A Small Loft Bed Makes a Great Choice For Kids' Rooms

A small loft bed is a popular choice for kids' rooms that allow them to make use of the space beneath for studying or playing. This West Elm pick has a elegant Mid-Century design and is available in two finishes.

The instructions are simple and easy to follow. Note that this loft bed is only used with a mattress 9 inches or less; anything higher could extend beyond the safety guard rails.

Stores

It might seem unaffordable to make use of the loft bed as a way to make more storage space, but this can be incredibly useful. A lofted bed, for instance can be used as a bookcase and save floor space. The sides can also be used to create a reading space, or display shelves. A lofted bed can be used to create an area for children to work from that allows them to do their homework and other chores in a small 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, or build it yourself, or rearranging the space under the bed with a few shelves, or an unintentional table. For instance this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) includes a desk that is tucked into the front of the bunk and a bookshelf with an incline that 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 option is to make use of a loft bed as a dresser, and this model from Ikea comes with a huge quantity of storage space. It comes in a variety of styles to match various styles of interiors, including rustic and contemporary. The bottom of the loft features two drawers, and the top is open to reveal more storage space. This design is perfect for adults who want to convert their bedroom into an office, or for kids with a lot of books and toys.

If you have a little one who is a reader and read, you can turn your loft into a mini library by adding some shelves and a comfy bean bag chair that can be used to curl in with a good book. You can create a beautiful arrangement using a small rug, a chair or tables, and some baskets or boxes for additional storage.

This loft bed is an excellent choice for young children however, teens will appreciate the design if they require a place to study or do homework. This model is simpler to build than other models. It comes with a set plans that include step-by-step pictures and instructions for cutting the parts as well as assembling the bunk bed loft and making the stairs. The plans include an inventory of the tools and supplies you'll require.

Space

In the case of small loft beds the space they free under them is usually as important as the bed itself. The extra space can be used for a desk or for an area for sitting. It can also be an opportunity to create an attractive design statement in a tiny bedroom for adults, a kid's room, or even a studio apartment for teenagers.

Loft beds are a great option to give a room with low ceilings a rustic, chic or industrial vibe. For example this bed in a studio apartment from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder that leads up to the mattress, which is set on a wooden platform. A simple chair, with a few other pieces adds to the overall look.

If your ceilings are high enough, a full-size loft bed could be even more spacious. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for instance, is available in two sizes and a variety of finishes, with plenty of room underneath to give you a comfy bed and a whole lot more space. Another great option is this loft bed with an X shape from DHP that comes with stairs that are staggered and slide for easy access and security.

The loft bed comes with an underside section that can be used as an area for study or play. It includes an upholstered bench and storage cubbies as well as a stairway to the top bunk bed. This loft bed is perfect for teen bedrooms or kids' rooms. It can be reconfigured to fit your child's needs as they become more mature.

Many loft beds have built-in shelves for books as part of the design. This is especially useful for homes with limited space or if you want to keep your books and other knick-knacks away from the floor. Creating a cozy reading nook with a lamp as well as comfy seating is another great idea to make use of this space and it's particularly useful for a teenager's or adult's room.

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 for a laptop or desktop as well as shelves on both sides to store books, toys, and other items.

Fun

A loft bed for your children isn't just about storage and space, it can also make it fun. A small slide underneath the loft bed is an enjoyable way to add some playtime in your child's bedroom. It also allows for a quick and simple descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed has an inbuilt slide and ladder that is sure to please any child. It could be added later on if the child chooses to go the easy way up.

If slides aren't a good choice for your child's age, you can still add a unique element to your loft bed by transforming the bottom level into a cozy hangout area with a few chairs and rug. The cozy area can be used to read or relax, play games, or watch TV with your friends. It is an excellent way to keep the space tidy and provides a great place to gather.

Kids will feel like they're in their own little castle when their loft is designed to resemble an actual cabin with a roof accent and windows. You can make your loft unique design by putting up wallpapers or wall stickers that look like a sky, forest or other outdoor elements. Your kids will love to be able to retreat into their cozy cabin for sleepovers or playtime, especially on snowy days when they can't go outside.

You can also add a little flair to your home by replacing the ladder with an incline staircase. You can purchase one of these staircases or build your own to fit into an existing loft bed, as shown in this bedroom design on HGTV. The spiral staircase features a nice X shape on the side. It can be expanded as your children grow.

You can also construct a loft with a desk and storage beneath it for your children to work on their homework or other task. There are numerous plans on the internet for this type of bed. Many of them are simple enough to build yourself. Take this design from House of Wood as an illustration. The plans have all the directions you require along with an inventory of the materials and cuts needed for each step of the project. The loft bed can accommodate a full-size mattress and also provides space beneath for seating or a desk.

Safety

Loft beds and bunk beds are popular with children but they also carry dangers. Thousands of children are injured by loft and bunk beds every year, resulting in broken bones, cuts and scrapes and head and neck injuries. Most of these injuries can be avoided and prevented by implementing the proper precautions.

The first thing to do is ensure that the bunk bed or loft bed is correctly placed in the room. It shouldn't be set against the wall, which could result in children being stuck between the wall and the top of the bunk bed. Instead, you should leave a space of at least 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 curtains, blinds and windows that may hinder a child's view or cause them to fall off. The bunk bed should not be positioned near anything that could hang from the rails, like cords or toys.

A bunk bed or loft bed should have an extremely solid frame. Look for a frame constructed of sturdy materials such as pine or metal. A slatted frame or platform is another option that could be comfortable and safe for your kids. Loft and bunk beds with an slatted solid platform or solid platform do not require boxsprings, making it safer for children.

In addition to the frame, search for a loft bed that includes guardrails on both sides of the top level and a ladder that can be locked in place. Children younger than 6 should never sleep on the top bunk and make sure you adhere to this rule by frequently reminding them of the dangers. Also having a night lighting placed on the top bunk can aid children in finding their way back down the darkness.

Another crucial safety measure is to install loft safety nets, that can be attached to the corners of the top bunk to prevent children from falling off. These nets are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors to fit any decor in the bedroom and are easy to set up.