Loft beds are the ultimate space-saving hack for kid’s bedrooms. They combine sleep, play, and study zones into one vertical footprint, freeing up precious floor space.
Options range from low-profile toddler beds to sky-high bunks for teens. Whether you need a built-in desk, a secret fort, or extra storage, there is a design to fit your needs.
We researched the best loft beds for kids, focusing on safety standards, sturdy materials, and smart designs to help you maximize your child’s room.
- Large clearance under loft bed
- Low height
- Built-in guardrail
- Stairs double as storage drawers
- Adjustable stairway
- Tools included
- Plenty of room for play
- Underside can be turned into fort
- Metal slide
- Low height
- Blackboard doubles as safety panel
- Sturdy construction
- Unique design
- Additional storage in drawers
- Bench is convertible into a bed
- Ample storage
- Large desk
- Great for smaller rooms
Are Loft Beds Safe?
Loft beds are as safe as standard beds, provided you follow the rules. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sets strict guidelines for bunk and loft beds to prevent injuries (1).
To ensure your child stays safe, verify these features before buying:
- Guardrail height: The rail must rise at least five inches above the top of the mattress surface.
- Gap spacing: Guardrail bars should have gaps no wider than 3.5 inches to prevent entrapment.
- Lighting: Install a night light near the ladder so your child can see clearly during midnight bathroom breaks.
- Clearance: Keep the guardrails free of hanging items like scarves or belts.
What Is the Best Age for a Loft Bed?
Experts recommend children wait until they are at least 6 years old before sleeping in a high loft bed or top bunk. Children under six may not have the coordination to navigate ladders safely at night.
For kids younger than six, look for “low loft” or “toddler loft” models that sit closer to the ground. Always check the specific manufacturer’s age rating.
How Much Weight Can They Hold?
Never ignore weight limits. Overloading a top bunk can lead to structural failure and injury (2). Weight capacities vary by material and design.
During our research, we found these general standards:
- Toddler lofts: Even small models usually support at least 160 pounds.
- Twin lofts: These typically hold around 200 pounds.
- Heavy-duty lofts: Some metal or solid wood options support up to 400 pounds.
- User feedback: Many parents report beds feeling secure even near the weight limit, but it is best to leave a safety buffer.
Different Types of Loft Beds
Manufacturers use various terms for these beds. Here is a breakdown of the most common styles you will encounter.
Classic Loft Bed
This is the standard elevated frame. The mattress sits roughly four feet or higher off the ground, leaving open space underneath for furniture or play. You can find these in twin, full, and even queen sizes.
Low Loft or Junior Loft
Perfect for younger kids or rooms with low ceilings, these beds sit closer to the floor. They usually fit a twin mattress and offer storage or play space underneath without the scary height.
Toddler Loft Bed
These are designed specifically for little ones. The sleeping platform is barely elevated, often just 18 to 20 inches high, making them a safe introduction to elevated sleeping.
Bunk Bed Loft
While technically bunk beds, these units incorporate loft-style features. They might have a bottom bunk perpendicular to the top, or integrated shelving that mimics a loft setup.
Feature-Rich Lofts
These are the multitaskers of the furniture world. Instead of just open space, they come pre-built with desks, dressers, reading nooks, slides, or play tents attached to the frame.
Key Features to Look For
Finding the right bed involves balancing safety, fun, and room mechanics. Use these criteria to narrow down your options.
Safety
We mentioned the 6-year-old rule, but maturity matters more than age. Your child must be able to climb safely without playing on the ladder.
Consider these safety factors:
- Maturity: Can your child follow instructions to not jump or hang off the bed?
- Height: Is the bed low enough to prevent serious injury if a fall occurs?
- Guardrails: Are the rails high enough to contain a restless sleeper (at least 5 inches above the mattress)?
- Gaps: Are all slats and rail gaps smaller than 3.5 inches?
- Access: Does the ladder attach securely? Does it have flat steps or round rungs?
- Room hazards: Will the bed be positioned too close to a ceiling fan or window?
Features
Decide what problem you are trying to solve. Do you need storage, a study zone, or a play area?
- Storage: Do you need built-in drawers to replace a dresser?
- Access style: Do you prefer a vertical ladder, a slanted ladder, or a staircase with storage?
- Workstation: Is a built-in desk necessary for homework or crafts?
- Flexibility: Can you move the ladder to different sides to fit your room layout?
- Fun factor: Will a slide or tent encourage independent play, or just cause bedtime distractions?
Practicalities
Logistics are often overlooked. Measure your room twice before buying to avoid headaches during assembly.
- Ceiling height: Ensure your child can sit up in bed without bumping their head against the ceiling.
- Mattress fit: Does it require a specific mattress thickness (usually 6-8 inches) to maximize rail height?
- Bedding changes: Changing sheets on a loft bed is a workout. Can you reach the corners easily?
- Parent access: Can you reach up to check on your child or give them a kiss goodnight?
- Longevity: Will your child physically outgrow the length or weight limit in a year or two?
Product Reviews
We have rounded up the top-rated loft beds to maximize space and make bedtime fun.
DHP Tiffany White Loft Bed
Best Loft Bed With Desk
The DHP Tiffany is a multitasking powerhouse for school-aged kids. It pairs a standard twin bed with a full-length workstation underneath, making it ideal for homework, drawing, or gaming.
The white metal frame feels modern and airy, which helps keep small rooms from feeling cluttered. We appreciate that the ladder can be installed on either side, giving you flexibility with room layout. The integrated shelving is a nice bonus for organizing textbooks or displaying toys.
Pros
- The built-in desk minimizes the need for additional furniture.
- Versatile configuration and sturdy construction means this will last for years.
Cons
- Height may be too high for smaller kids.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 77.5 x 52 x 66.5 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard twin mattress |
| Material | Metal |
| Features | Built-in desk, shelves |
| Recommended age range | 7 years and older |
Our Ratings
Dorel Living Milton Junior Twin Loft Bed
Best Low Loft Bed
If the idea of a towering bunk bed makes you nervous, the Dorel Living Milton is a fantastic compromise. It offers the space-saving benefits of a loft without the dizzying height.
The “Junior” height is significantly easier for parents to access when changing sheets or tucking kids in. The space underneath is perfect for reading nooks, toy storage bins, or a secret fort. Its simple wood construction feels solid and blends well with most decor styles.
Pros
- The clearance under the loft bed is 26.75″, giving enough room for kids to sit on the floor underneath.
- With only two steps up the ladder to the bed, it’s low enough for the younger set.
- Built-in guardrail conforms to safety recommendations and no further modifications are needed.
Cons
- The weight limit of 165 pounds prevents mom or dad from climbing up to read a story or tuck in.
- Some reviewers complain that cracks appeared after their child jumped up and down on the mattress. However, children should not be allowed to bounce up and down on the mattress of a loft bed.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 43 X 78.75 X 43.25 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard twin mattress |
| Material | Solid pine |
| Features | Available in white or espresso |
| Recommended age range | 3 years and older |
Our Ratings
Jackpot! JP-ST White Contemporary Low Twin Stairway
Best Loft Bed With Stairs
Ladders can be tricky for sleepy kids (or socks on wood floors). This Jackpot! model solves that problem with a sturdy, wide staircase.
Beyond the safety factor, the stairs are brilliant for storage; each step is a functioning drawer. This eliminates the need for a separate dresser in tight spaces. The construction uses solid wood rather than particle board, making it a durable choice that handles daily wear and tear well.
Pros
- The stairs double as storage drawers, providing plenty of room to hide away your kid’s toys.
- The stairway can be placed at either end of the loft bed.
- All tools needed for assembly are included in the package.
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues with assembly, saying the screw holes did not always line up easily.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 98 x 41.8 x 49.2 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Maximum of nine inches deep |
| Material | Knot-free New Zealand pine |
| Features | Stairway with integrated storage bins and shelving |
| Recommended age range | 6 years and older |
Our Ratings
DHP Junior Twin Metal Loft Bed with Slide
Best Loft Bed With Slide
Waking up for school is much easier when you can slide out of bed. This DHP Junior loft turns the bedroom into an indoor playground.
It features a metal frame that supports up to 200 pounds, making it surprisingly robust for a “fun” bed. The slide is smooth and fast enough to be exciting, while the space underneath is ripe for customization. You can easily add curtains (sold separately) to create a hidden clubhouse.
Pros
- The space between the floor and the underside of the bed is approximately 29 inches, giving plenty of room for play.
- Curtain sets can be purchased to turn the underside of the loft bed into a fort.
- The slide is metal, so it’s extremely durable and slippery enough to be enjoyable.
Cons
- The slide and ladder cannot be swapped to the opposite ends or side of the bed.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 77.5 x 98.5 x 43 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Any standard twin mattress |
| Material | Metal frame |
| Features | Slide |
| Recommended age range | 4 years and older |
Our Ratings
Donco Twin Art Play Junior Low Loft
Best Loft Bed For Toddlers
The Donco Art Play is designed to spark creativity. It functions as a safe, low-profile sleeping area and an art station in one.
It features a built-in chalkboard panel where kids can doodle to their heart’s content. Access is unique; a climbing rope and sloped ladder make getting into bed an adventure, while a mini-slide offers a fun exit. The “whitewash” finish looks great in neutral or colorful rooms alike.
Pros
- There are only 18.5 inches from the floor to the bottom of the bed.
- The blackboard doubles as a safety panel.
- It has sturdy construction.
Cons
- The bed has a weight limit of 160 pounds, meaning most adults cannot sit on the bed with their child.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 77 x 81 x 38.5 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard twin mattress |
| Material | Pine |
| Features | Blackboard, slide |
| Recommended age range | 3 years and older |
Our Ratings
Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed Convertible Dorm Loft
Best Loft Bed For Tweens And Teens
This convertible loft is the ultimate sleepover hack. In its standard mode, it provides a high loft bed with a table and bench seating underneath, perfect for homework or hanging out with friends.
When guests stay over, the table and benches collapse to form a second twin bed on the bottom. It allows your child to have a “grown-up” room layout that still functions as a bunk bed when needed. The grey finish and clean lines appeal to older kids who have outgrown “toddler” furniture.
Pros
- The unique design provides a more adult place for your tweens and teens to hang out under their loft bed.
- Drawers under the ends of the loft bed provide additional storage.
- The conversion of the benches into a guest bed is quick and simple and does not require the disassembly of the loft bed.
Cons
- The drawers are not attached to the bed by runners and are actually free-floating boxes.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 71.9 x 42.3 x 79.5 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard twin mattress |
| Material | Wood |
| Features | The area under the loft bed is a table with two benches. This area can be converted to a guest bed. |
| Recommended age range | 7 years and older |
Our Ratings
Donco Kids Low Study Loft Bed
Best Loft Bed With Storage
If you need to fit an entire bedroom suite into a small footprint, the Donco Low Study Loft is the solution. It packs a dresser, bookshelves, and a desk into the space of a single twin bed.
The standout feature is the pull-out desk on casters; your child can roll it out for schoolwork and tuck it away to reclaim floor space. The low height makes it safe for restless sleepers, and the integrated storage keeps clothes and toys organized without needing extra furniture.
Pros
- Ample storage for clothes, books, and toys.
- The desk is on wheels and slides out from under the bed. With dimensions of 27 ½” x 30” x 27”, the desk is big enough for a smaller child to play, craft, and do homework.
- It’s great for smaller rooms as you do not need much in the way of additional storage.
Cons
- There is nowhere for a child to play underneath the bed.
- The configuration cannot be rearranged.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 79 x 43 x 41 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard twin mattress |
| Material | Wood |
| Features | Retractable desk, shelving, three drawer dresser. |
| Recommended age range | 6 years and older |
Our Ratings
Donco Kids Circles Low Loft Bed with Red Tent
Best Loft Bed With Tent
This bed transforms a standard sleeping spot into a permanent campsite. It comes with a fitted tent kit that encloses the bottom area, complete with windows and door flaps.
It is an excellent choice for kids who love imaginative play. The area underneath becomes a private retreat for reading or playing with toys. The white wood finish is versatile, so if your child eventually outgrows the tent phase, you can remove the fabric and still have a stylish low loft bed.
Pros
- A low loft bed that is suitable for younger kids.
- Tent panels provide a fun place to play.
- Clean, plain design that goes with most home decor.
Cons
- You may find your child camping out under the bed instead of sleeping in it.
- You may have to fix the ladder as it sometimes comes loose.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 79 x 43 x 41 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard twin mattress |
| Material | Pine |
| Features | Tent for the underside of the bed comes in red, blue, or pink |
| Recommended age range | 6 years and older |
Our Ratings
DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame With Ladder
Best Budget Loft Bed
You do not need to spend a fortune to get a sturdy loft bed. This DHP model is a minimalist metal frame that gets the job done without any fluff.
Because it is so simple, it works like a blank canvas. You can put a beanbag chair, a rug, or toy bins underneath. It’s shorter than a standard bunk bed, making it a good fit for rooms with 8-foot ceilings where headroom is a concern.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Easy to assemble.
- The weight limit is 200 pounds.
Cons
- The lack of additional features means you still have to buy other furniture for the bedroom.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 78 x 51 x 50 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard twin mattress |
| Material | Metal |
| Features | Affordable |
| Recommended age range | 6 years and older |
Our Ratings
DHP 5457196 Abode Full-Size Loft Bed
Best Full-Size Loft Bed
Teenagers need space too, and a twin mattress often doesn’t cut it. This DHP model offers a full-size sleeping deck, providing plenty of room to stretch out.
With a 300-pound weight capacity, it is robust enough for older teens. The design includes two integrated ladders (one on the front, one on the side) for easier access in tight rooms. It also features a built-in desk, making it a complete setup for high school or college students in small apartments.
Pros
- Full-size queen bed.
- Built-in desk.
- Two ladders.
Cons
- It has a large footprint.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 57.5 x 80 x 72 inches |
| Recommended mattress height | Standard queen mattress |
| Material | Metal |
| Features | Queen-size bed |
| Recommended age range | 7 years and older |
| Product | Best | Dimensions | Mattress height | Material | Recommended age range |
| DHP Tiffany Twin Size Loft Bed | Desk | 77.5 x 52 x 66.5″ | Standard twin | Metal | 7 years & older |
| Dorel Living Milton Twin Loft Bed | Low Height | 43″ X 78.75″ X 43.25″ | Standard twin | Solid pine | 3 years & older |
| Jackpot! JP-ST Low Twin Stairway | Stairs | 98 x 41.8 x 49.2″ | Standard twin | Knot-free New Zealand pine | 6 years & older |
| DHP Junior Twin Metal Loft Bed | Slide | 77.50 x 98.50 x 43″ | Standard twin | Metal frame | 4 years & older |
| Donco Twin Art Play Junior | Toddlers | 77 x 81 x 38.5″ | Standard twin | Pine | 3 years & older |
| Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed | Tweens & Teens | 71.9” x 42.3” x 79.5” | Standard twin | Wood | 7 years & older |
| Donco Kids Low Study Loft Bed | Storage | 79 x 43 x 41″ | Standard twin | Wood | 6 years & older |
| Donco Kids Circles Low Loft Bed | Tent | 79 x 43 x 41″ | Standard twin | Pine | 6 years & older |
| DHP Junior Loft Bed Frame | Budget Pick | 78 x 51 x 50″ | Standard twin | Metal | 6 years & older |
| DHP 5457196 Abode Loft Bed | Full-Size | 57.5 x 80 x 72″ | Standard queen | Metal | 7 years & older |
FAQs
Can You Use a Regular Mattress on a Loft Bed?
Yes, you can use a regular mattress, but you must check the thickness. Most manufacturers recommend a mattress no thicker than 6 to 8 inches. If the mattress is too thick, it will reduce the effective height of the safety guardrails, increasing the risk of falls.
How Do You Change Sheets on a Loft Bed?
Changing sheets on a loft bed takes some effort. The easiest method is to stand on a sturdy stool or step ladder to reach the corners. Some parents prefer to climb onto the bed to tuck in the far corners, while others use “quick-zip” sheets that allow you to change the top layer without lifting the mattress.
How Much Ceiling Height Do You Need for a Loft Bed?
Ideally, you should have at least 33 to 36 inches of clearance between the top of the mattress and the ceiling. This allows your child to sit up comfortably in bed without banging their head. Measure your ceiling height and the total height of the bed before purchasing.
Snooze Don’t Lose
A loft bed is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a tool to reclaim your home’s square footage. Whether you choose a low loft for safety or a high loft with a desk for functionality, always prioritize sturdy construction and proper guardrails.
By following the weight and age guidelines, you can give your child a fun, safe, and organized room they will love spending time in.
