of reminds me of The Venture Brothers' bedroom.

where can i find bed frames like these?

I made my own for the living room of my apartment - I'm using it as a sofa, but it's also great for guests. I used two inexpensive IKEA twin mattresses with integrated bases. I attached the inexpensive legs IKEA sells to the mattresses, and they're pretty much the perfect height. They only set me back something like $250.

For the corner unit, I used 4 $10 IKEA desktops in white, and attached them together using metal brackets on the inside corners to form the sides of a cube. They just happened to be the perfect depth to go with the mattress/sofas. I then had a sheet of white melamine-covered particleboard cut to fit the top and bottom of the cube at Home Despot. The bottom I attached with more brackets, and the top I attached with some hidden hinges on the inside of the unit.

I drilled a hole into the top that's a couple of inches wide to use as a "handle", and plugged it with one of those white plastic cord control grommets. Finally, I attached cheap, heavy-duty IKEA wheels to the underside of the cube so I could easily move the unit for cleaning. The bottom of the cube isn't flush with the lower edge of the desks - it's recessed a couple of inches - so the wheels are completely hidden from view.

It's not perfectly square - I'm no carpenter - but it's pretty close, and for about $350 for the entire unit I can live with the results.

Now I just need to find some kind of inexpensive fabric to upholster the "sofas" with. I tried getting a white vinyl to cover them with, but vinyl stinks and I could never get the smell out of the stuff. I'm gonna try an inexpensive velvety upholstery fabric next I think.

Um, push two single beds up against a square unit in the corner...

Does this simple configuration really require a purpose built unit? - I don't think so

I agree with the last comment. Push two twin beds together. Not hard.

Any chance you can send me a picture? I have been looking for the this type of bed/corner group for months.... I had this kind of bed group around 1977 and cannot believe they are thing of the past! I need one for both of my children's rooms. My husband is very interested in looking at your creation... Thanks!

Here's an image of an authentic corner unit, direct from the 1973 Sears catalog:
http://www.lileks.com/institute/sears1973/17.html

While that's a humor site, those things were popular and practical. Not so sure I'd care for the 70's patterns, but sure could have a lot of fun with Marimeko or IKEA fabrics on those.

The 1970's Corner Group my friend and I use to sleep on looked like a living room set as well. The only picture I can remember seeing it on is the TV show, "Brady Bunch", it's pictured in the den area. The console is open so either one of the beds slides easily in and out and has a heavy coverlet over it. I've been looking for one myself, hadn't had any luck yet.

PLEASE let me know if anyone finds out where to purchase these beds I also would love to have one again for my child, thanks so much!

Has anyone found any Corner Groups? I have been looking too. The picture in the Sears catalog is it...minus the fabric of course!!
Thanks!