Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever
Bunk beds are more adaptable and stylish than ever. There are a variety of styles to consider, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full versions.
Choose the right bunk bed within your budget and the dimensions of your child's bedroom. Some bunk beds accommodate trundle mattresses at the bottom for sleepovers.
Size
Bunk beds are an essential part of bedrooms for children, providing 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 come in a range of styles and materials, with options to suit every budget and size of room. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin models to more elaborate designs with ladders or stairs and distinctive features such as slides.
We considered a variety of factors as we scoured the market for our top picks, including overall design, safety and price. We also enlisted experts--parents and one who wrote the book on bunk beds--to assist us in locating the best alternatives. Find out more about our seven top picks.
Before making a purchase of bunk beds, it's important to consider the size of the bed. This is especially true when you are considering your ceiling height. Make sure you measure your space prior to buying bunk beds to ensure they are sized correctly. The top bunk should have at minimum five inches of headroom. We also recommend avoid Trundle beds with mattresses that hang high that can limit headroom and increase the possibility of bumped heads.
You should also think about whether you would prefer stairs or ladders to reach the top bunk. Stairs are easier to climb and safer, but they will take up more space on the floor than a ladder. Ladders might be less bulky, but they are also more cost-effective. They can feel too steep for children.
best bunk bed for teens should also be aware of the weight capacity of the top bunk mattress that is listed on each product's page. The information is typically listed near the dimensions of the mattress. A higher capacity for weight typically indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults who require a larger mattress.
The Shyann Bunk Bed from Room & Board is a multi-functional option for bunk beds. It comes in three different finishes that complement the design of your child's bedroom. White snow brings a vibrant, coastal look to a classic children's room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add warmth and class to a farmhouse or rustic style.
Safety
When purchasing a bunk bed, you should look beyond the price and make sure that it has all the safety features you need. A reliable seller will list the weight capacity, and explains the structure's durability and strength. This is particularly helpful for families that plan to re-use the beds as the children grow older.
A good rule of the thumb is to leave at least 33 to 36 inches between the top mattress and the ceiling, suggests Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. "If you don't have enough room for that amount of space, you may prefer an incredibly low-height bunk," she adds. "That's ideal for a small room as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. It can be uncomfortable as kids become older."
Another factor to consider is the amount of space you have for stairs or ladders. A bunk with built-in steps can save space but can also be more expensive and take longer to put together. If you're short on space, opt for an easy ladder that can still allow your children to climb safely to the top of the bunk.
All bunks listed are made of durable materials and meet Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for guardrails. They also pass the anti-tip and lead test and can be a big relief for parents who have kids sharing 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 beds used in hotels, so they're made to last."
This trundle model from Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for shoppers who are looking for an affordable bunk bed that can grow along with their children. It can be transformed into two twin beds one for tweens and the other for teenagers. It is the only bunk bed that doesn't use wood. The solid steel frame is surprisingly light for such a heavy 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 are available in many different sizes and shapes, so you can find one that is suitable for your family's requirements. For instance there are traditional twin-overtwin bunks, as well as more specialized designs like queen-over-twin or twin-over-queen beds. Some are made of metal, while others are wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The frame design and other features can also vary. You'll need to consider how much storage space you'll need and the overall look you prefer.
Klugh advises that when considering the cost of a bunk bed it is essential to remember that the higher price, the more customizable the bed will be. This could mean adding accessories like a staircase or ladder. It could also mean the possibility of adding an additional bed for guests or sleepovers. Some models can be disassembled and used as two separate beds. This is a useful feature if you anticipate that 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 choose will also influence cost and design. For instance, you could opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that makes the most of the floor space and is inexpensive. Or, you might decide to spend a bit more for a durable wooden option with a modern design that can be able to grow with your kids, and perhaps even accommodate adult sleepers later on.
No matter what size or style you select, it's important to check the capacity to bear weight of the bunk beds to ensure that they are able to support the number of sleepers you'll use them for. Some bunk beds are only designed for children and can only support the weight of 165 pounds. Others have a higher limit and can be used by adults and children who are growing.
It's important to keep in mind that a bunkbed is an expensive investment, and consequently a major commitment. If you are unsure whether this kind of bed will work 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.
Storage
Furniture should be able be more than an area to study, sleep or relax. Bunk beds that feature built-in storage options can meet this demand, transforming them into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and design. Innovative features like multi-functional staircases and drawers that are integrated provide an easy access to clothes, toys, bed linens, and other items that could otherwise occupy the room, and keep them in order and accessible.
Loft beds with large desks can turn the space beneath them into a productive working space. These clever layouts permit remote workers or students to balance work, sleep and play without losing the space.
Another useful option is the detachable bunks which can be separated into separate twin-size beds, which are ideal to accommodate guests at sleepovers or allowing children to move to single beds as they grow. Bunks with a removable trundle bed can be adapted to older children and adults who prefer a larger bed.
Families who want to make the most of their tiny bedrooms with high ceilings can benefit from purchasing larger bunk beds that can sleep three or four people. These models can fit into awkward corners, allowing owners to make the most of the space that would otherwise be wasted.
The type of material and the color your bunk bed is made from will affect its overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They are a great fit for contemporary rustic, coastal or farmhouse designs. Steel bunks are, on the other side are a more contemporary option that is a great match with midcentury and industrial designs.
When you are looking for bunk beds, take into consideration the height of your home's ceilings and any windows that are nearby or other architectural features. Lower, more compact styles 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. In contrast, higher-end bunks have an elegant, airier appearance and are more suitable for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs have side railings which allow for an increased space between the beds. This ensures the safety of everyone.