Bunk beds are great for kids' rooms and are available in a wide variety of styles. There are triple bunks or futon bunks for smaller spaces, as well as the traditional twin-over-twin design.
Consider the weight capacity when selecting a bunk bed. Most bunk beds have a limit of 400 pounds for each mattress, but you can find higher-weight options for older children and teens.1. Amazon
Bunk beds are an excellent alternative for parents looking to free up space in a small bedroom or children who want to add a fun element to their bedroom. There are many options available, including twin-overtwin and full-overfull designs. Some bunk beds even have a slide. If your kids are younger look into a twin-over-twin bed with guard rails for children younger than six years old, or even bunk beds for toddlers.
You'll want to think about whether you require storage or if safety and durability are essential. Nikki Njeri Klugh is the principal designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group Inc. She says that durability is the main thing you should look for when selecting the right bunk bed. She suggests that the structure be constructed of wood or metal, and it should be strong enough to support a large bed.
It's important to consider the size of the room and the height you want for the upper bed when choosing a bunk bed. For instance, if have low ceilings, look for a loft bunk bed that sits closer to the floor or opt for one with stairs instead of a ladder. The top bunk should be equipped with side rails to ensure the person sleeping there isn't thrown off, and there should be guardrails on both sides of the bed on the bottom Dr. Mehrin Islam, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
If you are looking for bunk beds that are affordable, IKEA offers this option. It is a basic frame with a ladder mounted on either side. It also is compliant with CPSC and industry safety standards. Upgrade to a larger model that can sleep two people and comes with built-in drawers beneath the bed for an additional cost.
2. Target
Lofts and bunk beds are fantastic ways to save space in children's rooms. They can make the room more fun. You'll find a wide range of designs, finishes and configurations at Target. Look for options that offer shelves, storage or other features in addition to sleeping spaces. There are also options with twin trundles underneath, ideal for sleepovers.
Target offers twin-overtwin bunk beds as well as a full-overfull option for larger rooms. It's crucial to consider your ceiling height when choosing the size of the bunk bed. Dr. Colleen K. Kraft, pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian, suggests that you ensure the bunks fit into your space, and there's enough space to safely climb up and down. If you have an area with low ceilings, then you might require one with ladders made specifically 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. Daxter bunks from Pottery Barn Kids are rated at 165 pounds, which is lower than other brands. The Oeuf Perch is constructed from sustainable Baltic Birch plywood from the Forest Stewardship Council and eco-friendly medium density fiberboard. It has the weight limit of 250 pounds on the top bunk. This is more than other brands.
Wood or metal can be used to build loft beds and bunk beds. Steel beds are more durable, but they can be colder and noisier than wooden alternatives. Some wood bunk beds are GreenGuard Gold certified.
3. Wayfair
Bunk beds are strong, versatile and stylish. They can be used by both adults and children to make the most of space. There are many options, from twin-over-twin to full-size lofts with the lower bed set in an L-shaped. Some come with additional features, such as storage or a futon beneath (like our top pick for the Crate & Barrel Babyletto TipToe White and Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed).
There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting the best bunk bed for your needs. You'll need to decide whether you have enough space to accommodate a full-size bunk bed at the bottom and the type of ladder you'd like to use. It is also important to consider the capacity to support the weight of the beds. As bunks can be quite heavy, it's important to make sure that the beds at the top and bottom can support at least two people.
We consulted three experts, including an author and writer of the book about bunk beds, to discuss their opinions. They recommended a selection of their favorite frames, from budget-friendly twin-over-twin models to more expensive models with a slide, and even futons.
To ensure safety, look for a bunk bed frame constructed from solid materials, such as top-quality plywood or kiln-dried wood and don't forget to include security essentials, such as guardrails on both sides of the frame and an sturdy ladder with a non-slip surface. It is also important to consider the amount of storage you'd like in your bunk beds, since some come with under-bed trundles which pull out to accommodate extra sleepover guests.
4. Crate & Barrel
Bunk and loft beds for children create fun, functional spaces for sleeping and play which can save space in smaller rooms. They're an ideal choice for shared bedrooms with kids and for farmhouse, cottage rustic cabin, and log Barnwood decor styles. You can find wooden loft and bunk beds in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin as well as full-over-full models. Some offer storage solutions like under-bed drawers or an trundle that can be rolled out for sleepovers. A lot of them include an escalator or ladder, which must be sturdy and durable enough to hold the weight of children climbing it.
Some kids' bunk and loft bed options include desks that let kids do homework or other activities. Some have built-in wardrobes to store clothing and storage. A lot of bunk and loft beds for children come with a variety of bright paint finishes so parents can select the one that best matches their kids' rooms. Loft and bunk beds for kids include stair and ladder configurations, as well as storage drawers and upholstered headboards.
Kids' bunk and loft beds are great for rooms with high ceilings but they can be difficult to move around in smaller bedrooms. Make sure to choose one with the minimum recommended ceiling height of 8 feet to ensure safety for your child when climbing to the top of the frame. Most standard bunk beds and loft beds are designed for kids ages 6 and up, who can safely follow the correct bedtime routine while sleeping on top.
Crate and barrel's homewares and furniture stores offer loft and bunk beds for children that blend with traditional and modern home decor. Explore a variety of furniture for bedrooms, kids' decor and toys at the New York area Crate and Barrel store in Soho or at the Manhasset store. Include the crib on your baby's registry if expecting to get free design services along with 10% off the completed crib.
5. IKEA
IKEA offers a variety of bunk beds, from the classic twin-overtwin and innovative options. The Daxter Cottage-style bunk bed from Ikea is a great choice for families on a limited budget. It features angled ladders, guardrails and plenty of space underneath to store things, however it is slightly smaller than the other choices on our list. It might not be suitable for children younger than six years old.
Another option that is worth considering is the Ikea Mydal Bunk Bed, which can fit in rooms with lower ceilings thanks to its small size and a shorter ladder height. It's also a little more affordable than the other models on this list and provides a lot of versatility with its side panels that are removable and optional drawers for extra storage. The only issue is the absence of storage built-in under the bed. There's plenty of room to add your own.
For more traditional bunk beds, Pottery Barn Kids has an excellent selection of twin-over-full designs that are an ideal option for siblings who live together but prefer their own space. The bunk beds typically come with the standard ladder or staircase and are equipped with rails for the top bed to help ensure that children are safe when they sleep on top. They are available in a variety of finishes that will complement any decor.
If you're looking to conserve space and provide your children with a place where they can play, pick bunk beds that have extra features, like an office or stairs that can be converted into a storage area. Some bunk beds can accommodate a trundle, which is able to be removed from the bottom and gives you the possibility of sleeping three or four people in the same room.
