Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Bunk beds are more flexible and fashionable than ever. There are many styles, including twin-overtwin and full over-full options.

Find one that is in line with your budget and your children size, and be aware that some bunks can accommodate trundle beds on the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are a common feature of the bedrooms of children, offering both convenience and excitement for kids who want to sleep side-by-side. They are also a popular option for shared rooms as well as vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a wide range of styles and materials to suit any budget or room size. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin constructions to more elaborate designs with stairs or ladders and unique features such as slides.

We weighed a range of factors as we scoured the market for our top picks including overall design, safety and price. We also consulted parents and a person who literally wrote the book about bunk beds to help us choose the most suitable choices. Find our top seven choices by continuing reading.

Before making a purchase of bunk beds, it is important to think about the dimensions of the bed. This is especially important when you're considering your ceiling height. Measure your space before buying bunk beds to ensure they're a good fit. The top bunk should have at least five inches of headroom. We also advise against trundle beds with mattresses that hang high as they may limit headroom.

You should also think about whether you would prefer stairs or ladders to reach the top bunk beds best. Stairs are usually safer and easier to climb, but they can take up more area than a ladder. Ladders may be less bulky however they are more cost-effective. They can feel too steep for children.

On the product page on the product page, you'll see the weight capacity of every top bunk mattress. Most manufacturers list this information near the mattress's dimensions. A higher weight capacity indicates that the bunk was designed for older children or adults who may require a larger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three designs to fit with your kids room decor. Snowy white gives a bright coastal look to classic kids' rooms while brushed grey and rich walnut give an authentic farmhouse or rustic look.

Safety

When shopping for a bunk bed, it is crucial to look past the price tag and make sure it is equipped with the safety features you need. A reputable seller will list the capacity of the bed and provide an explanation of the structure's strength and durability which is particularly helpful for families that plan on reusing their beds when their children get older.

Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids recommends leaving 33-36 inches between the mattress's top and the ceiling. If you don't want to sacrifice this much space, you might think about a low height bunk bed. "That can be an excellent option for rooms that are tight because it keeps the bed off the floor, which can feel crowded as kids get older."

A second consideration is how much room there is for ladders or stairs. While a best triple bunk with built-in stairs can reduce space, it can also be pricier and require more assembly time. If you're limited on space, choose a simple ladder to allow your children to safely ascend to the top best rated bunk beds.

All bunks listed are constructed of durable materials and meet Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for guardrails. They also pass anti-tip and lead testing and 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: with 115 Bunks, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels employ so they're constructed to last for a long time.

If you're looking for an option that grows with their kids, this trundle-style bed from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two separate twin beds for teens and tweens. It is the only bunk bed that doesn't make use of wood. The sturdy steel frame is also surprising light for a massive piece of furniture. It is available in a variety of colors and can also be customized with accessories such as under-bed drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that is suitable for your family's needs. There are numerous configurations, including the traditional twin-over twin bunks or the more specialized beds such as twin-over queen or queen-over twin. Some are made from metal and others are made of wood with side rails that are placed on top of the bunk. The design of the frame and other features can also vary, so you'll want to think about the amount of storage you require as well as what style you like the most.

Klugh recommends that when evaluating the cost of a bunk bed, it is important to keep in mind that the higher price tag the more customizable the bed will be. This could include additional accessories such as an escalator or ladder. It could also mean the ability to add an trundle bed that makes it easy for guests to stay over or for sleepovers. Some models can be disassembled to make two beds. This is an excellent option for children who are growing out of their bunk beds or if you're planning to move in the near future.

The number of beds you select will also impact cost and style. For example, you might choose a basic twin over twin bunk bed, which maximizes the amount of floor space and is affordable. You could also decide to spend a bit more for a durable wood option that has a modern design that can be able to grow with your kids and maybe even accommodate adults in the future.

Whatever size and design you choose, 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 that you'll be using them for. Some are designed for kids only and can hold up to 165 pounds however, others have a greater weight limit that allow them to accommodate growing children and even adults.

It is important to remember that a bunkbed can be an expensive investment and consequently a major commitment. If you're not sure if this type of bed is suitable for your family, check out the showroom of a retailer or read reviews from customers on their website. This will give you a feel for the quality of the craftsmanship and how well the bunks are built.

Storage

Furniture must be able to serve more than a place to study, sleep and relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage can meet this requirement making them multi-functional furniture pieces that are both functional and stylish. Creative features like multifunctional staircases and integrated drawers offer easy access to clothing, toys, bed linens and other items that might otherwise crowd the room, and keep them neatly tucked away but easily within reach.

Additionally loft beds with spacious desk areas transform the space below them into productive workspaces. These clever layouts allow remote workers or young students to manage work, sleep and play without sacrificing the space.

Detachable bunks can be divided into twin-sized beds to accommodate guests during sleepovers or to allow children to mature and then transition to single beds. Bunks that have removable trundle beds can be used to accommodate older children and adults who prefer a large bed.

Families that want to maximize their space in tiny bedrooms with high ceilings can benefit from buying bigger bunk beds that can accommodate three or four people. These models can be fitted into tight corners, allowing homeowners to make the most of the space that would otherwise be wasted.

The color and the material of your bunk bed will determine the overall look of your bunk bed. Wood bunks have a classic timeless appeal that fits well into contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks, on the other on the other hand are a more modern option that is a great match with midcentury and industrial designs.

When you are looking for bunk beds, take into consideration the ceiling height of your home and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. Lower, more compact styles are more straightforward to put together and are suitable for younger teens or children who are ready to graduate from the toddler or junior bedroom. Taller bunks have a more elegant, airy appearance, and are best metal bunk beds for older kids or adults. Some designs also have side railings, which allow for a higher clearance between beds, which ensures safety and accessible access for all users.