Kids Bunkbed 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners

Top Picks For the Best Kids Bunkbeds

Bunk beds are a great option to maximize space in kids' rooms and also creating a lively shared bedroom. We've selected our top picks for the top bunk beds for kids that are attractive and affordable, as well as sturdy enough to last an extended period of time.

Many of our picks feature an angled ladder, which takes up less room than straight ladders, but are still easier for kids to climb, according to Fenton. There are also stairs, which require more space, but are safer than ladders for climbing.

1. Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed

Contrary to other bunk beds this one's bottom bunk is on the floor, making it the perfect option for toddlers and younger children who might not feel secure climbing up to the top. It also means that the ladder is on the side, which can be easier for kids to navigate (and less intimidating for parents and caretakers reading stories at bedtime or changing sheets). The entire set is made out of Baltic Birch that is Greenguard Gold-certified and TSCA certified.

The Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe bunk bed is a contemporary wooden bunk that can be used by either girls or boys. The natural and white finish is versatile and blends well with many decor schemes. Parents appreciate the quality of the finish, which is a protective varnish. It's the perfect choice for a bedroom shared by two people and can be separated into two separate twin beds once your kids reach their teens.

Bunk beds aren't only for saving space. They can also be used to enhance the design of a room, provide fun play spaces and encourage sleepovers among friends. With the variety of cool bunk bed designs for teenagers and children it's easy to find a bed that will meet your family's specific requirements.

You might want to consider a bunk bed that has slides if you're looking to have a more fun version of the classic design. The added benefit of a sliding bed makes it more fun to climb and descend and it's safer than a ladder as it's lower, and your child won't be bouncing backwards when they climb. Additionally, it's a great way to add extra excitement to a normal Bunk Bed Uk bed for older children and teens, or create a unique space for siblings to sleep together at the beach or in a vacation rental.

2. South Shore Tuffing Twin Over Twin Metal Bunk Bed with Slide

There are many metal bunk beds available on the market, and a lot of them have solid construction at a budget-friendly price. However, very few have the style and durability of this model from South Shore, which also features a trundle underneath the bottom twin bed to allow sleepovers for three (if you take it out the bunks will transform into two separate single beds). Additionally, the ladder is angled so kids can easily climb in and out.

Based on the shape of your room and the frequency you'll use the bunks, you might want to opt for an L-shaped layout similar to the one featured in the bedroom of Bailey McCarthy. This design can save space by allowing two bunks to be closer to each other. This is useful for rooms with low ceilings or for smaller spaces. It's easier to climb in because there are two ladders instead of one slanted ladder which can be difficult to use for children younger than.

Another consideration for choosing a bunk bed is the height, which could be an important factor in determining the likelihood that your children will be comfortable sleeping high. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration the height of your children and the height of your ceilings before you make an investment.

You may be influenced by differences between metal and wood bunk beds, as well as the kind of mattress you select. Kuo says that wooden bunk beds are generally better because they have an elegant, natural look and can withstand frequent use. But "the most important thing to do is choose the right bunk bed that is in line with the requirements of the industry and is safe for your children," she adds.

3. Pottery Barn Kids Belden Full Over Full Bunk Bed

Bunk beds have been a standard of furniture for children for decades. They're effective in reducing space however, they also provide a sense of adventure to kids. There are often siblings fighting for the right to sleep on the top bunk and even kids who do not have siblings or brothers like sleeping in a bunk. Bunk beds are an ideal addition to your home if there are lots of guests to sleepovers, as they're easy to share with friends.

This classic bunk bed is constructed with kiln dried poplar wood to ensure strength and durability. Choose from a variety of finishes that are child-safe such as French white, brushed grey and weathered blue. Choose a model that has large drawers that can be pulled out from beneath the lower bunks in case you require more storage space for clothing and bedding or other bedroom accessories. These feature brushed-nickel hardware and plenty of space for folded sheets, blankets, and books.

The fixed ladder of the Belden bunk bed can be positioned on either the left or right side, and can be set at an angled or straight angle. The latter option, Fenton says, takes up less real estate, but it is easier to climb than straight ladders. The bunks can be able to accommodate twin mattresses and are available separately. This design is best bunk beds suitable for rooms with ceiling heights of at minimum eight feet.

Twin over full bunk beds have one bed that is full-sized at the bottom and an additional twin bed on top. This is distinct from standard bunks which contain two identical twin beds. This configuration is perfect for kids who want to share a bedroom, but still maintain their privacy and personal style. The top bunk features guardrails to keep your kiddos secure while they sleep.

4. Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide

This bunk bed for kids includes a slide that can be detached to twin size that is sure to please them. They will love sliding down the slide with their friends and siblings, or sending their favorite plush animal on the adventure of an entire lifetime. The minimalist design makes it an ideal alternative for bedrooms with small spaces where the full over full or a queen over queen bunk bed may not fit.

Its angled ladder that has rounded corners offers secure climbing and 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 high capacity of 400 pounds sets this bed apart from others in its price range.

Parents have reported that the assembly process takes only a few minutes however, it isn't difficult. They recommend laying out each piece of wood with a label to facilitate assembly. It's also a good idea to have two adults working together so that they can construct the bed quicker and with greater accuracy.

The bunk bed is available in different colors to fit the decor of your child's room. The white, crisp finish will match any bedroom scheme regardless of whether it's cottage coastal, or vibrant. The grey brushed is more modern. The weathered blue option is a great match for modern styles and is a perfect fit in transitional rooms for children. The bunk bed was designed to fit two twin mattresses. The bed comes in one box and is a bit heavy, so it's an ideal idea to have help when schlepping it up stairs or around tight corners. The bed comes with a a one-year limited warranty to give you peace of mind.

5. Shyann Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed with Trundle

For many children the bunk bed is an essential piece of childhood furniture, they're also an excellent way to make a room feel adventurous and exciting. However, when it comes to choosing the best bunk bed for your family, there are a lot of options on the market. It's essential to select one that's durable and is compliant with CPSC safety guidelines. 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 best options.

We've got the top bunk beds for children on the market, from traditional wooden options to modernized metal ones. There are bunk beds to suit every budget and need. We've even discovered some that add a bit of design, such as this twin-over-twin design with a slide that's sure to delight your kids (and could encourage some shenanigans). It's also safer for young children because it's lower than the top bunk.

Another option is the full-over-full metal bunk bed, which can be separated into two individual beds for an edgier layout should your children outgrow the bunks. The sturdy structure is designed to support up to 250 pounds on each of the upper bunks, and 200 pounds on the bottom.

Bunk beds can be a significant investment however, if you choose the best one for your kids it's a piece furniture that will last a long time and offer years of sleeping fun. If your children outgrow their bunk beds, you can convert them into twin beds and save money.