How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room

Bunk beds can add a lot of fun and function to a kid' room, especially when you're working with a small space. If you opt for the traditional twin-overfull or loft bed with storage, we have options that meet your budget and space requirements.

Look for features such as angled ladders, stairs that protrude and more. These features make bunk beds easier to climb for older children and more secure. Other features include storage spaces that can be used as play areas and under-bed trundles.

Size

Size is crucial when you are shopping for bunk beds. Be sure that the beds are placed in the room and have enough space to climb up and down. Take into consideration the size of other furniture pieces, like dressers or desks, if you plan to add them. Keep in mind the weight capacity of both the bottom and top beds if you'll be using the bunk beds as furniture for adult bedrooms, too.

The ceiling's height is also important. Klugh suggests that the best rule of thumb to adhere to is to make sure there's a minimum of 5 inches between the ceiling and the bottom of the bed. "This ensures kids can safely access the upper sleep area."

Some bunk beds come with ladders, whereas others have stairs. "Stairs are generally more user-friendly than ladders, but they take up more space," says Fenton. There are stairs that come with built-in drawers for storage which is ideal when you need to store your toys or bedding. They are more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials can vary in price. The cheaper sets are usually constructed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones usually have frames made of metal or wood construction. Wood is strong and beautiful, however it can be swollen by pests or water, so some parents prefer to stay clear of this type of material.

The majority of the bunks featured in this guide are available in your choice of finish, including white for a modern look and a smoky gray or rich walnut that will fit into any color-clad bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed, for instance, offers extra headroom between the bottom and top bunks to minimize the risk of bumping heads when reading or sitting in the bed.

Some of our picks even convert into two separate beds, which may be ideal if you expect to sell the bunks once your kids outgrow them or you plan to move them at some point in the near future. If you want a more durable option, this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Bunk Bed that is low-profile with Staircase and Drawers is suitable for twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses and comes in a classic neutral hue that pairs easily with any interior design palette.

Safety

Bunk beds can be enjoyable and exciting, however there are some safety issues. It is crucial to find the best bed frame, which should be made of high-quality, sturdy wood. Also, make sure that the bunk bed is equipped with guardrails for the top sleeper and that it meets all safety standards that are applicable. The guardrails should be at least 5 inches in height and should be affixed to the entire upper mattress. Look for any gaps or openings that could entrap a child's head or torso, or limbs.

Most bunk bed manufacturers stipulate weight limits for their products. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial, as exceeding them could cause the bunk bed to collapse and create an extremely high risk of injury. Many of these manufacturers have age limits on their bunk beds. Usually, children must be at least six years old to sleep in the upper levels.

Another factor to consider is the type of ladder that comes with the bunk bed. While some models feature a simple metal ladder, others come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases can be easier for children to climb but they're not as safe as a ladder made of solid steel. They can be a challenge to navigate when your children are tall or have trouble climbing up and down.

It is also important to ensure that the bunk beds are anchored on the wall and the floor and that they are not situated near windows or other furniture where children could fall while sleeping. Also, you should regularly inspect the bunk bed for broken or loose parts that might need to be repaired or replaced. It is a good idea to keep additional bolts and screws nearby in case some are lost or loose as time passes.

It is also recommended to put the bunk beds in a corner so they have walls on both sides. This will stop any falls from the top or side of the bunk bed, and it will also make it more comfortable for your kids to get into and out of bed.

Style

There are a myriad of stylish bunk beds that offer more than just a place for you to sleep. Some come with additional storage space, an integrated desk, or even a slide. It's also crucial to consider your child's preference for design when making a purchase, it's also a good idea to think about how the bunk bed will fit with other room furniture and the overall layout of the space.

The best bunk beds for kids are minimalist in style, featuring sleek twin or full-size mattresses that stack and are combined with a stairway ladder. These minimalist designs are perfect for cramped spaces or rooms with low ceilings and are a great option for those with a tight budget. These models can be split into two beds in case you need to move them or if your children outgrow them.

Some bunk beds are more decorative and can be paired with other furniture for bedrooms. The triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example is a neutral-colored finish that is compatible with vibrant colors as well as muted ones. Its angular style creates a clean modern look. the staircase features open-air shelves for out-of-sight storage. The stairs also feature a elegant slatted railing, and are strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult, meaning you don't have to worry about your children falling off the top bunk.

If your children are fans of the outdoors, this rustic bunk bed from Max and Lily could be the perfect right choice. Made from sustainably sourced solid wood that adheres to the standards of responsible forestry The bunk bed is eco-friendly and striking. The wire brush technique employed to create this bunk's unique texture highlights the wood's natural grain and knots, giving the childrens bunk beds a unique appearance. The bottom bunk can accommodate a twin mattress (sold separately), and the upper bunk is designed to fit a full-size mattress, so this bed is suitable for children who are older.

Storage

Bunk beds can be a great space-saver, but certain models come with additional storage, making them ideal for families or Airbnb guests. There are trundle beds that include a trundle that pulls out from underneath the bunk's bottom to sleep with a child or another, while others offer drawers for clothes and other things that can clutter up small spaces. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed, for example, includes two storage under-bed drawers as well as a bookcase that has three shelves of various sizes, which can be an excellent addition to a room that has little space for shelves or closets.

When looking for bunk beds, you must be aware of whether you prefer stairs or ladders to get to the top. Ladders are more traditional and could be more suited to a room's decor than stairs. However, stairs are more efficient and easier to climb, and can be multi-functional. Some models have hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.

There are also minimalistic bunk beds that consist of two twin or full mattresses that can be arranged to fit together. These are the best option for rooms with small spaces or with low ceilings. They are also the least expensive. Many of these can also be dismantled and put in two beds, which can be useful in the event that you plan on changing layouts of rooms or moving homes in the near future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Trundle Bunk made of Solid Wood Bed is a fashionable option that's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine wood. It also has stylish slatted footboards and headboards. It also comes with an integrated ladder and 14-inch guardrails on the upper bunk.

For a more modern option take a look at the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The chic bunk bed comes in many colors and can be split into two separate beds later. It can accommodate up 300 pounds on the top bunk, and twin or full-size beds can be used.