The Best Loft Beds – 2022 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Buying Guide – How to Shop for a Loft Bed

Much like a bunk bed, a loft bed features raised bed frame elevated by posts. Unlike a bunk bed, however, a loft bed only features a top bunk, freeing up space below for additional furniture or storage space. Many models include built-in desks, shelves, and cupboards.

For smaller spaces, a loft bed is a superior space saver. For adult sleepers, the extra space below the bed frees up room for storage, a work area, dressers, or even an additional bed or futon. For youngsters, the space below a loft bed can provide extra play space. Lofts are also ideal for dorms, carving out additional space in small dorm rooms and providing a place to set up a desk and shelving.

Read on to learn more about loft beds in terms of pricing, construction, features, and other important buying factors.

Loft Bed Designs

Loft beds come in a wide variety of styles and features. This section will take a look at some of the most common loft bed designs.

• Classic Loft Bed: The classic loft bed typically features only a top bunk with an open space below.
• Loft Bed with Built-in Desk: Many loft beds come with built-in workstations that include a desk, slide-out keyboard trays, and shelving.
• Loft Bed with Built-In Storage: Equipped with features like cabinets, shelving, and drawers, loft beds with built-in storage are ideal for saving space.
• Twin over Full Loft Bed: Unlike a bunk bed, this kind of loft bed features a full-size bed that faces forward and is often removable.
• Loft Beds for Young Kids: Designed with young ones in mind, some loft bed come with playful features like slides, reading nooks, and playhouses.

Common Materials, Characteristics, and Prices

Next, we’ll look at materials used to construct loft beds, common safety features, and other important characteristics.

Materials

The vast majority of loft beds are made from wood, metal, or a combination of both. Wood materials may include maple, oak, cherry, walnut, rubberwood, pine, or composite wood – a material manufactured by bonding wood fiber to produce a steadier product.

Metal loft beds, on the other hand, may be built from steel tubes, metal rods, or wrought iron. Steel tubes are among the most popular materials in bunk beds because of their light weight and sturdy construction. Metal materials are often coated with a powder-coat finish that is tougher than traditional paint and thus better able to resist scratching, chipping, and rust.

Safety Features

Guardrails are among the most important safety feature for loft beds. While adult beds are not required to have guardrails, loft bed for children should feature guardrails on both sides. For adults and children, ladders should be firmly attached to the upper bunk. Consider adding a nightlight to illuminate the ladder and make it easy to locate in the dark when attempting to exit the bed.

Style and Size

Loft beds are available in a huge variety of styles, from sleek, contemporary metal to rustic wood. There are also novelty bunk beds complete with treehouses, playhouses, and swings, in addition to creative l-shaped frames that allow for even more storage beneath.

Price Ranges

Depending on the size, material, and special features, loft beds may come in a vast variety of price ranges. Here are some average prices you can expect while shopping for loft beds:

• Children’s metal bed: $150 – $200
• Children’s wood bed: $300 – $500
• Twin adult metal bed: $170 – $250
• Twin adult wood bed: $300 – $600
• Full adult wood bed: $400 – $800

Loft beds typically come in twin sizes for children and full sizes for adults. However, both queen-size and custom-size beds may be available. Many loft beds are backed by a wide range of warranties, from 30-days to a year.

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Additional Resources