Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Whether you're designing an area for children to share or putting together a dorm room, or simply maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and more fashionable than ever. There are many designs to consider, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full versions.

Look for one that fits your budget and your kids' room dimensions, and be aware that some bunks can have beds with trundle beds at the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are a common feature of the bedrooms of children, offering both convenience and excitement for kids who want to sleep side by side. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a range of styles and materials, with options to fit every 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 when we searched the market for our top picks, including overall design, safety and price. We also asked experts--parents and one who wrote the book on bunk beds--to help us source the best bunk options. Discover our seven favorites by reading on.

The size of bunk beds is an important consideration before buying a bed, particularly when it comes to the height of your ceiling. 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 avoid trundle beds with high-hanging mattresses, which can restrict headroom and increase the chance of bumped heads.

Another factor to consider is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to access the top bunk. Stairs are easier to climb and safer, however they will take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders might be less bulky, but they are also more affordable. They can feel too high for younger children.

You'll also want to be aware of the capacity for weight of the top bunk (click through the next webpage) mattress, which is available on each product's page. Most manufacturers list this information near the dimensions of the mattress. A higher capacity for weight typically indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults who require a larger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three options to match your children room decor. White snow brings a vibrant, coastal look to a classic children's room while brushed gray and rich walnut add warmth and class to a farmhouse or rustic design.

Safety

When looking for a bunk bed it is crucial to look past the price tag and make sure it has all of the safety features you need. A reputable seller will list the weight capacity and provide an explanation of the structure's durability and strength which is particularly helpful for families who plan to reuse the beds as their children get older.

Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids recommends leaving 33-36 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling. "If you don't have 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 as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. That can be uncomfortable for kids as they grow older."

Another factor to consider is how much space you have for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with stairs built in can save space, it could be more expensive and take more assembly time. If you're limited on space, consider a simple ladder that can still allow your children to safely climb to the top bunk.

The bunks on this list all feature solid construction and meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. These bunks also pass the lead and anti-tip test which is a great comfort for parents with children who share a room. For instance, 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 same beds that hotels employ so they're built to last for a long time.

For shoppers who want a bunk that will grow with their children, 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 light for such a heavy-duty piece of furniture. It's available in a broad variety of colors and can be customized with additional accessories, like under-bed storage drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in various sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that best bunk bed fits your family's needs. For example 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 from metal and others are made of wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features can also vary. You'll need to consider how much storage space you need and the style you prefer.

When you are considering the price, bear in mind that the greater the price point of a bunk bed, the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This may mean additional accessories, such as the ladder or stairs. It could also refer to the possibility of adding the trundle bed, which makes it ideal for guests to stay over or for sleepovers. Some models can even be disassembled 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 near future.

The number of beds you select will also impact the price and design. For instance, you could opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that makes the most of the amount of floor space and is affordable. You could also choose to spend more money on a solid-wood bunk bed with a contemporary, robust design that grows with your kids and possibly accommodate adults in the future.

No matter what size or style you select it is important to verify the capacity to bear weight of the bunk beds best rated bunk beds to make sure they can support the number of sleepers you'll use them for. Some bunk beds are intended for children and only support 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can be used by adults and children who are growing.

Also, it's important to remember that a bunk bed could be a significant investment, and therefore an enormous commitment. If you are unsure whether a bunk bed is right for your family, check out the showroom of a retailer or read reviews from customers on their website. This will give you a feel of the quality of the construction and the quality of the bunks are built.

Stores

Modern living requires furniture to serve more than as a place to rest or study. Bunk beds that have built-in storage solutions meet this need, turning them into multifunctional pieces that champion both function and fashion. Innovative features such as multi-functional staircases and integrated drawers offer convenient access to clothing bedding, toys, bed linens, and other items that could otherwise occupy the room, and keep them neatly tucked away but easily accessible.

Loft beds with spacious desk areas can transform the space below them into a productive working space. These clever layouts let remote workers or young students to be able to balance work, sleep and play without losing the space.

Another useful option is the detachable bunks which can be separated into separate twin-size 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 children or adults who prefer sleeping on a large mattress.

Additionally, bunks that accommodate three or four people make a wise investment for families looking to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also fit well into corners, allowing homeowners 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 affect its overall look and feel. Wood bunks have a classic timeless appeal that fits well in contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are on the other hand are a more modern option that works well with midcentury and industrial designs.

When shopping for a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your house and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are more straightforward to put together and are suitable for younger teens or children who are preparing to transition from the toddler or junior bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, airier look and are better suited for older children or adult sleepers. Some designs have side railings that allow for an increased space between the beds. This provides security and ease of access for everyone.