A twin loft bed is a twin-sized bed that is raised off the ground, thus freeing up the area beneath it into open, usable space. Twin loft beds come in several styles, and have become increasingly popular for use in college dormitories and bedrooms where space is at a premium. One popular model of a twin loft bed has a built-in student desk on one end, a stack of drawers on the other, while the area underneath the bed itself serves as an open-air closet. Other models may include one or more of these features.
Access to the twin loft bed mattress is gained by the use of a ladder, just as in a traditional bunk bed. The ladder, which is typically made of the same material as the rest of the bed frame, can be end-mounted or side-mounted according to the owner's space considerations. The ladder may also be a built-in element at one or both ends, which is a very popular design for dorm room loft beds. With the ladder being an integral part of the bed and not a separate component, there is that much less to disassemble, pack, and move when it's time to vacate the room.
Although twin loft beds are most heavily advertised as space savers for children, teenagers, and college students, anyone in a roommate situation or with a need to reclaim space can benefit from one of these beds. For children, the space underneath can be used for toy storage or play space. The twin loft bed with storage drawers and built-in desk is perfect for high school and college students. Even without the addition of storage drawers or a desk, the valuable space underneath a twin loft bed can be put to good use. With a little imagination, the space can be turned into a reading area with an easy chair, table, and lamp, or even a small lounge area with a chair and television.
While some prefabricated twin loft beds are made of metal tubing, wood is the preferred material. Wood tends to be more stable, less prone to wobble, and can safely support greater weights. Pine is an excellent choice of wood for loft beds. A sturdy wood, pine can also be stained or painted in a myriad of colors to suit the owner's decorating taste.
Twin loft beds are available at most furniture stores. For do-it-yourselfers, building plans are easily obtainable from Internet sources, books and magazines, and through many home improvement stores. Loft beds are also available in other standard bed sizes: full, queen, and king.