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

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

It is a bit of a task to put together however, 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 risks extending beyond the safety guard rails.

Storage

A loft bed might seem like a nebulous option to free up space for storage but it can be a fantastic alternative. A lofted bed, as an example, can be used as a bookcase, saving floor space. The sides can be used to create a reading area, or display shelves. A lofted mattress can be used as an office for children, which lets them complete their homework or other tasks in a tiny space without consuming valuable living space.

Many loft beds for kids include a desk nook beneath, but you can also add one to a regular loft bed by constructing it yourself or by modifying the area beneath the bed by adding some shelves and a improvised desk. For example this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) has a desk built into the front of the bunk and a bookcase with an adjustable ladder that doubles as side rails. The bunk's simple design makes it perfect for any child's bedroom, and the rails that are slatted make it suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

Another option is to make use of an loft bed to create dresser and this model from Ikea has an impressive quantity of storage space. The loft bed is available in a variety finishes to suit different decor styles including modern and rustic. The bottom of the loft is home to two drawers. The top is open to reveal more storage space. This design is perfect for adults who want to transform their bedroom into an office, or for children with a lot of toys and books.

You can transform your loft into a library for a child who enjoys reading by adding shelves and a beanbag chair to curl up with their favorite book. You can also make an adorable composition by adding a little area rug and a few chairs and a coffee table and some boxes or baskets for additional storage.

A loft bed that is built into an playhouse is the ideal option for a child who is just starting out, but the design can be enjoyed by teenagers who may need an area to work in and study. This model from Kidkraft is a bit simpler to construct than other models and comes with plans that provide step-by-step instructions with images for cutting the pieces as well as assembling the bunk and constructing the stairs. The plans come with an inventory of the tools and materials you'll require.

Space

In the case of small loft beds, the space they free underneath is often just as important as the bed itself. This extra space can be used as an office or an area for sitting. This can be an ideal option to add a unique design element to a small bedroom for an adult, a child’s room, or a studio apartment.

Loft beds are a great option to give rooms with low-ceilings a rustic chic or industrial feel. For instance this bed in a studio apartment from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder that leads to the mattress, which is set on an wooden platform. A simple chair, along with a few other pieces adds to the overall look.

If your ceilings are tall enough, you can get even bigger with a full loft bed. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for instance is available in two sizes as well as a variety of options for finishes. It has plenty of space beneath to give you a comfy bed and more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another excellent option. It comes with the option of staggered stairs as well as a slide to ensure maximum security and ease of access.

The loft bunk beds bed comes with a bottom section that can be used for an area for study or play. It includes an upholstered bench and storage cubbies, as well being a stairway leading to the top bunk bed. This loft bed is perfect for teenager bedrooms or children' rooms. It can be reconfigured to meet the needs of your child as they become more mature.

Many loft beds have built-in shelves. This is particularly useful for homes with limited space or if you prefer to keep your books and other knick-knacks away from the floor. This space can be utilized to create a relaxing reading area by incorporating an e-reader, a comfortable chair and a comfy sofa. It's great for a teen or adult's bedroom.

A loft bed can also be an ideal workspace for in a dorm. This loft bed with a pull-out desk by Naomi Home has plenty of space for a laptop and desktop, as well as a shelving unit that can be used 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 underneath the loft bed is an enjoyable way to add some playtime to your child's space. It also offers a quick and simple descent from the top bunk. This bed for kids from DONCO comes with a built-in slide and ladder that is sure to delight any kid, and it's possible to add on later if they decide they want to go the easy way up the road in the future.

If slides aren't the best fit for your child, you can still add a cool element to your loft bed by transforming the lower level into a relaxing hangout space with a couple of chairs and rug. The area can be used to read, relax, play games, or watch TV with your friends. It is an ideal way to keep the room tidy and provides a great space to relax.

If the loft is designed to resemble a cabin, complete with windows and an accent roof, kids can feel like they're in their own castle. You can make your loft unique design by putting up wallpapers and wall stickers, or paints that look like a sky, forest or other outdoor elements. Your children will love to retreat into their own little cabin for sleepovers or playtime especially during winter months when they aren't able to go outside.

You could also add a bit of flair to your home by replacing a ladder with a spiral staircase. You can buy one of these staircases or create your own to fit into an existing loft bed, as shown in this bedroom design on HGTV. The spiral staircase is a nice X design on the side. It can be expanded as your children get older.

You can also construct a loft with a desk and storage under it for your children to complete their homework or do any other work. There are numerous plans on the internet for this type of bed. Many of them are easy to build on your own. Consider this plan from House of Wood as an illustration. The plans include all the instructions and a list with the materials and cuts required for each component. This loft bed is spacious enough to fit a full-size bed and also has space for a desk, seating or an extra seat.

Safety

Loft and bunk beds are popular with kids but they also carry risks. Every year, bunk beds and loft beds cause injuries to thousands of children, which include neck and head fractures, broken bones and scrapes and cuts. Luckily, most of these injuries can be prevented or avoided by putting the proper precautions in place.

The first step is to ensure that the loft bed or bunk bed is placed correctly in the room. It should not be positioned against the wall as this could result in children being stuck between the wall and the top of the bunk bed. There should be at three inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of the mattress foundation.

When putting the bunk bed in place, be sure that it is away from things like blinds, curtains, windows and ceiling fans which could block the view of a child or cause her to fall off the bunk's edge. The bunk shouldn't be situated near anything that could hang from the rails, such as cords or toys.

A sturdy, solid frame is essential for any bunk or loft bed. Find a frame constructed of sturdy 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 or solid platform does not 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 an incline that can be locked in place. Children who are younger than six years old shouldn't sleep on the top bunk. Make sure to warn them of the dangers by reminding them frequently. A night light on the top bunk could help children find their way down in the dark.

One other important safety measure is to put up a childrens loft bunk Beds safety net which attaches to the corners of the top bunk and keeps children from falling off. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors to match any bedroom decor, and they are easy to set up.