There are several situations where a loft bed becomes a great alternative to traditional beds.

Small Apartment Living

This style is simple and looks great for small apartment spaces. Built in a deck like fashion.

You will find free plans here.

College Dorm

This style is simple and can be removed when you leave.

Creating Study or Play Space

We found ourselves trying to build a bedroom in a narrow portion of the basement. With the placement of the hot water heater and window it was impossible to avoid a narrow space.

Building a Wall to Wall Loft Bed

We made up for it with a large walk in closet and a loft bed. Now our daughter is in 7th Heaven and has loved organizing all her stuff on the book shelf and cubby wall.

Bolt Supports Into the Wall

Create a firm bed that won’t creak or move by first building a good support system. I used 1/4″ diameter bolts and ratcheted a bolt into each stud in the wall. With this being a wall-to-wall loft I was able to bolt into the walls on three sides.

Mark where each wall stud is on the wall. Hold a 2×4 up on the wall and mark on the 2×4 where each stud is located. Drill 1/4″ pilot holes where you have marked for the bolt to fit.

To get an truly flat bed, use a level when attaching 2x4s to ensure the support is horizontal.

For the large “doorway” under the bed use 2x4s as shown in the picture below, resting on vertical 2x4s.

Build Shelves Under the Loft Bed

To make the most of the space under the bed you can create deep shelves for cubbies and a book shelf.

Use a level here as well to ensure the shelves are straight. I would hold the shelf level, then measure the vertical support beam.

When finishing the shelves, paint the support boards to match the wall color. As you can see here the supports almost blend into the wall.

Place Supports Under the Bed

Putting supports under the bed also help with making a solid immovable bed. I used one 2×4 length wise and cut notches out for two 2x2s then reinforced each board with metal brackets.

The floor of the bed was made using 3/4 inch plywood.

Build Loft Railing

The railing was a little difficult since the bed was longer. I wanted it to be sturdy and withstand heavy use. First I put a bolt in each rung. I screwed the top railing in place and found it still shook a bit.

I then installed an A frame support on the end of the railing. This worked beautifully and took care of any slight movement.

Smooth Out the Finish

Next I sanded down all the joints. Then I caulked in all the screws, joints and imperfections in the wood. There were still a few problem areas so I mixed up a batch of drywall mud and applied it to the wood, let dry and sanded smooth.

Paint or Stain Loft Bed

My daughter and I decided to use white wash on the bed since the room already had some deep blues and we wanted the bed to stand out.

You can buy whitewash stain or you can make your own whitewash. I used 2 parts water to 1 part paint. The nice thing about making your own is you can use paint you already have on hand. It also made it easy to match our trim since it was the same shade.

At first it looks pretty opaque, but the paint soaks into the wood and quickly gets that beach wood look. You can also wipe part of it away with a rag if you want a lighter effect.

Add a Carpet Landing

We had left over carpet scraps that I used for a comfy loft landing. First put down the padding and secure in place with staples. Then screw the carpet into place on the underside onto the landing. Once you flip the carpet over it gives a nice carpeted edge.

Enjoy Your New Space

You’ve arrived, pull out your organization skills and use those cubbies. I plan on installing some sort of material for privacy between the railing rung. I’m thinking corrugated metal, antique rulers or plain-boring-flat wood.

What would you put in between rungs for more privacy and still have it look nice?

Well until next time, have a great day and keep creating!

Natalie