- Bunk beds provide a fun, functional place for multiple people - kids and grown-ups - to sleep, all while saving space.
- The Storkcraft Caribou Solid Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed has everything you want in a bunk bed: sturdiness, safety, and style.
When my kids outgrew the crib, I investigated bunk beds and discovered an incredible variety of models available: wood, metal, classic, modern, twin and full-size (or a mix), with storage and/or an extra trundle bed, convertible into two freestanding beds, and more. Bunk beds are great for roommates, conserving space in small bedrooms and homes (e.g., apartments, townhouses), and providing a place to crash for more guests.
Whether your kid (or you) want to claim the upper berth or make a fort on the lower level, when thinking about bunk bed models you should ask yourself:
- Who will sleep in the bunks? Kids (and what ages) and/or adults? Houseguests?
- Where do I plan to use the bunk beds? In a young child or teenager's room? A guest room? In a studio apartment? In the family room for last-minute or emergency bedding? Outdoors?
- How much space do I have? Measure where you plan to put the bunk beds so you have an idea of which models will fit. Also, don't forget about head clearance and obstructions, like sloped ceilings and ceiling fans. The ideal distance between the top of the top mattress and the ceiling is 36 inches.
- What style do I want? One for kids or tweens, or one that would appeal to teens and/or adults? Bunk beds come in all different styles, ranging from utilitarian to elaborate to elegant.
When researching different models, think about:
- Size: Do you want twin on twin (i.e., one twin-sized bed above a twin-sized bed), twin on full, or full on full? If older kids and adults will sleep here, pay attention to the beds' (especially the upper berth) maximum weight capacity.
- Wood or metal: Wood and tubular metal frames both offer strength and durability. Wood frames tend to be more stylish and less slippery and cold than metal frames. Metal beds tend to be more economical than wood beds.
- Sturdiness: For safety and comfort, the frame shouldn't shake when occupants climb into bunk (especially up to the upper berth) or roll around (within reason).
- Accessibility to the top bunk: Some models have detachable ladders while others feature built-in ladders. High-end models can have steps or actual staircases.
- Storage Spaces: You can save even more room by choosing a model that multitasks with drawers and shelves and/or a trundle bed to fit another person if needed.
Although fun, bunk beds can be dangerous. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children under the age of 6 not occupy the top bunk. At any age, the person in the upper bunk could fall, either from the top bunk itself or while climbing up to or down from it. The person on the bottom bunk could be hurt if the upper level collapses. Bunk-bed manufacturers must comply with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations. Makers and importers of children's bunk beds must adhere to children's product safety rules in order to earn Children's Product Certificate (CPC). Likewise, manufacturers and importers of adult bunk beds must comply with consumer product safety rules in order to earn a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC). Finally, ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) has its own voluntary Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bunk Beds. Look for models with these certifications.
Parents, furniture and camping equipment reviewers, and actual users contributed their opinions and experiences on different bunk beds to various websites. From our research, we've selected the best five options.
Here are the best bunk beds you can buy:
- Best overall bunk bed: Storkcraft Caribou Solid Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed
- Best budget bunk bed: Dorel Home Products Twin-Over-Twin Metal Bunk Bed
- Best bunk bed with trundle: Discovery World Furniture Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Twin Trundle
- Best bunk bed for adults: CoasterEssence Stephan Metal Full-Over-Full Bunk Beds
- Best bunk bed for small spaces and camping: Disc-O-Bed Large
Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.
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