Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever
If you're designing a shared children's bedroom or outfitting a dorm, or simply looking to maximize 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.
Choose the bunk bed that is within your budget and the dimensions of your child's room. Some bunk beds can accommodate trundle mattresses in the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.
Size
Bunk beds are a staple of childhood bedrooms, offering both convenience and excitement for children who prefer to sleep together. They're also a popular choice for shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a wide range of designs and materials to fit any budget and room size. Our choices for bunk beds range from basic twin-over-twin constructions to elaborate models with stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.
As we searched the market to select our top choices we looked at a variety of aspects, including the overall design and safety as well as the price. We also enlisted experts--parents and one who literally wrote the book on bunk beds to help us find the top alternatives. Check out our seven favorites.
The size of the bunk beds is an important consideration prior to purchasing a bed, especially in relation to the ceiling's height. Make sure you measure your space prior to buying bunk beds to ensure they fit. The top bunk should have at minimum five inches of headroom. We also recommend staying away from trundle beds that have mattresses with a high hanging, which can restrict headroom and increase the chance of bumped heads.
Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs for access to the top bunk. Stairs are typically safer and easier to climb, however they can take up more space than a ladder. Ladders aren't as bulky but they're also more affordable. They can feel too steep for children.
On the product page, you'll see the weight capacity of each top bunk mattress. The information is typically listed close to the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity usually indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults who require a bigger mattress.
A variety of bunk beds The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three options to match your children' bedroom decor. Snowy white brings a bright coastal style to a classic kids' room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add warmth and class to a rustic or farmhouse style.
Safety
When looking for a bunk bed, it's important to look beyond the price tag and ensure it has all of the necessary safety features. A reputable seller lists the capacity for weight and describes the structure's durability and strength. This is particularly important for families that plan to re-use the beds as their children get older.
Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids, recommends leaving 33-36 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling. "If you don't have enough room to accommodate that much space, you might think about the possibility of a bunk that is low in height," she adds. "That's a great option for small rooms as it keeps the bunk below off the floor. It can be uncomfortable for kids as they grow older."
Another consideration is deciding the amount of space you have available for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with stairs built in can reduce space, it can also be costly and require more assembly time. If you are short on space, choose a simple ladder that will allow your children to safely climb to the top bunk.
The bunks on this list are all made of solid construction, and they meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. They also pass the anti-tip and lead test which could be a huge relief for parents with children who share rooms. For example, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like tanks," says Laura Fenton who is the author of The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels employ so they're constructed to last for a long time.
This trundle style from Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for shoppers who are looking for bunk beds that can expand with their children. It can be transformed into two twin beds one for tweens and the other for teens. It's the only bunk bed that isn't wood bed on this list, and its sturdy steel frame is surprisingly lightweight for such a heavy-duty piece of furniture. It comes in a range of colors and can be personalized with accessories such as under-bed drawers.
Style
Bunk beds come in various shapes and sizes that you can pick one that suits your family's space. For example, there are traditional twin-over-twin bunks as well as specialized configurations such as queen-over-twin or twin-over-queen beds. Some are made of steel while others are made of wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame as well as other features may also differ, so you'll want to think about the amount of storage you'll need and the general style you prefer.
Klugh recommends that when evaluating the price of a bunkbed it is essential to keep in mind that the greater price point the more customizable the bed will be. This could mean adding additional features such as a ladder or stairs. It could also refer to the possibility of adding a trundle bed, which makes it easy for sleepovers or guest accommodations. Some models can be taken apart to function as two separate beds--a convenient feature to consider if your children will outgrow the bunk beds or you're planning to move to a new home in the near future.
The number of beds you choose will also affect the cost and design. For instance, you could select a basic twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the floor space and is inexpensive. You can also opt to spend more money on bunk beds made of solid wood with a modern, sturdy design that can grow with your children and perhaps accommodate adult sleepers in the near future.
It's important that you check the weight capacity of the bunk beds you select to ensure they are able to accommodate the number of people you intend to use them for. Some are designed for kids only and can accommodate up to 165 lbs, while others have a greater weight limit that allow them to accommodate growing children and even adults.
Also, it's important to remember that a bunk bed could be a major investment and, therefore, an enormous commitment. If you are unsure if this type of bed is suitable for your family, check out a retailer's showroom or read customer reviews on their website. This will give you a good idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the bunk beds.
Stores
Modern living requires furniture to do more than just serve as a space to sleep, study, and relax. Bunk beds with built-in storage fulfill this need, transforming them to multifunctional furniture pieces that are both practical and stylish. Multifunctional staircases and integrated storage drawers are creative features that allow for easy access to toys, clothing and bed linens.
Loft beds that have spacious desks can turn the space below them into a productive workspace. These clever layouts let remote workers or young students to be able to balance sleep, work, and play without sacrificing the space they need.
Another useful option is the detachable bunks that are separated into separate twin beds, perfect for accommodating sleepover guests or allowing kids to change to single beds as they grow. Bunks with a removable trundle beds can be used to accommodate older children and adults who prefer a large bed.
Families who want to maximize the space in their tiny bedrooms with high ceilings can make smart investments by purchasing larger bunk beds that can sleep three or four people. These models can be a great fit in corners, allowing homeowners to make use of awkward nooks that would otherwise be wasted.
The type of material and color that your bunk bed is crafted from will affect its overall appearance and feel. best queen bunk beds have a classic timeless style that is well-suited in contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are an innovative alternative that is a good match for midcentury and industrial styles.
When shopping for a bunk bed, consider the height of your home's ceilings and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. Smaller, smaller designs are more straightforward to put together and are suitable for younger children or teens who are ready to graduate from the toddler or junior bedroom. While taller bunks provide an elegant, airier appearance and are more suitable for older children or adult sleepers. Some designs feature side railings, which provide more space between the beds. This provides security and ease of access for everyone.