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

A small loft bed is a popular choice for rooms for children that allow them to use the space below for studying or playing. This West Elm choice has a elegant Mid-Century style and comes with two finishes.

The instructions are easy and simple to follow. Note that this loft bed is only used with a mattress 9 inches or lower; anything higher risks extending beyond the safety rails.

Storage

It might be a bit awkward to use the loft bed as a way to make more storage space, but it is a very useful idea. For instance, instead of a large bookcase that occupies floor space A lofted bed could be used as a bookcase, and the sides can be used for other things like a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted mattress can be used as an office for children and lets them complete their homework or other tasks in a tiny space without taking up valuable living space.

Many loft beds for kids include a desk nook underneath, but you could also add one to a regular loft bed by constructing it yourself or adapting the space beneath the bed with some auxiliary shelving and a built-in desk. This loft bed (shown in white) from Wayfair has a desk built into the front and an bookshelf that doubles as an end rail. The simple design of the bunk makes it perfect for any kid's bedroom and the slatted rails make it ideal for rooms with low ceilings.

Another option is to use a loft bed as dresser, and this model from Ikea comes with a huge quantity of storage space. It comes in a variety of styles to match different styles of decorating, including rustic and contemporary. The bottom of the loft is home to two drawers, loft beds for kids while the top is open to reveal more storage space. This model is ideal for adults who want to transform their bedroom into an office, or for children with a lot of books and toys.

If you have a little one who is a reader and read, you can turn your loft into a mini library by adding some shelves and a cozy bean bag chair that can be used to curl up with a great book. You can create a cute composition with a little rug, a chair, a table, and some baskets or boxes for additional storage.

This loft bed is an excellent option for children of all ages, but teens can also appreciate the design if they need a place to study or do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a little less complicated to build than other models, and it comes with plans that includes step-by-step instructions with illustrations for cutting the parts and assembling the bunk and building the stairs. It also includes a list of tools and other materials you'll require to begin.

Space

When it comes to tiny loft beds the space they free underneath is often as important as the bed itself. The extra space can be used for a desk or loft beds for kids for an area for sitting. It is also an opportunity to create an attractive design statement in a small bedroom for adults, a child's room or even a studio for teens.

A loft bed is a great way to add a touch of rustic chic or an industrial look to rooms with low ceilings. This bed, which is part of the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has a simple ladder that leads up to a mattress on the wooden platform. A simple chair, along with a few accent pieces adds to the overall look.

If your ceilings are tall enough, a loft-style bed can be even bigger. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds, for instance, are available in two sizes and various finishes. They also offer plenty of space underneath the bed to provide an incredibly comfortable bed and plenty of space. Another great option is this X-shaped bunk bed by DHP which comes with stairs that are staggered and slide for easy access and security.

The lower part of this loft bed could be used as a study space or playroom, with a mix of open cubbies and drawers for storage, as well as benches that double as stairs to the top bed. This loft bed is perfect for teenager bedrooms or children rooms. It can be rearranged to fit your child's needs as they develop.

Many loft beds come with built-in bookshelves as a part of the design. This is especially useful for homes with a limited space or to keep your books and other knick-knacks away from the floor. This space can be used to create a cozy reading area by incorporating a lamp, comfortable seating and some comfy furniture. It's great for a teen or adult's bedroom.

A loft bed can be a great workstation for a dorm. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk that pulls out has plenty of room to accommodate a laptop and a computer, plus shelves on both sides to store toys, books and other items.

Fun

Getting a loft bed for your kids does not just mean storage space, it can also make it enjoyable. A small slide under a loft bed can be an enjoyable way to add some playtime to your child's room. It also allows for an easy and quick descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed comes with an integrated slide and ladder, which 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 great choice for your child's age but you can still add a fun element to their loft bed by turning the lower level into a relaxing hangout space with some chairs and rug. The comfortable space can be used for reading, relaxing, playing games or watching television with your friends. It's the perfect place to keep their room tidy while also providing a spot to hang out.

If the loft is designed to resemble an actual cabin, with windows and an accent on the roof, children can feel like they're in their own castle. You can give your loft a unique appearance by using wallpapers and wall stickers, or paints that resemble a sky, forest or other outdoor elements. Your kids will love to escape into their little home for sleepovers and playtime particularly on days of snow when they aren't able to go outside.

You could also add a bit of style to your home by replacing the ladder with spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these staircases or create your own to fit into an existing loft bed, as shown in this bedroom design from HGTV. The spiral staircase has an attractive X design on the side. It can be enlarged as your children grow.

You can also build an loft with a desk and storage beneath it for your children to do their homework or do any other task. There are many plans online for this type of bed. A lot of them are simple enough to build yourself. Take this design from House of Wood as an illustration. The plans include all the instructions and a list with the materials and cuts required for each part. This loft bed is large enough to fit a full-size bed and also has space for an office, seating area or a seat.

Safety

Kids love bunk and loft beds, but they're not without their risks. Every year, bunk and loft beds cause injuries to thousands of children, including head and neck injuries, broken bones, and scrapes and cuts. Many of these injuries could be prevented and avoided by implementing the right safety measures.

The first step is to make sure the loft bed is properly positioned in the room. It shouldn't be placed against the wall since this could cause children to get trapped between the bunk's wall and the top of the mattress. 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 placing the bunk be sure to keep it away from curtains, blinds and windows that could hinder a child's view or cause them to fall off. The bunk should not be situated near anything that hangs from the rails, including cords or toys.

Any bunk bed or loft bed should have an extremely solid frame. Choose a frame that is made of durable materials, such as metal or pine. A platform or slatted frame is another option that can be comfortable and safe for your kids. Bunk and loft beds with a solid platform or slats do not require a box spring and are safer for young children.

In addition to the frame, look for loft beds that have guardrails on both sides of the top level and ladders that can be locked into place. Children less than six years old shouldn't sleep on the top bunk. Be sure to remind children of the dangers by reminding them frequently. A night light on the top bunk could help kids find their own way to sleep in the dark.

A loft safety net is an important security measure. It attaches at the corners of the top bunk to stop children from falling. They are available in a wide range of sizes and colors that will match any bedroom decor and are easy to put up.