Raise the Roof: Kids’ Loft Bed Inspiration

When I was in college, my roommate and I got a loft bed system, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Not only did we have lots of floor space to hang out and study, I loved having the privacy and coziness of my own secret bed platform. For small spaces, a loft can be a great way to open up floor space, but even if you don’t feel you need the extra room, a loft can be a great hideaway for a kid. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about whether raising the bed could be for you and your kids.

1. Loft Bed and Closet (Frankie Was Right). Here, an existing built-in closet forms one side of the base of the loft bed, leaving plenty of space to access the closet and have a play area to boot.

2. Loft Bed with Storage Underneath (Apartment Therapy). A raised bed makes room for toy and clothes below.

3. Covered Loft Bed and Slide (El Mueble). Covering the loft itself makes for a truly cozy bed space, and a slide makes everything more fun.

4 Loft Bed over Closet (Elle Maison). Having cupboards and shelves along the wall underneath the bed creates lots of extra storage..

5. Loft with Reading Spots (Apartment Therapy). A lofted bed makes room for a cushioned reading bench and a beanbag, both great spots for curling up with a book. The bench has storage bins adding to the functionality.

6. Lofted Play Area (Two Small Houses). This design turns the idea of the loft bed on its head, using the underside as the bed and creating a seating area and “balcony” in the loft, where kids can play or hang out and read.

7. Fortress-Style Loft Bed (Apartment Therapy). Part bed, part fort, this custom-built loft bed started at 40″ off the ground and is designed to be raised as its occupant grows bigger (and taller).

8. Simple White Loft Bed (Oliver Furniture). I love the simplicity and clean lines of this bed, and the airy feeling of the bottom. With half-walls, you create an enclosed space for whatever your needs but maintain an open connection to the rest of the room.

9. Preschool Loft (Overloft Collaborative Preschool).While this loft was built for a preschool play area, it shows how nicely a lofted bed can provide a space for work and play.

10. Fire Truck Bed (A Touch with Arkansas), built with plans from Ana White. Sleep on top of the firetruck while using the playhouse below as the cabin of the truck.