Need to make the most of a small bedroom, guest room, or home office? A loft bed could be the perfect answer! This collection of loft bed ideas for small rooms includes a range of styles and features to inspire you.
What exactly is a loft bed?
Bunk beds and loft beds may look alike, but they aren't interchangeable. A loft bed is raised high with open space underneath, which lets you make the most of your floor space.
Bunk beds, on the other hand, stack two bedframes on top of each other, offering two mattresses while taking up the floor space of only one.
Loft beds are ideal for small apartments and small rooms such as bedrooms, home offices, and even dorm rooms. They help you expand your living space and, in some cases, add built-in storage too.
Have you been wanting to turn your guest room into a home office? Or do you need room for a sleeper sofa in a small bedroom? A loft bed can help you gain floor space and open up new design possibilities!
What age is safe for loft beds?
Loft beds are fantastic space savers, but they aren't right for every child. Age matters when deciding whether a loft bed suits your family. I recommend keeping children under 6 away from them.
Age isn't the only factor, though. Maturity matters just as much. Before your little one sleeps up high, make sure they understand the rules: the top is for sleeping and reading only. No trampoline adventures allowed!
Can an adult sleep in a loft bed?
Absolutely! Loft beds aren't just for kids. Adults can enjoy them too! They're a great way to maximize space in a small room, and they suit anyone who loves the minimalist home decor trend.
They're also common in dorms and military barracks, so they're certainly sturdy enough for adult bodies. Just be sure to check the weight limit of the bed frame before you start piling on the pillows!
Our Daughter's Loft Bed
As you can see below, when my daughters once shared a room, we chose a loft bed over a double bed setup. It gave each of them their own "private" sleeping quarters while they shared a room. I also knew their room arrangement probably wouldn't last long, so I picked a loft bed instead of bunk beds, since it would let me split them into two different rooms later.
And that's exactly what we did! My oldest daughter kept the pink room and her regular bed, and we moved the loft bed into a smaller bedroom for my younger daughter.
Although adults can sleep in a loft bed (and I still crawl into her bed to say goodnight), I'm not sure she'll want this setup forever. For now, though, it's a great way to maximize floor space and give her storage and a desk underneath.
I was very particular when buying the loft bed because I wanted stairs, not a ladder. Climbing down a ladder every time I needed the bathroom in the middle of the night would be difficult. So I made sure to choose a model with stairs for our loft bed. We've been very pleased with the Fillmore Stair Loft Bed, and we chose the full-size option.
Things to Consider When Choosing Loft Bed Ideas for Small Rooms
Before you buy a loft bed, think about how it can help you make the most of your limited space. Keeping these points in mind will help you choose the loft bed that uses your space most effectively.
Space needs
What do you need the extra room for: a desk, dresser, bookshelf, sitting area, play fort, or something else? Once you know, you can decide how high your loft bed should be and which extra features you want.
Ceiling height
Of course, the loft bed can only be as high as your ceiling allows! Loft beds for small rooms can work with both high and low ceilings. Keep at least 33 to 36 inches between the ceiling and the top of the mattress. If your ceiling is low, consider a lower loft bed.
Foundation for the mattress
For safety, make sure the loft bed's base is steady and firm. It shouldn't wobble or have large gaps that someone could fall through. Consider a guard rail too, so there's no risk of rolling off.
Night light
If whoever sleeps up top is likely to climb down in the middle of the night, keep a night light handy. It could be a small lamp at the top that you switch on before descending, or a night light plugged into the outlet near the ladder.
Placement
Finally, think about the room's layout when choosing a loft bed. Avoid placing it directly under a light fixture or ceiling fan, and make sure there's enough room to sit up on the bed without bumping your head on the ceiling.
With so many things to consider, it's a good thing there are plenty of bed design options available!
The best loft bed ideas for small rooms
Thinking through the factors above should point you toward exactly what you need. Here are several style options that show what you can do with loft beds in small rooms. There's something for everyone!
Note: I chose styles closer to traditional or modern farmhouse and skipped some of the more modern options out there. If other styles suit your home better than farmhouse, plenty are available.
Pro Tip: Some of these loft bed ideas for small rooms come in versions for twin or full-size mattresses. Be sure to check the sizing so you get exactly what you need!
A Space to Work and Sleep
The simple finish of the Pottery Barn Waverly Loft Bed suits almost any home and decor style. Its classic design will keep looking chic for years, while the work or study space underneath is a real bonus. It's perfect for a studio apartment or a teen room.
Maximize Storage & Secret Hiding Place
The Arlen Twin 5 Drawer Loft Bed includes a bookcase, drawers and baskets, a wardrobe, and even a built-in nightstand space and book cubby. I love the hidden play space behind the second door. Any little kid would adore that! If you need to maximize storage and functionality, this loft bed for a child's room is the way to go.
Perfect for Younger Kids or Low Ceilings
The Hagen Twin Solid Wood Platform Loft Bed from Sunside Sails includes a bookcase and drawers for clothing, toys, and more. This style suits kids' rooms with low ceilings, and it can also work for anyone who would rather not climb up high to sleep.
Slide Down
Add some playful fun to the loft bed experience with the Cheong Twin Loft Bed from Harriet Bee! It has a ladder at one end and a slide at the other. Built-in shelves and drawers provide plenty of storage to keep any small room tidy and organized.
Desk and Storage
The Sleep & Study® Loft Bed from Pottery Barn has everything a tween or teen's bedroom or a home office could need. It's sturdy, suits any decor style, and comes in many colors. With several shelves, cubbies, and a cork board, there's a place for anything you need to store or display.
Low but Functional
The Schlemmer Twin Loft Bed from Harriet Bee has a traditional design and a compact footprint, which makes it ideal for small spaces. It comes in several colors and leaves plenty of room underneath for reading, storage, or play. It's simple enough to fit almost any aesthetic.
Do you have a low ceiling? Consider this loft bed design!
Fits Any Style of Home
The Forbes Loft Bed from Trule includes three large shelves for storing or displaying whatever you need. This sturdy loft bed for small rooms is a taller design, so it suits tall kids or adults.
Multifunctional and Stylish
The Dreem Twin Solid Wood Platform Loft Bed from Harriet Bee is fun, cute, and an ultra-functional sleeping area. It includes open shelves, a desk, and drawers, making it easy to sleep, play, study, or work in a small room.
Simple, With Endless Uses
Maybe you already own furniture you can use, but you need to lift the bed off the floor to make room for it. In that case, a simple design like the Helena Farmhouse Loft Bed from Grovelane could be a perfect fit. It's plain and high, so you can use the space underneath however you like.
This could be an easy DIY loft bed project, too!
If you're shopping for loft bed ideas for small rooms, I hope you found what you need on this list. Whether you want functional space under the bed or extra storage and a work area, there's a loft bed design for everyone!
More Posts You Might Enjoy:
