Beds : Sizes Types

Loft Beds

Despite the name, loft beds aren't necessarily something to put in the attic! They are perhaps most commonly found in student bedrooms and dorms - although thinking back to my college days, the comparison with an attic might not be too wide of the mark.

What Is A Loft Bed?

A loft bed is very much like a bunk bed, however the lower section is used for purposes other than sleeping. It's a space saving bed that makes best use of vertical space, making it a great furniture choice for small rooms. Although they are normally thought of as single beds for kids or college students it's also possible to buy them in larger sizes such as queen or full.

The most basic form of loft bed is basically just a raised bed: the space underneath is left empty and can be used to store of boxes, college books, electrical equipment etc. Some more sophisticated models include built in storage units etc in various configurations. They are available in both wood and metal.

An alternative that is popular for student bedrooms is to use the lower space to incorporate a work desk for study. A built in computer workstation is increasingly common.

For younger children it it is possible to buy themed loft beds, popular examples being "castle" and "princess".

Safety First

As with bunk beds, safety is paramount - children sleeping in raised beds must be taught that they are not toys and guard rails should always be used. In the US, federal guidelines recommend that only children aged over six sleep in top bunks. Always read and follow manufacturer's instructions.

For more information see the Consumer Product Safety Commission fact sheet on bunk bed safety.

Since loft beds often have less support underneath than traditional bunk beds they must be carefully designed to ensure that they can safely take the weight of a person laying on top. They may need extra support struts etc. If you're thinking of building your own as a DIY project then you might want to buy a professionally produced plan.

Here Be Dreams Home - Bedroom - Beds - Types - Space Saving - Loft

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