Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever
If you're planning a shared children's bedroom, outfitting a dorm or simply looking to maximize your space, bunk beds are versatile and more stylish than ever. There are many styles, including twin-overtwin and full over-full options.
Choose the right childrens bunk beds bed within your budget and the dimensions of your child's bedroom. Some bunk beds accommodate trundle mattresses in the bottom for 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 popular in shared rooms as well as 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 with ladders or stairs and distinctive features such as slides.
When we scoured the market to find our top picks we weighed a number of factors like the overall design and safety as well as value. We also asked parents and a person who literally wrote the book about bunk beds to help us choose the most effective choices. Read on to discover our top seven picks.
The size of bunk beds is an important factor to consider prior to buying a bed, particularly when it comes to the height of your ceiling. Make sure you measure your space prior to buying bunk bed for kids beds to ensure they fit. The top bunk should have at least five inches of headroom. We also recommend not using Trundle beds with mattresses that hang high that can limit headroom and increase the risk of head bumps.
Another thing to consider is whether you prefer ladders or stairs for access to the top bunk. Stairs are easier to climb and safer, but they may take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders aren't as bulky and more affordable, but they might be too steep for children.
On the product page you'll see the weight capacity of each top bunk mattress. This information is typically displayed next to the dimensions of the mattress. A higher capacity for weight indicates that the bunk was made for older children or adults who may need a larger mattress.
A variety of bunk beds, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three finishes to complement your kids room decor. Snowy white brings a bright coastal style to a classic children's room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add a touch of warmth and elegance to a rustic or farmhouse style.
Safety
When you are buying bunk beds be sure to consider more than the cost and ensure that it comes with all the safety features you need. A reliable seller will provide the weight capacity and explains the structure's durability and strength. This is particularly helpful for families who intend to use the beds again as the children get 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 have room for that size of space, you may think about a low-height bunk," she adds. "That can be an excellent option for a tight room because it keeps the bed off the floor, which can be uncomfortable as children get older."
Another thing to consider is the amount of space you have available for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with built-in stairs could save space, it could also be costly and require more assembly time. If you're short of space, opt for a simple ladder that can still allow your children to safely climb up to the top bunk.
The bunks in this list are all made of solid construction and meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. They also pass the lead and anti-tip test which is a great comfort for parents with children sharing a room. 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 beds used in hotels, and therefore they're made to last."
This trundle style from Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for shoppers who are looking for bunk beds that can evolve with their children. It converts into two twin beds one for tweens and the other for teens. It's the only bunk bed that isn't wood bed on the list, and its solid steel frame is light for such a heavy-duty piece of furniture. It's available in a broad variety of colors and can be customized with other accessories, like under-bed storage drawers.
Style
Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes and shapes that you can pick one that best fits your family's space. There are numerous configurations, such as the traditional 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 as well as other features may also differ. You'll want to consider the amount of storage space you'll need, as well as the overall look you prefer.
When you are considering the price, bear in mind that the higher the price of a bunk bed the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could mean adding extras such as a staircase, or ladder. It could also refer to the possibility of adding a trundle bed, which allows for easy sleepovers or guest accommodations. Some models can even be taken apart to function as two beds, which is a great option if you think your kids will outgrow the bunk beds or you are planning on moving to a different home in the near future.
The number of beds you select will also affect the cost and style. You could opt for a basic twin-over-twin bunk bed to maximize the amount of floor space. It's also affordable. You can also opt to invest more money in bunk beds made of solid wood with a modern, sturdy design that will grow with your children and possibly accommodate adults in the near future.
Regardless of the size and design you choose it is important to verify the capacity to bear weight of the bunk beds to ensure that they are able to accommodate the number of people you'll use them for. Some bunk beds are intended for children and only support the weight of 165 pounds. Others have a higher capacity and can be used by adults and children who are growing.
It is important to remember that a bunkbed can be an investment that is costly, and thus a significant commitment. If you're uncertain about whether this type of bed is a suitable choice for your family, take the time to visit an exhibit or look up reviews on the websites of retailers from actual customers. This will give a good idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the bunk beds.
Storage
Modern living requires furniture to be more than merely used as a place to rest or study. Bunk beds that feature built-in storage solutions meet this need, turning them into multi-purpose pieces that promote both function and style. Innovative features like multi-functional staircases and drawers that are integrated provide an easy access to clothes and bedding, toys and other items that might otherwise crowd the room, and keep them neatly tucked away but easily within reach.
Loft beds with large desks can turn the space below them into a productive working space. These clever arrangements allow young students or remote workers to manage work as well as play time without sacrificing floor space.
Another option that is useful is detachable bunks that are separated into separate twin beds, perfect to accommodate guests at sleepovers or allowing kids to change to single beds as they grow. Bunks with a removable trundle beds can be used to be adapted to older children and adults who prefer a full-size bed.
Finally, larger childrens bunk beds beds that can sleep three or four people are a good investment for families looking to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also fit nicely into corner spaces, enabling owners to make use of nooks that might otherwise be wasted.
The color and the material of your bunk bed will determine its overall appearance. Wood bunks have a classic timeless appeal that fits well in contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are a modern option that works well with midcentury and industrial styles.
When you are looking for bunk beds, take into consideration the height of your home's ceilings and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are easier to assemble. They are great for teens or younger children who are ready to get from the junior or toddler bedroom. These bunks are taller and have a sophisticated, airier look, and are best for older children or adults. Some designs feature side railings that allow for a greater clearance between the beds. This will ensure the safety of everyone.