A loft bed is a very effective way to save space as well as to add practical flavor to a room. From kids rooms to college dormitory to military ships all loft beds have their own unique way of utilizing very little space and providing maximum facility.
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A loft bed is a type of bunk bed that has only the top bunk, replacing the bottom bunk with chests, drawers tables, work stations or just empty space. This makes loft beds a very efficient use of small spaces by utilizing the vertical space that would otherwise remain unused. This leads to them being used in places with limited floor space such as on ships and in army garrisons or in places that wish to maximize bed space such as: dormitories summer camp cabins, hostels children’s rooms, prison cells or university residence halls. Loft beds are usually attached with some kind of stair or ladder to reach the bed.
Loft beds can have many extra features under the bed. Reading table, computer table, arm chair, sofa set, drawers, cabinet, another bed, kids playing house etc are most common features attached to a loft bed. Some loft beds provide a combination of these features. While most loft beds are single sized, double sized loft beds are not really uncommon.
Loft beds: Wood vs Metal
Many types of materials are used to make loft beds. Wood metal, high quality plastic or synthetic materials are some of them. Sometime permanent loft beds are made out of brick and concrete in mass living spaces like military dormitory or prison, but as for residential use wooden and metal loft beds are most popular. Although wooden lofts are relatively cheap and easy to modify and re-color they are usually very bulky. Thick wooden beams are needed to support the bed which left out little room to use under the bed. Also, the actual bed is often much smaller than the furniture itself due to bulky wooden framework. That is why when it comes to loft beds metal beds are more popular.
Metal lofts are usually made of tubular metal pipes. They are thin but can tolerate extreme weights. Although modifying is normally out of the question they can be repainted easily using a can of spray paint. Metal loft beds provide a lot of space under the bed making it easier to accommodate other furniture or accessories. Also metal beds allow a greater amount of decoration than wooden beds, so these are quite popular with the feminine crowd.
How to buy a good loft bed
If you make up your mind to purchase a metal loft bed there are few things to keep in mind.
First of all make a list of furniture you need in your room. As you are planning on buying a loft bed you won’t probably need anything more than a bed a table, a cabinet and a few drawers. As metal beds are not generally customizable you’ll need to buy a loft bed with at least one of your required furniture or an empty space before you buy other furniture. This way you will not find yourself with two pieces of the same type of furniture. If you already have some of the furniture in your room, stay away from loft beds that include the same furniture no matter how great they are. You don’t want to be in a room with two tables and no cabinets, do you?
Measurements are very important in case of buying a loft bed. Take measurements very carefully and keep in mind the maximum amount of length and width you can allow for the bed in your room. In this special case, height is also a big factor. If your room has a low ceiling or a fan you might want to aim for a low loft bed.
Of course, a higher loft bed will give you more useable space under your bed but if there is a chance you will hit your head on the ceiling or the fan, nothing is worth that little bit of extra space.
Quality of metal is also a big factor in choosing metal loft beds. Thick metal pipes do not necessarily mean stronger. Thin pipes can also be equally strong if quality pipes are used. If there is no or very few utility furniture under the bed a few thin pipes will do the trick. On the other hand utilities like drawers, cabinet and computer table will need a stronger structure. Also, make sure the platform for bed is strong enough to take your weight. If the loft bed features some creative or fancy structure be sure that the structure can tolerate the necessary weight.
Safety is a big factor while choosing a loft bed. Look for a bed with guard rails around the bed to prevent the sleeper from falling. It does not matter if you are eight or eighteen safety is still important when entrusting your bodily safety while you sleep. A teenager can roll out of bed just as easily as a toddler so be sure all beds have the proper guard rails and safety precautions. And, while we are on the subject, if the bed has stairs or a ladder it is better to check that the bed does not tend to topple over while climbing.
Top 3 recommendations
There are thousands of metal loft beds in the market with price ranging from around $150 to well above $1,000. Below are three recommendations to help you decide.
Junior Loft Bunk
The Junior Loft Bunk is a low cost bunk bed that is great for people looking for a cost effective option. This minimalistic metal loft bed has nothing under the bed so you can use the space for any other furniture or just keep it clean for your child to play. Designed for kids this loft can also be used by adults. It is available in two color finishes: silver and black.
Black Finish Metal Bunk Bed w/Futon Desk Chair
The Black Finish Metal Bunk Bed offers a unique design and style because it also has a chair that can be turned into a futon. Great for teenagers who expect friends to sleep over. It also features a computer table with a built in CD rack. This fine black finish loft bed comes in at a moderate price.
Teen Trend Loft Study Bunk Bed – Full
The Teen Trend Loft Study Bunk is especially designed for teenagers has a study table attached under it with an extended area for computers. It has a beautiful silver and white finish with orange panels. The minimalistic bed uses classic square shaped steel pipes with laminated panels which are more than capable to hold the weight. This bed is expensive but some may say well worth it!
Last words
Generally the choice of metal loft beds is completely personal and depends on the space and the style. Just be wise in choosing the right loft bed because a bedroom can reflect your taste and personality.