If you're trying to make your kids' room awesome or cram a bunch of sleep spots in one place, bunk beds are where it's at.
They are like the superheroes of bedroom furniture—perfect for shared rooms, epic sleepovers, or when your space is tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving.
So, the classic twin-over-twin setup is still in the game, but hold on to your bedtime stories because bunk beds got fancier.
Now we are talking twin-over-full, full-over-full, a trio of twins, and bunk beds with slides, playhouses, and stairs. It's like a sleep fortress or something!
Bunk beds be like the cool trick to make room without tossing stuff out. Some even pull double duty as furniture, like wardrobes or extra drawers for clothes. Guess what? We found ones with slides, and there's even a bunk bed shaped like a tiny house. Why stick to basic?
Switching up your kid's beds ain't gotta be as hard as picking your own (don't worry, we got you on grown-up bed frames too!). It's supposed to be easy and fun for everyone. Peep our faves from Max & Lily, Walker Edison, Target, and more. Let the bunk bed fun begin!
How to Choose the Right Bunk Bed
Start off your bunk bed journey by getting friendly with a tape measure. Size up your room, from floor to ceiling, to set the max dimensions your dream bunk bed can flaunt.
And don't forget the headcount – are you playing roomie referee for two siblings or prepping for solo adventures with a sleepover sidekick? Maybe the idea of a trundle or a full bed down below for surprise guests is giving you a sly grin.
Weight matters too, folks. Some bunks are kid-exclusive, while others can handle the teenage squad and even the grown-ups.
Now, let's talk bedding basics. Most bunk beds ditch the box springs, but the bunkie board might score a cameo, offering a thin yet rock-solid foundation. Keep it slim – aim for a mattress no thicker than six inches. Why? 'Cause those guardrails are tailored for that depth.
Now that you've got the lowdown, dive into our handpicked faves for the best bunk beds ready to rock your space.
1. Liam Modern and Contemporary Walnut Brown Finished Wood Twin Size Bunk Bed
Meet Liam bunk bed. It's small and lets you have more playtime. Made from wood, it has a smooth color that goes with any other colors.
Liam cares a lot about safety. It has a ladder that doesn't move and strong rails on the top bunk. The head and foot parts of the bed have a cool design with open spaces.
You can use two regular twin mattresses with Liam. It's perfect for small spaces. Liam bunk bed is from Malaysia and needs you to put it together.
Summary:
- Modern and contemporary bunk bed
- Constructed from solid rubberwood and engineered wood
- Walnut brown finish
- Slats eliminate the need for box springs
- Fixed ladder
- Assembly required
- Made in Malaysia
READ ALSO: Daybeds to Transform Midday Napping
2. Elsie Modern And Contemporary Walnut Brown Finished Wood Twin Size Bunk Bed
Here is Elsie bunk bed – your ticket to more playroom in a small space. Made from wood, this bed rocks a sleek neutral finish, perfect for mixing and matching with any colors.
Safety first! Elsie comes with a fixed ladder and sturdy guard rails on the top bunk. The headboards and footboards are all about clean lines for a simple, modern vibe.
Designed to snugly fit two standard twin-size mattresses, Elsie is your go-to bed for those cozier spots. Crafted with care in Malaysia, this bunk bed is all about style and practicality. Get ready for a bit of DIY fun – some assembly is needed, but trust us, the end result is worth it.
Summary:
- Modern and contemporary bunk bed
- Constructed from solid rubberwood and engineered wood
- Walnut brown finish
- Slats eliminate the need for box springs
- Fixed ladder
- Assembly required
- Made in Malaysia
3. Jude Modern And Contemporary Walnut Brown Finished Wood Twin Size Bunk Bed
Another good one in our list is Jude bunk bed. This will be your playtime hero in a small space. It's made from wood and has a sleek neutral finish, so it matches with any colors you like.
Safety comes first with Jude – it has a fixed ladder and strong guard rails on the top bunk. The headboards and footboards bring in a cool slat design, making the bed feel open and breezy.
Ready for two standard twin-size mattresses, Jude is the perfect bed buddy for snug spaces. Crafted with care in Malaysia, this bunk bed is a mix of style and practicality. Get ready for a bit of DIY – some assembly is needed, but trust us, the end result is worth it.
Summary:
- Modern and contemporary bunk bed
- Constructed from solid rubberwood and engineered wood
- Walnut brown finish
- Slats eliminate the need for box springs
- Fixed ladder
- Assembly required
- Made in Malaysia
4. Mariana Traditional Transitional Grey Finished Wood Twin Size Bunk Bed
This is the Mariana bunk bed – a charming addition to any kid's room. It's compact and smartly designed, made from strong wood. Mariana sports a smooth grey finish that goes well with lots of colors.
The classic and regal vibes come from the cut-out silhouettes on the head and foot parts, all jazzed up with elegant crown molding.
Safety is a top priority for Mariana, featuring a fixed ladder and robust guard rails. Ready for assembly in Malaysia, this bunk bed brings style and functionality to your child's space.
Get ready for a bit of DIY – some assembly is required, but the end result is totally worth it.
Summary:
- Constructed from pine wood
- Grey finish
- Designed for use with twin-size mattresses
- Slats eliminate the need for box springs
- Crown molding
- Assembly required
- Made in Malaysia
5. Liam Modern And Contemporary Grey Finished Wood Twin Size Bunk Bed
Ofcourse this is yet another Liam bunk bed – the playtime champion with a compact design. Crafted from wood, Liam flaunts a sleek neutral finish, a breeze to match with any color combo you fancy.
Safety takes the spotlight with a fixed ladder and robust guard rails on the top bunk. The head and foot sections showcase a cool slat design, giving Liam an open and airy vibe.
Designed to snugly fit two standard twin-size mattresses, Liam is your go-to for cozier spots. Crafted with care in Malaysia, this bunk bed is all about style and practicality. Brace yourself for a bit of DIY – assembly is required, but trust us, the end result is a winner.
Summary:
- Modern and contemporary bunk bed
- Constructed from solid rubberwood and engineered wood
- Grey finish
- Slats eliminate the need for box springs
- Fixed ladder
- Assembly required
- Made in Malaysia
6. Elsie Modern And Contemporary Grey Finished Wood Twin Size Bunk Bed
Did we mention Elsie earlier? Yes we did, but this one is different. Elsie bunk bed will remain your ticket to more playtime in a snug design.
Crafted from sturdy wood, Elsie rocks a classy neutral finish, making it a breeze to match with any color scheme you fancy.
Safety comes first with a fixed ladder and robust guard rails on the top bunk. The head and foot sections boast clean lines for that sleek, modern touch.
Designed to snugly fit two standard twin-size mattresses, Elsie is your go-to for cozier spots. Crafted with care in Malaysia, this bunk bed brings simplicity and modern vibes to smaller spaces. Get ready for a bit of DIY – assembly is required, but the end result is pure elegance.
Summary:
- Modern and contemporary bunk bed
- Constructed from solid rubberwood and engineered wood
- Grey finish
- Slats eliminate the need for box springs
- Fixed ladder
- Assembly required
- Made in Malaysia
READ ALSO: Top 25 Platform Beds of 2024
4 Things to Think About When Getting a Bunk Bed
1. Height: If you're getting a bunk bed for little kids, watch out for the height. Too tall, and your little one might get scared of climbing up. Make sure they can easily hop into bed and sit up without bonking their head on the ceiling.
2. Guard Rails: For the active sleeper, a solid guard rail is a must – especially for younger ones. Some bunks even have a rail on the bottom bunk. It's all about what feels safe for you.
3. Flexibility: Can the bunks transform into two separate twin beds when your kids get their own rooms? If it's just for one kiddo, is there space for a desk underneath or a fold-out chair for sleepovers? If you're hosting guests, a sofa bed might work instead.
4. Access: The ladder's usually fixed, but is it easy to climb? If it's not fixed, just make sure it fits right in their room – somewhere they can reach! Wider steps are usually better for little climbers.
Bottom Line
To know what size bunk bed you need, measure how high your ceiling is. Make sure there's room for someone to sleep and get in and out. Also, check if you got enough space away from fans.
For ages and weight, little ones under six should not be on the top bunk. Check the weight limit in the description to make sure it is good for whoever's sleeping. Some bunks are good for adults too.
Materials for bunks can be steel, wood, or MDF. Some use eco-friendly stuff, and some got special certifications.
To keep it steady, use brackets to attach it to the wall. Placing it in a corner helps too. Some bunks come with kits to stop 'em from tipping over.
Time to upgrade when the kid's too big or hits the weight limit. Safety is key. If it feels wobbly or the quality goes down, get a new or better bunk. Safety first, you know!
After checking out how big, what size, what it's made of, and how much it can hold, we reckon the Belden Full-Over-Full Bunk Bed is the best overall bunk bed 'cause it's got space to spare and top-quality work.
If you are watchin' your wallet, the Storkcraft Solid Hardwood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a good bet for a budget-friendly bunk. It's got a strong wood frame, fits snug under $300, and you can switch things up with its flexible design.