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 to play or study. This West Elm pick has a sleek Mid-Century design and comes in two different finishes.

It is a bit of a task to put together however the instructions are clear and straightforward. This loft bed is only suitable for mattresses of 9 inches and less. Anything higher may extend beyond the safety guardrails.

Stores

It might be a bit awkward to use a loft bed to create more storage space, but it can be extremely useful. For instance, instead of a large bookcase that occupies floor space, a lofted bed can serve as one--and the sides can be used to create other uses like a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted bed could also be utilized as a workstation, allowing a child to create an office area to complete homework and other chores without encroaching upon living space in a tiny space.

A lot of loft beds for kids include a desk nook underneath, but you could also add one to any regular loft bed by building it yourself or by modifying the area beneath the bed with some auxiliary shelving and a built-in desk. For instance this teenager loft bed bed from Wayfair (shown in white loft bed) features a desk tucked into the front of the bunk and a bookcase with a ladder which doubles as rails on the sides. The bunk's simple design makes it ideal for any kid's bedroom and the rails that are slatted make it suitable for rooms with low loft bunk beds ceilings.

Another option is to use a single loft Bunk bed (https://telegra.ph/10-Things-We-Love-About-Loft-Bed-With-Storage-04-04) bed as dresser and this model from Ikea is a hefty amount of storage space. It is available in multiple designs to fit a variety of decor styles, including rustic and contemporary. The bottom of the loft is equipped with two drawers while the top opens to reveal additional storage space. This model is a great choice for adults who are looking to convert their bedroom into a home office or for children who require plenty of space for toys and books.

You can transform your loft into an area for reading for children who loves to read by adding shelves and a bean bag chair that they can cuddle up with their favorite book. You can also create an adorable composition by adding an area rug and a few chairs as well as a coffee table and a few baskets or boxes to store your books in.

A loft bed that is built into an playhouse is the ideal option for a child who is just starting out, 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 some others, and it comes with plans that provide step-by-step instructions with images for cutting the parts as well as assembling the bunk and building the stairs. The plans include an inventory of the tools and supplies you'll need.

Space

The space that is created under small loft beds can be just as important as the bed itself. This extra space can be used for a desk or for a comfortable sitting area. It could also be an opportunity to create an impressive design statement in a small bedroom for adults, a child's room or even a studio for teens.

Loft beds are a great option to give rooms with low ceilings a rustic, chic or industrial vibe. This bed, made by the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has a minimalist ladder that leads up to a mattress that is set on a wooden loft bed platform. A simple chair, along with a few accent pieces, completes the look.

If your ceilings are tall enough, a full-size loft bed can be even bigger. Pottery Barn Waverly loft beds, for instance, come in two sizes with a variety of finish options. They also have plenty of space underneath the bed to give you the most comfortable bed as well as more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another great option. It features staggered stairs and a slide to ensure the highest level of safety and accessibility.

The bottom of this loft bed could be used as a study space or playroom, with a mix of open cubbies, drawers for storage and a bench seat that doubles as a ladder to the top bed. This loft bed is perfect for bedrooms for teens or children' rooms. It can be rearranged to fit your child's needs as they develop.

Many loft beds have built-in shelves. This is especially useful for homes with limited space or if you prefer to keep your knick-knacks and books off the floor. Making a cozy reading area with a lamp as well as comfortable seating is another excellent way to use this space, and it's particularly useful for a teen or adult's room.

A loft bed can even be used as a workstation in a dorm room. This loft bed with a pull-out desk by Naomi Home includes plenty of space for a laptop and desktop and shelves that can be used to store books and toys as well as other items.

Fun

Getting a loft bed for your children isn't just about storage and space, you can also make it fun. A small slide beneath the loft bed is a great option to add some playtime excitement to the room as well as a quick and easy descent out of the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed has an integrated slide and ladder that is sure to please any child. It could be added later if the child decides to take the easier route up.

If slides are not suitable for your child, you can still make their loft bed cool by turning the lower level into a comfortable space with chairs and a rug. The area can be used to read, relax, play games, or watch TV with friends. It is an excellent method to keep the room clean and offer a nice space to relax.

If the loft is designed to look like an actual cabin, with windows and an accent on the roof, children may feel as if they're inside their own castle. You can give your loft a unique design by putting up wallpapers and wall stickers, or paints that are reminiscent of a forest, sky or other outdoor elements. Your kids will love playing and sleeping in their cozy cabin, particularly during snowy days.

For a little extra flair, you can also change out a ladder for a more fun spiral staircase. You can buy one of these spiral staircases, or create your own to fit into an existing loft bed, as shown in this bedroom design from HGTV. The spiral staircase has a nice X shape on the side. It can be extended as your children get older.

You can also build an office-style loft that has a desk and storage beneath it for your children to complete their homework or do any other work. There are a number of plans online for this kind of loft bed, and many are simple enough to do yourself, as you see in this plan from House of Wood. The plans come with all the instructions you need as well as the list of materials and cuts required to complete the project. The loft bed can accommodate an entire mattress and can be used as an office or seating.

Safety

Kids love bunk and loft beds, but they're without risks. Thousands of children are injured by loft and bunk beds every year, resulting in broken bones, cuts, scrapes and head and neck injuries. Fortunately, the majority of injuries can be prevented or avoided by putting the proper precautions in place.

The first step is to ensure the loft bed or bunk bed is properly positioned in the room. It should not be positioned against the wall as this could result in children being 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 make sure it is not in close proximity to things like blinds, curtains windows, ceiling fans and blinds that could block a child's view or cause her to fall off the bunk's side. The bunk shouldn't be situated near anything that can hang from the rails, such as cords or toys.

Every loft or bunk bed should have an extremely solid frame. Look for a frame constructed of sturdy materials such as pine or metal loft bunk bed. 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 don't require a box spring and are safer for young children.

Look for a loft with guardrails on either side of the top level and a ladder you can lock into place. Children less than six years old should not sleep on the top bunk. Make sure to warn children of the dangers of sleeping on top bunks by reminding them frequently. A night light on the top bunk could help children find their way to sleep in the dark.

One other important safety measure is to use loft safety nets, which attaches to the corners of the top bunk to prevent children from falling off. The nets are available in a wide assortment of sizes and colors to fit any bedroom decor and are easy to set up.