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

A small loft bed is a popular choice for kids' rooms, allowing the kids to make use of the space below for studying or playing. This West Elm pick has a sleek Mid-Century design and comes in two finishes.

The instructions are easy and clear. The loft bed is suitable for mattresses 9 inches and less. Anything higher may exceed the safety railings.

Storage

A loft bed might appear to be a hassle-free way to free up space for storage however, it could be a great alternative. A lofted bed, for example, can be used as a bookcase, saving the 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 that allows a child to create a workspace to complete homework and other tasks without taking up the living space of a small space.

Many kids' loft beds include a desk nook beneath, but you can also add one to any regular loft bed by building it yourself or by modifying the space underneath the bed by adding some shelves and a improvised desk. 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 the side rails. The minimalist design of the bunk makes it ideal for any bedroom with kids and the safety rails with slats are suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea has plenty of storage space. It is available in various designs to fit a variety of decor styles such as contemporary and rustic. The lower part of the loft has two drawers, and the top opens to reveal more storage space. This is a great option for adults looking to convert their bedroom into a work space or for children who require plenty of space for toys and books.

If you have a little one who loves reading then you can transform your loft into a mini library by adding shelves and a cozy bean bag chair that can be used to curl up with a great book. You can create a beautiful composition with a little rug, some chairs, a table, and a few boxes or baskets for additional storage.

A loft bed that is built into a playhouse is a great choice for a young child, but the design can be enjoyed by teenagers who might need a place to work in and study. This model from Kidkraft is a bit less complicated to build than others, and it comes with plans that include step-by-step directions with illustrations of cutting the pieces and assembling the bunk and building the stairs. The plans include a list of the tools and supplies you'll need.

Space

The space created beneath tiny loft beds can be as important as the bed. The extra space can be used for storage, a desk, or a cozy sitting area. This is an excellent way to add a unique design element to a tiny bedroom for adults, a child’s room, or even a studio.

A loft bed can be an ideal way to add a touch of rustic chic or an industrial feel to rooms with low ceilings. This bed, made by the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has a simple ladder that leads up to a mattress set on the wooden platform. A simple chair, with a few accent pieces make the room look more complete.

If your ceilings are tall enough, you can make them further with a loft bed. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds are for instance, and are available in two sizes and different finishes. They also have plenty of space under the bed to provide an incredibly comfortable double loft bed with storage bed loft Bed - http://S40.Cubecl.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=info&wr_id=17505 - and plenty of space. Another option that is great is this loft bed with an X shape from DHP which comes with the slide and steps that are staggered for easy access and maximum security.

The bottom of this loft bed can be used as a study area or playroom, with a mix of drawers and open cubbies for storage and a bench seat that doubles as stairs to the top bed. This is a great choice for children's bedrooms or teens' rooms and it can be reconfigured as children grow up and get older and move out.

Many loft beds have built-in shelves. This is particularly useful for homes with small spaces or if you simply prefer to keep your knick-knacks and books off the floor. This space can be used to create a cozy reading area by incorporating the addition of a lamp, seating and a few comfy furniture. It's perfect for a teen or adult's bedroom.

A loft bed can also be used as a desk in a dorm. This loft bed with an open desk from Naomi Home offers plenty of space for a laptop and a desktop, as well as shelves on each side to store books, toys, and other items.

Fun

You can make a loft bed a fun place for your kids. It's not just about storage space. A small slide beneath a loft bed is a fantastic way to add some fun to their bedroom, as well as an easy and quick descent out of the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed has an integrated slide and ladder that will surely delight any child. It is possible to add it later if the child decides to take the simpler route up.

If slides aren't a great fit for your child but you can still add a fun element to their loft bed by turning the lower level into a cozy hangout area with some chairs and rug. The comfortable space can be used for reading, relaxing, playing games or watching TV with friends and is the perfect place to keep their room tidy while also providing a space to relax.

Kids will feel like they are in their own little castle when their loft is designed to look like an old-fashioned cabin with windows and a roof accent. You can even give the loft a more unique look by using wallpapers, wall paints or stickers that resemble a forest the sky, or another outdoor element. Your kids will be thrilled to retreat into their own little cabin for sleepovers or playtime especially during winter months when they can't go outside.

You can also add some flair to your home by replacing the ladder with spiral staircase. You can either buy one of these spiral staircases or build your own to create a small loft bed, like in the bedroom design on HGTV. The spiral staircase is an attractive X shape on the side. It can be expanded as your children grow.

You can also build an loft with a desk and storage beneath it for your kids to do their homework or other work. There are a number of plans online for this type of loft bed, and many are easy enough to construct yourself, as shown in this design from House of Wood. The plans come with all the necessary instructions, plus the list of materials and cuts required for each part of the project. This loft bed is large enough to fit a full-size bed and has space underneath for a desk, seating or an extra seat.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're free of dangers. Children are often injured by loft and bunk beds every year, with injuries ranging from broken bones, cuts and scrapes as well as head and neck injuries. Luckily, most of these injuries are preventable and easily prevented with the proper security measures in place.

The first step is to make sure that the bunk bed or loft bed is properly placed in the room. It should not be placed against the wall, as this can cause children to become wedged between the wall and the top of the bunk bed. Allow a space of at least 3 inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of the mattress foundation.

When positioning the bunk bed, be sure that it is far from things like curtains, blinds windows, ceiling fans and blinds that could block a child's view or cause her to fall off the bunk's edge. The bunk should also not be close to anything that could hang from the rails, including cords or toys.

A sturdy, solid frame is a must for any bunk or loft bed. Choose a frame that is constructed from durable materials such as metal or pine. Another option for a secure and comfortable bed is a slatted platform or frame. Bunk and loft beds with a solid slatted platform solid platform do not require a boxspring, which is more secure for children.

Find a loft with guardrails either side of the top level, and a ladder you can lock into place. Children who are younger than six years old should not sleep on the top bunk. Be sure to remind them about the dangers of sleeping on top bunks by reminding them often. Also an evening lighting on the top bunk will help kids find their way back to the bottom in the darkness.

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