
Buying Guide for Bunk Beds for Kids

Why buy a bunk bed?
Bunk beds are a staple for families with multiple kids and limited space. They’re also great for kids who love to have friends or cousins spend the night. Some kids use a bottom bunk for sleeping and a top bunk as a space for stuffed animals. Whatever your needs, there’s a bunk bed out there for your kids to enjoy.
What should you consider in a bunk bed?
- Your Kids’ Needs: For active kids, a sturdy frame with added safety features is a must. For younger kids, you can get smaller, lower-to-the-ground bunk beds for easier and safer access. For older kids, you may want to consider an option with a little more space and support. And for social kids, it may be fun to have an optional trundle bed for sleepovers.
- Safety: Safety is a key factor. Features such as railings and safety ladders can help protect little ones on the top bunk. Also, be sure to check the bunk bed’s weight limits and ensure that the bunk bed is durably constructed.
- Height: Measure twice, buy once. You’ll want to be sure that the product you purchase is a good fit in the room. And you don’t want your child whacking their head on the ceiling when they get up in the morning, either! Be sure there’s enough room for your child to climb the ladder, too.
- Mattress Size: Each bunk bed requires a certain thickness of the mattress. These measurements can often be found right in the product descriptions. If you want to use a box spring for optimal comfort, be sure to do your research to ensure your children can sleep comfortably.
What is an appropriate age for sleeping in an upper bunk?
While there is no set rule for using an upper bunk, and while parents should always supervise children climbing into an upper bunk, most experts recommend that no children under the age of 6 sleep in an upper bunk. Younger children could potentially become seriously injured if they fall while climbing in and out of an upper bunk.
Our Picks for the Best Bunk Beds for Kids
Walker Edison Elodie Urban Industrial Twin Metal Bunk Bed
Create more space in style with this sleek classic bunk bed with integrated safety features for your children.
Pros: One of the best things about this bunk bed is that it’s quite easy to assemble and comes with foolproof instructions. It’s pretty sturdy once construction is finished, so you don’t have to worry about it rocking or moving when your kids are climbing in. It comes in a few different finishes to match your space perfectly.
Cons: The stairs are a little uncomfortable to climb.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a solid twin-over-twin bunk bed, this may be the one for you. It’s sturdy enough to sleep two full-size adults, so it’s more than adequate for your kids. It’s also a bit shorter than some competing brands, so your kids will have extra head space on the top bunk.
DONCO Twin Tower Bunk Bed
Made from real wood in a contemporary rustic style, this bunk bed adds a touch of fun to your child's room.
Pros: If you have a younger child, the bottom bunk of this bed is perfect because it’s so low to the ground. Once assembled properly, this bed is very sturdy and will hold up to years of climbing, tossing and turning, and even roughhousing. The fun house design makes it extra exciting, but it isn’t an eyesore like some other kids’ beds. It’s actually quite pretty since it’s made of real wood with a rustic finish and multiple windows.
Cons: This bed takes a long time to assemble and is more expensive than the other options here.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a premium, stylish bunk bed that will last throughout your kids’ childhood, this may be a great option for you. It’s a statement piece that adds a touch of farmhouse chic to your space. And it’s made of real, responsibly sourced pine wood.
DHP Triple Metal Bunk Bed Frame
Sleek, modern, and easy to assemble, this bunk bed is perfect for active, social kids.
Pros: This bunk bed with a trundle is a fantastic space-saver for your family. The trundle bed is easy to use, and it can fit a 4-inch memory foam mattress for ultimate comfort. Plus, it has a mesh safety rail on the upper bunk to protect your little ones from rolling.
Cons: The bed may squeak if you don’t add brackets.
Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for a bed for three, this could be perfect for you. It’s great for sleepovers, yet the trundle tucks away to save space. And you don’t have to worry about bonked heads or ceiling fans.
DHP Full over Full Bunk Bed for Kids
Built strong yet stylish, this full-size bunk bed is perfect for bigger kids sharing a room or enjoying sleepovers with friends.
Pros: This bunk bed is a fantastic value when compared to other brands of the same size bed. It can comfortably fit two adults, but it’s great for bigger kids, too. Plus, this bed is easy to put together, even if you’re not particularly handy.
Cons: The top bunk may wobble if not braced to the wall.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking to add extra beds to your home while saving space, this full-over-full bunk bed is an excellent choice. It comes in several attractive finishes to match your decor, and it’s roomy enough for an adult to sit up fully on the bottom bunk.
Walker Edison Alexander Classic Solid Wood Triple Bunk Bed
Made from responsibly sourced pine, this triple bunk bed is a fantastic choice for bigger families.
Pros: This triple bunk bed is a fantastic choice for younger kids. The bottom bunk is very low to the ground, great for little ones to get in and out on their own safely. Since you can fit three kiddos in it, it’s a fantastic way to save space, and it’s a nice value.
Cons: The slats aren’t as stable as some other bunk beds.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a triple bunk bed made from quality materials, look no further. This heavy, real wood bunk bed will last for years to come. It also comes in a variety of finishes to match your bedroom decor.
Final Thoughts
Bunk beds have been a staple in children’s bedrooms for years, and they keep getting better and better. The safety features, functionality, and style of these modern bunk beds should be convenient, comfortable places for your kiddos to sleep.