Which bed style should I choose for my child's room?

When designing a children's room, the bed is, of course, the star of the show. For children, it's all about having a magical place to read and play, but parents will be paying attention to the practicalities of this vital children's bedroom furniture idea, too. Read on for seven country style ideas to ensure that your child will dream sweetly...

1. Secret hideaway
With plenty of space to play as well as to dream, this mid-sleeper frees up more floor space for toys. Climb the ladder into the treehouse at bedtime and wake up to daylight creeping through the windows and skylight.

2. Play station
Store clothes or toys in the bed's two drawers. Put books on the four shelves, and write or draw on the full-size blackboard at the foot end. This bed, made using reclaimed fir from old buildings and featuring a bleached finish, will soon put paid to arguments about tidying up!

3. Princess style
An intricately carved mahogany frame with two extra legs at the footboard encloses a woven rattan design that comes straight from a fairytale .With its distressed antique white finish, this sophisticated bed can take a child through to her teens.

4. Strong contenders
Sturdy enough to withstand rough and tumble, these vintage-style beds in powder-coated steel have a simple, classic look, fitting for a child's room but just as suitable for adults' guest rooms. Chooses from a white (shown), bronze or duck egg finish.

5. Their first bed
A cot that comes with low side panels and footboard to replace the original tall slatted ones is a sensible option when the time comes to convert the cot to a bed. The birch-frame model here is finished in soft white.

6. Double up
Fun for a shared room, this bunk bed arrangement can be converted later into two full-size single beds, (not the case for all bunk beds). The upper bunk is suitable for children aged six plus. It's supplied in self-assembly form, but for an extra fee can be put together by the delivery team.

7. Home maker
What child could resist playing house in this novel take on a four-poster bed? Made from solid, sustainable timber, its white-painted frame is perfect for a pared-down modern country look.

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