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

A small loft bed can be a wonderful option for a child's bedroom, as it allows children to make use of the space below for play or for studying. This West Elm choice has a elegant Mid-Century style 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 less. Anything higher risks extending beyond the safety rails.

Storage

It may seem inconvenient to utilize the loft bed to make more storage space, but this can be extremely useful. For instance, instead of a large bookcase that occupies the floor space, a lofted bed can be used as a bookcase. The sides can be used to create other uses 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 doing homework and other chores without encroaching upon the living space of a small space.

A lot of loft beds for kids have a desk space underneath. You can add one to any loft bed or build it yourself, or rearranging the space under the bed using some shelves, or an unintentional table. For example this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) features a desk tucked into the bunk's front and a bookshelf with an adjustable ladder which doubles as rails on the sides. The simple design of this bunk makes it suitable for any kid's bedroom and the slatted safety rails are suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

Another alternative is to use the loft bed as dresser and this model from Ikea comes with a huge quantity of storage space. The loft bed comes in a variety finishes to match different styles of decor including rustic and modern. The loft's bottom features two drawers while the top opens to reveal more storage space. This model is a good option for those looking to convert their bedroom into a work space or for children who require plenty of room for toys and books.

If you have a child who loves to read then you can transform your loft into a little library by adding shelves and a cozy bean bag chair to curl in with a good book. You can also make a cute composition by adding an area rug as well as a couple of chairs and a coffee table and some boxes or baskets to store your books in.

This loft bed is an excellent option for children who are young however teens can appreciate the design if they require an area to do their homework or study. This model from Kidkraft is a bit less complicated to build than other models and comes with plans that includes step-by-step instructions with illustrations for cutting the parts as well as assembling the bunk and making the stairs. The plans include an inventory of the tools and materials you'll need.

Space

In the case of small loft beds, the space they free underneath is often as important as the bed itself. The extra space could be used as storage as well as a desk or even a comfortable sitting area. This can be a great method to create a unique design element to a small adult bedroom, a child’s room, or even a studio.

A loft bed is an ideal way to add a bit of rustic chic or an industrial feel to rooms with low ceilings. This bed, made by the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has an elegant ladder that leads to a mattress that is set on the wooden platform. A simple chair and a couple of accent pieces complete the look.

If your ceilings are tall enough, you can get further with a loft bed. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for instance it comes in two sizes and a variety of finishes, with plenty of room underneath to provide you with a comfortable bed and more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another great option. It comes with an incline staircase that is staggered to ensure the highest level of security and Floating Loft Bed ease of access.

The lower part of this loft bed could be used as a study space or playroom, with a mix of drawers and open cubbies for storage and an ottoman that doubles as a ladder to the top bed. This is a great option for kids' bedrooms or teens' rooms, and it can be reconfigured as your children grow older and move get older and move out.

Many loft beds are equipped with bookshelves as part of the design. This is especially helpful for homes with smaller spaces or if you just prefer to keep your 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 great for a teenager's or adult loft bed with stairs's bedroom.

A loft bed could be used as a workstation in a dorm room. This loft bed with a pull-out desk from Naomi Home offers plenty of space for laptops and a desktop, as well as shelves that can be used to store books toys, books, and other things.

Fun

It is possible to make a loft bed a fun place for your kids. It's not just about storage space. A small slide underneath the loft bed could be an enjoyable way to add some playtime to your child's room. It also allows for a quick and simple descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed has a built in slide and ladder that will surely delight any child. It is possible to add it later, if the child wants to go the easy way up.

If slides are not for your child, then you can still make their loft bed cool by transforming the lower level into a cozy area with a rug and chairs. The space can be used to read or relax, play games or watch TV with friends. It's an ideal way to keep the room tidy and provides a great place to gather.

When their loft is designed as an actual cabin, with windows and a roof accent, kids will feel like they're in their own castle. You can make your loft unique appearance by using wallpapers or wall stickers that are reminiscent of a forest, sky or other outdoor elements. Your children will love to be able to retreat into their cozy cabin for playtime and sleepovers 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 a ladder with an incline staircase. You can either buy one of these spiral stairs or make your own for a small loftbed, as seen in the 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 build an office-style loft that has an office and storage underneath it for your children to complete their homework or do any other task. There are plenty of plans online for this kind of bed. Many are simple enough to do on your own, like this plan from House of Wood. The plans include all the necessary instructions along with an inventory of the materials and cuts needed to complete the project. This loft bed is large enough to fit a full-size bed and has space underneath for an office, seating area or seating.

Safety

Bunk and loft beds are popular with kids but they also carry risks. Children are often injured by bunk and loft beds each year, including broken bones, cuts and scrapes as well as head and neck injuries. Fortunately, the majority of injuries are preventable and easily avoided by putting the proper security measures in place.

The first thing to do is ensure that the bunk bed or loft bed is placed correctly in the room. It should not be placed against the wall, which can cause children to become trapped 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 you are putting the bunk bed up make sure it is away from things like blinds, curtains windows, ceiling fans and blinds which could block the view of a child, or cause her to fall off the bunk's edge. The bunk bed should not be placed close to anything that hangs from the rails, like cords or toys.

A bunk bed or loft bed must be built with an incredibly solid and sturdy frame. Select a frame made from sturdy materials like metal or pine. A platform or slatted frame is another option that could be comfortable and safe for your kids. Bunk and loft bed with an slatted solid platform or solid platform doesn't 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 ladders that can be locked to the bed. Children younger than six years old should never sleep on the top bunk and you should enforce this rule regularly by reminding them of the dangers. A night light placed on the top bunk may help kids find their own way down in the dark.

A floating Loft bed safety net is another important security measure. It is attached at the corners of the top bunk to stop children from falling. These nets are available in various sizes and colors to fit any decor in the bedroom. They are also easy to set up.