Bedrooms are not always the largest rooms in a home. Because of this, people are often looking for ways to maximize the limited space they have. One way to do this is by investing in a loft bed. Unlike traditional bunk beds, loft beds only have a sleeping area close to the ceiling, leaving the space underneath the bed open.
Loft beds can be a great way to provide flexibility and save space in a smaller room. With careful positioning and styling, you can maximize your space with a loft bed.
In this article, you will learn how loft beds can save you space and how you can effectively make them a part of your room.
Table of Contents
Loft Beds Save Space
Loft beds naturally help save space in a smaller room by opening the area on the floor that would be covered with a traditional bed. Loft beds are best for homes with ceilings at least eight feet high. Lofts of this height allow at least a twenty-four-inch clearance above your head. While this space is limited, it does provide comfort when sitting up and adjusting yourself during sleep.
The aloft bed provides approximately twenty-eight square feet of clear space under the bed. The space can be utilized in many ways. Please note, that if you have purchased a low loft bed, the floor space will be the same, but the headspace under the bed will be much less. A teenager or adult will likely want a high loft bed to maximize the usefulness and space.
Using the Space Under a Loft Bed
If you live in a small room, any extra space you have is welcome. When putting in a loft bed, you may be wondering how to use the extra floor space you have. There are many ways to use the space, and it depends on what you need to use the room for. Some of the most common uses for the space under a loft are:
Desk/Workstation: The space under a loft is a fantastic place to place your desk or study area. Some people prefer the space under a loft to work because it is partially enclosed and more comfortable. Because there may be low light under the loft bed, you will want to make sure to include lighting on your workstation.
Dresser/Storage: the space under the loft is also great for adding extra storage to the room. Under the loft, you will have enough space to place a dresser or other storage chests and drawers. This helps free up space around the perimeter of your room.
Couch/Beanbags: Having a cozy place under the loft bed is appealing. By placing a small couch or beanbags under you instantly add a space that is both comfortable and secluded. A space like this can make your room feel much homier.
Bookshelf/Shelves: Another great choice for the space under the loft is the addition of shelves. Shelves can be used to store books, decorations, and even plants. If you have the loft against a wall that can easily hold the weight of floating shelves, you could create unique décor options.
Area Rug: An area rug can help set the space apart from the rest of the room. It will separate the space, and provide a nice cozy feel to the room.
Hammock: If you want to get creative, you could even hang a hammock between the posts of your loft bed. While this may look neat, you are not saving space. It would be very challenging to make the area a dedicated work or storage area with a hammock in the middle of it.
As you can see, there are many uses for the space under the loft bed. Of course, the only thing holding you back is your imagination and budget.
Are Loft Beds Safe?
A common question that comes up when talking about both bunk beds and loft beds is the safety of the option. The idea of sleeping several feet above the ground tends to make some uneasy. The good news is that loft beds are very safe if installed and used correctly.
You must understand that loft beds can pose a risk, just like any other piece of furniture in your home. If you do not have the loft bed installed and put together correctly, you are putting yourself at risk. When purchasing a loft bed, it is best to go with a quality piece of furniture to help ensure safety.
Keeping Your Loft Bed Safe
Remember, loft beds are safe pieces of furniture, but you should be willing to follow specific guidelines to ensure they remain a safe space in your home. Failure to follow proper guidelines when using a loft bed could result in injury or death.
Assembly: Make sure the bed is assembled correctly and all braces and supports are installed. All the supports included with the bed are important and necessary to ensure it is secure.
Loft beds often come with guard rails. You must install these guard rails to keep the bed safe. Even if you think an adult or older teenager does not need them. The surface of the mattress is at a level above the floor that injury could occur if a fall takes place.
Rules: Set rules for the loft bed. Rules are important if the bed is for a younger person. The loft bed is for sleeping only, it is not a location to play and horse around. If this is allowed, an injury will inevitably occur.
You may even wish to put a rule in place that the bed may only be used for sleeping, reading, or using a device alone. Sometimes rules need to be put in place, even if they seem simple and like common sense.
Placement: Keep the setup of your room in mind when placing the loft bed. If you have a ceiling fan or any vents you want to make sure the bed is clear of these items. A ceiling fan can be dangerous, but a vent could cause an uncomfortable draft on the individual using the bed.
If you place the bed near a window, there needs to be enough space for the window to safely open and close. Remember, in an emergency, the window may be the only exit available. It will not be helpful if it is blocked by the bed.
Ladder: Loft beds are several feet away from the floor. Do not allow climbing on the bed frame to access the sleeping area. Over time it could cause the frame to become loose or damaged. The best way to access the mattress is by installing a secure ladder to the side. This is also a way to help prevent falls.
Many things can be done to make sure the loft bed is as safe and functional as it can be. If you are not certain about installing a loft bed safely, it is best to seek the help of professional furniture installers. They will make sure the loft bed is secure and safe.
How Much Weight Can a Loft Bed Hold?
You may be wondering if loft beds are a good option for all ages and sizes. Before purchasing a loft bed to save space, you will want to look at weight recommendations. While loft beds are safe and stable, exceeding the recommended weight limit could be dangerous.
Typically, loft beds hold between 200-260 pounds, but you can purchase beds made with higher weight limits. If you exceed the recommended weight, do not attempt to use a bed that is not the correct size. You will likely injure yourself.
Related: What You Need To Know About Loft Beds And Weight Capacity
Age Restrictions for Loft Beds
It is common to think of children using loft beds, but you must understand the appropriate age for a child to begin using a loft bed. Most companies recommend a child be at least six years old before using a loft bed.
Even the age of six is young to be elevated so far off the floor. You may want to purchase a loft bed that can be extended as the child grows and matures. This allows you to free up some space under the bed initially and then grow that space as the child grows.
Related: This Is the Best Age for Loft Beds
How to Know if My Child is Ready for a Loft Bed
If your child is six or close to it, you may be wondering if a loft bed is a good choice for your child. While it would be great to take the advice of manufacturers and friends when making the determination, you need to know your child and decide. Here are some things you need to consider.
Sleep patterns: Do you have an active sleeper that is up and down throughout the night? If this is the case, you may want to rethink a high loft bed. Guardrails are on the top bunk, but if your child is active and gets disoriented, they could easily fall from the bed. If your child is a sound sleeper that rarely stirs at night, they may be a better candidate for a loft bed.
Maturity: Think about how mature your child is. If your child is responsible and follows all rules and guidelines to a T, they may be ready for a loft bed. Gauge the maturity accurately to eliminate the risk of injury. Do not make your judgment based on short-term observations.
Sleepwalking: If your child has a habit of sleepwalking it would not be advisable to put them in a loft bed where there is the risk of falling.
Interest: Is your child even interested in a loft bed and sleeping above the ground. If your child is averse to the idea of sleeping in a loft bed it is not a good idea to buy one. You may think the dislike will go away with time, but if it does not your child will not want to use the bed, and it will cause unnecessary stress.
Many other things may indicate your child is ready for a loft bed, but if there is any hesitation from the child, it is best to wait until they are older.
Are All Loft Beds the Same?
All loft beds are not equal. Most loft beds have similar dimensions, but there are distinct differences you must be aware of before purchasing a loft bed for safe space.
Material
Loft beds are made with different materials that offer unique levels of stability and function. The most common materials used are wood, metal, and particleboard. Each of these options is very different in durability and cost.
Wood: The best wood to use for a loft bed is hardwood. This wood is very durable and not easily cracked or broken. The most common hardwood types used are oak, walnut, and cherry. You will also find beds made with softer woods that perform well, such as pine or cedar.
Metal: Commonly, loft beds are metal. This choice is often more economical than solid wood. The metal used can be steel or iron tubes. Both are secure options for a loft bed because they hold the shape and are durable.
Particle Board: Several lower-cost options may be advertised as wood, but they are pressed wood. While this is safe and durable, it is not going to be as long-lasting as solid wood frames. The cost will be significantly lower, but you may replace the bed as your child grows.
The material you choose for your loft bed will be determined by both personal preference and cost. Spend more on a quality loft bed, and it is going to serve you well. Not only will it last longer, but it may give you peace of mind as you set up space under the loft.
Final Thoughts
Loft beds are a great way to add extra space to a room. Use the extra space in many ways, but make sure the loft is secure to ensure you are safe. Loft beds may not be for everyone so before purchasing, make sure your child is on board with the decision. Spend the extra money to purchase a quality loft bed that will be both secure to sleep on and safe to use the space underneath.