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

A small loft bed is a favorite choice for rooms for children that allow them to make use of the space beneath for 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. Note that this loft bed should only be used with a mattress 9 inches or less; anything higher risks extending beyond the safety rails.

Storage

It may seem inconvenient to make use of the loft bed as a way to make more storage space, but this can be extremely useful. For instance, rather than an enormous bookcase that occupies floor space A lofted bed could serve as one--and the sides can be used for other things like a reading area or display shelves. A lofted bed can also be utilized as a workstation that allows a child to create an office area to complete homework and other tasks without taking up the living space of a small room.

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 space beneath the bed with a few extra shelving and a built-in desk. This loft bed (shown in the white color) from Wayfair has a desk built into the front of the bed and shelves that double as a side rail. The simple design of the bunk makes it a good fit for any kids' bedroom and the safety rails with slats are ideal for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea provides plenty of storage space. It is available in multiple styles to match various styles of interiors that include contemporary and rustic. The lower part of the loft has two drawers, while the top opens to reveal more storage space. This model is a great option for those seeking to transform their bedroom into a work space or for children who require plenty of room for toys and books.

It is possible to transform your loft into an area for reading for children who loves to read by adding shelves and a beanbag chair that they can cuddle up with their favorite book. You can create a beautiful composition using a rug, some chairs or tables, and a few baskets or boxes for storage.

A loft bed that's built into a playhouse is the perfect choice for a young child however, the design can still be appreciated by teens who might need a place to study and do homework. This model is simpler to build than others. It comes with a set of plans that provide steps-by-step directions for cutting the pieces, assembling the bunk and building the stairs. It also includes a list of tools and materials you'll need to get started.

Space

In the case of small loft beds the space they free underneath is often as important as the bed itself. The extra space can be used for a desk or for an ideal sitting space. It could also be an opportunity to make an attractive design statement in a small bedroom for adults, a child's room or even a studio for teenagers.

Loft beds are a great way to give a desk from Naomi Home has plenty of space for a laptop and a desk, as well as a shelving unit that can be used to store books, toys, and other items.

Fun

You can make a loft bed a fun place for your kids. It's not just about storage space. A small slide underneath the loft bed is a great option to bring some playtime action to their bedroom as well as an easy and quick descent out of the top bunk. This bed for kids from DONCO has a built-in slide and ladder that's sure to please any child and can be put later on if they'd prefer to take the easy way up the road in the future.

If slides are not for your child, you can still make your loft bed cool by turning the lower portion into a comfortable space with a rug and chairs. The comfortable space can be used to read, relax and playing games or watching TV with friends and is the perfect way to keep their space tidy while also providing a space to relax.

Children can feel as if they're in their own little castle when their loft is designed to look like a cabin with a roof accent and windows. You can create a unique loft design by putting up wallpapers and wall stickers, or paints that resemble a sky, forest or other outdoor elements. Your kids will love playing and sleeping in their loft, especially in the winter months when it is snowy.

You can also add a little style to your home by replacing an old ladder with a spiral staircase. You can either buy one of these spiral staircases or create your own to create a small loft bed, as seen in the bedroom designs on HGTV. The spiral staircase features a nice X design on the side. It can be enlarged as your children grow.

Another great idea is to build a loft bed with storage and a desk beneath to allow the kids to work on their homework or other projects. There are a number of plans online for this kind of bed. Many are simple enough to do on your own, as shown in this design from House of Wood. The plans include all the instructions as well as a list of the necessary materials and cuts for each component. This loft bed is spacious enough to fit a full-size bed, and it has room underneath for an office, seating area or a seat.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're without risks. Thousands of children are injured by bunk and loft beds each year, including broken bones, cuts and scrapes, as well as neck and head injuries. Fortunately, the majority of injuries can be prevented and easily avoided by putting the proper security measures in place.

The first thing to do is make sure that the bunk bed or loft bed is correctly placed in the room. It shouldn't be placed against the wall as this can cause children to become trapped between the wall of the bunk 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 you are putting the bunk bed up, be sure that it is not in close proximity to things like curtains, blinds windows, ceiling fans and blinds which could block a child's view or cause her to fall off the bunk's side. The bunk should also not be placed near anything that can hang from the rails, including cords or toys.

A bunk bed or loft bed should have a solid, sturdy frame. Choose a frame that is made of durable materials, like pine or steel. A platform or slatted frame is another option that could be comfortable and safe for your children. Bunk and loft beds with a solid platform or slats do not require a box spring and are safer for young children.

Look for a loft that has guardrails either side of the top level and a ladder that you can lock into place. Children younger than 6 should not be sleeping on the top bunk and make sure you enforce this rule regularly by reminding them of the dangers. Also an evening lighting placed on the top bunk can aid kids in finding their way back to the bottom in the darkness.

A loft safety net is an important safety measure. It is attached to the corners of the top bunk to stop children from falling. The nets are available in a wide assortment of sizes and colors that will match any decor in the bedroom and are simple to set up.