Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Bunk beds are more versatile and fashionable than ever. There are a variety of designs, including twin-overtwins and full over-full options.

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

Size

Bunk beds have been a staple of bedrooms for children for many years. They offer both efficacy and fun for children who like to sleep together. They are also popular in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles and materials with options to fit every budget and size of room. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin models to more elaborate models that include stairs or ladders and unique features such as slides.

We considered a variety of factors when we searched the market for our top picks including 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 budget bunk beds choices. Find out our top seven picks by reading on.

The dimensions of bunk beds are an important consideration before making a purchase, especially when it comes to the height of your ceilings. Measure your space before buying bunk beds to make sure they're a good fit. The top bunk should have at 5 inches of headroom. We also recommend against trundles beds with mattresses that hang high as they could limit headroom.

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

It is also important to be aware of the capacity for weight of the top bunk mattress, which is available on the page of each product. The information is typically listed near the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity usually indicates that the mattress is suitable for older children or adults, who might require a bigger mattress.

A variety of bunk beds, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three options to match your children' bedroom decor. White and snowy give a bright coastal style to classic bedrooms for kids and brushed grey or rich walnut give a farmhouse or rustic feel.

Safety

When buying bunk beds be sure to consider more than the price and make sure that it comes with all the safety features you need. A reliable seller will provide the capacity of the bed and provide details about the structure's durability and strength, which is especially helpful for families who intend on reusing the beds as their 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 want to sacrifice this much space, you may want to consider a low height bunk bed. "That's ideal for a small space, because it keeps the bunk below off the floor. That can feel cramped when kids become older."

Another consideration is deciding the amount of space you have available for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with stairs built in can save space, it can also be pricier and require more assembly time. If you are short on space, go for a simple ladder to allow your children to safely ascend to the top bunk.

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

This trundle style from Bed Bath & Beyond is ideal for those looking for an affordable bunk bed that can evolve with their children. It can be transformed into two twin beds, one for tweens, and the other for teens. It is the only bunk bed that does not use wood. The sturdy steel frame is also surprising light for a massive piece of furniture. It's available in a broad range of colors and can be customized with additional accessories, such as under-bed storage drawers.

Style

Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that best suits your family's needs. There are a variety of configurations, such as the classic twin-over-twin bunks or the more specialized beds such as twin-over queen or queen-over twin. Some are made of metal, while others are wood and include side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features can also vary and you'll need to consider the amount of storage you'll need and what general style you prefer.

When you are considering the price, bear in mind that the greater the price of a bunk bed, the more customizable it can be, Klugh says. This could mean adding accessories such as a staircase or ladder. It could also mean the possibility of adding a trundle bed, which allows for easy guests or sleepovers. Some models can even be disassembled and used as two beds, which is a great feature if you anticipate that your kids will outgrow the bunk beds or you're planning on moving to a different home in the near future.

The number of beds that you select will also impact cost and style. For example, you might opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed, which maximizes the floor space and is affordable. You could also decide to spend a little more on a solid wooden option with a modern design that can expand with the kids and maybe even accommodate adults sleeping in the future.

Regardless of the size and design you choose regardless of the design and size, you must check the capacity of the bunk beds to ensure they can support the number of sleepers you'll use them for. Some bunk beds are designed for children and can only support the weight of 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can be used by the growing needs of adults and children.

It's important to keep in mind that a bunk bed can be an expensive investment, and thus a significant commitment. If you're not sure if this type of bed is a suitable fit for your family, spend the time to go to a showroom or read reviews on retailer websites from actual buyers. This will give you a feel for the quality of the craftsmanship and how well the bunks are built.

Stores

Furniture must be able to serve more than a place to study, sleep or relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage options meet the need to transform into multi-purpose pieces that promote both function and style. Multifunctional staircases and storage drawers that are integrated are innovative features that make it easy to gain access to clothing, toys and bed linens.

Loft beds with large desks can transform the space beneath them into a productive workspace. These clever layouts permit remote workers or students to manage work, sleep and play without sacrificing valuable space.

Detachable bunks can be divided into twin beds to accommodate guests at sleepovers or to allow children to grow up and transition to single beds. Bunks with trundle beds that can be removed can also accommodate older adults or children who prefer to sleep on a large mattress.

Families who want to maximize their space in tiny bedrooms with high ceilings can benefit from buying bigger Bunk Beds best beds that can accommodate three or four people. These models can fit nicely into corners, allowing owners to make use of awkward nooks which would otherwise be unused.

The color and material of your bunk bed will determine its overall appearance. Wood bunks are timeless and classic. They are a great fit for modern and coastal interiors as well as farmhouse. Steel bunks are a modern alternative that is a good match for midcentury and industrial designs.

When choosing a bunk bed, think about the ceiling height of your home and the proximity of windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are easier to put together. They are perfect for teens or younger children who are ready to move out of the bedroom for toddlers or juniors. While taller bunks provide an elegant, airier look and are better suited for older children or adult sleepers. Some designs also come with side railings, which allow for a higher clearance between beds, ensuring safe and accessible access for all users.