If you had a bunk bed as a kid, you’re probably well-versed in how awesome they are. If you didn’t have one, you may be aware of how much you missed out. Kids these days feel the exact same way. But should you get your child a bunk bed just so they don’t miss out? No, you should get them a bunk bed because they save on space, look super cool, and so they don’t miss out on the awesomeness.
Bunk beds aren’t just fun for kids’ rooms, they’re also practical and can save on space big time. With one bed stacked over the other, it clears up floor space, taking up the same amount of square footage as a single bed.
Whether your kids are transitioning to a different bed or you’re moving, let them have a fresh start with a new, fun bed.
Best Overall: West Elm Arches Twin over TwinBest Budget: Best Loft Bed: A Fun Option: Best Low Bunks: Manor Park Low Twin Over Twin
“As an Interior Designer, I've found bunk beds to be versatile solutions for optimizing space without compromising style or functionality,” says Erin Benedict, principal designer at Benedict August interiors + design. “Beyond their traditional appeal for children, bunk beds offer a unique opportunity to maximize storage and create the perfect environment for sleepovers with family and friends. They are a feature that children can enjoy as they grow into adults, providing longevity for the investment.” Benedict, someone who has designed tons of spaces for kids, understands how kids interact with furniture and how that furniture fits into a space.
See more after the products!
1Best Overall
ProsCons
Taller than most The aesthetics of this West Elm bunk bed are stunning. It looks as if you had the bed specially designed and crafted by your personal carpenter. The top portion is covered in fetching whitewashed reeds, and it stops above the arch of the wood.
The bottom bunk is low to the ground, perfect for younger kids, while the older sibling gets the top bunk, with the mattress set into the deep cavern of space. The ladder on the end is open and easy to climb, and because it’s made of a combination of spruce, poplar, and MDF, it has the strength to withstand quite a lot of abuse from your kids.
Other than its beauty, the best part of this bed is the fact that West Elm offers white glove delivery, which includes delivery to your room of choice, unpacking and assembly, and removal and recycling of the packaging. So, you can just step aside, and let other people do it. This may be better for your family relationships in the long run.
| Dimensions |
|---|
| 77.4 x 88.9 x 49.2 in. |
| Twin over twin |
| Pine, MDF |
| Slide |
3Best Loft Bed
Credit: Cat BowenPros
Sturdy and solid
Great finish
Long desk belowCons
Comes in one huge, heavy box that needs multiple liftersThe Harlan Loft Bed with Desk is ideal for a school-aged kid who needs their own desk but doesn’t have the space in their room for both separately. It’s made of mostly solid wood slats that are held together by gigantic screws.
The loft bed with desk comes entirely in one box, and that box weighs a ton. Since Amazon doesn’t offer a white glove service, you’ll probably need another person to help you bring this one inside and might even need to open the box and take in a few pieces at a time. It’s not terribly hard to build, and the instructions are thorough with all the parts labeled independently.
We have built this bed ourselves, and we wholeheartedly suggest having two or three (three is better) people to put it together. The reason for that is that it's so much easier to assemble the majority of it on its side, and then lift the bed into place. The bed is quite heavy, so more people is better.
The bed and desk are sturdy and aren’t going anywhere. It’s available in three colors: espresso, gray, and white. Best Products writer and parenting editor, Cat Bowen’s daughter owns the bed. She says that her daughter’s mattress was too tall so they had to add additional bed railings, but other than that, it’s been a joy to have in her room...though the bed doesn't seem to motivate her to tidy more often.
| Dimensions | 63 x 78.75 x 72 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin |
| Materials | Pine, plywood |
| Extras | Oversized desk |
4Beautiful Finish
Pros
Bottom bunk low to the ground
SturdyCons
Not great for older kidsYou have four colors to choose from with this bunk bed, which is especially nice if you want to match it to your child’s existing room decor. This twin-over-twin floor model has two ladders, which gives it a pleasant, symmetrical appearance and adds options for getting up and down.
The bottom bunk is on the floor, and the top bunk is just under 4 feet off the ground. This is great for changing the bedding, and because there’s no space below the bed to trap dust bunnies or shove toys instead of putting them away.
Parents note that it takes a few hours to put it together, but like with most furniture, two people working together can get it done much quicker. That being said, once it’s built, the bed is super sturdy, made of solid pine with steel connectors at the joints.
We suggest that you lay each piece of this bed out and use tabs to label it, because there are so many identical pieces, and even with their labeling, a sticky note is much easier to follow at a glance.
| Dimensions | 46 x 78 x 44 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin over twin |
| Materials | Wood, pine |
5For Bigger Families
Pros
Three beds
Privacy included
Lots of storageCons
Takes up a lot of spaceThere’s a lot going on with this bunk bed, and there’s just as much to love about it. The design of two perpendicular twin beds beneath a twin with a nightstand area is genius. The steps that serve as additional storage are equally cool.
Parents note that even as involved as it is, it’s not tricky to put together, though it does take some time. Kids love that there’s a feeling of privacy for each of the beds that sometimes feels lacking in a shared room. If you don’t have three kids who share a room, the bunk makes for fantastic sleepover party beds.
It’s made of solid hardwood pine and MDF for extra durability, and there are two color options: espresso and gray. And Wayfair will deliver this bed for free in just two days, a speed that is pretty unheard of when it comes to beds.
| Dimensions | 102.3 x 79.7 x 61.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Three twins |
| Materials | Pine, MDF |
| Extras | Storage, steps (not ladder) |
6Best Sturdy Mod
Pros
Durable
Can be converted to two twin beds
Style for daysCons
You will have to clean it routinelyBabyletto makes incredibly reliable products for kids, and this bunk bed is no exception. It isn’t just gorgeous, modern, and all-around lovely to look at, it’s also sturdy enough to hold two wily kids who aren’t the easiest on their furniture. (We know a family with said wily kids who owns this one and recommends it.)
It’s modern styling with the best materials, delivered at a more affordable price point than others similar to it. The bed features a built-in wooden ladder with space under the bed for storage. As a bonus, the bed can be configured into two single beds if that works out better.
You have the option of in-home delivery with placement in the room of your choice along with assembly and removal of the packaging. That means you won’t be the one trying to figure out assembly. Doesn’t that sound grand? Or if you prefer, you can order it online and pick it up for free from your local Crate & Barrel if it’s in stock.
| Dimensions | 40.6 x 81.5 x 67.8 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin over twin |
| Materials | Spruce and rubber wood |
| Extras | Can be separated into two beds |
7Best Ultra-Low Bunk
Pros
Great finishes
Easy build
Solid pineCons
Older kids may not love that bottom bunkMax and Lily make some of the most popular bunk beds out there. They are designed using hardwood pieces that are easy to assemble and hard to damage. More of a Montessori-style bunk bed, Max & Lily keeps it all lower to the ground for younger kids. It’s even a great bed for just one kid who can use the bottom bunk as a play area since it’s so low to the ground.
This model has classic appeal. It’s solid pine and available in seven finishes, so there are plenty of color options for your child to choose what they like best if you want to risk it, or you can pretend like your top choice is the only choice.
The ladder is at a nice angle for climbing but doesn't push too much into the room. Every person we spoke with who has a Max & Lily bed couldn’t say enough good things about it. Namely, “I don’t worry as much about my kids because it’s so low,” followed closely by “I had no idea that both my kid and my dog needed each other and this floor bunk bed so much.”
| Dimensions | 81.5x54.25x50 inches |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin over twin |
| Materials | Solid pine |
| Extras | None |
8Best Bargain
Pros
Bookshelves
TrundleCons
Complex buildAt under $350, this bunk bed is a bargain — especially because it features a trundle for sleepovers. And while it is constructed of MDF and ply, that doesn’t mean it’s a shabby build. In fact, the top bunk has a 250-pound weight limit and a 350-pound limit for the bottom.
It comes in multiple finishes, and we love that the style of the bed is great for any pair of kids who share a room regardless of their preferences. We also appreciate that in addition to a twin over twin, you have the choice of a twin over full or a full over full for more space.
One thing to note on delivery, the bunk bed arrives in two separate packages, so they may arrive on different days. So, unless your kids want half a bed, they’ll need to practice those patience skills.
| Dimensions | 77.6 x 39.9 x 63.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin over twin, with twin trundle |
| Materials | Plywood and MDF |
| Extras | Shelves and trundle |
9Best Small-Space Triple Bunk
Pros
Affordable for three beds
A space saverCons
Tight squeezeHoly smokes, a triple kids’ bunk bed. Yes, this one is a tall order and made for older kids — but if you need the beds and need them to fit into a small space, this is the bed for you. It’s a tight fit in the middle and bottom, but kids aren’t always bothered by that, and it could be a real lifesaver.
It’s all metal and has surprisingly high weight limits: 250 pounds for the bottom bunk and 200 pounds for each of the other bunks. It has both a side ladder and a front ladder, so you will need a bit of clearance to scale the bed, but at just over 6 feet tall, this bed packs a lot of sleeping space and a lot of kids in a small area.
Since the bed is so tall, it takes some time to put together, but that’s to be expected. One parent said they put sliders under the feet of the bed so it’s easier to move around when vacuuming or rearranging the room. Walmart offers free shipping, and the bed can be delivered in just two days depending on your location.
Our testers say that it's exactly as tricky as you would think it is to build, but that's not because it's confusing, it's because it's three beds stacked on one another. Our testers said if they weren't testing this, they'd have gotten a TaskRabbit.
| Dimensions | 78.5 x 49.5 x 76.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Three twins |
| Materials | Steel |
10An Interesting Configuration
Pros
Four beds
Fits in a corner for easy decoratingCons
Not the prettiest — sort of summer-camp chicWell, this one’s a bunk bed party waiting to happen — in the best way. Perfect for four kids or teenagers at home or at a vacation rental, this four-person, L-shaped steel bunk bed is the ultimate space-saver.
Yes, your kids will likely only notice the slide attached, and this may or may not lead to some interesting shenanigans, but you’ll notice the durability, the space-saving capabilities, and the relatively low cost. The metal frame gives it a modern vibe and a clean look, but let’s be real, the cleanliness is really going to depend on how well your kids make their beds, if at all.
You're getting four beds for under $300, and you simply cannot beat the price. Parents who love this bed say that you needn't worry about stability or sturdiness, either. It's built to last, and it's built to survive children.
| Dimensions | 117.1 x 100 x 57.1 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Four twin beds |
| Materials | Metal |
| Extras | Slide |
11Best with Storage
Pros
Four drawers and three shelves for storage
Low to the ground
Several color optionsCons
Not ideal for older kidsFor under $300, you aren’t just getting a bunk bed for your kids, you’re also getting extra storage space with four drawers and three shelves, perfect for holding clothes and displaying artwork, trinkets, or books. You can also expect your kids to set up shop on top of the dresser as a seating area, although not entirely safe, because that’s just how kids roll. The moveable dresser can be placed on either side of the bunk or against a wall.
The bunk is low to the ground, making it a good option for younger kids. The top bunk can hold up to 300 pounds. This bed will be delivered in two packages, just like the Bellemave Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed with Trundle.
The bottom bunk is more of a Montessori bed, which is incredibly popular right now, but with the addition of a top bunk, there's opportunity for growth for your child, and the ability to choose, if you use it for a single kid's bedroom.
| Dimensions | 93.9 x 41.8 x 50.6 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin over twin |
| Materials | Plywood, MDF, pinewood |
| Extras | Moveable cabinets |
12Best with Playhouse
Pros
Fun for kids
Several color optionsCons
Hard to change beddingAlright parents, this is the bed you probably dreamed about as a kid but didn’t know it existed. (Full disclosure: it probably didn’t exist back then.) Well, now you can be the cool parent and give your kids the bunk bed you never got to experience.
This wooden playhouse bunk bed comes equipped with a roof, ladder, and two windows (this will hopefully relieve any fighting over which bunk is better). We love the dual colors of the bed and love even more the potential of kids decorating their space however they want.
Both the top and bottom bunk look cute, but they definitely require some oomph to change the bedding over the guard rails and through the roof of the playhouse. Amazon offers free delivery on this bed within a week or two. Parents note this one takes quite a while to build, but once it’s built, it’s awesome.
| Dimensions | 63 x 78.75 x 72 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin |
| Materials | Pine, plywood |
| Extras | Oversized desk |
13Best Convertible
Pros
Converts to two beds
Neutral finishCons
More of an off-whiteThe beauty of this twin over twin bunk bed is being able to save space when it’s set up as a bunk, but also being able to separate it into two individual beds if your kids need their own space or when they’ve simply outgrown the bunk.
The bed features a built-in ladder and a guard rail on the top bunk for safety. If you want to keep the bunk as separate beds while your kids are young, you can attach the guard rail to the side of one and use it as a transitional toddler bed.
There’s plenty of space under the bed for storage boxes or for kids to hide during a game of hide-and-seek. Parents are happy with the bed’s sturdiness and that the top bunk isn’t too close to most ceilings so your child can sit up in bed without hitting their head.
| Dimensions | 63 x 78.75 x 72 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin |
| Materials | Pine, plywood |
| Extras | Oversized desk |
14Best Unique Design
Pros
Adorable cottage design
Low bottom bunkCons
Hard to make bed on top bunkNot to be dramatic, but this is the sweetest bunk bed we’ve ever seen. An attached ladder leads to the top bunk where your kiddo can see out of the two windows that look like legit cottage windows. Decorative plants sit outside the window, and just looking at this twin over twin bunk makes us want to sit at a table and drink tea and eat biscuits.
The max weight for the top bunk is 175 pounds while the bottom is 250 pounds. Since the top bunk is enclosed, you can rest easy knowing your child is secure up there. Amazon offers free, quick shipping on this bed, which is always nice.
We can’t promise your kids won’t argue over who gets the top bunk, but that’s how you know the bed is a winner. Reviewers say that surprisingly, this isn't a giant pain in the you-know-what to assemble, and to that we say that we are positively shocked and pleased.
| Dimensions | 63 x 78.75 x 72 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin |
| Materials | Pine, plywood |
| Extras | Oversized desk |
15Best for Teens
Pros
Queen offers more room
Four finish options
Built-in ladderCons
Takes up more space in a roomIf you have a teenager or two who are ready for queen-size beds, or if you don’t have a guestroom, but want the option of a bed for an adult to sleep where they’ll actually be comfortable, this bunk is an excellent option.
While a queen over queen bunk bed still saves square footage in a room, it does take up more space than a twin over twin, so it’ll fit best in a medium to large bedroom so the room isn’t all bed.
Parents note that the beds take a few hours to put together, but they aren’t too challenging. Instead of a traditional bunk bed ladder, this one features one that’s built-in, so kids are technically climbing the actual bed frame to get up top, but there are thicker slats attached to make it comfortable.
Also, if your teen is being a jerk, you can totally terrify them by threatening to take the bottom bunk until their attitude changes! We think that will work like magic. (Cat Bowen asked her 15-year-old if that threat was good, and he just shuddered and shut his door in her face, so we think it's solid.)
| Dimensions | 63 x 78.75 x 72 in. |
|---|---|
| Size | Twin |
| Materials | Pine, plywood |
| Extras | Oversized desk |
Ceiling Height
When you're looking at buying a bunk bed, there's a lot to think about, but before you even look at them, you should make sure that the room is tall enough to support the bunk bed. For most standard bunk beds, manufacturers suggest a ceiling height of no lower than 8 feet. There are some shorter models available, and we have some on this list, but most are standard height, with the base of the top bunk sitting around 5 to 6 feet, which already gives limited clearance on the top.
Weight Limits
You also need to be aware of the weight limits on these beds. Some can be quite low, which may not be great if you're getting it for a 12-year-old boy who may be 200 pounds in a few short years. Beds made from steel or solid wood tend to have higher weight limits. If you're buying a bed for a 12-year-old girl, like our editor, Cat Bowen, you may be able to get away with a lighter bunk bed weight limit if you already have an idea of what you're going to need.
Materials
Wood is by far the most common material used for bunk beds. However, not all wood is the same. Hard, solid woods like pine and oak come at a premium cost, but they often have higher weight limits, and they age better than beds made with a lot of manufactured wood and ply. They're also incredibly heavy and much harder to assemble with just two people. Benedict says, “It's essential to understand who will use it. Metal frames excel in supporting heavier weights, while wood frames boast diverse style options."
Steel and aluminum are also super popular, and these beds can be surprisingly sturdy. We don't have many on this list because aesthetically, many are kind of "meh," according to the parents we spoke with.
When considering wood versus steel, one is not better than the other, but wood is certainly more popular.
Types of Bunk Beds
There are myriad types of bunk beds on the market, and each one serves a different purpose in the space. Who you're buying for, the space you have, and your needs will determine which bed you need.
Traditional Bed Over Bed
This is what you think of when you picture a "bunk bed" in your head. It can be made of wood, steel, or a combination of both. There's a lot of room for interpretation on this, with some bed-over-bed models featuring different size beds on the bottom for growing kids, they may have a trundle, and they might even have some novelty to them. Right now, on our lists, modern, arch-style designs are having a moment, and we love the look of them.
L-Shaped Bunk Beds
More popular in recent years, L-shaped bunk beds serve several purposes, and there are myriad configurations. One popular style is having a twin bed over a full or queen bed, and the beds are perpendicular to one another. This is great for pairing older kids and younger kids, or in smaller homes where a guest room isn't available. There are also L-shaped bunk bed lofts that are two loft beds joined together in an L-shape. This style is great if you have limited floor space because you can have desks and/or storage beneath the sleeping area. You can also get three, and four beds in an L-shaped bunk for areas tight on space and need to accommodate more than two kids.
Loft Beds
A twist on a bunk bed, a loft bed is just an elevated bed that usually has enough space beneath the sleeping area for storage, a desk, or an area for relaxation. These are incredibly popular with families that have bedrooms on the smaller side because there's so much you can do when you open up the space beneath the bed.
Ladder Style and Extras
Where the ladder is on the bed is a huge strategic consideration because it will determine where you can place the bed in the room. Ladders at the head or foot of the bed aren't going to work if you don't have enough clearance on that side to get up and down. A ladder on the side of the bed is easy to fit into a space, but it does close in a part of the bottom bunk. "Most metal bunk beds feature ladders, wood counterparts often integrate stairs, ensuring safer and more convenient access to the top bunk, especially for younger users," says Benedict.
Bunk beds for kids have so many cool options nowadays. There are bunks with slides down from the top bunk, bunk beds with built-in bookshelves, beds with LED lights, you name it, you can probably find it in a bunk bed. We have more than one bunk bed on this list that looks and feels like a playhouse. The beauty of those is that there's a bit of added privacy on the top bunk.
A Note on Safety
While bunk beds are amazingly convenient pieces of furniture, we would be remiss not to mention the specific safety concerns parents need to consider. Bunk bed mattresses on the top bunk must be no thicker than 6 inches, and both guardrails should be used even against the wall. Those guardrails need to be at least 5 inches above the top of the mattress. The child on the top bunk should be no younger than 6, and it’s not recommended for wild sleepers.
As parents, we’ve built our fair share of beds and furniture from Ikea, Wayfair, and Amazon. We’ve also spoken with bunk bed manufacturers to find out what makes a great bed, as well as with other parents and friends about what they are looking for in bunk beds for their kids. We’ve read hundreds of reviews across multiple retailers and truly believe that we have found the best of the best.
Kids’ bunk beds can definitely be tricky. As parents, we can all agree that we want the beds to feel sturdy and solid, like the Max and Lily one on our list, and not like the rickety beds from our dorm room days. We want the best bunk bed for our kids to look good, too (nothing too institutional in appearance, please!). We also need it to be a good value, like with the Harper and Bright option, but if it’s pricier, it needs to be worth the cost.
Beds are one of the priciest pieces of furniture you can buy, so if you’re going to shell out the cash, you should get a great product in return. These are the best kids’ bunk beds that can stand the test of time — and the rigors of children.
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