The Space-Saving Loft Bed: 8 Inspirations for Cramped Quarters

Love a bargain? The STORÅ loft bed, which retails for $299, is a versatile wood option that will add utility to any room. The area below can do double duty as storage and living space with a small clothing rack tucked behind the bed and a couch stationed underneath.

Suspending a loft from the ceiling rather than supporting it from the floor creates an open and airy feeling, and keeps the space below free of impediments. In the setup shown here, the suspended bed stays clear of the windows, allowing light to flood the room. It also serves to define the home office area and keeps this space perfectly accessible and inviting.

The high ceilings in this sunny New York City loft allow plenty of space for two lofted beds upstairs—and a double staircase for access. The dead space underneath the ladders creates open storage for clothes and shoes, so you can fit everything you need within a few feet of your bed!

If you're craving your own slice of serenity, you might want to take a few tips from this Manhattan apartment. Minimalism, warm lighting, and cozy accents combine to create this welcoming nook. Up in the loft, the wood base and comforter are a calming white. A simple lamp and a few books add a touch of personality without overwhelming the small space.  

The Living Cube consolidates several pieces of furniture into a single multipurpose living space. The structure combines a classic ladder and loft bed design with a space for your TV, bookshelves, a drop-down desk, closet, wardrobe, set of drawers, and a hidden room inside the box. 

Even if you've got your heart set on hardwood flooring, it's worth considering the alternatives. Sometimes, materials that only look like wood can be just as good as—or even better than—the real thing. Explore your options now!