Bunk beds bring endless adventure into a kid’s room, turning beds into spaceships, castles, forts and anything else little imaginations can conjure. And while the kids are all about the fun factor, you will more likely be concerned with cost-efficiency, practicality and safety. You might also be concerned with making sure a bunk bed will fit into your child’s room. We’ve shared the top five benefits of bunk beds, and in this bunk bed buying guide, we share the benefits of each type of bunk bed, the importance of dimensions and bunk bed safety. We have something for everyone—use this manual to help you decide which bunk bed best fits your family’s lifestyle.

Choosing the Best Bunk Bed:

Start the search by prioritizing your main concern:  safety, number of sleeping areas, maximizing space, plenty of storage or a combination of all four. There are many stylish solutions like bunk beds with steps, loft style bunk beds and versatile bunk beds.

Click any of the bunk bed types below to jump ahead:

Wood Bunk Beds

Ladiville Twin over Twin

If you have a kid with a small bedroom, space is your main concern. A twin over twin bunk bed is the best bet for a smaller bedroom. Wooden bunk beds, like the Atwater Twin over Twin bunk bed, have a classic, nostalgic feel and most separate into two twin beds, making it easy to rearrange the room when kids get older. Wooden bunk beds provide an organic design element that makes a room comfortable and homey.

Metal Bunk Beds

Dinsmore Twin/Full Bunk Bed

Incorporating a metal bunk bed is a must for an industrial, contemporary design. The Dinsmore Twin Over Full bunk bed is the covetable bed size setup and quite compact for its bed size arrangement. The twin over full metal bunk bed has a built-in vertical ladder, and the metal railings create an open line of sight, which works well in a small room. Sleek and polished, there will be plenty of space to play.

Twin Over Full Bunk Beds

Halanton Twin Over Full Bunk Bed

If you have the space, a twin over full bunk bed is the way to go. No space is wasted in the Halanton twin over full bunk bed. A contemporary design with a dark brown finish lays the groundwork for sophisticated kid room decor. Older kids will love the spacious bottom bunk and little kids will feel like a big kid in their big bed. This bonus under-bed drawer on casters provides the most convenient storage—cool factor for the kids and practical use of space for the adults.

Loft Style Bunk Beds

Lulu Twin Loft Bed with Storage and Bookcase

An only child shouldn’t miss out on any of the fun of bunk beds. Loft style bunk beds provide an equal amount of coolness. The Lulu Twin loft with Storage and Bookcase is perfect for a prince or princess in their own room. This style features so much storage under the “throne” that you might not even need a dresser, giving your little one more room to play.

Bunk Beds with Storage

Trinell Twin Loft Bed with Storage

A bunk bed with storage is the ultimate kids furniture piece that maximizes space. When a room is small, go vertical to keep the room inviting. The Trinell Twin Loft Bed with Storage has an authentic, rustic look. With plenty of storage under the sleeping area, it will be easy to organize and contain inevitable messes. A mini personal staircase provides an easy way for kids to climb and store items in the steps as they head to bed. A loft bed with storage is the ultimate three-in-one: a staircase, lots of storage and a place to sleep, allowing for plenty of floor space to play.

Bunk Bed with Steps

Embrace Twin Loft Caster Bed

An all-in-one storage bunk bed plus a staircase is a sophisticated design for any kid. Embrace Loft Bookcase Bed with Steps is so refined and functional. Bookcases with adjustable cubbies provide the perfect spot for books and trinkets. Create a playful atmosphere with bright, patterned bedding and a colorful rug. Your kid will enjoy a bunk bed with steps and you will appreciate its functionality.

Bunk Bed with Trundle

Embrace Loft Bed with Caster and Right Steps 

What to do when your young child wants a big kid bed? A bunk bed with a trundle is the answer. The Embrace loft bed with caster and steps is undeniably practical. It packs a lot of flair for your kid along with storage and a trundle that you will appreciate. This bunk bed with steps works well in a large bedroom. The twin trundle bed slides right under the twin loft bed in the event you need more floor space. Even for an only child, this bed is a treasure, just roll out the trundle for sleepovers and the setup is done. This bunk bed appeases your kid’s taste for adventure and satisfies your need for versatility and storage.

Size Matters: Bunk Bed Dimensions

It’s crucial to take measurements of the room and compare that to the dimensions of the product before making a purchase. With bunk beds, height is an imperative measurement to record—you don’t want your kid smacking their head on the ceiling, so allow for at least two feet from the top of the bed to the ceiling. It will be worth the time it takes to thoroughly measure the room.

Bunk Bed Size

How Safe Are Bunk Beds?

While it’s a sure bet that most kids love bunk beds, it’s important to not that beds with ladders can be dangerous for very little children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that top bunks cannot be used for children under six years of age. Keep this in mind when selecting a bunk bed—trundle beds and bottom bunks are the safest option for them. Teach your child how to safely climb bunk bed ladders and steps and assure the young ones they can move to the top bunk after they turn six years old.

Now, which bunk bed best fits your family’s lifestyle?

Keep your priorities in mind and answer the questions below!