Loft beds are safe for children and teens, provided they’re used appropriately. The American Academy of Pediatrics only recommends lofted beds for children ages 6 and up, and you should always remain wary of the bed’s weight limit. It’s important to set firm rules with your children to ensure they stay safe on a lofted bed. They should always enter and exit the bed using its ladder or stairs, and they should never roughhouse or play while in the bed. If you aren’t sure that your children can follow these rules, it’s best to stick to a normal bed until they’re older.

What are the benefits of a loft bed?

The main appeal of loft beds is that they help maximize space in small rooms. Because the mattress is lifted up off the ground, you’re able to arrange other furniture underneath, allowing you to fit twice as much into your room. “I think the main benefit is the space-saving ability of getting your bed off the floor and utilizing wall [and] floor space,” says Low. “It's also great if you're trying to fit many sleeping areas in one space or for flex spaces where you need a bedroom to also host a desk, hang out area, etc.”

How far from the ceiling should a loft bed be?

In general, you’ll want to ensure there are at least 30 inches of space between the mattress and the ceiling. This will provide enough room for the bed’s occupant to sit up comfortably. If you’re not sure that a loft bed will fit in your home, double check the product description, as most raised beds list a recommended minimum ceiling height.

The 8 Best Loft Beds of 2022

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A loft bed is a great way to maximize the space in a kid’s bedroom, studio apartment, or other small room.

We researched and tested the most popular loft beds, evaluating ease of setup, sturdiness, value, and extra features like built-in storage. Our best overall pick is the Pottery Barn Kids Camp Loft Bed, with a durable wooden frame—which accommodates a full-size mattress—and a clever design that includes bookshelves.

Here are the best loft beds.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pottery Barn Kids Camp Loft Bed at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best for Kids:

Zoomie Kids Gladwin Twin Loft Bed at Wayfair

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Best with Desk:

Pottery Barn Teen Sleep & Study Loft Bed at PBteen

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Best Twin Size:

Walker Edison Furniture Company Deluxe Twin Metal Loft Bed at Amazon

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Best Full Size:

DHP Full Metal Loft Bed at Amazon

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Best with Stairs:

Harriet Bee Kittitas Wood Loft Bed at Wayfair

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Best with Dresser:

Donco Kids Low Loft Bed with 3-Drawer Chest and 2-Bookshelves at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

View On Potterybarnkids.com

Dimensions: 60 x 79.5 x 76 inches | Weight: 266 lbs | Weight Capacity: 500 lbs | Material: Wood, medium density fiberboard | Recommended Ceiling Height: Minimum 8.5 feet

What We Like

Kiln-dried solid wood frame
Accommodates full-size mattress
Includes built-in shelves

What We Don't Like

Expensive

The Pottery Barn Kids Camp Loft Bed creates a world of possibilities for kids. Our best overall choice is versatile enough to become a play or hangout space while also providing a safe place for your child to sleep.

The kiln-dried solid wood frame uses tenon-and-groove construction for durability. It's strong enough to support a full-size mattress and up to 500 pounds. The sleeping loft also comes with guard rails, and the ladder stays put for safer climbing. You can also feel good knowing it's made in a Fair Trade Certified facility and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it meets safe indoor air quality standards.

This kid-friendly loft bed is available in four colors (beige, white, navy, and brown), and built-in shelves to store books and knick-knacks add decor value. Though the cost is somewhat expensive, you're getting a lot of value to match the high price.

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View On Wayfair

Dimensions: 42.5 x 78.75 x 43.5 inches | Weight: 79.2 lbs | Weight Capacity: 175 lbs | Material: Manufactured and solid wood | Recommended Ceiling Height: Minimum 7 feet

What We Like

Built-in play area
Mix-and-match style
Low design is safe for kids

What We Don't Like

Low weight capacity
Exposed screws

Kids will have the time of their lives playing on the Zoomie Kids Loft Bed, which comes with fabric panels to turn the bottom into a playhouse. The bed can accommodate a twin-size mattress up to 8 inches thick, and it can support up to 175 pounds. The frame is made from a combination of solid and manufactured wood, and you can choose from three bed frame colors and three tents to perfectly suit your kids’ style.

The low-loft bed has a ladder on one side where kids can climb up, and there are detachable guardrails for all four sides. While the bed does take some time to assemble, kids will love having their very own playhouse in the bedroom.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Teen

View On PBteen

Dimensions: 55 x 79.5 x 73 inches (twin), 71 x 80.5 x 74 inches (full) | Weight: 335 lbs (twin), 375 (full) | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Poplar and spruce | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8 feet

What We Like

Built-in shelves and desk
Available in full and twin sizes
Several finishes available

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Desk is fairly narrow

If you’re hoping to create a study space for your child underneath their loft bed, the Sleep & Study Loft Bed has a spacious desk built right in. This bed is available in both full and twin sizes, as well as several finishes, and it’s made from premium wood with medium-density fiberboard for support.

Underneath the mattress platform, there’s an L-shaped desk with a pencil drawer, as well as a bookcase with four spacious shelves—there’s even a corkboard panel where students can pin up assignments, notes, and photos. The bed can support up to 500 pounds, and it has a securely fastened ladder that lets your kids climb in and out.

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Walker Edison Furniture Company Deluxe Twin Metal Loft Bed

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Dimensions: 79 x 42 x 68 inches | Weight: 70 lbs | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Steel | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like

Affordable
Heavy-duty metal construction
Simple, classic design
Two ladders

What We Don't Like

Time-consuming assembly

For a simple twin-size loft bed, this deluxe model from Walker Edison is a top pick. It has a straightforward design that’s crafted from powder-coated steel, and the space below is open, allowing you to put a dresser, desk, or second bed. The twin-size bed can support up to 250 pounds, and it has full-length guardrails for safety.

Kids will be able to climb into this bed from either side thanks to its double ladders, and its simple form can be adapted to suit any decor style. The unit ships with step-by-step instructions for assembly, and it comes with support slats so you don’t have to use a box spring with it.

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Dimensions: 78 x 56.5 x 72.5 inches | Weight: 100 lbs | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Metal | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like

Affordable price
Contemporary design
Twin and full-size options

What We Don't Like

Sometimes creaks
Ladder rungs are uncomfortable

Teens and young adults will likely prefer a larger bed, and the DHP Metal Loft Bed can accommodate a full-size mattress and up to 300 pounds. (It does come in a twin size, too, if you prefer.) This bed has a contemporary metal design that comes in a few colors, including black, white, and gray, and it has a spacious area underneath the mattress platform that will help make the most of a small bedroom.

The bed frame has rounded edges on its full-length guard rail, and there’s a decorative railing that runs around three sides of the bottom. A built-in metal ladder is part of the bed’s frame, and the lower area has a 59-inch clearance, allowing you to comfortably sit underneath it in a chair or at a desk.

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View On Wayfair

Dimensions: 42.5 x 99.5 x 50 inches | Weight: 126 lbs | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Material: Solid wood | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like

Built-in stairs and railing
Solid wood construction
Built-in storage

What We Don't Like

Mattress can only be 5 inches thick
Exposed screws

If your kids aren’t comfortable climbing a ladder to get into bed, the Harriet Bee Kittitas Loft Bed features a convenient staircase, complete with railings, to make the upper platform easier to access. The bed is made from solid pine wood for unbeatable durability, and the low-loft design is more convenient for younger children.

The Kittitas Bed comes in several finishes, and it can support up to 400 pounds. It features slatted guard rails around the edges, and there’s even storage space under the stairs that’s ideal for books and toys. However, the one downside is that the bed can only accommodate mattresses up to 5 inches thick.

Donco Kids Low Loft Bed with 3-Drawer Chest and 2-Books

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Dimensions: 78 x 42 x 44 inches | Weight: 138 lbs | Weight Capacity: 180 pounds | Material: Pine | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed

What We Like

Adjustable dresser and bookcases
Wood construction
Attractive louvered accents

What We Don't Like

Low weight capacity
Guardrail isn’t full length

Instead of trying to find a dresser that fits underneath your child’s loft bed, why not just get one with a dresser built-in? The Donco Kids Low Loft Bed comes with a matching three-drawer dresser and two bookcases, giving your children plenty of space to store all their belongings. Plus, these pieces aren’t attached to the frame, allowing you to arrange them in different ways to suit your space.

This twin-size bed has an antique gray finish, and it has louvered accents that give it a classic appearance. The whole thing is made from sturdy wood, and the bed can support up to 160 pounds. Just keep in mind that the guardrail doesn’t run the full length of the bed, which might not be the best option for younger children.

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Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a sturdy, versatile, and attractive loft bed for your child or teenager, the Camp Loft Bed (view at PB Kids) is hands-down a top choice. It’s made from kiln-dried solid wood for unmatched durability, features built-in shelving for storage, and accommodates a full-size mattress. For a budget-friendly option, the Better Homes & Gardens Greer Twin Loft Storage Bed (view at Walmart) features a simple low-loft construction with two shelves, making it ideal for younger children.

Bed size

Loft beds aren't just available in twin sizes—you can get loft beds in full for older teenagers, as well. As you're looking, also pay attention to the weight limits. Some loft beds can handle well over 1,000 pounds, but others top out at about 250. Don't forget to include the weight of your mattress as you're doing the calculation.

Additional features

The purpose of loft beds is to open up floor space in the bedroom for other activities—and some loft beds are better prepared for that than others. Some lofted beds have desks, wardrobes, or storage tucked underneath the beds. While these beds are more expensive, it might be worth it to invest in a bed with all of these extra features if you prefer to have all of your furniture match.

Material

When it comes to material, “durability is key,” says Low. “You want to make sure that it's made well and that the design isn't bulky. It should have just enough to make it sturdy and safe, but not too much that it's taking up more of a footprint than needed.”

The most common materials for loft beds are wood or metal, although some have elements of medium-density fiberboard (also known as MDF) or engineered wood. Metal frames will usually be lighter, but they tend to have a lower weight capacity than wooden frames and the ladder may be less comfortable than wooden ladders or stairs.

FAQ

Are loft beds safe?

Loft beds are safe for children and teens, provided they’re used appropriately. The American Academy of Pediatrics only recommends lofted beds for children ages 6 and up, and you should always remain wary of the bed’s weight limit.
It’s important to set firm rules with your children to ensure they stay safe on a lofted bed. They should always enter and exit the bed using its ladder or stairs, and they should never roughhouse or play while in the bed. If you aren’t sure that your children can follow these rules, it’s best to stick to a normal bed until they’re older.
What are the benefits of a loft bed?

The main appeal of loft beds is that they help maximize space in small rooms. Because the mattress is lifted up off the ground, you’re able to arrange other furniture underneath, allowing you to fit twice as much into your room.
“I think the main benefit is the space-saving ability of getting your bed off the floor and utilizing wall [and] floor space,” says Low. “It's also great if you're trying to fit many sleeping areas in one space or for flex spaces where you need a bedroom to also host a desk, hang out area, etc.”
How far from the ceiling should a loft bed be?

In general, you’ll want to ensure there are at least 30 inches of space between the mattress and the ceiling. This will provide enough room for the bed’s occupant to sit up comfortably. If you’re not sure that a loft bed will fit in your home, double check the product description, as most raised beds list a recommended minimum ceiling height.

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a product reviewer and expert on all things home. She has a background in interior decorating and has firsthand experience testing furniture for The Spruce.

To make this list, she considered the materials each bed was made from, prioritizing products made from solid wood or metal, which will be more durable in the long run. She looked at the style, size, and features of each bed, aiming to provide a range of options for all budgets, and she also spoke with interior designer Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin for tips on selecting and styling a loft bed.

The 8 Best Loft Beds to Maximize Your Space

The Pottery Barn Kids Camp Loft Bed is our top pick

Best Overall: Pottery Barn Kids Camp Loft Bed

Best for Kids: Zoomie Kids Gladwin Twin Loft Bed

Best with Desk: Pottery Barn Teen Sleep & Study Loft Bed

Best Twin Size: Walker Edison Furniture Company Deluxe Twin Metal Loft Bed

Best Full Size: DHP Full Metal Loft Bed

Best with Stairs: Harriet Bee Kittitas Wood Loft Bed

Best with Dresser: Donco Kids Low Loft Bed with 3-Drawer Chest and 2-Bookshelves

What to Look for in a Loft Bed

Bed size

Additional features

Material

Why Trust The Spruce?