Small apartments and rising rent prices mean many adults need to get creative with their living spaces and a space saving DIY loft bed for adults is exactly what you need to solve this space problem.
These sleeping solutions lift your bed from the floor, with a space underneath for a home office, lounge area, or storage, giving you two rooms at the price of one.
The right mix of colors and materials can make your loft bed look stunning while keeping it budget-friendly. Painting your loft bed white creates an airy feel, while dark wood adds modern sophistication.
Adding string lights, colorful curtains, or plants can transform a simple bed frame into a cozy sleep space.
In this post, space saving diy loft bed for adults, we’ll walk through whether loft beds make sense for adults, showcase 18 amazing DIY loft bed ideas, provide step-by-step building instructions, and highlight key factors to consider before getting started.
Ready to reclaim your space with style? Let’s jump in!
Is a loft bed a good idea for adults?
Loft beds aren’t considered for college dorms only. Adults with small apartments, studios, or regular bedrooms can have valuable footage with a well-designed loft bed. The space underneath comes in use for a desk, sofa, storage, or anything else you need.
Safety is a plus with adult loft beds, they’re stronger than kid’s ones, with better capacity and construction. Many DIY designs are designed according to the adult weight and movement and make sure your ceiling height works and that your room dimensions can go with the design.
It has versatility. You can customize your loft bed to fit how you need it. If you want built-in bookshelves or a walk-in closet underneath. The bed can grow and change with your needs, not like bought furniture pieces that’s for only one purpose.
18 Space Saving DIY Loft Bed for Adults Ideas to Consider
Before diving into specific ideas, remember that loft beds come in various heights, styles, and structure. Some reach to the ceiling, while others float a foot off the ground. Choose what works for your space and needs.
So, let’s dig into the 18 space saving DIY loft bed for adults ideas and pick out the best one for you.
Consider loft bed with open wardrobe
A loft bed with an open wardrobe underneath solves both your sleeping and clothing storage problem. This setup works best in small bedrooms where a separate closet isn’t possible. The open design keeps your clothes accessible while the vertical space utilization gives your room a large feel.
To pull this off, build your loft bed frame tall to hang clothes underneath without dragging on the floor. Install a sturdy clothing rod between support posts, and add shelves on one side for folded items.
Install a curtain that can be used when needed. This also helps hide any clutter when you have guests over. For organization, try adding hooks on the bed frame sides for bags and accessories.
Opt for a semi-loft bed
Semi-loft beds are lower to the ground than traditional lofts. This middle-ground option gives you storage space underneath without requiring a ladder climb. It’s perfect for rooms with standard-height ceilings or for anyone nervous about climbing up.
Building a semi-loft is simpler than a tall one. You’ll need materials, less complicated support structures, and won’t have to worry about trembling. The low height means you can use the space underneath for dressers, short bookshelves, or a cozy reading nook with floor cushions.
The best part about semi-lofts is they don’t dominate your room like full-height versions. Your space will feel open and less divided, while giving you a floor space.
Loft-bed with storage drawers
A loft bed with built-in drawers transforms dead space into a storage goldmine. These designs build drawers into the support structure, giving you space for clothes, linens, or for anything else.
When building, focus on drawer slides that can handle daily use. The drawers should be deep to be useful but not so deep they become black holes for lost items. Consider different drawer sizes like shallow ones for accessories and deep ones for bulky sweaters.
I’m a fan of painting drawer fronts in contrasting colors to add personality to your loft bed. You can also use different knobs on each drawer for a playful, mismatched look. If building drawers looks complicated, you can modify your existing drawers or small dressers underneath.
Go for loft bed with built-in shelves
Bookworms, trinket collectors, and plant parents will fall in love with a loft bed with built-in shelving. This smart design incorporates shelves into the bed frame itself, along the sides, at the head or foot of the bed, or as part of the support structure.
When designing shelves, vary the heights to accommodate different items. Tall spaces for books, short ones for small plants or alarm clocks.
Install small reading lights near your shelves so you can grab anything without climbing down. You could also add small guardrails to prevent items from falling off. My favorite touch is leaving one shelf empty for a rotating display of seasonal items.
Hang curtains around bed
Curtains transform an ordinary loft bed into a dreamy, cocoon-like retreat. Hanging fabric around your sleeping space creates privacy in shared rooms and adds a touch of luxury that makes climbing into bed feel special.
You want to install a curtain rod or wire along the ceiling above your loft bed, or attach one to the bed frame. Choose lightweight fabrics that won’t collect dust like cotton, linen, or thin muslin work beautifully. Make sure the curtains are easy to tie back or slide open.
Light-colored curtains brighten the space and make it feel airy, while dark colors create a cave-like feel. I love using curtains with subtle patterns that add interest without overwhelming the space.
Use strip lights for an ambiance
Strip lights turn a loft bed into a glowing space that gives a glowy effect. These flexible LED lights can be attached under the frame, along railings, or inside built-in shelving to create a soft, customizable glow.
Installation is simple, LED strips come with adhesive backing that sticks to wood, metal, or plastic surfaces. Run the strips along clean, dust-free surfaces, hiding the wires and control box in spots.
I think warm white lights work best for everyday use, creating a cozy vibe that’s perfect for winding down. Blue can feel calming, while purple or pink adds a pop.
Create a boho-style loft bed
Boho loft beds blend casual comfort with artistic flair, perfect for free spirits who want their space to reflect a personality. These beds feature natural materials like wood, textiles, and a collected, undone look that feels both cozy and creative.
Start with a simple wooden frame in natural or whitewashed finish. The magic happens with what you add, layer colorful throws, mismatched pillows, and a macramé wall hanging on the wall beside your bed. Plants are important for the boho look, hang small potted varieties from the ceiling or place them on shelves.
What makes boho lofts special is how personal they can be. Display treasures from your travels, hang string lights in random patterns, or attach fabric swatches to create a canopy.
Choose two-tone loft bed with stairs
Two-tone loft beds use contrasting colors to create visual interest and define different parts of the structure. Pairing a white frame with dark wood stairs, helps the access point stand out while keeping the bed light and airy. This style choice turns a practical piece of furniture into a design statement that can anchor the room.
Stairs offer an advantage over ladders as they’re easy to climb, can incorporate storage in each step, and feel substantial in the room. When building, make sure stairs are wide for comfort and include handrails for safety.
I like combining natural wood with black or navy blue for a modern look. White and light wood give Scandinavian vibes that brighten small living spaces. The contrast doesn’t have to be dramatic but subtle variations between similar tones can create sophistication.
Opt for raised loft bed
A raised loft bed maximizes the space in your room by placing the platform near the ceiling. Not like semi-lofts, tall structures create room underneath for standing activities like dressing or working at a desk. They’re perfect for rooms with high ceilings and people who need floor space.
The higher your bed, the dramatic impact on your room. It can feel like you’ve added an entire second floor to your space. Paint the ceiling above your mattress a fun color or adding peel-and-stick wallpaper to create a point.
Loft bed with a desk underneath
The classic work-from-bed setup. A loft bed with a desk underneath creates a small home office that doesn’t require floor space. This arrangement is ideal for remote workers, students, or anyone who needs a dedicated workspace.
When designing, position the desk for proper lighting like near a window for natural light during the day. Make sure the loft frame doesn’t block your computer screen or create shadows. The desk should be deep for your computer and work materials but not that deep that it makes the space cramped.
What I love about desk and bed combos is how they separate your work and sleep areas while keeping them close. Add good lighting, a comfortable chair, and sound-absorbing materials to create a productive workspace.
Industrial-style loft bed with open shelving
Industrial loft beds bring raw, urban energy to the bedroom with metal pipes, exposed hardware, and unfinished wood. Adding open shelving to this style creates storage that maintains the industrial aesthetic while giving you places to display books, plants, and cool finds.
To build this style, consider using plumbing pipes and fittings for bed supports and shelf brackets; they’re strong, available at hardware stores, and have that perfect industrial look. Pair them with wooden planks for warmth.
The beauty of industrial shelving is its flexibility, you can add or remove shelves as your needs change. I recommend mixing in closed storage containers among your shelves to hide attractive necessities. Metal bins, wooden crates, or vintage suitcases maintain the industrial vibe. This style works well in brick-walled rooms or spaces with concrete floors.
Place a blue loft bed with white accents
A blue loft bed with white accents creates a fresh, nautical feel that’s calming and interesting. Blue symbolizes tranquility, perfect for a sleeping space while white accents keep the look fresh and prevent the dark color from making your loft feel like a cave.
Choose a blue that speaks to you, navy for drama, sky blue for airiness, or teal for something playful. Apply a primer first, then at least two f coats of paint for coverage. Add white details on edges, posts, or stairs for a contrast.
Navy and white create a classic nautical vibe that never goes out of style. For a modern take, try a muted slate blue with white accents. If you’re nervous about color, paint the outer frame blue and leave the interior white. Complete the look with blue and white bedding for a pulled-together look.
Consider a loft bed with seating area
Creating a mini living room under your loft bed gives you a hangout space in the small apartment. This setup features a small sofa or loveseat, a coffee table, and a TV mounted to the wall.
When planning, make sure your loft is tall enough that you won’t bump your head. Low-profile sofas or bean bags work well in tight spaces. Consider adding small side tables instead of a coffee table if space is tight. Good lighting is essential, wall sconces or clip-on lights work well.
The coziness of this arrangement is hard to beat. To make the seating area feel like its own space, add a small area rug to define the zone. String lights or a small pendant that hangs high, can add ambiance.
Opt a simple platform loft bed
A basic platform loft keeps things minimal with clean lines and no frills. This straightforward design focuses on function, lifting your bed to create space without visual clutter or complicated features. It’s perfect for modern minimalist spaces or rooms where you want other elements to be the focal point.
Building a platform loft requires few materials and less complicated carpentry than fancy designs with built-ins. Focus on creating a sturdy, level sleeping surface supported by solid posts or a wall-mounted frame.
What I appreciate about platform lofts is its versatility. You can dress them up with bedding, leave the space underneath open for a spacious feel, or tuck anything underneath. They tend to look less imposing in small rooms because of their stripped-down design.
Choose a balcony loft bed
A balcony loft bed extends only partway across a room, creating a balcony-like platform rather than covering the floor space. This design gives you the height advantage of a loft while keeping part of your room open to the ceiling.
When designing a balcony loft, position it where it makes sense like against a wall that doesn’t have windows. Ensure proper support, with posts or wall attachments on the open side. Adding a railing along the open edge is for safety, but choose a style that doesn’t block light or views.
The open feeling of a balcony loft gives you the best design, a floor space with high ceilings. I love how it creates natural zones in your room without walls like sleeping on top, a desk underneath, and a living area in the open-ceiling portion.
Try a black loft bed
Black loft beds make a bold, sophisticated statement that grounds your space with flair. This color choice transforms a functional piece of furniture into a design element that can anchor the room’s color scheme.
When working with black, quality paint makes the difference. Choose a matte finish to minimize fingerprints and dust visibility, and apply thin coats for coverage. Black shows imperfections than light colors.
The dramatic look of black works magic in rooms with white walls, it creates architectural interest without construction. To keep it from feeling heavy, balance with light bedding and add warmth through wood tones or textiles.
Place rugs to anchor space
Rugs do incredible things for loft bed setups, they define the area underneath your bed, add softness to the hard surfaces, and bring color and texture to your space. A well-chosen rug turns the under-bed area from space.
I’m a fan of using rugs to add personality to the under-bed area. Bold patterns make a statement in a shadowy space. If your loft has a specific purpose underneath like a desk area, position the rug to reinforce that function, with the front legs of your desk chair on the rug.
Wooden loft bed with window
Positioning your loft bed near a window creates a treehouse-like feeling. Waking up with natural light and a view turns your sleeping space into something special. Wooden construction complements a nature-connected vibe, bringing warmth and texture.
When building near windows, position the bed so you can see outside, but make sure the frame doesn’t block light from reaching. Natural wood finishes, either clear-sealed or stained, highlight the beauty of the grain and create a calming, organic feel.
To enhance the experience, consider adding a small shelf near the head of the bed for books and a plant that will thrive in the window light. If privacy is a concern, install window film that lets light in while people can’t see inside.
How to build a loft bed step-by-step
Building your own loft bed may be scary, but breaking it into manageable steps makes it doable, for DIY starters too. Here’s a simple approach:
- Plan and measure: Determine bed height, width, and length based on your mattress size and ceiling height. Draw a sketch with measurements.
- Gather materials: You’ll need lumber, plywood for the platform, screws, wood glue, and tools.
- Cut your pieces: Cut wood to size for the bed frame, posts, and supports. Sand all edges smooth.
- Build the base frame: Create a rectangular frame to match your mattress size, add 2-3 inches for clearance.
- Attach support posts: Secure vertical posts at each corner of the frame. It tells your bed height.
- Add reinforcement: Install diagonal braces between posts and horizontal supports for stability.
- Create the sleeping platform: Attach slats or a plywood sheet across the top frame to support the mattress.
- Build access: Add a ladder or stairs, securing firmly to the frame.
- Sand and finish: Sand any rough spots and apply paint or stain as desired.
- Safety check: Test stability by pushing on all sides and climbing before adding your mattress.
Remember, safety comes first. If you’re unsure about structural elements, consult with someone who’s experienced or check tutorials for the chosen design.
Important factors to consider before building a loft bed
Before you start building, there are some important things to discuss that can save you from headaches.
Ceiling height is important, you need space to sit up comfortably. Measure from the floor to your ceiling, then subtract about 3-4 feet for the height of your bed platform and mattress, and you have at least 2-3 feet of space remaining. Low ceilings mean a semi-loft is better for you.
Weight capacity matters for adult loft beds. Make sure your design can support a minimum 250-500 pounds. This means using proper lumber sizes, adding cross-bracing, and using quality hardware.
Think about mattress size too. While twin or full mattresses are common for loft beds, you can go for a queen if you share your bed. Just remember that large mattresses need strong support systems.
Don’t forget about accessibility like how will you get up and down? Ladders take up less space but stairs are easier to navigate. And if you’re putting a desk or seating area underneath, make sure you leave headroom for comfortable use.
Finally, consider your skill level. If you’re new to DIY, start with a simple design or consider getting help. There’s no shame in keeping things basic, safety is more important than having the fancy design.
Conclusion
A space saving DIY loft bed for adults is the magic trick your adult living space needs. It is an approach that will make your small space a spacious one with the chosen furniture and elements.
Whether you go for a full-height loft with a desk underneath, a semi-loft with built-in storage, or a balcony-style bed that keeps your room feeling open, you’re doubling your space without moving walls.
The beauty of building your own is the customization, you pick the height, style, color, and features that make sense for your space and needs. From industrial pipes to warm wooden frames, from basic platforms to built-ins, your loft bed can be as simple or complex as your skills and budget allow.
These 18 ideas of space saving DIY loft bed for adults are surely inspired with the best designs and approaches. Also the mention details about the steps to construct your own and safety tips consider guiding you in some way.
