Loft Beds for Adults

A loft bed for adults can put sleeping space above a desk, storage or seating area. Start with the mattress width and length you want, then check the room in three dimensions: space above the mattress, usable space below the loft, and room to reach the ladder or stairs. A larger mattress gives you more sleeping room; a taller frame does not automatically give you a comfortable workspace.

Compare full loft beds, extra-long loft beds and queen loft beds, or use the fit checks below to narrow the choice before you shop.

Measure two different spaces: above the mattress and below the loft

A. Above the mattress: subtract the height to the top of the mattress support and your mattress thickness from the ceiling height. For example, 96 − 54 − 8 = 34 inches above the mattress. These are example measurements, not a minimum ceiling height or a fit approval for a particular bed. Check your seated height on the mattress, nearby fixtures and the model’s instructions.

B. Below the loft: measure to the lowest rail, brace or other part above the place you will sit or put furniture. A floor-to-slat measurement can be a useful starting point, but a lower member may reduce the usable opening. Do not substitute the bed’s overall height for either of these measurements.

Our low, mid and high loft-bed guide explains the height choices. Here, the goal is to check the exact bed against your room and furniture.

Will your desk, monitor and chair work underneath?

Measure the whole setup, including yourself. Add the monitor and stand height to the desktop height; measure from the chair seat to the top of your head while sitting as you normally work. Then add the chair’s seat height at that setting. Check chair arms, knee room and the space you need to pull back and stand up.

If the seated position is too tall, a screen that fits will not solve it. A different chair setting may affect desk comfort, so try your normal working posture before choosing a loft. An open frame lets you choose separate furniture; a loft bed with a desk includes a work surface whose dimensions you should check just as carefully.

Compare mattress size and the complete bed footprint

Twin XL and Full XL mattresses are both 80 inches long, but Full XL is wider. A queen is also 80 inches long and wider again. Standard Twin and Full mattresses are 75 inches long. Choose both dimensions for how you sleep, then allow for the frame, access and furniture around it.

The examples above use different access positions. The straight end ladder adds to the Crystal bed’s length; the straight front ladder adds to the Lily bed’s width. Those furniture dimensions still need a clear approach. Do not use mattress area or the outside frame rectangle as a promise of usable floor space below.

Choose access and storage for everyday use

Think through the climb at bedtime, getting down in the morning and changing the sheets. Compare ladder angle, rung or tread dimensions, handholds and the approach for the person using the bed. Beds with stairs can offer another access style, with storage drawers on selected models; include the staircase and open drawers in the room plan.

Loft height is a choice about how you want to use the room. A customer who chose our Lily White Low Queen Loft Bed Frame for a child appreciated the play area underneath and the lower bed height, which made it easier to see and help their child in bed. That lower height suited the family’s needs. For your room, choose the height around the sleeping space and the storage, seating or workspace you want below. Read the full customer review.

If you want seating, measure the seat height plus your seated height, and check the movement needed to sit down and get up. Leave doors, closets and the route through the room usable after the chair is pulled back or storage is open.

Keep the model’s capacity and mattress requirements together

Compare the stated load rating, permitted use and mattress requirements for the bed you select. A high rating does not establish the headroom, access or workspace fit. Use the required guardrails and designated access, and follow the assembly and use instructions. Keep the bed clear of ceiling fans and other overhead hazards.

Choose mattress thickness within the model’s limit; a thicker mattress reduces the space above it and the exposed guardrail height. Our mattress collection can help you compare available options. If children will also use the room, children under six should not use the upper bed.

Your adult-loft fit notes

Copy these four checks into a note and fill in your measurements. Keep the selected model and access option with them so you can compare another bed without mixing specifications.

Desk fit, under-loft clearance and room access are questions our team has helped customers work through. Bring your fit notes to our personal shoppers, including the selected product and size, room measurements and the furniture you want below. We can help identify any measurements still needed before you order. Call (800) 976-0102 or email [email protected].

Planning delivery and assembly too? Visit our Help Center for shipping, safety and furniture-care resources, or start with our furniture delivery and assembly guide.