Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Bunk beds are more flexible and stylish than they have ever been. There are many designs, including twin-overtwins and full over-full versions.

Find a model that is compatible with your budget and your children’ room dimensions, and be aware that some bunks can have beds with trundle beds at the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds have been a mainstay of bedrooms for children for many years. They offer both efficiency and adventure to kids who love to sleep together. They are also popular in shared rooms as well as vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles and materials, with options to suit every budget and room size. Our picks for bunk beds range from basic twin-over-twin designs to more elaborate models with stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.

We weighed a range of factors when we searched the market to find our top picks, including overall design, safety, and value. We also consulted parents and a person who literally wrote the book on best childrens bunk beds beds to help us find the Best Value Bunk Beds alternatives. Read on to discover our seven favorites.

Before making a purchase of bunk beds, it’s important to think about the dimensions of the bed. This is particularly important when you’re considering your ceiling height. Always check your space to make sure the bunks you select fit and that you have at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also recommend not using Trundle beds with mattresses that hang high which may limit headroom and increase the risk of bumped heads.

It is also important to consider whether you would prefer ladders or stairs to reach the top bunk. Stairs may be easier to climb and safer, but they will take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders aren’t as bulky however they are more affordable. They can be too high for younger children.

On the product page, you’ll see the weight capacity of each top bunk mattress. This information is typically displayed close to the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity indicates that the bunk is intended for older children or adults who require a larger mattress.

A variety of bunk beds The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three designs to fit with your kids room decor. Snowy white gives a bright coastal look to classic bedrooms for kids, while brushed grey or rich walnut give rustic or farmhouse-style appeal.

Safety

When buying a bunk bed be sure to consider more than the price and ensure that it has all the necessary safety features. A reliable seller will provide the capacity for weight and also explains the structure’s durability and strength. This is particularly helpful for families who plan to re-use the beds as the children grow 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 enough room for that amount of space, you may prefer a low-height bunk,” she adds. “That could be a great option for rooms that are tight because it keeps the bed off of the floor, which could feel crowded as kids grow older.”

Another factor to consider is how much space you have available for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with built-in stairs could save space, it could be more expensive and take more assembly time. If you’re limited in space, you can opt for a simple ladder that will allow your children to safely climb up to the top bunk.

All bunks in this list are made of durable materials and meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for guardrails. These bunks also pass lead and anti-tip testing, which is a comfort for parents with children sharing a space. For instance, the wood-and-metal Room & Board model is “built like tanks,” says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels employ, so they are constructed to last.

This best trundle bunk beds model from Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for shoppers who are looking for best bunk beds on amazon beds that can grow along with their children. It can be transformed into two twin beds one for tweens and the other for teens. It is the only bunk bed that doesn’t make use of wood. The sturdy steel frame is surprisingly light for such a large piece of furniture. It comes in a range of colors, and can be customized with accessories like under-bed drawers.

Style

Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that fits your family’s requirements. There are numerous configurations, such as the traditional twin-over twin bunks or specialized beds like twin-over queen or queen-over twin. Some are made of steel, while others are wood and include side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame as well as other features may also differ. You’ll need to consider the amount of storage space you’ll need and the overall look you prefer.

When evaluating price, keep in mind that the higher the price of a best bunk beds for small rooms bed, the more customizable it can be, Klugh says. This could mean adding extras such as a staircase, or ladder. It could also mean the ability to add an trundle bed that makes it ideal for guests to stay over or for sleepovers. Certain models can be dismantled to create two beds. This is an excellent option if your kids are growing out of their bunk beds or if you are planning to move in the near future.

The number of beds you select will also impact cost and style. You can opt for a simple twin-over-twin bunk bed to maximize the amount of floor space. It is also relatively inexpensive. You can also invest more money in a solid-wood bunk bed with a modern, sturdy design that grows with your kids and possibly accommodate adults in the near future.

Whatever size and style you select it is important to verify the capacity to bear weight of the bunk beds to ensure they can accommodate the number of people that you’ll be using them for. Some are designed for kids only and can support up to 165 pounds however, others have a greater weight limit that allows the beds to be able to accommodate growing children and even adults.

It’s also important to note that a bunk bed could be a big investment–and therefore a significant commitment. If you are unsure if this type of bed will work for your family, visit a retailer’s showroom or read reviews of customers on their website. This will give a good idea of the craftsmanship and quality of the bunk beds.

Storage

Modern living requires furniture that can serve more than as a place to rest or study. Bunk beds with built-in storage solutions meet the need to transform into multi-purpose pieces that promote both function and design. Multifunctional staircases and storage drawers that are integrated are creative features that make it easy to gain access to clothes, toys and bedding linens.

Likewise loft beds with spacious desk areas transform the space below them into a productive work space. These clever arrangements allow remote workers or young students to balance sleep, work and play without losing valuable space.

Another option that is useful is detachable bunks that are divided into separate twin-sized beds, perfect for sleeping over guests or allowing children to move to single beds as they become more mature. Bunks with trundle beds that can be removed can also accommodate older adults or children who prefer sleeping on a mattress that is large enough.

Families who want to maximize the space in their small bedrooms with high-ceilinged ceilings can make a smart investment by buying bigger bunk beds that can accommodate three or four people. These models can be fitted into awkward corners, allowing owners to make the most of the space that would otherwise be wasted.

The color and the material of your bunk bed will determine its overall appearance. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They work well with modern rustic, coastal or farmhouse designs. Steel bunks are a modern option that goes well with midcentury and industrial styles.

When you are looking for a bunk bed, consider the height of your home’s ceilings and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are more straightforward to put together and are ideal for teens or children who are ready to graduate from the junior or toddler bedroom. Taller bunks have a more elegant, airy look and are ideally suited to older children or adults. Some designs also have side railings that allow for more space between beds, which ensures safety and accessible access for all users.