A How-To Guide For Kids Bunkbed From Start To Finish

Top Picks For the Best Kids Bunkbeds

Bunk beds are an excellent way to maximize the space in children's rooms, while also offering an enjoyable shared bedroom. We've compiled our top picks for the best kids bunkbeds each one of which is attractive and affordable. They are also sturdy enough to last for many years.

A lot of our choices feature inclined ladders, which take less space than straight ladders, but are still a breeze for children to climb, says Fenton. Other options include stairs, that require more space but are safer than ladders to climb.

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

In contrast to many buy bunk bed beds, this one's bottom bunk is set on the floor, which makes it the perfect option for toddlers and younger children who may not feel safe climbing up to the top. It also means that the ladder is situated on the side, making it more accessible for kids (and less daunting for parents and caregivers reading stories at bedtime or changing sheets). The entire set is made using sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood that's Greenguard Gold and TSCA-compliant.

The Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe is a contemporary, clean-lined wooden bunk bed that's versatile enough for boys or girls. The natural and white finish can be incorporated into a variety of decor schemes and parents love the fact that the wood is protected by a stain. It's a perfect fit for a bedroom shared by two people and can be divided into two separate beds once your children reach their teenage years.

While you might think of childrens bunk beds beds as a way to conserve space, they're also popular to enhance the design of a room, creating fun play spaces and encouraging sleepovers with your friends. With the variety of cool buy bunk bed bed designs for kids and teens it's simple to find a setup that can accommodate any family's specific needs.

If you're seeking a more engaging version of the traditional bunk bed, consider one that has a slide. The slide bed makes it more fun to climb up and down and is also safer than a ladder as it's lower and your child won't be bouncing backwards when 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 place for siblings to sleep together on 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 many of them feature a sturdy design at a budget-friendly price. Only a handful of bunk beds made from metal can be as good as this South Shore option, which features a trundle underneath the twin bed at the bottom to accommodate three people for sleepovers (if the trundle is removed, the bunks are two beds). The ladder is also angled to make it easy for kids to climb in and out.

You can choose an L-shaped design, depending on the size of your bedroom as well as how often you plan to utilize the bunks. This is the layout that was shown in the bedroom designed by Bailey McCarthy. This layout can help save space by allowing two bunks to be closer to each other. This is ideal for rooms with low ceilings or for smaller spaces. It is also easier to climb into since there are two ladders instead of one slanted ladder that can be difficult for children of smaller ages to climb up.

The height of the bunk bed can also play a role in deciding if your kids will be comfortable sleeping high up. It's important to consider the height of your children and your ceilings when making a purchase.

There are also some distinctions between metal and wood bunk beds that can affect your choice, as well as the type of mattress you select. Kuo says wood is generally a better option for bunk beds since it has a more traditional natural look and is able to be used for a long time. However "the most important thing is to choose a bunk bed that is compliant with industry standards and will be safe for your children," she adds.

3. Pottery Barn Kids Belden Full-Over-Full Bunk Bed

Bunk beds have been a mainstay of childhood furniture for decades. Bunk beds are not only useful for space, but also a lot of fun for kids. Even children without siblings love to sleep in a bunk bed. Bunk beds are also an excellent option for those who host a lot of sleepover guests, as children can easily share the beds with their friends.

This classic bunk bed is made with kiln-dried poplar wood as well as plywood for durability and strength. Pick from a variety of finishes that are child-safe such as French white, brushed grey and weathered blue. Choose a design that comes with set large pull-out drawers under the lower bunk for more storage space for clothing, bedding, or other bedroom accessories. These feature brushed-nickel hardware and plenty of space for folded linens, sweaters and books.

The Belden bunk bed's ladder fixed can be put on the right or left side of the bed, and it can be positioned at a straight or angled angle. The latter, Fenton says, takes up a little more space, but is more comfortable than straight ladders. The bunks can accommodate twin mattresses and are available separately. This style is best suited to rooms with ceilings of at least eight feet.

As opposed to standard bunks that feature two beds that are identical twin over full bunk beds feature an upper full-size bed and an upper twin bed. This configuration is perfect for kids who want to share a bedroom but still retain their privacy and independence. The top bunk has guardrails to keep your kiddos safe while they're asleep.

4. Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide

This bunk bed for children has a slide that is detachable for twins that is sure to please them. They'll enjoy sliding down the slide with friends and siblings, or taking their favorite plush animals on the ride of their lives. The minimalist design makes it an ideal choice for small bedrooms where a full over full or a queen over queen bunk bed might not be a good fit.

Its angled ladder with rounded corners offers secure climbing and comfortable rungs. The easy-to-maintain, long-lasting, low VOC finish and flush, color-matching hardware create a clean modern look. This bunk bed is distinct by its solid new Zealand pine wood construction and a weight limit of 400 pounds.

Parents note that it takes a couple of hours to put together however, they also state that it's not a particularly difficult process. For easier assembly it is recommended to label each piece of wood. It's a good idea for two adults to work together in order to build the bed quickly and efficiently.

The bunk bed is available in various designs to match your child's decor. The white, crisp finish is a fail-proof choice for coastal, cottage and bright bedroom styles and the grey brushed version is distinctly modern. The weathered blue version is a great match for modern styles and works well in transitional children's rooms. This bunk bed can accommodate two twin mattresses (sold separately) and requires a minimum ceiling height of 8 feet. The bed is shipped in a single box, and is quite heavy and therefore it's recommended to have a helping hand when moving it up and down tight corners. It also comes with a one-year guarantee for security.

5. Shyann Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed with Trundle

For a lot of kids, bunk beds are a childhood staple--the ultimate space-saving furniture, and great for making your room feel more adventurous and exciting. However, when it comes down to choosing the best bunk bed for your family there are plenty of options available. It's crucial to pick one that's durable and complies with CPSC safety regulations. 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.

From traditional wooden bunks to modern metal options, we've got the best kids bunk beds on the market to meet every budget and sleeping need. We've found a few that have a little flair, such as this twin-overtwin model that comes with slides. It's sure to please your children (and might or may not inspire some silly activities). Additionally, because it's lower to the ground than the top bunk, it's a safer option for kids who are young.

Another option is the full-over-full metal bunk bed which can be separated into two beds to create an edgier layout should your children grow out of the bunks. The sturdy construction can support up to 200 pounds for each lower bunk and 250 pounds for each upper bunk.

Bunk beds can be a significant investment, but they will last for years and provide your children with many happy nights of sleep. And if your kids outgrow the bunks, a majority of the picks in this list can be transformed to separate twin beds which means you can save money and keep your children in the same bed for a while longer.