Low loft or high loft? Ceiling height and what fits underneath

The first question we get about loft beds is not about the finish or the ladder. It is "will it fit under my ceiling?" The answer depends on which height of loft you are looking at, so here is how the three heights compare and how to measure.

The three heights

Low loft. Our low lofts stand about 50 inches high, with roughly 33 inches of clearance underneath. That is enough for toy storage, a reading corner or a play tent, and the bed is an easy first step up for a younger child. Several come with a staircase, a slide or a curtain.

Mid loft. A middle height that frees up room for storage or a small desk while staying easy to reach. If a high loft feels like too much for your child's age, this is the usual compromise.

High loft. Most of our high lofts stand 68 to 70 inches tall and leave 51 to 55 inches under the bed. That is a full desk, a dresser or a reading nook, which is why the loft beds with desk are all high lofts.

The exact height and under-bed clearance for each bed is in the Details tab on its product page.

Checking your ceiling

Measure from the floor to the ceiling at the spot where the bed will go, and subtract the bed's overall height. On a standard 8-foot ceiling (96 inches), a 68.5-inch high loft leaves about 27 inches between the top of the guardrail and the ceiling, and the mattress sits below the rail. Your child should be able to sit up in bed comfortably, so if you have a sloped ceiling, a ceiling fan or a bulkhead, measure at the lowest point the bed will reach.

Keep mattress thickness in mind too. Every bed's instructions state the maximum mattress height so the guardrail can do its job, and our low-profile mattresses are sized for bunk and loft clearances.

Which one

• Younger child, or a ceiling under 8 feet: low loft.
• Need a desk or dresser underneath: high loft.
• Not sure: measure, then email us the ceiling height and the bed you are looking at and we will confirm the fit.

Browse low lofts, mid lofts and high lofts. Everything ships free anywhere in Canada.