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 working with a small 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 will meet your budget and room needs.

Look for features like stairs that jut out, angled ladders, and more, which make the bunks more accessible and safer for older kids. Other additions include under-bed trundles for sleepovers as well as storage areas that double as play spaces.

Size

Size is important when you are shopping for bunk beds. Be sure that the beds are placed in the room and have enough space to move up and down. If you're planning on adding furniture pieces like desks or dressers take into consideration their dimensions as well. Also, take note of the weight capacity for both the bottom and top beds if you'll be using the bunks as adult bedroom furniture also.

Another important aspect is the height of your ceilings. Klugh suggests that an ideal rule of thumb to adhere to is to ensure there's at least 5 inches between the ceiling and bottom of the bed. "This will ensure that children are able to safely access the upper sleep area."

Some bunk beds have stairs, while others come with ladders. "Stairs are generally more convenient than ladders, but they take up more space," says Fenton. You can find stairs with built-in storage drawers, which are especially helpful for those who need more space for bedding or toys. They are more expensive than straight ladders.

Bunk bed materials differ in cost as well. The cheapest sets are typically made of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones often feature a metal frame or solid wood construction. Wood is beautiful and sturdy but it can also be warped when it comes in contact with water or insects. Some parents choose to avoid this material.

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

A few of our choices can be converted into two beds. This is great when you are planning to sell them when your children outgrow them or if you're planning on moving in the future. If you want a more durable option, this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Bunk Bed that is low-profile with Staircase and Drawers is suitable for twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It is available in a classic neutral shade that is compatible with any style of interior.

Safety

Bunk beds can be fun and exciting for kids however, they're not without some safety concerns. It is crucial to find the right bed frame material, which is made of high-quality sturdy wood. You should also make sure that the bunk bed is in compliance with all safety standards and has guardrails on the top sleeper. The guardrails must be at a minimum 5 inches in height, and they should be continuous on both sides of the upper mattress. You should also check for gaps, openings or holes in the guardrails that are big enough to entrap a child's head or torso, or limbs.

Most bunk bed manufacturers stipulate weight limits for their products. It is important to adhere to these guidelines as exceeding them can cause the bunk bed to collapse and create serious injury risk. Many of these manufacturers also provide age restrictions for the use of their bunk bed, usually requiring that children have to be at least 6 years older to be able to sleep on the upper levels.

Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of ladder that is included with the bunk bed. While some models come with an ordinary ladder made of metal, others come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are easy for children to climb but not as safe as ladders made of solid steel. It's not easy for children who are tall or have difficulty climbing up and down.

You should also ensure that the bunk bed is properly fixed to the floor and wall and isn't close to any windows or other items that kids might fall upon while they sleep. It is also recommended to regularly check the bunk bed for loose or broken parts that could require to be repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to keep additional screws and bolts close by in case any get lost or loose over time.

You should also place the bunk beds in a corner, so that they have walls on both sides. This will keep your children from falling off the side or top of the bunk bed. It will also help them to get in and out of the bed.

Style

There are many elegant bunk beds that provide more than just a place to sleep. Some bunk beds include additional storage, with a built-in desk, or a slide. While it's important that you take into account your child's preferences prior to purchasing a bunk bed it's also wise to consider the layout of the room and how the bunk bed will be able to fit with other furniture.

Some of the most popular bunk beds uk beds for kids are minimalist in style, featuring modern full-size or twin beds that stack together and are coupled with a ladder for stairs. These minimalist designs are perfect for cramped spaces or rooms with low ceilings and are a great option for those with a tight budget. These models can be split into two beds in case you want to move or if your children outgrow them.

Others are more attractive, such as adding a bunk bed to your kids' room with a vibrant design or color that complements other bedroom furniture. This triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example has a neutral finish that is compatible with vibrant colors as well as muted ones. The angular design gives it a contemporary, clean look. The staircase has open-air shelves that can be used to store things away from view. The stairs also feature elegant slatted railing that is strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult, meaning you don't need to worry about your children falling off the top bunk bed for kids.

If your children are fans of the outdoors, this rustic bunk bed from Max and Lily could be the perfect solution. This bunk bed is eco-friendly since it's constructed from solid wood that was sustainable sourced and complies with the standards of responsible forest practices. Wire brushing was employed to create the unique appearance of this bed. It is a celebration of the wood's knots and natural grain and gives it a unique look. The bottom bunk can accommodate a twin mattress (sold separately), and the upper bunk is designed to accommodate an entire mattress, which means this bunk bed is suitable for older children.

Storage

Bunk beds are an excellent way to save space, but many models include additional storage options that make them even more useful for families and Airbnb guests. Some come with a trundle bed, which pulls out from under the bunk's bottom for an additional child or a couple and others have drawers for clothes and other items that could clutter a smaller room. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase bunk bed for example, has two under-bed drawers, and a bookcase with three shelves of different sizes. This is a great option for small rooms with a limited shelf or closet space.

When looking for bunk beds, it is important to be aware of whether you prefer stairs or ladders to reach the top of the bed. Ladders are more traditional, and could be more suited to the decor of a room than stairs. Stairs are more efficient and easy to climb. They are also multi-functional, with some models featuring hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.

There are also minimalist bunk beds made of two full or twin mattresses that are simply arranged. They are the ideal choice for rooms with small spaces or with low ceilings. They are also usually the least expensive. A majority of them can be taken apart and set up as two separate beds, which can be useful if you anticipate changing the layout of your room or moving homes in the future.

The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a chic option that is made of knot-free New Zealand pine wood and includes stylish slatted headboards as well as footboards. It also has a built-in ladder and sturdy 14-inch guardrails that are on the upper bunk.

For a more modern option, check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The stylish bunk bed comes in a variety of colors and can be split into two beds later. It can support a weight limit of 300 pounds on the top bunk and can be used with full-size or twin mattresses, so it's ideal for kids and teens of all different ages.