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

Bunk beds can add fun and functionality to a kids bunk bed room, particularly if you have limited space. It doesn't matter if you choose the traditional twin-over-full bed or a loft bed with storage, we've got options that fit your budget and space requirements.

Look for features like stairs that protrude out, angled ladders, and more that make the bunks easier to climb and safer for kids of older ages. Other features include storage spaces that can be used as play areas and under-bed trundles.

Size

Size is crucial when you are shopping for bunk beds. Be sure that the beds will fit in the room and have enough space for you to climb up or down. If you're planning to add furniture pieces such as desks or a dresser be sure to consider their dimensions as well. Keep in mind that the bunks on top and bottom are only able to support a certain amount of weight if they are being used as adult bedroom furniture.

Another important aspect is the height of your ceilings. Klugh suggests that the best rule of thumb to follow is to ensure there's a minimum of 5 inches between the ceiling and the bottom of the bed. This will ensure that children can safely reach the upper sleeping area.

Some bunk beds come with ladders, whereas others have stairs. "Stairs are generally easier to use than ladders, however they do take up more space," says Fenton. You can find stairs with built-in storage drawers, which are especially useful for those who need more space for bedding or toys. They are more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials differ in price as well. The less expensive sets are typically composed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones usually have frames made of metal or wood construction. Wood is beautiful and sturdy however it can warp when it comes into contact with water or insects. Some parents prefer to avoid this material.

Most of the bunks in this guide can be purchased in your choice of finish, including white for a crisp look and a smoky grey or rich walnut that can be incorporated into any bedroom with a color scheme. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed, for instance, has additional headroom between the bottom and top bunks to reduce the chance of bumping heads when sitting or reading in the bed.

Some of our selections can be converted into two separate beds, which could be a good option if you expect to sell the bunks after your children are old enough or plan on moving at some point in the future. For a more long-term solution, consider this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Low-Profile Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers is suitable for twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses and comes in a classic neutral hue that is compatible with any interior design palette.

Safety

Bunk beds can be fun and exciting for children However, they do have some security concerns. It's important to look for the right bed frame, which should be made of high-quality, sturdy wood. It is also important to ensure that the bunk bed is equipped with guardrails for the top sleeper and is in compliance with all safety standards that are applicable. The guardrails must be at least 5 inches in height and should run along the entire upper mattress. You should also look for gaps, openings or holes in the guardrails large enough to entrap the head or torso, or limbs.

The majority of bunk bed manufacturers have weight limits on their products. It is essential to follow these guidelines as over-weighing them can lead to bunk bed to collapse and create serious injury risk. Many of these manufacturers also have age restrictions for use of their bunk beds generally requiring that children be at least six years older to be able to sleep on the upper level.

The kind of ladder that is included with the bunk beds is a different important aspect to think about. Some models have simple staircases made of metal while others have more elaborate ladders. Staircases are often more accessible for children to climb but they're not as safe as a sturdy ladder. It isn't always 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 fixed to the wall and floor, and that it's not close to any windows or other items that children could fall on while they're sleeping. It is also recommended to regularly check the bunk bed for any broken or loose parts that might need to be repaired or replaced. It's a good idea keep extra screws and bolts around in case they get lost or loose over time.

It is also recommended to put the bunk beds in a corner, so that they have walls on both sides. This will prevent your children from falling off the side or top of the bunk bed. It will also help them to climb into and out of the bed.

Style

There are a variety of elegant bunk beds that provide more than a place to sleep. Some bunk beds have additional storage space, a built in desk, or even a slide. While it's crucial to think about your child's preferences before purchasing a bunk bed it's also wise to consider the design of the room and how the bunk bed will fit in with the furniture.

The best bunk beds for children are minimal in style, featuring modern full-size or twin beds that stack and are combined with a stairway ladder. These minimalist designs are ideal for tight spaces or rooms with low ceilings and are an affordable option. A lot of these models are able to be separated into two beds, which is a great option for when your children grow out of the bunk beds or you decide to move to a different home.

Some bunk beds are more aesthetically pleasing and can be paired with other bedroom furniture. The triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example is a neutral-colored finish that is compatible with both vibrant colors and subtle ones. The design is angular, giving it a modern, sleek look. The staircase has open-air shelves to store items 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 need to worry about your kids falling off the top bunk.

This rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily is ideal for kids who love to be outdoors. Made from sustainably-sourced solid wood that adheres to the standards of responsible forestry The bunk bed is both eco-friendly as well as striking. Wire brushing was used to create the unique texture of this bed. It accentuates the wood's knots and natural grain, giving it an original look. This bed is ideal for older children as the bottom bunk can fit an adult-sized mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to hold an entire size mattress.

Storage

Bunk beds are already a great option to save space, but some models come with extra storage options, making them even more practical for families and Airbnb guests. Some include a trundle bed that pulls out from under the bunk's bottom for an additional child or a couple and others have drawers for clothes and other things that might clutter up the space. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed, for example, has two under-bed drawers, and a bookcase with three shelves in various sizes. This is a great option for small rooms with a limited storage space or shelves.

Another factor to consider when purchasing bunk beds is whether you want stairs or ladders to reach the top of the stairs. Ladders tend to be more traditional and blend into the interior of a room better than stairs, which can look less sleek. However, stairs are more efficient, easier to climb, and can be multi-functional. Some models have hollow stairs that can double as storage drawers.

There are also bunk beds with a minimalist design which are simply two stylish twin or full mattresses that are able to be joined. They are great for small spaces or rooms with lower ceilings and are generally the least expensive option. A lot of these beds can be disassembled and used as two separate beds. This is great if you plan to move or change the arrangement of your room in the near future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood bunk bed usa Bed with Trundle is a fashionable option that is made of 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 on the upper bunk.

For a more modern option look into the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The modern bunk bed is available in many colors and can be divided into two separate beds later. It can support up to 300 pounds on the top bunk and twin or full-size beds can be used.