Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

If you're planning a shared children's bedroom, outfitting a dorm or simply maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and cooler than ever. There are a variety of designs, including twin-overtwins and full over-full versions.

Choose a bunk bed that fits within your budget and the dimensions of your child's room. Some bunk beds can accommodate trundle mattresses on the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are a staple of bedrooms for children, providing both convenience and excitement for children who prefer 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 range of styles and materials, with options to suit every budget and room size. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin models to more elaborate designs with ladders or stairs and distinctive features like slides.

As we searched the market to find our top picks we looked at a variety of factors such as overall design and safety, as well as value. We also consulted parents and a person who wrote the book about bunk beds to help us choose the best choices. Find out our top seven picks by continuing reading.

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 make sure they are sized correctly. The top bunk should have at least 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 risk of bumped heads.

You should also consider whether you would prefer stairs or ladders to reach the top bunk. Stairs are generally more secure and safer to climb, however they could take up more space than ladders. Ladders aren't as bulky however they are more affordable. They can be too high for younger children.

On the product page on the product page, you'll see the weight capacity of every top bunk mattress. The majority of manufacturers include this information on the mattress's dimensions. A higher capacity for weight typically indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults who require a larger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three finishes to complement your kids bedroom decor. White snow brings a vibrant coastal style to a classic children's room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add a touch of warmth and elegance to a farmhouse or rustic style.

Safety

When looking for a bunk bed, it is crucial to look past the price tag and make sure it comes with all the safety features that are required. A reliable seller will list the weight capacity, and explains 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 mattress's top and the ceiling. If you don't want sacrifice this much space, you might think about a low height bunk bed. "That's ideal for small rooms, because it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. It can feel cramped when kids grow older."

Another consideration is how much room there is for stairs or ladders. A bunk with built-in stairs can save space but can also be more expensive and take longer to put together. If you are short on space, go for an easy ladder that allows your children to safely ascend to the top of the 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 have passed lead and anti-tip tests which is a great relief for parents with children who share a room. For example, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like a tank," says Laura Fenton who is the 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 and are therefore built to last.

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

Style

Bunk beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is suitable for your family's needs. For instance, 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 metal and others are made of wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features may also differ, so you'll want to think about the amount of storage you require and the style you like the most.

When evaluating price, keep in mind that the greater the price of a bunk bed, the more customizable it can be, Klugh says. This could mean adding additional features, such as an escalator or ladder. It could also mean the possibility of adding an additional bed for sleepovers or guests. Some models can even be taken apart to function as two separate beds--a convenient feature to consider if your children will outgrow the bunk beds or you are planning to move to a new home in the near future.

The number of beds you choose will also affect the cost and style. For instance, you could opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the amount of floor space and is inexpensive. You can also invest more in a solid-wood bunk bed with a modern, sturdy design that grows with your children and perhaps accommodate adults in the future.

Whatever size and design you choose, it's important to check the capacity of the bunk beds to make sure they can support the number of sleepers you'll use them for. Some bunk beds are only intended for children and only support 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can be used by adults and children who are growing.

It's also important to note that a bunk bed could be a major investment and, therefore, a major commitment. If you're not sure if this type of bed is a suitable fit for your family, spend some time to visit a showroom or look up reviews on the websites of retailers from actual buyers. This will give a good idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the bunk beds.

Stores

Modern living requires furniture that can serve more than as a place to rest, study, and relax. Bunk beds with built-in storage options meet this demand, transforming them into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and fashion. Multifunctional staircases and integrated storage drawers are creative features that make it easy to gain access to clothing, toys and bed linens.

Additionally loft beds with spacious desks turn the space underneath them into productive workspaces. These clever configurations allow remote workers or young students to be able to balance work, sleep and play without sacrificing the space.

Detachable bunks can be divided into twin-sized beds to accommodate guests for sleepovers or to let children grow up and transition to single beds. Bunks with removable trundle beds can be adapted to older kids or adults who prefer sleeping on a mattress that is large enough.

Finally, larger bunk beds that can sleep three or four people are a smart investment for families looking to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These models can fit into awkward corners, allowing owners to make the most of space that would otherwise be wasted.

The type of material and the color your buy bunk bed bed is crafted from will influence its overall look and feel. Wood bunks have a classic timeless appeal that fits well into contemporary, coastal, and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are an innovative option that goes well with midcentury and industrial styles.

When you are looking for a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your house and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs can be more simple to assemble and are ideal for teens or children who are ready to move from the junior or toddler bedroom. While taller bunks provide an airier, more sophisticated appearance and are more suitable for older children or adults. Some designs feature side railings, which provide an increased space between the beds. This will ensure the safety of everyone.