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Best Loft Beds of 2021 - Top Picks & Buyers Guide

Loft Beds can be a great way to maximize space in a room. They also add an element of fun to bedtime!

By Jack Mitcham

Often confused with a bunk bed, a loft bed is similar to a bunk bed in design but has one missing component: no bottom bunk. Instead, a loft bed is a raised bed that’s supported by sturdy posts and has open space underneath it. Space underneath is often used for a desk, reading nook, living space, or storage and sometimes left as open floor area in especially small studios and bedrooms. 

Loft beds make the most of the existing space, but they’re also a fun, alternative option to a traditional floor bed. When selecting the best loft bed for your space, cost, ceiling height, style, and many other factors should be taken into consideration. In this article, we’re sharing the best loft beds available and a buyer’s guide to selecting the best loft bed for you. We cover shopping considerations, types of loft beds available, and tips for making a purchase you’ll be happy with for years to come.

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Best Loft Beds

waverly loft bed pbteen

Pottery Barn Waverly Loft Bed

Editor’s Pick

Reason to Buy: With clean lines and brushed brass details, this loft bed is not only sophisticated but functional. 

This loft bed by Pottery Barn has plenty of space below for storage or furniture with 57” of under-bed clearance. It’s constructed of poplar, plywood, and spruce and is available in Bright White and Mocha Colors. It has a ladder that fastens securely to the top of the bed, and Pottery Barn even offers a video to help determine if this loft bed fits your space. Available in Twin and Full sizes, the Pottery Barn Waverly Loft bed is an investment at $1,399 for a Twin but can be returned within 30 days if you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase.

DHP full metal lof bed

DHP Full Metal Loft Bed with Ladder

Runner-Up

Reason to Buy: The modern industrial design of this loft bed is complemented by generous under-bed clearance and has a price point that’s reasonable for most shoppers.

The DHP Full Metal Frame Loft Bed has a steel frame with full-length guardrails, support slats, and a ladder. It features 59” of under-bed clearance and is both child- and adult-friendly. The DHP loft bed has more than 500 positive reviews on Amazon.com and comes in four colors and Twin and Full sizes. Whether you’re looking to free up space for a desk, sofa, or storage or simply enjoy the industrial design of this loft bed, it’s a safe purchase for under $250 thanks to the free shipping and one-year warranty offered with the product.

WE Loft bed

Walker Edison Twin Metal Loft Bed

Best Value

Reason to Buy: This loft bed comes in three colors that suit a variety of decor styles and is just as sturdy as it is affordable.

If you’re hunting for a safe, durable loft bed that won’t break the bank, this is our pick for you. Made with powder-coated steel, it comes in black, white, and silver and accommodates a variety of options beneath it. Support slats are included so that no box spring is required, and it can accommodate a mattress up to 9” thick. The bed requires some assembly but comes with straightforward step-by-step instructions and costs less than $200. This well-made, affordable loft bed is available in Full and Twin sizes with or without an attached workstation underneath.

Francis Loft Bunks Queen Size Loft Bed

Francis Loft & Bunks Queen Size Loft Bed

Best Queen Size Loft Bed

Reason to Buy: The majority of loft beds are only available in Twin and Full sizes, but this Queen size loft bed provides extra space and can accommodate up to 2,000 pounds. 

One of the only loft beds on the market that’s made specifically for adults, the Francis Loft & Bunks Queen Size Loft Bed can easily accommodate two people, regardless of their size. It’s constructed with a stylish aluminum frame with one guardrail and a detachable ladder. Whether you’re drawn to industrial, unique designs for your bedroom or living in a small space with a partner and could use the extra square footage of open floor, this loft bed is your answer. It comes with a risk-free 30-day trial. Initial assembly is required.

pb teen sleep an dstudy

Pottery Barn Teen Sleep and Study Loft

Best for Teenagers

Reason to Buy: Perfect for teenagers who’ve graduated from a bunk bed but need additional space, the Teen Sleep and Study Loft provides a place for rest and schoolwork.

This high-end Full-size loft bed with a desk for teens offers everything they need to create a cozy sleeping and studying nook. It comes in five simple colors and is a sturdy, stylish backdrop that makes it easy to dress up with a teen’s favorite colors, patterns, and decorations. This loft bed features a Full-size bed with slats, shelving on both sides, a 57” corkboard for photos and decorative details, and a dovetail drawer in the desk. A ladder on one side of the bed provides easy access and there are 57” of under-bed clearance.

ikea loft bed

IKEA STORÅ Loft Bed Frame

Best for Adults

Reason to Buy: If you can’t afford to invest in a Queen-size loft bed, this affordable, adult-friendly option from Ikea was made for adults and has a streamlined appearance that’s fit for any bedroom.

Made of solid wood pine, the IKEA STORÅ Loft Bed is durable and comes in a warm, neutral color. It comes with a ladder that can be mounted on the right or left side of the bed and provides a generous 67” of under-bed clearance. This extra space makes the bed taller than other loft beds on the market, and while it will require almost 9’ ceilings, it provides additional room for a bike, workspace, walk-in closet, or lounge area. The IKEA STORÅ Loft Bed Frame is available in Full size and costs $299 on Ikea.com. 

Loft Bed Buying Guide

One common denominator among individuals shopping for a loft bed is the need to save space. Beyond this, however, loft bed shoppers have unique needs. For children, there may be a desire to free up extra play space. For teens, a “cool” look with a desk to do homework may be in the cards. For adults, other considerations come into play, like weight capacity, under-bed clearance (for standing or lounging), and style.

Whatever your age and reason for seeking out a loft bed, you’ll find the buying guide below helpful. Read on to learn more about the types of loft beds available and important buying considerations to ensure you’re happy with your purchase.

Types of Loft Beds

  • Traditional Loft Bed—Classic loft beds are constructed with a top bunk and open space below.
  • Loft Bed with Built-In Desk—Built-in workstations are an additional feature that can include a desk, drawers, shelving, and slide-out keyboard trays.
  • Loft Bed with Built-In Storage—Loft beds with storage have shelving, cabinets, or drawers and save more space.
  • Loft Beds for Children—Loft beds for children have playful design elements, like reading nooks, playhouses, treehouse designs, and slides.

Considerations

  • Materials and Durability—Most loft beds are constructed from metal, wood, or a combination of the two materials. Metal loft beds offer a modern, industrial look whereas wooden loft beds appear rustic and traditional. Keep in mind that metal materials are often coated with a powder-finish that resists scratches, chipping, and rust.
  • Guardrail Length—Perhaps the most important feature to consider when purchasing a loft bed for a child or teen, a guardrail can be on one side, both sides, or neither side of a loft bed. Full-length, double guardrails are recommended for children and sleepers of all ages who move frequently throughout the night.
  • Style and Size—Loft beds are available in many sizes, colors, and styles. More expensive designs even have playhouses, swings, and other fun additions to the under-bed space.
  • Price—The price of the loft bed you select will depend mostly upon its size and the material used in its construction. However, some brand names, like Pottery Barn, will cost more regardless of the make and model. In general, children’s loft beds cost $150 to $500 and adult loft beds cost $300 to $800.
  • Space-Saving Bed Alternatives—If you aren’t sold on a loft bed, remember that there are many other space-saving sleeping surfaces available. For example, sleeper sofas, bunk beds, and trundle beds each offer unique ways to create extra space.

How to Pick the Right Loft Bed

A loft bed features a raised bed frame elevated by posts and offers under-bed clearance that can be useful for a variety of ages. For example, children can use the under-bed space as a playspace. Teens may find loft beds with desks most functional, as they can sleep up top and do their homework, hobbies, and lounging underneath. Adults who live in small apartments or studios will love loft beds as they provide added square footage for a bike, a lounge area with a sofa and a TV, or a desk. 

Regardless of your age, lifestyle, style preferences, or personal needs, loft beds are offered in such a vast variety of sizes, styles, and price points that we’re sure there’s something out there you’ll love. Our list of the best loft beds available should get you started as you seek to carve out additional space in your child’s room, your dorm room, your teen’s room, or your apartment, and we recommend reviewing the buying considerations from the buyer’s guide to refresh yourself about prices, styles, constructions, and materials prior to making a purchase.