How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds can add fun and practicality to a child's room, particularly when you're working with a small space. Whether you go for the traditional twin-over-full bed or a loft bed with storage, we've got options that will meet your budget and space requirements.
Look for best rated bunk beds like stairs that protrude out, angled ladders and more which make the bunks easier to climb and safer for older children. Other additions include under-bed trundles for sleepovers and storage spaces that double as play spaces.
Size
When looking for bunk beds, size matters. Make sure that the beds fit into the room and have enough space for you to climb up or down. Think about the dimensions of furniture pieces, such as dressers or desks if you plan to add them. Also, keep in mind the weight capacity for both top and bottom beds if you'll be using the bunk beds as furniture for adult bedrooms also.
Another important factor is the height of your ceilings. "A good rule of thumb is to ensure there's at least 5 inches of space between the ceiling and the base of the bed," says Klugh. "This will ensure that children are able to safely enter the upper sleeping area."
Some bunk beds have ladders, whereas others have stairs. Fenton states that stairs are easier to use, but they also take up more space. There are stairs that come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage which is ideal if you want to store toys or bedding. However, they're more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed materials vary in price, too. The cheaper sets are usually made of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones often include frames made of metal or wood construction. Wood is beautiful and sturdy however it can warp when it comes in contact with water or pests. Some parents choose to stay clear of this material.
The majority of the bunk beds featured in this guide can be made in any color you like regardless of whether you prefer a white finish to give a fresh appearance or a smoky grey or rich walnut to complement any bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed for example, has extra headroom between the top and bottom bunks to reduce the chance of hitting heads while sitting or reading in bed.
Some of our picks can be transformed into two separate beds. This is ideal when you are planning 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 Bed with Staircase and Drawers is a durable solution that works with twin-overtwin mattresses and full over-full ones. It's also available in a classic neutral color that goes with any interior design scheme.
Safety
Bunk beds can be enjoyable and exciting, however there are some safety concerns. You should choose the bed frame that is made of sturdy high-quality wood. It is also important to ensure that the bunk bed has proper guardrails for the top mattress and meets all safety standards applicable. The guardrails should be a minimum of 5 inches tall and 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, limbs or torso.
The majority of manufacturers of bunk beds set weight limits for their products. It is important to follow these guidelines, as over-weighing them can lead to bunk bed to collapse and create serious injury risks. Many of these manufacturers also have age restrictions for use of their bunk beds typically requiring children to have to be at least 6 years old to be able to lie on the upper levels.
Another thing to take into consideration is the type of ladder that comes with the bunk bed. While some models come with a simple metal ladder while others have more elaborate staircases. Staircases can be more accessible for children to climb, but they're not as safe as a ladder made of solid steel. It's not easy for children who are tall or who have difficulty climbing up and down.
It is also important to ensure that the bunk bed is properly secured to the floor and wall, and that it's not near any windows or objects that kids could fall on while they're sleeping. It is also recommended to regularly check the bunk bed for broken or loose parts that may require repair or replaced. Keep spare screws and bolts in your home just in case they are lost or loosen over time.
Finally, you should place the bunk bed in the corner of the room so that it has walls on two sides. This will prevent falls from the top or side of the bunk bed, and will make it more comfortable for your kids to get in and out of bed.
Style
There are a myriad of elegant bunk beds that provide more than just a place for you to sleep. Some come with additional storage, an integrated desk, or even slides. While it's essential to consider your child's preferences before purchasing a bunk bed it's also important to think about the layout of the room and how the bunk bed will be able to fit with other furniture.
Some of the best bunk beds for kids are minimal in design, with elegant full-size or twin-size mattresses that stack together and are combined with a stairway ladder. These minimalist styles can be perfect for cramped spaces or rooms with low ceilings. They are an affordable option. These models can be separated into two beds in case you want to move or when your children grow out of them.
Some bunk beds are more attractive and can be matched to other bedroom furniture. The triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example has a neutral finish that blends well with both vibrant colors and subtle ones. Its angular style gives it a clean modern, contemporary look. the staircase features open-air shelves for storage that is out of sight. The stairs also feature elegant slatted railing, and are solid enough to support the weight of an adult, meaning you don't have 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 solution. This bunk bed is environmentally friendly since it's constructed from solid wood that was sourced sustainably and meets the standards of responsible forestry practices. Wire brushing was employed to create the unique texture of this bed. It accentuates the wood's knots and natural grain which gives it a unique appearance. The bottom bunk can be able to accommodate twin mattresses (sold separately) and the upper bunk is designed to fit the full size mattress, so this bed is ideal for children who are older.
Stores
Bunk beds are already a great option to make space, but a lot of models come with extra storage options, making them more suitable for families and Airbnb guests. Some models include the option of a trundle that can be removed from beneath the bunk's bottom, to accommodate a second child or a person, and others have drawers that store clothing and other items. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase bunk bed, for example, has two drawers underneath the bed, and a bookcase that has three shelves that are different sizes. This is a fantastic addition to smaller rooms that have a tiny shelf or closet space.
When looking for bunk beds, you must be aware of whether you prefer stairs or ladders to get to the top. Ladders are more traditional and could be more suited to a room's decor than stairs. However stairs are more efficient, easier to climb, and can be multi-functional. Some models have hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also bunk beds with a minimalist design that simply have two sleek twin or full mattresses that can be arranged. They are the best choice for rooms with small spaces or with low ceilings. They are also usually the most affordable. A lot of these beds can be dismantled and utilized as two beds. This is ideal for those who plan to relocate or change the arrangement of your room in the near future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a stylish option that's made from knot-free New Zealand pine wood and includes stylish slatted headboards as well as footboards. It also comes with an integrated ladder and 14-inch guardrails that are on the upper bunk.
If you are looking for a modern alternative take a look at the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The sleek bunk bed is available in multiple colors and can be divided into two separate beds at a later time. It can support up 300 pounds on the top bunk and twin or full-size beds can be utilized.