Can you put a desk under a loft bed?

Loft beds have proven to be a perfect style of bed for any who are seeking to save space. Loft beds create floor space, which can then be used for many bedroom items: seating, an entertainment station, a vanity, or a desk. Of the many options for loft beds, desks are the most popular and can be used for many applications.

In this blog we will explore the possibilities that a desk for loft bed can create. We will also see if the desk and loft bed are a good match for your bedroom.

What is a loft bed?

A loft bed is a style of bed that is raised up high from the ground on long legs. You can get to the mattress on top with the help of a ladder or stairs. A loft bed is always a platform bed, because a box spring bed will take up useful space that you would otherwise be used for clearance. Loft beds are gaining popularity right now because they free up more floor space in a bedroom, making them perfect for those who wish to save more floor space. That extra space can then be used for a variety of things, such as a desk. And since they elevate the mattress it gives the sleeper a nice high perch position, which many people say they enjoy.

What can you put under a loft bed?

Here are some of the things that can be put under a loft bed: a sitting area, a drawer, a dresser, a vanity, a TV, a desk, or even a built in desk. There are many options that will help you to create and achieve the style you want, so it is really up to you!

Can you put a desk under a loft bed?

Can you put a desk under a loft bed, and is it a good use of the space? Yes, you can put a desk under a loft bed, and it is a great use of space! Many people find that a high loft of bed with desk creates an ideal home office, or a convenient hobby space to learn new skills. A high loft bed leaves plenty of space for a desk and chair, while a low loft bed still has enough room, although it may not be as spacious.

How much space is under a loft bed?

With all these possibilities, you may be wondering: "how much space is under a loft bed?" The floor space is determined by the size of the mattress, and the clearance is determined by the height of the loft bed.

A typical sized loft bed with a full size mattress can comfortably fit a single person at a desk underneath it, while those willing to squeeze can fit two people, depending upon where they sit. A queen size loft bed can fit multiple people at desks more easily, and the possibilities increase with larger mattresses, such as kings. See our Mattress Size Guide for mattress dimensions.

How tall is the space under a loft bed?

You may also ask: "how tall is the space under a loft bed?" A typical Ikea Storå loft bed has a 67 3/8" clearance, or about 5'7", which is a standard height for many loft beds that allows an average person to stand or just slightly duck under the bed. It is up to you to decide: do you want to be able to stand under your loft bed, or do you prioritize sitting? 52" is about the clearance that an average sized person will need to sit comfortably under a loft bed on a regular sized chair, while a high loft will allow more movement.

What is the height of a loft bed?

Clearance under a loft bed is always a trade off between space above the bed and space below. It is important to know how high your ceiling is before purchasing a loft bed, as ceilings can be anywhere from under 7ft to 10ft and beyond. Here is a breakdown of how tall your loft bed should be for the most common ceiling heights, measuring space from the floor to the top of the railing. So if your ceiling height is one of the following heights, your loft bed should be:

• • 7ft: 54" tall
  • 8ft: 66" tall
  • 9ft: 78" tall
  • 10ft: 90" tall

How much clearance do you need above a loft bed? All of these measurements will leave 36" from the top of the mattress to the ceiling, which is high enough for an average person to sit up comfortably in bed, and is a good clearance for above a loft bed. For safety, your railing should be at least 6 inches higher than the top of your mattress.

Do you find that you have a ceiling height other than what is listed above or want to calculate how high your loft bed should be yourself? Simply subtract 30" from your ceiling height, and that is how high your loft bed should be from floor to the top of the railing.

There are four heights you should consider when seeing what loft bed will work for you: the clearance from floor to slats, the mattress thickness from slats to top of mattress, the railing height, and the space from railing to ceiling. With a railing that is 6" higher than the top of the mattress you should have about 30" between the ceiling and railing, 6 inches from top of railing to mattress, about 12" for mattress and slats, and the remainder will be the space under the bed which can be used for storage or your desk.

Are loft beds worth it?

You may still be asking yourself, "are loft beds worth it, are they right for me?" At Solid Custom Heirlooms, we think so! We have had many satisfied loft bed customers, who find that a loft bed meets their desk needs while economizing space in their rooms. We believe “Solid is Best”, and use solid wood in our designs to help ensure maximum loft bed stability and desk quality.

If you have an idea for a loft bed with desk that would work perfectly for you, we gladly accept custom orders and discuss each piece of furniture with our customers. And if you see furniture on our website and have an idea on how to customize it to make it best for you, feel free to contact us to discuss your ideas.