Five Kids Bunkbed Lessons Learned From Professionals

Top Picks For the Best Kids Bunkbeds
Bunk beds are a great solution to maximize the space in a child's room as well as creating a fun shared bedroom. We've compiled our top picks for the best bunk beds for kids that are elegant, affordable and durable enough to last a long time.
Fenton says that a lot of our choices feature an angled ladder. These ladders take up less space than straight ladders, while being a breeze for children to climb. There are also stairs, that require more space but are safer than ladders to climb.
1. Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed
Unlike many bunk beds, this one's bottom bunk sits on the floor, making it the perfect option for toddlers and younger children who might not feel secure climbing to the top. This also means that the ladder is on the side, which makes it easier for children to maneuver (and less daunting for parents and their children reading stories at bedtime or changing sheets). The entire set is constructed out of Baltic birch that is Greenguard Gold-certified and TSCA certified.
The Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe is a contemporary, clean-lined wooden bunk bed that's adaptable enough for boys or girls. The white and natural finish is versatile and blends well with various decor schemes. Parents love the fact that it's finished with an anti-slip varnish. It's the perfect choice for a bedroom shared by two people and can be separated into two individual twin beds once your kids reach the age of teens.
Bunk beds aren't only for saving space. They can also enhance the design of a room, provide fun play areas, and encourage sleepovers between friends. With the variety of cool bunk bed designs for teenagers and children it's simple to find a setup that can accommodate any family's specific needs.
Think about a bunk bed with slides if you're looking to have an exciting alternative to the classic design. Not only does the slide make getting up and down a lot more fun, but it's also more secure for children than a standard ladder because it's lower to ground and your child isn't going backward as they climb. It's also a great way to add extra fun to a regular bunk bed for older children and teens, or create a special place for siblings to share a bed on the beach or in a vacation rental.
2. South Shore Tuffing Twin Over Twin Metal Bunk Bed with Slide
Metal bunk beds are available in a variety of styles and designs. Many of them come at a reasonable cost. There are few bunk beds made of metal that compete with this South Shore option, which features a trundle underneath the twin bed at the bottom to accommodate three people for sleepovers (if the trundle is removed, the bunks transform into two beds). The ladder is also designed to be angled so that it is easy for children to climb in and out.
Depending on the shape of your room and the frequency you'll use the bunks you may want to opt for an L-shaped layout like the one pictured in the bedroom of Bailey McCarthy. This design is space-saving by permitting the two bunks to be closer to each other, which is useful for smaller spaces or rooms with lower ceilings. It's also easier to get into because there are two ladders, instead of one slanted ladder that can be difficult for children of smaller ages to use.
The height of the bunk bed can also play a role in deciding if your children will be comfortable sleeping high up. For this reason, it's crucial to take into consideration how tall your kids are and the height of your ceiling prior to making the purchase.
There are a few differences between metal and wood bunk beds that could affect your choice, as well as the kind of mattress you choose. Kuo says wood is the preferred option for bunk beds because it has a more traditional, natural look and can withstand regular use. "The most important thing to consider is to choose a bunk bed which is in compliance with industry standards and is safe for children," she says.
3. Pottery Barn Kids Belden Full-Over-Full Bunk Bed
Bunk beds have been a staple of furniture for kids for a long time. They're space-saving however, they also feel adventurous to children. The siblings often fight over who gets to sleep on the top bunk and even kids who don't have brothers or sisters love to sleep in a bunk. Bunk beds can be an excellent addition to your home if you have a lot of guests for sleepovers as they're easy for kids to share with their friends.
The classic bunk bed is built using kiln dried poplar wood to ensure strength and durability. Choose from a variety of finishes that are child-safe, including French white, brushed grey and weathered blue. If you're looking for additional storage space for bedding, clothes or other bedroom accessories, pick one that comes with an ample set of drawers that can be pulled out and placed under the lower bunk. These have brass hardware with brushed nickel and plenty of space to fold linens. sweaters and even books.
The Belden bunk bed's fixed ladder can be placed on either the right or left side of the bunk and can be set at a straight or angled angle. Fenton states that the angled ladder is easier to climb but takes up more space. The bunks accommodate twin mattresses (sold separately) and this style is suitable for rooms with a ceiling of at minimum 8 feet.
As opposed to standard bunks that have two identical beds, twin over full bunk beds have an upper full-size bed and an upper twin bed. This configuration is ideal for kids who need to share a space but want to retain their individuality and privacy. The top bunk has guardrails to ensure your children are secure while they sleep.
4. Max & Lily Low bunk bed with Slide
This bunk bed for kids has a slide that is detachable for twins that will surely delight them. They'll be thrilled to slide down the slide with friends and siblings or taking their favorite animal toys on the ride of their lives. Its simple, space-saving construction makes it a great option for rooms with limited space where a queen over queen or full over full bunk bed might not be a good fit.
The angled ladder's rounded corners ensure the safety of climbing while also providing comfortable rungs. The easy to maintain and long-lasting low VOC finish and flush, color-matching hardware give a modern, clean look. Solid new Zealand pine wood construction with a 400-pound weight capacity sets this bed apart from others in the same price range.
Parents say that assembly takes a few minutes, however, it isn't difficult. To make assembly easier it is recommended to label each piece of wood. It's also an ideal idea to have two adults working in tandem so they can construct the bed faster and with greater accuracy.
This bunk bed comes in a variety of colors to fit the decor of your child's room. The clean white finish is a reliable option for coastal, cottage and colorful bedroom schemes, while the gray brushed option is definitely modern. The weathered navy version plays well with modern styles and is a perfect fit for children's rooms that are transitional. This bunk bed can accommodate two twin mattresses (sold separately) and requires an a minimum height of 8 feet. The bed is shipped in a single box, and is fairly heavy, so it's recommended to have help when schlepping it up and down tight corners. It is also covered by a one-year guarantee for security.
5. Shyann twin over twin bunk bed with Trundle
For many children bunk beds are a childhood staple--the ultimate space-saving furniture, they're also a great way to make a room feel adventurous and enjoyable. However, when it comes to choosing the best bunk bed for your family there are plenty of options available. And it's important to choose one that is built to last and complies with CPSC safety regulations. So, to help you find the perfect bunk bed for your kiddos, I consulted experts--parents--including one who literally wrote the book on bunk beds (and slept in some of them!) to find the most suitable options.
From classic wooden bunks to sleek metal options We've got the best kids bunk beds on the market for all budgets and sleeping needs. We've also found a few that add a bit of style, like this twin-over-twin model that has a slide that's guaranteed to delight your kids (and may or may not cause some snark). It's also safer for smaller children since it's lower than the top bunk.
This full-over-full bunk bed is a different option. It can be divided into two separate beds for a more standard layout if your children outgrow their bunks. The sturdy construction can support up to 200 pounds for each lower bunk and 250 pounds for each upper bunk.
Bunk beds can be a big investment however, if you choose the most suitable one for your child it's a piece furniture that will last a long time and provide many years of sleep enjoyment. If your children outgrow their bunk beds, you can convert them into twin beds and save money.