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

A small loft bed is a popular choice for rooms for children which allows the kids to make use of the space below for studying or playing. This West Elm choice has a sleek Mid-Century design and comes in two finishes.

It is a bit of a task to put together, but the instructions are simple and clear. Note that this loft bed should only be used with a mattress 9 inches or lower; anything higher risks extending beyond the safety rails.

Stores

A loft bed may seem like a nebulous solution to free up space for storage however, it could be a fantastic option. For instance, instead of the traditional bookcase that takes up the floor the lofted bed could be used as a bookcase, and the sides can be used for other things like a reading nook or display shelves. A lofted bed can be used as a work station, allowing a child to create an office area to complete homework and other tasks without encroaching on the living space of a small space.

A lot of loft beds for kids (http://yerliakor.com/user/domainfibre03) come with a desk area underneath, but you could also add one to a regular loft bed by building it yourself or adapting the area beneath the bed with some auxiliary shelves and a improvised desk. For example, this loft bed from Wayfair (shown in white) features a desk tucked into the front of the bunk and a bookshelf with an adjustable ladder that doubles as rails on the sides. The minimalist design of the bunk makes it ideal for any kids' bedroom and the slatted safety rails are ideal for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea has plenty of storage space. The loft bed comes in a variety of finishes that match different styles of decor including modern and rustic. The bottom of the loft features two drawers, and the top opens to reveal additional storage space. This design is perfect for those who wish to convert their bedroom into an office, or for kids with lots of toys and books.

If you have a child who loves to read, you could turn your loft into a library by adding some shelves and a comfy bean bag chair for curling in with a good book. You can create a beautiful arrangement using a small rug, some chairs or tables, and some baskets or boxes for additional storage.

This loft bed is a fantastic option for children of all ages however, teens will appreciate the design if they require a place to do their homework or study. This model from Kidkraft is a bit less complicated to build than others and comes with plans that includes step-by-step instructions with images of cutting the pieces, assembling the bunk, and building the stairs. The plans come with a list of the tools and supplies you'll need.

Space

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

A loft bed can be an ideal way to add a bit of rustic modern or industrial style to a room with low ceilings. For example this bed in a studio from Polish interior firm Home and Wood has a minimalist black ladder that leads to the mattress, which is set on the wooden platform. A simple chair, with a few accent pieces, completes the look.

If your ceilings are high enough, a full-size loft bed can be even bigger. Pottery Barn Waverly heavy duty loft beds for adults beds are for instance, and come in two sizes, and various finishes. They also come with plenty of space under the bed, which gives you an incredibly comfortable bed and plenty of space. Another option that is great is this loft bed with an X shape from DHP that comes with stairs that are staggered and slide to make it easy to access and ensure safety.

This loft bed has a bottom section that can be used for a playroom or study area. It includes a bench seat and storage cubbies, as well being a stairway leading to the top bunk bed. This is a great option for kids' bedrooms or teens' rooms and it can be reconfigured as children grow up and get out of it.

Many double loft bunk beds beds come with built-in shelves. This is especially useful for homes with smaller spaces or if you prefer to keep knick-knacks and books off the floor. Creating a cozy reading nook with a lamp and comfortable seating is another excellent use of this space, and it's particularly useful for an adult or teen's room.

A loft bed can also be used as a workstation in a dorm room. This Naomi Home loft bed with a desk pulls out, and offers plenty of space for a laptop or desktop and shelves on both sides to store books, toys and other things.

Fun

It is possible to make a loft bunk bed with storage bed enjoyable for your children. It's not just about storage and space. A small slide beneath a loft bed is a great option to bring some playtime action to their room, as well as an easy and quick descent out of the top bunk. This bed for kids by DONCO features a slide and ladder that is sure to please any child and can be put to later if they'd prefer to take the easy way up in the future.

If slides aren't the best choice for your child, you can still add a fun aspect to their loft bed by turning the lower level into a comfortable hangout space with a few chairs and a rug. The cozy area can be used to read, relax, play games or enjoy a movie with friends. It's an ideal way to keep the room tidy and provides a great place to hangout.

If the loft is designed to look like an cabin, complete with windows and an accent on the roof, children will feel like they're in their own castle. You can give your loft a unique appearance by using wallpapers and wall stickers, or paints that resemble a sky, forest or other outdoor elements. Your children will enjoy playing and sleeping in their cozy cabin, particularly on snowy days.

You can also add a little style to your home by replacing a ladder with spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these spiral staircases or create your own for a small loft bed, as seen in the bedroom design on HGTV. The staircase has a nice design with an X-shape along the sides and can be upgraded as your children develop.

Another idea that is cool is to create a loft bed that has a desk and storage beneath to allow the kids to work on their homework or other chores. There are plenty of plans online for this type of loft bed, and many are easy enough to construct by yourself, such as shown in this plan from House of Wood. The plans have all the directions you require as well as the list of materials and cuts needed for each part of the project. This loft bed is spacious enough to accommodate a full-size bed, and it has room underneath for an office, seating area or an extra seat.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're not without their risks. Each year, bunk and loft beds result in injuries to thousands of children, including neck and head injuries, broken bones, as well as scrapes and cuts. 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 placed against the wall, as this could cause children to get wedged between the bunk's wall and the top. Instead, you should leave a space of at least 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 should not be situated near anything that hangs from the rails, like cords or toys.

A solid, sturdy frame is a must for any loft or bunk bed. Choose a frame that is made of strong materials such as steel or pine. Another option for a secure and comfortable bed is a slatted or slatted frame. Loft and bunk beds that have solid slats or a solid platform don't require a box spring and are more secure for children.

Find a loft that has guardrails on either side of the upper level, and a ladder that you are able to lock into place. Children younger than 6 should not sleep on the top bunk, and be sure to enforce this rule by regularly reminding them of the dangers. A night light placed on the top bunk may aid children in finding their way down in the dark.

A loft safety net is another important precaution to take. It attaches at the corners of the top bunk to stop children from falling. The nets are available in different colors and sizes to match any bedroom decor. They are also easy to install.