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. 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. Price at time of publish: $2,399 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 bedroom playhouse. Price at time of publish: $360 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. Price at time of publish: $2,299 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. Price at time of publish: $525 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. Price at time of publish: $279 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. Price at time of publish: $630 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. Price at time of publish: $1,172
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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
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. 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. “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.” 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.
