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

A small loft bed is a popular option for rooms for children which allows them to make use of the space below to play or study. This West Elm choice has a elegant Mid-Century style and comes in two finishes.

It is a bit of a task to put together, but the instructions are clear and straightforward. It is important to note that this loft bed should only be used with mattresses that are 9 inches or lower; anything higher could extend beyond the safety guard rails.

Storage

A loft bed may appear to be a hassle-free option to make space to store things but it can be an ideal alternative. A lofted bed, for example can be used as a bookcase and save the floor space. The sides can be used to create a reading space or display shelves. A lofted bed can also be used as a work station which allows children to create an office area to complete homework and other chores without encroaching upon living space in a small space.

Many kids' loft beds include a desk nook beneath, 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 shelving and a built-in desk. This loft bed (shown in white) from Wayfair includes a desk that is built into the front of the bed and shelves that double as an end rail. The simple design of the bunk makes it ideal for any child's bedroom and the rails that are slatted make it suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

Another alternative is to use an loft bed to create dresser and this model from Ikea is a hefty amount of storage capacity. The loft bed is available in a variety of finishes to match different styles of decor including rustic and modern. The bottom of the loft is home to two drawers, while 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.

You can transform your loft into a library for your child who loves to read by adding shelves and a beanbag chair that they can cuddle up with their favorite book. You can create a cute composition with a little rug, some chairs or tables, and a few baskets or boxes for storage.

This loft bed is an excellent option for children who are young however, teens will appreciate the design if they require space to do their homework or study. This model is much easier to construct than other models. It comes with a set plans that include step-by-step pictures and instructions to cut the parts for assembling the bunk, as well as building the stairs. It also comes with a list of tools and other materials will be required to start.

Space

When it comes to tiny loft beds the space they open up beneath them is often as important as the bed itself. This extra space can be used for an office space or as a comfortable sitting area. This can be a great way to create a unique design feature to a tiny bedroom for adults or a child's room or even a studio.

Loft beds are a great way to give a room that has low ceilings a rustic or industrial look. This bed, made by the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has an elegant ladder that leads to a mattress that is set on the wooden loft bed platform. A simple chair and a few other pieces of furniture complete the appearance.

If your ceilings are high enough, you can make them even higher with a loft bed. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds are for instance, and are available in two sizes and a variety of finish options. They also come with plenty of space beneath the bed to provide the most comfortable bed as well as more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another option. It features staggered stairs and a slide to ensure maximum security and ease of access.

This loft bed has an area at the bottom that can be used as an office or playroom. It comes with an upholstered bench and storage cubbies, as an stairway that leads to the top bunk bed. This is a great choice for children's bedrooms or teens' rooms, and it can be reconfigured as your children grow up and out of it.

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

A loft bed could be used as a desk in a dorm. This loft bed with a pull-out desk by Naomi Home offers plenty of space for laptops and a desk and a shelving unit on either side for storing books and toys as well as other items.

Fun

You can make a loft bed enjoyable for your children. It's not just about storage space. A small slide under the loft bed is a great option to add some playtime excitement to their bedroom as well as a quick and easy descent from the top bunk. This bed for kids by DONCO comes with a built-in slide and ladder that's sure to delight any kid, and can be put on later if they decide they'd prefer to take the easy route up in the future.

If slides aren't a good choice for your child, you can still add a fun aspect to your loft bed by transforming the bottom level into a cozy hangout area with a couple of chairs and a rug. The cozy area can be used to read or play games, relax or watch TV with your friends. It's a great method to keep the room tidy and provide a great place to gather.

Children can feel as if they're in their own little castle when their loft is designed to look like an old-fashioned cabin with a roof accent and windows. You can also give your loft a distinctive look by using wallpapers, wall paints or stickers that resemble trees, the sky or any other outdoor feature. Your kids will love to retreat into their own 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 the ladder with spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these staircases or create your own to fit in a small loft bed like this bedroom design from HGTV. The staircase has a nice design with an X-shape along the sides and can be upgraded as your kids develop.

You can also construct an loft with a desk and storage under it for your kids to work on their homework or any other task. There are numerous plans available online for this type of bed. Many of them are easy to build yourself. Take this plan by House of Wood as an example. The plans have all the directions you require as well as an inventory of the materials and cuts required for each step of the project. The loft bed is big enough to fit a full-size bed, and it has room underneath for seating, a desk or a seat.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're not without risks. Every year, bunk beds and loft beds cause injuries to thousands of children, including head and neck fractures, broken bones and scrapes and cuts. The majority of these injuries can be avoided and prevented by taking the appropriate safety measures.

The first step is to ensure the loft bed or bunk bed is properly positioned in the room. It shouldn't be placed against the wall since this could cause children to be trapped between the bunk's wall and the top. Instead, allow a clear space of at least 3.5 inches between the bottom edge of the guard rail and the top of the mattress foundation.

When you are putting the bunk bed up, be sure that it is not in close proximity to things like curtains, blinds, windows and ceiling fans that could block a child's view or cause her to fall off the bunk's side. The bunk should also not be close to anything that could hang from the rails, such as cords or toys.

A solid, sturdy frame is a must for any bunk or loft bed. Look for a frame made of durable materials, such as pine or metal. Another option for a secure and comfortable bed is a slatted platform frame. Bunk and loft beds with an solid platform or slats do not require a boxspring, which is more secure for children.

In addition to the frame, look for loft beds that have guardrails on both sides of the top level, as well as ladders that can be locked in place. Children younger than 6 should never sleep on the top bunk, and make sure you enforce this rule by regularly reminding them of the dangers. A night light on the top bunk can help kids find their own way down 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 keeps children from falling off. The nets are available in different colors and sizes to match any decor in the bedroom. They are also easy to put up.