Loft beds are an excellent space-saving solution for kids’ bedrooms, combining sleep, play, and study areas in one.
They come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, from barely-off-the-ground loft beds for toddlers to ceiling-skirting double beds in the sky.
This article explores the best loft beds for kids, focusing on safety, functionality, and design to help you create the perfect bedroom for your child.
- 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
Product Reviews
Here are the best loft beds to get your kids excited about bedtime.
DHP Tiffany White Loft Bed
Best Loft Bed With Desk
This loft bed is a twin-sized bed that comes with a lot of attributes to love. Aside from its multi-functionality, it also features sturdy metal construction and simple installation.
To ensure your child’s safety, the upper bunk has 12 inches guardrails with a preference to install the ladder on either side. Underneath the bed is a built-in desk with metal shelves where you can store your child’s school essentials.
Such a space-saver!
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
Dorel Living is a well-established maker of furniture, and they have an extensive range of bunk and loft beds.
The Milton bed is our chosen low loft bed because of its clean design, which fits well into any decor, and sturdy construction.
The twin is big enough for a teen to sleep in comfortably, and the build quality means you could easily hand this down to younger children.
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
For those who would prefer a kids’ loft bed with a built-in staircase rather than a ladder, this is our model of choice. It has a suggested weight limit of 175 pounds.
The deep, wide staircase provides an extra level of reassurance for parents who are worried about their child using a ladder to get into bed.
Reviewers have commented on the high quality of the construction, especially how the drawers are well made and slide easily in and out of the staircase.
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
Part bed, part playground — this loft bed gives a fun vibe to your child’s room.
The weight limit is 200 pounds, so your child will be able to use it through their teen years if they want.
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
If you are looking for a loft bed for toddlers that doubles as a fun spot to play, the Donco Twin Art Play Junior is the loft bed for you.
This kids’ loft bed has a sloped ladder and rope for climbing into bed and a mini-slide to get out. It has a high panel on the outer side of the loft bed that provides additional safety and doubles as a chalkboard.
This would have rated as our top loft bed with a slide for kids but the slide on this model is mini and not as long and fun as the slide on the DHP bed.
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 “twin-over-twin” is primarily a loft bed with seating and a table underneath. However, the table and benches can easily be converted to a bottom bunk when friends come to stay over.
The top and bottom bunks have a 175-pound weight limit.
The ladder has an unusual placement, in the center of the bed. This allows for easy access when the bed is in either a bunk bed or loft bed with benches and tables set up.
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
This low loft bed is a great choice for younger children with a smaller room. There are no clear-cut guidelines online about the weight limit.
More than just a loft bed, it has a deep, three drawer dresser underneath, two shelves for books or toys at the end of the bed, and a retractable desk which also has two built-in shelves.
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
Looking for a bed that doubles as a fun place to camp out? Then this might be the kids’ loft bed for you. Just beware that no weight limit is listed online.
This low loft bed has attachments on the underside for the nylon panels provided. These panels cover the front and each end of the loft bed, creating a fun playhouse complete with windows and ties to secure the flaps open or closed.
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
Our favorite no-frills kids’ loft bed on the market is this one from DHP.
Basic but functional, this loft bed gives you the floor space you’re looking for without breaking the bank.
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
DHP full-size bed is for kids who like a little extra room in which to sleep.
The upper guardrails and two sturdy ladders ensure your child’s safety. Moreover, the upper bunk is perfect for your teenager or even grown ups since it has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
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 |
Are Loft Beds Safe?
Loft beds for children are as safe as any other bed, as long as you and your children adhere to safety guidelines. The American Academy Of Pediatrics publishes guidelines for the safe use of bunk beds, and the same information applies to loft beds (1).
If you purchase a kids’ loft bed, you should ensure that:
- It has a guardrail that rises at least five inches above the top level of the mattress.
- The bars of the guardrail have gaps of no more than 3.5 inches between them or between the lowest bar and the top of the mattress.
- A night light is installed close to the ladder so children can see well as they climb into and out of bed.
- No one attaches anything to the guardrail.
What Age Are Loft Beds Suitable For?
A child should be at least 6 years old before sleeping in a top bunk. This advice also stands for full height loft beds.
If you are buying a lower loft bed, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How Much Weight Can Loft Beds Hold?
The weight limit depends on the particular model. You shouldn’t ignore weight limits. If someone is sleeping in the top bunk and they are too heavy, it can result in injuries for them and the person sleeping in the bottom bunk (2).
However, while researching this guide we found that:
- Even the smallest of toddler loft beds would hold at least 160 pounds.
- Twin loft beds generally gave a weight limit of 200 pounds.
- Some twin loft beds gave a weight limit of up to 400 pounds.
- Most reviewers who mentioned weight limits stated they were at or above the weight limit and still felt completely secure.
We recommend checking the weight limit for the model of bed you’re considering. This way you can be sure the loft bed is suitable for your child.
Different Types of Loft Beds
There are no standard definitions for the different loft bed names and terms you will see. So we have put together our own explanations for those you will see most frequently in the best kids’ loft beds.
Classic Loft Bed
This style has a basic frame that elevates the bed from the floor. The height of the loft bed will vary by model, but generally, the base where the mattress will sit is four feet or more off of the ground.
These loft beds can be twin size but are more often double, queen, or even king size.
Half-Loft Bed, Low Loft Bed, or Junior Loft
These usually have a lower base than the classic loft bed and most frequently take twin size mattresses.
Toddler Loft Bed
This style will still be twin size but is not as high as a half loft. They usually have a base that is little more than 18 to 20 inches off of the floor.
Bunk Bed Loft
These are more bunk beds than loft. They resemble what you would normally think of when imagining bunk beds, but have additional features such as storage.
Loft Beds Plus
While some loft beds are a basic bed frame on legs, many others will have storage, desks, seating, slides, or tents.
Key Features to Look For
When searching for top loft beds, there are many questions you have to ask. Some of these will be centered on your child’s safety, while others will address the features you want. You’ll also need to look at practical matters.
Safety
We already covered that your child should be at least 6 years old before you let them sleep in a half or full-size loft bed.
A toddler loft bed may be suitable for a younger child, but you must ensure your child can be trusted to use the loft bed safely.
When looking at the best loft bed for kids, you should ask yourself:
- Is my child mature enough to use the loft bed safely?
- How high is the bed base from the ground?
- Does the bed have an age or weight limit I need to be aware of?
- How high are the guardrails?
- Are there any gaps of more than 3.5 inches between the bars of the guardrails?
- Does the loft bed have stairs or a ladder? If there is a ladder, does the ladder have guardrails?
- Does my child’s room have a ceiling fan, and, if so, will it encroach on the sleeping area of the loft bed?
Features
To make sure your purchase is serving every need you have you should ask:
- Does the loft bed have built-in storage? Is this important to me?
- Do I want a ladder or stairs?
- Is there a built-in desk or study area?
- Can the ladder/stairs be positioned at different points on the loft bed or must they be affixed to a single point?
- Will a slide or tent be appropriate for my child? Will it encourage them to play when they should be sleeping?
Practicalities
Once you have addressed safety issues and have identified the features you want, it’s time to narrow down your choices by looking at the practicalities of how each model may work for you.
Ask yourself:
- How high are your ceilings, and will your child be able to sit up in bed without banging their head?
- Will you have to buy a new mattress? Is the required mattress a standard size? Keep in mind that foam mattresses don’t work well with slats.
- How difficult will it be to make the bed? Will your existing bedding work with the bed?
- When they are in bed, will you be able to reach your child to give a kiss and tuck them in at night?
- Do you have existing storage or other furniture you want to fit under the bed?
- How long will this bed work for your child?
Once you have all of this information, you’ll be able to make a choice that checks all your boxes of what you want.
Snooze Don’t Loose
When shopping for a kids’ loft bed, it’s important to put safety first. Always ensure the loft bed is suitable for your child, follow safety guidelines, and purchase from a reputable seller.
As long as you stick to these basic rules, your child’s loft bed experience should be a fabulous one.
