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

A tiny loft bed is a popular choice for kids' rooms, allowing the kids to make use of the space beneath to play or study. This West Elm choice has a sleek Mid-Century style and comes in two finishes.

It requires some assembly however, the instructions are clear and straightforward. It is important to note that this loft bed should only be used with a mattress of 9 inches or less. Anything higher risks extending beyond the safety rails.

Storage

It may seem inconvenient to use a loft bed to make more storage space, but this can be incredibly useful. For instance, instead of a large bookcase that takes up floor space, a lofted bed can be used as a bookcase. The sides can be used to create other uses like a reading area or display shelves. A lofted mattress can be used as an area for children to work from and lets them complete their homework and other tasks in a tiny space without consuming valuable living space.

Many kids' loft beds come with a desk area underneath, but you could also add one to any regular loft bed by building it yourself or modifying the space beneath the bed with a few extra shelving and an improvised desk. This loft bed (shown in white) from Wayfair comes with a desk built into the front and shelves that double size loft bed as an end rail. The bunk's minimalist design is ideal for a kid's bedroom and the rails that are slatted make it suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea has plenty of storage space. The loft bed is available in a variety of finishes that suit different decor styles including modern and rustic. The bottom of the loft features two drawers, and the top opens to reveal more storage space. This model is a great choice for adults who are planning to convert their bedroom into a work space or for children who require plenty of space for books and toys.

It is possible to transform your loft into an area for reading for children who loves to read by adding shelves and a bean bag chair where they can curl up with their favorite book. You can make a charming arrangement using a small rug, some chairs, a table, and some baskets or boxes to store additional items.

A loft bed that's built into a playhouse is the perfect choice for a young child However, the design could be enjoyed by teenagers who may need an area to work in and study. This model from Kidkraft is a little less complicated to build than others and comes with a set of plans that include step-by-step directions with pictures of cutting the pieces and assembling the bunk and constructing the stairs. It also includes an inventory of the tools and materials that you'll require to begin.

Space

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

A loft bed is the perfect way to add a bit of rustic chic or an industrial feel to a room with low ceilings. This bed, which is part of the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has a minimalist ladder that leads to a mattress set on the wooden platform. A simple chair and a couple of accent pieces complete the design.

If your ceilings are tall enough, a loft-style bed could be even larger. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds are for instance, and are available in two sizes and various finishes. They also come with plenty of space beneath the bed to give you an incredibly comfortable bed and plenty of space. Another great option is this X-shaped bunk bed from DHP which comes with the slide and steps that are staggered for easy access and maximum security.

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

Many loft beds come with built-in bookshelves as a part of the design. This is especially helpful for homes with smaller spaces or if you just prefer to keep knick-knacks and books off the floor. A cozy reading space with a lamp as well as comfortable seating is another excellent way to use this space, and is especially beneficial for an adult loft bed or teen's room.

A loft bed can be an ideal workspace for adult loft bed a dorm. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk pulls out, and offers plenty of space for a laptop or desktop, plus shelves on both sides to store toys, books and other things.

Fun

Getting a loft bed for your kids isn't just about storage and space, but you can also make it fun. A small slide underneath the loft bed could be a fun way to add a bit of play to your child's space. It also offers an easy and quick descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed comes with an inbuilt slide and ladder that will surely delight any child. It can be added later, if the child wants to go the easy way up.

If slides aren't for your child, you can still keep your loft bed cool by turning the lower portion into a comfy space with chairs and a rug. The cozy spot can be used to read, relax and playing games or watching TV with your friends. It's the perfect place to keep their space tidy and also provide a nice place to hang out.

Kids can feel like they're in their own little castle when their loft is designed to resemble a cabin with a roof accent and windows. You can also give your loft a distinctive look by using wallpapers, wall paint or stickers that resemble a forest, the sky or any other outdoor feature. Your children will enjoy sleeping in their cabin, especially in the winter months when it is snowy.

To add a touch of style, you can swap out a regular ladder for a fun spiral staircase. You can buy one of these spiral staircases or make your own for a tiny loft bed, as seen in the bedroom design on HGTV. The spiral staircase has an attractive X shape on the side. It can be enlarged as your children grow.

Another great idea is to build a loft bed with storage and a desk underneath for the children to work on their homework or other chores. There are a number of plans online for this kind of bed. Many are simple enough to do yourself, like this design from House of Wood. The plans include all the instructions as well as a list of the materials and cuts required for each component. The loft bed can accommodate an entire mattress and can be used as seating or a desk.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're free of dangers. Every year, bunk and loft beds result in injuries to thousands of children, which include head and neck injuries, broken bones, as well as scrapes and cuts. Most of these injuries can be prevented and avoided by taking the appropriate precautions.

The first step is to ensure that the bunk or loft bed is positioned correctly in the room. It should not be placed against the wall, which could cause children to be wedged between the wall and the top of the bunk bed. There should be at minimum 3 inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of your mattress foundation.

When positioning the bunk ensure that it is away from blinds, curtains and windows that may interfere with a child's vision or cause them to fall off. The bunk shouldn't be placed near anything that can hang from the rails, including cords or toys.

A bunk bed or loft bed must have a solid, sturdy frame. Select a frame made of strong materials such as steel or pine. A platform or frame with slats is another option that can be safe and comfortable for your children. Loft beds and bunk beds with an solid platform or slats do not require a box spring and are safer for young children.

Look for a loft that has guardrails on either side of the top level, and a ladder that you can lock into place. Children who are younger than six years old shouldn't sleep on the top bunk. Be sure to remind them about the dangers by reminding them regularly. A night light on the top bunk could aid children in finding their way to sleep in the dark.

One other important safety measure is to install a loft safety net that is attached to the corners of the top bunk and prevents children from falling off. These nets come in a variety of sizes and colors to match any decor in the bedroom. They are also simple to install.