Lofted Dorm Bed Ideas: Make a High Bed Look Good

6 min read · RoomMaxx

The best lofted dorm bed ideas style the bed itself, not just the space under it: add a headboard that clips or ties on, a bed rail shelf for your phone and water, curtains or a skirt to hide the frame, and warm clip lights so the top bunk feels like a cozy nook. Then sort a safe way up and down. Do those and a lofted bed goes from "metal scaffold" to the best spot in the room.

If your lofted bed looks cool in your head but messy in photos, RoomMaxx scores your room on tidy, light and vibe and tells you what to fix first. Scan my room

Should you loft your dorm bed?

First, what is a loft bed in a dorm? It's your regular dorm bed raised high on its adjustable frame (or with a college-approved loft kit) so there's usable space underneath, often enough for a desk, dresser or seating. Many US colleges have adjustable beds you can raise yourself; others want you to request it from facilities. UK halls and Canadian res vary a lot, so check your accommodation's rules.

Lofted dorm bed height: you want enough room to sit up in bed without hitting the ceiling, and enough room underneath for what you plan to put there. Measure both before you set it.

Headboard ideas for a lofted bed

A lofted bed has no wall behind it half the time, so a headboard makes a big difference.

Lofted dorm bed headboard options

• Tie-on padded headboard. Some are made specifically to strap onto dorm bed frames.
• Fabric panel on a tension rod wedged between the frame posts.
• Pillows as a headboard. Two big Euro or square pillows standing against the frame.
• A tapestry or quilt draped over the rail at the head end.
• A pinboard or corkboard zip-tied to the frame for photos and notes.

Whatever you choose, keep it light and securely attached. Nothing heavy should be able to fall onto your head or off the bed.

Bed rail shelf and caddy

The biggest problem with a lofted bed: nowhere to put your phone, glasses or water. Fix it.

• Clip-on bed shelf. Attaches to the rail, holds a phone, a drink and a book.
• Hanging bedside caddy. Slides under the mattress and hangs over the side with pockets for remote, charger, headphones.
• Cup holder clip. Tiny, cheap, saves you a spill at 2 a.m.
• A charging cable long enough to reach. Check your extension cord is allowed and not pinched in the frame.

Keep only what you need at night up there. Anything more and the rail becomes a second clutter zone.

Curtains and skirts

This is where lofted bed dorm inspo on Pinterest gets its cozy look.

• Lofted dorm bed skirt. A wrap-around bed skirt or fabric panel along the bottom of the mattress hides the frame and the chaos below.
• Curtains around the space underneath. Tension rods or command-style hooks with light curtains turn the under-bed area into a private nook.
• Curtains around the bed itself. Great for privacy in a shared room.
• Match your color story. Pick curtains in your bedding colors so the whole loft reads as one piece.

Keep all fabric away from any lamp or heat source, and check your college's fire rules on hanging fabric.

Here's the part that's hard to judge solo: a lofted bed is a big, busy block in a small room, and it's easy for it to tip from "cozy nook" to "cluttered tower." RoomMaxx scores a photo of your room on tidy, light and vibe and hands you one fix a day for the lowest score. Scan my room

Lighting a lofted bed

A lofted bed is often above the reach of your lamps and too close to the ceiling light. Layer it.

• Clip lamp on the rail for reading. Warm white bulb.
• Rechargeable puck lights stuck under the loft to light your desk below.
• A warm string light along the rail if your college allows them. Keep it away from fabric that could get hot.
• Under loft bed dorm ideas: a desk lamp for the desk under, plus a soft glow light for the chill-out zone.

With the ceiling light off, the loft glows and the room looks twice as cozy. If you're filming the reveal, our how to film a room tour guide covers how to shoot it.

Lofted dorm bed with desk under

This is the most popular setup. Tips to make it work:

• Put your lamp and monitor on the desk, not clipped to the bed above.
• Stick a small mirror or pinboard on the loft's underside edge.
• Keep the desk surface clear; the ceiling of the loft makes clutter feel closer.

Getting up and down safely

Style is great, but a loft is a high bed, so safety comes first.

1. Use the ladder or steps. Many college loft beds come with a ladder, or you can ask facilities. Some students use sturdy step stools or storage steps; make sure anything you use is stable and rated for your weight.
2. Guardrail on. If your loft has a rail, use it, especially on the open side.
3. Clear the landing zone. No shoes, bags or cables where your feet hit the floor.
4. Nightlight near the ladder. A small plug-in or motion light for bathroom trips.
5. Don't overload the bed. Keep the top light: bedding, pillows, your phone, maybe a book.
6. Follow your college's rules on loft height and what can hang from the frame.

Deciding which side of the room to put your loft on? Check which side of a dorm room is better.

Turn your loft into the best spot in the room

These lofted dorm bed ideas all come down to styling the loft, lighting it warm and keeping it tidy. Snap one photo and RoomMaxx scores your room out of 100, shows whether tidy, light or vibe is lowest, and gives you one fix for today, usually under 20 minutes with stuff you already own.

Scan my room

FAQ

How do you make a lofted dorm bed look good?

Add a headboard (tie-on, pillows or a fabric panel), a bed skirt or curtains to hide the frame, a rail shelf for nighttime stuff and warm clip lighting. Keep the bedding in one color story.

What do you put under a lofted dorm bed?

A desk is the most common choice, but a dresser, a small couch or beanbag, or storage bins also work. Curtains around the space turn it into a cozy nook.

How high should a lofted dorm bed be?

High enough to fit what you want underneath, but low enough that you can sit up in bed without hitting the ceiling. Measure your space and follow your college's rules on loft height.

What are the best steps for a lofted dorm bed?

The ladder that comes with the bed or one from facilities is the safest start. If you use steps or a stool, choose something sturdy and stable, and keep the landing area clear.

Should I loft my dorm bed?

Loft it if you need floor space and don't get up much at night. If you move a lot in your sleep or your ceiling is low, a raised (not fully lofted) bed with storage underneath might suit you better.