Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever
If you're planning a shared children's bedroom, outfitting a dorm or just maximizing your space,
bunk bed uk beds are versatile and more fashionable than ever. There are many styles to think about, including twin over twin and full-over-full options.
Look for one that fits your budget and your children size, and keep in mind that some bunks can have beds that trundle down for sleepovers.
Size
Bunk beds are a common feature of bedrooms for children, providing both efficiency and adventure for children who prefer to sleep together. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come 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 while scouring the market for our top picks including overall design, safety and price. We also consulted experts -- parents and one who literally wrote the book on bunk beds to assist us in locating the
best bunk beds options. Find out more about our top seven picks.
The size of bunk beds is an important consideration before buying a bed, particularly when it comes to the height of your ceilings. Always take measurements to ensure that the bunks you pick are suitable, and leave at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also recommend against trundles bed trundles that have a high-hanging mattress as they could limit headroom.
Another consideration is whether you prefer stairs or ladders for access to the top bunk. Stairs are generally more secure and safer to climb, but they can take up more floor space than a ladder. Ladders may be less bulky however they are more affordable. They can feel too high for younger children.
You'll also want to pay attention to the capacity for the weight of the top bunk mattress, which is available on each product's page. The information is typically listed next to the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity usually indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults, who might require a bigger mattress.
A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three options to match your children' bedroom decor. The white of the snow adds a luminous coastal style to a classic children's room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add a touch of warmth and elegance to a rustic or farmhouse style.
Safety
When shopping for a bunk bed it's important to look beyond the price tag and make sure it is equipped with the necessary safety features. A reliable seller will list the weight capacity and explains the structure's durability and strength. This is especially helpful for families that plan to reuse the beds as the children get older.
Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids suggests leaving 33-36 inches between the mattress's top and the ceiling. "If you don't have room to accommodate that much space, you may want to consider a low-height bunk," she adds. "That's ideal for small rooms as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. That can be uncomfortable for kids as they grow older."
Another factor to consider is the amount of space you have for stairs or ladders. While a
bunk with built-in stairs could save space, it can also be costly and require more assembly time. If you're short of space, you can opt for an easy ladder that allows your children to safely climb to the top bunk.
The bunks listed on this list have solid construction and 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 great comfort for parents with children who share a room. For instance, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like tanks," says Laura Fenton who is the author of The Bunk Bed Book: The
childrens bunk beds Bed Book: 115 Bunks, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels use, so they are constructed to last for a long time.
For those looking for a bunk that will grow with their kids, this trundle-style bed from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two twin beds that are separate for tweens and teens. It's the only non-wood bunk bed on this list, and its sturdy steel frame is light for such a sturdy piece of furniture. It is available in a variety of colors and can also be customized with accessories like under-bed drawers.
Style
buy bunk beds beds come in a variety of sizes and shapes that you can pick one that is suitable for your family's needs. For example there are traditional twin-over-twin bunks as well as specialized configurations such as queen-over-twin or twin-over-queen beds. Some are made from metal while others are made of wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features also can vary, so you'll want to consider the amount of storage you require and what general style you prefer.
When evaluating price, keep in mind that the higher the cost of a bunk bed, the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could mean adding extras like a staircase or ladder. It could also mean the ability to add a trundle bed, which makes it ideal for sleepovers or guest accommodations. Some models can even be disassembled and used as two separate beds--a convenient option if you think your kids will outgrow the bunks or you plan on moving to a different home in the future.
The number of beds you select will also impact the cost and design. For example, you might opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the floor space and is inexpensive. You could also choose to invest more money in a solid-wood bunk bed with an elegant, sturdy design that grows with your kids and possibly accommodate adult sleepers in the future.
No matter what size or style you pick, it's important to check the capacity to bear weight of the
childrens bunk beds beds best to ensure that they are able to support the number of sleepers you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are only made for children and only support up to 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can accommodate the growing needs of adults and children.
It's also important to note that a bunk bed could be a major 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 particular retailer or read reviews of customers on their website. This will give you a feel for the quality of the construction and the quality of the bunks are made.
Storage
Modern living demands furniture to do more than just serve as a place to rest, study, and relax. Bunk beds that feature built-in storage solutions meet this need, turning them into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and fashion. Innovative features like multi-functional staircases and drawers that are integrated provide an easy access to clothes, toys, bed linens and other things that might otherwise crowd the space, allowing them to be in order and accessible.
Likewise, loft beds that boast large desks transform the space below them into a productive work space. These smart arrangements allow young students or remote workers to combine work with play and sleep without sacrificing valuable floor space.
Another option that is useful is detachable bunks which can be separated into separate twin-size beds, ideal to accommodate guests at sleepovers or allowing kids to change to single beds as they develop. Bunks with removable trundle beds can also accommodate older adults or children who prefer to sleep on a mattress that is large enough.
Furthermore, bunks that allow for sleeping three or more are a good purchase for families seeking 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 spaces which would otherwise be unused.
The kind of material and color that your bunk bed is constructed 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 choice that pairs beautifully with midcentury and industrial designs.
When you are looking for a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your house and any nearby windows or other architectural features. Smaller, smaller designs are more straightforward to put together and are suitable for younger teenagers or children who are ready to move from the toddler or junior bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, more airy appearance and are more suitable for older children or adults. Some designs also feature side railings that allow for an increased space between beds, providing security and easy access for everyone.
