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The 11 Best Loft Beds of 2024

Save precious floor space with a stylish, functional raised bed

collage of the Pottery Barn Teen Sleep & Study Loft Bed on a peach textured background

The Spruce / Kevin Liang

A bed is arguably the most essential part of a bedroom, but for something you only use a third of the day, it certainly eats up a lot of square footage. A loft bed is an efficient way to make your precious floor space work double duty by raising the bed frame off the ground and creating space below for extra storage, a desk or a cozy lounge zone. 

Unlike a bunk bed, which stacks multiple beds on top of each other, or a storage bed that has hidden storage solutions but sits low to the ground, a loft bed consists of one elevated bed with space below. Some styles might have a work space, a dresser or even a built-in wardrobe below the bed, while other loft beds are completely open, allowing for ultimate spatial customization. 

A loft bed is typically made of metal, wood, or MDF, has a ladder or stairs to access the elevated sleeping area, and has a guard rail—especially handy for children who tend to move around in their sleep. Pay attention to materials and weight limits when shopping for a loft bed: a twin loft bed for a child or small adult could have a 200-pound limit, while one of our queen-sized loft bed picks can safely accommodate up to 2,000 pounds.  

We scoured the market for the best loft beds, and our resulting list includes bed with smart storage and convertible styles designed to grow with your child.

What We Like
  • Multiple versatile storage solutions

  • Wood construction

  • Available in seven finishes

What We Don’t Like
  • Only one desk drawer

  • Desk and shelf locations are set

With a durable wood construction and ample below-bed storage options, Pottery Barn Teen’s Sleep & Study Loft Bed checks all of our boxes. The full size bed frame is big enough—and strong enough, thanks to its 500-pound weight limit—to comfortably accommodate children, teens, and adults. It’s a versatile, space-saving pick for a growing kid’s room or guest room-office.

The area below the bed offers plenty of workspace and storage. There’s three sturdy shelves, open cubbies, and a desk. The desk spans the length of the bed frame, making this bed a perfect multi-functional solution for small spaces. There’s only one desk drawer but it’s smooth-gliding and has English Dovetail joinery for superior durability too. 

A side-bookshelf and cork board panel are handy for young students. Even work-from-home employees will appreciate this cozy setup.

The bed is not only constructed in a Fair Trade-certified factory, it’s also a Greenguard Gold Certified product, meaning it emits low levels of air polluting-volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We just wish that the shelf and cubby locations were interchangeable for a slightly more customizable bed.

Dimensions: 70 x 79.5 x 73 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Wood, MDF | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8 feet

What We Like
  • Works with shorter ceilings

  • Ships in one box

  • Easy to move around a room

What We Don’t Like
  • Short storage height below

  • Might require additional tightening once assembled

DHP’s Jett Junior Metal Loft Bed is a worthy consideration if you’re looking for a lofted bed without breaking the bank. Its metal construction is sturdy, durable, and compact, with curved corners that add a bit of softness and safety to the silhouette. The three-rung ladder is angled and the guardrail goes around all four sides, making it a safer ascent—and sleep—for all.

With a 36.5-inch under-bed height, its compact stature is perfect for kids or shorter ceilings—although if you’re looking for a taller option, the brand offers similar designs like a higher version with a built-in desk

This bed is available in both full and twin sizes, but note that due to the guardrail height, it only accommodates thin mattresses up to 6 inches thick. 

Dimensions: 78 x 56.5 x 50 inches (full), 78 x 51 x 50 inches (twin) | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds (full), 200 pounds (twin) | Material: Metal | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like
  • Angled ladder for easy climbing

  • Non-toxic finishes

  • Clear assembly instructions

What We Don’t Like
  • Shipping takes 2-4 weeks

  • Cannot be returned

Another Greenguard Gold Certified option, this stylish pick from children’s furniture brand Ouef is perfect for modern decor lovers. Sure, it’s a pricey option, but it boasts some pretty cool sustainability features: it’s made in Europe with Forest Stewardship Council-certified (FSC) birch—complete with a water-based, non-toxic light or walnut finish. Even the cardboard packaging it’s shipped in is recycled.

Like most of our loft bed favorites, this frame has slats, eliminating the need for a box spring. This option is made for a full mattress—with a max height of 8 inches—but it also comes in a twin size if you’re looking for something a little smaller for kids. 

While it doesn’t have any built-ins, the full open bottom is an ideal opportunity to customize your unique storage needs. Oeuf’s other furniture products are just as chic, so you can complete the look with a matching desk or even a second twin bed under it for an L-shaped bunk bed, perfect for siblings or sleepovers.

Dimensions: 78 x 64 x 42 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Wood, MDF | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like
  • Available in 8 mattress sizes

  • Customizable with furniture and accessories

  • Detachable ladder can clip anywhere on the frame

What We Don't Like
  • Memory foam mattress requires extra slats

  • X-braces required on three sides of the bed

Some might associate a loft bed with a child’s bedroom or a college dorm, but that doesn’t mean adults have to be left out of the space-saving fun. Francis Lofts & Bunks offers the most impressive modular loft bed system we’ve seen. 

Available in three heights and eight mattress sizes (from twin all the way up to a California king), this bed has seemingly endless customization options. It’s also made of sturdy aluminum, and despite its 2,000 pound weight limit, it’s somewhat easy to move around once assembled.

Keep in mind that memory foam mattresses may require more slats to prevent sagging, and the x-braces on three sides of the bed limit some of the customization you can accomplish underneath.  

For an extra fee, you can add stairs, a corner shelf, a built-in desk, or even a firepole to the bed frame. Be aware that the base bed is already quite expensive and the add-ons quickly bulk up the price—adding a staircase costs $955, for instance—but for such a durable, long-lasting piece, you can’t get much better than this for a versatile, grown-up option. 

Dimensions: 61 x 80 x 51 inches (8 foot ceiling) | Weight Capacity: 2,000 pounds | Material: Aluminum | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8, 9 and 10 feet

What We Like
  • Flip from loft style to regular bed frame

  • Ladder is built-in

What We Don’t Like
  • Available in twin size only

  • Assembly is complicated

  • Slats might not be durable

Most brands don’t recommend lofted beds for children under 6 for obvious safety reasons, and this option from Ikea solves the age limit issue with an ingenious flip design. Once your little one is old enough for a loft, the standard twin frame flips upside-down to transform to a lofted twin. 

It makes the graduation to a “big kid” bed an even more memorable experience, complete with a bonus play space underneath. The slatted base that holds the mattress in the low setting reverses to become a 13-inch tall guardrail that wraps around all four sides in the lofted position, easing both you and your child’s nighttime anxieties.

The bed has a sturdy pine and white panel design that gives a modern look to any bedroom. Parents will also love how the three-rung ladder is securely built into the frame, eliminating slippage risks. This bed is available in a twin size only, so it may not fully age with your child once they reach their tweens.

To amp up bedtime’s fun factor, try adding some lights or pairing it with the matching bed tent or curtain; they both easily attach to the bed in either the low or high configuration.

Dimensions: 78.37 x 41.37 x 45.62 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Material: Wood, MDF | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like
  • Solid wood construction

  • Modular design allows for loft to turn into a regular-height bed

  • 16-inch tall guardrails for added security

What We Don’t Like
  • Assembly instructions are hard to follow

  • Bed is heavy

This Queen Loft Bed from Maxtrix is not only made of solid wood, it also has a unique flexible design that can be adjusted to your needs. The ladder can be installed at either end of the bed and the tall legs can be removed to create a standard queen bed once you don’t need the extra storage anymore. 

While it’s lofted, the bed has an under-bed height of over 4 feet, providing enough room for adding a desk, dresser, or shelving as needed. This pick also can hold up to 800 pounds—double the average U.S. safety standard for most loft beds—so unlike some of our other picks, it can safely accommodate two grown adults. 

Keep in mind that solid wood is heavy and you’ll need two people to flip it upright once fully assembled. 

Dimensions: 88 x 64 x 70.75 inches | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Material: Wood | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like
  • Rounded corners reduce injury risk

  • Greenguard Gold Certified

  • Multiple storage solutions

What We Don’t Like
  • Available in white only

  • Ladder has fixed location

With a chic white finish and smooth rounded corners, the Milo Full Loft Bed from West Elm is a modern, multi-functional piece. There’s a 53-inch desk complete with two wide drawers, six open cubby shelves, and four additional drawers below. Despite all these built-ins, it still has a decent amount of open area that doesn’t feel too crowded. 

The ladder has a set left-hand location and the desk faces outwards though, so ensure the functionality works for your space before ordering.

This is another Greenguard Gold Certified loft bed pick and the white finish is water-based, so fumes shouldn’t be an issue. With a 500-pound weight limit, this works for kids and adults alike. Another bonus: West Elm offers white glove delivery, which includes assembly and removal of packaging materials. 

Dimensions: 76.5 x 59.5 x 77 | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Wood | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8 feet

What We Like
  • Also available in a stair-slide option

  • Wide stairs

  • Great option for smaller rooms

What We Don’t Like
  • Stairs add additional length

Kids and parents alike will love the Max & Lily Low Loft Bed, with its low height, open under-bed space, and easy-to-use stairs. Space is an important consideration if you’re leaning towards a loft bed with stairs since the footprint is larger than a version with a ladder. 

The stairs on this option can be installed on either side of the bed and there is a built-in shelf underneath. With an overall height of only 50 inches, this is an ideal pick for shorter ceilings or children.

The bed has higher guardrails than some of our other favorites; the 14-inch tall railing can accommodate up to an 8-inch thick mattress. And like some of our other picks, it comes with slats that eliminate the need for a box spring. 

If the stairs aren’t fun enough for you, the brand also makes an option with a slide for added bedroom fun. Again, just make sure you have enough space to fit it. 

Dimensions: 81.5 x 50 x 42.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Material: Wood, metal | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like
  • Built-in nightstand for easy access

  • Storage cabinet below doubles as a kids’ hideout

  • Room for hanging clothing

What We Don’t Like
  • Complicated assembly process

If your home lacks storage, consider South Shore’s Arlen Loft Bed, which essentially combines a bedroom, closet and office into one. In addition to the four drawers, wardrobe, shelving, and mini-desk—complete with a retractable work space and LED lighting—there’s also a bonus nook perfect for a hidden play zone or stashing bulky items. 

The bed also features a bookshelf that’s accessible from the bed, a handy feature we haven’t seen in other loft beds. Despite all the storage below, the unit stands at almost 5 feet tall, so it’s easy to climb into without fear of hitting your head on the ceiling. 

The rounded corners and navy finish would add a charming, classic look to any room. There are, however, many components to this bed—it’s delivered in three large boxes—and it might be best to hira a professional to put it together since it can be a complicated assembly process.

Dimensions: 59.25 x 47 x 76.75 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: MDF | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

Pottery Barn Bowen Low Loft Bed
PHOTO: Pottery Barn
What We Like
  • Space-saving pull-out desk design

  • Shelving doubles as built-in ladder

  • Greenguard Gold Certified

What We Don’t Like
  • Available in white only

A small room likely won’t have the square footage necessary for extra furniture like a dresser or desk, and the Bowen Low Loft Bed could be the solution you’re looking for. It has a lower profile to accommodate shorter ceiling heights and an efficient use of space below. 

At first glance, it boasts a three-drawer dresser and seven shelves—an already impressive feat—but thanks to a sneaky design with smooth-rolling casters, a 33-inch wide desk pulls out to create a temporary workspace. Perfect for smaller rooms, it can stow away when not in use.

With a low height and clear acrylic guardrail panels, the bed has an airier look than some of our other favorites. The ladder is sturdy and efficient, and it’s smartly built-in to the four wide shelves at the foot of the bed. 

While we love the space-saving features of the dresser and  desk, they’re in a fixed location, so plan accordingly. 

Dimensions: 56 x 78.5 x 48.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Wood, MDF, acrylic | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

Harriet Bee Schlemmer Twin Loft Bed
PHOTO: Harriet Bee
What We Like
  • Safe height for children

  • Higher guardrails

  • Available in six colors

What We Don’t Like
  • Not suitable for larger adults

  • Accommodates 6-inch mattress

  • Shorter height creates less space below

Most of our loft bed picks require an 8-foot ceiling, but for those feeling limited by a shorter space, fear not. The Harriet Bee Schlemmer Loft Bed is designed to accommodate lower ceiling heights; it’s also a safer bet for smaller children who don’t want to be too high above the ground. 

The bed is available in six finishes—like a classic white-and-pine combo or gray—that will match any bedroom style and adapt with your child’s personal style.

Its wood frame and simple design offer sturdy support, and a built-in, two-rung ladder is incorporated into the guardrail and bed post—unlike some of our other picks that require an extra attachment. 

There’s no chance of the ladder accidentally coming off after repeated use. There’s only about 2.5 feet of space under the bed, though, so keep that in mind when plotting your storage or play area plans below.

Dimensions: 78 x 43 x 43 inches | Weight Capacity: 165 pounds | Material: Wood or MDF | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our top pick, the Sleep & Study Loft Bed from Pottery Barn Teen, impressed us with its complete package, featuring a taller bed height with a built-in workspace and shelving below, all in a classy collection of wood finishes. If you’re looking for something with even more storage solutions, consider South Shore’s Arlen Twin 5 Drawer Loft Bed with Bookcase, boasting a half-height wardrobe for hanging clothes, a four-drawer dresser, a one-drawer mini-desk, and ample shelving. 

How We Picked the Loft Beds

We researched loft beds from both well-known retailers and specialized furniture brands, focusing on a variety of sizes, materials, functions, and space-saving features. From growing kids to tall adults, we included an option. We pored over real customer reviews, taking note of ease of assembly, weight limits, durability and more. Since everyone has a different furniture budget, we also rounded up loft beds at different price points, including wallet-friendly picks like DHP’s Jett Junior Metal Loft Bed, Ikea’s Kura Reversible Bed, and pricier options like Pottery Barn Teen’s Bowen Low Loft Bed.

What to Look for in a Loft Bed

Different Types of Loft Beds

A loft bed might not suit everyone, but if you want to maximize floor space or take advantage of a tall ceiling height, it can be an efficient way to accomplish both. Loft beds also offer more versatility when designing a small bedroom or adding more function to a rarely used room. 

While all loft beds share a common trait of being raised off the ground, they’re not all the same. Some styles, such as Ouef’s classy Perch Loft Bed, have open space below, giving you the flexible option to do what you wish—think adding a second mattress, a dresser, shelves or even low seating under the bed. 

Other designs make the storage decision for you, featuring built-ins like a desk or wardrobe. Some loft beds also have their ladder in a fixed location, so consider what configuration is ideal for your specific space and shop accordingly. The last thing you want is to spend hours building it only to realize that it’s not the correct type of loft bed after all.

Size and Style for the Space

While some of our favorite loft beds come in twin-size only, like Ikea’s Kura Reversible Bed, that doesn’t mean a lofted style is just for kids. Some options are available in full or queen sizes, like the Matrix Queen High Loft Bed. Our top pick for adults, the Francis Lofts & Bunks Loft Bed, is designed for eight mattress sizes, accommodating up to a California king. 

Think about your room’s specific storage needs. Could you benefit from a private workspace under the bed or would your child love a cave-like play area? For small spaces, we’re obsessed with the smart function of Pottery Barn Teen’s Bowen Low Loft Bed, which not only has a built-in dresser and shelving, but also a hidden pull-out desk that easily tucks away when not in use. 

Don’t forget to consider ceiling height as well, since most high loft beds require an 8-foot clearance to avoid hitting your head. The Francis Lofts & Bunks Loft Bed not only comes in different mattress sizes, it also has a height options for an 8-, 9-, or 10-foot ceiling. Some options have a shorter profile, like Harriet Bee’s Schlemmer Twin Loft Bed, perfect for lower ceilings or younger kids.

Material and Durability

Lots of our picks are made from either solid or engineered wood, like West Elm’s Milo Loft Bed, while a few, like DHP’s Jett Junior Metal Loft Bed, are constructed of metal. While wood is a durable option, it’s also heavier than aluminum and might require two—or more—people to pitch in on assembly. 

A metal bed, on the other hand, tends to be lighter weight and easier to move, so if you’re a frequent room-rearranger, metal might be the best material for you. MDF (which stands for medium-density fiberboard) is denser than hardwood and while it’s usually a budget-friendly pick, it might not be as long-lasting. 

Depending on how much the bed is used, wood, MDF, and metal finishes might eventually need touch-up paint jobs or restaining, especially after years of climbing up and down the ladder.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Becky Eaton, a handy homeowner and interior design fan, wrote this article. She slept in a high loft bed for a year during college, plus after 15 years of apartment-dwelling in New York City and San Francisco, she’s also familiar with the unique challenges of small space living. For this roundup, she spent hours researching loft beds, focusing on bestsellers with high customer ratings, sturdy materials, functional design, and good value.

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