How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room

Bunk beds can add a lot of fun and practicality to a child's room, particularly if you have limited space. If you opt for the classic twin-over-full or a loft bed with storage, we have options that fit your budget and room needs.

Look for features like stairs that extend out, angled ladders, and more, which make the bunks more accessible and safer for older kids bunk bed. Other options include under-bed trundles for sleepovers as well as storage spaces which double as play areas.

Size

Size is crucial when shopping for bunk beds. Make sure that the beds are able to fit into the space and provide enough space to climb up and down. If you're looking to add furniture pieces like desks or a dresser be sure to consider their dimensions as well. Keep in mind the weight capacity of both beds if you're planning to use the bunk beds as furniture for adult bedrooms, too.

The height of your ceilings is also vital. Klugh suggests that an ideal guideline to follow is to ensure that there's a minimum of 5 inches between the ceiling and bottom of the bed. "This ensures kids can safely access the upper sleep area."

Some bunk beds are equipped with ladders, whereas others have stairs. Fenton states that stairs are more convenient to use, but they also take up more room. You can find stairs with built-in storage drawers that are especially useful for those who need more space for toys or bedding. They are more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials also differ in price. The cheapest sets are typically made of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones often have frames made of metal or a solid wood construction. Wood is beautiful and durable but it can also be warped if it comes into contact with pests or water. Some parents choose to stay clear of this type of material.

The majority of the bunks featured in this guide are available in a variety of finish, such as white for a clean, modern look and a smoky grey or rich walnut that can be incorporated into any color-clad bedroom. Sherwin Williams Shyann Twin Over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed has extra headroom to reduce the possibility of bumping heads while reading or sitting in the bed.

Some of our selections convert into two separate beds which may be ideal if you expect to sell the bunks when your kids outgrow them or you plan to move them at some point in the future. For a more long-term solution, this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Low-Profile Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers fits both twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It is available in a classic neutral shade that can be easily paired with any interior design palette.

Safety

Bunk beds can be enjoyable and exciting, however there are some safety concerns. It is crucial to find the right bed frame material, which is made of high-quality, sturdy wood. You should also make sure that the bunk bed meets all safety standards and features guardrails on the top sleeper. The guardrails must be at least 5 inches high and should extend across the entire upper mattress. Examine for gaps or openings which could trap a child's head, limbs, or torso.

Most manufacturers of bunk beds have weight limits on their products. It is important to adhere to these guidelines, as exceeding them can cause the bunk bed to collapse, and could pose serious injury risks. Many of these manufacturers also offer age restrictions for use of their bunk bed generally requiring that children must be at least six years old old to sleep on the upper levels.

The kind of ladder that comes with the bunk beds is a different factor to consider. While some models have a simple metal ladder, others come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are generally more accessible for children to climb but they're not as secure as a solid ladder. They can also be difficult to navigate if your children are very tall or have difficulty getting up and down.

Also, make sure that the bunk bed is properly anchored to the floor and wall and isn't near any windows or items that kids might fall onto while sleeping. Also, you should inspect the bunk bed frequently for any loose or damaged parts that may need to be repaired. It's a good idea keep additional bolts and screws nearby in case some are lost or loose as time passes.

Then, you must put the bunk bed in a corner of the room, so that it has walls on both sides. This will stop any falls from the top or side of the bed and it will also make it easier for your kids to climb into and out of bed.

Style

If you're looking to upgrade your children's bedroom decor There are a variety of chic bunk beds that offer more than just sleeping space. Some come with additional storage, with a built-in desk or even slides. While it's important to think about your child's preference for design when buying a bed, it's important to think about how the bunk bed will work with other furniture pieces and the overall layout of the space.

Some of the most popular bunk bed designs for kids are simple in design. They have stylish full-size or twin beds that stack together, paired with a ladder. These minimalist designs are ideal for small spaces or rooms with low ceilings. They are a great option for those with a tight budget. Many of these models also are able to be separated into two beds which is ideal for when your children grow out of the bunks or you decide to move to another home.

Some bunk beds are more aesthetically pleasing and can be paired with other furniture in the bedroom. This triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example is a neutral-colored finish that works well with vibrant colors as well as muted ones. Its angular design creates a clean modern, contemporary look. the staircase has open-air shelves for out-of-sight storage. The stairs also feature a elegant slatted railing that is solid enough to support the weight of an adult, so you don't have to worry about your kids falling off the top bunk.

If your children are fans of the outdoors, this rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily might be just the right choice. The bunk bed is eco-friendly, as it's made from solid wood that was sourced sustainably and meets responsible forest practices. Wire brushing was employed to create the distinctive texture of this bed. It celebrates the wood's knots and natural grain which gives it a unique look. The bottom bunk can be able to accommodate a twin mattress (sold separately), and the upper bunk is designed to accommodate a full-size mattress, so this bunk bed is suitable for older children.

Storage

Bunk beds are already a great option to reduce space, but a lot of models also come with storage options, making them even more useful for families and Airbnb guests. Some models have a trundle, which can be pulled out from underneath the bunk's bottom to accommodate a second child or person, while others have drawers that store clothes and other items. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed, for example, includes two storage under-bed drawers as well as a bookcase that has three shelves of various sizes, which can be an ideal addition to a room with small shelves or closet space.

Another factor to consider when purchasing a childrens bunk bed bed is whether you want stairs or ladders to get to the top of the ladder. Ladders tend to be more traditional and can fit into the style of a room more easily than stairs, which can appear less stylish. However, stairs are more efficient, simpler to climb, and they can be multi-functional -- some models have hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.

There are also minimalistic bunk beds made of two twin or full mattresses that can be arranged to fit together. These are ideal for tight spaces or rooms with lower ceilings and are typically the most affordable option. A majority of these beds can be dismantled and utilized as two beds. This is ideal if you plan to move or alter the layout of your room in the near future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Trundle Bunk made of Solid Wood Bed is a chic option made from knot-free New Zealand Pine wood. It also comes with stylish slatted headboards and footboards. It also features solid 14-inch guardrails around the edges of the upper bunk as well as an adjustable ladder which is not movable however it allows plenty of space on the lower level to play.

For a more modern option, check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood best bunk bed Bed. The chic bunk bed comes in many colors and is able to be split into two separate beds later. It can support a weight limit of 300 pounds on the top bunk, and can accommodate twin or full-size mattresses, so it's ideal for teens and children of all ages.