What are Loft Beds?

A loft bed is a bed that is elevated off the ground. Loft beds are most common in college dorm rooms. With space at a premium, moving the bed off the floor will make room for a couch or a computer desk. However, loft beds have moved into the home for added versatility in children's bedroom furnishings.

In its most basic form, a loft bed is more or less a bed on stilts. It uses a basic twin size bed frame attached to the inner braces of the structure. For this reason, if you simply want to elevate your child's bed to free up floor space, it's possible to construct your own loft bed.

However, you must be very safety-conscious in this endeavor. Do you want you child to be sleeping in or playing below a rickety box? When in doubt, enlist the help of a professional.

Of course, a loft bed doesn't have to be made from scratch. There are a number of loft possibilities that can be found at your local furniture store. Most of these are designed like a bunk bed without the bottom bunk.

This open space offers much potential. Many loft beds are designed with an additional feature installed below the bed. Some have a futon for seating that can easily turn into an additional bed, great for sleepovers. This space can also be used to help keep a kid's room organized with the inclusion of closets, drawers, toy chests, and other storage spaces. A loft bed that includes a desk can turn into the perfect study area.

If you purchase a loft bed that doesn't come with one of these features, you can always buy your own desk or chest of drawers or futon. Alternately, you can leave it completely open to your child's imagination.

When purchasing a loft bed from a furniture store, it will need to be assembled. You can do this yourself or find a store that also offers in-home installation. Again, when in doubt, defer to the professional.