A Small Loft Bed Makes a Great Choice For Kids' Rooms
A small loft bed is a popular choice for rooms for children, allowing them to make use of the space underneath for studying or playing. This West Elm pick has a elegant Mid-Century design and comes in two different finishes.
The instructions are simple and easy to follow. This loft bed is only suitable for mattresses 9 inches and less. Anything higher may be a risk to the safety guardrails.
Stores
It might be a bit awkward to make use of an elevated bed as a way to create more storage space, but it can be incredibly useful. For instance, instead of a large bookcase that takes up the floor, a lofted bed can be used as a bookcase, and the sides can be used for other purposes like a reading area or display shelves. A lofted bed can be utilized as a workstation that allows a child to create an office area for homework or other tasks without taking up living space in a small room.
Many loft beds for kids have a desk space underneath, but you could also add one to any regular loft bed by constructing it yourself or by modifying the space beneath the bed by adding some shelves and a improvised desk. For example, this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) features a desk tucked into the front of the bunk and a bookcase with an adjustable ladder that doubles as side rails. The simple design of the bunk makes it ideal for any kid's bedroom, and the rails that are slatted make it suitable for rooms with low ceilings.
Another alternative is to use a loft bed as a dresser and this model from Ikea is a hefty amount of storage capacity. The loft bed is available in a variety of finishes that suit different decor styles including modern and rustic. The bottom of the loft features two drawers, while the top opens to reveal more storage space. This design is perfect for adults who want to convert their bedroom an office, or for children with a large collection of toys and books.
If you have a little one who is a reader then you can transform your loft into a mini library by adding some shelves and a comfy bean bag chair that can be used to curl up with a good book. You can also create an adorable composition by adding an area rug and a few chairs and a coffee table and a few baskets or boxes for additional storage.
A loft bed that's converted into a playhouse is the perfect option for a child who is just starting out however, the design can still be appreciated by teens who might need a place to work from and study. This model from Kidkraft is a bit less complicated to build than other models, and it comes with plans that includes step-by-step instructions with pictures for cutting the parts, assembling the bunk, and constructing the stairs. It also comes with an inventory of the tools and materials that you'll require to begin.
Space
The space that is created under the tiny loft beds can be just as important as the bed itself. The extra space can be used for storage or a desk, or a comfy sitting space. This can be an excellent method to add a unique design element to a tiny bedroom for adults, a child’s room, or a studio apartment.
double loft bed with desk can be a great way to add a bit of rustic modern or industrial style to a room with low ceilings. This bed, which is part of the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has an elegant ladder that leads to a mattress on a wooden platform. A simple chair, with a few other pieces adds to the overall look.
If your ceilings are tall enough, a full-size loft bed can be even bigger. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for example, is available in two sizes and a variety of finish options with plenty of room underneath to give you a comfy bed and more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another option. It comes with staggered stairs and a slide to ensure the highest level of safety and easy access.
The lower part of this loft bed could be used as a study space or playroom by combining a set of open cubbies, drawers for storage, as well as an ottoman that doubles as stairs to the top bed. This loft bed is perfect for teen bedrooms or kids' rooms. It can be reconfigured to meet the needs of your child as they develop.
Many loft beds have built-in bookshelves as a part of the design. This is especially useful for homes with small spaces or if you prefer to keep knick-knacks or books off the floor. A cozy reading space with a lamp as well as comfortable seating is a great way to use this space, and it's particularly useful for a teen or adult's room.
A loft bed can even be used as a workstation in a dorm. This loft bed with a pull-out desk from Naomi Home includes plenty of space for a laptop and desktop, as well as a shelving unit on either side for storing books toys, books, and other things.
Fun
Getting a loft bed for your children isn't just about storage and space, but you can also make it enjoyable. A small slide under a loft bed can be an enjoyable way to add a bit of play in your child's bedroom. It also permits an easy and quick descent from the top bunk. This bed for kids from DONCO features a slide and ladder that's sure to please any child, and can be put to later if they'd like to take the easy way up in the future.
If slides aren't the best choice for your child but you can still add a unique aspect to your loft bed by transforming the bottom of the bed into a relaxing hangout space with some chairs and a rug. The area can be used to read or relax, play games, or watch TV with your friends. It's an ideal way to keep the room clean and offer a nice place to gather.
Kids will feel like they are in their own little castle when their loft is designed to look like an old-fashioned cabin with a roof accent and windows. You can also give your loft a unique appearance by using wallpapers, wall paints or stickers that resemble trees, the sky or any other outdoor feature. Your kids will be thrilled to retreat into their own little home for sleepovers and playtime especially during winter months when they're not able to go out.
You could also add a bit of flair to your home by replacing an old ladder with an incline staircase. You can purchase one of these spiral staircases or create your own for a small loft bed, like in the bedroom designs on HGTV. The spiral staircase has a nice X design on the side. It can be enlarged as your children get older.
Another great idea is to create a loft bed that has a storage and a desk beneath for your children to work on their homework or other projects. You can find a variety of plans online for this type of loft bed, and many are simple enough to do on your own, like this plan from House of Wood. The plans come with all the directions you require, plus an inventory of the materials and cuts needed for each step of the project. This loft bed can fit the full size mattress and can be used as seating or a desk.
Safety
Bunk and loft beds are popular with kids however, they carry risks. Thousands of children are injured by loft and bunk beds every year, with injuries ranging from fractured bones, cuts and scrapes, as well as neck and head injuries. Fortunately, the majority of these injuries are preventable and easily prevented with the proper precautions in place.
The first step is to make sure the loft bed is placed correctly in the room. It should not be against the wall as this can cause children to be stuck between the wall of the bunk and the top. Instead, leave a space of at minimum 3.5 inches between the bottom edge of the guard rail and the top of the mattress foundation.
When positioning the bunk, make sure it's away from blinds, curtains and windows that could interfere with a child's vision or cause them to fall off. The bunk bed should not be placed close to anything that hangs on the rails, such as cords or toys.
A bunk bed or loft bed must have a solid, sturdy frame. Pick a frame constructed of durable materials such as metal or pine. Another option for a secure and comfortable bed is a slatted or slatted frame. Loft beds and bunk beds with an solid platform or slats do not require a boxspring and are safer for young children.
In addition to the frame, search for a loft bed that includes guardrails on both sides of the top and a ladder that can be locked into place. Children younger than six years old should not sleep on the top bunk. Make sure to warn them of the dangers by reminding them often. Also having a night light placed on the top bunk can aid children in finding their way back down the darkness.
Another important safety precaution is to use a loft safety net, which attaches to the corners of the top bunk and keeps children from falling off. The nets are available in various sizes and colors to fit any decor in the bedroom. They are also easy to install.