A Small Loft Bed Makes a Great Choice For Kids' Rooms
A small loft bed can be a great choice for a room for children because it allows children to make use of the space below for playing or studying. This West Elm choice has a sleek Mid-Century design and comes in two finishes.
double loft bed with storage requires some assembly however, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. It is important to note that this loft bed is only used with a mattress of 9 inches or lower; anything higher risks extending beyond the safety rails.
Stores
It might be a bit awkward to utilize an elevated bed to increase storage space, but it can be extremely useful. A lofted bed, for instance, can be used as a bookcase and save floor space. The sides can be used to create a reading area, or display shelves. A lofted bed could also be used as a work station which allows children to create an office area for doing homework and other tasks without taking up living space in a small room.
Many loft beds for kids include a desk underneath. It is possible to add a desk to any loft bed, or build it yourself, or by modifying the space under the bed with a few shelves, or an improvised table. For example, this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) has a desk built into the front of the bunk and a bookshelf with an adjustable ladder which doubles as rails on the sides. The bunk's simple design makes it perfect for any bedroom for a child, and the slatted rails make it ideal for rooms with low ceilings.
Another alternative is to use an loft bed to create dresser and this model from Ikea comes with a huge quantity of storage space. The loft bed is available in a variety of finishes to match different styles of decor including modern and rustic. The loft's bottom features two drawers while the top opens up to reveal additional storage space. This model is ideal for those who wish to convert their bedroom into an office, or for children with lots of books and toys.
If you have a child who loves to read then you can transform your loft into a little library by adding shelves and a comfy bean bag chair that can be used to curl in with a good book. You can create a cute composition with a little rug, a chair, a table, and a few baskets or boxes for additional storage.
This loft bed is a fantastic option for children who are young however, teens will appreciate the design if they require an area to study or do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a bit more straightforward to construct than other models, and it comes with a set of plans that includes step-by-step instructions with illustrations for cutting the pieces as well as assembling the bunk and building the stairs. The plans come with a list of the tools and supplies you'll require.
Space
The space that is created beneath small loft beds can be as important as the bed itself. This extra space can be used as a desk or for an area for sitting. It is also an opportunity to make a distinctive design statement in a tiny bedroom for adults, a child's room or even a studio for teens.
Loft beds are a great way to give a room with low-ceilings a rustic chic or industrial look. This bed, from the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has a simple ladder that leads up to a mattress that is set on the wooden platform. A simple chair and couple of accent pieces complete the look.
If your ceilings are tall enough, you can get even bigger with a full loft bed. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds, for instance, are available in two sizes and a variety of finish options. They also offer plenty of space beneath the bed to give you a comfortable bed and more space. Another great option is this X-shaped bunk bed by DHP which comes with staggered steps and a slide for easy access and safety.
The lower part of this loft bed could be used as a study area or playroom, with a mix of drawers and open cubbies for storage and an ottoman that doubles as a staircase to the top bed. This loft bed is ideal for bedrooms for teens or children' rooms. It can be reconfigured to fit your child's needs as they grow.
Many loft beds have built-in shelves. This is especially useful for homes with smaller spaces or if you just prefer to keep knick-knacks and books off the floor. This space can be used to create a cozy reading area with a lamp, comfortable seating and a few comfy furniture. It's ideal for a teenager's or adult's bedroom.
A loft bed could be used as a workstation in a dorm. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk that slides out, and offers plenty of space to accommodate a laptop and a computer as well as shelves on both sides to store books, toys and other things.
Fun
It is possible to make a loft bed a fun place for your kids. It's not just about storage and space. A small slide underneath the loft bed is a great option to add some playtime excitement to the room, as well as an easy and quick descent out of the top bunk. This bed for kids from DONCO comes with a built-in slide and ladder that's guaranteed to delight any kid, and it's possible to add on later if they decide they want to take the easy route up in the future.
If slides are not for your child, then you can still make your loft bed cool by turning the lower portion into a comfortable space with a rug and chairs. The area can be used to read, relax, play games, or watch TV with your friends. It's a great way to keep the space tidy and provide a great space to relax.
Kids will feel like they're in their own little castle when their loft is designed to resemble a cabin with windows and a roof accent. You can give your loft a unique appearance by using wallpapers, wall stickers or paints that look like a sky, forest or other outdoor elements. Your children will enjoy sleeping in their loft, especially in the winter months when it is snowy.
To add a touch of flair, you can also swap out a regular ladder for a more fun spiral staircase. You can buy one of these stairs or make your own for a small loft bed, like in the bedroom designs on HGTV. The staircase is designed with a beautiful design with an X-shape along the sides and can be upgraded as your kids develop.
You can also build an loft with an office and storage underneath it for your kids to complete their homework or do any other task. You can find a variety of plans online for this kind of loft bed and many are simple enough to do on your own, like this design from House of Wood. The plans include all instructions as well as a list of the materials and cuts required for each piece. This loft bed is spacious enough to accommodate a full-size bed and has space underneath for a desk, seating or an extra seat.
Safety
Bunk and loft beds are a favorite among children but they also carry risks. Each year, bunk and loft beds result in injuries to thousands of children, including neck and head fractures, broken bones and cuts and scrapes. Most of these injuries can be prevented and avoided by implementing the right precautions.
The first step is to ensure the bunk or loft bed is placed correctly in the room. It shouldn't be set against the wall, which could cause children to be wedged between the wall and the top of the bunk bed. Instead, allow a clear space of at minimum 3.5 inches between the bottom edge of the guard rail and the top of the mattress foundation.
When placing the bunk, make sure it's away from blinds, curtains and windows that could block a child’s view or cause them to fall off. The bunk should not be situated near anything that hangs from the rails, including cords or toys.
A solid, sturdy frame is essential for any loft or bunk bed. Choose a frame that is constructed from durable materials such as pine or metal. A slatted frame or platform is another option that can be secure and comfortable for your children. Bunk and loft bed with a solid slatted platform or solid platform do not require boxsprings, which are more secure for children.
Find a loft with guardrails on either side of the top level and a ladder that you can secure. Children younger than six years old should not sleep on the top bunk and be sure to enforce this rule by regularly reminding them of the dangers. A night light placed on the top bunk may aid children in finding their way to sleep in the dark.
Another important safety precaution is to use loft safety nets, that is attached to the corners of the top bunk to prevent children from falling off. They are available in a assortment of sizes and colors that will match any bedroom decor and are easy to install.