Loft Bed Buying Guide

Are you thinking about purchasing a loft bed? Whether you are shopping for yourself, a young child, a college student or someone who is just starting out in life with a small apartment, there is a loft bed that will fit your living space and budget. A loft can be a small area just large enough for a bed, or it may have enough room for a few choice pieces of furniture. Whichever the case, the bed is usually the focal point of this living space. Choosing the right bed can make the difference between a space that is enjoyed and one that is largely ignored because it is unwelcoming.

Children's Lofts

Children tend to love lofts. A loft bed can create a nice secret hideaway that is just the right size for a child. When selecting a child's loft, consider the youngster's preferences. Children usually love bright colors for their rooms. Ask them what their favorite hobbies are, and this will guide you towards a bed that incorporates their favorite colors and themes.

Popular loft beds for children can be found online from the following merchants:

  • A Baby offers multiple themed loft beds, including knight, princess and a captain's sleep-and-study loft.
  • Bunks, Beds and Lofts sells sturdy, furniture and playroom style loft beds that will fit any room design.
  • Great Priced Furniture offers a wide range of loft beds, both standard and customizable.
  • Bunks 'n Stuff offers a range of very simple style loft beds at reasonable prices.
Loft Bed

Adult Loft Beds

Adults like loft beds for several reasons: they take up less space in an apartment or home and they can serve multiple purposes. The area under a loft bed can be used as a small home office or simply as a place to put a couch and bookcase. The only drawback to using the area under a loft bed is the clearance; most people cannot comfortably stand under a loft without ducking or hitting their head.

Adult loft beds are made larger than a child's bed to accommodate their size and weight. A typical loft bed is made to give an adult at least 33 inches of clearance from a ceiling (to avoid head injuries when you sit up in bed) and is built to hold someone weighing 200 pounds.

Loft Bed

Loft beds are convenient for use in dorm rooms, efficiency apartments, teens rooms or in guest rooms. Due to their versatility, manufacturers have designed a wide array of adult loft beds for their customers.

Retailers that carry an excellent selection of loft beds appropriate for adults include:

  • ABC Homestore sells a wide range of style including utility stations, solid hardwood and sleek metal frames.
  • Big Apple Loft Bed sells loft and storage beds from simple, modern designs to heavy, furniture inspired pieces.
  • Riddle Furniture manufactures solid hardwood loft beds in three styles; shaker, classic and panel.
  • The Stubborn Norwegian specializes in hardwood loft beds, including custom models and a range of sizes.

Purchasing Tips

Loft beds are convenient and space saving, as well as versatile and available in a wide range of styles. They work well in numerous areas, but not in all, so before you purchase be sure to use these questions as a guideline to help you find the right model for your home.

  • Who will be using the bed - a child or an adult?
  • What mattress size will fit in the area you need it for - twin, queen or king?
  • How much does the person weigh that will be using the loft?
  • How tall is the person who will be using the loft?
  • Would you save money by building your own?
  • Do you need additional storage with the loft, such as built in bookcases or cabinets?
  • Is a readymade work station below the bed something you need?
  • What material do you want the loft to be made of - wood or metal?
  • Do want extra features, such as full staircase instead of a ladder, or a slide added?
  • Does the bed have a theme that will fit in with the overall design of the room?

If you are thinking of buying your loft bed online, check out similar models in local furniture stores first. This will give you an idea of how much room you will have under the bed, and help you decide if it is comfortable enough for you or your children to sleep on.

Before You Buy

Loft beds make a great spacer saver for small spaces, as well as a fun way to sleep for children. But before you commit to the loft, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of the purchase.

Loft Bed Pros

Loft beds offer extra space; a second bed, a workstation or storage can all be added to the plan. Many loft beds are customizable, which means that no matter how much space or how many features you desire, it is usually possible to find a way to add them.

Loft Bed Cons

While loft beds offer a great deal, but these features come at a price; many of the better built loft beds can be expensive with prices starting at $1,000 for a furniture style model. Some of the more simple units may be less expensive, but they may hold less weight and may require you to purchase additional storage, desks or features elsewhere, which adds up to hidden costs.

Comparison Shop Carefully

Just as there is a wide range of quality in any furniture piece, so is there a range in loft beds. Comparison shop carefully for your loft bed to ensure that you get a sturdy frame with the features that you want for a price that is comparable with the competition. Don't necessarily go with the cheapest option you come across, as quality is an important factor. It's also important to make sure the bed is assembled and installed correctly. After all, a loft bed can pose a safety hazard if not made from top notch materials and put together the right way.