A lofty bed like this one will help you maximize your square footage. (From a listing at 103 E. 10th St. #2D)
No matter where you live in the city, odds are you’re short on space, which means trying to maximize the room that you have. But lately, contemporary craftsmen and furniture sellers alike have been answering space-saving prayers with adult-sized loft beds ideas that are quite stylish.
It’s true: Well-made loft beds are having a moment, and not just because of their price point — or the advent of micro-apartments in NYC. They look slick while maximizing square footage. But how do you create one without it feeling too childish?
We tapped several experts to get their top loft bed ideas.
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Properly Vet a Space For Your Loft Bed Plans
There’s enough space to stand up under this loft bed. (Ward 5 Design)
Before you can even think about building a super-chic loft bed, you have to determine if it will work. For example, not every apartment has walls suitable to hold one.
“It’s undeniable that a loft bed is a great solution for limited floor space, optimizing every square inch, and that it’s great for small rooms,” says Havenly Senior Designer Karen Richani. “But, their unique design does come with some challenges you might want to consider.”
So, how do you know if your space is conducive to a loft bed?
- Look for common obstructions: Features along walls, like doors and windows, can make installation tricky. “Loft beds require a long span clear of such things to safely and successfully install,” says Leni Calas of Ward 5 Design. “The average mattress is between 75 and 80 inches in length; therefore, you will need this distance along a wall to put one up.”
- Know your ceiling height: Because you don’t want to bump your head. “Ideally, you want enough space below a loft bed to stand underneath, while also being able to sit up when in bed,” Calas says.
- Locate the structural beams: A loft bed is essentially a large, heavy-duty shelf. So, you need something to support the weight of your bed based on size and material. “Once you determine the location of structural beams inside the room, both on the wall and in the ceiling, you can then begin securing your design within the room,” says Calas.
Ultimately, experts agree that it’s probably best to consult a professional when building a loft bed. “The majority of DIY kits will leave your bed looking pretty youthful,” says Modsy VP of Style Alessandra Wood.
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Clever Loft Bed Ideas That Boost Comfort and Function
So, you’ve determined that building a loft bed is generally structurally sound. Now, you want to make it as comfortable, functional, and chic as possible. Here’s how.
Make the Platform Larger Than the Mattress
Putting your mattress on a large platform can make a loft feel more like a bedroom. (From a listing at 92 Horatio St. #1P)
Consider making the platform or space around the bed larger than the mattress to allow for everyday bedside items. “Create a deeper container for the mattress, so you can add a traditional mattress depth,” says Calas. Wood adds, “Have enough space around the mattress to place books, lighting, glasses of water — all the things you’d expect to have on a nightstand.”
Skip the Loft Bed Ladder
Stairs will make any loft bed more inviting. (From a listing at 436 Sterling Pl. #11)
You don’t need to use a traditional ladder if it’s not comfortable for you. Greenwich Village resident Andrew N. opted to install stairs over a ladder. “This feels more like I’m simply ‘going upstairs’ when I get into bed,” he says. “It seems more like a separate room than a bunk bed.”
Even if you do go with a ladder, it can still be more design-worthy. “Consider things like wood handles and pipe grab bars,” suggests Calas.
Create Another Room Beneath Your Loft Bed
In this apartment, a loft bed and a kitchen share the same footprint. (From at listing at 140 W. 69th St. #57A)
Loft beds are space savers in and of themselves. But if you’d like to add more functionality, use the space beneath the loft bed as another room.
“Given the size of my Manhattan apartment, I would have virtually no entertaining space if I didn’t loft my bed,” says Andrew. “Because the bed is off the floor, I’ve been able to put a sofa, coffee table, bookshelf, and stereo beneath it, which essentially makes this space the living room. I entertain friends in this space quite often, and when sitting there, it’s easy to forget there is a bed directly above you.”
Consider adding a media area or an office space below, and focus on decorating that space too. “How you accessorize the room can determine the feel of the space as a whole,” says Richani. “So concentrate on pivotal points of focus like the bedcover and the artwork on the walls, which will heavily impact the ‘reading of the room.’ And don’t forget to incorporate a rug into your final design.”
Bonus tip: Make sure you select the right size furniture for your multipurpose area. “Selecting the right size dresser, desk, or additional storage components will allow you to optimize the space to its fullest,” adds Richani.
Suspend the Loft Bed From the Ceiling
Cables support the weight of these loft beds. (Ward 5 Design)
Think standard loft beds look clunky? Suspending one from the ceiling rather than running posts up from the floor is a loft bed idea that feels more open and airy.
“We designed a series of bedrooms for a family beach house. The clients wanted to accommodate sleeping four young adults per room, but the bedroom sizes did not make it an easy task,” says Calas. “Our solution was to suspend two beds from the ceiling with aircraft cable and create one long custom sleeping area underneath, which could also serve as a sofa.”
According to Calas, with the right structural support, anyone can suspend a bed from their ceiling, keeping the area underneath clear to add another living space. Plus, it looks architecturally cool and becomes more of a focal piece than a piece of furniture.
Consider a Low-Profile Mattress and High-End Sheets
A low-profile mattress tops off this low-profile loft bed. (From a listing at 323 E. 8th St. #2A)
Remember those tips about having the proper ceiling height? Well, a great way to help achieve that is by selecting a mattress with a low-profile memory foam.
“To maximize headroom, I opted for a more streamlined mattress,” says Andrew. “While it’s arguably not as comfortable as a thicker option, a pillow topper can make a thinner mattress more luxurious without adding much height.”
Then, the next step is to choose the right bedding. “I suggest using a quilt or coverlet that can easily be folded and looks stylish every time you make the bed,” says Richani. “And say yes to decorating with throw pillows.”
Andrew also suggests investing in top-quality sheets. “You may be only feet from the ceiling,” he says. “But you can create a cloud-like oasis up there with luxurious bedding.”
Install Wall-Mounted Lighting and Shelves
Add wall-mounted lighting and small shelves to give you the comfort of a bedroom without taking up space.
“Having some lights in my bed area only isolates the space and makes it feel more like a separate bedroom,” says Andrew. “Not to mention, installing a light next to the bed that you can easily switch off minimizes the number of times you’ll have to get out of bed.”
The communications professional also installed a small shelf between the wall and bed, where he keeps some of his favorite books. “This has become my go-to library for nighttime reading,” he says.
Loft Bed Ideas You Shouldn’t Attempt
Now that you know everything you should do to create a chic loft bed, it’s also important to know what not to do. Because while a loft bed might make for a pretty Pinterest picture, it could be hazardous. Take care to avoid these mistakes.
- Don’t place the loft bed under a ceiling fixture: Pay attention to any existing ceiling fixtures. “For example, a ceiling fan or a pendant lamp that comes too low or too close to the bed could be a safety hazard,” says Richani. “So those things might need to be adjusted or taken into consideration before committing to your new bed.”
- Don’t forget a guardrail: Although probably won’t fall out of bed, accidents do happen. So, it’s crucial to have a guardrail up. And don’t worry, that too can be chic by crafting it out of plexiglass for an invisible look.
- Don’t use a utility ladder: Removable ladders, in general, pose a safety risk, as they can fall or slip while in use. It is especially true if you’re trying to save some cash and want to use a standard utility ladder. Please make sure the ladder or stairs are secure.
- Don’t forget about weight limits: “Pay attention to the bed’s weight limit,” advises Richani. The weight of a mattress or more than one person could make the loft bed structurally unsound.
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