Bunk beds are great for kids' rooms and come in a broad variety of styles. Besides the traditional twin over twin design you can also find futon bunks as well as triple bunks that can be tucked away in tiny rooms.
When choosing a bunkbed, consider the weight capacity. Most bunk beds have a limit of 400 pounds per mattress, but there are higher-weight options for older children and teens.
1. Amazon
Bunk beds are a great option for parents who want to free up space in a small bedroom or kids wanting to add a fun element to their bedroom. There are many options, including twin-overtwin and full-overfull designs. Some even include the fun factor of a slide. Consider a twin over twin with guard rails for children under six years old or even toddler bunk bed.
You'll want to think about whether you need storage or if durability and safety are important. "The most important factor to look for in a bunk bed is durability," says Nikki Njeri Klugh the chief designer and the founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group Inc. The structure must be constructed of metal or wood and should be sturdy enough to hold a large mattress, she adds.
It is important to think about the size of the room and the length you'd like for the bed's upper part when selecting the right bunk bed. If you have low-ceilinged rooms opt for the loft bed that's closer to the ground or one that has stairs instead of a ladder. Dr. Mehrin Ahmed, a pediatric emergency physician at Weill Cornell Medicine/New york-Presbyterian, suggests that the bunk on top is equipped with side rails to ensure that the person sleeping there won't fall.
If you're looking for a low-cost bunk bed look into this model from IKEA It comes with simple frames and a ladder that can be placed on either side of the bed. It also complies with CPSC safety standards as well as industry standards. Upgrade to a larger model that sleeps two people and has built-in drawers under the bed at an additional cost.
2. Target
Lofts and bunk beds are great ways to make space in kids' rooms. They can make the room more enjoyable. You can find a variety of styles of finishes, sizes and designs at Target. Find options that include shelving, storage or other amenities in addition to sleeping quarters. You can also find options with twin trundles underneath, ideal for sleepovers.
There are the standard twin-over-twin bunk beds available at Target, along with full-over-full beds that work well in larger rooms. Regardless of the size you choose it's important to think about your ceiling's height. Dr. Colleen K. Kraft, pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian, advises that you should ensure that the bunks will fit in your space, and there's enough room to safely climb up and down. If you have a low ceiling you might want to consider a bunk that has ladders specifically designed for this type of space.
Another aspect to be considered when looking for a bunk or loft bed is the weight limit for the upper bunk. The Daxter bunk beds from Pottery Barn Kids, for example, are designed to support up to 165 pounds for each bed, which is lower than some other brands. The Oeuf Perch bunk bed, meanwhile, is built of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sustainable Baltic birch plywood and eco-friendly medium-density fiberboard and has a 250-pound weight limit on the top bunk, which is greater than other brands.
Bunk and loft beds can be constructed from wood or metal. Steel beds tend to be more durable, however they can feel colder and noisier than wooden alternatives. Some bunk beds made of wood are GreenGuard Gold certified.
3. Wayfair
Bunk beds are strong, flexible and stylish. They can be used by adults and children to save space. There are countless options, from twin-over-twin to full-size lofts that have the lower bed arranged in an L-shape. Some have extra features like storage or a sofa bed beneath (like the Crate & Barrel Babyletto White and Washed Wood Kids Bunk Bed).
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right bunk bed for you. You'll need to determine if you have the space to accommodate a full-size bunk bed at the bottom, and which kind of ladder you'd prefer. You'll also need to think about the capacity to support the weight of the beds -- as bunk beds can be very heavy, it's crucial to ensure that the beds at the top and bottom are able to support at least two individuals.
We asked three experts including a writer and author of the book about bunk beds, to weigh in. They recommended a few of their favorite frames that range from budget-friendly twin-over-twin models to more expensive models that have a slide and even futons.
Choose bunk beds that are constructed from solid materials, such as plywood or kiln dried wood. Don't forget to think about security features, such as guardrails on both sides of the frame and a sturdy ladder that is non-slip. Think about the amount of storage that you will require in your bunk bed. Some have under-bed trundles which can be pulled out to allow for additional guests.
4. Crate & Barrel
Bunk and loft beds are great for securing space in small spaces and creating enjoyable areas for sleeping and playing. These beds are ideal for rooms that are shared, cottage/coastal style farmhouse, rustic log cabin and log Barnwood styles. You can find lofts and bunk beds made of wood in different sizes including twin over twin and full over full models. Some come with storage options like under-bed drawers or an trundle that can be rolled out for sleepovers. Many include the option of a staircase or ladder that must be strong and durable enough to support the weight of the children who climb it.
Some loft and bunk beds for kids come with desks for kids to complete their homework or do other activities. Some have built-in wardrobes to store clothes and storage. A lot of bunk and loft beds for kids come with a range of bright paint finishes so parents can select the one that is most appropriate to their kiddos' rooms. Loft and bunk beds for children include stair or ladder designs as well as storage drawers or upholstered headboards.
Kids bunk beds and loft beds are great for rooms with high ceilings but they can sometimes be difficult to maneuver in smaller bedrooms. Make sure to choose one with a minimum recommended ceiling height of 8 feet to ensure the safety of your child while climbing to the top of the frame. The majority of standard loft and bunk beds are designed for children who are 6 years old and older and who can abide by the proper bedtime rules while sleeping on the top floor.
Crate and Barrel housewares and furniture stores offer loft and bunk beds for children that are a perfect match for traditional and contemporary home decor. Crate and Barrel stores in New York's Soho and Manhasset offer a variety of kid's furniture as well as toys, decor and furniture. Add the crib to your baby's registry if you're hoping to receive free design services and a 10% discount on the crib once it's completed.
5. IKEA
Whether you're in the market for a traditional twin-over-twin bed or a more unique one, IKEA offers a variety of options. The Daxter cottage style bunk bed from IKEA is a great choice for families on a limited budget. It features an angled ladder, guardrails, and plenty of room underneath for storage options, but it's smaller than the other alternatives on our list. It might not be suitable for kids younger than six years old.
The Ikea Mydal Bunk Bed is another great option. It can fit in rooms with lower ceilings due to its small size and low ladder height. It's also less expensive than other models and offers the most versatility due to its movable side panels and drawers. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with an under-bed storage unit, but there's enough room underneath for you to add your own ideas.
Pottery Barn Kids offers a wide selection of twin over full bunk beds which are ideal for siblings who wish to share a room, but live close by. These bunk beds are usually equipped with an ordinary ladder or staircase, and rails on the top bed for security. They are also available in a variety of finishes to complement any room decor.
If you're looking to save more space and giving your kids the opportunity to have a space to hang out Look for bunk beds that have extra features, such as an office or stairs that convert into a storage area. Some bunk beds can even accommodate a trundle that pulls out from under the bottom, giving you the option of sleeping three or four people in the same room.
