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

Bunk beds are a great way to add function and fun to a child's bedroom, especially when you have limited space. We have a variety of options to fit your budget and space needs regardless of whether you opt for the traditional twin-over full or an loft with storage.

Look for features such as stairs that jut out, angled ladders, and more which make the bunks more accessible and safer for older children. Other features include storage areas that can be used as play areas or under-bed trundles.

Size

When shopping for a bunk bed the size of the bed is crucial. Make sure that the beds are able to fit into the space and provide enough space to climb up or down. Take into consideration the dimensions of furniture pieces, like a desk or dresser, in the event that you intend to add them. Also, keep in mind the capacity to carry weight for both the bottom and top beds, if you're using the bunk beds as furniture for adult bedrooms as well.

The height of your ceilings is also vital. Klugh says that an ideal rule of thumb to follow is to make sure there's five inches between the ceiling and the bottom of the bed. "This ensures kids can safely access the upper sleep area."

Some bunk beds are equipped with ladders, while others have stairs. Fenton says that stairs are simpler to use, but they take up more room. There are stairs that have built-in storage drawers that are especially useful for those who need more space for bedding or toys. However, they're more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials can vary in price. The cheaper sets are usually composed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones usually have frames made of metal or wood construction. Wood is beautiful and sturdy but it can also be warped when it comes in contact with pests or water. Some parents prefer to stay clear of this type of material.

The majority of the bunks featured in this guide are available in your choice of finish, including white for a crisp look and a smoky gray, or rich walnut that will fit into any bedroom with a color scheme. Sherwin Williams Shyann Twin Over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed offers extra headroom to minimize the chance of bumping heads while reading or relaxing in the bed.

Some of our selections can be made into two beds. This is ideal for those who plan to sell them once your children are old enough, or if you are planning to move in the near future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full bunk beds Store Bed with Staircase & Drawers is a permanent solution that can be used with twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It is also available in a classic neutral color that will fit into any interior design scheme.

Safety

Bunk beds can be fun and exciting for children However, they do have certain safety issues. You should select frames for your bed constructed of strong high-quality wood. Also, you should ensure that the bunk bed meets all safety standards and features guardrails on the top of the bed. The guardrails should be at a minimum 5 inches high, and they should be continuous on all sides of the top mattress. You should also look for gaps, openings or holes in the guardrails that are large enough to entrap a child's head or torso, limbs, or head.

The majority of manufacturers of bunk beds set weight limits for their products. The following guidelines are vital, as overstepping them could cause the bunk bed to collapse and create the risk of serious injuries. A lot of these manufacturers have age limits on their bunk beds. Usually children must be at least 6 years old of age to be allowed to sleep on the upper level.

Another thing to take into consideration is the type of ladder that comes with the bunk bed. Some models have simple staircases made of metal and others come with more elaborate ones. Staircases are easy for children to climb, but not as secure as solid ladders. It isn't always easy for children who are tall or have difficulty climbing up and down.

Also, make sure that the bunk bed is secured to the floor and wall and that it's not near any windows or items that kids could fall upon while they sleep. You should also inspect the bunk bed regularly for any loose or damaged parts that could need to be repaired. Keep additional screws and bolts in your home in case they are lost or become loose after a while.

You should also place the bunk beds in a corner, so that they have walls on both sides. This will prevent falls from the top or side of the bunk bed, and it will also make it easier for your kids to get in and out of bed.

Style

There are a variety of elegant bunk beds that provide more than a place to sleep. Some offer additional storage, an integrated desk, or even a slide. While it's crucial to think about your child's preferences before buying a bunk bed, it's also important to consider the layout of the room and how the bunk bed will integrate with other furniture.

The best bunk bed designs for kids are simple in design. They are sleek twin or full-size beds that stack with a ladder. These minimalist styles are great for small rooms or rooms with low-ceilings. They're also a good budget-friendly option. These beds can be divided into two separate beds if you want to move or in the event that your children outgrow them.

Others are more decorative, adding bunk beds to your children's room with a lively color or finish that is compatible with other bedroom furniture. For instance, this triple bunk from Pottery Barn offers an elegant neutral finish that blends well with both vibrant and muted color palettes. The angular design creates 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, and are sturdy enough to support the weight of an adult, meaning you don't need to worry about your children falling off the top bunk.

If your children are fans of the outdoors, this rustic bunk bed from Max and Lily might be just the right choice. Made of sustainably-sourced solid wood that meets sustainable forestry practices The bunk bed is eco-friendly and striking. The wire brush technique that was used to create this bunk's unique design highlights the wood's natural knots and grain, making the bed a unique look. This bunk bed is ideal for older children as the bottom bunk can fit the size of a twin mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to accommodate a full size mattress.

Stores

Bunk beds are a great option to make space, but many models also come with storage options, making them even more practical for families and Airbnb guests. Some models come with the option of a trundle that can be removed from beneath the bottom bunk, to accommodate an additional child or a person, and others have drawers that store clothes and other things. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase bunk bed for instance, comes with two under-bed drawers, and an open bookcase with three shelves that are different sizes. This is a great addition to small rooms with a limited shelf or closet space.

When you are looking for bunk beds, it is important to also consider whether you prefer ladders or stairs to reach the top level. Ladders are more traditional and may fit better into the decor of a room than stairs. Stairs are more efficient and easier to climb. They are also multi-functional, with some models sporting hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.

There are also minimalist bunk beds that consist of two full or twin mattresses that are simply arranged. These are ideal for tight spaces or rooms with lower ceilings and are typically the least expensive option. A lot of them can be dismantled and set in two beds, which can be useful if you anticipate changing layouts of rooms or moving your home in the near future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Trundle Bunk Bed is a chic option made from knot-free New Zealand Pine wood. It also comes with elegant slatted headboards and footboards. It also has solid 14-inch guardrails around the edges of the upper bunk as well as a built-in ladder that is stationary, which is not movable but allows plenty of space on the lower level for play.

Take a look at the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine & Plywood Bunk Bed for a more contemporary alternative. The chic bunk bed comes in a variety of colors and is able to be split into two separate beds later. It has a capacity of 300 pounds on the top bunk, and can accommodate full-size or twin-sized mattresses, making it suitable for teens and children of all ages.