Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Whether you're designing a shared bedroom for your children, outfitting a dorm or just maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and more stylish than ever. There are a variety of styles, including twin-overtwin and full over-full versions.

Find a model that is compatible with your budget and your kids room dimensions. Also, keep in mind that certain bunks can be able to accommodate beds that trundle down for sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are an essential part of bedrooms for children, providing both convenience and excitement for kids who want to sleep side by side. They are also popular in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a range of styles and materials with options that will fit any budget and space. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin models to more elaborate models that include stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.

We considered a variety of factors while scouring the market for our top picks, including overall design, safety and value. We also asked experts--parents and one who wrote the book on bunk beds to help us source the best rated bunk beds alternatives. Find out our top seven picks by reading on.

The size of childrens bunk beds beds is an important factor to consider prior to buying a bed, particularly when it comes to the ceiling's height. Always take measurements to ensure that the bunks you select fit and that you have at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also advise against trundle bed trundles with high-hanging mattress, as they can restrict headroom.

Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to access the top bunk. Stairs can be more easy to climb and safer, but they may take up more space on the floor than a ladder. Ladders aren't as bulky, but they are also more affordable. They may feel too high for younger children.

You should also be aware of the weight capacity of the top bunk mattress that is listed on each product's page. The majority of manufacturers include this information in the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity usually 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 bedroom decor. White snow gives a vibrant coastal look to classic rooms for kids, while brushed grey or rich walnut add rustic or farmhouse-style appeal.

Safety

When you are looking for a bunk bed, it's important to look beyond the price and ensure that it has all of the safety features you need. A reputable seller lists the weight capacity and 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.

Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids recommends leaving 33-36 inches between the mattress's top and the ceiling. "If you don't have room for that size of space, you may think about a low-height bunk," she adds. "That's an excellent option for a small space as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. This can make it be uncomfortable for kids as they become older."

Another factor to consider is the amount of space you have available for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with built-in stairs could save space, it can also be costly and require more assembly time. If you're short on space, opt for an easy ladder that can still allow your children to safely climb to the top bunk.

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

If you're looking for a bunk that will grow with their children This trundle-style model from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two twin beds that are separate for teens and tweens. It's the only non-wood bunk bed on the list, and its solid steel frame is extremely light for such a heavy-duty piece of furniture. It's available in a broad selection of colors, and can be customized with other accessories, such as under-bed storage drawers.

Style

Bunk beds are available in various shapes and sizes and shapes, so you can pick one that best childrens bunk beds fits your family's space. For instance there are traditional twin-over-twin bunks and specialized configurations like twin-over queen or queen-over -twin beds. Some are made from metal and others are made of wooden and come with side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features may also differ and you'll need to consider the amount of storage you'll need as well as what overall look you prefer.

When evaluating price, keep in mind that the higher the cost of a bunk bed, the more customizable it can be, Klugh says. This may mean additional accessories like a ladder or stairs. It could also mean the ability to add an trundle bed that makes it ideal for guests to stay over or for sleepovers. Some models can be taken apart to function as two separate beds--a convenient feature to consider if your kids will outgrow bunks or you plan on moving to a different home in the near future.

The number of beds you choose will also impact the price and style. For instance, you could choose a basic twin over twin bunk bed, which maximizes the floor space and is affordable. You can also opt to invest more in a solid-wood bunk bed with a contemporary, robust design that grows with your children and perhaps accommodate adult sleepers in the future.

Whatever size and style you pick, it's important to check the capacity of the bunk beds to ensure they can accommodate the number of people that you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are only intended for children and only support the weight of 165 pounds. Others have a higher limit and can accommodate growing children and adults.

Finally, it's worth noting that a bunk bed could be a big investment--and therefore an enormous commitment. If you are unsure whether a bunk bed will work for your family, go to the showroom of a particular retailer or read reviews from 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 that can serve more than as a place to sleep, study, and relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage options meet this need, turning them into multifunctional pieces that champion both function and fashion. Innovative features such as multi-functional staircases and integrated drawers provide an easy access to clothes bedding, toys, bed linens and other items that would otherwise clutter the space, allowing them to be well-organized and easily accessible.

Loft beds with spacious desk areas can transform the space beneath them into a productive workspace. These clever arrangements allow young students or remote workers to balance work, play, and sleep without sacrificing floor space.

Another option that is useful is detachable bunks that can be separated into separate twin beds, perfect to accommodate guests at sleepovers or allowing kids to change to single beds as they become more mature. Bunks with trundle beds that can be removed can be adapted to older kids or adults who prefer to sleep on a full-size mattress.

Finally, larger bunks that sleep three or more are a smart purchase for families seeking 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 that would otherwise be wasted.

The kind of material and color your buy bunk bed bed is crafted from will influence its overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks have a classic timeless look that blends well into contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks, on the other on the other hand are a more modern option that works well with midcentury and industrial designs.

When you are looking for a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your house and any windows that are nearby or other architectural features. Smaller, smaller designs are more straightforward to put together and are ideal for children or teens who are ready to move from the junior or toddler bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, airier design and are ideal for older children or adult sleepers. Some designs include side railings that allow for an increased space between the beds. This will ensure safety and easy access for everyone.