Loft vs. Bunk Beds

Differences Between Bunk Beds & Loft Beds

Bunk beds and loft beds are popular furniture options for kids’ and teens’ bedrooms. Along with giving your child’s room a cool and stylish look, these beds have a vertical design that can free up floor space in smaller layouts. Some models also come with additional features that give your child’s bedroom a practical boost.

While these multipurpose beds are similar in many ways, their unique designs offer different benefits to your kids’ bedrooms. For example, one model lets you sleep multiple children with a single piece of furniture, while the other provides extra room for storage and activities. Considering the needs, size and style of your space can help you decide between these bed types.

Overview

This post offers helpful suggestions and tips on:

What is a Bunk Bed?

A bunk bed consists of at least two beds stacked on top of one another, making it the perfect choice for kids who share a room with their siblings. If you’re furnishing a tiny layout, this design’s small footprint can make it easier to fit dressers, vanities, nightstands and desks into the space as well.

What is a Loft Bed?

Similar to a bunk bed, a loft bed features a mattress on a raised platform. Rather than having additional beds beneath the top bunk, however, the area below the loft bed is open and empty. Some pieces fill this blank space with built-in fixtures like dressers and desks. You can also place storage chests and cubbies under the bed to keep your kid’s small room neat and organized.

Many teen room, student apartment and college dorm designs feature lofted bedroom furniture. A sleek and versatile design makes these beds perfect for hanging out with friends, stowing and displaying knick-knacks, and hunkering down for all-night study sessions. Loft beds also offer the additional relaxation and storage space that growing kids need.

Choosing Between Bunk Beds & Loft Beds

Once you understand the difference between a bunk bed and a loft bed, you can decide which option is right for your home. Either of these beds can work in a small room as long as the ceilings are high enough, so you should consider your child’s age and how they plan to use the space to figure out which model will meet their needs.

While both bunk beds and loft beds are popular choices for kids’ rooms, you could also use these versatile and functional pieces when decorating a guest bedroom or studio apartment. Bunk beds provide multiple mattresses for accommodating friends and family over the holidays, while loft beds offer a practical, space-saving solution for tiny layouts.

Designing with Bunk Beds

If you decide that a bunk bed is the best option for your kid, the next step is to select a model that complements the size and style of their space. Small twin bunk beds are an excellent fit for young children in a tiny area, while full bunk beds offer extra room for older kids in a larger layout. You can also choose a combination twin over full bunk bed to give your kids the best of both worlds.

Stylish bunk beds feature gorgeous finishes to suit almost any color scheme or design. Choose neutral white, black and gray bunk beds to provide a simple backdrop for your child’s bright blue, pink, red and yellow bedding. Create a chic, contemporary vibe in your teen’s room using a sleek metal model or try a rustic wooden bunk bed to promote a charming, casual aesthetic.

Many bunk beds also come with built-in practical features. Opt for a bunk bed with built-in desks and bookcases to give your kid the ultimate study space. Try a frame with attached storage compartments and dressers to help your child keep their clothes and bed linens organized. For ultra-tiny rooms, consider a corner bunk bed that fits well in tight areas.

Designing with Loft Beds

A loft bed may be a better option for those looking to outfit a small room for a single sleeper. Wide, full-size loft beds are perfect for those decorating tiny rooms for teen boys and teen girls. If you’re furnishing a room for young children or growing tweens, twin loft beds might be a better fit.