Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever
If you’re designing a shared bedroom for your children or outfitting a dorm, or simply maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and more stylish than ever. There are many styles, including twin-overtwin and full over-full options.
Find a model that is compatible with your budget and your children’ room dimensions, and be aware that some bunks can be able to accommodate beds with trundle beds at the bottom for sleepovers.
Size
Bunk beds are a staple of childhood bedrooms, offering both convenience and excitement for children who prefer to sleep side by side. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. bunk bed usa beds come in a variety of styles and materials with options to suit every budget and room size. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin designs to more elaborate models that include stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.
We considered a variety of factors when we searched the market for our top picks, including the overall design, safety, and value. We also enlisted experts–parents and one who literally wrote the book on bunk beds — to assist us in locating the best options. Find out our top seven picks by going through the article.
The size of bunk beds is an important factor to consider prior to purchasing a bed, especially when it comes to the height of your ceilings. Always check your space to make sure the bunks you pick fit and that you have at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also advise against trundle beds with mattresses that hang high as they may limit headroom.
Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top bunk. Stairs may be easier to climb and safer, but they can take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders aren’t as bulky and more affordable, but they may feel too steep for younger children.
You should also be aware of the capacity for the weight of the top bunk mattress which you can find on each product’s page. The majority of manufacturers include this information on the mattress dimensions. A higher weight capacity usually indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults, who might require a larger mattress.
A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three finishes to complement your kids’ bedroom decor. Snowy white brings a bright coastal look to a classic kids’ room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add warmth and class to a farmhouse or rustic style.
Safety
When shopping for a bunk bed, it is important to look beyond the price tag and make sure it comes with all the necessary safety features. A reliable seller will provide the capacity of the bed and provide details about the structure’s strength and durability which is crucial for families who intend to reuse the beds as their children grow up.
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 33-36 inches between the top mattress and the ceiling, according to Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. “If you don’t have enough room for that size of space, you might want to consider a low-height bunk,” she adds. “That’s an excellent option for small rooms as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. It can be uncomfortable as kids get older.”
Another consideration is how much space there is for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with built-in stairs could save space, it could also be costly and require more assembly time. If you’re short on space, you can opt for a simple ladder that will still allow your kids to safely climb up to the top bunk.
The bunks on this list all feature solid construction, and they are in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s requirements for guardrails. These bunks also pass lead and anti-tip testing, which is a comfort for parents with children sharing a room. For example, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is “built like a 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 used in hotels, and therefore they’re made to last.”
For shoppers who want a bunk that will grow with their kids, this trundle-style design from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two separate twin beds for tweens and teens. It’s the only non-wood bunk bed on the list, and its sturdy steel frame is surprisingly lightweight for such a sturdy piece of furniture. It’s available in an extensive selection of colors, and can be customised with other accessories, like under-bed storage drawers.
Style
Bunk beds come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that best fits your family’s space. For instance there are traditional twin-over-twin bunks, as well as more specialized designs like twin-over-queen or queen-over-twin beds. Some are made of steel, while others are wood and include side rails for the top bunk beds usa. The design of the frame as well as other features can vary. You’ll have to consider the amount of storage space you need, as well as the style you like.
When evaluating price, keep in mind that the higher the price point of a bunk bed, the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could include adding additional features like a staircase or ladder. It could also mean the ability to add an extra bed for guests or sleepovers. Some models can even be taken apart to function 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 future.
The amount of beds you pick will also influence cost and design. For instance, you could choose a basic twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the amount of floor space and is inexpensive. You can also spend more money on a solid-wood bunk bed with an elegant, sturdy design that will grow with your children and possibly accommodate adult sleepers in the future.
No matter what size or style you pick, it’s important to check the weight capacity of the bunk beds to ensure they can support the number of sleepers you’ll be using them for. Some bunk beds are made for children and only support 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can be used by the growing needs of adults and children.
Finally, it’s worth noting that a bunk bed can be a major investment and, therefore, an enormous commitment. If you’re not sure whether a bunk bed is right 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 for the quality of the craftsmanship and how well the bunks are constructed.
Storage
Modern living requires furniture to do more than just serve as a space to sleep or study. Bunk beds with built-in storage solutions meet the need to transform into multifunctional pieces that champion both function and design. Creative features like multifunctional staircases and integrated drawers offer convenient access to clothing bedding, toys, bed linens and other items that would otherwise clutter the room, and keep them in order and within reach.
Likewise loft beds that have spacious desks turn the space underneath them into productive workspaces. These clever configurations permit remote workers or students to be able to balance sleep, work and play without losing the space they need.
Another option that is useful is detachable bunks which can be separated into separate twin-size beds, perfect for sleeping over guests or allowing kids to change to single beds as they grow. Bunks that have trundle beds that are removable can be adapted to older children or adults who prefer sleeping on a large mattress.
Additionally, bunks that accommodate three or four people are a smart purchase for families seeking to maximize space in bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also fit nicely into corner spaces, enabling owners to make use of awkward nooks that might otherwise be wasted.
The kind of material and the color your bunk bed is crafted from will influence its overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks have a classic timeless appeal that fits well into contemporary, coastal, and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks, on the other side are a more modern option that is a great match with midcentury and industrial styles.
When shopping for a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your house and any nearby windows or other architectural features. Lower, more compact styles are more straightforward to put together and are ideal for teenagers or children who are ready to move from the toddler or junior bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an airier, more sophisticated appearance and are more suitable for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs also come with side railings, which allow for more space between beds, ensuring safe and easy access for everyone.