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Last Updated June 23, 2025
Dorm rooms are unreasonably small. You walk in with your boxes, take one look around, and immediately realize something has to change if you’re going to fit your life and your sanity into that shoebox. Lofting your bed is one of the smartest and most transformative things you can do. It turns vertical space into usable space, freeing up the area underneath for storage, studying, lounging, or whatever setup helps you function in your new home. If you're not sure how to loft a dorm bed the right way, worry not! This guide will walk you through every step in a simple way and help you avoid common mistakes that can make the process more complicated than necessary.
Key Takeaways:
When you're working with limited square footage, going vertical is a game-changer. Raising your bed gives you a completely new zone underneath it. You might tuck your desk there, create a mini lounge, or build out storage with bins, baskets, a rolling cart, etc. It makes your room feel less like a storage unit and more like a functional space that actually works for your life.
Lofting your bed also gives your room a more defined layout. It separates your sleeping area from your work or chill zone, which makes everything feel more intentional. If your dorm feels like a single messy surface right now, lofting helps fix that.
Now, let us look at the step-by-step dorm bed lofting instructions.
Start by identifying what kind of bed you’re working with. Not all dorm beds are built the same, and how you raise yours depends entirely on its design.
Common dorm bed types include:
If you’re unsure, ask your resident advisor or housing staff. Some colleges restrict DIY lofting and only allow specific kits or professional setup services. Check before you start.
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it. Moving a bed affects the whole room layout. Before you start lifting anything, sit down with your roommate and discuss how you want to set up the space. Figure out where each of you wants your bed, desk, and other essentials to go. You don’t want to lift your bed, spend an hour arranging things, and then realize neither of you can open a drawer.
It’s also worth noting that this is absolutely not a solo project. Grab your roommate or a helpful neighbor. Two people make this process way easier and much safer.
Before you start moving anything, take everything off your bed. That includes the mattress, sheets, blankets, and anything you might have stored underneath. If you’ve already decorated the wall near your bed, take those things down too. It’s amazing how fast a poster can get ripped when a bed frame swings the wrong way.
If you’re working with a wooden bed frame, make sure you’ve got enough floor space to set the pieces down without tripping over them. With metal frames, you’ll need space to tilt and lift the structure into place. Clear it all now and avoid the chaos later.
Now comes the main event. How you loft depends on your frame type.
If you have a metal adjustable bed:
If you’re dealing with a wooden modular bed:
Take your time here. Once the bed is lofted, you don’t want to climb up and realize one leg is barely holding on.
Once your bed is in place, think about how you’re actually going to use it. Most dorm lofts don’t come with a ladder, so you’ll need one unless you’re tall enough to jump up easily. Even if you can get up without help, a small step stool or ladder makes climbing safer and more convenient, especially late at night.
Don’t skip the safety rail if your college offers one. You might not think you’ll roll off in your sleep, but lofted beds are high enough that a fall could really hurt.
Under-bed lighting is another underrated add-on. The area under a lofted bed tends to be dark, especially in the evenings. Clip-on lamps or LED bars can turn it into a cozy nook instead of a gloomy cave.
This is where your lofted bed really starts to shine. You’ve created an entire zone of usable space. Now it’s time to make it work for you.
A few common setups include:
Whatever you do with the space, make sure there’s enough headroom to sit or move around comfortably. No one wants to hit their head every time they reach for their shoes.
Before you throw the mattress back on and call it a day, give your setup a once-over. Climb up and lie down. Is the frame steady? Does it creak too much when you move? Does anything feel uneven or loose?
Check the pins, bolts, and connectors one more time. Make sure nothing wobbles or shifts. You’ll sleep better knowing your setup is solid.
Not every dorm setup allows lofting, especially if your school has strict safety policies. If that’s the case, there are still ways to reclaim some space.
Use bed risers: These elevate your bed just enough to fit storage bins or drawers underneath.
Mid-level height: Many adjustable beds offer an in-between setting that provides storage space without requiring full loft height.
Bunking with a roommate: If both of you are open to it, stacking your beds on a bunk frame can free up a good amount of space.
Lofting your dorm bed is a bit of a project, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make during move-in. It turns your bed into more than just a place to crash. It gives your room structure and flexibility, and it frees up floor space you’ll be glad to have when everything else starts piling up.
Just make sure to plan it well, seek help when needed, and take the time to do it safely. Once it’s done, you’ll wonder how you ever lived with your bed flat on the floor.
You can, but it’s not recommended. Dorm beds are heavy and awkward to move. It’s much safer (and a heck of a lot easier) with a second person to help lift and steady the frame.
Start by checking with your housing office. Remove the mattress, then raise the frame to a higher slot or reassemble it at a lofted height. Use a rubber mallet if needed, and secure all parts tightly. Add a ladder/stool if the bed is high.
Lofting can create a huge difference in your living space. Depending on how high you raise the bed, you might gain enough room for a desk, chest of drawers, or even a small couch. If you raise it to captain's height or higher, you can comfortably fit storage bins or a workspace underneath, making the most of every square foot in your room.
Lofting one bed is still a smart move, even in tight space limitations. It creates space for additional furniture and helps you store your supplies more efficiently. Just make sure your layout doesn’t block your roommate’s side or access to shared areas.
That depends on your campus rules. Some schools allow students to move/replace certain pieces, like the headboard or desk, while others require all furniture to stay in the room. Measure the dimensions of each item before lifting your bed so you know exactly what can fit underneath.
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Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
