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

A small loft bed is a favorite choice for rooms for children that allow them to use the space below to play or study. This West Elm choice has a sleek Mid-Century style and comes in two finishes.

It is a bit of a task to put together however, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. This loft bed is only suitable for mattresses that are 9 inches or less. Anything higher may extend beyond the safety guardrails.

Stores

It might seem unaffordable to make use of a loft bed as a way to increase storage space, but it is a very useful idea. For instance, instead of a large bookcase that occupies floor space, a lofted bed can serve as one--and the sides can be used for other purposes like a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted bed could also be used as a workspace which allows children to create a workspace for homework or other tasks without encroaching on living space in a small room.

Many kids' lofts beds come with a desk area beneath. You can add one to any loft bed, or build it yourself, or rearranging the space underneath the bed with a few auxiliary shelves and an unintentional table. This loft bed (shown in white) from Wayfair has a desk built into the front and an bookshelf that doubles as a side rail. The simple design of this bunk makes it a good fit for any kids' bedroom and the safety rails that are slatted are ideal for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea has plenty of storage space. The loft bed comes in a variety of finishes that suit different decor styles including rustic and modern. The bottom of the loft has two drawers, while the top opens to reveal more storage space. This model is a good option for adults seeking to transform their bedroom into a home office or for children who need plenty of space for toys and books.

You can transform your loft into a library for a child who loves reading by adding shelves and a bean bag chair where they can curl up with their favorite book. You can also make a cute composition by adding a little area rug, a couple of chairs and a coffee table and a few baskets or boxes for additional storage.

A loft bed that is built into an playhouse is the ideal option for a child who is just starting out, but the design can still be appreciated by teens who may need an area to study and do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a bit simpler to construct than other models, and it comes with plans that provide step-by-step instructions with pictures of cutting the pieces as well as assembling the bunk and building the stairs. It also comes with the list of tools and materials that you'll need to get started.

Space

The space that is created under the small loft beds could be just as important as the bed itself. This extra room can be used for storage or a desk, or a cozy sitting area. This is an ideal option to create a unique design element to a tiny bedroom for adults, a child’s room, or a studio apartment.

A loft bed is the perfect way to add a touch of rustic chic or an industrial look to a room with low ceilings. For example, this bed in a studio from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder leading up to the mattress, which is set on the wooden platform. A simple chair and a few other pieces of furniture complete the appearance.

If your ceilings are tall enough, you can make them further with a loft bed. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for instance it comes in two sizes and several finish options with plenty of space beneath to give you a comfy bed and a whole lot more space. Another option to consider is the loft bed with an X shape from DHP that comes with staggered steps and a slide to make it easy to access and ensure security.

The bottom of this loft bed can be used as a study space or playroom by combining a set of open cubbies, drawers for storage, as well as benches that double as a ladder to the top bed. This is a great option for children's bedrooms or teens' rooms and can be reconfigured as your children grow up and out of it.

Many loft beds are equipped with bookshelves as part of the design. This is particularly beneficial for homes with limited space or if you prefer to keep your books and other knick-knacks off the floor. Creating a cozy reading nook with a lamp and comfortable seating is a great use of this space, and is especially beneficial for a teen or small Loft bed adult's room.

A loft bed could be used as a desk in a dorm. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk that pulls out, and offers plenty of space to accommodate a laptop and a computer as well as shelves on both sides to store toys, books and other things.

Fun

Getting a loft double bed with desk bed for your kids does not just mean storage space, you can also make it fun. A small slide under a loft bed is a great option to add some playtime excitement to their bedroom as well as an easy and quick descent out of the top bunk. This kids' bed from DONCO comes with a built-in slide and ladder that's sure to please any child, and it's possible to add later on if they'd like to go the easy way to the top in the near future.

If slides aren't a good fit for your child but you can still add a fun element to your loft bed by transforming the lower level into a cozy hangout area with a few chairs and a rug. The comfy spot can be used for reading, relaxing and playing games or watching television with your friends. It's the ideal way to keep their room tidy while also providing a space to relax.

Children can feel as if they're in their own castle when their loft is designed to look like an actual cabin with windows and a roof accent. You can even give the loft a more unique look by using wallpapers, wall paint or stickers that resemble a forest, the sky, or another outdoor feature. Your kids will be thrilled to retreat into their own little home for sleepovers and playtime particularly on days of snow when they aren't able to go outside.

You can also add some flair to your home by replacing a ladder with a spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these spiral staircases, or create your own to fit into a small loft bed as seen in this bedroom design from HGTV. The staircase is designed with a beautiful shape on the side, and can be redesigned as your kids develop.

Another idea that is cool is to build a loft bed with desk and storage beneath for your kids to work on their homework or other projects. There are a number of plans online for small loft bed this type of loft bed, and many are simple enough to do yourself, as shown in this plan from House of Wood. The plans include all the instructions and a list with the materials and cuts required for each component. This loft bed is large enough to fit a full-size bed and has space underneath for a desk, seating or a seat.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're not free of dangers. Many children are injured by bunk and loft beds each year, including broken bones, cuts, scrapes as well as head and neck injuries. Fortunately, the majority of injuries can be prevented and easily avoided by putting the proper security measures in place.

The first step is to ensure that the bunk bed or loft bed is placed correctly in the room. It should not be placed against the wall, which could result in children being wedged 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 positioning the bunk, make sure it's away from curtains, blinds and windows that might block a child’s view or cause them to fall off. The bunk should not be placed near anything that can hang from the rails, like cords or toys.

Any bunk bed or loft bed should have a solid, sturdy frame. Choose a frame that is constructed of sturdy materials like metal or pine. A platform or slatted frame is another option that could be secure and comfortable for your children. Bunk and loft beds with solid slats or a solid platform don't require a box spring, which is safer for toddlers.

Find a loft that has guardrails either side of the top level, and a ladder that you can lock into place. Children younger than six years old should never sleep on the top bunk, and be sure to adhere to this rule by frequently reminding them of the dangers. A night light placed on the top bunk may aid children in finding their way down in the darkness.

Another important safety precaution is to use a loft safety net that is attached to the corners of the top bunk to prevent children from falling off. The nets are available in a variety of colors and sizes to match any bedroom decor. They are also simple to put up.