October 26, 2021, 3:13 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
No other piece of furniture combines play and sleep as masterfully as the loft bed. It’s no wonder it remains consistently popular in many children’s rooms. This guide will explain what to consider when choosing one and how to make bunk beds both fun and safe.
They are space savers and home playgrounds in one. No wonder loft beds consistently top the wish lists for eagerly awaited birthday or Christmas gifts. And they’re no longer just for sleeping. During the day, they invite play, climbing, and romping. They are gateways to other worlds, becoming exciting caves or cozy reading and cuddle corners. Additionally, loft beds enhance children’s motor skills and imagination. However, some parents might appreciate this versatile piece of furniture less when it comes to climbing, making the bed, or changing the sheets.
But when it comes to storage space, the elevated bed is simply unbeatable. Especially in smaller children’s rooms, a loft bed allows for the combination of many pieces of furniture in a small area. Plus, you can make ideal use of the space above.
Overview
What types of loft beds are there?
For two children, with a desk, wardrobe, or slide: The days of dull, squeaky metal bunk beds are long gone. Also gone are the days when they merely served as space-saving double-decker beds in children’s rooms.
Today, loft beds promise play, fun, excitement–and yes, of course, sleep. From a pirate ship with a steering wheel for play, a pink princess castle with a fabric canopy, a fire truck with a ladder and flashing blue light, or even an integrated slide: Entire themed worlds move into the children’s room with a loft bed.
But bunk beds are also unbeatable when it comes to combining various pieces of furniture in a small space. Furniture like desks, wardrobes, bookshelves, or sofas can be ideally placed under and around the bed. In small children’s rooms, combined beds are a good option. These beds might include a desk, wardrobe, and shelf.
How dangerous is a loft bed?
Unfortunately, a loft bed is not just a source of fun but also a significant hazard. Falls from loft beds should not be underestimated. Fractures, bruises, and even severe head injuries are unfortunately not uncommon. Loft beds pose a high risk of injury, especially for toddlers. Their heads are still heavier compared to their bodies, and they lack a sense of risk. Even beyond toddler age, loft beds can be dangerous for children and adults with balance and motor skill difficulties. The same applies to sleepwalkers and epileptics.
Also interesting: Why you should never fully furnish children’s rooms
At what age are loft beds suitable?
Loft beds for toddlers are definitely not recommended due to the high risk of injury. The beds are advisable only from around six years of age.
Stairs and fall protection–how to properly secure a loft bed?
To make loft beds safer, consider the following aspects:
- The bed and ladder should be securely fastened. A handrail on the stairs provides extra support.
- All edges on the bed should be rounded.
- Important is a railing height of at least 30 cm and a fall protection on the bed. This should be at least 16 cm higher than the top of the mattress.
- To rule out technical defects, make sure to check for certification with the European safety standard DIN EN 747-1 and 747-2 when purchasing.
- Do not use a innerspring mattress. These unintentionally invite kids to jump. Better: Use a latex mattress.
- Cushion the area in front of the loft bed with a soft carpet and keep it free of toys.
- Secure the loft bed to the wall to prevent children from getting between the wall and the bed while playing.
- Do not place the loft bed near windows.
- A removable ladder allows you to secure the bed from younger children.
How long can children use a loft bed?
How long children enjoy a loft bed is, of course, very individual. As a rule of thumb: Bunk beds are ideal for kids up to a maximum of 12 years. Depending on their height, it can quickly become uncomfortable when the space between their head and the ceiling diminishes.
And what is “cool” can quickly become “embarrassing” as puberty begins. Instead of opting for themed loft beds during elementary school years, neutral bunk beds are a good choice. Their popularity is less fleeting. Especially in smaller old apartments with high ceilings, loft beds can still be practical and “cool” later on–provided they come without steering wheels and princess decor.
How high is a bunk bed?
Depending on the model and manufacturer, bunk beds are between 1.50 and 2 meters high. It’s important that children can stand underneath them. This way, desks or shelves can also be ideally integrated below the bed. For smaller children, there are beds with a height of 1 meter.
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How much space do you need above the loft bed?
To have enough space on the bed and to sit upright, 80 to 100 cm is recommended. This is measured from the top edge of the mattress to the ceiling.