A Small Loft Bed Makes a Great Choice For Kids' Rooms
A tiny loft bed is a popular choice for kids' rooms which allows them to make use of the space below for studying or playing. This West Elm pick has a sleek Mid-Century design and comes in two different finishes.
It requires some assembly, but the instructions are clear and straightforward. Note that this loft bed should only be used with a mattress of 9 inches or less. Anything higher is at risk of extending beyond the safety guard rails.
Stores
It might seem unaffordable to use an elevated bed as a way to make more storage space, but this can be incredibly useful. A lofted bed, for example, can be used as a bookcase, saving floor space. The sides can also be used to create a reading area or display shelves. A lofted mattress could be used to create an office for children that lets them complete their homework and other chores in a tiny space without taking up 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 shelving and an improvised desk. For instance, this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) features a desk tucked into the bunk's front and a bookshelf with an incline that doubles as rails on the sides. The bunk's simple design makes it perfect for any bedroom for a child, and the rails that are slatted make it suitable for rooms with low ceilings.
Another alternative is to use a loft bed as a dresser, and this model from Ikea has an impressive amount of storage space. The loft bed comes in a variety finishes to suit different decor styles including modern and rustic. The loft's bottom features two drawers while the top opens to reveal additional storage space. This model is ideal for those who wish to transform their bedroom into an office, or for kids with a large collection of toys and books.
It is possible to transform your loft into a library for your child who loves reading by adding shelves and a bean bag chair to curl up with their favorite book. You can create a beautiful composition using a rug, a chair, a table, and some baskets or boxes for additional storage.
This loft bed is a fantastic option for children of all ages however teens can appreciate the design if they need a place to study or do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a bit more straightforward to construct than other models, and it comes with plans that include step-by-step directions with illustrations for cutting the pieces, assembling the bunk, and building the stairs. It also includes the list of tools and other materials will be required to start.
Space
The space created under the tiny loft beds can be as important as the bed itself. The extra space can be used for storage as well as a desk or even a comfortable sitting area. It can also be an opportunity to make a distinctive design statement in a tiny bedroom for adults, a child's room, or even a studio apartment for teens.
Loft beds are a great option to give rooms with low ceilings a rustic, chic or industrial look. This bed, made by the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has an elegant ladder that leads up to a mattress on the wooden platform. A simple chair, with a few accent pieces adds to the overall look.
If your ceilings are high enough, a loft-style bed can be even bigger. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for instance, is available in two sizes and several options for finishes. It has plenty of space beneath to provide you with a comfortable bed and a whole lot more space. Another option to consider is the X-shaped bunk bed from DHP, which boasts the slide and steps that are staggered to make it easy to access and ensure safety.
The bottom portion of this loft bed could be used as a study area or playroom by combining a set of open cubbies, drawers to store things and a bench seat that doubles as a ladder to the top bed. This is a fantastic option for kids' bedrooms or for teen's rooms, and it can be reconfigured as your children get older and get older and move out.
Many loft beds come with built-in shelves. This is particularly beneficial for homes with limited space or to keep your books and other knick-knacks away from the floor. A cozy reading space with a lamp and comfy seating is another great use of this space, and it's particularly useful for a teenager's or adult's room.
A loft bed can even be used as a desk in a dorm. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk that pulls out, and offers plenty of space for a desktop and laptop, plus shelving units on both sides to store toys, books, and other items.
Fun
It is possible to make a loft bed enjoyable for your children. It's not just about storage space. A small slide underneath a loft bed can be a fun way to add some playtime to your child's room. It also permits an easy and quick descent from the top bunk. childrens loft bed for kids by DONCO comes with a built-in slide and ladder that is sure to please any child, and it's possible to add later on if they'd like to take the easy route to the top in the near future.
If slides aren't for your child, then you can still make your loft bed cool by transforming the lower part into a comfortable space with a rug and chairs. The area can be used to read, relax, play games, or enjoy a movie with friends. It is an excellent method to keep the room clean and offer a nice place to hangout.
If the loft is designed to resemble a cabin, complete with windows and a roof accent, kids will feel like they're in their own castle. You can make your loft unique appearance by using wallpapers, wall stickers or paints that look like a sky, forest or other outdoor elements. Your children will enjoy sleeping in their cozy cabin, particularly on snowy days.
For a little extra design, you could switch out a standard ladder for a more fun spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these spiral stairs or create your own for a tiny loft bed, like in the bedroom design on HGTV. The staircase features a lovely shape on the side, and can be added to as your kids grow.
Another idea that is cool is to create a loft bed that has a desk and storage underneath for the children to work on their homework or other chores. There are numerous plans online for this kind of bed. Many of them are simple enough to build yourself. Consider this plan from House of Wood as an example. The plans include all the instructions and a list with the necessary materials and cuts for each component. The loft bed can accommodate a full-size mattress and also can be used as an office or seating.
Safety
Kids love bunk and loft beds, but they're not without their risks. Thousands of children are injured by bunk and loft beds every year, resulting in fractured bones, cuts and scrapes as well as head and neck injuries. Most of these injuries can be prevented and avoided by implementing the right precautions.
The first step is to ensure that the loft or bunk bed is correctly placed in the room. It should not be against the wall, as this could cause children to get trapped between the bunk's wall and the top of the mattress. Instead, allow a clear space of at minimum 3.5 inches between the bottom edge of the guard rail and the top of the mattress foundation.
When putting the bunk in place be sure to keep it away from blinds, curtains and windows that could hinder a child's view or cause them to fall off. The bunk bed should not be positioned near anything that could hang from the rails such as cords or toys.
A solid, sturdy frame is essential for any bunk or loft bed. Select a frame made of durable materials such as metal or pine. Another option for a secure and comfortable bed is a slatted platform frame. Bunk and loft bed with a solid slatted platform or solid platform does not require a boxspring, which is more secure for children.
Look for a loft that has guardrails on both sides of the upper level, and a ladder that you can secure. Kids younger than six should not 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 could aid children in finding their way down in the dark.
Another important safety precaution is to install loft safety nets, which attaches to the corners of the top bunk and keeps children from falling off. The nets are available in a variety of colors and sizes to match any decor in the bedroom. They are also easy to install.