Space-saving solutions

Staff -- Kids Today, 4/1/2006

Kids typically have the smallest bedrooms in the home, but today’s children also typically have more “stuff” than past generations. The answer? Youth beds and furniture that can serve double or even triple duty. Bunk beds, of course, remain a great option for siblings who are sharing a bedroom. And lofts and all-in-one units are increasingly becoming more popular because they put the sleeping space up top, leaving room for study, entertaining and just hanging out.

CYM’s Thrill metal loft has a denim finish and an option for a futon underneath — two design elements sure to appeal to tweens and teens. The loft as shown retails for $249.

Newport Cottage’s hand-painted bunk bed features picket fence-style ends for a sweet, old-fashioned look.

Pulaski goes after the tween market with its McGuire group, which has a rubbed ebony finish with cherry veneers peeking out.

The Young America Teen Bungalow College loft provides sleeping space for up to three people and a work area and storage space for busy teens. The piece retails for $2,640.