Bedroom in the attic: ideas on how to renovate a bedroom cheaply

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.

Dimensions of a loft bed for adults

Adult loft bed with step lockers for small living room

If you need a model of non-standard sizes or shapes, it can be made to order according to your wishes. To purchase a ready-made loft bed for two adults, add ten centimeters to the height of the tallest family member. This will be an indicator of the required length of the bed for a comfortable rest. The following standard sizes are available:

– single – 70x180/190/200 cm;

– one and a half – 110x180/190/200 cm;

– double – 140x180/190/200 cm and 150x210 cm.

The sleeping place should be comfortable, so it is necessary that the distance between the mattress and the ceiling be at least a meter, and it is important to move freely under the bed.

Full bed on the second tier to save space

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.

What is a loft bed?

In fact, this is not simple, more precisely, not just a bed, but a whole furniture complex, where a study area and a relaxation area, and sometimes a storage area, a pantry for things in the room are located vertically. Thus, in a small space (about 2.5-3 meters in length and 1-1.5 in width) there is a sleeping area, a desk, shelves, and drawers.

With such a vertical arrangement, space is noticeably freed up, making it easier to move around and clean.

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.

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.

Loft bed for adults and more

A loft bed is the adult equivalent of a bunk bed for children. Therefore, you can move the guest room to the very attic, where a group of four people can successfully fit, and everyone will feel comfortable.

This approach to accommodating guests is also acceptable for owners of small hotels; the influx of guests will increase significantly, because there is enough space under the roof for several rooms.

The ideal solution for rooms

In rural areas, you can install a dark-colored loft bed with furnishings reminiscent of old village bedrooms, and homemade paths near the bed will only add variety to the interior and will temporarily take you back to childhood memories of visiting the village during your parents’ summer vacation.

Loft bed provides maximum sleeping space

Don’t forget about the elegant railings for the upper tier, because your friends with small children can also successfully stay in the guest room. And children love everything unusual, and will remember your original beds with delight for a long time.

An example of making the most of attic space

Designers have created many different options for bunk beds specifically for this type of placement.

Loft bed in a house on Lake Michigan

In a cozy atmosphere under the very roof of a cottage somewhere on the shores of Lake Michigan, any adult can feel like a child - after all, his secret childhood dream of relaxing in the attic has come true!

Modern Beautiful sleeping place in the attic

And the next original bedroom design will take you to the cabin of a ship sailing around the world or cruising around the mysterious shores of uninhabited islands.

Loft bed in guest room and office

You can arrange a workroom with a bedroom on the second tier or a room for a guest on a business trip. Everything here is compact, and things are laid out in closets, creating a favorable environment for both work and peaceful rest at night.

You can also arrange an excellent room in the attic for your student son: a sofa for receiving guests or just lying around during the day and listening to music, and at night - on the second tier for sweet dreams!

Narrow loft bed

In the dormitory of an institute or college, you can arrange rooms for those who wish to have a floor with the roof itself. A sofa, a bed on the second tier, bookshelves and a table for studying, what else is needed for a future scientist or an in-demand engineer?

Loft bed with a cozy sofa on the lower tier

Here's another noteworthy home office option - nothing extra: a desk, a comfortable chair for relaxing and a wide, comfortable bed for a night's rest.

Loft bed maximizes space

Colors with a predominance of blue - you can immediately see that a serious man lives here.

It’s worth adding a little bright paint and the room turns from a strict office into a bright bedroom for a girl student. The bold decision of the designers allows you to take urgent notes on the wall opposite the desktop, a chest of drawers on wheels with many drawers will be useful for a young fashionista, and in an openwork chair you can take a break from studying...

Modern loft bed

The designers of the Bower Loft bed offer an original solution for maximizing the use of attic space. Beds take up minimal space during the day, and there is an open space for children's games, and an original shelving unit with a table for studying can accommodate many books.

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.

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.
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 application

A loft bed, also sometimes called a loft, is a type of bunk furniture in which the top tier is a bed with sides. Despite the fact that this option seems to be an ideal solution for one-room apartments, there are pitfalls that need to be taken into account when choosing a model. When buying a loft bed, you need to pay attention to things that directly affect your comfort and safety:

the upstairs should not be stuffy and cramped;
you should feel comfortable in a sitting position;
Choose your stairs carefully. It can be similar to a sports one or consist of static steps. Do not forget that the iron ladder will always be cold and slightly slippery;
Don't forget about lighting the space above the bed.

In some loft beds, the ladder is combined with a chest of drawers - each step has a drawer.

It is also worth paying attention to the type and quality of the material from which the loft bed is made. Reliability and safety – that’s what you should care about first!

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.

Choosing a loft bed for a girl or a boy

When purchasing a loft bed, you need to make sure it is reliable. Low wooden models are suitable for younger children. A teenager can choose a metal structure. Pay attention to all the fastenings, as well as the sides and stairs. The height of the sides should be such that the child does not fall while actively moving in the bed. Check the stability of the steps and their width. The child should be able to overcome them easily even in a sleepy state.

Today, various configurations of loft beds are sold, from which the optimal models are selected:

Classic loft bed - the design includes a sleeping place on the second “floor”, a ladder, supports, as well as free lower space. The child will use it based on his needs.
With a sofa below - a popular model for a teenager's room. This configuration includes a sleeping place at the top, and a comfortable sofa in the lower zone. The child will rest on it during the day and receive friends.
With a work area - a current option for schoolchildren. The package includes supports, a berth, a ladder, and a table. This model of loft bed can be equipped with shelves, cabinets and bedside tables.
With a closet underneath, it's a great sleeping area with convenient storage underneath. The wardrobe can be wardrobe, compartment or corner.

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.

How to choose a loft bed

When choosing a functional set of furniture for a nursery, pay attention to the following points:

the sides should be high, with small holes;
it is desirable to have a staircase with wide, low steps, railings and anti-slip coating.

Light up the steps, this will protect the child from falling in the dark;

choose a mattress so that it does not reduce the height of the sides;
When buying a loft bed with a sofa at the bottom, give preference to models with a removable cover.

Psychologists do not recommend purchasing very bright furniture for a night's rest - so that the foolish child has a restful sleep. Let the colored elements be in the play area, not in the bedroom. The best choice is white frames or natural wood colors. Facades, shelves, countertops can be made in contrasting shades.

The color and style of the loft bed should match the overall style direction chosen for the room. It is important to understand that in a classic interior such a furniture set will look alien, although there are also classic options.

Shabby chic and Provence will also not “make friends” with such furniture, but minimalism, urban style, and constructivism will happily accept the strict forms and high functionality of a loft bed.

Important: You shouldn’t strictly adhere to the style - after all, this is a children’s room, and the child should like it.

Assembling a loft bed will take longer than installing regular furniture. But this does not mean that you need to abandon it in favor of conventional options that will clutter up the entire space of the room.

By prioritizing the functionality and play orientation of the furniture, you will not lose at all - the child will be satisfied with the game, and you will be happy with the free space in the room and the order, which will be more interesting for the child to maintain.

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.

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.

Types of loft beds for adults

Built-in furniture for the living room using a double loft bed

In stores there is a huge selection of different single, one-and-a-half and double models. All of them can be divided according to the design features, materials of manufacture and configuration of the stairs. According to the type, the designs are:

– with a work area or a table;

Wooden loft bed for adults with full workspace and chest of drawers

– with a sofa;

Idea for a small room: a loft bed on the top tier and a sofa for guests below

– with a bed on the first tier;

Double wide beds for adults in the interior of the room

– with free space below;

DIY wooden loft bed with free space below

– with a wardrobe or bedside tables.

Loft-style bedroom with high bed and wardrobe below

According to the material of manufacture:

– wooden – wear-resistant, have a long service life, but have a high cost and heavy weight;

Stylish double loft bed made of wood

– from chipboard (chipboard) – they have an affordable price range, but are not very durable;

Loft bed made of chipboard with built-in corner wardrobe and desk

– metal – the most durable and resistant, but not very practical to use.

Ikea metal bed with built-in work space underneath

By type of staircase:

– vertical is the most compact, but not as safe to use than other types;

Metal bed with vertical ladder and sitting area below

– an inclined ladder can be large for large rooms or a compact ladder for a small room;

Built-in bed with an inclined ladder for a small apartment

– with a podium – a niche for storing things is built inside each step.

Staircase with a podium and wardrobe for a bright and original loft bed

There are models with ladders, that is, the ladder can easily be dismantled and placed on the other side. But in complete structures such a function is not provided.

Adults are more intelligent and experienced than small children, but in order to avoid various oddities and get greater product safety, it is better to choose stairs with at least one side handrail.

Double loft bed in a classic design with freely organized space below

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.

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.