How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds are a great option to add functionality and excitement to a child's room, especially when you're limited in space. If you opt for the traditional twin-over-full bed or a loft bed with storage, we've got options that fit your space and budget requirements.
Look for best bunk bed like stairs that protrude out, angled ladders and more which make the bunks more accessible and safer for older children. Other features include storage spaces that can be used as play areas or under-bed trundles.
Size
Size is important when looking for bunk beds. Make sure the beds fit into the room and have enough space to climb up or down. If you're looking to add other furniture items like desks or a dresser take into consideration their dimensions as well. Be aware that the bunks on top and bottom are only able to support some weight in the event that they are used as furniture for adults.
The height of your ceilings is also important. Klugh says that the best rule of thumb to follow is to ensure there's five inches between the ceiling and bottom of the bed. This will ensure that children can safely reach the upper portion of the bed.
Some bunk beds come with stairs, while others include ladders. Fenton states that stairs are simpler to use, but they take up more space. There are stairs that have built-in drawers for storage, which is great when you need to store toys or bedding. They are more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed materials can vary in price. The cheapest sets are typically composed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones typically include frames made of metal or wood construction. Wood is sturdy and beautiful, but it can be swollen by water or pests and some parents choose to stay clear of this kind of material.
The majority of bunk beds in this guide can be made in any color you like such as a white finish for a fresh look, or a dark grey or walnut to go with any bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed, for instance, offers extra headroom between the bottom and top bunks to reduce the chance of bumping into heads when sitting or reading in bed.
Some of our selections convert into two beds, which is a great option for those who plan to sell the bunks once your children outgrow them or you plan to move them at some point in the future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers is a durable solution that works with twin-overtwin and full over-full mattresses. It's also available in a classic neutral color that goes with any style of interior.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun and exciting, but there are a few safety issues. It's important to look for the appropriate bed frame material that must be made of top-quality sturdy wood. You should also ensure that the bunk bed has guardrails for the top mattress and that it meets all safety standards that are applicable. The guardrails should be at a minimum 5 inches tall, and they should be continuous on all sides of the upper mattress. Also, you should look for gaps, openings or holes in the guardrails large enough to hold a child's head or torso, or limbs.
Most manufacturers of bunk beds have weight limits on their products. Following these guidelines is crucial, as exceeding them could cause the bunk bed to collapse, and could pose a serious risk of injuries. Many of these manufacturers have age limits on their bunk beds. Usually, children must be at least six years of age to be allowed to sleep on the upper levels.
Another factor to consider is the kind of ladder that is included with the bunk bed. While some models have an easy metal ladder some come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are easy for children to climb, but not as safe as ladders made of solid steel. They can be a challenge to navigate when your children are tall or have difficulty getting up and down.
You should also ensure that the bunk bed is properly secured to the wall and floor and isn't close to any windows or other items that children could fall upon while they sleep. It is also recommended to check the bunk bed frequently for any damaged or loose parts that could need to be repaired. It is a good idea to keep additional screws and bolts nearby in case some are lost or become loose over time.
Finally, you should put the bunk bed in a corner of the room so that it has walls on two sides. This will help prevent any falls from the top or side of the bed and also make it more comfortable for your kids to get in and out of bed.
Style
There are a myriad of stylish bunk beds that offer more than a place to sleep. Some bunk beds come with additional storage space, an integrated desk, or a slide. While it's important to think about your child's preference for design when making a purchase it's an excellent idea to consider how the bunk bed will fit with other furniture pieces and the overall layout of the space.
Some of the most popular bunk bed designs for children are minimalist in style. They are sleek twin or full-size beds that stack, paired with ladders. These minimalist styles can be ideal for tight spaces or rooms with low ceilings. They are a great option for those with a tight budget. These beds can be divided into two beds in case you wish to move them when your children grow out of them.
Others are a bit more attractive, such as adding bunk beds to your child's bedroom with a fun color or finish that is compatible with other furniture for bedrooms. This triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example, has a neutral finish that blends well with vibrant colors as well as muted ones. The angular design creates a clean, contemporary look, and the staircase features open-air shelves that can be used for storage out of sight. The stairs also feature stylish slatted railing and are solid enough to support the weight of an adult, so you don't have to worry about your kids falling off the top bunk.
If your kids are avid fans of the outdoors, this rustic bunk bed from Max and Lily may be just the ticket. The bunk bed is eco-friendly because it's made of solid wood that has been harvested sustainably and is in compliance with responsible forest practices. Wire brushing was used to create the unique texture of this bed. It is a celebration of the wood's knots and natural grain and gives it a unique design. The bottom bunk can accommodate a twin mattress (sold separately), and the upper bunk is designed to fit a full-size mattress, so this bed is suitable for older children.
Stores
Bunk beds are a great way to save space, however certain models come with additional storage, making them more convenient for families or Airbnb guests. There are trundle beds that include a trundle that pulls out from underneath the bunk's bottom to sleep an additional child or a couple or even drawers for clothes and other items that can clutter up small spaces. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed, for instance, has two under-bed drawers, and a bookcase with three shelves that are different sizes. This is a fantastic addition to smaller rooms that have a tiny shelf or closet space.
Another thing to consider when buying bunk beds is whether you'd like stairs or ladders to get to the top of the ladder. Ladders are more traditional, and could be more suited to the design of a room than stairs. Stairs are more efficient and easier to climb. They are also multi-functional, with some models having 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. These are ideal for tight spaces or rooms with lower ceilings and are typically the least expensive option. Many of these beds can be dismantled and can be used as two separate beds. This is a great option for those who plan to move or alter the arrangement of your bedroom in the near future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a fashionable option that's made from knot-free New Zealand pine wood and features stylish 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 cannot be moved but leaves plenty of space on the lower level for play.
Check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine & Plywood Bunk Bed to get a modern alternative. The chic bunk bed comes in a variety of colors and can be split into two separate beds later. It can hold up to 300 pounds on the top bunk, and twin or full-size beds can be used.