Maximize Space with a Loft Bed

by Matt Goering

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There isn't a more functional piece of furniture you can buy than a loft bed. A loft bed is a bunk bed without the bottom bunk. That leaves the area under the sleeping quarters open for a number of design possibilities, depending on your bedroom needs.

The Perfect Solution for Your Kids Room
Bunk beds are hands down the bed of choice for parents looking to maximize bedroom space by stacking their children's beds one on top of the other. The loft bed takes that design and makes it useful for those looking to outfit a bedroom for a single child as well. Kids' rooms are both fun and a challenge to tackle. With toys, arts and crafts, and other furniture filling up valuable space, it's always good to find a piece of furniture that takes advantage of the space allowed in an efficient manner. And because a loft provides space for more than just toys, these beds are a great solution for older kids as well as younger ones.

What Goes Underneath?
The beauty of a loft style bed is the wide range of possibilities that exist in utilizing the space you free up under the bed. Here's a short list of the most popular design trends so you can choose the best loft design for your child.

  • Storage Space—Traditionally these beds take advantage of the extra space by providing more storage in cramped bedrooms. The most common loft bed designs incorporate a dresser, wardrobe closet and several cabinets beneath the upper bunk to maximize storage capacity. Keep in mind, however, that there are limitless possibilities when taking advantage of your freed up space. Toy boxes, storage bins, shelving, you name it, are all viable alternatives to the more common dresser and cabinet design.

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  • Computer Desk—As technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday lives, the age where computers become a necessity for our children gets lower and lower as well. As a result, one of the more popular loft designs to surface is one that incorporates a computer desk. The space beneath a "top" bunk is perfect for accommodating a healthy desk and set of drawers, and is perfect for housing the computers that are so much a part of life for today's youngsters. For pre-teens and teens, the computer desk is even more relevant. From social interaction to getting homework done, having a desk in their room where they can write papers, e-mail friends, and play games, is becoming more and more a necessity.

  • Sitting Area—Behind storage and desk space, sitting areas are probably the most popular loft bed addition. A couch area, coupled with a few storage solutions, can give your child a comfortable place to kick back, relax, and flip through the pages of a good book when they feel like taking it easy for a while. And from a parental perspective it makes a great place for reading bedtime stories, since it is the perfect place to read a chapter or two to your child and then quickly and easily tuck them into bed.

    Find a Furniture Builder Who Specializes in Loft Beds
    If you're looking for a loft style bed for your child's room, it pays to hunt down a furniture builder experienced in building this type of furniture. From a design perspective, you want to be working with a craftsman who understands the possibilities these beds offer, and by choosing a quality furniture builder you can rest easy knowing that your purchase will last you and yours for years to come.

    Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.