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

Bunk beds can add fun and functionality to a kids room, particularly when you're working with a small space. Whether you go for the classic twin-over-full or a loft bed with storage, we have options that will meet your budget and space requirements.

Be sure to look for features like staircases that are angled, angled ladders that protrude, and more. These features make bunk beds safer for older children and safer. Other additions include under-bed trundles for sleepovers and storage areas which double as play areas.

Size

When you are looking for a bunk bed, size matters. Make sure the beds fit in the room and have enough space to move up and down. Consider the size of other furniture pieces, like dressers or desks, should you decide to add them. Keep in mind the capacity to carry weight for both the bottom and top beds if you'll be using the bunks as adult bedroom furniture as well.

Another crucial aspect is the ceiling's height. Klugh suggests that the best rule of thumb to follow is to make sure there's five inches between the ceiling and bottom of the bed. "This ensures kids can safely enter the upper sleeping area."

Some bunk beds have ladders, whereas others have stairs. Fenton states that stairs are simpler to use, but take up more room. There are stairs with built-in drawers for storage which are great when you need to store your toys or bedding. But they're more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials can differ in price. The cheapest sets are usually made of medium-density fiberboard, while the more expensive ones often feature wooden construction or a metal frame. Wood is strong and beautiful, but it can be warped by pests or water, so some parents prefer to skip this kind of material.

The majority of bunk beds in this guide can be made in any color you'd like regardless of whether you prefer white for a fresh look, or a dark grey or smoky walnut to match any bedroom. Sherwin Williams Shyann Twin Over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed offers extra headroom to minimize the possibility of smacking heads when reading or relaxing in bed.

Some of our choices even can be transformed into two separate beds, which is a great option if you expect to sell the bunks once your kids outgrow them or are planning to move at some point in the future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase & Drawers is a long-lasting solution that works with twin-overtwin mattresses and full over-full ones. It is also available in a classic neutral color that is compatible with any interior design scheme.

Safety

Bunk beds are fun and exciting for children however, they're not without some security concerns. It is essential to choose the best bed frame material, which is made of high-quality, sturdy wood. It is also important to ensure that the bunk bed has guardrails for the top mattress and that it meets all safety standards that are applicable. The guardrails must be a minimum of 5 inches in height, and they should be continuous on both sides of the upper mattress. Check for any gaps or holes that could trap a child’s head, limbs, or torso.

Most manufacturers of bunk beds have weight limits on their products. It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines, since exceeding them can cause the bunk bed to collapse and create serious injury risks. Many of these manufacturers also offer age restrictions for use of their bunk beds generally requiring that children have to be at least 6 years older to be able to sleep on the upper levels.

The kind of ladder included with the bunk beds is a different factor to consider. While some models have an ordinary ladder made of metal some come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are often easier for children to climb however they're not as secure as a sturdy ladder. They can be a challenge to navigate especially if your kids are tall or have difficulty climbing up and down.

Also, make sure that the bunk bed is properly anchored to the wall and floor, and that it's not close to any windows or other items that kids could fall onto while sleeping. You should also inspect the bunk bed on a regular basis for any loose or damaged parts that could need to be repaired. It's a good idea keep additional bolts and screws around in case they get lost or loose over time.

You should also place 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 also make it more comfortable for your kids to get in and out of bed.

Style

If you're looking to update the decor of your child's bedroom There are plenty of stylish bunk bed options that provide more than a place to sleep. Some bunk beds have additional storage, with a built-in desk, or a slide. And, while it's crucial to consider your child's preference for design when purchasing a bed, it's an excellent idea to consider how the bunk bed will fit with other furniture pieces and the overall layout of the space.

Some of the most popular bunk beds for kids are minimal in design, featuring modern full-size or twin beds that stack together and are paired with a stair 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. Many of these designs can be split into two beds, which is great when your children outgrow the bunk beds or you decide to move to another home.

Others are a bit more attractive, such as adding a bunk bed to your child's bedroom with a fun design or color that complements furniture in the bedroom. The triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example has a neutral finish that blends well with both vibrant colors and muted ones. The angular design provides it with a sleek, contemporary look, and the staircase has open-air shelves for storage that is out of sight. The stairs feature a chic handrail that is slatted and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of an adult. You don't need to worry about your children falling off the top bunk.

If your children are lovers of the outdoors, this rustic bunk bed from Max and Lily might be just the right choice. This bunk bed is environmentally friendly, as it's made from solid wood that was sustainable sourced and complies with responsible forest practices. The wire brush technique used to create the bunk's unique texture highlights the wood's natural knots and grain, giving it a one-of-a-kind look. This bed is ideal for older children since the bottom bunk can accommodate an adult-sized mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to hold an entire size mattress.

Storage

Bunk beds can be a great way to save space, however some models have extra storage options that make them ideal for families or Airbnb guests. Some models include the option of a trundle that can be removed from under the bunk's bottom, to accommodate a second person or child, while other models have drawers for clothes and other items. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase bunk beds uk Bed, for example, has two drawers under the bed, as well as a bookcase that has three shelves that are different sizes. This is a great option for small rooms with a limited storage space or shelves.

When looking for bunk beds, you should take into consideration whether you prefer stairs or ladders to reach the top of the bed. Ladders tend to be more traditional and fit into the decor of a room more easily than stairs, which can look less sleek. Stairs are more efficient and simpler to climb. They are also multi-functional, with some models having hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.

There are also bunk beds with a minimalist design which are simply two sleek twin or full mattresses that are able to be joined. These are the best option for rooms with small spaces or with low ceilings. They are also usually the least expensive. Many of these beds can be disassembled and utilized as two beds. This is ideal when you are planning to move or alter the arrangement of your room in the future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a fashionable option that's made from knot-free New Zealand pine wood and has stylish slatted headboards and footboards. It also comes with a built-in ladder and sturdy 14-inch guardrails for the upper bunk.

Check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine & Plywood Bunk Bed to get a modern alternative. The sleek bunk bed is available in several colors and can be split into two separate beds at a later time. It has a capacity of 300 pounds on the top bunk, and can accommodate full-size or twin mattresses, so it's suitable for teens and children of all ages.