Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

Whether you're designing an area for children to share or putting together a dorm room, or just maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and more stylish than ever. There are a variety of styles to consider, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full models.

Find a model that is compatible with your budget and your children' room dimensions, and be aware that some bunks can have trundle beds on the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are a staple of bedrooms for children, providing both efficiency and adventure for children who wish to sleep side-by-side. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds are available in a range of styles and materials, with options to suit every budget and space. Our bunk bed usa bed picks range from basic twin over twin models to more elaborate models with stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.

We weighed a range of factors when we searched the market for our top picks including overall design, safety, and price. We also asked experts--parents and one who wrote the book on bunk beds -- to help us source the best options. Discover our seven favorites by continuing reading.

The size of bunk beds is an important consideration prior to buying a bed, particularly in relation to the height of your ceilings. Always measure your space to ensure the bunks you choose are suitable, and leave at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk bed for kids. We also advise against trundle bed trundles that have a high-hanging mattress, as they can restrict headroom.

Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top bunk. Stairs are usually more secure and safer to climb, however they may take up more space than ladders. Ladders aren't as bulky and more affordable, but they might be too steep for children.

It is also important to be aware of the capacity for weight of the top bunk mattress which you can find on the product's page. This information is typically displayed near the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity typically indicates the bunk is suitable for older kids or adults who require a larger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three options to match your children room decor. White snow gives a vibrant coastal look to classic kids' rooms, while brushed grey or rich walnut create an authentic farmhouse or rustic look.

Safety

When looking for a bunk bed it's important to look beyond the price tag and make sure it has all of the necessary safety features. A reliable seller will provide the capacity for weight and give a description of the structure's durability and strength which is crucial for families that plan on reusing the beds as their children grow up.

A good rule of practice is to leave at least 33 to 36 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling, says Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. "If you don't have enough room to accommodate that much space, you may think about a low-height bunk," she adds. "That's a great option for small rooms, because it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. This can make it be uncomfortable as kids get older."

Another consideration is deciding how much space you have for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with stairs built in can reduce space, it can also be pricier and require more assembly time. If you're short of space, consider a ladder that is simple and can still allow your children to safely climb to the top bunk.

The bunks in this list are all made of solid construction and comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. These bunks also pass lead and anti-tip testing and are a welcome relief for parents of children sharing a space. For instance, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like a tank," says Laura Fenton, author of The bunk (http://www.annunciogratis.net/) Bed Book: The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels employ so they're constructed to last for a long time.

For those looking for a bunk that will grow with their kids This trundle-style model from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two separate twin beds for teens and tweens. It's the only non-wood bunk bed on this list, and its sturdy steel frame is extremely light for such a heavy-duty piece of furniture. It's available in a broad variety of colors and can be customized with other accessories, like under-bed storage drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that best fits your family's space. For example there are traditional twin-over-twin bunks and specialized configurations like twin-over queen or queen-over -twin beds. Some are made of metal and others are made of wood and include side rails for the top childrens bunk bed. The frame design and other features can also vary. You'll have to think about how much storage space you need, as well as the style you like.

When you are considering the price, bear in mind that the greater the price point of a bunk bed the more customizable it can be, Klugh says. This could include adding additional features like a staircase or ladder. It could also mean the ability to add an trundle bed that makes it ideal for guests or sleepovers. Some models can even be disassembled and used as two beds, which is a great option if you think your children will outgrow the bunks or you plan to move to a new home in the near future.

The number of beds you choose will also influence cost and design. For example, you might choose a basic twin over twin bunk bed, which maximizes the amount of floor space and is affordable. You could also choose to invest more money in a solid-wood bunk bed with a modern, sturdy design that will grow with your kids and possibly accommodate adults in the future.

No matter what size or design you choose regardless of the design and size, you must check the weight capacity of the bunk beds best to ensure they can accommodate the number of people you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are designed for children and can only support 165 pounds. Others have a higher capacity and can be used by the growing needs of adults and children.

Finally, it's worth noting that a bunk bed can be a major investment and, therefore, a major commitment. If you're not sure whether a bunk bed is suitable for your family, go to the showroom of a retailer or read reviews of customers on their website. This will give you an idea about the quality of construction and the quality of the bunks are built.

Storage

Furniture should be able serve more than a place to sleep, study and relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage options can meet this demand, transforming them into multi-purpose pieces that promote both function and design. Multifunctional staircases and drawers with storage integrated are innovative features that provide easy access to clothes, toys and bedding linens.

Loft beds with large desks can turn the space beneath them into a productive work area. These clever layouts permit remote workers or students to balance sleep, work and play without sacrificing the space they need.

Another useful option is the detachable bunks that can be divided into separate twin-sized beds, which are ideal to accommodate guests at sleepovers or allowing children to move to single beds as they become more mature. Bunks with removable trundle beds can be adapted to older adults or children who prefer to sleep on a mattress that is large enough.

Additionally, bunks that sleep three or more are a good purchase for families seeking to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also fit well into corner spaces, enabling owners to make use of awkward spaces that would otherwise be wasted.

The kind of material and color that your bunk bed is made from will impact its overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks have a classic timeless style that is well-suited into contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks, on the other on the other hand are a more modern option that works well with midcentury and industrial styles.

When choosing a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your home and any nearby windows or other architectural features. Lower, more compact styles are more straightforward to put together and are suitable for younger children or teens who are ready to graduate from the toddler or junior bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, airier design and are ideal for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs also have side railings, which allow for an increased space between beds, which ensures safety and accessible access for all users.