The Best Places to Buy Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are great for rooms for children and are available in a wide variety of designs. There are triple bunks, or futon bunks, in small spaces, as well as the traditional twin-overtwin design.

When selecting a bunk bed, consider the capacity for weight. Most bunk beds have an upper limit of 400 pounds for each mattress. However there are some options with heavier weight limits for older children and teenagers.

1. Amazon

Bunk beds are an excellent option for parents who want to make space in a bedroom that is small or for kids who want to add a fun touch to their bedroom. There are many options, including full-overfull or twin-overtwin designs. Some bunk beds have slides. Think about a twin over twin that has guard rails in the event that your children are less than six years old or even toddler bunk beds.

You'll need to consider whether you require storage or if safety and durability are essential. Nikki Njeri Klugh is the principal designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group Inc. She says that durability is the main thing you should be looking for when choosing the right bunk bed. The structure must be constructed out of metal or wood, and be strong enough to hold a full-size mattress, she says.

If you are considering a bunk bed, it's important to consider the size of your space and how tall you'd like the upper bed to be. If you have low-ceilinged rooms pick an loft bed that is closer to the ground or with stairs instead of a ladder. Dr. Mehrin Ahmed, a pediatric emergency doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian, recommends that the top bunk has side rails so the person sleeping there doesn't fall.

If you're looking for a low-cost bunk bed, consider this option from IKEA that comes with an easy frame and a ladder that is positioned on either side of the bed. It also meets CPSC safety standards and industry standards. Upgrade to a larger model that can accommodate two people and has built-in drawers beneath the bed at an additional cost.

2. Target

Bunk beds and lofts are great space savers for children's rooms and make the room more exciting. You can find a variety of styles of finishes, designs and configurations at Target. Find options that include shelves, storage or other options besides sleeping quarters. You'll also find options that can accommodate the twin trundle bed beneath, ideal for sleepovers.

There are traditional twin-over-twin bunk beds at Target and full-over-full beds that work well in larger rooms. No matter what size you pick, it's important to consider your ceiling's height. Dr. Colleen K. Kraft, pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian, suggests that you ensure that the bunks will fit in your space, and there's enough space to safely climb up and down. If you have a ceiling that is low, you may want to select a model that is specifically designed for this kind of space.

Another aspect to be considered when shopping for a bunk or loft bed is the weight limit for the upper bunk. Daxter bunks from Pottery Barn Kids are rated at 165 pounds, which is less than other brands. The Oeuf Perch bunk bed, for instance, is built of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sustainable Baltic birch plywood and eco-friendly medium density fiberboard and has a weight limit of 250 pounds on the top bunk, which is more than other options.

Wood or metal can be used to build loft and bunk beds. Steel beds are more durable but are more noisy and colder than wood. Certain bunk beds made of wood are GreenGuard Gold certified.

3. Wayfair

Sturdy, flexible and fashionable, bunk beds are a practical and space-saving sleeping option for both adults and children alike. There are numerous options, from twin-overtwins to full-size lofts that have the lower bed set in an L-shaped. Some come with additional features, such as storage or a sofa bed under (like the Crate Barrel Babyletto White and Washed Wood Kids Bunk Bed).

While deciding on what kind of bunk bed that's suitable for you might be the most difficult aspect but there are a variety of other things to consider. You'll have to decide whether you have enough space to accommodate a full-size bunk bed at the bottom, and what type of ladder you'd like to use. You'll also need to take into consideration the weight capacity of the beds. Since bunk beds can be quite heavy, it's important to make sure that the top and bottom beds can support at least two individuals.

To help you find the perfect bunk bed for your home, we enlisted three experts--including one who wrote the book about bunk beds--to give their opinion. They shared their recommendations for frames that range from twin-over-twin budget models to more expensive ones that include a slide or even a futon.

Choose bunk beds that are made of solid materials, such as plywood or kiln dried wood. Don't forget to think about safety features, like guardrails both on the sides of the frame and a sturdy, non-slip ladder. Also, think about the amount of storage space you'd like to find in your bunk beds, as some have under-bed trundles that can be pulled out to accommodate additional guests who want to sleep over.

4. Crate Barrel

Bunk and loft beds for kids create fun, functional spaces for sleeping and play that save space in smaller rooms. These beds are perfect for shared bedrooms, cottage/coastal décor, rustic log cabins, farmhouse and log Barnwood styles. Find wooden loft and bunk beds of various sizes, including twin over twin and full-over-full models. Some bunk beds have storage solutions such as under-bed drawers or a trundle that can roll out. Many include a ladder or staircase, which must be sturdy and durable enough to hold the weight of children who climb it.

Some bunk beds and loft beds for kids include desks for kids to do their homework or other activities. Some bunk beds and loft beds come with built-in wardrobes which can be used as storage of clothes. A lot of bunk and loft beds for kids come with a range of colorful paint finishes, so parents can choose the one that is most appropriate to their kiddos' rooms. Bunk and loft beds for kids can also be customized with a variety of features like ladder or stairways storage drawers, or an upholstery headboard.

Bunk and loft beds for kids are great for rooms with high ceilings. However, they can be difficult to move around in smaller bedrooms. Pick beds that have a minimum ceiling height of eight feet to ensure your child's safety climbing up the frame. Most loft and bunk beds are designed for children aged 6 and over who are able to safely adhere to the appropriate bedtime guidelines while sleeping on the top of the bed.

Crate and Barrel housewares and furniture stores offer bunk and loft beds for children that blend with traditional and contemporary home decor. Explore a variety of bedroom furniture, kid's decor and toys at the New York area Crate and Barrel store in Soho or at the Manhasset location. Include the crib on the baby's registry if hoping to receive free design services as well as a 10% discount on the completed crib.

5. IKEA

Whether you're in the market for a traditional twin-over-twin bed or a more unique one, IKEA offers a variety of options. The Daxter cottage-style bunk bed from IKEA is a great option for families on a limited budget. It comes with angles for ladders, guardrails and plenty of space underneath for storage solutions, but it's shorter than some other alternatives on our list. It may not be suitable for kids younger than six years old.

The Mydal Bunk Bed is another great option. It can be incorporated into rooms that have lower ceilings because of its compact design and low ladder height. It's also less expensive than other models and provides an abundance of flexibility due to its movable side panels and drawers. The only drawback is that it does not have an under-bed storage unit, but there's enough room underneath for you to add your own solutions.

For bunk beds that are more traditional, Pottery Barn Kids has a good selection of twin-over-full styles that can be an ideal option for siblings who live together but want their own room. These bunk beds are typically equipped with a standard ladder or staircase, and rails on the top bed to ensure security. They also come in a wide range of finishes to complement any decor.

If you're interested in saving more space and providing your children with the opportunity to have a space to hang out and play, consider bunk beds that have extra features, such as a desk or stairs that can be converted into a storage compartment. Some bunk beds can include a trundle, which pulls out from under the mattress and gives you the possibility of sleeping three or four people in one room.