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

A tiny double loft bed with desk bed can be a wonderful option for a child's room as it lets children to use the space below for play or for studying. This West Elm pick has a sleek Mid-Century design and is available in two 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 that are 9 inches or less. Anything higher can extend beyond the safety guardrails.

Storage

It might seem unaffordable to make use of an elevated bed as a way to create more storage space, but this can be incredibly useful. For instance, instead of a large bookcase that takes up the floor space the lofted bed could be used as a bookcase. The sides can be used to create other uses like a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted bed can also be used as a workspace that allows a child to create a workspace for doing homework and other tasks without encroaching on the living space of a small space.

Many loft beds for kids come with a desk area underneath. It is possible to add a desk to any loft bed, or build it yourself, or rearranging the space underneath the bed using some shelves, or an improvised table. For instance this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) has a desk built into the front of the bunk and a bookshelf that has a ladder that doubles as the rails on the sides. The minimalist design of the bunk makes it ideal for any bedroom with kids and the safety rails that are slatted are suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea provides plenty of storage space. It is available in multiple finishes to suit different styles of decorating such as contemporary and rustic. The bottom of the loft features two drawers, while the top is open to reveal more storage space. This model is ideal for adults who want to convert their bedroom an office, or for children with lots of 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 cozy bean bag chair for curling up with a good book. You can also make an attractive composition by incorporating an area rug and a few chairs and a coffee table and a few baskets or boxes to store your books in.

This loft bed is a great choice for young children however teens can appreciate the design if they require an area to do their homework or study. This model is much easier to build than others. It comes with a set plans that include step-by-step instructions and pictures for cutting the parts as well as assembling the bunk and building the stairs. It also comes with an inventory of the tools and materials will be required to start.

Space

When it comes to tiny loft beds the space they open under them is usually just as important as the bed itself. The extra space could be used as storage as well as a desk or even a comfortable sitting area. This can be an excellent option to create a unique design feature to a tiny bedroom for adults or a kid's room or a studio apartment.

Loft beds are a great option to give a room with low-ceilings a rustic chic or industrial feel. For instance this bed in a studio apartment from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder that leads up to the mattress that is set on the wooden platform. A simple chair, with a few accent pieces adds to the overall look.

If your ceilings are tall enough, a full-size loft bed could be even more spacious. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for example, is available in two sizes and a variety of finish options with plenty of room underneath to provide you with a comfortable bed and more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another option. It has an incline staircase that is staggered to ensure safety and easy access.

The lower part 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 staircase to the top bed. This is a great option for children's bedrooms or for teen's rooms and it can be rearranged as your children grow up and out of it.

Many loft beds have built-in shelves. This is especially useful for homes with limited space or if you simply prefer to keep knick-knacks or books off the floor. This space can be used to create a cozy reading area by incorporating a lamp, comfortable seating and some comfy furniture. It's ideal for an adult or teen's bedroom.

A loft bed could be used as a workstation in a dorm. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk that pulls out has plenty of room to accommodate a laptop and a computer as well as shelves on both sides to store books, toys and other items.

Fun

It is possible to make a loft bed enjoyable for your kids. It's not just about storage space. A small slide underneath a loft bed is a great option to add some playtime excitement to their room and also an easy and quick descent from the top bunk. This bed for kids by DONCO comes with a built-in slide and ladder that's guaranteed to please any child and it can be added later on if they'd prefer to take the easy route up in the future.

If slides are not for your child, then you can still make their loft bed cool by turning the lower portion into a cozy area with a rug and chairs. The cozy spot can be used for reading, relaxing, playing games or watching TV with your friends. It's the perfect place to keep their room tidy while providing a great spot to hang out.

Kids will feel like they're in their own 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 unique appearance by using wallpapers, wall paint or stickers that resemble trees, the sky, or another outdoor feature. Your kids will love to retreat into their own little cabin for playtime and sleepovers, especially on snowy days when they're not able to go out.

For a little extra flair, you can also 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 into a small loft bed as seen in this bedroom design from HGTV. The spiral staircase is an attractive X design on the side. It can be expanded as your children get older.

Another cool idea is to create a loft bed for small room bed that has a desk and storage underneath for the children to work on their homework or other tasks. There are a variety of plans available online for this kind of bed. A lot of them are easy enough to build yourself. Consider this plan from House of Wood as an illustration. The plans include all the instructions you need, plus a list of supplies and cuts needed to complete the project. This loft bed is large enough to accommodate a full-size bed and also has space for seating, a desk or an extra seat.

Safety

Kids love bunk and loft beds, but they aren't without risks. Many children are injured by bunk and loft beds each year, including broken 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 thing to do is ensure that the bunk bed or loft bed is properly placed in the room. It shouldn't be set against the wall, as this could result in children being trapped between the wall and the top of the bunk bed. 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 placing the bunk be sure to keep it away from curtains, blinds and windows that may block a child’s view or cause them to fall off. The bunk shouldn't be placed near anything that could hang from the rails, such as cords or toys.

Every loft or bunk bed must be built with a solid, sturdy frame. Find a frame constructed of sturdy materials like pine or steel. Another option for a secure and comfortable bed is a slatted platform or frame. Bunk and loft beds with solid slats or a solid platform 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 and an incline that can be locked to the bed. Kids younger than six should not sleep on the top bunk and you should adhere to this rule by frequently reminding them of the dangers. Also an evening lighting on the top bunk will aid children in finding their way back down the darkness.

A loft safety net is another important precaution to take. It is attached to the corners of the top bunk to stop children from falling. They are available in a wide range of sizes and colors that will match any bedroom decor, and they are easy to install.