bunk beds usa Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Whether you're designing an area for children to share or putting together a dorm room, or simply maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and cooler than ever. There are many styles to consider, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full options.

Pick the bunk bed that is within your budget and the dimensions of the room your child will be sharing. Some bunk beds can accommodate trundle mattresses on the bottom for sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds have been a staple of childhood bedrooms for many years. They provide both effectiveness and excitement to children who want to sleep together. They are also popular in shared rooms as well as vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles and materials that can be adapted to any budget and room size. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin models to more elaborate models with stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.

We weighed a range of factors as we scoured the market to find our top picks, including overall design, safety, and value. We also consulted experts -- parents and one who literally wrote the book on bunk beds--to help us find the top choices. Find out our top seven picks by reading on.

Before you purchase bunk beds, it's important to think about the dimensions of the bed. This is especially true when you are considering the height of your ceiling. Always measure your space to ensure the bunks you pick are suitable, and leave at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also recommend against trundles beds with mattresses that hang high as they could limit headroom.

You should also think about whether you would prefer ladders or stairs to reach the top bunk. Stairs are typically more secure and safer to climb, however they may take up more floor space than a ladder. Ladders are smaller and cost-effective, however they might be too steep for younger children.

On the product page on the product page, you'll see the weight capacity of every top bunk mattress. The information is typically listed next to the dimensions of the mattress. A higher capacity for weight typically indicates the bunk is suitable for older kids or adults who require a larger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three options to match your children' bedroom decor. The white of the snow adds a luminous coastal style to a classic children's room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add warmth and class to a farmhouse or rustic style.

Safety

When you are looking for a bunk bed, it is crucial to look past the price tag and ensure it is equipped with the safety features you need. A reputable seller will list the weight capacity and provide an explanation of the structure's durability and strength which is crucial for families who intend to reuse the beds when their children get older.

Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids suggests leaving 33-36 inches between the mattress's top and the ceiling. "If you don't have enough room to accommodate that much space, you may want to consider a low-height bunk," she adds. "That's an excellent option for a small room, because it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. This can make it be uncomfortable as kids get older."

Another factor to consider is how much space there is for ladders or stairs. While a bunk with stairs built in can reduce space, it can also be pricier and require more assembly time. If you are short in space, you can opt for an easy ladder that allows your children to safely ascend to the top bunk.

The bunks on this list have solid construction and comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. These bunks also have passed lead and anti-tip tests and are a welcome relief for parents with children sharing a room. For example, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like a tank," says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: with 115 Bunks, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. "These are the beds used in hotels, so they're made to last."

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

Style

Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes and designs, so you are sure to choose one that best childrens bunk beds suits your family's requirements. For instance there are traditional twin-overtwin bunks, as well as more specialized designs like twin-over-queen or queen-over-twin beds. Some are made of metal and others are made of wooden and come with side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features can also vary. You'll have to think about how much storage space you require and the style you prefer.

When considering price, keep in mind that the greater the cost of a bunk bed the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could include adding additional features such as a staircase or ladder. It could also mean the possibility of incorporating an additional bed for sleepovers or guests. Some models can be disassembled to create two beds. This is a great option if your kids will outgrow their bunk beds or if you plan to move in the near future.

The number of beds that you select will also impact the price and design. For example, you might opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes floor space and is relatively affordable. You can also spend more money on bunk beds made of solid wood with a contemporary, robust design that can grow with your children and perhaps accommodate adult sleepers in the near future.

It is essential to verify the weight capacity of the bunk beds you select to ensure that they can handle the number of people you intend to use them for. Some are designed for kids only and can only accommodate up to 165 lbs and others have a higher limit on weight that allows them to accommodate growing kids and even adults.

It's important to keep in mind that a bunkbed can be an expensive investment and therefore a significant commitment. If you're not sure if this kind of bed is the right option for your family, take the time to visit a showroom or look up reviews on the websites of retailers from actual customers. This will give you a good idea of the quality and workmanship of the bunk beds.

Storage

Modern living requires furniture that can be more than merely used as a place to sleep, study, and relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage options can meet this demand, transforming them into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and style. Innovative features such as multi-functional staircases and integrated drawers provide convenient access to clothing and bedding, toys and other items that could otherwise occupy the room, and keep them in order and within reach.

In the same way, loft beds that boast large desks transform the space underneath them into productive workspaces. These clever arrangements allow remote workers or young students to balance work, sleep and play without losing the space they need.

Detachable bunks can be divided into twin-sized beds to accommodate guests for sleepovers or to let children grow older and move to single beds. Bunks that have removable trundle beds can be used to accommodate older children and adults who prefer a large bed.

Families looking to make the most of their tiny bedrooms with high ceilings can benefit from purchasing larger bunk beds that can sleep three or four people. These models can fit nicely into corners, allowing owners to make use of awkward nooks which would otherwise be unused.

The color and the material of your bunk bed will determine the overall look of your bunk bed. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They work well with modern and coastal interiors as well as farmhouse. Steel bunks are on the other side, are a more modern option that works well with midcentury and industrial styles.

When shopping for bunk beds, take into consideration the ceiling height of your home and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. Lower, compact styles are easier to put together. They are perfect for younger children or teens who are ready to move from the junior or toddler bedroom. While taller bunks provide an elegant, airier design and are ideal for older children or adult sleepers. Some designs have side railings that allow for an increased space between the beds. This ensures the safety of everyone.