The best bunk beds offer something for everyone in the family: they save space and provide a fun and practical sleeping surface for children. While bunk beds used to simply mean twodouble mattressesPositioned vertically, these beds today offer many more options in terms of style, design, materials, and extras such as storage, slides, full-length ladders, and even tree houses.
"Parents love bunk beds because they save space and remind them of their own childhood, and kids love bunk beds because they're fun," she says.Daniel Ganjan,M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John Health Center in Santa Monica, California. "You can be sure, but there are certain guidelines that I always tell parents," she adds. (More on these details at the end of this article.)
Finding the right bunk bed for your family involves choosing beds that are the right size (do you prefer twin or solid?), weight capacity, and style for your children. And of course, you want something that fits your budget. We research the best vendors on the market and rely on our experience.lino categoryand turned to experts like Dr. Ganjian to find the best bunk beds that can make your child's room dreams come true.
- Best overall bunk:Mack & Milo Absecon Twin-over-Twin Solid Wood Standard Bunk Bed
- best bunk:Pottery Barn Tree House Twin-over-Twin Etagenbett
- Bunk bed with the best value for money:Beliche DHP Double Envelope Full
- The best bunk bed for small spaces:Harriet Bee Cvyatko Standard Bunk Bed
- The best bunk beds for kids:Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Ladder
- best triple bunk:Andover Mills Chaim Twin over Twin Bunk Triple
- Better double berth or full berth:Belden Belden Twin-Over-Full Stair Loft
- The funniest bunk:Solid Wood Standard Bunk Bed Isabelle & Max Meneses Twin-over-Twin
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Best overall bunk
A classic with extra storage space and a stable upper bunk
BUT POPULAR
The Mack & Milo Absecon Bunk Bed is incredibly well thought out. For starters, it has two built-in storage compartments under the bed for clothes, books, or toys, making it particularly useful in the space-saving category. (These dressers have molded-in handles, so you don't have to worry about pinky fingers or pajamas catching on a train going up and down.) breathability The set is made of durable pine wood for a solid feel. The ladder is recessed, reversible, and upright, eliminating the need to consider additional space for an angled ladder. Keep in mind that younger children with less sure feet may benefit more from a bunk bed with a stable ladder. It can also be converted into two single beds if the children tire of the bunk beds or end up in separate rooms for the day. The top bunk has a capacity of up to 400 pounds. Choose from natural, white, espresso, and gray surfaces.
Benefits:
- additional storage space
- Converts into two separate single beds.
- small footprint
- Large weight capacity on the top bunk
Disadvantages:
- Ladder placement can disrupt sleep on bottom bunk
- the staircase is small
best bunk
A tree house bed with clever design elements
At their core, bunk beds are whimsical, and this best-selling model from Pottery Barn is all about that. A tree house design has the top bunk in a fun house structure, complete with five windows and a front ladder. The set is made of solid pine and engineered wood for a solid feel. Finishes (choose from navy, white, or gray) are painted for durability, so you don't have to worry about chips. The high rails make this bed suitable for children of all ages, while the lower lower bed is especially suitable for the little ones. The upper bed can support up to 250 pounds. It's also made in a Fair Trade certified factory and is Greenguard Gold certified so your kids can breathe healthier air. We suspect the biggest problem you'll have with this bunk bed is figuring out who gets to sleep in the treehouse above.
Benefits:
- fun design
- robust construction
- high barriers
- Delivery and assembly possible with white gloves
Disadvantages:
- It cannot be converted into separate beds.
- Ladder position may limit access to bottom bunk
Bunk bed with the best value for money
This bunk is less than $350
Beliche DHP Twin on full metal frame
This DHP bunk is under $350, which is much cheaper than many of its competitors. (The twin-over-twin version is $263.) It's also made of metal, for a modern look that's also durable enough to withstand years of use. The bunk bed has a double floor that covers the entire floor, allowing children of different heights to stretch out. Two integrated side ladders save space and allow easy access to the top. My sons have this bunk bed and it has stayed intact, solid and splinter free despite everything they have done in the last two years. The load capacity of the upper bunk is 200lbs, while the full lower bunk can hold 450lbs, which means it can also double as a guest bed in an emergency. Choose from a variety of frame colors, including pink, white, black, and silver.
Benefits:
- Accessible
- light but resistant
- two stairs
Disadvantages:
- Metal splints can be uncomfortable on bare feet
- bigger footprint
The best bunk bed for small spaces
This accessible bunk keeps a low profile
The Harriet Bee Cvyatko Bunk Bed has everything you want in a bunk bed, minus the extras you can live without. She has a solid wood frame and is designed for a sturdy feel that she can feel comfortable with. The bunk bed is also designed not to take up a lot of floor space, which means no angled ladders or elaborate headboards. Parents of younger children will appreciate this bed's lower height and solid handrail. You can also set it up as a traditional bunk bed or split it into two separate beds if your kids ever decide they're out of the bunk bed situation. Choose from five color options and two sizes: twin-over-twin or full-over-full. Keep in mind that the single bed weighs up to 165 pounds, a lighter weight than other options on our list.
Benefits:
- The low profile is ideal for smaller children.
- Retrench of space
- The beds convert into two single beds.
Disadvantages:
- Assembly may take some time.
- May not be roomy enough for older children
The best bunk beds for kids
This bunk bed has a children's ladder.
One of the biggest problems with the use of children's bunk beds is the risk of falls. This Max & Lily bunk has several precautions to minimize this, including an actual ladder with handrails, a bottom bunk that sits on the floor, and 14-inch handrails. Constructed of sturdy pine wood, the bunk bed has a load capacity of 400 pounds, so adults can tuck in for story time. The bunk bed is only 50 inches tall, making it ideal for rooms with low ceilings. There is also versatility with the ladder: you can install it on the left or the right. And while the kids' ladder design of the bed takes up extra space, it's worth noting that there's a space inside that doubles as a bookcase.
Benefits:
- short stature
- Stairs to climb more easily
- built-in shelf
Disadvantages:
- voluminous
- Assembly can be challenging
best triple bunk
This bunk has space below for a desk or sitting area.
This triple bunk bed has skyrocketed to positive reviews on Wayfair. Reviewers praise its sturdiness (a problem with triple bunk beds) and praise its modern design. Deciding to convert one of the bunk beds into a loft instead of stacking all three in a vertical row, the manufacturers gave parents the option of having two top bunks (often the preferred choice of children) and space under the third Create bunk bed for a desk or reading area with ottoman. It's made of real and faux wood and is available in several neutral tones. It's the ultimate space saver for families with more than one person, and an affordable option too.
Benefits:
- three beds in one
- Robust
- Accessible
Disadvantages:
- Assembly can be challenging
Better double berth or full berth
This robust bunk bed offers plenty of space.
If you have children of different ages and heights sharing a bedroom, or if you have a child who likes to stretch out, the Belden Single Bunk Bed is a great choice. Made from a mix of sturdy wood and pine, it keeps this bunk bed securely in place. The bunk also features built-in drawers with dovetail corners for additional storage that will last. An actual ladder (as opposed to a ladder) makes it easy for smaller family members to safely get in and out of the top bunk. Remarkable: The railing is an impressive 22 inches tall, offering plenty of protection. The bed is Greenguard Gold certified and contributes to cleaner air in the children's room. There is a 250lb weight limit for both bunk beds. Enjoy the neutral whites, weathered driftwood, grays, and navy blues.
Benefits:
- robust construction
- built-in drawers
- Ladder
- Delivery and assembly possible with white gloves
Disadvantages:
- Grande
- the stairs are fixed
- The beds cannot be separated from the single beds.
The funniest bunk
This option also serves as a play space for younger children.
Isabelle & Max Meneses Twin-over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed
Bunk beds are inherently fun, but this option from Isabelle & Max takes things a step further with plenty of features to keep the kids busy, and maybe even excited for bedtime. A built-in slide makes for a fun way to get up in the morning (or just blow off steam before bed). A cotton curtain creates a home front that can be attached or removed with Velcro. Angled ladder has rounded edges for comfort and is reversible. A nice bonus: the bottom bunk is only 5cm off the ground, making it a good spot for the little ones. The entire bed has a low profile so you don't have to worry about the little ones climbing in too far. However, each bunk is designed to safely support 400 pounds.
Benefits:
- cool design
- removable curtain
- Discreet
Disadvantages:
- Slide takes up extra space
- It cannot be converted into single beds.
How we chose the best bunk beds
To choose the best bunk beds, we reviewed the most popular bunk beds on the market and talked to a pediatrician about safety concerns. We then narrowed the field based on parent ratings, safety features, additional options, and value. At Forbes, we've also tested and researched dozens of them.best mattressesand beds, so we know the sleeping space well. Our parental insurance covers other baby and children's furniture, includingbest cribs,cradle,crib mattresses,cradleit is includedbean bags.
Are the bunk beds safe for children?
In general, bunk beds are considered safe for children, Ganjian says. However, it should be noted that there is a risk of falling off the top bunk, especially with younger children.
Falls and bunk bed injuries are not uncommon for children. Our parents' editor's own daughter fell down the stairs in the middle of the night and broke her arm in first grade. Onestudy foundthat between 2001 and 2004, 23,000 children under the age of 9 were injured in bunk beds (almost 15,000 of them were under the age of 6).
From what age is a bunk bed better?
OAmerican Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) recommends that children under the age of 6 not sleep on the top bunk. While younger children can technically sleep on the bottom bunk, you'll want to make sure they can stay in place and not climb the stairs (or climb the ladder) unless you're there to help supervise them. Therefore, it is better to limit its use to children older than 6 years.
How to make a safer bunk?
There are a few different things you can do. "Make sure everything is in place," says Ganjian. This means that the mattress should reach the side of the bed frame, leaving no cracks or crevices that could trap or pinch children.
You also need to make sure that the top mattress doesn't raise the sleeping surface so much that the railing won't work. Bunk beds often come with guidelines for the thickness of the top mattress to maintain the integrity of the rail.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)regulates the berths, which determine crash barriers and set specific design standards to reduce pinch and falls, as well as set standards for sharp edges, surface coatings, phthalates, and lead. It also states that "the top of the rails must not be less than 5 inches above the mattress" to prevent children from falling off the top bunk.
A nightlight in the bedroom is also a good idea, says Ganjian, to help children wake up at night.
“I recommend putting the bunk in the corner of the room,” he says. “In this way, at least two sides of the bunk are protected in terms of safety.”
Finding a bunk bed with an easy-to-climb ladder or even stairs can also help reduce tripping hazards.
How tall should a bunk bed be?
There is no hard and fast rule as to how far the top bunk should be from the roof. But in general, you should leave enough space for a child to sit on the bed. This means that manufacturers generally recommend leaving at least 36 inches (or 3 feet) of space between the mattress and the blanket.
How much weight can a bunk hold?
Every bunk is different. Manufacturers list maximum weights for each bunk. Sometimes the weight limits for the upper and lower bunks are the same, other times they differ significantly. Both are important safety tips, and it's important to read labels to make sure each bed can safely accommodate your child (or caregiver and child). Many bunk beds can hold between 400 and 500 pounds, with the top bunk typically having a capacity of around 200 or 250 pounds.
What are the different types of bunk beds?
There are different types of bunk beds. Standard bunk beds usually have either a double mattress or a solid mattress, although some have a double mattress on top and a solid mattress on the bottom. Triple bunks allow for three mattresses. Loft beds are also available with a single loft bed providing space under the bed for a table or other items.
Is a metal bunk better than a wooden one?
Not necessarily, it's usually a matter of personal preference. Many bunk beds are made of wood, but metal ones are also durable and tend to cost less. Often a metal bed can be wiped down for easier cleaning and is less likely to splinter, but other parents prefer the construction and possibly the look of wood in a child's room.
How much is a bunk bed?
There is a wide variety. Bunk beds can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. However, you don't necessarily have to pay more for a quality bed. The bunk beds in this item range from $330 to $3,400. They are typically under $1,000 unless there are significant material differences or special features such as: B. a built-in ladder.