The Best Places to Buy Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a great option for kids' rooms and come in a wide variety of designs. You can find triple bunks or futon bunks in smaller spaces, as well as the traditional twin-overtwin design.

Take into consideration the weight capacity when selecting a bunk bed. Many bunks have a limit of 400 pounds per mattress, but you can find higher-weight options for older kids and teens.

1. Amazon

Bunk beds are an ideal option for parents looking to make space in their tiny bedroom, or for kids who want to add a playful element to their room. There are a variety of options, including full-overfull and twin-overtwin designs. Some bunk beds have slides. Consider a twin over twin that has guard rails in the event that your children are less than six years old or even bunk beds for toddlers.

Aside from selecting the right bunk bed design, you'll also want to consider whether you need storage space or are you concerned about safety or durability. Nikki Njeri Klugh is the chief designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group Inc. She says that durability is what you should be looking for when choosing the right bunk bed. The structure should be made from wood or metal and should be sturdy enough to hold a full-size mattress, she adds.

When considering a bunk bed, it's important to take note of the dimensions of your room and the height you would like your upper bed to be. For instance, if have low ceilings, look for a loft bunk bed that is positioned closer to the floor or choose one with stairs instead of a ladder. Dr. Mehrin Ahmed, a pediatric emergency doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine/New york-Presbyterian, suggests that the top bunk is equipped with side rails to ensure that the person sleeping there doesn't fall.

If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable, IKEA offers this option. It comes with a simple frame with a ladder on either side. It also meets CPSC and industry safety standards. You can also upgrade to a larger model for an additional cost that sleeps two people and includes drawers built into the under-bed for storage.

2. Target

Lofts and bunk beds are great space savers for rooms for kids and can make the room feel more exciting. You'll find a wide range of styles, finishes and configurations at Target. Find options that include shelves, storage or other features in addition to sleeping quarters. You can also find options with a twin trundle underneath, ideal for sleepovers.

You'll find traditional twin-over-twin bunk beds at Target as well as a full-over-full option that works well in larger rooms. No matter what size you choose it is important to consider your ceiling height. It is important to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into your space and there is enough clearance to safely climb through them and out according to Dr. Colleen Kraft, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian. If you have a low ceiling it is possible to consider a bunk that is specifically designed for this kind of space.

When looking for bunk beds or lofts, another thing to consider is the weight limit for the upper bunk. Daxter bunks from Pottery Barn Kids are rated at 160 pounds, which is less than other brands. The Oeuf Perch bunk bed, on the other hand is constructed out of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sustainable Baltic birch plywood and eco-friendly medium-density fiberboard and has a 250-pound weight limit on the top bunk, which is greater than other brands.

Loft beds and bunk beds can be made of wood or steel. Steel beds are more durable, but are more noisy and colder than wood. Some bunk beds made of wood are GreenGuard Gold-certified.

3. Wayfair

Bunk beds are sturdy, versatile and stylish. They can be used by adults and children to save space. From traditional twin-over-twin beds to lofts with full-size beds that incorporate the lower bed in an L-shaped shape, a myriad of options are available. Some also have additional features, such as storage or a futon under (like our best overall pick, the Crate & Barrel Babyletto TipToe White and Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed).

While deciding on the kind of bunk bed that's suitable for you might be the most difficult thing there are other factors to consider. For example, you'll want to determine whether you have enough space for a large bottom bunk, and what type of ladder you'd like. You'll also need to think about the capacity to support the weight of the beds. As bunks can be quite heavy, it's essential to ensure that the beds at the top and bottom can support at least two individuals.

We consulted three experts including an author and writer of the book about bunk beds, to weigh in. They shared their tips for frames ranging from twin-over-twin budget models to more expensive frames that include a slide or even futons.

Look for bunk beds constructed from solid materials, such as plywood or dried kiln-dried wood. Be sure to consider safety features, like guardrails on both sides of the frame, and a sturdy ladder that is non-slip. It is also important to consider the amount of storage space you'd like in your bunk beds, since some come with under-bed trundles which can be pulled out to accommodate additional guests who want to sleep over.

4. Crate & Barrel

Loft beds and bunk beds for children create fun, functional spaces for playing and sleeping that save space in smaller rooms. They're an ideal choice for shared bedrooms with kids and for farmhouse, cottage rustic cabin, and log Barnwood styles of decor. You can find lofts and bunk beds made of wood in a variety of sizes that include twin over twin and full over full models. Some bunk beds include storage solutions such as under-bed drawers or a roll-out trundle. Many include a ladder or staircase which should be sturdy and durable enough to hold the weight of children climbing it.

Some loft and bunk beds for kids include desks for kids to complete their homework or do other activities. Some bunk beds and loft beds come with built-in wardrobes that can be used for clothing storage. A lot of bunk and loft beds for kids come with a selection of vibrant paint finishes, so parents can select the one that is most appropriate to their kiddos' rooms. Loft and bunk beds for children include stair or ladder configurations as along with storage drawers as well as upholstered headboards.

Kids bunk beds and loft beds are great for rooms with high ceilings, but they can be difficult to maneuver in smaller bedrooms. Make sure you choose beds with a minimum ceiling height of eight feet to ensure your child's safety climbing the frame. The majority of bunk beds and loft beds are designed for kids who are 6 years old and older and can follow the correct bedtime routine while on top.

Crate and barrel furniture and homewares stores have loft and bunk beds that are a perfect match for modern and traditional decor. Crate and Barrel stores in New York's Soho and Manhasset offer a variety of kid's furniture accessories, decor and toys. Add the crib to your baby's registry if expecting to get free design assistance along with 10% off the crib that is completed.

5. IKEA

Whether you're in the market for a traditional twin-over-twin bed or something more unique, IKEA offers a variety of options. Their Daxter cottage-style bunk bed is a great option, particularly for families with a tight budget. It features angled ladders, guardrails and plenty of space to store things, however it is slightly shorter than some other alternatives on our list. It might not be suitable for children younger than six years old.

Another great option is the Mydal Bunk Bed, which can fit in rooms with lower ceilings thanks to its small size and a shorter ladder height. It's also less expensive than other models and offers the most versatility because of its side panels and drawers. The only drawback is that it doesn't have built-in under-bed storage however there's plenty of room under the bed for you to build your own ideas.

For more traditional bunk beds, Pottery Barn Kids has a good selection of twin-over-full designs that are a smart choice for siblings who live close together but would like their own space. These beds usually come with an ordinary ladder or staircase, and have rails for the top bed to help ensure that children are safe when they sleep on the top. They are also available in a wide range of finishes to match any decor.

If you want to save space and give your kids a place where they can be social, you should consider bunk beds that have extra features, like a desk, or stairs that can be converted into a storage space. Some bunk beds have an trundle that can be removed from under the bottom. This allows you to sleep up to four people in the same space.