Best Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a simple solution for saving space in a small apartment or bedroom. They stack beds on top of one another to increase the number of sleep surfaces without enlarging the footprint. Whether you have multiple children sharing a bedroom or regular house guests, a bunk bed can be a convenient way to accommodate more people in less space.

The best bunk beds are usually constructed with high-quality materials, like metal or solid wood. They need to be durable enough to support the weight of multiple sleepers and mattresses, and they should include safety features, such as sturdy ladders or stairs and strong guardrails.

There are many different types of bunk beds on the market. Each type has a unique construction that affects its price, ease of assembly, and durability. We’ll explain what to look for in a bunk bed and break down the types of compatible mattresses, critical safety features, and other key considerations.

In-Depth Reviews

What Is a Bunk Bed?

A bunk bed consists of two bed frames designed to affix on top of one another. Access to the top bunk usually requires a ladder or stairs. The main advantage of bunk beds is that they save floor space.

These stackable beds are especially popular among parents whose children share a bedroom. However, many adults also use bunk beds. Those who like to entertain can accommodate more friends and family by investing in a bunk bed. Likewise, people who rent out their homes can use bunk beds to allow for extra guests.

While standard twin over twin bunk beds are common, shoppers have plenty of other options to choose from that may better suit their needs. Different configurations may include combinations of twin, full, queen, and even king sizes. Some also include storage underneath the bottom bunk to help save closet space.

Mattress type is a critical factor to consider before purchasing a bunk bed. Most bunk beds require low-profile mattresses. Heavy mattresses can pose serious risks for sleepers on both the top and bottom bunks. Buyers should pay attention to their bunk bed’s weight limits to ensure safety. While bunk beds are typically made of durable metal and/or wood, they may not hold up under excessive weight.

Choosing the right bunk bed for your family comes down to lifestyle, personal preference, and budget.

How to Choose a Bunk Bed

Understanding what you need in a bunk bed is the first step in narrowing down your options. A bunk bed designed for two small children is different in construction, price, and style than one for adult sleepers.

Once you decide on the main reasons you want a bunk bed, establishing a budget is your next step. In addition to the structure itself, you’ll need mattresses, which can increase the expense. We recommend comparing bunk bed models to find the option that best suits your needs.

What to Look For in a Bunk Bed

Bunk beds are available in various constructions, styles, and price-points. You should consider key factors before purchasing a new bed.

The structure needs to be sturdy enough to support the sleep surfaces. Bunk beds constructed with low-quality materials are vulnerable to damage and may even pose a safety risk.

Additionally, certain mattresses are not compatible with bunk beds. Due to the height of the guardrails, most bunk beds require thinner mattresses. This will also allow sleepers more headroom.

Personal style, ease of assembly, noise levels, and other factors may also influence which bunk bed you’d prefer. We’ll detail some of the most critical criteria.

Bed Sizes
Most modern bunk beds are designed for twin, twin XL, or full mattresses, though some can accommodate larger sizes. Since some bunk beds hold different mattress sizes in the top and bottom, shoppers should review the specifications of the bed before buying new mattresses.

Quality Materials
High-quality materials are essential for a sturdy bunk bed. Metal and wood are the two most popular materials used in their construction. Both are generally strong and durable, but wood tends to last longer and produce less noise. Meanwhile, metal typically takes up less space and allows for higher weight limits.

Safety
Safety is the most important factor to consider when choosing a bunk bed. Poorly constructed models are safety hazards for sleepers on both surfaces. A durable frame is crucial for the bunk bed to withstand the weight of the mattresses and their occupants, and owners should abide by the weight limits provided by the manufacturer. The thickness of the mattress can also make a difference. Most bunk beds require low-profile models to ensure the guardrail is higher than the sleep surface.

Style
Shoppers can choose from a broad range of bunk bed styles and colors. Some are constructed with a minimalist metal design, while others have a more traditional wooden construction. They may include ladders, stairs, underbed storage, and/or more unique features, like slides.

Price
Bunk bed prices can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but most fall between $300 and $900. Quality and type of materials, bed size, and special features affect the cost of a bunk bed. When deciding on a budget, shoppers should keep in mind that they’ll also need appropriately sized mattresses.

Ease of Assembly
Overly complex assembly is not only time-consuming, but it can also result in a poorly put-together bed. Most manufacturers include detailed assembly instructions to simplify the process. If you’re concerned about putting the bed together, you may prefer to pay for in-home assembly or select a model designed for easy construction.

Weight Capacity
Check the weight capacity of both the top and bottom bunks before buying a bed. Each should have a specified weight limit. Too much weight on the bunks is a safety hazard since it could cause structural collapse. Keep in mind that both the weight of the mattress and the weight of the sleeper contribute to the total capacity.

Noise
Since bunk beds are designed for more than one person, a component creaking under pressure can disrupt multiple sleepers simultaneously. Noise is often the result of low-quality materials or subpar construction. In many cases, looking over the frame carefully to assure you’ve assembled it properly can help. Because wood bunk beds are generally heavier than metal, they tend to be slightly quieter.

Types of Bunk Beds

With many different types to choose from, bunk beds can suit nearly any lifestyle. They’re available in a wide variety of designs and styles for individuals of all ages. While most bunk beds can accommodate at least two sleepers, some can comfortably support more. Whether you have a small studio apartment or children sharing a bedroom, many types of bunk beds can fit your needs and your space.

Standard Bunk Bed

A standard bunk bed supports two twin size mattresses. Most include a ladder that connects the two bunks, but select models have stairs. Standard bunk beds are typically the most affordable variety with options starting at around $200.

Some standard bunk beds are designed to separate, which may make them ideal for families with changing needs.

Twin Over Full Bunk Bed

A twin over full is a bunk bed that can accommodate up to three people without occupying a large footprint. The twin in the top bunk sits over a full size bottom bunk.

This design may appeal to families with children of different ages, parents who like to lie in bed with their children to comfort them or read bedtime stories, and anyone who frequently hosts guests.

Prices vary for twin over full bunk beds, but most quality choices start at around $300. Keep in mind that purchasing a twin and a full mattress costs more than buying two twins, and the setup will require more space than a standard bunk bed.

Full Over Full Bunk Bed

The construction of a full over full bunk bed is nearly identical to that of a standard twin over twin bed. However, these slightly larger bunk beds can accommodate two full size mattresses. Depending on the weight capacity, this style may be able to support up to four sleepers, but most are designed to accommodate one average-sized adult per sleep surface.

Full over full bunk beds are usually best suited for older children sharing a bedroom and families that need extra sleep surfaces for guests. While full over full bunks provide extra room to move around, they also take up more floor space and are usually more expensive, starting at around $400.

Triple Bunk Bed

As the name suggests, a triple bunk bed is constructed with three bunks. Traditionally, each bunk stacks on top of one another to save floor space. However, other configurations reduce the overall height by occupying a wider footprint. Most triple bunks accommodate three twin mattresses.

Triple bunks stacked vertically usually include guardrails around the middle and top bunks along with two ladders. However, this style usually has more limited headspace. Many triple bunk beds are also detachable, making them a popular choice for families with changing needs. A high-quality triple bunk bed typically costs at least $400.

Futon Bunk Bed

Constructed with a bed on top and a futon-style sofa on the bottom, futon bunk beds are the ultimate space-savers for families who want to maximize their floor space. The top bunk typically holds a twin or a full mattress. Meanwhile, the futon is a sofa that pulls out into a bed.

The main benefit of this design is that it offers the flexibility to transition between a living and a sleeping space. However, their dimensions may vary, so it’s important to check the measurements before purchasing. These bunk beds typically cost $450 or more.

Desk Bunk Bed

Desk bunk beds are popular for students, adults in studio apartments, and individuals with a combined office and bedroom because they include a bed lofted over a desk. They vary widely in price depending on the size of the lofted bed and the quality of materials, but most cost at least $500.