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

Bunk beds can add fun and practicality to a child's' room, especially when you're limited in space. There are a variety of options that will fit your budget and space needs whether you pick the traditional twin-over full or a loft with storage.

Look for features such as stairs that jut out, angled ladders and more which make the bunks easier to climb and safer for kids of older ages. Other additions include under-bed trundles for sleepovers and storage spaces that double as play areas.

Size

When looking for a buy bunk beds bed the size of the bed is crucial. Be sure that the beds are placed within the space with enough space to move up and down. Consider the size of other furniture pieces, such as dressers or desks, in the event that you intend to add them. Also, take note of the weight capacity of both the bottom and top beds if you're planning to use the bunks as furniture for your adult bedroom, too.

Another important factor is the height of your ceilings. "A good rule of thumb is to ensure that there's at minimum 5 inches of clearance between the ceiling and the bed's bottom," says Klugh. "This makes sure that kids are able to safely enter the upper sleeping area."

Some bunk beds come with stairs, while others come with ladders. "Stairs are usually easier to use than ladders, however they do take up more space," says Fenton. You can find stairs with built-in storage drawers. They are particularly useful if you need extra space for bedding or toys. They are more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials also vary in price. The cheapest sets are typically constructed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones usually include a metal frame or solid wood construction. Wood is strong and beautiful, however it can be warped by water or pests, so some parents prefer to skip this type of material.

The majority of the bunk beds featured in this guide can be finished in any color you like, whether it's a white finish for a fresh look, or a dark grey or smoky walnut to complement any bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed for instance, offers extra headroom between the bottom and top bunks, which reduces the possibility of hitting heads while sitting or reading in the bed.

Some of our choices even convert into two beds, which may be ideal for those who plan to sell the bunks once your kids outgrow them or you plan to move them at some point in the future. If you want a more durable solution, consider this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Bunk Bed that is low-profile with Staircase and Drawers fits both twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It is available in a classic neutral hue that pairs easily with any interior design palette.

Safety

Bunk beds can be enjoyable and exciting, but there are some safety issues. It is recommended to choose the bed frame that is constructed of strong and high-quality wood. You should also ensure that the bunk bed is equipped with guardrails for the top mattress and meets all safety standards applicable. The guardrails must be at least 5 inches tall and should extend across the entire upper mattress. You should also check for openings, gaps or holes in the guardrails that are large enough to trap a child's head or torso, or limbs.

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

Another thing to take into consideration is the type of ladder that comes with the childrens bunk bed bed. Certain models come with basic metal staircases, while others have more elaborate ladders. Staircases are generally easier for kids to climb but they're not as safe as a ladder made of solid steel. It can be difficult for children who are tall or have trouble climbing up and down.

Also, make sure that the bunk bed is fixed to the floor and wall and that it's not near any windows or items that children could fall onto while sleeping. You should also inspect the bunk bed on a regular basis for any loose or damaged parts that might require repair. It's a good idea keep additional bolts and screws around in case they get lost or loose as time passes.

In the end, you need to place the bunk bed in the 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 bunk bed, and also make it more comfortable for your kids to get in and out of bed.

Style

There are a variety of stylish bunk beds that offer more than just a place to sleep. Some come with additional storage space, with a built-in desk or even slides. And, while it's crucial to consider your child's design preferences before buying a bed it's also a good idea to consider how the bunk bed will integrate with other room furniture and the overall layout of the space.

Some of the most popular bunk bed designs for kids bunk beds are minimalist in style. They feature stylish full-size or twin beds that stack, paired with ladders. These minimalist styles can be perfect for cramped spaces or rooms with low ceilings. They are an affordable option. These beds can be divided into two beds if you want to move or when your children grow out of them.

Some bunk beds are more decorative and can be paired with other bedroom furniture. For example this triple bunk from Pottery Barn offers an elegant neutral finish that blends well with both muted and vibrant color palettes. The design is angular, giving it a modern, sleek style. The staircase has open-air shelves that can be used to store things out of sight. The stairs also have a stylish slatted railing and are strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult, so you don't need to worry about your kids falling off the top bunk.

If your kids are avid fans of the outdoors, this rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily might be just the solution. This bunk bed is environmentally friendly, as it's made from solid wood that was harvested sustainably and is in compliance with responsible forestry practices. The wire brush technique that was employed to create this bunk's unique design highlights the wood's natural knots and grain, giving the bed a unique look. This bunk bed is perfect for older children as the bottom bunk can accommodate a twin-size mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to accommodate an entire size mattress.

Stores

Bunk beds are already a great option to make space, but many models also come with storage options that make them even more useful for families and Airbnb guests. Some models have an trundle, which can be removed from under the bunk's bottom to accommodate an extra person or child, while others have drawers that store clothing and other items. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed is a good example. It comes with two under-bed storage drawers as well as a bookcase that has three shelves that are different sizes, which can be an ideal addition to a room that has limited closet or shelf space.

Another consideration when shopping for a bunk bed is whether you'd like stairs or ladders to get to the top of the ladder. Ladders tend to be more traditional and blend into the decor of a room more easily than stairs, but they may look less sleek. However, stairs are more efficient, easier to climb, and are multi-functional. Some models have hollow stairs that can double as storage drawers.

There are also minimalist bunk beds made of two twin or full mattresses that simply fit together. They are the ideal choice for small rooms or rooms with low ceilings. They are also usually the least expensive. A lot of them can be dismantled and put in two beds, which is useful if you anticipate changing room layouts or moving homes in the near future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a stylish option made of knot-free New Zealand pine wood and has stylish slatted headboards and footboards. It also features solid 14-inch guardrails on the edges of the upper bunk, as well as a stationary built-in ladder, which cannot be moved, but which provides plenty of space on the lower level for play.

Check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine & Plywood Bunk Bed for a more contemporary alternative. The stylish bunk bed is available in several colors and can be divided into two beds at a later time. It can support a weight limit of 300 pounds on the top bunk and can be used with full-size or twin-sized mattresses, so it's suitable for teens and children of all age groups.