This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.
Gone are the days when heavy furniture was the highlight of any room. People nowadays look for more convenient and space-saving furniture options for their homes. Whether you live in a packed dorm room or with more than one child, there is a solution to this furnishing problem. To ensure that your bedding requirements are met, bunk beds are an excellent idea for any living space. We have shortlisted the best bunk beds in 2023 that not only deliver in terms of space-saving but also provide your room with an appealing look.
A high-quality bunk bed can save you the frustration that comes with overcrowding in your room while maintaining high standards in terms of quality.
What Are the Best Bunk Beds?
DHP Bunk Bed
– Best Overall
Made from metal, this comes with 1 twin bed and 1 full bed that allows you to easily accommodate 3 people simultaneously. Measuring 57 x 61.5 x 78 inches, it weighs 84.5 lbs which is ideal for accommodating 3 people. The upper bunk has a 200 lb weight capacity with a 7-foot distance from the ceiling, while the lower bed can hold as much as 450 lbs. It consists of a sturdy metallic body and steel finishing that is durable and allows you to use the bed for a very long time.
The integrated side ladder has slats at a distance of 2.5 inches that help you attain comfort and added support when using the ladder.
Pros
- Made from durable steel
- Comfortable and supported ladder
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Not suitable for obese people
Walker Edison Bunk Bed
– Runner Up
With a built-in ladder and contemporary theme, Walker Edison Bunk Beds are an ideal addition to any shared bedroom. Made from high-quality pine wood, they are available in a variety of different shades, so you can get a durable experience in a color of your choice. It measures 64.625 x 42 x 79 inches which accommodate anyone from adults to children. Ideal for 5-inch to 9-inch mattresses, these beds can support up to 200 lbs each, guaranteeing safety for anyone within the weight-bearing capacity. Moreover, it is available in 4 different styles with an integrated guard railing for the top bed, which allows you to provide maximum safety for young kids.
Pros
- Integrated railing for maximum safety
- Made from high-quality pinewood
- Can accommodate children and adults
Cons
- Not suitable for obese people over 200 lbs
Max & Lily Bunk Bed
– Honorable Mention
Max and Lily bunk beds are a great choice for your kid’s bedroom, providing a touch of elegance and style. This bed is made from superior-quality pinewood that ensures a non-toxic, low VOC finish when you use it. Each bed has a load-bearing capacity of up to 400 lbs. It highlights a modern design with color-matching hardware ensuring you obtain a stunning finish for the room. Measuring 81.5 x 57.5 x 65 inches, it delivers stability and flexibility so you can disassemble the bunk into two separate beds effortlessly. Additionally, a reversible ladder with rounded edges and heavy-duty grip ensures maximum support when climbing up and down.
Pros
- Heavy-duty load-bearing construction
- Stable and flexible design
- Non-toxic VOC finish
Cons
- The design may be complicated to assemble
Dorel Living Bunk Bed
– Also Consider
People who live in small residences with children might find it hard to get enough space and privacy. However, with Dorel Living bunk beds, you can give your kids their personal bed and increase your living space. Measuring 69.5 x 79 x 64.5 inches, it weighs 123.2 lbs, making it suitable for kids. This bunk bed comes with a guard rail that ensures maximum protection to the child who takes the upper bunk. Moreover, it highlights an integrated ladder with a sturdy grip that allows your kid to get additional support when climbing.
Pros
- Suitable for 3 kids
- Space-saving solution
- Integrated ladder with a sturdy grip and guard rail for maximum protection
Cons
- The upper bunk might be unsuitable for older kids
Stork Craft Bunk Bed
– Also Great Option
We are wrapping this list with Storkcraft bunk beds made from imported rubberwood that let you experience durability and longevity simultaneously. Measuring 78.4 x 42.6 x 64.7 inches, it comes with full-length safety rails on the top bunk that help prevent accidents. Additionally, it can be segregated into two twin-sized beds. You can purchase this contemporary, yet highly-accommodating bunk bed in three colors: Navy, Gray, and Espresso, so you can pick something that matches your personality.
Pros
- Can be separated into two beds
- Durable and long-lasting use
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Shipment may arrive in parts
Buying Guide for the Best Bunk Beds
Our comprehensive guide covers all the key factors that you should know about buying the best bunk beds in 2023.
What Should You Keep In Mind When Buying a Bunk Bed?
To make the right selection, here are the key features to consider:
Separation
A bunk bed that comes with detachable units can help to diversify your bedroom options. You can buy a bunk bed for younger kids and separate it into two as they grow older.
Design
Whether you are going for a more elegant design with premium-quality wooden beds or something minimalistic with a sturdy metal bunk bed, it is a good idea to picture what your room would look like with the bed before you purchase it.
Bunk height
The height of the upper unit plays a crucial role in determining the personal safety of the bed owner. For instance, if a bed is too high, you might even touch the ceiling or fan when trying to get up. This could lead to possible injuries or electrocution; therefore, choosing a height that allows you ample space to stretch and sit is very important.
Size
The size of the bed should be proportional to the room. This means that you should go with the piece that gives you plenty of space in the room even after bed installation. Parents often prefer beds with smaller bunks for children.
Material
The bunk bed material is also a key factor as it can affect your overall budget and look of the room. Wooden bunk beds are pricier but can bear more load for a longer period. However, they can be cumbersome to move around and difficult to install. On the other hand, metal bunk beds provide a minimalistic approach compared to your regular bunk bed and are lighter in weight.
Additional storage
One thing that bunk beds are famous for is their additional storage space. They often come with additional drawers and attachments. You can opt for one that helps you cover most things like storage space, attached desks, or a mini cabinet.
What Are Some Notable Benefits of Bunk Beds?
If bunk beds are not your priority right now, the benefits of installing one in your living space might lead to a change of mind.
Cost-effectiveness
The prime reason many people consider investing in a bunk beds is that they are designed to save you money. Instead of spending money on two beds, you only have to buy one bunk bed. Many parents consider buying a bunk bed so their kids can have a separate space to play and sleep – an ideal and cost-effective choice rather than decorating an entire playhouse.
Space saving
A small house can be a manageable residence if you know how to save space. Bunk beds are often used to save space. Some people go as far as buying triple bunk beds for the sake of saving space. Other than this, they allow you to store things like toys and clothes in the built-in cabinets.
Easy to clean
Having more than one bed in a room can make it difficult to clean the rest of the room. This is another reason why having bunk beds is ideal. Other than saving a lot of space, they also allow you to keep the space clean.
What Are the Most Common Types of Bunk Beds?
Although the common goal of bunk beds is to offer you a space-saving bed to sleep in, there are some variations in terms of style and design.
Standard bunk bed
Standard bunk beds consist of two single beds on top of each other with a built-in ladder that can be detached. They are made from simple wood and usually are found in children’s bedrooms. In modern versions, you can get a single bed on top of a queen so that two people can sleep on the lower bed while the third person can use the upper one.
Futon bunk beds
Just like its name, you can find a futon on the bottom with a bed on top. The interesting thing about this bunk bed is that it is ideal for lounging and sleeping in the same space. People who live in one-bedroom or studio apartments may prefer futon beds to save space.
Triple bunk beds
Suppose you live with a lot of people in a small residence, a triple bunk bed is an ideal item as it has two separate beds on top of the third one. Another variation is a trundle bunk bed in which the third space is a mattress that can be tucked under the bed when not in use.
L-shaped bunk bed
A more facilitated version of your standard bunk bed, L-shaped beds, also consists of two twin beds simultaneously. The thing that distinguishes them is that the upper bunk is at a 90-degree angle from the lower one.
What Is the Best Material for a Bunk Bed?
Bunk beds are usually made of two materials: wood or metal.
Wooden bunk beds
Wooden bunk beds are a more traditional and rustic version that immediately pops into our minds when we think of the term “bunk beds.“ You can find these beds made from oak, walnut wood, pine, engineering, or rubber wood. While pure wood is an optimal choice for people who like the elegance it provides, they require more care and maintenance. This is why many people nowadays go for engineered wood as their prime option. Another thing to note about wooden bunk beds is that they can be expensive and heavier.
Metallic bunk beds
Sturdy and durable, metal bunk beds are a lot less expensive and easy to carry because of their lightweight. They offer a minimalistic and space-saving approach to any room, but you should check their load-bearing capacity before purchasing them.
Final Thoughts
Bunk beds are an ideal choice for any room if you want to save space and accommodate more people. Consider factors like size, shape, design, type, and material before buying the bed. We shortlisted the best bunk beds in 2023 with a buying guide that helps you spend money on something worthwhile despite hundreds of varieties.
People Also Asked
Q: Children of what age should be introduced to bunk beds?
A: You can introduce a child to bunk beds as soon as they turn 6 years old, but make sure to maintain an adequate safety check before letting them climb on it.
Q: What is the weight-bearing capacity of a bunk bed?
A: A bunk bed can hold up to 500 to 600 lbs depending on the material it is made of. Lofts, on the other hand, can hold up to 1100 lbs.
Q: Why is my bunk bed wobbling?
A: If you experience unwanted wobbling on your bunk bed, it is usually because of loose screws and bolts. Check them immediately to avoid any accidents.
