A Small Loft Bed Makes a Great Choice For Kids' Rooms
A tiny loft bed can be a wonderful option for a room for children because it allows children to make use of the space below for play or studying. This West Elm choice has a sleek Mid-Century design and comes in two finishes.
It requires some assembly, but the instructions are clear and straightforward. Note that this loft bed should only be used with mattresses that are 9 inches or lower; anything higher could extend beyond the safety guard rails.
Stores
It might be a bit awkward to use the loft bed as a way to create more storage space, but this can be incredibly useful. For instance, rather than a large bookcase that takes up the floor the lofted bed could be used as a bookcase. The sides can be used for other purposes like a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted mattress could be used to create an office for children, which lets them do their homework and other tasks in a tiny space without consuming valuable living space.
Many loft beds for kids come with a desk area beneath. It is possible to add a desk to any loft bed either by building it yourself, or rearranging the space beneath the bed by using shelves as well as an improvised table. This loft bed (shown in white) from Wayfair has a desk built into the front of the bed and shelves that double as a side rail. The bunk's simple design is ideal for a 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 has an impressive quantity of storage space. It is available in multiple designs to fit different styles of decorating such as contemporary and rustic. The bottom of the loft is home to two drawers, and the top opens to reveal more storage space. This design is perfect for adults who want to transform their bedroom into an office, or for children with a large collection of books and toys.
If you have a child who is a reader then you can transform your loft into a mini library by adding some shelves and a cozy bean bag chair for curling up with a great book. You can make a charming composition using a rug, a chair as well as a table and a few baskets or boxes for additional storage.
A loft bed that's built into an playhouse is the ideal choice for a young child however, the design can still be appreciated by teens who might require a space to study and do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a little simpler to construct than other models, and it comes with plans that includes step-by-step instructions with pictures of cutting the pieces and assembling the bunk and building the stairs. It also comes with the list of tools and materials will be required to start.
Space
When it comes to small loft beds the space they open up beneath them is often just as important as the bed itself. The extra space can be used to store things, a desk, or even a comfortable sitting area. It can also be an opportunity to create a distinctive design statement in a tiny bedroom for adults, a child's room, or even a studio for teenagers.
A loft bed can be an ideal way to add a bit of rustic chic or an industrial look to a room with low ceilings. For example, this bed in a studio apartment from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder leading up to the mattress set on the wooden platform. A simple chair, along with a few other pieces make the room look more complete.
If your ceilings are tall enough, a full-size loft bed could be even larger. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds for instance, are available in two sizes and different finishes. They also have plenty of space under the bed to provide an incredibly comfortable bed and plenty of space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another excellent option. It features the option of staggered stairs as well as a slide to ensure the highest level of safety and easy access.
The bottom of this loft bed could be used as a study space or playroom, with a mix of drawers and open cubbies to store things and benches that double as stairs to the top bed. This is a great option for kids' rooms or teen's bedrooms and can be rearranged as your children get older and get older and move out.
Many loft beds come with built-in bookshelves as part of the design. This is particularly useful for homes with smaller spaces or if you prefer to keep knick-knacks and books off the floor. This space can be utilized to create a relaxing reading space with the addition of a lamp, seating and a few comfy furniture. It's ideal for a teen or adult's bedroom.
beds loft can also be an ideal workstation for in a dorm. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk that pulls out and has ample space for a desktop and laptop, plus shelves on both sides to store toys, books and other items.
Fun
A loft bed for your kids isn't just about storage and space, it can also make it enjoyable. A small slide under a loft bed is a great option to bring some playtime action to their room and also an easy and quick descent out of the top bunk. This bed for kids from DONCO features a slide and ladder that's guaranteed to please any child, and can be put to later if they'd prefer to go the easy way up the road in the future.
If slides are not for your child, you can still keep your loft bed cool by transforming the lower level into a comfy space with chairs and a rug. The cozy area can be used to read, relax, play games, or watch TV with friends. It is an ideal way to keep the room tidy and provides a great place to hangout.
Children can feel as if they are in their own private castle when their loft is designed to look like a cabin with a roof accent and windows. You can make your loft unique appearance by using wallpapers and wall stickers, or paints that are reminiscent of a forest, sky or other outdoor elements. Your children will love playing and sleeping in their cabin, especially in the winter months when it is snowy.
To add a touch of design, you could switch out a standard ladder for a fun spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these spiral staircases, or build your own to fit in the loft space as shown in this bedroom design from HGTV. The spiral staircase is an attractive X shape on the side. It can be extended as your children get older.
Another cool idea is to build a loft bed with storage and a desk beneath to allow the children to work on their homework or other chores. You can find a variety of plans online for this type of bed. Many are easy enough to build on your own, as shown in this design from House of Wood. The plans include all the instructions as well as a list of the materials and cuts required for each piece. This loft bed can fit an entire mattress and offers room beneath for seating or a desk.
Safety
Bunk and loft beds are popular with children, but they come with dangers. Children are often injured by loft and bunk beds each year, including broken bones, cuts, scrapes as well as head and neck injuries. Fortunately, the majority of injuries can be prevented or avoided by putting the proper security measures in place.
The first step is to make sure the loft bed or bunk bed is placed correctly in the room. It should not be against the wall, as this could cause children to be stuck between the bunk's wall and the top of the mattress. Allow a space of at three inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of the mattress foundation.
When you are putting the bunk bed up make sure it is far from things like curtains, blinds windows, and ceiling fans which could block the view of a child or cause her to fall off the bunk's edge. The bunk should also not be situated near anything that could hang from the rails, including cords or toys.
Any bunk bed or loft bed should have an extremely solid frame. Choose a frame that is made from durable materials such as metal or pine. Another option for a safe and comfortable bed is a slatted platform frame. Loft and bunk beds with a solid slatted platform or solid platform do not require a boxspring, which is safer for children.
Look for a loft with guardrails on either side of the top level, and a ladder that you are able to secure. Children who are younger than six years old should not sleep on the top bunk. Be sure to remind them of the dangers by reminding them frequently. A night light on the top bunk can help kids find their own way down in the dark.
One other important safety measure is to use a loft safety net that can be attached to the corners of the top bunk and prevents children from falling off. They are available in a wide assortment of sizes and colors to fit any decor in the bedroom and are simple to set up.