Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

If you're planning a shared children's bedroom or outfitting a dorm, or just maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and more fashionable than ever. There are many designs to consider, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full versions.

Pick a bunk bed that fits within your budget and the dimensions of your child's bedroom. Some bunk beds accommodate trundle mattresses at the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are an essential part of the bedrooms of children, offering both efficiency and adventure for kids who want to sleep side-by-side. They are also a common choice for shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a range of styles and materials, with options to fit every budget and space. Our selection of bunk beds ranges from basic twin over twin constructions to more elaborate models that include ladders or stairs, and also unique features like slides.

We considered a variety of factors as we scoured the market to find our top picks, including overall design, safety and price. We also asked parents and a person who literally wrote the book on bunk beds to help us find the best choices. Find our top seven choices by going through the article.

The size of bunk beds is an important consideration before 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're a good fit. The top bunk should have at minimum five inches of headroom. We also recommend against trundles beds with mattresses that hang high, as they can restrict headroom.

It is also important to consider whether you prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top bunk. Stairs are easier to climb and safer, but they may take up more space on the floor than a ladder. Ladders may be less bulky however they are more affordable. They can be 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 capacity of weight suggests that the mattress is designed for older children or adults who might require a larger mattress.

A variety of bunk beds The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three designs to fit with your kids' bedroom decor. White snow brings a vibrant, coastal look to a classic kids' room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add warmth and class to a farmhouse or rustic style.

Safety

When you are buying bunk beds be sure to consider more than the price and make sure that it is equipped with all the necessary safety features. A reliable seller will list the weight capacity and explains the structure's durability and strength. This is especially helpful for families who intend to use the beds again as the children grow older.

A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 33 to 36 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling, according to Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. If you don't want to sacrifice this much space, you might prefer a bunk bed with a low-height. "That's ideal for a small room as it keeps the bunk below off the floor. It can be uncomfortable for kids as they grow older."

Another factor to consider is how much space is for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with built-in stairs can save space, it could also be pricier and require more assembly time. If you are short on space, choose a simple ladder that will allow your children to safely ascend to the top of the bunk.

All bunks on this listing are constructed of durable materials and meet Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for guardrails. These bunks also have passed lead and anti-tip tests, which is a relief for parents of children sharing a room. For instance, the wood-and-metal Room & Board model is "built like a tank," says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: with 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. "These are the beds used in hotels, and therefore they're built to last."

This trundle style from Bed Bath & Beyond is ideal for those looking for bunk beds that can grow along with their children. It can be converted into two twin beds one for tweens and the other for teenagers. It's the only bunk bed that isn't wood bed on the list, and its solid steel frame is light for such a large piece of furniture. It is available in a variety of colors and can be customized with accessories such as under-bed drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that best rated bunk beds fits your family's needs. There are a variety of configurations, like the traditional twin-over twin bunks or specialized beds like twin-over queen or queen-over twin. Some are made of metal while others are made of wooden and come with side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features may also differ. You'll need to think about how much storage space you'll need, as well as the overall look you prefer.

Klugh suggests that when looking at the cost of a bunkbed, it is important to keep in mind that the greater price point the more customizable the bed will be. This could include additional accessories such as an escalator or ladder. It could also refer to the possibility of adding the trundle bed, which makes it easy for guests or sleepovers. Some models can even be taken apart to function as two separate beds--a convenient feature if you anticipate that your kids bunk bed 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 impact the cost and design. You could opt for a basic twin-over-twin bunk bed to maximize floor space. It's also affordable. You could also choose to invest more in bunk beds made of solid wood with a modern, sturdy design that can grow with your kids and possibly accommodate adults in the near future.

No matter what size or style you select regardless of the design and size, you must check the capacity of the bunk beds best bunk bed to ensure that they are able to support the number of sleepers you'll use them for. Some bunk beds are intended for children and only support the weight of 165 pounds. Others have a higher limit and can accommodate adults and children who are growing.

It's also important to note that a buy bunk beds bed could be a big investment--and therefore a significant commitment. If you're not sure if this type of bed is the right option for your family, take the time to go to the showroom or read reviews on retailer websites from actual buyers. This will give you a good idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the bunk beds.

Storage

Furniture should be able serve more than an area to sleep, study and relax. Bunk beds with built-in storage options can meet this need, turning them into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and design. Creative features like multifunctional staircases and integrated drawers provide an easy access to clothes and bedding, toys and other items that would otherwise clutter the room, and keep them in order and accessible.

Loft beds with spacious desks can transform the space below them into a productive working space. These smart arrangements allow young students or remote workers to manage work, play, and sleep without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Another option to consider is detachable bunks which can be divided into separate twin-sized beds, ideal for sleeping over guests or allowing kids to change to single beds as they become more mature. Bunks that have trundle beds that are removable can be adapted to older adults or children who prefer sleeping on a full-size mattress.

Finally, larger bunk beds that can accommodate three or four people are a good investment for families who want to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These models can fit well into corners, allowing owners to make use of awkward nooks which would otherwise be unused.

The color and materials of your bunk bed will determine its overall appearance. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They are a great fit for contemporary and coastal interiors as well as farmhouse. Steel bunks, on the other on the other hand are a more contemporary option that is a great match with industrial and midcentury-inspired styles.

When shopping for bunk beds, take into consideration the height of your home's ceilings and any windows that are nearby or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs may be easier to assemble and are suitable for teens or children who are ready to move from the toddler or junior bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, more airy design and are ideal for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs include side railings, which provide an increased space between the beds. This will ensure the safety of everyone.