8 Space-Saving Loft Bed Ideas for Cramped Quarters

Leave it to college kids to devise the biggest space-saving trick for the bedroom: a lofted bed.

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Jul 31, 2023 06:06 PM

Lofty Bedroom Ideas

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loft bed ideas

Opening up the chunk of real estate that a bed typically occupies means more square footage for storage, a workstation, or even lounge space There's plenty of opportunity for DIY customization and creativity. Check out these stellar ways to incorporate a loft bed into your space.

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Low-Cost Lofting

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Ikea Bedroom

Love a bargain? The STORÅ loft bed, which retails for $299 (available at IKEA), 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.

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Concealed Closet

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loft bed ideas

Many bedrooms in older homes and apartments don’t have ample closet space, and sometimes they have none at all. Fear not! You can turn the space underneath the bed into a closet big enough to fit all your stuff as shown here (available at Wayfair). Just install closet shelving, mount a rod, and conceal it all behind bold curtains or sleek doors.

Related: The Best Blackout Curtains for the Bedroom

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Drop Ceiling

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loft bed ideas

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 (available at Wayfair), the suspended bed can be raised to just about any height needed to suit a space. You could also design a home office area underneath that is perfectly accessible and inviting.

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Lofted Bunk Bed

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loft bed ideas

Three beds fit into the space of one in this double loft bed setup. The ladder provides easy access to both beds above, though you could build a more permanent staircase for additional stability—and seating. The dead space underneath the loft beds creates open storage for clothes and shoes, so you can fit everything you need within a few feet of your bed!

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Tucked Away

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Modern Bedroom

While this loft bed design doesn't afford much headroom, it does maximize the floor space without interrupting the flow of the room. With enough space for some artwork and a mattress, you'll have everything you really need—with the bonus of being right over the kitchen for late-night snacks! 

Related: The Best Projection Alarm Clocks for the Bedroom

Zillow Digs home in Brooklyn, NY

Every Inch Counts

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loft bed ideas

This loft bed allows for some serious storage space underneath, from the shelves to the large drawers to the pull-out unit that tucks neatly under the mattress frame (available at Wayfair). If you're stuck in a small space and aren't ready to cut down on your stuff, a loft bed and ample storage is a solid option to free up space.

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Gamer Lair

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loft bed ideas

Moody lighting and techie accents combine to create this gaming setup under a loft bed (available at Walmart). A simple desk, dual monitors, and a shelf above provide the necessities for serious gaming without overwhelming the small space.

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Additional Living Space

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loft bed ideas

This sleek, minimal loft bed (available on Amazon) offers an entire little living space underneath. Complete with a TV, area rug, a couple of chairs, a coffee table, and storage shelf, this loft bed idea combines two distinct functions into one.

Related: The Best Bedroom Rugs to Add Warmth, Color, and Comfort

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