Loft and bunk beds are often ideal solutions to various design issues people face when trying to maximize their space and make the most of a small room, studio apartment, vacation rental, or a shared living area like a hostel or dorm.
But of course, every choice has consequences, and when you upgrade your room with a loft or bunk bed, that often means you’ve created some other concern that needs to be addressed. One common question that arises is how to use a light source to sufficiently illuminate all of the usable areas in a room, especially when whole portions of the overhead lighting may be obscured or even totally blocked by the raised sleeping platform.
Fortunately, there are many creative solutions to this problem. For your convenience, we’ve curated our eight favorite lighting ideas for loft and bunk beds below.
How Do String or Rope Lights Work for Bunk Beds?
One of the most striking lighting solutions for loft and bunk beds is to hang string or rope lights underneath the bottom of the raised sleeping platform. These lights typically work by being mounted or clipped along the underside of the bed frame and powered through a standard wall outlet or low-voltage adapter, providing ambient light without taking up floor or desk space. This could be traditional string lights, more ornate and design-conscious solutions with different types of bulbs, or LED rope lights (which can also change colors - and moods - depending on the type you purchase). It’s worth noting that this solution really only works for the person sleeping on the bottom bunk or when the space beneath the loft bed is being utilized for other activities - and of course, for creating or enhancing a specific vibe - but that it’s not an all-purpose solution for lighting an entire room.
(Photo via Pinterest)
What Are the Benefits of LED Tube Light Fixtures for Bunk Beds?
Similar in intention to the string or rope lights, LED tube light fixtures can be affixed to the lower part of your loft bed or top bunk’s bed rails to shine a light on the space beneath the elevated sleeping platform. LED tube light fixtures are popular for bunk beds because they provide bright, even lighting with minimal heat, use very little power, and have a low-profile design that installs cleanly under bed frames or along bed rails. Many LED tube light fixtures can be purchased in multiple packs, so you can get as few or as many as you need. The best part is that these fixtures are made to be placed on surfaces (meaning they’re not heavy and usually have flat backs), so they should be easy to attach with adhesives. Because of the wide four inch bed rails that we use for our Adult Loft and Bunk Beds, they’re particularly adept at accommodating these fixtures. And because LED lights have so many different color options, you can play around to find the styles that look best in your space.
(Photo via SuperBrightLEDS.com)
Are Clip-On Lamps a Good Lighting Solution for Bunk Beds?
Yes, clip-on lamps can be a good lighting solution for bunk beds, especially if you want flexible, low-cost lighting without permanent installation. These use standard bulbs and simply plug into a wall socket (or even use batteries in some cases). Most importantly, they’re super lightweight and can easily be moved around and clipped onto many different surfaces, so it can either live in a specific space on or around your bed frame, or move up and down the bed with you and be wherever you need it at any given time.
(Photo via The Home Depot)
Can You Use Desk Lamps with Loft and Bunk Beds?
Yes, you can use desk lamps with loft and bunk beds, as long as the bed setup includes a stable surface to support the lamp. This can include a desk, nightstand, or shelving. With our Adult Loft and Bunk Beds, we’d recommend this option if you order accessories that the light can sit on, such as an attached desk or the bookshelf. Our bookshelf headboard even has a hole in the back to run cords through, so that they won’t have to hang over the edge of your bed or disrupt your décor. See the photos below for examples of these accessories with desk lamps.
What Are the Advantages of Mounted Wall Lights for Bunk Beds?
Mounted wall lights offer a permanent, polished lighting solution for bunk beds by providing individual light sources for each sleeping platform and elevating the overall look of the room. This offers two primary benefits over the options we’ve already mentioned. The first (and more practical) purpose is to provide an individual light source for every sleeping platform (meaning it’s probably more worthwhile for bunk beds, especially in a room with quality overhead lighting). The other reason is these lights will give your room a more mature and sophisticated design aesthetic, so if your goal is to impress the folks who will be sleeping there (say in a vacation rental), this might be a worthwhile investment in the overall style of your space. Of course, one must consider that installing these lights in a room that doesn’t already have them will require re-wiring and the expertise of a professional electrician.
(Photo via Decoist)
How Can Floor Lamps Be Used with Loft Beds?
Floor lamps can be used with loft beds by placing a tall lamp next to or beneath the bed to provide reachable lighting from the sleeping platform and usable light for the space below. As long as it’s tall enough for you to reach when you’re in the bed, a floor lamp can basically act like any other bedside lamp that sits on a nightstand (note: you can check out any of our loft bed product pages for dimensions to see how tall your lamp would need to be). And if you get a floor lamp with multiple light sources, you could make it work as a multi-purpose lighting solution. For example, in my home office, I use a floor lamp with an additional “task light” (see picture below) with my loft bed. The upper light serves as a light source when I’m up on the bed, and the adjustable task light works as a sort of desk lamp when I’m working below.
(Photo via The Home Depot)
Should You Install a Ceiling Light with a Remote for a Loft Bed?
Yes, installing a ceiling light with a remote can be a smart lighting solution for a loft bed, especially if you want to control the light without climbing in and out of the bed. There are even “smart” LED light fixtures that allow you to use your phone to operate the light.
(Photo via Walmart)
How Can Natural Light Brighten a Room with a Loft or Bunk Bed?
Natural light can brighten a room with a loft or bunk bed by entering through windows and reflecting off open space beneath the elevated sleeping platform, helping light reach more of the room throughout the day. Natural sunlight not only provides many health benefits, but it will also save you money and is better for the environment in the long-run.
At the end of the day, the purpose of your loft or bunk bed is to help you find the best ways to use the space you’ve got and unleash your creative design potential. No matter what lighting solution you end up with, it should be the one that not only fits your lifestyle, but also enhances your space and brightens your day, literally and figuratively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting for Loft and Bunk Beds
What Type of Lighting Is Best for Reading in a Bunk Bed?
The best lighting for reading in a bunk bed is a focused, adjustable light source that can be positioned close to the sleeper, such as a clip-on lamp or a dedicated bunk bed reading light. These options provide enough brightness for reading without lighting up the entire room or disturbing someone on the other bunk.
Clip-on lamps and small reading lamps for bunk beds work well because they can attach directly to the bed frame or a nearby shelf. This makes them a practical light for bunk bed reading and one of the most reliable bunk bed light ideas for shared spaces.
Are LED Lights Safe to Use on Bunk or Loft Beds?
Yes, LED lights are generally safe to use on bunk or loft beds because they produce very little heat and use low amounts of electricity. This makes them a popular choice for loft bed lights and bunk beds with LED lights, especially in enclosed or elevated sleeping areas.
LED strips, tube lights, and under-bed lighting are commonly used as bed LED lighting ideas because they can be mounted securely and left on for long periods without overheating. As with any bunk bed light, proper installation and cord management are key for safety.
Where Should You Place Lights for the Top Bunk?
Lights for the top bunk should be placed where they are easy to reach from the sleeping position, such as along the bed rail, mounted to the wall beside the bunk, or clipped directly to the frame. The goal is to provide usable light without forcing someone to climb down to turn it on or off.
Many bunk bed lighting ideas focus on clip-on lamps or low-profile LED fixtures for this reason. When placed correctly, these solutions function as an effective bunk bed lamp while keeping cords and fixtures out of the way.
Can You Add Built-In Lighting to a Bunk Bed Later?
Yes, built-in lighting can often be added to a bunk bed later using surface-mounted LED fixtures, clip-on lights, or adhesive LED strips. These options make it possible to create bunk beds with lights without modifying the structure of the bed.
Under-bed lighting and rail-mounted LEDs are especially popular under the bed lights and bunk bed light ideas because they install easily and can be removed or adjusted over time. This flexibility makes them ideal for evolving room layouts.
What Is the Safest Lighting Option for Children or Guests Using a Bunk Bed?
The safest lighting option for children or guests using a bunk bed is low-voltage LED lighting that stays cool to the touch and mounts securely. LED strips, clip-on lamps designed for bunk beds, and soft under bed lights reduce the risk of burns or accidental contact.
These solutions are commonly used in light bunk bed setups and beds that light up because they provide visibility without exposed bulbs or heavy fixtures. Choosing stable, purpose-built bunk bed lights ideas helps keep the sleeping area safe and easy to use.