Best Bunk Beds in 2021

Features to Look for in Bunk Beds

Finding the best bunk beds can be a little overwhelming, so look for these features to ensure you pick the perfect set for your space-saving bedroom.

Size — Picking the right size bunk bed is essential regardless of where you plan to place it. You need to make sure the dimensions are suitable for the bedroom, providing enough room to place the bed, while still giving kids enough space to play or keep other pieces of furniture. Before deciding which bunk bed is the right one for your kids, be sure to measure the dimensions. Besides length and width, you should also think about the height, as homes with low ceilings could cause problems.

Your child should be able to sit up straight in both bunk beds; otherwise it will feel too much like they are sleeping in a box. Allowing enough space between the bed and the ceiling will prevent them from hitting their head.

Material — You get two choices when it comes to bunk bed materials: a metal frame or a wood frame. Both options provide durability, stability, and sturdiness, although wood is arguably better, and it will last longer, too, as long as you take care of it.

Metal frames are still a good option, though. Unlike wood frames, they do not use wooden slats, which makes them easier to assemble and also means that the slats won't shift or break (especially if your kids have a penchant for bouncing on their bed). Metal frames are usually hollow, making them easier to move than solid wood, although a particle board wood frame is also lightweight enough for easy maneuvering.

You should also consider how the material will blend with existing decor. Metal frames provide a modern touch and can be more versatile, which might appeal to older kids entering their teenage years. Conversely, wooden frames are more traditional, and therefore often better for younger children.

Sturdiness — The sturdiness of your kids' bunk bed should be a top priority. Alongside a suitable ladder and guardrails, sturdiness provides excellent stability and improves the bunk bed's safety. As kids can be boisterous and bounce on the bed, safety and sturdiness are crucial, as they will ensure the bed does not shake, rock, or collapse.

Furthermore, the sturdiness will also have a direct effect on durability. Kids grow quickly, and if you don't get a bunk bed sturdy enough to accommodate their growth, there is a risk the slats or the frame could bow and get damaged. If you have more that one child, a sturdy bunk bed means you can reuse, saving you money and hassle.

Storage Spaces — One benefit of bunk beds is that they allow you to make the most of the space within a bedroom. Rather than have two twin beds occupying half the room, there is space for additional storage, such as a wardrobe or chest of drawers, ideal for smaller spaces. What's more, you can also use the area under the bottom bunk for storage. Some bunk beds even come with built-in storage options, which can further maximize the space and make things easier to keep organized. You can use these drawers for clothes, toys, and spare electronics. If you purchase a single bunk bed (essentially a single raised bed), you can use the space underneath for a desk or set of drawers, which can create a 2-in-1 space for your kids, allowing them to do their homework underneath before climbing up to go to sleep.

Accessibility to the Top Bunk — The bunk bed must be easy to climb into, which is why you need reliable bunk bed stairs or ladders to make this possible. The stairs mustn't be too narrow, as this could make it difficult to get a decent footing; they should also be away from the wall to ensure your kids can get to them.

At the top of the ladders, they will need a gap in the guardrail to climb through, especially for younger kids. Older children can probably climb over the rail, however. For safety, these gaps are better off at the foot of the bed, as it will prevent any potential problems, no matter how unlikely this might seem. You never know with kids, after all.

Finally, the ladders must provide enough rungs to climb up. If there aren't enough rungs for the kids to climb up, smaller kids could struggle to get to the top without getting stuck, scared, and hurting themselves. It also helps if the steps are comfortable, with rounded corners rather than sharp ones.

Bunk Bed FAQ

Q: Which are better — wood or metal bunk beds?

A: The two types of material used for bunk beds are metal and wood. While both these materials are safe and reliable, they also have some distinctions which set them apart. As you want to ensure you can find the best bunk bed for your children, it's important to consider the sturdiness, maintenance, assembly, and style.

A metal bunk bed provides a modern appeal for your kid's bedroom, and though it's not something they are likely to care about, you might. More importantly, however, is durability and sturdiness. When compared to high-quality solid wood, metal and particleboard are pale in comparison. However, solid wood is also heavier, which could make it challenging to assemble and move.

As for longevity, both materials boast a long life, but wood will typically stand the test of time better than metal. Wood also brings a more classic, enduring look that metal frames do not always possess.

Q: What age is appropriate for a bunk bed?

A: Bunk beds are a fantastic way to save space in a bedroom and accommodate multiple kids. However, bunk beds are not rated for adult use. Although designed with stability in mind, often capable of handling 300 pounds for the top bunk, the size of the bed could be an issue, and years of wear and tear could affect the integrity of the slats.

On the other end of the spectrum, you should also remember that, while bunk beds are safe, smaller children could still encounter problems. As the top bunk is raised compared to standard cabin beds, there is the risk of them falling out, which could lead to an injury. They might also get trapped up there, scared to climb down. For these reasons, most manufacturers state that the top bunk bed is only suitable for children over six years old.

Q: What are the safest bunk beds?

A: Bunk bed safety is a serious thing to consider before you install one in your child's bedroom. There are many factors to look out for, including the material and sturdiness.

For the top bunk, you should also look at guardrails that surround the bed. It is not enough for these guardrails to merely run around, though. They must be a specific height to provide optimal protection should your child have a restless night where they twist and turn.

The ladder is another aspect. It should be easy to climb and stable, allowing kids to ascend and descend with ease. There should also be a reliable gripping style so they can hold on with confidence, enabling your kids to climb up and down confidently and safely.

Accidents can also happen when your kids are playing, so it is worth reminding them not to mess about for their safety, no matter how much they complain.

Q: Are bunk beds good for adults?

A: As a rule, no. Bunk beds are not recommended for adults. Much like most bunk beds have general age limits on them, an adult typically cannot sleep comfortably in a bunk bed for long due to the size.

Despite this, some bunk beds may be suitable for adults. You will need to check the weight capacity beforehand. The top bunk will not have as high of a weight capacity compared to the bottom bunk, so if you do need to sleep in a bunk bed yourself, the bottom option is more suitable. Even if you need to sleep in the top bunk, this shouldn't become a habit, as it might affect the strengths of the slats.