The window in the footboard here is framed out just like a real window, with all the moldings, a sill, etc.  It did two things.  First, it lightened the appearance somewhat (remember, tiny room and massive furniture).  Second, it made the bed into a playhouse.  All the girls needed to do was to hang a blanket over the side, and they had their house.

The beds are joined by some heavy duty wood clamps, held on by 3/8" carriage bolts.  Young mothers are fearful, and sometimes young fathers as well.  This bed was tested by Daddy himself, at 300 lbs plus, and none too gently, before any child spent the night.

Here is a shot of the foot.  The guard rail is integral to the bed rail, glued and screwed, and is long enough to cover all the bed except what space is needed for the ladder.  The ladder hooks over the rail and will not slip no matter who is on it or what they are doing (and the little monkeys did a lot when they were supposed to be snoozing).

The final, and perhaps most unusual feature, is the height between the two beds.  Most commercially available bed leave just enough room for the kid to squeeze in for the night.  This bed was built with a very important purpose, and that is the nightly reading of the bedtime story.  I did not want to end up looking like Quasimoto, so increased height was a requirement.  I am 6' 2", and this bed allows me to sit comfortably while reading to the girls.  Favorites were Hop on Pop and Oh Say can You Say.