Building a loft bed built into the wall can be a fantastic way to save floor space and create a cozy, intimate atmosphere in your home. This design can also be a great way to make the most of a small room.
To start, you'll need to determine the size of your loft bed and the wall space available for installation. A standard loft bed can be around 6-8 feet wide and 8-10 feet long, but you can adjust the size to fit your needs.
Measuring your wall and calculating the weight-bearing capacity are crucial steps in this process. This will help you choose the right materials and ensure a safe and sturdy installation.
The type of wall you have will also impact the design and installation of your loft bed. For example, if you have a load-bearing wall, you may need to use specialized hardware to support the weight of the bed and occupants.
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Planning and Design
Start by sketching out your loft bed plan, including all the features you want, such as little nooks on the head of each bed and lights on each bed.
Consider what you want the top and bottom to be, like a bed and an open space.
Take note of your measurements and supplies needed to avoid future trips to the store.
Expect to make multiple trips to the store for supplies you forgot or underestimated.
Here's a rough idea of the features you might want to include in your loft bed plan:
- Little nooks on the head of each bed
- Lights on each bed
- Stairs that double as drawers
- A slide
- The top as a bed
- The bottom as an open space
Building the Loft Bed
Building the Loft Bed is a crucial step in creating a unique and functional space. To start, you'll need to frame the head and foot boards, as well as the platform of the loft bed. The headboard frame should be a rectangle made with 2x4s, with additional 2x4s inside to build out the nooks and create a base for the top platform.
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For the footboard, you'll want to make a similar frame, but leave off the top piece. A center support should be installed, even with the headboard, to provide additional support for the top platform. A few 2x4s from the bottom to the center support will also help to provide more support.
Plan your supplies carefully, but be prepared for the fact that you'll likely need to make multiple trips to the store to get everything you need. It's also a good idea to sketch out your plan and make a list of your measurements and supplies beforehand, but don't be afraid to adapt as you go along.
Frame the Head and Foot Boards & Platform
To frame the head and foot boards of your loft bed, start by creating a rectangle with 2x4s to the desired depth and height. This will serve as the base for your headboard.
For the headboard, add additional 2x4s inside the rectangle to build out the nooks and create a base for the top platform to sit on.
The headboard's size will serve as a template for the footboard. For the footboard, make the bottom piece and two sides, but leave off the top piece.
A center support is essential for the top platform, so install one even with the headboard. This will provide additional support for the top platform.
To add more support, place a few 2x4s from the bottom to the center support.
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Step 12: Complete Railing
To complete the railing, you'll need some trim pieces. I used thin trim pieces and installed three pieces horizontally across the railing to make it look more like a fence.
The stain color I chose was half Pecan and half Classic Gray, which turned out to be the perfect combination. I stained the fence posts and the tops of the stair treads using Behr Stain + Poly.
Once the stain was dry, I installed the trim pieces to add some charm to the bed. I love how it turned out!
Custom Options
You can choose from a variety of bed sizes, including twin, queen, and king.
A custom design consultation is the first step to creating your dream loft bed built into the wall.
During the consultation, a designer will take precise measurements and assess your room's layout to ensure the bed fits perfectly.
The designer will also discuss how the space will function with your new custom wall bed.
You can customize the bed to include features like storage cabinets, desks, or shelving.
Some popular features to consider include:
- Integrated Storage: Add cabinets, wardrobes, and shelving to keep your space organized.
- Drop-Down Desks: Perfect for creating a dual-purpose office and guest room.
- Entertainment Centers: Combine sleeping arrangements with media storage for the ultimate flexible space.
- Custom Cabinetry: Conceal your bed within custom cabinetry for a polished and streamlined design.
A custom cabinetry option allows you to hide your bed within the wall for a sleek, polished look.
The bed can be designed to be a little wider to accommodate stuffed animals or other items on either side of the mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bed built into the wall called?
A Murphy bed is a type of bed that folds up against the wall, often stored in a closet or cabinet. It's a space-saving solution for small rooms or apartments.
Are loft beds okay for adults?
Loft beds can be safe for adults if designed and constructed properly. However, proper design and construction are crucial to ensure a safe sleeping experience.
How to stabilize a loft bed to a wall?
To stabilize a loft bed to a wall, locate the wall stud and screw the bed frame to it using lag screws. This ensures a secure and sturdy attachment to the wall.
Do loft beds need to be secured to the wall?
Loft beds typically don't require wall attachment, but securing them can provide extra safety and peace of mind.
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