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

A tiny loft bed can be a wonderful option for a child's bedroom, as it allows children to use the space below for playing or studying. This West Elm pick has a sleek Mid-Century design and comes in two finishes.

It requires some assembly however, the instructions are simple and clear. It is important to note that this loft bed is only used with a mattress 9 inches or lower; anything higher could extend beyond the safety guard rails.

Storage

It might seem unaffordable to utilize the loft bed as a way to increase storage space, but it can be extremely useful. For instance, rather than the traditional bookcase that takes up the floor space, a lofted bed can 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 workstation for a child that allows them to do their homework and other tasks in a small space without consuming valuable living space.

Many loft beds for kids include a desk beneath. You can add one to any loft bed, either by building it yourself, or adapting the space underneath the bed by using auxiliary shelves and an unintentional table. This loft bed (shown in the white color) from Wayfair has a desk built into the front of the single bed loft bunk and shelves that double as an additional side rail. The bunk's minimalist design is ideal for a bedroom for a child, and the rails that are slatted make it suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

This model from Ikea provides plenty of storage space. The loft bed frame loft comes in a variety of finishes to suit different decor styles including modern and rustic. The bottom of the loft features two drawers. The top opens to reveal additional storage space. This model is a good option for those planning to convert their bedroom into a home office or for children who require plenty of space to store their books and toys.

You can turn your loft into an area for reading for children who loves reading by adding shelves and a beanbag chair to curl up with their favorite book. You can create a cute arrangement using a small rug, a chair or tables, and a few baskets or boxes for additional storage.

A loft bed that is built into an playhouse is the ideal choice for a young child However, the design could be enjoyed by teenagers who might need a place to work in and study. This model from Kidkraft is a little more straightforward to construct than some others, and it comes with plans that provide step-by-step instructions with pictures for cutting the parts and assembling the bunk and building the stairs. It also comes with the list of tools and materials that will be required to start.

Space

The space that is created under the small loft beds can be as important as the bed. The extra space can be used for storage, a desk, or a comfy sitting space. It can also be an opportunity to create an impressive design statement in a small bedroom for adults, a kid's room or even a studio apartment for teens.

A loft bed is a great way to add a bit of rustic chic or an industrial feel to rooms with low ceilings. This bed, from the Polish interior firm Home and Wood, has an elegant ladder that leads to a mattress that is set on a wooden platform. A simple chair, along with a few other pieces, completes the look.

If your ceilings high enough, a loft bed with steps-style bed could be even more spacious. Pottery Barn's Waverly loft bed, for example, is available in two sizes and a variety of finishes, with plenty of space beneath to provide you with a comfortable bed and more space. This X-shaped DHP bunk bed is another great option. It features the option of staggered stairs as well as a slide to ensure maximum safety and accessibility.

The bottom of this loft bed can be used as a study area or playroom by combining a set of open cubbies and drawers to store things and benches that double loft bunk beds as stairs to the top bed. This loft bed is perfect for teenager bedrooms or children' rooms. It can be reconfigured to meet the needs of your child as they become more mature.

Many loft beds have built-in bookshelves as part of the design. This is especially helpful for homes with smaller spaces or if you simply prefer to keep knick-knacks and books off the floor. This space can be utilized to create a relaxing reading area with the addition of a lamp, seating and some comfy furniture. It's perfect 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 and has ample space to accommodate a laptop and a computer as well as shelving units on both sides to store books, toys, and other items.

Fun

Getting a loft bed for your kids does not just mean storage space, but you can also make it fun. A small slide beneath the loft bed could be an enjoyable way to add some playtime to your child's room. It also offers an easy and quick descent from the top bunk. This DONCO kids' bed comes with a built in slide and ladder, which will surely delight any child. It could be added later on if the child chooses to take the easier route up.

If slides aren't the best option for your child, then you can still make your loft bed cool by turning the lower level into a comfy space with chairs and a rug. The comfortable space can be used for reading, relaxing and playing games or watching television with friends and is the ideal way to keep your room neat while also providing a place to hang out.

When their loft is designed to resemble an cabin, complete with windows and an accent on the roof, children may feel as if they're inside their own castle. You can even give the loft a more unique look by using wallpapers, wall paint or stickers that resemble a forest the sky, or another outdoor element. Your kids will be thrilled to retreat into their own little cabin for playtime and sleepovers particularly on days of snow when they can't go outside.

You can also add some design to your home by replacing a ladder with a spiral staircase. You can purchase one of these spiral staircases, or create your own to fit into a small 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.

Another great idea is to build a loft bed with storage and a desk underneath for the kids to work on their homework or other tasks. There are a variety of plans online for this kind of bed. A lot of them are simple enough to build yourself. Take this design from House of Wood as an illustration. The plans include all the instructions and a list with the necessary materials and cuts for each part. This loft bed can be made to fit an entire mattress and can be used as seating or a desk.

Safety

Kids enjoy loft beds and bunk beds, but they're without their risks. Thousands of children are injured by loft and bunk beds every year, resulting in fractured bones, cuts and scrapes, as well as neck and head injuries. Fortunately, the majority of injuries can be prevented and easily avoided with the right precautions in place.

The first thing to do is make sure that the bunk bed or loft bed is properly placed in the room. It shouldn't be in direct contact with the wall as this can cause children to become stuck between the bunk's wall and the top of the mattress. Allow a space of at minimum 3 inches between the bottom of the guardrail and the top of the mattress foundation.

When positioning the bunk, make sure it's away from curtains, blinds and windows that may interfere with a child's vision or cause them to fall off. The bunk should also not be close to anything that can hang from the rails, including cords or toys.

A bunk bed or loft bed should have a solid, sturdy frame. Pick a frame constructed of strong materials such as steel or pine. A platform or frame with slats is another option that can be secure and comfortable for your children. Loft and bunk beds with a solid slatted platform solid platform do not require a boxspring, which is safer for children.

In addition to the frame, look for an loft bed that has guardrails on both sides of the top level and ladders that can be locked to the bed. Children less than six years old should not sleep on the top bunk. Be sure to remind them 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.

Another important safety precaution is to use a loft bed with desk and storage safety net, that can be attached to the corners of the top bunk and keeps children from falling off. The nets are available in a range of sizes and colors to match any decor in the bedroom, and they are easy to set up.