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 versatile and cooler than ever. There are many designs to consider, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full models.
Select a bunk bed that fits within your budget and the dimensions of your child's room. Some bunk beds accommodate trundle mattresses in the bottom for sleepovers.
Size
Bunk beds are a staple of the bedrooms of children, offering both comfort and excitement for children who wish to sleep side by side. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a range of styles and materials, with options that will fit any budget and room size. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin models to more elaborate models with ladders or stairs and distinctive features like slides.
As we looked around the market to select our top choices we weighed a number of aspects, including overall design and safety, as well as value. We also consulted parents and a person who literally wrote the book about bunk beds to help us find the most suitable options. Find out our top seven picks by continuing reading.
The size of bunk beds is an important consideration prior to purchasing a bed, especially when it comes to the height of your ceiling. 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 not using Trundle beds with mattresses that hang high, which can restrict headroom and increase the possibility of bumped heads.
Another consideration is whether you prefer stairs or ladders for access to the top bunk. Stairs are easier to climb and safer, but they will take up more space on the floor than a ladder. Ladders are less bulky and more cost-effective, but they might be too steep for young children.
You should also be aware of the weight capacity of the top bunk mattress that is listed on the product's page. Most manufacturers list this information near the mattress's dimensions. A higher weight capacity indicates that the bunk is designed for older children or adults who may require a bigger mattress.
A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three designs to fit with your kids bedroom decor. Snowy white gives a bright coastal look to classic bedrooms for kids bunk while brushed grey and rich walnut add rustic or farmhouse-style appeal.
Safety
When looking for a bunk bed it is important to look beyond the price tag and make sure it has all of the safety features that are required. A reliable seller will provide the capacity for weight and also 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 bunk beds rule of the thumb is to leave at least 33-36 inches between the top mattress and the ceiling, according to Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. If you don't wish to sacrifice that much space, you may think about a low height bunk bed. "That is a great option for a tight room because it keeps the lower bed off of the floor, which could feel cramped as kids get 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 in space, you can opt for a simple ladder that will allow your children to safely ascend to the top of the bunk.
The bunks in this list have solid construction, and they are in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. They also have passed anti-tip and lead tests, which could be a huge relief for parents with kids sharing rooms. For instance, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like tanks," says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. These are the identical beds used in hotels so they're constructed to last.
This trundle style from Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for shoppers who are looking for a bunk bed that will evolve with their children. It can be transformed 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 extremely light for such a large piece of furniture. It's available in an extensive selection of colors, and can be customized with other accessories, such as under-bed storage drawers.
Style
Bunk beds come in different sizes and shapes and shapes, so you can pick one that suits your family's space. There are many different configurations, like the classic twin-over-twin bunks or specialized beds like twin-over queen or queen-over-twin. Some are made of steel and some are made of wood with side rails that are placed on top of the bunk. The design of the frame and other features also can vary so you'll need to think about how much storage you need as well as what style you like the most.
When evaluating price, keep in mind that the higher the price point of a bunk bed, the more customizable it can be, Klugh says. This may mean additional accessories, such as a ladder or stairs. This could also be the possibility of adding an additional bed for sleepovers or guests. Some models can be taken apart to function as two separate beds--a convenient option if you think 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 impact the price and design. For instance, you could opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that makes the most of floor space and is relatively inexpensive. You can also spend more money on a solid-wood bunk bed with a modern, sturdy design that can grow with your kids and possibly accommodate adult sleepers in the future.
Whatever size and style you select regardless of the design and size, you must check the weight capacity of the bunk beds to ensure they can accommodate the number of people that you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds beds beds are designed for children and can only support 165 pounds. Others have a higher capacity and can accommodate adults and children who are growing.
Finally, it's worth noting that a bunk bed could be a big investment--and therefore a major commitment. If you're not sure if this kind of bed is the right fit for your family, take the time to visit the showroom or look up reviews on the websites of retailers from actual buyers. This will give you an idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the bunk beds.
Storage
Modern living requires furniture that can serve more than as a space to sleep or study. Bunk beds that feature built-in storage solutions meet this need, turning them into multifunctional pieces that champion both function and design. Multifunctional staircases and drawers with storage integrated are innovative features that provide easy access to clothing, toys and bed linens.
Loft beds that have spacious desks can turn the space below them into a productive workspace. These clever configurations allow remote workers or young students to manage work, sleep and play without sacrificing valuable space.
Detachable bunks can be divided into twin-sized beds to accommodate guests for sleepovers or to let children mature and then transition to single beds. Bunks with a removable trundle beds can be used to be adapted to older children and adults who prefer a larger bed.
Finally, larger bunk beds that can sleep three, four, or more are a good investment for families who want to maximize space in bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also fit nicely into corner spaces, enabling owners to make use of awkward nooks which would otherwise be unused.
The type of material and color that your bunk bed is crafted from will affect its overall look and feel. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They fit well in modern and coastal interiors as well as farmhouse. Steel bunks are an innovative option that goes well with midcentury and industrial styles.
When choosing a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your home and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are easier to put together. They are perfect for younger children or teens who are ready to get out of the toddler or junior bedroom. Taller bunks have a more sophisticated, airier look, and are best for older children or adults. Some designs also feature side railings that permit a higher clearance between beds, which ensures safety and easy access for everyone.