Over the years, I’ve helped families in their search for sleeping solutions. I’ve seen how easy it is to confuse loft and bunk beds. Not understanding the main differences can lead to purchasing the wrong type.
This guide distinguishes key aspects of a bunk bed vs loft bed to help you pick the right choice.
Key Things to Know About the Differences Between a Bunk Bed vs Loft Bed
Bunk beds are stacked vertically, allowing more than one person to easily sleep in a room. Bunk beds are ideal for a child’s room.
On the other hand, loft beds have an elevated single bed above an open area underneath. They are perfect for placing a desk in an open area and a bed with space for kids to play in. Unlike bunk beds that have two mattresses, loft beds only have one.
Overview of Bunk Beds
A bunk bed is defined as at least two beds stacked on top of each other and forming one unit. Like a twin bed, it’s perfect when I need at least two beds in one room, especially when I don’t have my own private space.
- The mattress generally lies directly on a board, meaning you don’t have to have a box spring.
- Usually, there are rails on the top bed to ensure the person sleeping there doesn’t roll over and fall off.
Pros
- Costing around $600, some beds have storage underneath. The extra room makes stashing sheets, clothes, or blankets easy in your own private space.
- Having clearly defined separate spaces helps children reduce the possibility of fighting.
Cons
- Any instability will increase the likelihood of injury.
- Bunk beds are often big and very close to the ceiling.
Overview of Loft Beds
Loft beds are elevated structures that look like bunk beds, except they do not have a bottom bunk.
- The one bed is lifted into the air and supported by a solid metal or wood frame. The floor area below has room for a desk or other furniture.
- You’ll want to choose it if you have a very limited room area, including a play space for kids.
Source: Wayfair
Pros
- Perfect for people who like an elevated setup yet only need one bed.
- With less than $200, you can use a twin loft bed to free up a ton of floor space directly under the bed.
Cons
- Making the bed is very difficult, especially when sleeping high.
- There is only one sleeping area, which means that if you have more than one child or need more sleeping space for young adults. You will have to spend twice as much money upgrading your room.
Main Differences Between Bunk Beds and Loft Beds
Bunk and loft may look like they have the same features. But, these sleep options have distinct elements that give them different purposes. In effect, they also differ in benefits and drawbacks.
- Structure: Bunk beds consist of two beds stacked vertically. They have supporting posts on each corner. A loft can have a single bed raised on posts, leaving open space underneath.
- Ladder use: Most models come equipped with a ladder attached to the side to access the top bunk. Loft commonly incorporates a full staircase.
- Floor space: With a corner bunk, the lower bed takes up extra space directly underneath the top bunk. A loft bed clears the floor area. It provides room to place other furniture or create a workstation. You can also add customized built-ins to maximize space.
- Sleep options: Bunk beds provide at least two beds for two people. But, you can buy two loft beds.
- Storage space: A bunk can have drawers, whereas a loft allows for even more storage underneath. The latter can have shelves or cabinets, to maximize space in a room.
- Customization options: Loft offers more customization, like a storage unit or desk underneath. A lower bunk is mainly just open.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better, Loft or Bunk Beds?
As they don’t have the same features, you’ll see which type of bed would suit kids, adults, and guests.
| Feature | Bunk | Loft |
| Structure | Two stacked beds with supportive posts | One elevated bed with supportive posts |
| Sleeping capacity | Two people | One person |
| Ladder use | Typically has a ladder | May have a ladder, although it often has stairs |
| Floor space | Takes up storage space | Leaves extra space |
| Customization | Less customizable | Allows for more built-ins like desks and cabinets |
| Storage | May include drawers | Can have shelves or cabinets |
Bunk Bed or Loft: Which Is Better for Kids?
If a twin bed seems small for two kids, a corner bunk is often the better bed option and leaves room for a play space. The latter allows at least two kids or friends to have a sleepover together in a child’s room. A ladder adds fun, and lower bunk beds are safer for younger or older kids.
Loft or Bunk: Which Is Better for Teens and Adults?
A loft is typically better for adults since grown-ups often don’t need a second bed. They also benefit more from the open space underneath for an office or couch. Suppose you can spend up to $3,000 – a premium and higher loft will offer more usable area below. It also provides more sleeping space for at least two adults.
Bunk Bed or Loft: Which Is Better for Guests?
Without spending over $300, bunk beds work better for guests. With bunks, more people can use the same room comfortably. Unless you have two loft beds, bunk beds allow more sleeping capacity when hosting older kids. You can also look at getting a triple bunk bed if you need more room for people to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Bunk and a Futon Bed?
A bunk has two stacked beds, one on top of the other, while a futon has a thin mattress that can fold into a couch. Bunk beds are designed for sleeping. Futons offer a multi-purpose couch and bed combination.
Can You Use a Bunk Bed as a Loft Bed?
You can use a bunk as a loft by removing the bottom bunk and elevating the posts. But, the posts are usually shorter than bed posts.
Is There a Loft Bunk Bed?
There is no standard furniture piece called a loft bunk bed. A loft is designed for sleeping high, while bunk beds style have two stacked beds. But you can DIY it by stacking a loft bed.
Conclusion
Knowing the distinctions between bunk and loft beds, allows you to make the right choice. Consider the pros and cons of each so you can pick the ideal bed.
