The Best Places to Buy Bunk Beds
Bunk beds look great in bedrooms for kids and are available in a variety of styles. You can find triple bunks, or futon bunks, in smaller spaces, as well in the traditional twin-over-twin design.
Consider the weight capacity when selecting a bunk bed. There are many bunk beds that have a weight limit of 400 pounds per mattress, but you can find higher-weight options for older children and teens.
1. Amazon
Bunk beds can be a great solution for parents who wish to make space in their tiny bedroom, or for children who want to add a playful element to their room. There are many options available, including full-overfull or twin-overtwin designs. Some even include the thrill of slide. If your kids are on the younger side look into a twin-over-twin bed with guard rails for children under six years old, or even bunk beds for toddlers.
You’ll want to think about whether you need storage or if durability and safety are essential. Nikki Njeri Klugh is the chief designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group Inc. She says that durability is the main thing you should be looking for when selecting the right bunk bed. The structure should be constructed from wood or metal and should be strong enough to hold a full-size bed.
It’s important to consider the size of the room and the height you want for the upper bed when selecting the right bunk bed. For instance, if you have low ceilings, look for a loft childrens bunk beds bed that is positioned closer to the floor, or select one with stairs instead of a ladder. Dr. Mehrin Ahmed, a pediatric emergency doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian, suggests that the top bunk has side rails so the person sleeping there won’t fall.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bunk bed, consider this option from IKEA, which offers a simple frame and a ladder that is positioned on either side of the bed. It also meets CPSC safety standards as well as industry standards. Upgrade to a bigger model that can accommodate two people and comes with built-in drawers underneath the bed at an additional cost.
2. Target
Bunk beds and lofts are great ways to save space in children’s rooms and make the space more fun. There’s a broad selection of styles of finishes, designs and configurations at Target. Find options that include storage, shelving, or other features besides sleeping quarters. You can also find options with a twin trundle underneath, perfect for sleepovers.
Target offers twin-overtwin bunk beds, as well as a full-overfull option for rooms that are larger. It is important to take into account the height of your ceiling when deciding the size of the bunk bed. Dr. Colleen K. Kraft, pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian recommends that you make sure that the bunks will fit in your space, and there is enough room to safely climb up and down. If you have a low ceiling, you may want to consider a bunk that has ladders specifically designed for this type space.
Another aspect to be considered when looking for a bunk or loft bed is the weight limit of the upper bunk. Daxter bunks from Pottery Barn Kids are rated at 160 pounds, which is lower than other brands. The Oeuf Perch bunk bed, for instance, is built from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sustainable Baltic birch plywood and eco-friendly medium-density fiberboard and has a 250-pound weight limit on the top bunk, which is more than some other choices.
Loft and bunk beds can be constructed from wood or steel. Steel beds tend to be more durable, but they can feel more cold and snarlier than wood options. Some bunk beds made of wood are GreenGuard Gold certified.
3. Wayfair
Sturdy, versatile and fashionable Bunk beds are a space-saving sleeping solution for adults and kids alike. There are countless choices, ranging from twin-over-twins to full-sized lofts with the lower bed arranged in an L-shape. Some also have other features, such as storage or a futon under (like our top pick for the Crate & Barrel Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed).
While deciding on the kind of bunk bed that’s suitable for you might be the most difficult thing there are other factors to consider. For instance, you’ll need to determine whether you have enough space for a full-size bottom bunk, and what type of ladder you’d prefer. You’ll need to consider the weight capacity of your beds. Since bunk beds are heavy, you’ll want to ensure that the top and the bottom beds can support at least two people.
We asked three experts who include the author of the book on bunk beds to weigh in. They offered their suggestions for frames ranging from twin-overtwin budget models to more expensive ones that include a slide or even futons.
To ensure safety, look for a bed frame made of solid materials such as high-quality plywood or kiln-dried wood and don’t forget the safety essentials, like guardrails on both sides of the frame, and a sturdy ladder with a non-slip surface. Take into consideration the amount of storage that you require in your bunk bed. Some beds have under-bed trundles that can be pulled out to accommodate guests.
4. Crate & Barrel
Loft beds and bunk beds are great for saving space in tiny rooms and creating enjoyable areas for sleeping and playing. They’re the ideal option for kid’s shared bedrooms and for cottage/coastal, farmhouse rustic cabin, and log Barnwood style of décor. Find wooden loft and bunk beds in various sizes, including twin over twin and full-over-full models. Some bunk beds have storage solutions such as under-bed drawers or a trundle that can roll out. Many come with a ladder or staircase, which must be sturdy and durable enough to support the weight of children who climb it.
Some bunk beds and loft beds for kids bunk bed include desks for kids to complete their homework or do other activities. There are also built-in wardrobes for storage and clothing. A variety of bunk and loft bed options for kids are available in a variety of finishes, so parents can pick the one they prefer best. Bunk and loft bed options for kids include stair and ladder configurations as well as storage drawers and upholstered headboards.
Kids’ bunk and loft beds are ideal for rooms with high ceilings, but they can sometimes be difficult to move around in smaller bedrooms. Find beds that have the minimum recommended ceiling height of 8 feet to ensure safety for your child when they climb to the top of the frame. The majority of standard bunk and loft beds are designed for children who are 6 years old and older who are able to safely adhere to the appropriate bedtime guidelines while sleeping on the top of the bed.
Crate and Barrel furniture and homewares stores have bunk and loft beds that blend with traditional and modern decor. Crate and Barrel stores in New York’s Soho and Manhasset offer a wide selection of kid’s furniture as well as toys, decor and furniture. If you’re expecting a baby be sure to include the crib on your child’s registry to receive design assistance for free and 10% discount on completion.
5. IKEA
IKEA has a wide range of bunk beds, from the classic twin-overtwin or more innovative options. The Daxter cottage-style bunk bed is an excellent option, particularly for families on a budget. It has angled ladders and guardrails, and plenty of storage space beneath. However, it is slightly shorter than other models and may not suit children younger than six.
The Ikea Mydal Bunk Bed is a different alternative. It can be incorporated into rooms with lower ceilings thanks to its compact design and low ladder height. It’s also a little more affordable than the other options on this list and offers plenty of flexibility thanks to its side panels that can be removed and drawers with an option for additional storage. The only issue is the lack of built-in storage under the bed. However, there’s plenty of room to build your own.
For more traditional bunk beds, Pottery Barn Kids has a good selection of twin-over-full styles that can be an ideal option for siblings who live close together but would like their own space. These bunk beds typically include the standard ladder or staircase and feature rails on the top bed to help ensure that children are safe when they are sleeping on top. They are available in various designs that can be matched to any style.
If you want to save space and give your kids an area to be social, you should consider bunk beds with extra features such as an office or stairs that can be turned into a storage space. Some bunk beds come with an trundle that can be removed from under the top. This lets you accommodate three or four people in the same room.