Modern, Lofted Beds For Tiny Spaces

For the spatially challenged, think vertically: lofted beds make every inch count.

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Take a look at eight examples of lofted spaces that have been turned into beds that look surprisingly comfortable and welcoming.

Sky-Lit Bed in a Matchbox House

A skylight over the lofted bed and some clever storage moves, including magnetized spice containers overhead help maximize space in Austin's Matchbox house.

Photo: Eli Meir Kaplan

On Top of a Renovated Barn Outside San Francisco

Two bedrooms flank a petite loft space, bringing the apartment's total sleeping spaces to three.

Photo: Jeff Zaruba

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Three-Story Brick Loft

The three levels of the house transition from public to private: The ground floor is composed of the kitchen and living-dining area; the bathroom and closet occupy the mezzanine, accessed by a ship’s ladder; and the sleeping loft hovers a couple steps above. The seminal 1970s tome A Pattern Language, written by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein, inspired the layout. "I’m a huge proponent of the [book]," says Azevedo. "I like the ideas of a bed as an alcove, natural light on two sides of a room, varying ceiling heights, and different levels of privacy."

Photo: Cesar Rubio

Tiny Manhattan Studio

Of the seven steps in Michael Pozner’s not-quite-500-square-foot aerie in Greenwich Village, five contain drawers. His small set of table and chairs is from CB2.

Photo: Raimund Koch

A Writer's Off-the-Grid Cabin

The interior is clad exclusively in white pine, the diagonal orientation adding visual interest to the neutral palette. Alex sourced utilitarian features like cattle fencing and plumbing pipe for the loft sleeping area.

Photo: Eirik Johnson

A Union Square Hat Factory-Turned-Loft

"The stair [by Lapeyre Stair] is very cost-effective, as compared to building woodwork," Woo explains. "It occupies very little space, and you can come down without holding the rail." Of the small gap that reveals the kitchen, he says, "That’s very important, to give a sense of continuous space."

Photo: Adam Friedberg

Tiny DIY Trailer Built by a Couple on a Budget

The sleeping loft features a Velux skylight. Structural insulated panels by Vantem keep heating costs down in almost any climate.

Photo: Benjamin Rasmussen

576-Square-Foot London Apartment

Hynam designed and built the cabinets under the stairs and a drawer that slides out from beneath the bottom step. Drink H1 pendant lamps from Rotaliana hang in the kitchen and above a Grassworks dining table by Jair Straschnow.

Photo: Joakim Blockstrom

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