How to Choose a Bunk Bed? – 8 Step Guide for Parents

Every parent who has two kids at home and limited square footage has probably considered getting a bunk bed at one point or another. Bunk beds can sleep two people comfortably, but only take up the space of one. They save space and are fun for kids, that’s why many parents love them.

When you start shopping for a bunk bed you’ll notice that there is a wide choice of options available. However, before you choose the perfect one for your kid’s room here is a simple guide that we recommend reading first.

1. Check the bed’s dimensions

Get your measuring tape out and check how much free space there is in your kid’s room. Another very important factor you should consider is how high is your ceiling. If the ceiling is low, there is a risk that the child sleeping on the top bunk might bump his/her head there. In this case you might consider getting a “low bunk bed”, which is lower to the ground, where the bottom bunk touches the floor. Make sure you have check what is the length, width, and height of the bunk bed, before you buy it, so it will fit in your space as planned.

2. Size of the bunk bed

The most popular size if you have two kids at home is: twin over twin. It will fit a twin size mattress, which measures: 38″ wide by 75″ long. But you can also find: a full over full, a twin over full, or a twin over queen bunk bed. If you have on older kid or teenager at home, they might want to have more room when sleeping. Or if you have three kids, two of them can sleep on a full or queen size bottom bunk, while one can sleep on top. Choosing the correct size, will help you accommodate your kids, sleepover guests, and family visiting during the holidays.

3. Child’s age & safety

Only children who are older than 6 years old should be sleeping on the top bunk. This is a safety recommendation given by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The reason behind this is that children who are under 6 years of age, don’t have the coordination developed yet to climb down safely or stop themselves from falling.

4. Stairs vs. ladder

Most bunk beds come with a ladder, which is either slanted or attached in a full upright position. But you can also find beds with stairs, which have wide steps making climbing up and getting down easier. Another reason why some parents prefer stairs, is that usually have have built in drawers under each step, giving you extra storage space.

No matter which option you choose: stairs or ladder, make sure you check on which side it’s located: right or left side? Some beds give you the option to change the location during assembly, however others have a fixed ladder/stairs location.

5. Material

You can find bunk beds manufactured from metal, solid wood, manufactured wood (MDF), or a combination of these. Metal bunk beds usually have a lower price compared to wooden ones, so if you’re on a tight budget this is a good option to consider. You’ll be able to find different colors as well, from: black, white, grey, to natural wood, cherry, espresso, walnut, and other fun colors such as: pink and blue.

6. Weight capacity

Make sure you check with the manufacturer or retailer, what is the maximum weight capacity for each the top and bottom bed, before you buy it. The weight capacity will vary depending on the materials used and the design of the bed. For example, 180 lbs might be the given weight capacity for the top bunk bed, while 200 lbs for the bottom bed. This means that the person sleeping there should not exceed it, otherwise it will become unsafe to use.

7. Is the bunk bed detachable?

One cool feature that you should keep in mind when making up your choice, is that some bunk beds can be detached and separated into two single beds. This means that once your kids grow older and don’t want to sleep on a bunk bed any more or want to have their own bedroom, you can detach it and separate it into two beds. You won’t have to buy new furniture and you can just re-use the bunk bed again.

8. Trundle bed

If your kids have frequent sleepover guests, or you have family visiting often, you might want to consider getting a trundle bed. It stays tucked in under the bottom bunk bed, and when you need it, just roll it out and you’ll have an extra sleeping space ready! Before you buy a trundle unit, check it’s dimensions so you’re sure it will fit under the bed. Also, you’ll need to get a mattress, which shouldn’t exceed a certain height, so double check what size and depth the mattress should be, before you order it.

Other things to consider when choosing a bunk bed:

There is lots to be said about choosing a bunk bed, and we wanted to make our guide as complete as possible, that’s why we’re adding more tips for you to take into consideration.

Storage

If your kids’ bedroom is short on storage space, you can get a bunk bed with underbed storage drawers or a large trundle unit (without placing a mattress inside). If you choose not to buy it with drawers, you can still store some boxes or bins under the bed, depending on the underbed clearance.

Bunk bed accessories

Two popular bunk bed accessories you might want to look into are curtains or tents, and a clip on shelf for the top bunk. There lots of pretty curtains and tents, in different colors (pink, blue, etc), in addition there are some that look like a castle! The clip on shelf, is pretty handy for the child that’s sleeping on the top bunk, because they’ll have a place where they can put away books, clock, or other items they want to have close by.

Different designs

• L-shape bunk bed – this type is meant to be placed in the corner of a room, since it has an “L-shape”. Usually there is also a desk built in, utilizing the space even more.
• Triple bunk bed or three tier bunk bed – can accommodate and sleep three kids comfortably. Sometimes a twin over full or a twin over queen is also called a triple bunk bed, because three kids can sleep there. However, you can also buy a three tier bunk bed, which is made up of three twin size beds stacked in 3 levels.
• Bunk bed with futon – this is a very cool bed, that consists of a twin size bed on top and a futon on bottom, which you can convert into a full size sleeper. It’s a great option for teens or for a guest room, since the futon or couch can be used for relaxing and chilling out, but also has the option to be used a full size sleeper when you have guests over. You can check out some cool futon bunk beds here.

Hopefully our guide has been helpful and you’re now ready to make an informed decision about which type of bunk bed is right for your kids. Don’t forget to check out our selection of bunk beds, which includes some beautiful and practical options.