If you have a tiny apartment (we’re looking at you, New Yorkers), an adult loft bed is a practical way to maximize your bedroom space. In fact, real-estate expert Holly Waterfield of The Brooklyn Home Company says loft beds were popularized by renters living in SoHo lofts in the '70s and '80s. And, who doesn't love a nostalgic touch?
“For an adult, with everyone working from home these days, [loft beds] could be used to create an office space in smaller apartments like a studio or one-bedroom,” she shares.
A loft bed with a desk setup is a no-brainer, but if you don’t need a home office, there are plenty of other creative space-saving solutions like a walk-in closet, storage drawers, or a reading nook, as outlined by Lauren Martin Moro of LMDA. Loft beds and adult bunk beds are more great options for guest rooms and vacation homes.
Before you set it up, you will also want to consider your space. Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio recommends creating a livable section under your loft bed if your ceilings are at least nine feet tall. If you have lower ceilings, she suggests finding a low loft bed with drawers or storage underneath.
Then, the fun part: designing your adult loft bed in an adult way. “I suggest styling it with bookshelves, lighting, and decorative pieces to help make it look like an grown-up space. Also, tucking your bedding helps give it a more polished look,” says Sara Barney of BANDD Design.
Designers agree that a good mattress makes all the difference in creating a comfortable loft bed. “Many lofted beds don't leave too much space between the bed and the ceiling, making a box spring or bed frame unusable. Add extra pillows as a space saving element and mood softener in lieu of a headboard,” recommends Martin Moro.
Moral of the story: Loft beds and bunk beds aren’t just for kids.
As Hodges says, “A well-made, modern design in a beautiful solid wood with soft linen bedding and a high quality mattress can feel very welcoming for an adult.”
Here are 13 well-reviewed loft beds and adult bunk beds you can buy online now.
Oeuf Perch Loft Bed
This modern loft bed by Oeuf comes highly recommended by designers. Mary Patton of Mary Patton Designs says, "I recommend something very modern and streamlined like the one from Oeuf. You could use the area under for storage and curtain it off with a coordinating white drapery." The sleek Scandinavian design works well in an urban setting. It comes in birch or walnut finish and fits a full mattress.
Oeuf Perch Loft Bed, $1,650, Oeuf.
Room & Board Chase Loft Beds
This stylish bed is a perfect option because you can use it as a loft bed or an adult bunk bed. It's completely customizable; the steel frame comes in 16 colors ranging from bold orange to classic black. It comes recommended by Barney, and according to a user review, "It's sturdy enough for me to climb up there to change sheets, and a desk fits beautifully beneath it. High-quality and great design."
Room & Board Chase Loft Bed in Colors, $1,999, Room & Board.
PB Teen Waverly Loft Bed
This feminine loft bed with gold detailing will fit nicely into a trendy, mid-century space. Get the matching desk or dresser to fit underneath, or leave the space free for a seating area or makeshift closet. It comes in two sizes: twin and full.
PB Teen Waverly Loft Bed, $1,399, Pottery Barn Teen.
West Elm Mid-Century Loft Bed
This streamlined loft bed features West Elm's signature mid-century style. Created in partnership with Pottery Barn Teen, it features sustainably sourced wood and is guaranteed not to emit any harmful chemicals or toxins. The built-in desk is the ultimate space-saving feature. It's also money-saving since you won't have to buy an extra piece. It fits a full mattress and comes in white, pebble, and acorn colors.
West Elm Mid-Century Loft Bed, $1,999, West Elm.
IKEA Vitval Loft Bed
If you like a modern Scandinavian look, you won't be disappointed by this simple industrial-style IKEA loft bed. It comes with a built-in desk and its clean (not clunky) design is perfect for a small space."Very pleased with this loft bed. The desk underneath is perfect and also leaves room underneath for a beanbag or other small chair," one user shared.
IKEA Vitval, $229, IKEA.
Pottery Barn Kids Catalina Stair Loft Bed
Your guests will thank you for this adult bunk bed with stairs when they have to get up in the middle of the night for a glass of water. This is a super comfortable loft bed because you have the aforementioned full set of stairs as well as the option for two full mattresses — or you can mix and match and have a twin up top and a full below. It comes in white, charcoal, and a warm wood color. It's a must-have for a guest room or vacation home.
Pottery Barn Kids Catalina Stair Loft Bed, $2,695, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casa Collection Urbano King Loft Bed
Here's a unicorn: a king-sized loft bed! According to the product's description, "The Urbano king size loft bed was created to address the needs of urbanites who are living in small or micro-apartments." It features built-in closets, dressers, shelves, and a desk. Plus, it has two sets of stairs for easy access to the bed area. It's an incredible design for those who live small spaces — it's basically a whole bedroom in itself.
Casa Collection Urbano King Loft Bed, Price available upon request, Casa Collection.
Hillsdale Kids and Teen Lake House Bunk Twin/Full Bed with Trundle
Another great adult bunk bed for party hosts is this one from Hillsdale. It has a twin bed on top and a full below, plus a pull-out trundle bed. In theory, you could sleep four people in this one loft bed. It also comes apart as two separate beds if you ever decide to change your design scheme.
Hillsdale Kids and Teen Lake House Bunk, $1,919, Bed Bath & Beyond.
South Shore Asten Loft Bed with Desk
This low loft bed is a great space-saving option for rooms with lower ceilings — or for people with a fear of heights! The elegant navy blue wood base can be styled for a masculine or feminine space, and the bed features a ton of hidden storage solutions; there's a built-in desk, drawers, and a mini closet that is perfect, for example, as storage for your winter coat in the summer.
South Shore Asten Loft Bed with Desk, $955.99, Overstock.
Casa Collection Aspen Loft Bed
Minimalists will be drawn to this modern raw wood loft bed. It fits a full-size mattress and has a built-in desk, closet, and shelves. Even the steps double as shelving for maximum storage.
Casa Collection Aspen Loft Bed, Price available upon request, Casa Collection.
ACME Nerice Twin Storage Loft Bed in White and Gray
A simple piece, this loft bed has a built-in desk, drawers, and a small closet. The mattress sits on slats, eliminating the need for a box spring. The white and gray color scheme is bright and modern yet classic, making it perfect for both contemporary and traditional homes.
ACME Nerice Twin Storage Loft Bed, $930.77, Houzz.
Pottery Barn Teen Sleep & Study Low Loft Bed
This low loft bed comes complete with a pull-out desk, drawers, and shelves. The compact design fits nicely against a wall. It comes in white and a "brushed fog" color.
Pottery Barn Teen Sleep & Study Low Loft Bed, $2,500, Pottery Barn Teen.
Dorel Living Denver Loft Bed
This is a simple full-sized loft bed with ample space underneath. It's a versatile option because you can switch up what goes underneath the bed as your needs evolve. Plus, customers say it's pretty easy to build. "The instructions were easy to understand, and it took us well under two hours to put it together and set it up. Once up, it's attractive and seems quite stable. As soon as we got this assembled, with mattress, were were impressed enough to buy a second one," one reviewer writes.
Dorel Living Denver Loft Bed, $798.99, Amazon.
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