Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

If you're planning a shared children's bedroom, outfitting a dorm or simply looking to maximize your space, bunk beds are versatile and more stylish than ever. There are many designs, including twin-overtwins and full over-full options.

Select a bunk bed that fits within your budget and the dimensions of the room your child will be sharing. Some bunk beds can accommodate trundle mattresses in the bottom for sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are a common feature of the bedrooms of children, offering both convenience and excitement for children who wish to sleep side-by-side. They are also popular in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a range of styles and materials with options that will fit any budget and size of room. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin designs to more elaborate designs with stairs or ladders and unique features such as slides.

When we scoured the market to find our top picks we weighed a number of aspects such as overall design and safety, and also the value. We also consulted parents and a person who wrote the book about bunk beds to help us identify the most suitable alternatives. Check out our seven top picks.

The size of bunk beds is an important consideration before purchasing a bed, especially in relation to the height of your ceiling. Make sure you measure your space prior to buying bunk beds to ensure they're a good fit. The top bunk should have at least five inches of headroom. We also advise against trundle beds with mattresses that hang high as they may limit headroom.

It is also important to consider whether you would prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top bunk. Stairs can be more easy to climb and safer, however they may take up more space on the floor than a ladder. Ladders might be less bulky, but they are also more cost-effective. They can be too steep for children.

On the product page, you'll find the weight capacity of every top bunk mattress. This information is typically displayed near the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity typically indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults, who might require a bigger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three finishes to complement your kids room decor. Snowy white gives a bright coastal look to classic bedrooms for kids and brushed grey or rich walnut create an authentic farmhouse or rustic look.

Safety

When shopping for a bunk bed it is important to look beyond the price and ensure that it comes with all the safety features that are required. A reputable seller lists the weight capacity, and also explains the structure's durability and strength. This is particularly helpful for families that plan to use the beds again as the children get older.

A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 33-36 inches between the top mattress and the ceiling, suggests Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. If you don't wish to sacrifice the space, you may think about a low height bunk bed. "That's ideal for a small room as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. That can be uncomfortable for kids as they grow older."

Another consideration is how much room there is for ladders or stairs. A bunk with built-in stairs can save space but can also be more expensive and take longer to put together. If you're limited on space, consider an easy ladder that allows your children to climb safely to the top of the bunk.

All bunks in this list are constructed of durable materials and meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for guardrails. They also pass anti-tip and lead testing, which can be a big relief for parents who have kids sharing rooms. For instance, the wood-and-metal Room & Board model is "built like a tank," says Laura Fenton who is the author of The Bunk Bed Book: The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels employ so they're constructed to last for a long time.

This trundle model from Bed Bath & Beyond is ideal for those looking for a bunk bed that will evolve with their children. It converts into two twin beds with one for tweens and the other for teens. It's the only bunk bed that isn't wood bed on the list, and its sturdy steel frame is extremely light for such a heavy-duty piece of furniture. It is available in a variety of colors and can be customized with accessories such as under-bed drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes that you can pick one that suits your family's space. There are numerous configurations, including twin-over-twin bunks or specialized beds like twin-over queen or queen-over-twin. Some are made from metal and others are made of wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame as well as other features can vary. You'll want to consider the amount of storage space you'll need and the style you prefer.

When considering price, keep in mind that the higher the price point of a bunk bed, the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could mean adding extras such as a staircase or ladder. It could also mean the ability to add the trundle bed, which makes it ideal for guests or sleepovers. Some models can even be disassembled to function as two separate beds--a convenient feature if you anticipate that your kids will outgrow bunk beds or you are planning to move to a new home in the future.

The number of beds you choose will also influence cost and style. For example, you might opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed, which maximizes floor space and is relatively inexpensive. You can also invest more money in a solid-wood bunk bed with a contemporary, robust design that can grow with your children and possibly accommodate adult sleepers in the future.

Whatever size and style you select it is important to verify the weight capacity of the bunk beds best to ensure that they are able to accommodate the number of people you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are only intended for children and only support up to 165 pounds. Others have a higher capacity and can be used by the growing needs of adults and children.

Finally, it's worth noting that a bunk bed can be a big investment--and therefore a significant commitment. If you're not sure if this type of bed is suitable for your family, go to the showroom of a particular retailer or read reviews from customers on their website. This will give you a good idea of the quality and workmanship of the bunk beds.

Storage

Modern living requires furniture that can serve more than as a space to sleep, study, and relax. Bunk beds with built-in storage solutions meet the need to transform into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and fashion. Multifunctional staircases and drawers with storage integrated are creative features that make it easy to gain access to toys, clothing and bed linens.

Additionally loft beds that have spacious desks turn the space below them into productive workspaces. These thoughtful configurations enable young students or remote workers to combine work, play, and sleep without sacrificing valuable floor space.

Another option that is useful is detachable bunks that are separated into separate twin beds, which are ideal for accommodating sleepover guests or allowing kids to change to single beds as they develop. Bunks with trundle beds that can be removed can be adapted to older adults or children who prefer sleeping on a mattress that is large enough.

Finally, larger bunk beds that can sleep three, four, or more are a smart investment for families who want to maximize space in bedrooms with high ceilings. These models can fit well into corners, allowing homeowners to make use of awkward spaces that might otherwise be wasted.

The type of material and the color your bunk bed is constructed from will affect the overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They work well with contemporary and coastal interiors as well as farmhouse. Steel bunks, on the other side are a more contemporary option that works well with midcentury and industrial designs.

When shopping for a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your house and any windows that are nearby or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are simpler to put together. They are great for younger children or teens who are ready to step out of the toddler or junior bedroom. Taller bunks have a more sophisticated, airier look and are ideally suited to older kids or adults. Some designs also have side railings that allow for more space between beds, providing security and easy access for all users.