When organizing the free space of a child's room, it is necessary to take into account its area and the amount of furniture that you would like to place. Personal preferences are no less important. In many cases, children's loft bedThis is an original sleeping place with many advantages.

Children's loft bed
Children's loft bed

There are different models on sale, you just need to figure out how to choose the right option, because stylish design is not all you need to know about such furniture.

Loft bed: structure and features

The design resembles a standard bed. The main difference is the location of the sleeping area – the legs are much higherThis model has similarities with bunk bed. But the last option has 2 sleeping places, while a loft bed has only one, and the space below remains free until it is decided for what purpose it will be used.

A standard loft bed looks like a bed on stands or long legs.
A standard loft bed looks like a bed on stands or long legs.
Note! Bumpers are provided to protect the child. They are always included in the set of beds with the upper sleeping place. This is due to safety requirements. To climb to the "second floor" of the bed, a ladder is provided.

Advantages and disadvantages

Comparison of different models allows you to choose the most suitable one. This is also facilitated by the assessment of advantages.

The advantages include::

  • freeing up free space: thanks to a loft bed, the problem of installing several pieces of furniture in a small room is solved, which can be placed in combination with a non-standard sleeping place;
  • cost reduction: when purchasing a loft bed together with other components for organizing the space of a child's room, savings are noted, since purchasing all the necessary types of furniture separately would cost more;
  • Bright design, non-standard approach - these qualities are always appreciated when decorating any room, and especially a children's room, such a bed is popular among preschoolers and teenagers.

There are a few negative points:

  • is at a level from 1 m to 1.7 m: this creates difficulties if there is a fear of heights, but this is an individual problem, besides, many of the children got used to the new conditions quite quickly;
  • warm air rushes upward, if natural circulation is disrupted, the temperature under the ceiling will be higher, installation of a supply and exhaust system will help normalize it;
  • Limited access: Having to climb up or down stairs can sometimes be difficult, especially if you're in a hurry.

Its main advantage can be considered that it allows you to save space in the room, so these models are very relevant for small children's rooms.
Its main advantage can be considered that it allows you to save space in the room, so these models are very relevant for small children's rooms.

It is necessary to consider and psychological factor. A loft bed is fundamentally different from a standard one. This is important because it will allow you to captivate your child - provide him with a new area for research, organizing games. This approach is especially important when it comes time to transfer him to his own room, because often children sleep in their parents' room in the first years of life. But after 3-4 years of the usual way of life, problems arise - the child returns to adults again and again at night or falls asleep with tears.

When a loft bed is purchased, such problems can be solved without the child noticing. He will easily become fascinated by the new interesting design, as a result, the time spent on putting the child to bed will be reduced. His own room will become attractive to the child. Of course, the novelty effect will gradually wear off, but by that time new habits will have been developed.

Note! A loft bed is not suitable for children who sleep restlessly and toss and turn a lot in their sleep. This creates additional risks of falling. Parents should also take into account that it will be more difficult to put the child to bed at such a height. Children who are used to falling asleep next to their mother will not be able to quickly acquire new habits.

Loft bed: types, their features

Several criteria for selection are noted, which allows you to navigate among the existing variety of models.

It is best to buy such high beds for a child over two years old.
It is best to buy such high beds for a child over two years old.

First of all, compare beds according to the child's age.:

  • for children under 5 years old;

  • for preschoolers from 5 years old;

  • for teenagers.

The difference between them is height. The loft bed in the first case is no higher than 1 m, which allows for a higher level of safety. There is no possibility to provide a play or study area below. For this reason, a chest of drawers or other means for storing toys, clothes, and bed linen are installed.

A children's loft bed, located in the corner of the nursery, takes up very little space, so it can be installed even in the smallest room.
A children's loft bed, located in the corner of the nursery, takes up very little space, so it can be installed even in the smallest room.

For preschoolers over 5 years old, a loft bed is already suitable. The height is 1.3-1.6 m. Below you can arrange any zone, including a play or study area, install a full-fledged wardrobe, etc. The highest beds are intended for teenagers. The sleeping area is at a level of 1.7 m and higher.

Please note! There is also a big difference in design between these models. More discreet models are purchased for teenagers, they already resemble adult ones. Due to the significant height, a full-fledged work or study space can be placed under such a bed. There are also other classification criteria.
If you have a one-room apartment or a studio apartment, a great solution would be to set up a compact children's corner like this one
If you have a one-room apartment or a studio apartment, a great solution would be to set up a compact children's corner like this one

Beds are divided into 2 categories according to the type of construction:

  • built-in;
  • ready for use after assembly.

TO first group include models developed according to an individual project. The configuration of the room and the customer's wishes are taken into account. Such designs are very convenient, since they are practically free of drawbacks. But their cost is higher than average.

Models second group universal, can be installed in any room. The unified design is simpler, does not always provide maximum convenience, but allows you to install a loft bed in a short time and start using it.

Moreover, the cost of universal models is lower, which makes them accessible to different categories of the population.

Types of loft beds by configuration and filling

This is a separate and rather large classification category. It includes the following varieties.

Low beds. Suitable not only for children under 5, but also for primary school children and teenagers. There is not enough space under the bed to spend time playing or studying, since it is at a level of 1 m. This explains why models of this group are usually sold with a set of drawers, a chest of drawers. Here you can arrange a storage area at your own discretion when choosing the "custom-made" option. There is enough space for different things, which opens up other possibilities - the room is freed up for other furniture.

Loft bed with a table on the "first floor" under the sleeping area. There are different options: full installation of the table or installation of a pull-out structure. Models of the second group are also represented by types: the table moves out on slats fixed to the walls of the loft bed, it can also move on wheels, which does not require additional fixation. Each of the options has its advantages. For example, if the table is located under the bed, a ready-made work area is arranged. Pull-out furniture is provided as part of the design of loft beds up to 1 m high. The difficulty is that you have to move the table every time.

Loft bed with sofa. A sofa can be placed under the sleeping area. This will provide several possibilities at once: to organize an additional recreation area, a sleeping area for the child's friends or children of relatives. As a result, space is freed up for other furniture in the room. You can also leave the area free and use it for playing.

Beds with a play area under the bed. It is assumed that there is no furniture on the "first floor", but if desired, shelves for toys can be installed, chairs, poufs are also placed here - pieces of furniture that can be purchased separately. This option allows you to use the space in the children's room intended for the play area for other purposes. Another advantage is the affordable price, since there are no additional pieces of furniture in the set.

Beds with built-in wardrobe. The 2 in 1 design also solves the issue of free space. Wardrobes are large-sized furniture. They take up a lot of space in the room, so it is important to use any opportunity to move them, even if this problem is solved by reducing the height of the wardrobe. But, given that children's things often require less storage space, such changes are permissible. In addition, the wardrobe in this case cannot be higher than the bed, which will not disrupt the organic design.

Combined options. They combine several models from the above, which allows you to properly use the useful space of a small apartment. For example, such models can be freely installed in small rooms of one-room apartments of old buildings. They are also suitable for a studio apartment. An example of a combined option is a loft bed with a side cabinet, a play or study area on the "first floor". This does not affect the size of the sleeping area, but can slightly increase the overall dimensions of the structure.

Please note! The most expensive beds include combination models, options with a sofa on the "first floor".

Types of staircase design

Possible options:

  • full staircase: compact, but not suitable for small children, as it is less safe, especially when going up and down quickly, this is due to the fact that it is not possible to place the entire foot stably on the support;

  • steps: they take up more space, protrude beyond the dimensions of the loft bed - they are located at the end or along the side wall, which should be taken into account when arranging furniture, but there are also advantages - a high level of safety is ensured, even children under 5 years old can climb such a ladder.

Photo of a loft bed
Photo of a loft bed

When choosing the second option, it is important to provide railings. They should be comfortable, as they contribute to increasing the safety of the entire structure.

Types of materials

It is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of a number of elements of the loft bed design:

  • frame;
  • base of the sleeping place;
  • ladder;
  • furniture that comes with a loft bed: table, shelves, wardrobe, chest of drawers, etc.
When choosing a loft bed for a child, it is important to consider that the materials must meet all safety requirements.
When choosing a loft bed for a child, it is important to consider that the materials must meet all safety requirements.

Each item on the list is considered especially carefully, as it may differ in the type of material, which will ultimately affect the level of reliability and safety of the structure. Requirements for different elements of a loft bed:

  • frame must be reliable enough to withstand not only the weight of a small child, but also a teenager, since sometimes a full-size model with a unified design is purchased, which is not planned to be changed when the child moves between age stages;
  • To sleeping place the same requirements are imposed, but the load on the base is reduced due to mattress – distributed more evenly, so some reduction in requirements for the bed base is acceptable;

  • ladder: it is recommended to choose a non-slip material so that when quickly descending or ascending, the child is not in danger, including the possibility of slipping in a hurry;
  • furniture that comes with a loft bed: usually less stringent requirements for strength are imposed on it, therefore it is permissible to choose intermediate options that are more accessible and therefore have simplified properties.

Models of loft beds made of combined materials are very popular
Models of loft beds made of combined materials are very popular

What materials can be used?:

  • tree - is durable, it is a universal option, since wooden structures do not lose popularity, which is largely due to the advantages - they note the attractiveness and environmental friendliness of the material;

  • metal: most often used in the manufacture of stairs, sides, etc., metal is usually used in models for teenagers;

  • MDF, chipboard, etc.: have more disadvantages, they are not environmentally friendly, because they contain adhesives.

Interesting stylistic solutions are models with chrome coating.
Interesting stylistic solutions are models with chrome coating.

Criteria for choosing a loft bed

A number of features are taken into account:

  • reliability, long service life: this is a key criterion, as it is decisive when assessing the level of safety of the child, it is also important to check the quality of the fastenings in the store;

  • ease of use: it is necessary to consider how the child will use the ladder, table, and other elements of the structure, how easy it is to move and control them;

  • eco-friendliness: when it comes to materials, preference should be given to wood; if chipboard is considered, it is better to use furniture made of MDF;

  • compliance with specified parameters – it is important to determine the type of bed, its dimensions, configuration and filling;

  • design: it is advisable to take into account the child’s preferences, which will allow him to be more quickly captivated by the novelty of the bed.

Popular questions

What size should a child's sleeping area be?

For children, the following options are considered: 80/90x160/200 cm. For preschoolers, a bed 160 cm long is suitable, for teenagers, a model with a sleeping area of ​​up to 200 cm should be purchased, which is an adult option.

Can the sides be of different heights?

Like other elements of the design, the sides are important. They differ in parameters, the key one being the height - you should choose a loft bed taking into account the thickness of the mattress, since it can take away some of the usable space, as a result the height of the sides will not be so significant, which will become a disadvantage.

In what interiors does a loft bed look best?

The design of such a bed allows it to fit well into a certain interior. Preference is given to the loft, rustic, classic or Scandinavian style.

Will a loft bed fit into a room with low ceilings?

It is necessary to take into account the ratio of the height of the bed and the ceilings in the apartment. If the second parameter is insufficient (ceilings below 2.7 m), then you can only buy a low bed, a full-size one will not do.

Are there any special requirements for the table if it is purchased separately for the loft bed?

It is necessary to assess how high the table is, this is important when organizing a study area for a child. If this is not done, it will be difficult to use the furniture in the future - the table will not fit through the opening or will be low.

Thus, a loft bed is an excellent choice in terms of practicality, comfort and safety, as well as the interests of the child. But comfortable sleep can be ensured provided that the model was chosen correctly: corresponds to the height and age of the child, fits well into the interior.

DIY Bunk Bed
Bed sizes matter
DIY Hanging Bed

Video instructions for making a loft bed