Loft beds are a stylish and convenient way to save space, transform your bedroom into a workstation or create cozy nooks for reading or socializing. Choosing one can be a lot to think about, so we have put together these pro tips to help you decide.
Loft beds are a stylish and convenient way to save space, transform your bedroom into a workstation or create cozy nooks for reading or socializing. Choosing one can be a lot to think about, so we have put together these pro tips to help you decide.
One of the best ways you can go about turning an apartment (especially a studio) into a home is by maximizing the space you have available. Opening space means extra room for study, play, work, and general peace of mind. If you are still undecided on whether a loft bed is right for you, here are a few considerations that can help you decide.
To put first things first, if your children are under the age of six, it is highly recommended that you do not purchase a loft bed for them. This is not to say that turning six automatically makes your children mature enough to safely use a loft bed. You will be the ultimate judge of whether or not your children are mature enough for a loft bed.
If you think your kids are mature enough, then buying a loft bed can give you a lot more space for creating a work, play or storage environment for your children. The space underneath loft beds can often be equipped with drawers, desks or toy containers, which makes this transformation easy.
The teenage years are some of the most formative and our children's ability to interact and socialize with their peers can determine a lot in the way they develop. Loft beds offer you a way to create a safe and comfortable area for your teenage children to socialize with their friends.
The space underneath a loft bed can be equipped with monitors, chairs, speakers and pretty much anything else a group of teenagers needs to be entertained with. You'll save space in other areas of your home and have an easy time keeping an eye on your children.
Loft beds aren't only for children, adults with a studio or small apartments can create some extra space for themselves by getting their hands on a loft bed. You can choose to save space in much the same way as you would for children by having storage or workstations place under your loft bed.
Loft beds are often big enough to accommodate tables, so if you are working from home, having a table under your loft bed can open up areas in your living room for other furniture. This can be especially helpful if you have a home art studio, DJ set up or gaming rig since these things can take up a moderate amount of space.
The size of your loft bed will mostly be determined by the space you have available in your room, the size of the people sleeping in it and personal preference for comfort.
If you have multiple small children who need adequate room for sleeping, consider getting a twin-sized bed at a minimum. This will allow room for a little tossing and turning during sleep and enough room for your children to be comfortable.
The average twin-sized mattress is 75" (190.5 cm) long and 39" (99 cm) wide, so most adults will fit them quite comfortably while saving approximately 18 sq. ft. of the surface area underneath the loft bed. It's a good idea, whether purchasing for an adult or a child, to leave about 36 inches of clearance on all sides for foot traffic. If you're planning to push your bed against a wall, you only need to consider the side exposed to the center of the room.
36 inches is another good measure for clearance when it comes to head space. When sitting upright in bed, there are few people who would need more room than this. Of course, if you happen to have exceptionally low ceilings or very tall family members, clearance for your loft bed could become an issue.
Ensure that you measure out the space required for your loft bed of choice prior to confirming your order for delivery or bringing one home. To do this, we recommend using masking tape to outline both the base of the bed as well as the height at which the mattress would sit, so you can get a clear picture of the space you'll have available.
The material you choose for your bed frame will determine how long your bed lasts and how much weight it will be capable of bearing. Let's take a look at the most common choices available and see which one is best for you.
Metal
Metal bed frames give you the most bang for your buck if you're thinking about longevity and weight-bearing. If you're purchasing a loft bed for your children, you'll need to consider the fact that they will inevitably gain weight as they grow. Which makes metal an ideal candidate for long-term use, as you won't need to replace your bed frame as time goes by, saving you money and stress.
Metal is also highly resistant to water when properly treated. So unlike wooden bed frames, which you can expect to develop some level of warping, flaking or rot over time, metal bed frames can expect to see minimal water damage.
Wood
Wooden bed frames are aesthetically pleasing and come in a variety of finishes and styles. Wood, as a material, is usually able to bear the weight of growing children, but you should always check weight recommendations made by your bed's manufacturer.
As your children grow, it is more likely that you'll have to replace a wooden bed frame than a metal one. You'll also have to pay special attention to the condition of your wooden frame over time. Even without direct exposure to water, large fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause flaking, warping and even rot to set in as years roll by.
All three of these issues can compromise the integrity of your wood which can become a problem when added to the weight of your growing child. To avoid any issues, be sure to treat your wood regularly and sand away any rot and refinish when possible.
Now that we've had a look at all the things, you'll need in a loft bed, here's a quick look into a few useful extras that can be included.
Drawers
Having a small living space or bedroom necessitates finding creative ways to maximize storage. Instead of having large cupboards or a chest of drawers, plastic storage bins and baskets become ideal, but even these take up additional space.
Integrated drawers make use of the space underneath your loft bed for maximum effect. You'll have a place to store clothing, schoolbooks, phone chargers and other miscellaneous items without having to purchase extra storage or use additional space in your room.
Integrated shelves
If you're a bookworm with a collection not entirely relegated to digital media, you'll probably enjoy having a convenient spot to store it. Chances are, you'll spend a great deal of time in bed enjoying your favorite novels, so why not have them close at hand?
For some added variety and comfort, you can consider having bean bags placed next to your integrated shelving to create a cozy reading nook. Shelving can also be used for the storage of other things, including clothing, electronics and decorations.
Integrated Desks
If you're an at home worker in a small apartment space or are in the habit of working late, having a desk integrated into your loft bed is a great way to maximize both space and time. An integrated desk means you won't be taking up already limited space in your apartment by having a separate table. Instead, you'll be able to fill that space with other pieces of furniture like couches or bean bags.
Guardrails
If you have younger children or rowdy sleepers, we strongly recommend having guardrails on your top bunk. Young children tend to be a little less aware of their sleeping patterns than teenagers and older children, so having a firm barrier to prevent them falling during sleep is a good idea.
