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

A loft bed that is small is a fantastic option for a child's bedroom, as it allows children to use the space below to play or 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 easy to follow. Note that this loft bed is only used with a mattress of 9 inches or less. Anything higher is at risk of extending beyond the safety guard rails.

Storage

It may seem inconvenient to make use of the loft bed as a way to increase storage space, but this can be incredibly useful. A lofted bed, for example could be used as a bookcase, which saves the floor space. The sides can also be used to create a reading area, or display shelves. A lofted mattress could be used to create an office for children, which allows them to do their homework and other chores in a tiny space without consuming valuable living space.

A lot of loft beds for kids come with a desk area underneath, but you can also add one to a regular loft bed by constructing it yourself or by modifying the space beneath the bed by adding some shelves and a improvised desk. For example this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) features a desk tucked into the front of the bunk and a bookshelf that has an adjustable ladder which doubles as rails on the sides. The bunk's simple design makes it perfect for any bedroom for a child and the rails with slats make it perfect for rooms with low ceilings.

Another alternative is to use the loft bed as dresser and this model from Ikea has an impressive amount of storage capacity. It is available in multiple finishes to suit a variety of decor styles, including rustic and contemporary. The lower part of the loft has two drawers, and the top opens to reveal additional storage space. This design is perfect for adults who want to convert their bedroom an office, or for children with lots of toys and books.

If you have a child who is a reader then you can transform your loft into a little library by adding shelves and a cozy bean bag chair for curling up with a good book. You can also make an adorable composition by adding a little area rug, a couple of chairs, a coffee table, and some boxes or baskets for storage.

This loft bed is a fantastic option for children of all ages, but teens can also appreciate the design if they need an area to do their homework or study. This model is much easier to construct than other models. It comes with a set of plans that provide step-by-step instructions and pictures for cutting the parts for assembling the bunk, as well as making the stairs. It also includes the list of tools and materials you'll need to get started.

Space

The space created under tiny loft beds can be as important as the bed. This extra space can be used for an office space or as an ideal sitting space. This is an ideal way to create a unique design feature 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 a room with low ceilings. For example, this bed in a studio from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder that leads up to the mattress set on the wooden platform. A simple chair and couple of accent pieces complete the appearance.

If your ceilings are tall enough, a full-size loft bed with desk bed can be even bigger. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for example is available in two sizes and several finishes, with plenty of space underneath to give you a comfy bed and a whole lot more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another option. It has an incline staircase that is staggered to ensure the highest level of safety and accessibility.

The bottom of this loft bed could be used as a study space or playroom, with a mix of open cubbies, drawers to store things and a bench seat that doubles as a staircase to the top bed. This is a fantastic option for kids' bedrooms or teens' rooms and it can be rearranged as your children grow older and move out of it.

Many loft beds have built-in shelves for books as part of the design. This is especially helpful for homes with smaller spaces or if you just prefer to keep knick-knacks or 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 comfy sofa. It's ideal for an adult or teen's bedroom.

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

Fun

You can make a loft bed a fun place for your kids. It's not just about storage and space. A small slide beneath a loft bed can be an exciting way to add some playtime in your child's bedroom. It also permits a quick and simple descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed comes with an integrated slide and ladder that is sure to please any child. It is possible to add it later, if the child wants to take the easier route up.

If slides aren't a good choice for your child's age You can still add a unique element to your Loft Bed With Futon bed by transforming the bottom of the bed into a relaxing hangout space with a few chairs and rug. The area can be used to read, relax, play games, or enjoy a movie with friends. It's a great method to keep the room tidy and provide a great place to hangout.

Kids can feel like they're in their own castle when their loft is designed to resemble an actual cabin with windows and a roof accent. You can also give the loft a unique appearance by using wallpapers, wall paints or stickers that resemble a forest, the sky or any other outdoor element. Your children will love playing and having sleepovers in their cabin loft bunk bed, especially during snowy days.

You could also add a bit of style to your home by replacing a ladder with an incline staircase. You can buy one of these spiral stairs or build your own to create a small loftbed, as seen in the bedroom designs on HGTV. The spiral staircase is a nice X design on the side. It can be enlarged as your children grow.

You can also construct an loft with a desk and storage beneath it for your children to do their homework or do any other task. You can find a variety of plans online for this type of loft bed and many are simple enough to do by yourself, such as shown in this plan from House of Wood. The plans include all the instructions and a list with the necessary materials and cuts for each piece. This loft bed can fit an entire mattress and provides space beneath for seating or a desk.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're not free of dangers. Every year, bunk and loft beds are the cause of injuries to thousands of children, including neck and head fractures, broken bones as well as scrapes and cuts. The majority of these injuries can be avoided or prevented by taking the appropriate safety measures.

The first step is to ensure that the loft bed or bunk bed is properly positioned in the room. It shouldn't be in direct contact with the wall, as this could cause children to get wedged between the wall of the bunk and the top of the mattress. Instead, 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 hinder a child's view or cause them to fall off. The bunk shouldn't be close to anything that can hang from the rails, such as cords or toys.

A sturdy, solid frame is a must for any bunk or loft bed. Look for a frame constructed of sturdy materials like pine or steel. Another option for a secure and comfortable bed is a slatted platform frame. Loft and bunk beds that have a solid platform or slats don't require a box spring and are safer for young children.

Find an area with guardrails either side of the top level, and a ladder you can secure. Kids younger than six should never sleep on the top bunk and be sure to enforce this rule by regularly reminding them of the dangers. A night light on the top bunk can help children find their way down in the dark.

Another important safety precaution is to use loft safety nets, which attaches to the corners of the top bunk and keeps children from falling off. The nets are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors to match any bedroom decor and are simple to set up.