How to choose material, what to look for when choosing a loft bed for adults?

Recommendations for selection

A bed with a loft is a complex structure that must be safe, durable, and comfortable for adults and children.

You can purchase a ready-made loft bed at a furniture store or order one based on your own design.

• It is necessary to take into account the recommended height depending on the age of the children. The height of children's loft beds does not exceed 160 cm, teenage beds are made up to 180 cm high, and an adult loft is set above 200 cm.

Sellers of children's furniture are required to provide a certificate of quality and environmental safety of the product.

• The fastening and fittings of the loft bed should not raise doubts about its reliability. There cannot be any traces of rust or chips on the fasteners; after assembly, the product must not become unsteady or squeak during use.
• The loft of a bed for children should have high sides; a bed railing is also recommended for adult models.

Design features and device

Frame

When choosing furniture you should always look at the quality of the frame. The choice should begin with the material. The following frames are available.

• Solid wood. It is considered the best material. It is highly environmentally friendly and can be used for small children. The best option is frames made of hard wood.
• MDF. This board can easily replace natural wood. In terms of strength and reliability, it is not inferior to natural solid wood. When purchasing such furniture, be sure to ask for a quality certificate.
• Metal. Such frames are characterized by increased strength. The furniture lasts a long time. It is not recommended to install such a sleeping place for a small child.
• Chipboard. It is of insufficient quality and is prone to warping, which reduces service life. The only advantage is the low cost.

Another parameter to consider is the height of the bed. It is chosen depending on the characteristics of the person who will use it, as well as the room. The table shows the types of loft beds by height.

Always consider the overall height of the room. There should be no less than 70 centimeters from the surface of the sleeping place to the ceiling.

Sleeping area

Be sure to take into account the dimensions of the sleeping area. This determines how comfortable it will be to sleep on the bed. Now manufacturers often use their own size ranges. We will present generally accepted standards.

It's always worth looking at the base of the bed. In practice, there are three variants of this technological element.

• Solid base. It is a sheet of plywood located on the crossbars. A fairly reliable option that can withstand heavy loads. The disadvantage is that the mattress has poor ventilation and there is a risk of mold and mildew.
• Rack and pinion. Slat slats are used, which act as a support for the mattress. The advantage of this design is excellent ventilation of the sleeping area.
• Lamels. This is an orthopedic base; the difference from the slatted version is the slightly curved shape of the lamellas. This solution allows the slats to bend slightly under the weight of the body, providing an orthopedic effect.

Sides must be installed. Their height is usually 30-40 centimeters. They are often made from the same material as the main frame.

Options for combining a loft bed

The loft bed is combined with different pieces of furniture: a desk, a second bed, shelves for books and toys, wardrobes or a chest of drawers for clothes, a sports complex.

With a table

Most often, the lower zone is equipped with a work desk. You can use a traditional desk with a cabinet, a lightweight roll-out table, or a dressing table with a mirror. A roll-out table frees up space under the attic for playing or cleaning when needed. The photo below shows an example of a desk for a schoolchild with bright red details and a desk for an adult made of natural wood.

The attic in both cases is fenced with railings 40 centimeters high.

Kinds

When choosing a bed, you need to focus on the safety of the child and the design of the bed. The design must also follow the following indicators:

• dimensions of the stable model;
• installing a high side, its width;
• use of reliable fastening;
• with a convenient staircase;
• spacious spaces between tiers;
• selection of a bed for the age of the child.

If you take each point into account, you can choose a high-quality and convenient model with a work area or cabinet. The material used can be different - it can be made of wood, or metal can also be used.

Among the most common models of beds of this type, the following should be highlighted:

• with a table - the lower tier is used as a work area. This option is suitable for schoolchildren or teenagers;
• with a play area - on the lower tier you can equip a play area or place boxes for toys. Alternatively, you can install a small children's slide in an empty space;
• transformers - allow you to save space as much as possible. The design can be equipped with a retractable table, a ladder on wheels and other elements;
• with a wardrobe – the model offers additional storage space;
• low - children's models from the second tier from which the baby can get out independently;
• high – suitable for apartments with high ceilings. These models are preferred by teenagers.

High

With play area

With a table

With wardrobe

Transformer Low

With play area for children

Play is a child’s way of learning about the adult world. It is important for children to have a space where they not only play, but also learn to maintain order. A loft bed allows parents to organize a play area even in a small apartment.

The bed is combined with a slide, shelves for toys, and mats for outdoor games.

With a sofa below

A loft bed solves the problem of choosing: sofa or bed? In studios, the living room serves as a kitchen, dining room and living room, so it is logical to raise the bed up and not attract the attention of guests to it.

The sofa can come complete with a loft bed, or there is free space left for it under the sleeping bed.

With two beds

In a nursery for two or in student housing, it makes sense to use the lower floor for a second bed.

With dressing room

The free space under or next to the loft bed can be used for a wardrobe. The children's dressing room is equipped with drawers and shelves so that even a preschooler can get the right thing without the help of adults.

With wall bars

The health of children directly depends on their physical development. Exercises at the sports complex develop coordination, flexibility, and endurance. The Swedish wall has remained the most popular sports equipment for many years. It is mounted on the side or at the end of the bed, as a connecting element between the attic and the lower tier.

With a crib for a newborn

If the area of ​​the room does not allow installing a crib for a newborn next to the parent’s bed, then you have to use a compact loft bed. In this case, it is better to choose the option with lighting under the attic, because parents have to go down to the baby several times a night.

It is not advisable to use the top tier for another child, as children may disturb each other at night.

Design Features

Such a bed is called an attic because the sleeping place is located at such a height that it can only be reached with the help of a ladder. A free space is formed below, which is used in different ways: as a dressing room, a study, a relaxation area, a library or an additional sleeping place in the form of a sofa.

Office under the bed

To go upstairs, you need to use the stairs, so this bed design is only suitable for people in good physical shape. The staircase can be made in the form of vertical slats or an inclined structure with handrails. In the second case, it is necessary that the stairs do not serve as an obstacle when moving around the room.

The ladder must be securely attached to the bed frame

A staircase in the form of boxes, the top covers of which serve as steps, will be more familiar. You can store things inside, thereby relieving a small room of unnecessary furniture.

Functional steps with containers for things

Often a loft bed is chosen as a functional sleeping place in a children's room, where it is necessary to combine several functional areas. However, a double bed for adults differs from a children's bed only in the width of the bed and a more massive supporting structure.

Loft bed in a teenager's room

Modern furniture stores offer a wide range of loft beds, so choosing the right size and design option is not difficult.

Multifunctional design with wardrobe and workstations

To make the frame, natural wood or metal is used. Laminated chipboards are used as non-load-bearing elements. On the upper tier of the structure a sleeping place is arranged, and below the free space is used depending on needs, equipping a wardrobe, workplace or living room.

A stationary bed on 4 supports can be installed anywhere in the room

The main advantages of loft beds for adults are their ability to save space, the ability to combine several functional areas in one place and an original design that will make the interior expressive and memorable.

Interior in Scandinavian style for a small apartment

Who is a double loft bed suitable for? This design will be a good purchase for a young family living in a one-room apartment or studio. In the lower part you can organize a living room area or a sleeping place for a child.

Comfortable workplace

Note! One of the differences between adult attics and children's attics is their height and ability to withstand heavy loads (up to 200 kg).

Prices for different types of loft beds

Loft bed

Video - Features of an attic double bed

Loft beds for adults and children

Children's

Even in a fairly spacious children's room, it makes sense to install this functional and compact type of furniture, thus freeing up a significant part of the space for outdoor games. When choosing a loft bed for children, you need to focus on age and personal preferences.

For kids, the convenience and comfort of the play area plays an important role; teenagers need more space for study, creativity or physical exercise.

Depending on the age of the child, several types of models are produced:

• for children 2-5 years old with a low second tier with a total height of no more than a meter;
• for children from 5 years old with play areas and a sleeping bed length of up to 160 cm;
• the sleeping area is 1.3 m from the floor;
• for schoolchildren with areas for study, sports and entertainment 150 cm long;
• for teenagers 180 cm long;
• the maximum height from the floor is 1.8 m, in this case the working space under the sleeping bed also increases.

Beds for children and teenagers are equipped not only with work areas, but also with play and sports areas. For two children, structures with paired sleeping places are installed.

If there are three children in the house, then you can buy a loft bed, equipped, in addition to the upper two beds, with a pull-out lower section.

If the room already has a desk, you can opt for a model with two functional zones. In this case, there will be more space for games and storage.

A loft bed with removable elements is very comfortable. In this case, it will “grow” with the child - at a certain point it will be possible to raise the sleeping place to a greater height and change individual parts.

For preschoolers

The industry produces special designs of such furniture intended for 2-5 year old children. Such models have a low sleeping place - the second tier is only a meter or even slightly lower from the floor. The semi-loft bed is equipped with additional sides of sufficient height.

The furniture is completely safe, without losing its functionality.

The height of the “ground floor” is quite enough for a baby. There is a desk where he can draw, as well as a “tent” for games. Pull-out elements located under the upper and lower tiers in the form of drawers are designed for storing children's things.

But still, the age at which a baby can be safely placed on the second “floor” of the bed at night is very individual. It is worth leaving him alone at the top only if he is not afraid of heights, sleeps peacefully and does not fidget in his sleep. Seat belts will also come in handy.

For teenagers

A teenager in adolescence especially needs periodic solitude. The allocated territory will allow him to calmly go about his business in his own cozy corner.

Such a loft bed should have enough shelves and drawers for rational organization of space.

For a teenager who spends a lot of time studying, it is necessary to choose models with a more spacious workplace and the ability to install a computer, printer, equipment for creative activities, etc.

A retractable corner table or a U-shaped table in this case will be the best options.

Don't forget about proper lighting. The lower tier is always insufficiently illuminated, so it will be necessary to install an additional, fairly bright light source. On the second floor you can install a small lamp for reading or viewing magazines.

For receiving guests and daytime relaxation, it is better to buy a loft bed with a pull-out sofa or couch.

It’s good if your child can modify individual elements of furniture, thereby expanding its functionality. For example, roll away a couple of bedside tables or install a compact sofa not only under the bed, but also at the other end of the room.

It is advisable if the loft bed for a teenager is equipped with a full-fledged sports corner.

The girl will need enough free space to store not only clothes, but also little things dear to her heart: handbags, straps, jewelry and other accessories.

Allow your child to independently choose the shape, color scheme and design of their area.

It should not only be functional, but also stylish and appropriate for his age. Your tips should be very tactful - after all, at this time the child is already forming his own taste preferences.

For adults

The differences between adult and children's loft furniture are only in size and finish. Single- or double-bed designs for adults are larger in size, more durable and equipped with a reinforced frame.

In their lower part, as usual, there is a work area or a folding sofa for daytime relaxation. Cabinets or shelving, just as in the case of children's furniture, are equipped at the ends. Stairs can be positioned strictly vertically or made in the form of a combination of drawers, cabinets or podiums.

The sizes of beds for adults can vary from standard 140x200 to one-and-a-half or even double. By height they are divided into low (up to 140), medium (up to 160) and high (up to 200 cm) modifications.

Models with a sofa on the lower tier are very comfortable.

You can relax on it in your free minute during the day. In a studio apartment, this furniture, despite its overall dimensions, can serve as a small living area for receiving guests. If necessary, a coffee table can easily be moved to the sofa. By purchasing a model with a retractable table, you can also create a very comfortable workplace here.

You can install a product with a built-in sofa in your office. Especially for bedrooms, loft beds with a double bed are produced. For such a room, it is wiser to purchase a model with built-in wardrobes or a wardrobe.

It is often equipped with additional bedside tables and drawers, which can easily accommodate not only bed linen, but also clothes. There are models equipped with a cradle for a newborn.

Types of adult loft beds

Modern furniture stores offer a wide selection of types of adult loft beds that meet a wide variety of consumer needs, the main ones being:

• standard bed;
• bed with sofa below;
• bed in the work area;
• bed with wardrobe (storage system);
• built-in bed.

Classic loft bed for adults

In a standard loft bed, the bottom floor is empty. This gives furniture owners a lot of scope for arranging the space of the room - you can place a table under the bed, or you can organize a storage system in the form of shelves, cabinets and bedside tables, or a relaxation area in the form of a sofa. And most importantly, you can easily change the furniture as you wish.

Models with a sofa below

A loft bed with a sofa below is an excellent option for one-room apartments, allowing you to combine a sleeping area with a place for daytime relaxation.

There are two types of sofas used in loft beds:

• straight is a traditional version of the sofa that can be installed anywhere;
• corner – used in corner loft beds, which are located in the corner of the room.

They can be either stationary or folding. The main mechanisms for unfolding a sofa are:

• a book is a simple and convenient way of transformation, the only drawback of which is the presence of a raised line in the middle of the bed;
• Eurobook - an improved book mechanism that allows you to get a flat, spacious bed;
• roll-out: the sofa moves forward.

Loft bed with work area

In a loft bed with a work area, the lower floor is represented by a table complemented by other elements: shelves, drawers or cabinets.

In low loft beds, the work area is located near the sleeping place, in high ones - directly below it.

There are also options for retractable structures - in them the work area is pulled out if necessary; in transformable work areas, the table can easily turn into other furniture - for example, a sofa or a storage system. The main advantage of this design is significant space savings. However, the size of the tabletop in this model is limited.

Adult loft beds with wardrobe

A loft bed with a wardrobe is a two-story structure in which there is a sleeping place at the top and a wardrobe at the bottom.

The internal filling of the cabinet should allow for convenient storage of things. Therefore, it must have separate shelves for linen, drawers for things and a spacious compartment with a rod for trempels.

Depending on the door opening system used, cabinets can be:

• with swing doors: easy to open - just pull the handles;
• with sliding doors (sliding wardrobes): used to save space;
• with folding doors: used where there is enough space to open them and help diversify the interior.

Built-in models

Built-in loft beds are made to order and allow the apartment owner to independently choose fittings and customize the design of the product in accordance with his needs and desires.

To make furniture to order, different materials can be used: chipboard, metal, natural wood, while the customer has the opportunity to combine them at his own discretion (subject to compliance with technical standards for furniture manufacturing).

Pros and cons of a loft bed

As we have already mentioned, this design helps save space and very often visually changes the configuration of the room. If you have a small and elongated living space, such a bed on the second tier creates a kind of two-story apartment.

And instead of a “well” room, you get a nice designer layout.

The disadvantages include the psychological discomfort of a person unprepared for such experiments, the feeling of a heavy bed base hanging over his head, and not always sufficient lighting and ventilation of the space above such an “attic.”

Single and double loft beds

The bed on the second tier of the room can be either narrow and laconic in structure and design, or wide, massive, furnished almost like a separate room.

1. The first option is suitable for one person who views sleep as satisfying a physiological need. He climbed onto a modest bed, fell asleep, woke up, made the bed, and plunged into active everyday worries.
2. The second option is great for married couples, especially for those who are purchasing their first home in life, which is very modest in size, for example, like this modern-style studio. Such double beds can resemble a kind of mini-hotel: a soft wide mattress, shelves for books and various small items, excellent lighting, bright panels or paintings, and other decor that is pleasing to the eye.

Some couples even set up a small workplace on the second tier if they have to huddle in a very miniature apartment.

Loft bed decor

You can decorate such a bed in thousands of ways. The main criterion is personal preferences and the desire to hide the sleeping area from prying eyes or, conversely, to demonstrate it in all its glory. Curtains, partitions, plasterboard structures - choose any option.

A separate topic is the variety of stairs that complement such loft beds. Stairs can be of different designs.

• The vertical one is the most unsafe; even an adult can easily trip on it. Typically, such a ladder is installed at the end or side of the bed. This model is the most compact, which is why it is most popular.

If you decide to equip your loft bed with just such a ladder, we advise you to choose options with flat steps - they are more difficult to fall from than round ones.

• Another option for a ladder for a loft bed is a model that is installed at an angle. This angle can be different, and the larger it is, the more space the staircase itself takes up. In this modification, it can be straight or radius (with a turn).
• Pay attention to the drawer ladder, with flat steps in which drawers or cabinets are located. It's very convenient and safe.
• There is also a so-called chest of drawers . Access to it can be either from the side or from the steps.
• Ladder-rack is a model where instead of drawers in the steps there are shelves with side access.
• A podium staircase is a more complex design: a podium is made at half the height of the bed, and a small ladder goes down to it from above, or, conversely, a ladder leads from the floor to the podium.

Features of the design of loft beds from IKEA

Looking at loft beds in a printed catalog or Ikea online store, at first glance you may not see any differences from more standard analogues from other manufacturers. The only thing that catches your eye is the affordable price.

Currently, there are a large variety of models of cribs, the best of which are Ikea beds.

But if you read the descriptions of the models, it’s easy to find out some features:

• Adjustable bed height.
• Simplicity and unobtrusive design. At the same time, the design can be easily changed at any time by replacing standard elements, “designer parts”.
• The versatility of frames that easily turn into loft beds for boys and girls of different ages. Due to the interchangeability of standard elements, it is easy to change both the overall design of the furniture and the functionality of the lower tier.

Many beds from Ikea can be bought for children and teenagers.

Note! All Ikea models are designed primarily for children, but some may also be suitable for adults.

Bed colors

When choosing a loft bed for a child's room, parents should listen to the child's opinion. At the same time, it is worth setting children up for light, pure colors that visually expand the space: blue, peach, light green, green.

In the adult furniture segment, brown, gray, and beige colors hold the lead.

Shades of pink and lilac combined with white create airy, marshmallow interiors for young girls.

Advice on choosing a loft bed

The choice of a children's sleeping complex depends on its functional load and the age of the children. Versions with sagging corners and thin crossbars are questionable in terms of safety.

It is better to secure a loose (overhanging) corner using one of the reliable methods:

• support it with a metal rod from below;
• duplicate with corners and metal crossbars;
• strengthen with brackets to cabinet furniture standing on its end;
• hang with a metal cable from a ceiling mount.

Pay attention to the innovations used in bunk beds for children.

• Transformers.
• Extendable work surfaces or sleeping area.
• Blocks moving on wheels.
• Folding and rotating tabletops.
• Door and drawer closers (for soft return to their original position).
• Removable dividers on shelves.
• Sliding wardrobe doors (convenient for small rooms).

When choosing, also pay attention to the design of the multi-level loft bed, style and color.

There are simple versions with a recognizable plot:

• the little princess's palace;
• knight's castle;
• captain's yacht;
• car bed, etc.

Attention! No matter how beautiful and functional a children's bed is, safety should come first. If the child is weak, it will be difficult for him to use the ladder. But this is an excellent solution for active, healthy children and adolescents, mainly boys.

A bunk loft bed is a good option for a family with 2-3 children. Check to see if the manufacturer has options for color, materials, right- and left-hand corner versions. Most of the proposed samples from the catalog come in several versions.

Buying from the manufacturer with pick-up will cost less, but check with the managers for questions about the delivery and assembly of children's furniture.

pros

Beautiful and functional loft bed built into a closet with a sofa underneath

In an apartment where there is very little free space, a loft bed is a real salvation - two zones are combined in one space. The lower “tier” can serve:

• workplace - a special tabletop can be bought at Ikea, or any other table can be installed;

Teenage loft bed with desk and chest of drawers located below

• a relaxation corner - a soft sofa or chair, a bookcase and a lamp will help create a cozy island of peace and tranquility under the bed;

Unusual adult loft bed with sitting area for a stylish loft bedroom

• play area - if the loft bed is in the children's room, then the niche can be provided with light and put there, for example, a toy kitchen or just a box with toys;

Loft bed with play area below and climbing wall on the side of the structure

• wardrobe - below you can place cabinets, shelves and racks for storing clothes and other things;

Unusual furniture with a sitting area and built-in bookcases and a wardrobe below and a bed by the window on the second tier

• sleeping place - the second bed can be placed on the floor under the main sleeping place.

Original loft bed with extra sleeping area below and built-in storage

These are just some options for using space; all details and other methods depend on your own desires and imagination.

Great bedroom for a teenager with a wooden loft bed, desk and bookshelves

Another advantage of the Ikea loft bed is its simplicity of design. The models will fit into any interior without difficulty, and they can always be diversified with decorative elements - painting, ribbons, garlands, stickers.

Original metal loft bed for a small room

Design features of stairs

Loft beds are equipped with folding or stationary ladders. Rigidly fixed models are more suitable for a children's room. They are securely screwed to the base, safe, and allow you to climb up without much difficulty.

Manufacturers offer customers several types of stairs for bunk beds:

• Vertical. The most budget option that does not take up much space. Of all the modifications, this type is the most dangerous, and therefore is not suitable for children's furniture.
• With a podium. Outwardly it resembles a platform-podium located in the middle of the height of the structure. The plane can be used as a desk, the space under it can be used as a storage system. Suitable for children from 7 years old.
• With steps-chest. Each stage of this design is a box in which you can store things, textbooks, and toys. Loft beds with a chest of drawers take up quite a lot of space, so they are not suitable for small rooms.
• Attached. The mobile ladder is attached to the bed when necessary, the rest of the time it is stored in a niche under the berth. This design does not have a rigid attachment to the bed, so it is considered dangerous.
• Inclined. A curved or straight structure, installed at an angle to the bed, in addition to its purpose, also serves a decorative function. However, such models take up additional room space.

Aluminum, duralumin, plastic or wood are used to make stairs. Metal is reliable, but is only suitable for large models; for children's beds, it is better to choose parts made from natural solid wood.

Ladder

This is an important detail of a loft bed for children. It should not only be comfortable, but also meet all safety requirements. The steps come with different rungs:

• Thin wooden ones. This option is not suitable for children, as it is easy to fall from such stairs.
• Metal. Despite the strength, the crossbars are slippery, so kids will have difficulty climbing up.
• Wide slats. This is a convenient and safe option. The child’s foot will fit completely on the steps, which means he will not be able to fall.
• Full steps. This type of staircase takes up a lot of space, so there are drawers for storing things under the steps.

The slope of the stairs is very important for children. Climbing straight stairs is inconvenient. If there is a lot of space in the room, then for the safety of the child it is better to install a bed with railings.

Young children will definitely love the loft bed with a slide. The child goes up the stairs and goes down the slide. This design is very durable due to the reinforced frame. It is attached to the walls and floor, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your child.

Additional equipment

A loft bed is a structure that combines many elements. A mandatory part of all models is the frame. If desired, the following components can be added to it:

• Tabletop. For small children, stationary modifications will be more convenient, while schoolchildren will be more comfortable studying with mobile ones.
• The stairs. For your baby, you can order shelf steps that make it easy and safe to climb up.
• Cabinet or rack. For additional elements there is a niche under the bed or table. Nightstands are also placed there.
• Curtain. The child feels more comfortable when the play area is separated from the rest of the room.
• Gorka. A wooden structure is placed near the bed to make it easier for the baby to get down.

Additional elements should not take up much space. The best options for small spaces are transformable models.

Popular models and their descriptions

If you enter the words IKEA attic bed photo into a search engine, in the pictures that appear you can easily mistake the same model for different pieces of furniture. It's all about the versatility of the “designers”. So, for example, the same Cure model can be a single- or double-tier bed or a bed with an attic structure. Adding a pink canopy will make a cute place for a girl to sleep. If it's dark blue, it's for a boy.

Ikea became famous for its simple furniture.

The height of the upper tier can easily be reduced to 1.16 m. In this position it is easier to make the bed or change the pillowcase and sheet. And before going to bed, the “second floor” can be raised higher again. The material used is solid pine. The model is quite strong and durable. The downside is the protective sides made of fiberboard.

Beds should be equipped with wooden sides to protect children.

Sturo. Another universal model. Easily converts into a loft bed with a sofa underneath from Ikea. It’s also easy to create an area for relaxation or study under the bed. A plus or minus, depending on the circumstances, can be considered the increased width - 1.53 meters.

The photo shows a bed for a small room.

Stuva. Popular, although not the most successful model. The stairs are on the right. It is equipped with different elements: a rack or cabinet, a cabinet and a table. Some elements can be easily swapped and supplemented with drawers and doors. In a matter of minutes, the design changes dramatically. Decoration in a “girly” style – in pink and beige tones. In “boy” colors – green, white, black. The main disadvantage is in particle board materials, fiberboard/chipboard.

An Ikea bed can be of any size, shape and color.

Dimensions

Dimensions easily change in height. This is one of the main advantages of Ikea furniture. The dimensions of the bed differ little from the standard ones, although there are models with a larger sleeping area. The dimensions of standard elements make it easy to transform products.

The design of the bed ergonomically organizes the space.

For example, an Ikea loft bed with a work area can turn into a bunk sleeping area in a matter of seconds. Or instead of a table and cabinet there will be a gaming space or a sofa.

Materials from which they are made

Frames are metal, wooden, fiberboard with a safe acrylic coating. Elements made from unreliable and short-lived chipboard are used very rarely.

Wooden models from Ikea are especially popular.

Basic materials:

• Metal (stainless steel).
• Solid wood (pine).
• Solid wood + fiberboard.

The most reliable and durable metal loft beds from Ikea.

Metal beds from Ikea are highly durable and durable.

Functional

The functionality of Ikea loft beds can be easily changed due to the interchangeability of structural elements and the ability to adjust the upper tier. In the same model, you can change the zones of the lower level and the height of the berth at least every day.

Furniture from Ikea is multifunctional, which is why it is in demand.

This is also convenient in terms of repairs - it is easier to replace a damaged loft bed module than to restore it. Even if the defect is easily corrected.

Price

Ikea loft beds are affordable. The cost of furniture as of the first half of 2020 using the example of several models.

Depending on the material, content, and functionality, the cost of loft beds changes.

Frames Vitval, Tuffing and Svarta - 16, 10 and 14 thousand rubles, respectively. Models with a working area - 26 and 33 thousand rubles for Stuva and Stuva/Freetids (depending on the number of drawers and shelves).

Dimensions

Standard loft bed frames are distinguished by size and are:

• Low. The height ranges from 70 to 160 cm, and the width is about 80 cm. Such models are called semi-loft beds, as they are more similar to standard types of children's beds and are suitable for children from 4 years old.
• Average. The height is about 160-180 cm.
• Tall. Models height 180 x 200 cm.

Basically, the sleeping area of ​​a loft bed does not exceed 90 cm in width, but a model of any size and configuration can be designed to order. The height of a loft bed generally depends on the dimensions of the room, but the optimal distance from the ceiling to the bed is considered to be 70 cm.

Low models are more suitable for rooms with low ceilings, but to save space it is better to give preference to high loft beds, as the lower tier becomes more accessible and functional.

The width of a single bed is standard, but for adults, for example, a married couple, double models are also available.

When purchasing a loft bed for children, it is better to choose designs for growth in order to extend the life of the product.

How a loft bed works

The loft bed is not complicated and consists of two main parts:

• frame;
• sleeping place.

Depending on the device, the bed can be equipped with additional elements on the ground floor: a sofa, a wardrobe, bedside tables, a table, a play area or a sports corner.

Types of frames

The frame of a loft bed is its most important component, on which the strength, durability and safety of the structure depend.

The performance properties of the frame directly depend on the material from which it is made. Wooden and metal frames are considered the most reliable. Chipboard structures will not be able to withstand heavy loads.

Depending on the height, the frames are:

• low: used mainly for children's beds - from 75 to 160 cm;
• medium height: for teenagers – from 160 to 180 cm;
• high: for adults – from 180 to 200 cm.

A high loft bed is not suitable for rooms with too low ceilings. The optimal distance from the bed to the ceiling should not be less than 70 cm.

Arrangement and dimensions of sleeping places

The main function of a loft bed is to ensure comfortable sleep, so when choosing a sleeping place you should be especially careful.

The bed upstairs can be of different sizes:

• 160x80 – for children under 10 years old;
• 170x90 – for children from 10 to 14 years old;
• 190x90 – for teenagers and adults;
• 200x90 – double bed.

The quality of sleep largely depends on the foundation of the sleeping place. She may be:

• solid: this is a layer of wood or chipboard. This base significantly impedes the movement of air flow in the mattress. This leads to the accumulation of moisture and the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and the spread of infections;
• slatted: a lattice made of lamellas - metal or wooden strips located at a distance from each other. This base ensures unhindered air flow to the mattress, as a result of which it is ventilated.

For safety reasons, the sleeping place must be equipped with sides with a height of at least 30-40 cm. As a rule, they are made of the same material as the frame: metal, wood or chipboard. Please note that the sides should not be lower than the height of the mattress.

Due to their elasticity, the slatted bases provide optimal support for the mattress in areas of maximum pressure.

Assembly instructions

Assembling a loft bed according to the instructions is quite simple, especially if it is furniture from Ikea or Hoff. It is these manufacturers who describe step by step all the stages of assembling the structure, along with images. The task is greatly simplified by the fact that in many furniture stores, in addition to delivery, there is assembly of the product at home, because there are complex structures that require installation into the wall. This applies to high loft beds.

Low and small models can be delivered assembled if room doorways allow this.

If the owner decides to assemble a loft bed on his own, then he should start by assessing the room. First, you need to decide from a planning point of view where the structure will be installed. It all depends on the types of fastening of the models and their configuration.

Small models of children's beds require virtually no installation.

If it is a loft bed with three support points, then it is mounted between two walls or in the corner of the room. There are designs with a suspended mounting system; they are installed under the ceiling on special beams.

When installing the stairs, the dimensions of the users are taken into account; access to the lifting mechanism should be free and not restrict movements when descending; this will increase the safety of the structure, which is especially important for children's beds.

All connections must be made at right angles and secured with a supporting element. Corner modules are installed on the lower parts of the structure to increase the supporting characteristics of the bed.

Additional accessories for loft bed

Children's loft bed with sports corner, swing and climbing wall

Currently, there is a large selection of different storage systems in children's designs. These can be cabinets and pencil cases built into a niche, chests of drawers, open shelves, a work desk, or a combination of all of the above elements. Thanks to this compact arrangement, space is saved significantly in the room and there is space for a second child or for games. Also, the baby’s growing body requires constant physical exercise. A wall bars placed at the end of the loft bed will help you combine business with pleasure. It is important to remember that in this case the load on children's furniture increases; it must be reliable and durable. If the structure is located in the corner of the room, it is convenient to attach it to the wall on both sides. A preschool child will be very pleased to have his own slide or rope for descending from a loft bed.

Low single loft bed with slide and chest of drawers

Based on all of the above, you can make a list of the main advantages and disadvantages of a loft bed for children over 3 years old.

Loft bed “Castle” with play area and slide

Thus, having considered all the pros and cons, we can say with confidence that such a loft bed for children over 3 years old will be an excellent option for a small room in which every centimeter of space is used to the maximum. Having received such children's furniture, your baby will be happy to sleep in his place at night and play or study under it during the day.

Loft bed “Butterflies” for a teenage girl

Loft bed “Pirate” with slide and tower and white-brown curtain

Photo gallery

A loft bed will be the optimal solution if there is a lack of living space. If necessary, you can convert the space under the attic, freeing up space or changing furniture.

Thanks to the variety of models, this bed will find its application in any interior.