I've tested and reviewed over 200 mattresses and other sleep products.
When space is limited, making the most of every inch without sacrificing comfort is key. The best loft beds achieve that balance by creating usable area beneath the mattress, often incorporating built-in drawers, desks or storage. Our top pick, the Sleep And Study Loft Bed from Pottery Barn, stands out for its high-quality materials, next-level support and thoughtful design. The elevated frame opens your space for a built-in desk and storage below, making it ideal for compact layouts. We also love that it comes in a handful of colors and two sizes to suit different ages and tastes.
We rounded up the best loft beds to suit different styles and needs, with Pottery Barn's Sleep And Study Loft Bed as our top pick.
illustration: forbes / photos: retailers
If you prefer a lower-profile bed or alternative design, we’ve rounded up five other options that are consistently given high ratings by customers. “A loft bed should be more than a fix—it should elevate the room,” says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “Choose a style that aligns with your aesthetic, pair it with a low-profile mattress for proportion and invest in quality just as you would with any bed—we spend so much of our lives in them.” Ahead, find the best loft beds of 2025 worth considering.
Sleep In Blissful Comfort, Work In Organized Peace
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Sleep And Study Loft Bed (Twin)
Dimensions: 55 x 79.5 x 73 inches or 70 x 79.5 x 73 inches | Bed size: Twin or full | Delivery: White glove delivery | Warranty: None
What you’ll love:
Full size has an overall 700-pound weight capacity
Five color options to choose from
A built-in desk, open cubbies and corkboard panel
Keep in mind:
Twin size isn’t currently available in every color
Ceiling height needs to be at least 8 feet
White glove delivery includes setup but is an extra fee
The Sleep And Study Loft Bed is our top choice for its versatility, quality and appealing style. In addition to an upper bed surrounded by safety rails and an attached ladder, this Pottery Barn pick has a built-in desk with a pencil drawer, a two-shelf bookcase, four cubbies and a bulletin board panel—making it the ultimate zone for work or relaxation. Constructed from premium woods like poplar, spruce and sap gum, you can choose between five colors ranging from white to navy. All finishes are available in a full size, while the white and charcoal models are also available in a twin size.
The design incorporates MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) for support, with the full-size model accommodating up to 700 pounds. We also like that the Sleep And Study Loft Bed carries multiple third-party certifications (UL Greenguard, Fair Trade and FSC) to reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical labor practices. Just keep in mind: Pottery Barn recommends a ceiling height of at least 8 feet and a mattress no thicker than 7.5 inches.
Enjoy A Large Work Area To Help Boost Productivity
Wayfair
Isabelle & Max Everiz Solid Wood Loft Bed (Twin)
Dimensions: 72 x 63 x x 78.8 inches | Bed size: Twin | Delivery: Free standard delivery | Warranty: 1-year limited
What you’ll love:
Long desk makes for a complete workstation
12-inch guardrails offer extra security
Wayfair has tested and approved its functionality
Choice of espresso, gray or off-white design
Keep in mind:
The 165-pound weight limit is lower than others on this list
You can pay an extra fee for professional assembly
The Everiz loft bed from Isabelle & Max features a raised bed with a built-in ladder and 12-foot rails positioned above a spacious, dedicated work area. Unlike models that incorporate shelves or cubbies, this design maximizes space with a large desk that can support up to 100 pounds—ideal for a laptop, books and decor. (The bed itself has a 165-pound weight capacity.)
It’s made from manufactured wood and is available in an off-white, gray or espresso color. Assembly is required and a slat kit’s included, though professional assembly is available for an extra fee. Customers report that setup takes around two to three hours. Note the Everiz loft bed is Wayfair Verified, which means a Wayfair product expert has inspected it to ensure quality and functionality.
Best Kid-Friendly Loft Bed
A Sturdy Design With Plenty Of Room For Play Time
Max & Lily
Max & Lily Modern Farmhouse Low Loft Bed (Twin)
Dimensions: 42 x 79 x 47 inches | Bed size: Twin | Delivery: Free standard shipping | Warranty: 1 year
What you’ll love:
400-pound weight capacity
It includes bookshelves and space beneath for a play area
Farmhouse design comes in four colors
Keep in mind:
You can add professional assembly for $289
Solid wood has a slightly rough (not smooth) texture
When selecting the best kid-friendly option, we wanted to highlight a loft bed that’s simultaneously safe and entertaining for children. The Modern Farmhouse model from Max & Lily delivers on both counts. It sits lower to the ground with a 41.5-inch height while the upper bed is protected by heavy-duty, 15-inch guardrails. This choice also has a 400-pound weight capacity to safely accommodate both kids and adults. Bookshelves frame its two-step ladder, but its standout feature is the play area tucked behind its bookshelves and hidden beneath the bed—adding a whimsy element to any child’s room.
You can choose between four colors that all preserve its rustic barnwood aesthetic. Just note that the solid wood is slightly rough in texture, though customers frequently praise its quality and durability. The brand recommends pairing the loft bed with its Cooling Comfort Mattress for the best fit, but any twin-size mattress that’s between five and eight inches thick should work. The bed ships in one box for at-home assembly and reviews say setup is pretty straightforward, but you can pay extra for professional assembly if you’d prefer.
Best Loft Bed For Adults
A Mid-Century Look With A 500-Pound Weight Capacity
West Elm
West Elm Mid-Century Loft Bed (Full)
Dimensions: 79.3 x 57 x 73.3 inches | Bed size: Full | Delivery: White glove delivery | Warranty: None
What you’ll love:
The built-in desk has two drawers and a USB port
High weight capacity accommodates adults (500 pounds)
You can request a free design appointment before buying
Keep in mind:
Only one color option
Shipping and setup fee calculates at checking
Household cleaners not recommended for cleaning (soft, dry cloth only)
West Elm offers several pieces within its Mid-Century Collection that center around kiln-dried, sustainably sourced wood and showcase the same modern yet timeless look. I own one of the dressers and often receive compliments on its beautiful craftsmanship. The Mid-Century Full Loft Bed carries the same polished look while serving a specific purpose: maximizing space. It has a raised, full-size bed that can support up to 500 pounds, with a discreet ladder that seamlessly blends into the frame. The under-bed area is designed with a built-in desk featuring two drawers and a USB port, plus ample room for a chair, furniture piece or storage unit.
Like the Pottery Barn loft bed, the Mid-Century West Elm model holds FSC, Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certifications to show its commitment to sustainability and safe working conditions. Because of its taller design, the brand recommends a ceiling height of at least 100 inches (four inches more than a standard 8-foot ceiling) for comfortable headroom. It ships with professional delivery and setup, but an added cost is calculated at checkout.
Best Twin Loft Bed
A Low Profile For Added Safety And Simplicity
Wayfair
Harriet Bee Schlemmer Loft Bed (Twin)
Dimensions: 78.8 x 43.3 x 43 inches | Bed size: Twin | Delivery: Free standard shipping | Warranty: 1-year limited
What you’ll love:
The simple design sits lower to the ground (26.5-inch under-bed storage)
A two-step ladder and 13-inch guardrails offer safer support
Five colors to choose from (but not all currently in stock)
Keep in mind:
165-pound weight capacity
Professional assembly costs an extra fee
The Schlemmer Twin Loft Bed is a prime example of how simplicity can be key. It holds a 4.5-star rating from thousands of customers who praise its sturdiness, value and ease of assembly. At 43 inches tall, it sits lower to the ground than most others on this list, allowing for easier access and enhanced safety. Thirteen-inch guardrails wrap around the bed for protection, and the ladder consists of only two steps. Just note that some customers say the solid wood steps aren’t very comfortable for bare feet and could benefit from padding.
Unlike other models on this list, the Schlemmer Loft Bed doesn’t include built-in extras, which gives you full control over the function of the under-bed space. The bed has a 165-pound weight limit and is not designed for kids over 4 years old. While it’s offered in five colors, they rotate in and out of stock. Assembly is required, but professional setup is available for an additional fee. If you want a similar twin-size style with added height and a small built-in desk, we recommend checking out the Harold Twin Loft Bed.
Best Metal Loft Bed
An Uncomplicated Design With Over 11,000 Customer Reviews
Amazon
DHP Jett Junior Metal Loft Bed (Twin)
Dimensions: 78 x 51 x 50 inches or 78 x 56.5 x 50 inches | Bed size: Twin or full | Delivery: Free standard shipping | Warranty: 1-year limited
What you’ll love:
200-pound weight capacity
Modern, simple design with a 36.5-inch clearance space
Easier assembly than other models on this list
Keep in mind:
It’s currently only available in twin-size black
Customers say the ladder bars aren’t very comfortable
If you prefer a metal loft bed over a wooden one, the DHP Jett Junior Metal Loft Bed is an Amazon bestseller with over 11,000 reviews and an overall 4.6-star rating. While metal frames can sometimes be creakier or less sturdy than other materials, this DHP model is designed to stay put and quiet. Customers note that it can wobble slightly during bigger movements, like jumping, but overall it remains stable and minimal squeaking is reported. In addition to safety guardrails, it has a low-profile design and a built-in ladder. Beyond that, the 36.5-inch under-bed space is yours to customize.
You can choose between four colors and two sizes, but only the black twin-size model is currently in stock. Keep in mind, the brand recommends a 6-inch mattress to best accommodate its frame. We’d alo like to highlight our runner-up for the best metal loft bed, the Vecelo Metal Loft Bed. While it doesn’t have as many reviews as the DHP model, it holds a 4.4-star rating from hundreds of customers and is labeled as Amazon’s Choice. The Vecelo has a comparable metal design that comes in multiple colors, but it stands taller at 72 inches and includes an integrated side ladder.
How We Chose The Best Loft Beds
To curate our list of loft bed recommendations, we evaluated a wide range of criteria to ensure there are options for different sleep styles and space needs:
We maintain close relationships with leading furniture and sleep brands to keep up with best-selling products and emerging trends.
We analyzed standout features across top contenders, focusing on what matters most for loft beds—materials, weight capacity, safety features and built-in elements like desks and shelves. Our list includes a variety of styles to suit different lifestyles, design preferences and room sizes.
We also gave preference to loft beds with strong customer reviews, only including models with a minimum 4-star rating (out of 5). Where possible, we prioritized options with a high number of reviews to ensure consistent satisfaction across a broader user base.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Loft Beds
In addition to opening up a bedroom, a loft bed should enhance overall livability while maintaining comfort. “It frees up valuable square footage for a desk, lounge area or chic storage,” says Kuo. “But it can be more than that. For kids, it feels like a magical treehouse; for adults, it’s a clever design solution that makes small spaces feel bigger while still feeling intentional.” Ahead, see what key factors to keep in mind while shopping.
Material
Loft beds are often made from solid wood, manufactured wood, metal or a combination of materials. “I love hardwoods like oak, maple or walnut because they age beautifully and add warmth," says Kuo. “Metal frames can look modern and industrial, but wood feels timeless and architectural, which is why I so often recommend it.”
Wood also tends to be more durable and sturdy, though quality can vary from brand to brand. “No matter the material, focus on craftsmanship and finishes so the piece brings both durability and comfort,” adds Kuo.
Design
Our list of loft bed recommendations features a variety of designs, from a simple raised frame to models with built-in desks and multiple storage areas. It’s essential to consider who will be using the loft bed and what else they may need in the space, whether that’s a dresser, workspace or play area. A loft bed designed for a child’s bedroom is likely going to have different features than one intended for an adult’s apartment.
“As a designer, I always start by planning how I’ll use the space underneath so it feels livable and integrated into the rest of the room,” says Kuo. “Look for designs that feel intentional and stylish, not just utilitarian.”
Size And Dimensions
Most loft beds accommodate either a twin- (38 x 75 inches) or full-size (53 x 75 inches) mattress. Once you’ve chosen your preferred mattress size, pay attention to the overall dimensions of the loft bed and how it will fit in your room.
“Everyone’s first step should be to measure ceiling height,” says Kuo. “You want enough clearance to sit up in the bed comfortably and not feel closed in.” In general, retailers recommend having a minimum of 30 inches between the top of the bed and ceiling. Kuo also suggests keeping loft beds away from ceiling fixtures when possible.
Length and width are equally important factors, especially if the design includes any elements that add to the overall size, such as a ladder or built-in desk.
Safety
Because the sleeping area is elevated, safety should be a top consideration when shopping for a loft bed. “Safety should be part of the design,” says Kuo. Choosing a bed height that’s comfortable for the user is essential. She recommends looking for full guardrails around the bed. (Guardrail height can vary by model, so it’s worth checking the specs.) Kuo also advises paying attention to sturdy stairs or ladders, as they promote safe access.
Weight capacity is another major safety indicator. The best loft beds in our roundup support anywhere from 165 to 700 pounds. And since most don’t come with a mattress, be sure to factor in the mattress weight along with the sleeper’s weight.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our team of editors and writers at Forbes Vetted has extensive knowledge in the sleep space, with countless hours spent researching and testing sleep products. With this experience, we’ve built a robust library of mattress and sleep content to help guide your shopping decisions and improve your sleep hygiene.
Bridget Chapman, author of this article, is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted and a certified sleep science coach. She’s researched, tested and written about hundreds of mattresses and sleep products—from pillows to throw blankets—and has over a decade of reporting and editing experience.
McKenzie Dillon, Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor, has been working in the sleep and wellness space for over six years and is also a certified sleep science coach. Like Chapman, she’s tested hundreds of products over the years.
For this story, we sought expert advice from Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. She shared recommendations on what to look for when shopping for a loft bed, safety considerations and her preference on material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Loft beds vary in height, but experts generally recommend allowing for at least 30 inches of space between the top of your mattress and your ceiling. It’s important to measure your space in relation to the loft bed you’re considering, but typically, your ceiling should be at least 8 feet high, a standard size.
Loft beds most commonly come in twin or full sizes, meaning they allow for one of those two mattress sizes. However, the overall size of a loft bed varies greatly depending on its design.
The cost of a loft bed depends on the materials used and any added features, like built-in desks or drawers. Our list of recommendations ranges from a little over $100 to over $2,000.
