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

A tiny loft bed is a popular choice for rooms for children that allow them to use the space underneath for studying or playing. This West Elm pick has a elegant Mid-Century design and is available in two finishes.

It is a bit of a task to put together, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The loft bed is suitable for mattresses of 9 inches and lower. Anything higher can be a risk to the safety guardrails.

Stores

It might be a bit awkward to use the loft bed to create more storage space, but this can be extremely useful. For instance, rather than an enormous bookcase that occupies the floor space the lofted bed could be used as a bookcase, and the sides can be used to create other uses such as a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted bed can also be used as a work station, allowing a child to have an office space for homework or other tasks without taking up living space in a tiny space.

Many kids' loft beds have a desk space underneath, but you could also add one to a regular loft bed by constructing it yourself or by modifying the space underneath the bed by adding some shelving and an improvised desk. For instance, this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white loft bed) features a desk tucked into the front of the bunk and a bookcase with an adjustable ladder that doubles as the rails on the sides. The bunk's minimalist design makes it perfect for any kid's bedroom, and the slatted rails make it ideal for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea has plenty of storage space. It is available in various styles to match a variety of decor styles, including rustic and contemporary. The loft's bottom features two drawers while the top opens up to reveal more storage space. This model is ideal for adults who want to convert their bedroom an office, or for kids with a lot of books and toys.

If you have a little one who loves reading then you can transform your loft into a library by adding shelves and a cozy bean bag chair to curl up with a good book. You can also make an attractive composition by incorporating an area rug, a couple of chairs as well as a coffee table and a few baskets or boxes to store your books in.

This loft bed is a fantastic choice for young children however teens can appreciate the design if they require a place to work or study. 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 pieces as well as assembling the bunk and making the stairs. It also includes a list of tools and materials that will be required to start.

Space

The space created beneath tiny loft beds can be as important as the bed. This extra space can be used for a desk or for a comfortable sitting area. It could also be an opportunity to create a distinctive design statement in a small bedroom for adults, a kid's room, or even a studio for teenagers.

A loft bed is a great way to add a touch of rustic chic or an industrial look to rooms with low ceilings. For instance this bed in a studio apartment from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder leading up to the mattress set on the wooden platform. A simple chair and a few accent pieces complete the look.

If your ceilings are high enough, you can make them even bigger with a full loft bed. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds for instance, are available in two sizes and different finishes. They also come with plenty of space beneath the bed to give you a comfortable bed and more space. Another great option is this loft bed with an X shape from DHP that comes with staggered steps and a slide to make it easy to access and ensure safety.

The bottom of this loft bed can be used as a study space or playroom with a combination of open cubbies and drawers to store things and benches that double loft bed uk as a ladder to the top bed. This loft bed is perfect for teenager bedrooms or children' rooms. It can be rearranged to meet the needs of your child as they become more mature.

Many loft beds have built-in shelves. This is especially useful for homes with limited space or to keep your books and other knick-knacks off the floor. Making a cozy reading area with a lamp as well as comfortable seating is a great use of this space, and is especially beneficial for a teen or adult's room.

A loft bed can also be used as a desk in a dorm room. This loft bed with a pull-out desk from Naomi Home has plenty of space for laptops and desktop and shelves on each side to store books and toys as well as other items.

Fun

You can make a loft bed enjoyable for your kids. It's not just about storage space. A small slide underneath the loft bed could be an enjoyable method of adding some fun to your child's room. It also offers an easy and quick descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed has an integrated slide and ladder that is sure to delight any child. It could be added later on if the child chooses to take the easier route up.

If slides aren't the best choice for your child's age, you can still add a cool element to your loft bed by transforming the bottom level into a comfortable hangout space with a few chairs and rug. The comfy spot can be used to read, relax and playing games or watching TV with friends. It's the perfect way to keep their room tidy and also provide a nice place to hang out.

When their loft is designed to resemble an cabin, complete with windows and a roof accent, kids will feel like they're in their own castle. You can even give the loft a distinctive look by using wallpapers, wall paints or stickers that resemble a forest the sky or some other outdoor feature. Your kids will love playing and sleeping in their cozy cabin, particularly in the winter months when it is snowy.

You could also add a bit of design to your home by replacing the ladder with a spiral staircase. You can either buy one of these stairs or make your own for a small loftbed, as seen in the bedroom design shown on HGTV. The staircase has a nice X-shape on the side and can be redesigned as your children develop.

You can also construct an loft with an office and storage underneath it for your children to work on their homework or do any other work. You can find a variety of plans online for this kind of loft bed, and many are easy enough to construct by yourself, such as shown in this design from House of Wood. The plans have all the instructions you need, plus an inventory of the materials and cuts required for each step of the project. This loft bed can be made to fit an entire mattress and provides space beneath for a desk or seating.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're not free of dangers. Many children are injured by loft and bunk beds each year, including fractured bones, cuts and scrapes and head and neck injuries. Fortunately, the majority of injuries are preventable and easily avoided with the right safety measures in place.

The first step is to make sure the loft bed with stairs bed or bunk bed is properly positioned in the room. It should not be against the wall, as this could cause children to be stuck between the bunk's wall and the top. Allow a space of at least 3 inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of your mattress foundation.

When you are putting the bunk bed up make sure it is far from things like blinds, curtains, windows and ceiling fans which could block the view of a child, or cause her to fall off the side of the bunk. The bunk shouldn't be close to anything that can hang from the rails, such as cords or toys.

A solid, sturdy frame is essential for any bunk or loft bed. Pick a frame made of sturdy materials like metal or pine. A platform or frame with slats is another option that could be secure and comfortable for your children. Bunk and loft beds with an solid platform or slats do not require a box spring and are more secure for children.

Find a loft that has guardrails on either side of the top level, and a ladder that you are able to lock into place. Children younger than 6 should not sleep 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 darkness.

A loft safety net is an important precaution to take. It attaches at the corners of the top bunk to prevent children from falling. These nets are available in different colors and sizes to match any bedroom decor. They are also simple to put up.