It may seem like there are an endless number of accessories and furniture that you can work into the design of a nursery or a young child’s room. Once that child matures a little and starts to identify objects of interest without having to be prompted, there’s a whole new element introduced, complicating the process of outfitting a room.

We’re sure there are parents out there reading this who have heard their children (or their child) clamor for a set of bunk beds. There’s something about them that holds the intrigue of even the most easy going children in thrall.

Experts still haven’t cracked the code of what makes bunk beds so alluring to children. Perhaps it is because they are different from other beds. Perhaps it gives them an avenue for their imaginations to soar or to change up bedtime routines with something new.

Whatever the case, kids love bunk beds - but bunk beds are not ideal for all rooms, settings or arrangements. In that case, we may have a very viable solution for you, but first we need to provide a little background.

High Loft Beds vs. Bunk Beds: What’s the Difference?

That solution may come in the form of a high loft bed instead of in a set of bunk beds, but we need to draw a distinction on what the difference is.

Bunk beds are designed to situate one bed on top of another. In this fashion, they enable two (or more) sleepers the ability to sleep in the space that would otherwise be occupied by one bed.

In contrast, a high loft bed sits on top of supports. Typically they have only one bed and provide space for only one sleeper, although there are instances in which they can be paired with additional, compatible beds that sit beneath the high loft.

The space underneath is typically left clear for storage, although some models of high lofts incorporate drawers or other space for storage beneath them. There are quite a few reasons that high lofts might be the choice alternative, which we will explore at length below.

To be clear, there are settings in which bunk beds are decidedly preferable and categorically superior to high loft beds. For example, if you have two children sharing a room and you need the floor space for other furniture or supplies, then a bunk bed just might be ideal. Bunk beds, like high loft beds, take up only the footprint of one bed, and allow two children to sleep and live comfortably.

That being said, there are some unique situations in which a high loft bed is preferable to a bunk bed, and in which you’ll be able to indulge your child’s fancy without the need to purchase a pair of bunks.

Why and When High Loft Beds Just Might Be Better

If you’ve been left wondering why you’d ever want to leave that space beneath a high loft arrangement open when you could occupy the space with another bed, consider some of the following arguments.

For one, you might want to incorporate a high loft into the design of a child’s room if there is only one child in it. And before you conjure thoughts of the unnecessary nature of it all, read through the following points.

1.More space for storage

Yes, with only one child in a room, there is no necessary need to elevate the bed, at least on the surface. You can just put a regular floor model in the room and be done with it. If you did, though, that floor space would be taken up by a bed. That’s self explanatory.

Now, had you arranged for that room to contain a high loft bed, that floor space could have been left clear. As you also know, being a parent requires you to be prepared and ready with essentials and accessories. All of those things need to be stored somewhere, which requires space.

With a high loft bed, if the space underneath is left clear, you’ll have extra room for storage. You can keep a chest of drawers there or even just a collection of storage bins that you keep relatively out of sight but within easy reach.

It’s simple; with a high loft bed you can enjoy more space for storage, even if the bed itself doesn’t come with extra room for storage. That space saved speaks for itself.

2.More space in the room

It also shouldn’t come as a shock that with a high loft bed instead of a regular bed or even a bunk bed, you’ll have more space in a room. A high loft bed actually provides more space than either of these options, and it’s because of the fact that both of them occupy the floor space taken up by their footprint. With many high lofts, that space is entirely left free.

With such an arrangement, it’s almost like you can work a bed into the setting without actually devoting any room to it. Since the bed itself leaves almost the entire footprint underneath it free, it’s like you’ve just added square feet to the room’s floor plan.

3.More space for your child to play and explore

So let’s consider a specific situation in which you don’t really need the extra space for storage or to add space to the room in question. Getting a high loft bed can be a bonus for your child even if not for these practical reasons.

Children flourish when their imaginations are left free to roam and romp, and a high loft bed will provide space underneath that you can dedicate as a play area for your child. Creative parents have made playpens in the past; extra creative parents can help their children create play forts underneath high loft beds that will serve as personal little sanctuaries for the mind to run free, wander and grow.

4.Satisfy the desires of only children who have always wanted a bunk bed

There’s another reason that you might want to add a high loft bed into the design of your home, but it has little to do with floorspace or the functionality of the furniture itself. It has to do with indulging the desires of your little kids.

As we belabored earlier in this article, and as anyone who has ever known a young child can tell you, they’re more often than not enamored with bunk beds. High lofts are the ideal solution for families that don’t need another bed entirely but would still like to indulge their children and give them something to fancy and enjoy .

If you do so, it certainly doesn’t hurt any that you can enjoy the previously mentioned benefits of extra space in the room or additional opportunities for storage.

5.Scale more easily with the growth of your family

One more thing that you should keep in the back of your mind is that a high loft may make it easier for a child’s room to scale with the growth of your family. Today you might have only one child, but plans change and surprises can happen. Someday, maybe even someday soon, you might be considering adding to the nest. Then you actually will have to provide an additional sleeping arrangement.

At first that new arrival will need a crib, but eventually you might have kids sharing a space and many high lofts are compatible with additions or can accommodate another bed underneath them. At that point a high loft has effectively become a bunk bed, but it still gives you the flexibility, nonetheless.

What Features to Look for in a High Loft Bed?

If you’ve made the choice that a high loft bed is at least worth a cursory investigation, start in the right place. That’s right here - Kids-N-Cribs.com - but we’ll still give you some pointers on what you should expressly look for. Not that all of these are overtly deal breakers, but if you can, find a high loft that meets the following criteria.

●Solid wood construction

Solid wood construction is nice to have for quite a few reasons. One is the aesthetic value. Solid wood construction is pleasant and often the wood itself possesses unique character and charm. Solid wood, however, also exhibits a much higher level of quality than lower grades of compressed wood, particle board and synthetics.

Furniture made from solid wood over a hundred years ago that has been well-maintained is still in popular use. You probably aren’t thinking about that with the purchase of each piece of furniture that you make, but it’s worth considering. If you care about quality and longevity, it’s very hard if possible at all to beat the integrity and durability of solid wood.

●Few moving parts (or none) and no exposed hardware

Few moving parts and a minimum of exposed hardware is a good thing to look for in furniture in general. It means fewer moving parts to break and pieces to lose, and fewer opportunities to get scratched or scuffed.

In the search for children’s furniture, it’s much more important. At this point, moving parts and exposed hardware aren’t just annoyances. They can be easily elevated to the status of safety hazards. Look for high lofts that have few moving parts and minimal exposed hardware; you’ll find them.

●Guard rails and other safety features

Many high loft beds come with guard rails and other safety features that make them more practical and more secure. The list of potential features will obviously vary according to the model, but some of them are completely necessary.

Specifically, look for guard rails that are high enough to accommodate a mattress. There needs to be enough clearance for them to remain safe and secure!

●Non-toxic paints and finishes

Non-toxic paints and finishes are a must. We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality furniture available here at Kids-N-Cribs, and that’s why we go to such lengths to secure only furniture that is completed with non-toxic paints and finishes.

This is the furniture in and around which your children will sleep, play, learn and grow. Safety and security are of the utmost importance, and that’s why non-toxic finishes are high on the list of priorities. Make sure of them when you’re shopping, and if you have questions about specifics, call us.

●Keep your eyes open for certifications

Many of our products are widely certified. Like the construction and safety features provided by any given model, certifications will vary according to each product, but keep your eyes open for them because many of our products are widely certified.

●Extras are nice, too

You should also keep your eyes open for any extras that a given high loft bed can offer you as well. For example, some models include desks underneath the bed, or have stairs in place of a ladder, into which is designed a set of drawers for extra storage. In addition, many high lofts contain additional opportunities for storage built right into their designs. Keep your needs as a parent (and as a family) in mind, and you’ll find the extras that you need!

●Last but not least, modularity!

Finally, consider the modularity of a high loft bed, especially as it relates to scalability. Many of our high lofts are compatible with other beds that can be placed underneath them, effectively transforming them into bunk beds. Some of them actually come with additional beds that can be removed or replaced as need dictates. Flexibility is the game here, so make the most of it.

Contact Us to Learn More!

If you have any questions or doubts after looking through our catalog of high lofts, bunks and other furniture for nurseries and childrens’ rooms, lean on our experience. You can reach us for help anytime you need a little bit more help, have questions or would like recommendations.

We pride ourselves highly on our customer service. Get in touch with us at 925-778-2229, let us know what you need, and we’ll be sure to help!