Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever
If you're planning a shared bedroom for your children or putting together a dorm room, or simply maximizing your space bunk beds are adaptable and more stylish than ever. There are many styles to consider, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full models.
Find one that is in line with your budget and your kids' room dimensions, and be aware that some bunks can accommodate trundle beds on the bottom for sleepovers.
Size
Bunk beds are a common feature of the bedrooms of children, offering both efficiency and adventure for kids who want to sleep side by side. They're also a popular choice for shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles and materials with options to fit every budget and size of room. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin constructions to more elaborate models that include stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.
We weighed a range of factors while scouring the market for our top picks including the overall design, safety, and value. We also consulted experts -- parents and one who wrote the book on bunk beds to assist us in locating the best alternatives. Discover our seven favorites by reading on.
Before purchasing bunk beds, it's important to think about the dimensions of the bed. This is particularly important when you're evaluating your ceiling height. Measure your space before buying bunk beds to make sure they're a good fit. The top bunk should have at 5 inches of headroom. We also recommend staying away from trundle beds with high-hanging mattresses, which can restrict headroom and increase the chance of head bumps.
Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to access the top bunk. Stairs are easier to climb and safer, however they may take up more space on the floor than a ladder. Ladders may be less bulky however they are more cost-effective. They can feel too high for younger children.
On the product page you'll see the weight capacity of each top bunk mattress. Most manufacturers list this information in the mattress's dimensions. A higher weight capacity typically indicates that the mattress is suitable for older kids or adults who require a bigger mattress.
A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three options to match your children bedroom decor. The white of the snow adds a luminous coastal look to a classic kids' room and brushed gray or rich walnut add warmth and class to a rustic or farmhouse style.
Safety
When you are buying a bunk bed be sure to consider more than the price and ensure that it has all the safety features you need. A reputable seller lists the weight capacity and describes the structure's durability and strength. This is especially helpful for families that plan to reuse the beds as the children get older.
Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids recommends leaving 33-36 inches between the mattress's top and the ceiling. "If you don't have room for that amount of space, you might think about a low-height bunk," she adds. "That's a great option for a small room as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. This can make it be uncomfortable as kids get older."
Another factor to consider is how much space you have available for stairs or ladders. A bunk with built-in stairs will save space, but it could also be more costly and take longer to put together. If you're short on space, you can opt for a ladder that is simple and allows your children to safely climb to the top of the bunk.
The bunks on this list are all made of sturdy construction, and they comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. They also pass lead and anti-tip testing which is a great relief for parents of children who share a room. For instance, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like tank," says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: with 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels employ and are therefore constructed to last.
For those looking for an option that grows with their children, this trundle-style design from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two separate twin beds for tweens and teens. It's the only bunk bed that isn't wood bed on the list, and its solid steel frame is light for such a sturdy piece of furniture. It is available in a variety of colors, and can be customized with accessories like under-bed drawers.
Style
Bunk beds come in different sizes and shapes that you can pick one that is suitable for your family's space. There are many different configurations, including the traditional twin-over twin bunks, or beds that are specialized like twin-over queen or queen-over twin. Some are made from metal, while others are wood and include side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features also can vary, so you'll want to think about the amount of storage you require and the overall look you prefer.
When considering price, keep in mind that the greater the price point of a bunk bed, the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could include adding additional features such as a staircase, or ladder. This could also include the ability to add an additional bed for sleepovers or guests. Some models can even be disassembled to function as two separate beds. This is a useful option if you think your kids will outgrow the bunk beds or you are planning to move to a new home in the future.
The number of beds you select will also influence cost and style. You could opt for a basic twin-over-twin bunk bed for maximum floor space. It is also relatively inexpensive. You can also invest more in a solid-wood bunk bed that has an elegant, sturdy design that grows with your children and perhaps accommodate adults in the near future.
It is essential to verify the weight capacity of the bunk beds you choose to ensure they can accommodate the amount of people you want to use them for. Some are designed for kids only and can only accommodate up to 165 lbs however, others have a higher limit on weight that allows them to accommodate growing children and even adults.
It's important to keep in mind that a bunkbed can be an investment that is costly, and consequently a major commitment. If you're unsure whether this kind of bed is right for your family, visit the showroom of a retailer or read reviews of customers on their website. This will give you a feel about the quality of workmanship and the way in which the bunks are constructed.
Storage
Furniture should be able to serve more than just as an area to study, sleep or relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage options can meet this need, turning them into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and fashion. Multifunctional staircases and integrated storage drawers are creative features that make it easy to gain access to clothing, toys and bed linens.
Additionally best bunk beds for teens with spacious desks turn the space beneath them into a productive work space. These smart arrangements allow young students or remote workers to combine work as well as play time without sacrificing floor space.
Detachable bunks can be divided into twin-sized beds to accommodate guests for sleepovers or to allow children to grow up and transition to single beds. Bunks with a trundle that can be removed beds can be used to accommodate older children as well as adults who prefer a large bed.
Families looking to make the most of their tiny bedrooms with high ceilings can make a smart investment by purchasing larger bunk beds that sleep three or four people. These models can be a great fit in corners, allowing owners to make use of nooks that would otherwise be wasted.
The kind of material and color your bunk bed is constructed from will influence the overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks have a classic timeless appeal that fits well in contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are a modern alternative that is a good match for midcentury and industrial designs.
Take into consideration the height of your ceilings and windows in the vicinity, as well as other architectural features when looking for bunk beds. Smaller, smaller designs are more straightforward to put together and are suitable for younger children or teens who are ready to move from the toddler or junior bedroom. While taller bunks provide an airier, more sophisticated look and are better suited for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs also have side railings that permit an increased space between beds, which ensures safety and easy access for all users.