Is your child's room on the smaller side? A loft bed could provide the ideal elevated sleeping solution to help you save floor space. In fact, with the added functionality of creating approximately 23 square feet of usable space, a loft bed can effectively add $34,500 worth of real estate to a bedroom based on NYC’s average of $1500 per square foot. But although loft beds are great space savers, they aren’t for every kid.

So, how do you know if you're choosing the best bed for your kid?

Here are a few key things to keep in mind before buying a loft bed for your child:

kids loft bed with desk underneath from Casa Kids

 

Age & Maturity

We cannot stress the importance of age enough: it is not safe for a child under 6 to have a loft bed. Maturity is critical, too—not all children over 6 are ready to safely use a lofted bed.

Your child must be able to understand that the top of a bunk or loft is for sleeping and reading only. We have years of experience determining whether children are mature enough to be safe, giving us the insight to help you make a decision and plan accordingly.

Ceiling Height

Be sure to measure how high your ceilings are before considering bunk or loft beds. It is essential to have 33 to 36 inches of space between the top of the mattress and your ceiling, which means your ceiling should be about 100 inches high—4 inches more than a traditional 8-foot ceiling.

However, an 8-foot ceiling can be functional if you choose a very thin mattress. Another advantage of choosing a thin mattress for your loft bed is that it makes it so much easier to change your sheets.

For lower ceilings, consider a low loft bed frame, like our Lolo and Cabin bunk beds, which are 64 inches tall, and 8 inches shorter than a traditional loft or bunk. If your ceilings are under 8 feet, we can customize the loft bed to be lower, but the exact specifications of that customization will also depend on your child’s height.

 

Child in bunk bed with pink walls and window view.

Use Needs

The best use of the space beneath a loft bed is a desk. Our Dumbo and Marino loft beds have 54 inches of clearance beneath them—enough space for an adult 6 feet tall and under to use a desk comfortably. Creating a cozy study space is also a great way to encourage your children to do their homework.

If your child already has a desk or wants one that is larger than 41 inches, we recommend using the space for a bench to sit and read or for storage. Storage space underneath a loft is great for frequently used items (like books, toys, and clothes), as it is easily accessible for elementary-aged kids.

While you may choose one particular use to begin with, you can always customize the space as your youngster transitions from childhood to adolescence.

Room Size

Loft beds are great options for smaller rooms. They provide storage, play space, and desk options, along with potential sleepover space. However, loft beds can be used in larger rooms too as space saving is not their only attractive quality. This tucked-away sleeping space gives you plenty of options for what to do with the living space underneath.

Interest

Just because loft beds offer beneficial space-saving qualities doesn't mean they are the right choice for every child.

Your child may be mature enough, and your ceiling may be high enough, but if your child isn’t interested in a loft bed, it’s probably not the right choice. If he or she doesn't like the idea of climbing up into bed or sleeping high off the ground, no one should force them to. Your child’s health, happiness, and safety always come first.

  

Child studying at a desk under a loft bed in a cozy room.

Determining Which Loft Bed is Right for You

If you've decided that a loft bed is the right choice, you have plenty of designs to choose from. Some factors to consider include:

  • The overall design of your kid's bedroom
  • The size of the bedroom and ceiling height
  • Whether you prefer a ladder or stairs (stairs are recommended for younger children)
  • How you want to use the room underneath the bed
  • Your child's age and what size bed is right for them

Remember that safety should always be your top priority when shopping for a loft bed. You want to choose a manufacturer who focuses on quality and has a good reputation, like Casa Kids.

loft bed with ladders and desk underneath from Casa Kids

FAQs

Are loft beds safe?

Safety considerations are of utmost importance to any parent. Our loft bed frames at Casa Kids are very sturdy thanks to our use of high-quality materials. They are also equipped with guardrails to keep your child safe while they sleep.

What type of mattress does a loft bed need?

When buying a mattress for a loft bed, you should make sure you buy the right size for the bed frame. Most loft beds take twin-sized mattresses, but it's always best to check as loft beds come in a variety of bed sizes. We recommend choosing a memory foam mattress that's between 5 and 8 inches thick.

Should I get a bunk bed or two loft beds?

The right elevated sleeping solution for you will depend on your amount of floor space and your kids' ages and preferences. If you have one younger child and one older child, bunk beds could be a good solution. If you have two kids over six years old, you could look into getting two loft beds.

Are loft beds just for kids?

No. Many young adults and even older adults enjoy the many benefits that come with loft beds. A raised bed is popular among adults who live in studio apartments or dorm rooms thanks to the fact that they save space. Just make sure you check the weight capacity before you make a purchase.

Child reading in a cozy blue and white loft bed

Final Thoughts

By now you should have a good idea of whether or not a loft bed is the right choice for your kid's room. We also trust that you'll find the perfect loft bed for your particular needs. Whether you're interested in various storage solutions underneath the elevated bed frame or you want to create a study area, there are plenty of great options available.

Check out our full selection of loft and bunk beds, and feel free to reach out with questions or to get started on a design!