Kit Gorham

Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Bunk beds are more flexible and stylish than they have ever been. There are many designs to think about, including twin over twin and full-over-full options.

Select the right bunk bed within your budget and the dimensions of your child's bedroom. 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 offer both effectiveness and excitement to kids who love to sleep together. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a variety of styles and materials that can be adapted to any budget or room size. Our top picks for bunk beds range from basic twin-over-twin constructions to elaborate models that include stairs or ladders, as well as unique features like slides.

We considered a variety of factors when we searched the market for our top picks including overall design, safety, and value. We also asked parents and a person who literally wrote the book on bunk beds to help us find the best value Bunk beds options. Find out our top seven picks by reading on.

Before making a purchase of bunk beds, it is important to think about the dimensions of the bed. This is especially true when you are considering your ceiling height. Always check your space to make sure the bunks you select fit and that you have at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also suggest staying away from trundle beds with high-hanging mattresses, which can restrict headroom and increase the possibility of bumped heads.

Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top bunk. Stairs are easier to climb and safer, however they will take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders aren't as bulky but they're also more cost-effective. They can feel too high for younger children.

You should also pay attention to the capacity for weight of the top bunk mattress which you can find on the product's page. The majority of manufacturers will list this information in the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity usually indicates the bunk is suitable for older kids or adults, who might require a larger mattress.

The Shyann Bunk Bed from Room & Board is a versatile option for bunk beds. It comes in three finishes that will match the decor of your child's room. White snow gives a vibrant coastal style to classic bedrooms for kids while brushed grey and rich walnut add rustic or farmhouse-style appeal.

Safety

When purchasing a bunk bed be sure to consider more than the price and ensure that it has all the safety features you need. A trustworthy seller will outline the capacity of the bed and provide an explanation of the structure's strength and durability, which is especially helpful for families that plan to reuse the beds when their children get older.

A good rule of the thumb is to leave at least 33 to 36 inches between the top mattress and the ceiling, according to Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. If you don't want sacrifice this much space, you might want to consider a best low profile bunk beds height bunk bed. "That is a great option for rooms that are tight because it keeps the lower bed off of the floor, and can feel cramped as kids become older."

Another thing to consider is the amount of space you have for stairs or ladders. A bunk with built-in stairs could save space, but they can also be more expensive and require longer assembly. If you're short on space, go for an easy ladder that allows your children to safely climb to the top of the bunk.

The bunks on this list have solid construction, and they are in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. They also have passed anti-tip and lead tests which could be a huge relief for parents who have children sharing rooms. For instance, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like tank," says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: with 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels employ, so they are built to last.

This trundle model from Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for shoppers who are looking for bunk beds that can expand with their children. It can be transformed into two twin beds, one for tweens, and the other for teens. It's the only bunk bed that doesn't use wood. The sturdy steel frame is also surprisingly light for a massive piece of furniture. It's available in a broad range of colors and can be customized with additional accessories, like under-bed storage drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in different sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that best sturdy bunk beds for adults fits your family's needs. There are numerous configurations, including twin-over-twin bunks or specialized beds like twin-over queen or queen-over twin. Some are made of metal and some are made of wood with side rails on the top bunk beds best. The design of the frame and other features can vary. You'll need to think about how much storage space you need and the overall look you prefer.

When evaluating price, keep in mind that the higher the cost of a bunk bed the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could mean adding accessories such as a staircase, or ladder. This could also include the possibility of incorporating an extra bed for guests or sleepovers. Some models can be disassembled and used as two separate beds--a convenient feature to consider if your kids will outgrow bunk beds or you are planning to move to a new home in the near future.

The amount of beds you pick will also impact the price and style. For example, you might select a basic twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the floor space and is affordable. You could also decide to spend a bit more on a sturdy wooden option with modern designs that will expand with the children and possibly accommodate adults down the road.

It's important that you check the weight capacity for the bunk beds you pick to ensure they can accommodate the number of people you intend to use them for. Some are made for children only and can only hold up to 165 pounds and others have a higher limit on weight that allows the beds to be able to accommodate growing children and even adults.

It's important to note that a bunkbed can be an investment that is costly, and consequently a major commitment. If you are unsure whether a bunk bed is right for your family, go to the showroom of a retailer or read reviews of customers on their website. This will give you an idea of the quality of the workmanship and the way in which the bunks are built.

Storage

Modern living requires furniture to do more than just serve as a best place to get bunk beds to rest, study, and relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage meet this need making them multi-functional furniture pieces that are both functional and fashionable. Innovative features such as multi-functional staircases and integrated drawers provide convenient access to clothing, toys, bed linens and other items that could otherwise occupy the room, keeping them well-organized and easily within reach.

Loft beds with large desk areas can transform the space below them into a productive work area. These thoughtful configurations enable young students or remote workers to balance work as well as play time without sacrificing floor space.

Detachable bunks can be divided into twin-size beds to accommodate guests during sleepovers or to allow children to grow up and transition to single beds. Bunks with removable trundle beds can be adapted to older children or adults who prefer to sleep on a full-size mattress.

Finally, larger bunks that allow for sleeping three or four people are a good investment for families who want to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These models can be tucked away in awkward corners, allowing owners to make the most of space that would otherwise be wasted.

The color and materials of your bunk bed will determine the overall look of your best bunk bed reviews bed. Wood bunks have a classic timeless look that blends well into contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are an innovative option that goes well with midcentury and industrial styles.

When choosing bunk beds, take into consideration the ceiling height of your house and any nearby windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are easier to put together. They are great for teens or younger children who are ready to get from the bedroom for toddlers or juniors. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, airier look and are better suited for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs also come with side railings that allow for an increased space between beds, providing security and easy access for all users.