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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
If you want to make the most of a small space, a loft bed is a solution that can provide usable work or lounge space under an elevated bed. Similar to a bunk bed, a loft bed sits higher than your typical bed but with open space or built-in storage underneath. With all that extra space, these higher beds can maximize a room’s space for increased comfort, versatility, and convenience.
Many loft beds have ladders to reach a twin or full bed on top. Our top pick, the Pottery Barn Waverly Loft Bed, comes in multiple sizes and finishes. It also offers a generous amount of clearance and space underneath, which you can customize with additional furniture that compliments its style. This loft bed is also well-made and can be used by multiple members of the family through the years.
Best Overall
Pottery Barn Waverly Loft Bed
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Pottery Barn
Spacious underneath the bed
Multiple sizes, finishes, and combos
Durable construction
Expensive
With a great combination of style and function, the Pottery Barn Waverly Loft Bed is ideal for a child or teen’s room while still being roomy enough for adults to sleep in. It comes in a twin or full size and can be purchased with or without a mattress. The simple white finish is classic Pottery Barn style, while the weathered charcoal is a bit edgier. Both have metal rails that add subtle industrial-style detail.
One of the best parts of this loft bed is the height. The bed is 75.5 inches high with 57 inches of clearance underneath—meaning you can easily fit a desk or small loveseat there to create your own workspace or reading nook. It’s perfect for kids’ rooms where you want the option to create a designated homework or hangout space.
The loft bed is a bit pricey, but that isn’t surprising given Pottery Barn’s exceptional quality and attention to detail. When you consider the additional cost of added furniture to go under the loft bed, the entire project can quickly get expensive. But as a piece of furniture that will last, we still think it is worth the cost for the quality.
Price at time of publish: $1,399 for a twin
Dimensions: 56.5 x 80 x 75.5 inches (twin), 71.5 x 80 x 75.5 inches (full) | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds (twin), 500 pounds (full) | Material: Poplar wood | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8 feet
Best Budget
DHP Full Metal Loft Bed with Ladder
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Industrial design
Durable metal frame
Built-in metal slats
Assembly required
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a great loft bed with plenty of space. The DHP Metal Loft Bed comes in a twin or a full size, has a tough metal frame that’s built for wear, and a space-saving vertical ladder to climb in and out. And it’s priced at less than $300 in total. Plus, it’ll save you plenty of space—with 59 inches of clearance under the bed frame, you’ll even have enough room to set up another bed if needed.
Some assembly is required, and this loft bed frame comes in several boxes. Assembly instructions are included and relatively easy to follow. You’ll need to purchase a mattress separately. The bed does include built-in metal slats for support up to 300 pounds, so you don’t need to worry about a box spring.
Price at time of publish: $225 for a full
Dimensions: 56.5 x 78 x 72.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Metal | Recommended Ceiling Height: Not listed
Best Splurge
west elm x pbt Mid-Century Loft Bed
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Pottery Barn Teen
Two finishes available
Mid-century design details
High quality, sustainable materials
Expensive
The Mid-Century Loft Bed is a collaboration between Pottery Barn Teen and West Elm, two retailers known for high-quality and on-trend designs that stand the test of time. It’s expensive, but it’s a piece that makes a great investment if you want to set up a loft bed that will last. This loft will look just as great in 20 years as it does today. As an added perk, the materials used to make it are GREENGUARD Gold certified and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
This lofted bed frame is available with or without a mattress and in two finishes, white or acorn. Slim, tapered legs, rounded edges, and a modern shape give it extra style. There’s a small built-in desk on one side, next to the vertical ladder. You don’t need a box spring with this loft bed since it includes slats.
Price at time of publish: $2,499 for a full
Dimensions: 57 x 79.5 x 73.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Beech, pine, and ash | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8 feet
Best Queen Size
Francis Loft & Bunks Queen Loft Bed
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Adult Bunk Beds
Wide range of sizes
Customizable setup
A lot of available accessories
Expensive
Think you can’t find a loft bed for adults? Think again–Francis Lofts & Bunks has a queen loft bed that’s sized to fit two adults comfortably. And this extra-tall queen bed isn’t just space-saving—it’s highly customizable. You can customize the bed based on the ceiling height in your room, the finish, and if you want extra side rails or end rails. There are also additional sizes available, all the way from twin to California king.
However, because of its larger size, this is an expensive loft bed, even in smaller sizes. The available range of optional accessories makes it a standout, though. It comes with a ladder, but you can upgrade that to stairs. Other accessories include a desk to go under the loft bed, an attachable tray, a bookshelf, a corner shelf, and even a firepole to get down from the bed. This is one of the most customizable loft beds you’ll find.
Price at time of publish: $3,195 for a queen
Dimensions: 61 x 80 x 92 inches (for 8 foot ceilings) | Weight Capacity: 2,000 pounds | Material: Metal | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8 feet, 9 feet, or 10 feet
Best Design
Walker Edison Furniture Company Deluxe Twin Metal Loft Bed
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Amazon
Two ladders
Easy underbed access
Built-in guard rails
Guard rails are low
To maximize usable space and accessibility, Walker Edison Furniture Company’s Deluxe Metal Loft Bed put the vertical ladder on the side of the frame. But there’s not just one ladder–there are two, one on each end of the bed. This adds convenience and makes climbing into the loft easy. Plus, the addition of built-in guard rails all around the bed’s edges ensures you and your mattress stay put, no matter where and how you set up the loft bed.
The smart design of this bed makes it a standout pick, but some assembly is required when it arrives. You should also be sure to only get a mattress 9 inches thick or less; a higher mattress will extend beyond the guard rails. That poses a safety hazard for anyone sleeping in the bed. There are a few color options beyond classic white and silver, which is great if you’re shopping for a kids’ room or just want that extra pop of style in your space.
Price at time of publish: $311 for a twin
Dimensions: 43 x 79 x 68 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Material: Steel | Recommended Ceiling Height: 7.5 feet
Best Heavy Duty
Monarch Hill Haven Metal Platform Loft Bed by Little Seeds
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Wayfair
Durable steel frame
Slats included
Metal guardrail detail
Assembly requires two people
Only thinner mattresses recommended
White and gold look great and provide the right amount of support in the Metal Platform Loft Bed from Little Seeds. It’s designed for kids or teens, but this heavy-duty product can support up to 200 pounds. The bed and frame are made of powder-coated steel that will last for years without wear or breaking. It also comes with slats to support the mattress.
The maximum recommended height for a mattress with this loft bed is just 6 inches. It’s important to find a mattress within these limits so that the guard rail extends above the mattress and is able to serve its purpose. Some assembly is required, and Little Seeds recommends having two people on hand to put the bed together. All required tools are included for easier construction.
Price at time of publish: $520 for a twin
Dimensions: 42.5 x 79.5 x 72 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Material: Steel | Recommended Ceiling Height: 8 feet
Best With Ladder
DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame With Ladder
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Amazon
Ladder at an angle
Shorter height for kids
Ships in one box
Kids may need more space
Tall ladders may not be right for younger kids, and this Junior Loft Bed from DHP is just the right height. The lofted design provides 36.5 inches of clearance under the bed, which is perfect for a small desk or play area. The ladder extends from the bed at an angle, making it easier for little ones to climb. And this loft bed is also very budget-conscious, so you don’t need to worry about your child breaking or damaging an heirloom piece. It makes the perfect intro to bunk bed living.
However, because it doesn’t have as much space underneath, your child may outgrow this loft bed quickly. Don’t expect this setup to get them through the teen years, when they’ll likely need more space and clearance. You will need to assemble the bed when it arrives, although this is a bit easier than some others because of the shorter height. It also ships in one box, so you don’t need to wait for multiple boxes to arrive before putting it together.
Price at time of publish: $99 for a twin
Dimensions: 41.5 x 78 x 50 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Material: Metal | Recommended Ceiling Height: 7 feet
Best With Slide
Schmid Twin Solid Wood Platforms Loft Bed by Zoomie Kids
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Wayfair
Slide and climbing wall
Extra-high guard rails
Lower height for young kids
Not a lot of space underneath
What kid wouldn’t love a slide in their room? The Schmid Solid Wood Platforms Loft Bed from Zoomie Kids makes that dream come true, combining extra space and a lifted bed with a super fun slide. The bed frame features a slide on one side to get down and an angled climbing wall—complete with foot and handholds—on the other to climb upwards. The front guard rail is also extra-high at 16 inches to keep smaller sleepers safe and secure. This bed was made for young children who love to play (and parents who want to know they’re safe).
However, this loft bed isn’t as high as others; it’s low, and the space underneath is better used for storage than actual play space. If you have younger kids, you’ll likely appreciate that they aren’t as high off the ground while asleep. But that lower height can make it difficult to get underneath to retrieve and organize toys or other items. Rolling toy boxes and bins are ideal for under the bed, although those must be purchased separately.
Price at time of publish: $440 for a twin
Dimensions: 77 x 81 x 34 inches | Weight Capacity: 160 pounds | Material: Wood | Recommended Ceiling Height: 6 feet
Best With Storage
Arlen Twin 5 Drawer Loft Bed with Bookcase
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Wayfair
A ton of storage
Multiple spaces for work and reading
Accessible shelving
Expensive
The Arlen 5 Drawer Loft Bed has so many storage nooks and crannies that it’s almost like its own self-contained room. It features an armoire with a hanging rod, four drawers, a hidden nook, a bookcase, and a small desk, giving you so much more than just a spot to sleep in a single piece of furniture. There’s also accessible shelving-style storage at the top that you can reach from the bed. The hardware and styled edges of the shelving lend a classic look to this super-functional loft bed.
It’s a bit pricey compared to some simpler designs. But when you consider all of the extra storage you’d otherwise have to purchase separately, it’s a fantastic value. This loft bed also makes the most efficient use of space while still keeping charming details, like a hidey hole for reading and decorative, yet functional, shelving.
Price at time of publish: $1,000 for a twin
Dimensions: 47 x 76.75 x 59.25 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Manufactured wood | Recommended Ceiling Height: 10 feet
Our top pick, Pottery Barn’s Waverly Loft Bed, works in almost any space and style. It comes in two sizes and multiple finish options that include plenty of usable space underneath to give you a comfy bed and a whole bunch of extra room. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly pick, the DHP Full Metal Loft Bed with Ladder has built-in metal slats and an industrial style that teens will love at an affordable price.
What to Look for in a Loft Bed
Size
Twin and full beds are the most common sizes for loft beds. Not only do they take up less space, but it’s also easier to support lighter weights at their taller heights. You can find larger options, from queen beds like the Francis Lofts & Bunks Queen Loft Bed all the way up to a California king, although these larger pieces are quite expensive. The size that’s right for you depends on whether a child, teen, or adult will be using the bed—and how much available space you’re working with in the bedroom in question.
Material
When picking out a loft bed, check that the material used to create the frame and its support system is strong and durable. Metal and solid wood are both popular choices that can support the weight of a loft bed and its sleeper. Finishes can be powder-coated metal, like the DHP Full Metal Loft Bed with Ladder; painted wood, like the Schmid Twin Solid Wood Platforms Loft Bed by Zoomie Kids; or a faux finish over a strong interior. Look for tough, highly capable materials that can hold plenty of weight and stay stable even with wear and tear.
Weight Limit
Because a loft bed is lifted and sits at an increased height, it’s important to find one that can support the weight of both a mattress and a sleeper. Weight limits vary from 150 pounds for smaller beds designed for young children to over 2,000 pounds for the largest, best-supported designs. A typical twin loft bed can support between 200 and 300 pounds. Consider who will be using the bed, their weight, and if they’ll be growing to determine how much flexibility you need in a particular bed’s weight capacity.
Style
Some loft beds are very simple and only include the frame, ladder, slats, and safety rails that go around the bed. More elaborate designs have storage areas, multiple ladders, or decorative finishes and details. You have a wide range of options when it comes to style—your loft bed can blend in or stand out, look clean and classic, or pop with bright colors and fun extras.
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What height should a loft bed be?
The ideal height of a loft bed depends on the sleeper’s preference as well as the room you’ll be placing the bed inside. You should try to have at least 3 feet of clearance from the top of the mattress to the ceiling. This means that most loft beds are between 65 and 75 inches tall.
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What is the weight limit for a loft bed?
Weight limits for loft beds are typically between 200 and 300 pounds. Beds that are shorter and designed for young children can have a lower weight limit. Loft beds for adults can be larger and harder to find.
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What are the different sizes of loft beds?
Most loft beds come in twin or full sizes. Twin XL is also common since a lofted bed is ideal for a dorm or shared living space. Queen and king beds are not as common, but there are a few on the market. These often have reinforced supports, extra durable materials, and a high price tag.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she considered the size and design of beds, as well as price and value.