LOFT BED | An Architect Explains
A loft bed is an elevated bed similar to a bunk bed, but without the lower beds – freeing floor space for other furniture (such as a desk). It is best suited for kids or students bedrooms and dorms which are cramped as it makes best use of vertical space. By installing a loft bed, you can make even the tiniest of rooms appear bigger and much larger.
Listed here under the following headings, are some of the Guidelines for the design of a Loft bed. As an Architect, I have explained each of these guidelines under the following headings:
What are the types of loft beds?
What are the features of loft beds?
What are the advantages of loft beds?
What are the precautions to be taken while installing a loft bed?
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF LOFT BEDS?
Basic loft bed: is basically just a raised sleeping platform: the space underneath is left empty and can be used to store of boxes, college books, electrical equipment etc.
Loft te
nt bed: The space below the loft bed is converted into a tent where children can spend hours of safe creative play. With the slides and windows with curtains, it serves as the perfect play area.
Futon loft bed: is like a standard bunk bed except that the lower bunk is a Western-style futon bed which converts into a couch during the daytime in order to save space in small apartments or rooms.
Theme loft beds: For younger children it it is possible to buy themed loft beds, popular examples being “castle” and fairy princess.
Loft bed with Desk: An alternative that is popular for student bedrooms is to incorporate a work desk with built in computer workstation below the loft bed.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF A LOFT BED?
It is placed about five feet above the floor, supported by a dresser at one end and a desk at the other. The area lying underneath can be used for storage of clothing or toys or books with drawers that can be easily accessed when needed.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LOFT BEDS?
Kids love it: It is often seen that all children have a fascination for high beds.
Enliven the look: of the room just by changing the covers in bright colors.
Privacy: They are best for those kids who are sharing their bedroom with siblings.
For a small size bedroom, there can be no better choice than loft beds.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN INSTALLING A LOFT BED?
Strength: Whenever you buy a loft bed, always check its sturdiness by shaking the upper bed for any kind of movement. Since loft beds often have less support underneath than traditional bunk beds, you must make sure that they can safely take the weight of a person. They may need extra support struts etc.
Guardrails: A loft bed should have at least two guardrails. Make sure that there are no wide openings between the guardrails that would allow a child’s head or body to slip through.
Ladder: The ladder should be locked into the bed frame. It is advisable to have a nightlight near the ladder, so that sleepy children can find their way down safely.
Placement in room: The best place for a loft bed is in a corner, where the bed will have support from two walls. The top bunk should be placed in such a way that an adult can enter and exit the top bunk without hitting the ceiling, ceiling fans, or light fittings.
Instructions: Make sure that you have the manufacturer’s instructions about the proper mattress size and how to use the beds safely.
A loft bed is a space saving bed just like the sofa bed, Futon bed, Trundle bed, Murphy bed,Bunk bed .
For information on other Bed Types, go to:
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where are you guys establish? how can i get pricing?