10 Kids Bunkbed Tips All Experts Recommend

Top Picks For the Best Kids Bunkbeds

Bunk beds offer a great way to maximize space in kids' rooms, and also provide the opportunity for a fun shared bedroom. We've picked our top choices for the best kids bunkbeds that are attractive and affordable, as well as sturdy enough to last for a long time.

A majority of our choices have an angled ladder, which takes less space than straight ladders, yet are still easy for children to climb, according to Fenton. Other options include stairs, that require more space but are more secure than ladders that allow climbing.

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

This bunk bed is great for toddlers and children who might not feel comfortable climbing up to the top bunk. It also means that the ladder is located on the side, which makes it 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, which is Greenguard Gold-certified and TSCA certified.

The Crate & kids loft bunk bed Babyletto TipToe bunk bed is a modern wooden bunk bed that can be used by either boys or girls. The white and natural finish is a great choice and blends well with various decor schemes. Parents love the finish that's an anti-slip varnish. It's a great choice for a room that is shared and can be divided into two beds once your kids reach the teenage years.

Bunk beds aren't just for securing space. They can also enhance the design of a room, make fun play spaces and encourage sleepovers with friends. And with so many cool bunk bed designs for kids and teens, it's easy to find a bed that can meet any family's specific needs.

If you're looking for a more playful take on the classic bunk bed, you should consider one that has slides. The addition of a slide make climbing up and down more enjoyable and safer for kids than a regular ladder since it's lower to the ground and your child isn't moving backwards as they climb. It's also a great way to add a bit of fun to a regular bunk bed for older kids and teens, or create a special space for siblings to sleep together at the beach or 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 many of them offer a sturdy design at an affordable price. There are few bunk beds made of metal that compete with this South Shore option, which has a trundle beneath the twin bed at the bottom to allow three people for sleepovers (if the trundle is removed, the bunks become two single beds). Plus, the ladder is angled so that kids can easily climb it in and out.

Depending on the shape of your room and how often you'll use the bunks, you may want to go for a L-shaped layout, like the one pictured in a bedroom designed by Bailey McCarthy. This layout saves space by making the two bunks be closer together, which can be beneficial for smaller rooms or rooms with lower ceilings. It is easier to climb into because there are two ladders instead of one slanted ladder that can be difficult to use for younger children.

Another factor to consider when choosing the right bunk bed is its height, which can be a factor in the likelihood that your children will be comfortable sleeping high. It's crucial to take into consideration the height of your children and the height of your ceilings before you make an investment.

There are some distinctions between metal and wood bunk beds that can affect your decision, as well as the kind of mattress you pick. Kuo states that wood bunk beds are generally better because they have a classic, natural appearance and are able to withstand the rigors of daily use. However "the most important thing is to select a bunk bed that meets the requirements of the industry and is safe for your kids furniture," she adds.

3. Pottery Barn Kids Belden Full Over Full bunk beds kids Bed

Bunk beds have been a standard of furniture for kids for a long time. Bunk beds are not only space-saving, but also exciting for kids. The siblings often fight over who gets to sleep on the top bunk and even children who do not have siblings or brothers like sleeping in a bunk. Bunk beds can also be an ideal addition to your home if there are lots of guests to sleepovers as they're easy for kids to share with their peers.

This classic bunk bed has been constructed using kiln dried wood to ensure strength and durability. It is available in a variety of child-safe colors, including creamy French white as well as brushed gray, weathered navy. If you need extra storage for clothes, bedding or other bedroom accessories, select the one that has a set of roomy pull-out drawers tucked underneath the lower bunk. They are made of brushed nickel and have plenty of space for folded sheets, blankets, and books.

The Belden bunk bed's fixed ladder can be put on the left or right side of the bunk, and it can be positioned in a straight or an angled angle. The latter, Fenton says, takes up a little more real estate but is still easier to climb than straight ladders. The bunks can be able to accommodate twin mattresses and are available separately. This style is best for rooms with ceiling heights of at least eight feet.

As opposed to standard bunks that have two identical beds, twin over full bunk beds come with the bottom bed as a full-size bed, and the top bed is a twin. This layout is ideal for kids who want to share a bedroom but still have their privacy and individuality. The top bunk features guardrails to ensure your children are safe while they're asleep.

4. Max & Lily Low bunk bed with slide

This bunk bed for children features a detachable twin-size slide that is sure to please the kids. They'll be thrilled to slide down the slide with friends and siblings or taking their favorite plush animals on the adventure of their lives. The minimalist design makes it a great choice for small bedrooms where a full over full or a queen over queen bunk bed might not be a good fit.

The angle ladder's rounded corners offer the safety of climbing while also providing comfortable rungs. The easy-to-maintain and long-lasting, low VOC finish and flush, color-matching hardware provide a sleek, modern appearance. This bunk bed is distinct by its solid new Zealand pine wood construction and a 400-pound weight limit.

Parents note that it takes a couple of hours to put together however, they also state that the process isn't particularly challenging. For easier assembly it is recommended to label each piece of wood. It is a good idea for two adults to work together to build the bed more quickly and precisely.

The bunk bed is available in a variety of colors to fit the decor of your child's room. The white, crisp finish is suitable for any style of bedroom whether it's cottage, coastal, or vibrant. The brush gray is more contemporary. The weathered blue option is a great match with contemporary designs and works well in transitional rooms for children. The bunk bed can be adapted to accommodate two twin mattresses (sold separately) and requires the ceiling to be at least 8 feet. The bunk bed ships in one box and is fairly heavy, so it's a good idea 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 kids the bunk bed is an essential piece of childhood furniture, but they're also a great way to make the space feel exciting and fun. There are plenty of options when it comes time to pick the best bunk bed for your family and you. It's also important to select one that is constructed to last and that is in compliance with CPSC safety standards. 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 determine the best options I spoke with parents. One of them literally wrote the book on bunk beds (and did sleep in a few of them!)

We've got the top bunk beds for kids available on the market, from classic wooden models to modern metal ones. There are bunk beds to suit all budgets and needs. We've found a few with a touch of flair, such as this twin-overtwin model with an incline. It's sure to please your kids bunk beds sale (and might or may not inspire some snark). It's also safer for smaller children because it's lower than the top bunk.

This full-over-full bunk beds is another option. It can be divided into two separate beds to create a more traditional arrangement if your kids outgrow their bunks. The sturdy construction is engineered to support up to 250 pounds on each of the upper bunks, and 200 pounds on the bottom.

Bunk beds can be a big investment but if you pick the best one for your kids bunk bed with storage, it's a piece of furniture that will last for a long time and offer years of sleeping fun. And if your kids outgrow the bunks, many of the options in this list can be transformed into standalone twin beds, which means you can save money and keep your kids in the same bed for longer.