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Does it feel like you don’t have enough space in your home or apartment? Yeah, us too. The stuff of small humans just takes up so much space—and a kids bed is usually a pretty major furniture item and an even more major space-sucker. So, whether your kids are room-sharing (#apartmentlife), you want an extra sleeping option for sleepovers and visiting cousins, or you want a bed that does double duty as a play area / treehouse / you name it, a bunk bed can be a fantastic investment. But safety comes first, so we talked bunk bed guidelines with Dr. Lara McKenzie, principal investigator for the Center for Injury Research and Chelsey Borson, the founder of Luna Leaps and a pediatrician with baby sleep coach background.
Best Bunk Beds for Kids at a Glance
Best Overall: Max & Lily Twin Over Twin Low Bunk Bed, $399 (originally $569)
Best Bunk Bed with Steps: Maxtrix Twin over Full Medium Bunk Bed with Stairs, $2,559
Best Convertible Bunk Bed: Better Homes & Gardens Leighton Solid Wood Twin-over-Twin Convertible Bunk Bed, $175
Most Affordable: Harriet Bee Daury Bunk Bed, $240 (originally $460)
Most Fun for Kids: Deer Blind Bunk Bed Loft, $633 (originally $1,013.23)
Best Splurge: West Elm x PBKids Mid-Century Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed, $1,799
Best Space-Saving Bunk Bed: Powell Twin Over Full Jayden Bunk Bed, $498
Best Treehouse Bunk Bed: Pottery Barn Kids Secret Treehouse Bunk Beds Set, $2,699
Best for Teens: Vogu Metal Triple Bunk Beds, $369 (originally $395)
Best Modern Bunk Bed: Crate & Barrel Adaptable Bunk Beds, $1,798.00 each
And now comes the fun part: choosing a bunk bed that meets all those standards and is still somewhere your child will get psyched to sleep. Luckily, there are plenty of fun, elegant, fantastical and oh-so-safe bunk beds that will make you want to be a kid again—and will let your kids rule their room (and corner the sleepover market too). Read on for ideas.
What to Look for in a Bunk Bed for Kids?
When looking for a bunk bed for your children, it’s all about safety. “Choosing a bunk bed for children is all about safety, so they should look for sturdy construction with high-quality materials, whether wood or metal,” Borson says. Ensure the bed has guardrails on both sides of the top bunk and that the ladder is securely attached and easy to climb. “Additionally, check for a proper mattress fit to avoid gaps that can pose safety hazards,” she adds.
Is It Safe for Kids to Sleep in Bunk Beds?
McKenzie, who works with the website Make Safe Happen, notes that while bunk beds can be convenient space-saving sleeping arrangements, there are an estimated 36,000 nonfatal bunk bed-related injuries each year. “Children get hurt in bunk beds playing or sleeping—these injuries are from falls, jumps, ladders, bed malfunctions and striking the bed,” she says, noting that bunk injuries are more severe than those related to conventional beds.
So if you go with a bunk bed, make sure you look at brands and styles that meet current safety standards—and rule out homemade or hand-me-down bunks. And don’t forget to check that the model you buy has not been recalled at recalls.gov; “There are a lot of bunk bed recalls,” cautions McKenzie.
Then, when setting up bunk beds, make sure there are guardrails on either side of the top bunk that are at least 5 inches above the mattress—and that have gaps 3.5 inches or smaller to prevent kids from getting stuck or falling out. McKenzie also recommends placing bunk beds in the corner of the room (and away from ceiling fans, obviously), so there are walls on both sides. “Discourage children from playing on or under the bunk beds,” she adds, also warning: Only one person on the top bunk!
To prevent nighttime falls, use a nightlight for those ladder-climbing bathroom breaks—and clear any objects from around the bed. Also, children under 6 shouldn’t sleep on the top bunk, period. Find out more about furniture safety with the free app Make Safe Happen.
Are Wood or Metal Bunk Beds Better?
Both wood and metal bunk beds have their advantages. “Wooden bunk beds offer a classic, sturdy look and often come with additional storage options,” Borson explains. “Metal bunk beds tend to be lighter and may have a more modern aesthetic. The choice depends on personal preference, room decor, and the specific features you value, such as durability, or design flexibility.”
“I chose a wooden bunk bed for my two children, aged 6 and 9,” Borson shares. “The sturdy guardrails and secure ladder gave me peace of mind, and the additional storage helped keep their room organized. My children love the extra space for play and study, proving that the right bunk bed can be both safe and functional.”
What Age Is Best for Bunk Beds?
Experts suggest that it’s best to let kids sleep in bunk beds at age six, as anything under that can be hazardous. “At this age, children have generally developed the motor skills and coordination necessary to navigate climbing up and down the ladder safely,” Borson says. “Younger children are at a higher risk of injury due to falls, making it crucial to adhere to this age recommendation.”
Ahead, see the 12 best bunk beds for kid of all ages.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Max & Lily, Matrix, and Walmart are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
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Max & Lily Low Bunk Twin
Image Credit: Amazon. This high-quality bed frame is made of New Zealand pine and boasts a nontoxic low-VOC finish that’s safe for your littles. Plus the low bottom bunk offers easy access for wobbly toddlers (and middle-of-the-night potty training).
Dimensions: 81.5″ x 54.25″ x 50″
Material: Wood
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs. per bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Ladder and guardrails
Ease of Assembly: Easy difficultyPros:
No box spring needed
Easy assemblyCons:
Includes many hardware parts -
Maxtrix Twin over Full Medium Bunk Bed with Stairs
Be prepared for sleepovers with this Maxtrix Twin over Full Medium Bunk Bed — it has pull-out drawers underneath and steps! Its stairs add an extra safety feature, plus they make the best pillars for late night forts.
Dimensions: 100.75″ x 57.5″ x 66.25″
Material: Wood
Weight Capacity: 800 total
Mattress Size: Twin/ Full
Safety Features: Steps and guardrails
Ease of Assembly: Medium difficultyPros:
Steps make it easy for kids to get to top bunk
Has industry-leading 16” tall guardrailsCons:
Expensive -
Better Homes & Gardens Leighton Solid Wood Twin-over-Twin Convertible Bunk Bed
Image Credit: Walmart The Leighton Bunk Bed is one of the prettiest we’ve seen. It’s crafted from solid wood and has sleek lines that go with just about any room design. The bed has horizontal safety slats and a four-step ladder that kiddos can easily climb. If the brown stain doesn’t match your design vibe, be sure to check out the bed in the black, gray, and white options.
Dimensions: 43.5″ x 78.5″ x 33.5″ and 31″
Material: Solid wood
Weight Capacity: 111 lbs. per bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: High guardrail
Ease of Assembly: MediumPros:
Durbale materials
ConvertibleCons:
Two-person assembly -
Harriet Bee Daury Twin over Full Bunk Bed
Image Credit: Wayfair This modern bunk bed is so easy to put together, thanks to its smart construction. The bottom features a full-size bed for your older kiddo and a twin bed up top for your younger child.
Dimensions: 78″ x 57″ x 61.5″
Material: Steel
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs. for bottom bed, 200 lbs. for top bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Side rails and built-in ladder
Ease of Assembly: Easy difficultyPros:
CPSIA Compliant
One year limited warrantyCons:
Not convertible -
Deer Blind Bunk Bed Loft
Image Credit: QVC. Bunk beds usually don’t offer much privacy, but this set is an exception. It comes with tent kit, which will add shades to your child’s bunk bed. The shades have mini-windows to look out of, which makes this bed set feel even more like a house.
Dimensions: 78″ x 43″ x 62
Material: Pine wood and polyester
Weight Capacity: 180 lbs. for each bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Ladders and guardrail
Ease of Assembly: Medium difficulty)Pros:
Fun for kids
No box springs neededCons:
More epxensive than others -
West Elm x PBKids
Image Credit: PB Kids. This chic midcentury-modern collab between decor favorites Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm is one bunk your kids will cherish all the way through college. Just look at that elegant matching dresser, too—this is a bunk bed for old souls if we ever saw one.
Dimensions: 42.5″ x 58.5″ x 70.5″
Material: Wood
Weight Capacity: 197.5 lbs. per bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Side rails
Ease of Assembly: Medium difficultyPros:
White glove service available
Multiple finishesCons:
The ladder can only go on the right hand side -
Powell Twin Over Full Jayden Bunk Bed
Image Credit: Powell. This stylish twin-over-full set is anything but an eyesore, thanks to its curved design. The shape is even echoed with the ladder.
Dimensions: 63′ x 78″ x 61″
Material: Pine and metal
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs. per bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: One removable guard rail and one ladder
Ease of Assembly: Medium difficultyPros:
Excellent for smaller spaces
Sophisticated design
Meets all Astm / Cpsc National Bunk Bed Safety StandardsCons:
Mattress not included[buy-now text=”Powell Twin Over Full Jayden Bunk Bed” link=”https://goto.target.com/c/256585/81938/2092?subId1=SK–Target 2021&sharedId=BestBunkBeds&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftwin-over-full-jayden-bunk-bed-powell-company%2F-%2FA-80015158%3Fpreselect%3D79751884%23lnk%3Dsametab” price=”$498″ narrativ=”exclude” button_type=”default”
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Pottery Barn Kids Secret Treehouse Bunk Beds Set
Image Credit: Pottery Barn Kids. Your kids will spend all of their time in this upper bunk, reading and make-believing. It comes in navy, white or brown.
Dimensions: 44.5″ x 85.5″ x 94″
Material: Pine wood
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs. per bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Guard rails
Ease of Assembly: Hard difficultyPros:
Fair Trade Certified
Creative designCons:
Heavy -
Vogu Triple Bunk Beds
Image Credit: VOGU. For parents of three, this streamlined bunk bed system won’t take up too much space. It even has a built-in deck underneath the third bunk, which can serve as your kids’ study space.
Dimensions: 77.9″ x 57.7″ x 56.3″
Material: Metal
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
Mattress Size: Twin/Twin/Full
Safety Features: Guard rails and ladders
Ease of Assembly: Easy difficultyPros:
Sturdy design
AffordableCons:
Cheaper look -
Cabina Bunk Bed
Image Credit: Etsy. A minimalist mama’s dream, this bunk ain’t cheap but it will stand the test of time — and look cool doing it. Add that yellow-and-gray color scheme and you’ve got a Scandinavian-chic kids room that will never go out of style.
Dimensions: 77″ x 64″ x 41″
Material: Baltic birch plywood
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs. for upper bunk
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Guard rails
Ease of Assembly: Easy difficultyPros:
No tools required for assembly
Free shippingCons:
Shipping can take longer -
Crate & Barrel Adaptable Bunk Beds
Image Credit: Crate & Barrel. Short on space? This bunk bed set can be set up ontop of the lower bed or across the top or bottom, like shown in this photo.
Dimensions: 78″ x 41.25″ x 54.25″
Material: Wood
Weight Capacity: Not listed
Mattress Size: Available in twin, twin over full, and twin loft
Safety Features: Built-in ladder and top guard rails
Ease of Assembly: Easy difficultyPros:
Unique built-in ladder
White glaze finish which shows natural wood grainCons:
Each piece sold separately -
BJ’s Berkley Jensen Twin Over Twin Size Bunk Bed
Image Credit: BJ's Wholesale Club This strutctured twin over twin bunk bed converts into two twin beds to suit your preference, but the solid pine piece with beadboard accents is beyond sturdy vertically, too. Here’s the bonus: the Berkley Jensen bunk bed comes in twin over full size, too, in both white (shown) and walnut finishes.
Dimensions: 80″ x 44.38″ x 70.62″
Material: Solid wood
Weight Capacity: 220 per bed
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Includes ladder
Ease of Assembly: MediumPros:
Durbale materials
Contains tools and hardwareCons:
Two-person assembly -
Dorel Living Milton Junior Twin Loft Bed, Espresso
Image Credit: Amazon. This twin loft bed isn’t a traditional bunk per se, but add a twin mattress underneath and it transforms into one for when your friends spend the night. Then just store the mattress to convert the under-bed area back into a play space for your own kid.
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Donco Twin Over Full Campsite Loft Bunk Bed
Image Credit: Amazon. It doesn’t get much more glamorous than this “campsite” loft bunk bed that’s basically two beds and a treehouse and a playset all in one. Plus, the rustic gray finish will blend with your actual adult-house decor in a way that will last—and won’t make you want to replace it with something less garish when your kids hit kindergarten.
Dimensions: 79.5 x 79.5 x 82.5
Material: Wood
Weight Capacity: 220 lbs. per bed
Mattress Size: Twin and full
Safety Features: Ladders and guardrails
Ease of Assembly: Hard difficultyPros:
Parent-approved
Some report easy assemblyCons:
Not returnable -
Costzon Twin Bunk
Image Credit: Amazon. This adorable bunk bed works with kids of any gender — and any room-design taste. Plus, it gets rave reviews on Amazon.
Dimensions: 79″ x 64″ x 66.5″
Material: High-quality rubber wood
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs. bottom and 330 lbs. top
Mattress Size: Twin
Safety Features: Guard rails
Ease of Assembly: Easy difficultyPros:
Under $250
30 day return policyCons:
Ladder can break easily -
DHP Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed
Image Credit: Amazon This metal-framed bunk bed may look utilitarian, but it’s easy to dress it up (just look at that mauve bedding!). It’s also a perfect pick for kids who want an easy sleepover-buddy option — but the ability to sprawl out in a full-size bed for their day-to-day.
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