We used your plans, but we built the loft even lower No kiddos in our house, so no rails either; it's a little more 'grown-up'. It's very sturdy, holds my 6'2″ hubby; as a matter of fact when we finished this bed for 'me', he said, “I want one”. LOL

I wanted storage (a chest, a dresser & then some in a very small room!) AND a place for me to lounge & get-away (read somewhere quiet). We didn't plan the height with a “view” in mind but it worked out that's just what we got! I have the bed 'dressed' so you see the pretty pillows when you enter the room, while relaxing, I switch ends & there is a perfect view into our back yard (swimming pool).

What you don't see is the craft & sewing (plastic totes) storage behind the dresser, I used a spring rod to hold curtains so all of that is hidden from view, but easy access from the end of the bed next to the 'chest'. And yes, the 'chest' used to be 2 nightstands. Since the bed is not too high, I only need a little stool to reach the bed, no ladder required.