Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

If you're designing a shared bedroom for your children or outfitting a dorm, or simply looking to maximize your space, bunk beds are versatile and cooler than ever. There are a variety of styles, including twin-overtwin and full over-full models.

Find a model that is compatible with your budget and your children size, and keep in mind that certain bunks can be able to accommodate beds with trundle beds at the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are a common feature of childhood bedrooms, offering both comfort and excitement for kids bunk beds who want to sleep together. They are also a common option for shared rooms as well as vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a range of styles and materials, with options to suit every budget and space. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin designs to more elaborate designs with stairs or ladders and unique features like slides.

We weighed a range of factors while scouring the market for our top picks, including overall design, safety, and price. We also enlisted experts--parents and one who literally wrote the book on bunk beds to help us source the best childrens bunk beds choices. Find out our top seven picks by reading on.

The size of bunk beds is an important factor to consider prior to buying a bed, particularly in relation to the height of your ceilings. Always take measurements to ensure that the bunks you choose are suitable, and leave at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also advise against trundle bed trundles with high-hanging mattress as they may limit headroom.

Another consideration is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to access the top bunk. Stairs can be more easy to climb and safer, however they will take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders are smaller and cost-effective, however they may feel too steep for children.

You should also pay attention to the capacity for weight of the top bunk mattress, which is available on the page of each product. The majority of manufacturers will list this information near the mattress dimensions. A higher weight capacity typically indicates the bunk is suitable for older children or adults, who might require a bigger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three finishes to complement your kids' bedroom decor. Snowy white brings a bright, coastal look to a classic kids' room, while brushed gray or rich walnut add warmth and class to a rustic or farmhouse design.

Safety

When shopping for a bunk bed, it is important to look beyond the price tag and make sure it has all of the safety features you need. A reliable seller will list the weight capacity and also explains the structure's durability and strength. This is especially helpful for families that plan to use the beds again as the children grow older.

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

Another consideration is how much room there is for ladders or stairs. While a bunk with built-in stairs can save space, it can be more expensive and take more assembly time. If you're short on space, consider a ladder that is simple and can still allow your children to safely climb up to the top Bunk (https://omar-bondesen-2.technetbloggers.de/5-clarifications-regarding-bunk-bed-for-children/).

The bunks on this list have solid construction and meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. These bunks also pass the lead and anti-tip test and are a welcome relief for parents of children sharing a room. For example, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like tanks," says Laura Fenton who is the author of The Bunk Bed Book: The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels use, so they are built to last for a long time.

For shoppers who want a bunk that will grow with their kids bunk beds, this trundle-style design from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two twin beds that are separate for tweens and teens. It's the only non-wood bunk bed on the list, and its sturdy steel frame is extremely light for such a large piece of furniture. It comes in a variety of colors, and can be customized with accessories such as under-bed drawers.

Style

Bunk beds are available in different sizes and shapes and shapes, so you can pick one that suits your family's needs. For instance there are traditional twin-over-twin bunks, as well as more specialized designs like twin-over queen or queen-over -twin beds. Some are made of steel and others are made of wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The frame design and other features may also differ. You'll need to consider how much storage space you require and the style you like.

When considering price, keep in mind that the greater the cost of a bunk bed, the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could mean adding additional features like the ladder or stairs. This could also include the ability to add an extra bed for sleepovers or guests. Some models can be disassembled and used as two separate beds--a convenient feature to consider if your kids will outgrow the bunks or you plan on moving to a different home in the near future.

The number of beds that you choose will also affect the price and design. For instance, you could opt for a simple twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the floor space and is affordable. You can also spend more money on a solid-wood bunk bed with an elegant, sturdy design that grows with your kids and possibly accommodate adults in the near future.

No matter what size or style you pick it is important to verify the capacity of the bunk beds to ensure that they are able to support the number of sleepers that you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are only designed for children and can only support the weight of 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can be used by growing children and adults.

It's also important to note that a bunk bed can be a big investment--and therefore an enormous commitment. If you're unsure whether a bunk bed is right for your family, visit the showroom of a particular retailer or read reviews from customers on their website. This will give you a feel about the quality of construction and the quality of the bunks are constructed.

Stores

Furniture should be able be more than an area to sleep, study and relax. Bunk beds that have built-in storage options meet this demand, transforming them into multifunctional pieces that champion both function and design. Multifunctional staircases and drawers with storage integrated are creative features that allow for easy access to clothes, toys and bed linens.

Likewise loft beds that have large desks transform the space below them into a productive workspace. These clever layouts allow remote workers or young students to balance sleep, work and play without losing valuable space.

Another option to consider is detachable bunks which can be divided into separate twin-sized beds, ideal for accommodating sleepover guests or allowing kids to transition to single beds as they develop. Bunks that have trundle beds that are removable can also accommodate older adults or children who prefer sleeping on a large mattress.

Additionally, bunks that sleep three or four people are a good investment for families looking to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also be a great fit in corner spaces, enabling owners to make use of awkward spaces which would otherwise be unused.

The type of material and the color your bunk bed is constructed from will impact its overall look and feel. Wood bunks have a classic timeless appeal that fits well in contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are, on the other hand are a more modern choice that pairs beautifully with industrial and midcentury-inspired styles.

When you are looking for a bunk bed, consider the height of your home's ceilings and any windows that are nearby or other architectural features. Lower, more compact styles can be more simple to assemble and are suitable for teenagers or children who are preparing to transition from the junior or toddler bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an elegant, airier design and are ideal for older children or adults who sleep. Some designs have side railings that allow for more space between the beds. This ensures security and ease of access for everyone.