Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

If you're planning a shared children's bedroom or outfitting a dorm, or simply maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and more fashionable than ever. There are a variety of styles, including twin-overtwin and full over-full versions.

Find one that is in line with your budget and your children room dimensions. Also, keep in mind that certain bunks can have beds that trundle down to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are an essential part of the bedrooms of children, offering both comfort and excitement for children who prefer to sleep side by side. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a variety of styles and materials, with options that will fit any budget and size of room. Our buy bunk bed bed picks range from basic twin over twin constructions to more elaborate designs with ladders or stairs and distinctive features like slides.

As we looked around the market to find our top choices, we considered many aspects such as the overall design and safety, as well as the price. We also consulted experts -- parents and one who wrote the book on bunk beds -- to assist us in locating the best bunk beds choices. Discover our seven favorites by continuing reading.

The size of bunk beds is an important consideration before making a purchase, especially in relation to the height of your ceilings. Always take measurements to ensure that the bunks you select 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.

Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top bunk. Stairs are typically safer and easier to climb, but they may take up more space than ladders. Ladders are less bulky and cost-effective, however they may feel too steep for younger children.

You should also be aware of the capacity for weight of the top bunk mattress that is listed on the page of each product. The majority of manufacturers will list this information near the mattress's dimensions. A higher weight capacity usually indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults, who may require a bigger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three designs to fit with your kids' bedroom decor. White snow gives a vibrant coastal style to classic rooms for kids, while brushed grey or rich walnut give an authentic farmhouse or rustic look.

Safety

When shopping 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 reliable seller will provide the weight capacity and also explains the structure's durability and strength. This is particularly important for families that plan to reuse the beds as the children grow older.

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

Another consideration is deciding how much space you have available for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with built-in stairs could save space, it can also be pricier and require more assembly time. If you're short on space, opt for a simple ladder that will still allow your kids to safely climb to the top bunk.

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

If you're looking for a bunk that will grow with their kids, this trundle-style design from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two separate twin beds for teens and tweens. It's the only non-wood childrens bunk beds bed on the list, and its sturdy steel frame is extremely light for such a large piece of furniture. It's available in a broad range of colors and can be customized with other accessories, like under-bed storage drawers.

Style

Bunk beds are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, so you can pick one that best rated bunk beds fits your family's needs. For instance there are traditional twin-overtwin bunks as well as specialized configurations such as queen-over-twin or twin-over-queen beds. Some are made from metal, while others are wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame as well as other features also can vary and you'll need to think about how much storage you need and what general style you prefer.

When considering price, keep in mind that the greater the price of a bunk bed the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This may mean additional accessories like a ladder or stairs. It could also mean the possibility of adding an trundle bed that makes it ideal for guests or sleepovers. Some models can even be disassembled and used as two separate beds--a convenient feature to consider if your kids will outgrow the bunks or you plan on moving to a different home in the near future.

The number of beds that you choose will also affect cost and style. For example, you might opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the amount of floor space and is affordable. You can also opt to invest more money in a solid-wood bunk bed with a contemporary, robust design that will grow with your kids and possibly accommodate adults in the near future.

No matter what size or design you choose it is important to verify the weight capacity of the bunk beds best to ensure they can support the number of sleepers that you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are only intended for children and only support 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can be used by the growing needs of adults and children.

Also, it's important to remember that a bunk bed could be a major investment and, therefore, a major commitment. If you're unsure whether a bunk bed is suitable for your family, go to a retailer's showroom or read customer reviews on their website. This will give you an idea of the quality of the workmanship and the way in which the bunks are made.

Storage

Furniture should be able be more than an area to study, sleep or relax. Bunk beds that feature built-in storage options meet this demand, transforming them into multifunctional pieces that champion both function and style. Innovative features such as multi-functional staircases and drawers that are integrated provide an easy access to clothes, toys, bed linens and other items that would otherwise clutter the room, and keep them well-organized and easily within reach.

Loft beds that have spacious desks can transform the space beneath them into a productive working space. These clever arrangements allow young students or remote workers to combine work, play, and sleep without sacrificing floor space.

Another useful option is the detachable bunks that can be divided into separate twin-sized beds, ideal for accommodating sleepover guests or allowing kids to change to single beds as they become more mature. Bunks that have trundle beds that are removable can be adapted to older adults or children who prefer to sleep on a large mattress.

Additionally, bunks that accommodate three, four, or more are a good investment for families looking to maximize space in bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also be a great fit in corner spaces, enabling owners to make use of awkward spaces which would otherwise be unused.

The kind of material and color that your bunk bed is made from will influence the overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks have a classic, timeless appeal that fits well into contemporary, coastal, and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are on the other on the other hand, are a more modern option that is a great match with midcentury and industrial styles.

When choosing a bunk bed, consider the height of your home's ceilings and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. Lower, compact styles are easier to put together. They are great for teens or younger children who are ready to step from the bedroom for toddlers or juniors. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, airier design and are ideal for older children or adults. Some designs feature side railings that allow for a greater clearance between the beds. This provides security and ease of access for everyone.