Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever
Whether you're designing a shared children's bedroom or outfitting a dorm, or just maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and cooler than ever. There are a range of designs, including twin-overtwins and full over-full models.
Find one that is in line with your budget and your kids room dimensions. Also, keep in mind that certain bunks can accommodate beds that trundle down for sleepovers.
Size
Bunk beds are a common feature of childhood bedrooms, offering both convenience and excitement for children who wish to sleep together. They're also a popular choice for shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a variety of styles and materials with options to fit every budget and size of room. Our picks for bunk beds range from basic twin-over-twin constructions to elaborate models with ladders or stairs and unique features such as slides.
We considered a variety of factors when we searched the market for our top picks including overall design, safety and value. We also consulted experts -- parents and one who literally wrote the book on bunk beds--to help us source the best choices. Check out our seven favorites.
Before purchasing bunk beds, it is important to consider the size of the bed. This is particularly important when you're evaluating the height of your ceiling. Always check your space to make sure the bunks you choose fit, leaving at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also recommend not using trundle beds with high-hanging mattresses that can limit headroom and increase the possibility of bumped heads.
It is also important to consider whether you would prefer stairs or ladders to reach the top bunk. Stairs are typically more secure and safer to climb, however they may take up more floor space than a ladder. Ladders may be less bulky, but they are also more affordable. They can feel too high for younger children.
On the product page, you'll see the weight capacity of every top bunk mattress. The information is typically listed next to the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity usually indicates that the mattress is suitable for older kids or adults, who might require a bigger mattress.
The Shyann Bunk Bed from Room & Board is a flexible option for bunk beds. It is available in three different colors that match the decor of your child's bedroom. Snowy white gives a bright coastal style to classic kids' rooms while brushed grey and rich walnut add a farmhouse or rustic feel.
Safety
When you are looking for a bunk bed it is important to look beyond the price tag and ensure it is equipped with the necessary safety features. A reputable seller lists the weight capacity, and describes the structure's durability and strength. This is particularly important for families that plan to reuse the beds as the children get older.
Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids suggests leaving 33-36 inches between the mattress's top and the ceiling. "If you don't have room to accommodate that much space, you may want to consider an incredibly low-height bunk," she adds. "That could be a great solution for a small space because it keeps the bed from the floor, which can be uncomfortable as children become older."
Another thing to consider is the amount of space you have available for stairs or ladders. A bunk with built-in stairs could save space, but they can also be more expensive and require a longer assembly. If you're limited on space, consider an easy ladder that will still allow your kids to climb safely to the top bunk.
All bunks listed are constructed of durable materials and meet Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for guardrails. They also have passed lead and anti-tip tests and are a welcome relief for parents of children sharing a room. For example, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like tank," says Laura Fenton who is the author of The Bunk Bed Book: The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks. "These are the beds that are used in hotels, and therefore they're made to last."
This trundle design from Bed Bath & Beyond is ideal for those looking for bunk beds that can evolve with their children. It can be converted into two twin beds with one for tweens and the other for teenagers. It's the only bunk bed that doesn't use wood. The sturdy steel frame is surprisingly light for such a heavy 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 various shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that best fits your family's needs. For example, there are traditional twin-over-twin bunks as well as specialized configurations such as twin-over-queen or queen-over-twin beds. Some are made of metal and others are made of wooden and come with side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features can also vary so you'll need to consider the amount of storage you require and what general style you prefer.
Klugh advises that when considering the price of a bunkbed it is crucial to keep in mind that the greater price tag, the more customizable the bed will be. This could mean adding accessories such as a staircase, or ladder. It could also refer to the possibility of adding an trundle bed that makes it easy for sleepovers or guest accommodations. Some models can even be disassembled to function as two separate beds. This is a useful feature if you anticipate that your children will outgrow the bunks or you plan on moving to a different home in the near future.
The number of beds that you select will also impact cost and style. You could opt for a basic twin-over-twin bunk bed for maximum floor space. It's also inexpensive. You can also opt to invest more money in a solid-wood bunk bed with a contemporary, robust design that grows with your children and perhaps accommodate adult sleepers in the near future.
No matter what size or style you select it is important to verify the capacity of the bunk beds to ensure they can accommodate the number of people you'll use them for. Some bunk beds are made for children and only support up to 165 pounds. Others have a higher limit and can be used by the growing needs of adults and children.
Also, it's important to remember that a bunk bed could be a major investment and, therefore, a major commitment. If you're unsure about whether this kind of bed is a suitable fit for your family, spend the time to go to the showroom or read reviews on retailer websites from actual buyers. This will give you an idea of the quality of the craftsmanship and how well the bunks are made.
Storage
Furniture should be able serve more than just as a place to study, sleep and relax. the best bunk beds with built-in storage solutions meet the need to transform into multi-purpose pieces that promote both function and design. Creative features like multifunctional staircases and integrated drawers offer convenient access to clothing bedding, toys, bed linens and other things that could otherwise occupy the room, keeping them neatly tucked away but easily within reach.
Additionally loft beds that have spacious desks turn the space underneath them into a productive workspace. These clever configurations permit remote workers or students to balance sleep, work and play without sacrificing the space.
Detachable bunks can be divided into twin-size beds to accommodate guests during sleepovers or to allow children to grow older and move to single beds. Bunks that have trundle beds that are removable can also accommodate older children or adults who prefer to sleep on a full-size mattress.
Finally, larger bunk beds that can sleep three or more are a smart investment for families looking to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These models can fit into awkward corners, allowing owners to make the most of the space that would otherwise be wasted.
The color and materials of your bunk bed will determine its overall appearance. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They fit well in contemporary rustic, coastal or farmhouse designs. Steel bunks are a contemporary option that goes well with midcentury and industrial styles.
Be aware of the height of your ceilings as well as any windows that are nearby and other architectural features when looking for bunk beds. Smaller, smaller designs can be more simple to assemble and are ideal for teens or children who are ready to move from the toddler or junior bedroom. In contrast, higher-end bunks have an elegant, more airy look and are better suited for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs feature side railings which allow for an increased space between the beds. This will ensure safety and easy access for everyone.