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

A small loft bed is a favorite choice for rooms for children, allowing them to make use of the space below for play or study. This West Elm pick has a sleek Mid-Century design and is available in two finishes.

It requires some assembly however the instructions are clear and straightforward. This loft bed is suitable for mattresses of 9 inches and less. Anything higher could be a risk to the safety guardrails.

Storage

It might seem unaffordable to make use of an elevated bed to create more storage space, but this can be extremely useful. For instance, rather than the traditional bookcase that occupies the floor, a lofted bed can serve as one--and the sides can be used to create other uses such as a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted mattress could be used as a workstation for a child that lets them complete their homework and other chores in a small space without taking up valuable living space.

A lot of loft bed with desk for adults beds for kids include a desk beneath. You can add one to any loft bed, or build it yourself, or rearranging the space beneath the bed with a few auxiliary shelves and an improvised table. For example, this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) has a desk built into the bunk's front and a bookshelf that has an incline which doubles as side rails. The simple design of this bunk makes it a good fit for any bedroom with kids and the slatted safety rails are ideal for rooms with low ceilings.

Another alternative is to use the loft bed as dresser and this model from Ikea is a hefty amount of storage capacity. It comes in a variety of styles to match various styles of interiors that include contemporary and rustic. The bottom of the loft is equipped with two drawers while the top opens up to reveal additional storage space. This model is ideal for adults who want to convert their bedroom into an office, or for kids with lots of toys and books.

If you have a kid who loves reading then you can transform your loft into a library by adding shelves and a cozy bean bag chair to curl up with a great book. You can also create an attractive composition by incorporating a little area rug and a few chairs as well as a coffee table and some boxes or baskets to store your books in.

A loft bed that's converted into a playhouse is the perfect option for a child who is just starting out, but the design can still be appreciated by teens who might require a space to study and do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a little simpler to construct than other models and comes with a set of plans that include step-by-step directions with images of cutting the pieces as well as assembling the bunk and making the stairs. It also includes a list of tools and materials that will be required to start.

Space

The space that is created beneath small loft beds can be just as important as the bed itself. This extra space can be used for a desk or for an ideal sitting space. It could also be an opportunity to make an attractive design statement in a tiny bedroom for adults, a child's room, or even a studio apartment for teens.

Loft beds are a great option to give rooms with low ceilings a rustic or industrial vibe. This bed, from the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has a simple ladder that leads up to a mattress on a wooden platform. A simple chair, with a few accent pieces make the room look more complete.

If your ceilings high enough, a loft-style bed can be even bigger. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for instance, is available in two sizes as well as a variety of finishes, with plenty of space beneath to provide you with a comfortable bed and a whole lot more space. Another great option is this X-shaped bunk bed by DHP that comes with staggered steps and a slide for easy access and maximum safety.

The loft bed comes with an area at the bottom that can be used as a playroom or study area. It comes with a bench seat and storage cubbies as well an stairway that leads to the top bunk bed. This loft bed is ideal for teenager bedrooms or children rooms. It can be reconfigured to meet the needs of your child as they develop.

Many loft beds come with built-in shelves. This is particularly useful for homes with limited space or if you prefer to keep books and knick-knacks off the floor. Making a cozy reading area with a lamp and some comfortable seating is a great way to use this space, and is especially beneficial for an adult or teen's room.

A loft bed could be used as a workstation in a dorm. This loft bed with a pull-out desk by Naomi Home offers plenty of space for laptops and desktop, as well as a shelving unit on each side to store books, toys, and other items.

Fun

A loft bed for your kids doesn't just mean storage and space, you can also make it a fun experience. A small slide underneath a loft bed is a great option to add some playtime excitement to their room and also an easy and quick descent out of the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed has an integrated 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 but you can still add a fun element to their loft bed by turning the bottom level into a relaxing hangout space with some chairs and a rug. The comfy spot can be used to read, relax and playing games or watching television with your friends. It's the perfect way to keep their room tidy and also provide a nice space to relax.

If the loft is designed to look like an actual cabin, with windows and a roof accent, kids can feel like they're in their own castle. You can create a unique loft design by putting up wallpapers, wall stickers or paints that are reminiscent of a forest, sky or other outdoor elements. Your kids will love playing and sleeping in their cozy cabin, particularly on snowy days.

You can also add a little design to your home by replacing an old ladder with a spiral staircase. You can buy one of these spiral staircases or build your own to fit into a small loft bed as shown in this bedroom design on HGTV. The spiral staircase is a nice X design on the side. It can be enlarged as your children grow.

Another idea that is cool is to create a loft bed that has a storage and a desk underneath for the children to work on their homework or other chores. There are a variety of plans available on the internet for this type of bed. Many of them are simple enough to build yourself. Consider this plan from House of Wood as an example. The plans include all the instructions and a list with the necessary materials and cuts for each part. The loft bed can accommodate an entire mattress and offers room beneath for seating or a desk.

Safety

Loft beds and bunk beds are a favorite among children however, they carry dangers. Children are often injured by loft and bunk beds each year, including fractured bones, cuts and scrapes and head and neck injuries. Luckily, most of these injuries can be prevented or avoided by putting the proper security measures in place.

The first step is to ensure that the bunk or loft bed is positioned correctly in the room. It should not be against the wall as this can cause children to be trapped between the wall of the bunk and the top of the mattress. You should leave at minimum 3 inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of the mattress foundation.

When positioning the bunk bed make sure it is away from things like blinds, curtains windows, ceiling fans and blinds that can obstruct the view of a child, or cause her to fall off the bunk's side. The bunk should also not be placed near anything that hangs from the rails, like cords or toys.

A sturdy, solid frame is a must for any bunk or loft bed. Choose a frame that is constructed of sturdy materials such as pine or metal. A platform or slatted frame is another option that can be safe and comfortable for your children. Loft beds and bunk beds with solid slats or a solid platform do not require a box spring, which is more secure for children.

In addition to the frame, look for loft beds that have guardrails on both sides of the top and an incline that can be locked in place. Children younger than six years old should not be sleeping on the top bunk and make sure you enforce this rule regularly by reminding them of the dangers. Also, a night light placed on the top bunk can aid kids in finding their way back to the bottom in the dark.

Another crucial safety measure is to install a loft safety net that is attached to the corners of the top bunk to prevent children from falling off. These nets come in different sizes and colors to fit any decor in the bedroom. They are also easy to put up.