The Best Kids’ Bunk Bed

Buying Guide

If you’ve got a brother or sister, there’s a good chance you remember the fun of having a bunk bed. Sure, maybe you had some sibling rivalry over who got the top bunk, but ultimately it brought you closer together.

This style of bed has always been a win-win for families with two or more kids. Not only is it a more entertaining and cozy way for the children to sleep, parents can save a ton of space by stacking one bed on top of another. Buy the right one, and you can save a bit of money, too. It’s all about choosing the right bed for your needs — both now and in the future.

Buying any bed takes a little bit of planning to make sure the room has enough space, but bunk beds require you to measure an extra dimension: the ceiling. Your child’s needs may vary, but even smaller kids are going to need at least 20 inches of clearance between their mattress and the top of the ceiling. Most parents will want to be safe and allow for at least 30-35 inches. The top mattress on most major bunk bed brands will be 65-75 inches high, and that means your options are very limited if you have a standard 8-foot ceiling. Rooms should be at least 9 feet or more, unless you plan on tending to a lot of bruised foreheads in the morning. Remember, kids like to sit up on their beds, and they have a tendency to grow. Also, don’t forget about ceiling fans! Make sure that top mattress doesn’t allow your kids to hit the blades while sitting (or even standing, if you can).

Once you’re sure that you have enough vertical space, consider the layout. It goes without saying that bunk beds save a lot of space, and if your bunk bed has a ladder, it can be even more compact. Of course, some kids might feel safer with steps, which can take up a bit more room. Most models can incorporate those steps into the foot of the bed, and that mini-staircase might even be able to serve as storage. If you’ve got a wider area to play with, consider a slide on the other end so that kids can slide out of bed in style.

There is a dizzying array of styles to choose from, but look at the construction of the bed first. As we all know, kids find it hard to resist the temptation to jump on the bed, even if they’re already able to touch the ceiling. This is not the time to skimp on cheap particle board. Make sure the slats are sturdy and the bed frame is built of solid materials like hardwood or metal. Metal will probably be a little easier to construct if you’re assembling on your own, but look out for sharp corners on spots where your little one might bump their head.

Now, that brings us to the fun part: Matching it with the decor. In general, you’ll want to let the architecture of the bed blend in and leave it to the bedsheets to make a statement. Pick the right bunk bed, and it’ll be around long after you’ve repainted the walls and your kids have grown out of those Star Wars blankets.

• Bunk beds can offer plenty of opportunities for storage, but before you go storing those knickknacks under the bottom bunk, consider a trundle bed. Trundles are a slide-out mattress that hides underneath the bed frame, and they’re especially well-suited to bunk beds. They can be a lifesaver if your kids have frequent sleepovers.
• Got an only child with a smaller bedroom? Bunk beds might still be a great space-saving option with one small adjustment: Leave off the bottom bunk. Now that your kid’s bed is up on stilts, they can use that extra room underneath for a desk, toybox or just a cozy bean bag nook.