A Small Loft Bed Makes a Great Choice For Kids' Rooms
A tiny loft bed is a popular choice for kids' rooms that allow them to make use of the space underneath for studying or playing. This West Elm choice has a sleek Mid-Century style and comes in two finishes.
The instructions are simple and simple to follow. This loft bed is suitable for mattresses 9 inches or less. Anything higher may be a risk to the safety guardrails.
Storage
It might be a bit awkward to use an elevated bed to increase storage space, but this is a very useful idea. A lofted bed, for example could be used as a bookcase and save the floor space. The sides can also be used to create a reading area or display shelves. A lofted bed can be used as a work station that allows a child to have an office space for doing homework and other tasks without taking up living space in a small space.
Many loft beds for kids have a desk space beneath, but you can also add one to a regular loft bed by constructing it yourself or modifying the space beneath the bed by adding some shelving and a built-in desk. For instance this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) features a desk tucked into the front of the bunk and a bookcase with an adjustable ladder which doubles as rails on the sides. The minimalist design of the bunk makes it a good fit for any kid's bedroom and the slatted safety rails are ideal for rooms with low ceilings.
Another option is to use a loft bed as a dresser and this model from Ikea has an impressive quantity of storage space. It is available in multiple designs to fit various styles of interiors that include contemporary and rustic. The bottom of the loft has two drawers, while the top opens to reveal additional storage space. This is a great choice for adults who are seeking to transform their bedroom into a workspace for their home or for children who require plenty of room to store their books and toys.
If you have a kid who loves to read then you can transform your loft into a library by adding some shelves and a cozy bean bag chair that can be used to curl in with a good book. You can create a cute composition with a little rug, some chairs or tables, and some baskets or boxes for storage.
A loft bed that is built into a playhouse is a great choice for a young child, but the design can be enjoyed by teenagers who might require a space to study and do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a bit more straightforward to construct than others and comes with plans that includes step-by-step instructions with images for cutting the pieces and assembling the bunk and making the stairs. The plans include an inventory of the tools and materials you'll require.
Space
When it comes to small loft beds the space they free up beneath them is often just as important as the bed itself. The extra space can be used for storage, a desk, or a cozy sitting area. This is an ideal option to create a unique design feature to a small adult bedroom, a child’s room, or a studio apartment.
A loft bed is the perfect way to add a touch of rustic modern or industrial style to rooms with low ceilings. For example, this bed in a studio from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder that leads to the mattress set on a wooden platform. A simple chair, along with a few accessories, completes the look.
If your ceilings are tall enough, you can go even higher with a loft bed. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for example it comes in two sizes and a variety of finishes, with plenty of space beneath to give you a comfy bed and more space. Another great option is this X-shaped bunk bed by DHP, which boasts staggered steps and a slide for easy access and safety.
This loft bed has an underside section which can be used as an area for study or play. It has benches and storage cubbies, as well being a stairway leading to the top bunk bed. This loft bed is ideal for teen bedrooms or kids rooms. It can be reconfigured to fit your child's needs as they grow.
Many loft beds have built-in shelves for books as part of the design. This is especially useful for homes with limited space or to keep books and knick-knacks off the floor. A cozy reading space with a lamp and comfortable seating is a great use of this space, and it's especially useful for a teenager's or adult's room.
A loft bed could be used as a workstation in a dorm. This loft bed with an open desk from Naomi Home offers plenty of space for a laptop and desktop and shelves on each side to store books, toys, and other things.
Fun
A loft bed for your kids isn't just about storage and space, but you can also make it enjoyable. A small slide under the loft bed is a great option to add some playtime excitement to their room as well as a quick and easy descent out of the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed has an inbuilt slide and ladder, which is sure to delight any child. It can be added later, if the child wants to go the easy way up.
If slides aren't the best fit for your child but you can still add a fun aspect to your loft bed by transforming the lower level into a relaxing hangout space with some chairs and a rug. The cozy area can be used to read, relax, play games, or watch TV with your friends. It is a great method to keep the room clean and offer a nice place to gather.
If their 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 also give the loft a distinctive look by using wallpapers, wall paints or stickers that resemble a forest, the sky or any other outdoor element. Your kids will be thrilled to escape into their little cabin for playtime and sleepovers particularly on days of snow when they aren't able to go outside.
You can also add a little flair to your home by replacing an old ladder with spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these spiral staircases or create your own to fit into the loft space as seen in this bedroom design from HGTV. The spiral staircase features an attractive X shape on the side. It can be extended as your children get older.
You can also build a loft with an office and storage underneath it for your kids to work on their homework or other task. There are plenty of plans online for this kind of loft bed, and many are easy enough to build on your own, as shown in this plan from House of Wood. The plans have all the necessary instructions along with a list of supplies and cuts needed for each part of the project. The loft bed can accommodate the full size mattress and offers room beneath for an office or seating.
Safety
Loft beds and bunk beds are a favorite among children, but they come with risks. Every year, bunk beds and loft beds cause injuries to thousands of children, which include head and neck fractures, broken bones as well as scrapes and cuts. The majority of these injuries can be avoided or prevented by taking the appropriate precautions.
The first step is to make sure the loft bed or bunk bed is positioned correctly in the room. It shouldn't be placed against the wall as this can cause children to get trapped between the wall of the bunk and the top. There should be at three inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of your mattress foundation.
When putting the bunk bed in place, be sure that it is not in close proximity to things like blinds, curtains, windows and ceiling fans that could block the view of a child or cause her to fall off the bunk's edge. The bunk should also not be placed near anything that could hang from the rails, such as cords or toys.
Every loft or bunk bed must be built with an extremely solid frame. Find a frame constructed of sturdy materials such as metal or pine. Another option for a safe and comfortable bed is a slatted platform or frame. Loft and bunk beds that have an solid platform or slats do not require a box spring which is safer for toddlers.
Look for an area with guardrails either side of the upper level, and a ladder you can secure. Children younger than 6 should not be sleeping on the top bunk and make sure you adhere to this rule by frequently reminding them of the dangers. A night light on the top bunk can help children find their way down in the dark.
A loft safety net is an important safety measure. It is attached to the corners of the top bunk to prevent children from falling. The nets are available in a variety of sizes and colors that will match any decor in the bedroom, and they are easy to set up.