A Small Loft Bed Makes a Great Choice For Kids' Rooms
A tiny loft bed is a fantastic option for a child's bedroom because it allows children to use the space below for play or studying. This West Elm pick has a sleek Mid-Century design and is available in two finishes.
The instructions are easy and simple to follow. It is important to note that this loft bed is only used with a mattress of 9 inches or lower; anything higher is at risk of extending beyond the safety guard rails.
Storage
A loft bed could appear to be a hassle-free option to make space for storage however, it could be an ideal alternative. A lofted bed, for instance could be used as a bookcase, which saves the floor space. The sides can also be used to create a reading area, or display shelves. A lofted bed can also be used as a workspace which allows children to create a workspace for doing homework and other chores without encroaching upon living space in a tiny room.
A lot of loft beds for kids include a desk underneath. It is possible to add a desk to any loft bed or build it yourself, or rearranging the space beneath the bed using some shelves as well as an improvised table. For instance this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) features a desk tucked into the bunk's front and a bookshelf that has an adjustable ladder that doubles as rails on the sides. The simple design of the bunk makes it suitable for any bedroom with kids and the safety rails with slats are ideal for rooms with low ceilings.
Another option is to use the loft bed as a dresser, and this model from Ikea comes with a huge amount of storage capacity. The loft bed is available in a variety of finishes that match different styles of decor including modern and rustic. The bottom of the loft has two drawers, while the top opens up to reveal additional storage space. This model is a great option for those planning to convert their bedroom into a home office or for children who require plenty of space for toys and books.
If you have a child who loves to read then you can transform your loft into a library by adding shelves and a comfy bean bag chair for curling up with a great book. You can also make a cute composition by adding an area rug as well as a couple of chairs as well as a coffee table and some boxes or baskets 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 study or do homework. This model from Kidkraft is a bit more straightforward to construct than others, and it comes with a set of plans that includes step-by-step instructions with illustrations for cutting the pieces as well as assembling the bunk and building the stairs. It also includes a list of tools and materials will be required to start.
Space
The space that is created under small loft beds can be just as important as the bed itself. The extra space could be used as storage, a desk, or a comfy sitting space. This is a great option to add a unique design element to a tiny bedroom for adults, a child’s room, or even a studio.
A loft bed is the perfect way to add a bit of rustic modern or industrial style to a room with low ceilings. For instance this bed in a studio from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder that leads to the mattress that is set on a wooden platform. A simple chair and a couple of accent pieces complete the design.
If your ceilings are tall enough, you can make them further with a loft bed. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for example is available in two sizes and a variety of options for finishes. It has plenty of space beneath to provide you with a comfortable bed and a whole lot more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another great option. It comes with staggered stairs and a slide to ensure the highest level of security and ease of access.
The bottom portion of this loft bed can be used as a study space or playroom with a combination of open cubbies, drawers for storage and benches that double as a staircase to the top bed. This is a great choice for kids' bedrooms or for teen's rooms and can be rearranged as your children get older and get out of it.
Many loft beds come with built-in shelves. This is particularly useful for homes with limited space or if you want to keep your books and other knick-knacks away from the floor. A cozy reading space with a lamp and some comfortable seating is another excellent idea to make use of this space and it's particularly useful for a teenager's or adult's room.
A loft bed can also be used as a workstation in a dorm room. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk that slides out and has ample space to accommodate a laptop and a computer as well as shelving units on both sides to store toys, books and other items.
Fun
It is possible to make a loft bed enjoyable for your kids. It's not just about storage and space. A small slide beneath the loft bed is an enjoyable way to add a bit of play in your child's bedroom. It also allows for a quick and simple descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed comes with a built in slide and ladder, which is sure to please any child. It is possible to add it later, if the child wants to take the simpler route up.
If slides aren't the best choice for your child's age, you can still add a cool aspect to your loft bed by transforming the lower level into a comfortable hangout space with some chairs and a rug. The cozy area can be used to read or play games, relax or watch TV with your friends. It's an ideal method to keep the room tidy and provides a great place to gather.
When their loft is designed as an cabin, complete with windows and a roof accent, kids can feel like they're in their own castle. You can also give your loft a more unique look by using wallpapers, wall paint or stickers that resemble trees, the sky or some other outdoor feature. Your children will love to escape into their little cabin for playtime and sleepovers particularly on days of snow when they can't go outside.
For a little extra design, you could swap out a regular ladder to a more exciting spiral staircase. You can buy one of these spiral staircases or make your own to fit in an existing loft bed, like this bedroom design on HGTV. The staircase has a nice X-shape on the side and can be added to as your kids get older.
Another great idea 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 many plans online for this kind of bed. Many of them are easy enough to build on your own. Consider bunkbedsstore.uk from House of Wood as an illustration. The plans include all instructions as well as a list of the required materials and cuts for each piece. This loft bed is spacious enough to accommodate a large bed and has space underneath for seating, a desk or a seat.
Safety
Kids love loft and bunk beds, but they're not without their risks. Every year, bunk beds and loft beds result in injuries to thousands of children, which include neck and head injuries, broken bones, and cuts and scrapes. Luckily, most of these injuries can be prevented and easily avoided by putting the proper security measures in place.
The first step is to ensure the loft bed or bunk bed is properly positioned in the room. It shouldn't be set against the wall, as this can cause children to become wedged between the wall and the top of the bunk bed. Instead, you should leave a space of at minimum 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 away from things like blinds, curtains windows, ceiling fans and blinds which could block the view of a child or cause her to fall off the side of the bunk. The bunk should not be placed near anything that hangs from the rails, such as cords or toys.
Any bunk bed or loft bed must have an extremely solid frame. Choose a frame that is constructed from durable 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 a solid platform or slats do not require a box spring, which is safer for young children.
In addition to the frame, look for an loft bed that has guardrails on both sides of the top level, as well as a ladder that can be locked to the bed. Children younger than six years old shouldn't sleep on the top bunk. Be sure to remind them of 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.
Another crucial safety measure is to use a loft safety net, that can be 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 fit any decor in the bedroom. They are also easy to set up.