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

Bunk beds can add excitement and function to a kid' room, especially when you're working with a small space. Whether you go for the traditional twin-over-full bed or a loft bed with storage, we have options that meet your budget and space requirements.

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

Size

When you are looking for a bunk bed, size matters. Make sure the beds are able to fit into the space and provide enough space for you to climb up and down. Think about the dimensions of other furniture pieces, like dressers or desks in the event that you intend to add them. Keep in mind the weight capacity of both the bottom and top beds, if you're using the bunks as furniture for your adult bedroom, too.

The height of your ceilings is also vital. "A good rule of thumb is to ensure there's at least 5 inches of clearance between the ceiling and the bed's bottom," says Klugh. "This ensures kids can safely enter the upper sleeping area."

Some bunk beds come with stairs Some come with ladders. Fenton states that stairs are easier to use, but take up more space. There are stairs that come with built-in drawers for storage, which is great for those who want to store your toys or bedding. However, they are more expensive than straight ladders.

bunk bed for teens bed materials differ in cost and also. The cheaper sets are usually composed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones typically have frames made of metal or a solid wood construction. Wood is durable and beautiful, but it can be warped by pests or water, so some parents prefer to avoid this material.

The majority of the bunk beds featured in this guide can be made in any color you like such as white to give a fresh appearance or a dark grey or walnut to match any bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed, for instance, has additional headroom between the bottom and top bunks, which reduces the possibility of hitting heads while sitting or reading in the bed.

Some of our selections can be transformed into two separate beds. This is ideal when you are planning to sell them when your children outgrow them, or if you are planning to move in the future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers is a long-lasting solution that fits both twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It is also available in a classic, neutral color that is compatible with any interior design palette.

Safety

Bunk beds can be fun and exciting for children, but they're not without some safety concerns. It is crucial to find the appropriate bed frame, which is made of high-quality sturdy wood. Also, you should ensure that the bed meets all safety standards and has guardrails on the top of the bed. The guardrails must be at least 5 inches high and should run along the entire upper mattress. Examine for gaps or openings which could trap a child's head or torso, or limbs.

The majority of bunk bed manufacturers have weight restrictions on their products. The following guidelines are essential, as a violation of them could cause the bunk bed to collapse and create the risk of serious injuries. A lot of these manufacturers have age restrictions for use of their bunk beds typically requiring children to must be at least six years old old to be able to lie on the upper level.

Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of ladder that is included with the bunk bed. Some models come with basic metal staircases and others come with more elaborate ones. Staircases are easy for children to climb, but are not as safe as solid ladders. They can be a challenge to navigate especially if your kids are tall or have difficulty getting up and down.

Also, make sure that the affordable bunk beds for kids bed is properly anchored to the floor and wall and that it's not near any windows or objects that kids could fall on while they're sleeping. You should also regularly inspect the bunk bed for broken or loose parts that might require repair or replaced. It is a good bunk beds idea to keep additional screws and bolts close by in case any get lost or loose in time.

In the end, you need to put the bunk bed in the corner of the room so that it has walls on both sides. This will stop your children from falling off the top or side of the bunk bed. It will also allow them to climb into and out of the bed.

Style

There are a myriad of stylish bunk beds that offer more than just a place to sleep. Some offer additional storage, an integrated desk, or even a slide. While it's crucial to consider your child's preferences before purchasing a bunk bed it's also important to consider the arrangement of the room as well as how the bunk bed will fit in with the furniture.

The best bunk beds for kids are minimalist in style, featuring modern full-size or twin beds that can be stacked together and paired with a stair ladder. These minimalist designs are ideal for tight spaces or rooms with low ceilings. They are a budget-friendly choice. These beds can be divided into two beds in case you want to move or in the event that your children outgrow them.

Some bunk beds are more attractive and can be paired with other bedroom furniture. For instance, this triple bunk from Pottery Barn offers an elegant neutral finish that works with both muted and vibrant colors. The angular design gives it a clean, contemporary look, and the staircase features open-air shelves for storage that is out of sight. 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 children falling off the top bunk.

This rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily is ideal for kids who love to be outdoors. Made from sustainably-sourced solid wood that meets responsible forestry practices, this bunk bed is both eco-friendly and striking. Wire brushing was used to create the unique texture of this bed. It accentuates the wood's knots and natural grain and gives it a unique look. This bunk bed is ideal for children who are older as the bottom bunk can accommodate a twin-size mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to hold the full size mattress.

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 practical for families and Airbnb guests. Some models include a trundle, which can be removed from under the bunk's bottom, to accommodate a second person or child, while other models have drawers for clothes and other items. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed, for example, includes two storage under-bed drawers and a bookcase with three shelves of various sizes. It can be an ideal addition to a room with small shelves or closet space.

When looking for bunk beds, you should be aware of whether you prefer ladders or stairs to reach the top of the bed. Ladders tend to be more traditional and fit into the style of a room better than stairs, but they may appear less stylish. However, stairs are more efficient and easier to climb, and can be multi-functional -- some models have hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.

There are also minimalistic bunk beds made up of two full or twin mattresses that are simply arranged. They are great for small spaces or rooms with lower ceilings, and are usually the least expensive option. A lot of these beds can be dismantled and can be used as two separate beds. This is ideal if you plan to move or change the layout of your bedroom in the near future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a chic option made of knot-free New Zealand pine wood and includes stylish slatted headboards as well as footboards. It also comes with solid 14-inch guardrails on the edges of the upper bunk and a stationary built-in ladder, that isn't movable however it provides plenty of space on the lower floor for playing.

If you are looking for a modern alternative look into the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The stylish bunk bed is available in several color options and can be divided into two beds at a later date. It can hold up 300 pounds on the top bunk, and twin or full-size beds can be used.