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

Bunk beds can add a lot of fun and functionality to a kids room, particularly if you have limited space. It doesn't matter if you choose the classic twin-over-full or a loft bed with storage, we've got options that will meet your budget and room needs.

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

Size

When you are looking for a bunk bed the size is important. Make sure the beds fit in the room with enough space to climb up and down. If you're looking to add furniture pieces such as desks or a dresser, consider their sizes as well. Remember that the bunks at the top and bottom can only support the weight of a certain amount when used as adult bedroom furniture.

Another important aspect is the ceiling's height. Klugh suggests that the best guideline to follow is to make sure there's at least 5 inches between the ceiling and bottom of the bed. This will ensure that kids are able to safely access the upper sleeping area.

Some bunk beds have ladders, whereas others have stairs. "Stairs are usually more user-friendly than ladders, but they do take up more space," says Fenton. You can find stairs with built-in storage drawers, which are particularly useful when you require extra space for toys or bedding. They are more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials also vary in price. The less-expensive sets are typically made of medium-density fiberboard, and the more expensive models usually have a solid wood structure or metal frame. Wood is durable and beautiful, however it can be warped by water or pests, so some parents prefer to skip this material.

The majority of the bunks listed in this guide can be purchased in your choice of finish, including white for a modern look and a smoky grey or rich walnut that can fit into any color-clad bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed, for example, has extra headroom between the top and bottom bunks to reduce the chance of hitting heads while sitting or reading in the bed.

Some of our selections can be converted into two beds. This is ideal when you are planning to sell them when your children have outgrown them, or if you are planning on moving in the future. For a more permanent solution, this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Low-Profile Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers is suitable for twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It is available in a classic neutral color that pairs easily with any interior design.

Safety

Bunk beds are fun and exciting for kids however, they're not without some security concerns. It's important to look for the best bunk beds with storage bed frame material that is made of high-quality sturdy wood. Also, you should ensure that the bed meets all safety standards and has guardrails on the top of the bed. The guardrails must be at least 5 inches in height, and they should be continuous on all sides of the top mattress. Also, you should look for openings, gaps or holes in the guardrails that are big enough to entrap the child's head or torso, or limbs.

The majority of bunk bed manufacturers set weight limits for their products. Following these guidelines is essential, as a violation of them can cause the bunk bed to collapse, and could pose an extremely high risk of injuries. A lot of these manufacturers offer age restrictions for use of their bunk beds typically requiring children to must be at least six years old old to sleep on the upper level.

The kind of ladder included with the bunk beds is another important aspect to think about. While some models feature an ordinary ladder made of metal, others come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are easier for children to climb but are not as safe as ladders made of solid steel. They can be a challenge to navigate when your children are tall or have difficulty climbing up and down.

You should also ensure that the bunk bed is secured to the floor and wall, and that it's not near any windows or items that kids could fall onto while sleeping. It is also recommended to regularly check the bunk bed for broken or loose parts that may need to be repaired or replaced. Keep extra bolts and screws at your home in case they become lost or loosen over time.

Finally, you should place the bunk bed in a corner of the room, so that it has walls on two sides. This will help prevent any falls from the top or side of the bunk bed and it will also make it more comfortable for your kids to get out and in.

Style

There are a variety of elegant bunk beds that provide more than just a place for you to sleep. Some bunk beds have additional storage, a built in desk, or even a slide. While it's essential to take into account your child's preferences prior to purchasing a bunk bed, it's also important to consider the layout of the room and how the bunk bed will be able to fit with the furniture.

Some of the most popular bunk bed designs for kids are minimalist in style. They are stylish full-size or twin beds that stack together, paired with a ladder. These minimalist designs are great for small rooms or rooms with low ceilings. They're also a great budget option. A lot of these models are able to be separated into two beds which is a great option if your kids outgrow the bunk beds or you decide to move to a different home.

Others are a bit more aesthetically pleasing, including bunk beds to your children's room with a fun design or color that complements other bedroom furniture. This triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example has a neutral finish that works well with both vibrant colors and muted ones. The angular design gives it a modern, sleek appearance. The staircase features open-air shelves to store items that are not visible. The stairs feature a chic handrail with slats and are sturdy enough to withstand the best bunk beds weight of an adult. You don't have to worry about your kids falling off the top bunk.

If your children are fans of the outdoors, this rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily might be just the solution. The bunk bed is eco-friendly since it's constructed from solid wood that has been sustainable sourced and complies with responsible forest practices. The wire brush technique that was used to create the bunk's unique texture celebrates the wood's natural knots and grain, giving it a one-of-a-kind look. The bottom bunk can accommodate a twin mattress (sold separately) and the upper bunk is designed to accommodate the full size mattress, so this bunk bed is suitable for older children.

Stores

Bunk beds are a great way to save space, however some models have extra storage that makes them ideal for families or Airbnb guests. There are trundle beds that include a trundle that pulls out from underneath the bunk's bottom for an additional child or a couple or even drawers for clothes and other items that can clutter up small spaces. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed, for example, comes with two under-bed storage drawers as well as a bookcase that has three shelves in different sizes. It can be great additions to a room that has limited closet or shelf space.

Another consideration when shopping for bunk beds is whether you'd like ladders or stairs to get to the top of the ladder. Ladders tend to be more traditional and can fit into the style of a room more easily than stairs, which can look less sleek. Stairs are more efficient and easier to climb. They can also be multi-functional, with some models sporting hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.

There are also minimalist bunk beds made of two full or twin mattresses that are simply arranged. They are the best twin over full bunk bed choice for small rooms or rooms with low ceilings. They are also usually the most affordable. A majority of these beds can be disassembled and utilized as two beds. This is great when you are planning to move or change the layout of your bedroom in the near future.

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

Take a look at the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed for a more modern option. The modern bunk bed is available in multiple color options and can be divided into two separate beds at a later date. It can hold up to 300 pounds on the top bunk, and twin or full-size beds are also available.