What Experts From The Field Want You To Know

The Best Places to Buy Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a great option for rooms for children and come in a broad variety of styles. There are triple bunks, or futon bunks, in small spaces, as well in the traditional twin-over-twin design.

Consider the weight capacity when choosing a bunk bed. Most bunk beds can support an upper limit of 400 pounds per mattress. However there are some options with higher weight limits for children who are older and teenagers.

1. Amazon

Bunk beds are a great option for parents who want to free up space in a bedroom that is small or for kids who want to add a fun touch to their bedroom. There are many options available, including full-overfull and twin-overtwin designs. Some bunk beds have a slide. Think about a twin over twin with guard rails if your children are under six years old, or a toddler bunk beds.

In addition to choosing the best childrens bunk beds bunk bed, you'll want to consider whether you require storage or are you concerned regarding safety or durability. Nikki Njeri Klugh is the chief designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group Inc. She believes that durability is the main thing you should look for when choosing the right bunk bed. The structure should be constructed of metal or wood and be strong enough to hold a full-size mattress, she says.

When considering a bunk bed, it's important to note the size of your room and the height you would like your upper bed to be. If you have rooms with low ceilings opt for a loft bed that is closer to the ground or one with stairs rather than 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 are looking for a bunk bed that is affordable, IKEA offers this option. It is a basic frame with a ladder on either side. It also meets CPSC safety standards as well as industry standards. You can upgrade to a bigger model for a cost that sleeps two people and includes drawers built into the under-bed for storage.

2. Target

Lofts and bunk beds are great ways to save space in children's rooms and make the space more enjoyable. You can find a variety of styles of finishes, sizes and designs at Target. You can find options that provide shelves, storage or other features, in addition to sleeping spaces. There are also options that can accommodate a twin trundle bed underneath perfect for sleepovers.

Target offers twin-overtwin bunk beds and a full-overfull option to accommodate larger rooms. Regardless of the size you select, it's important to consider your ceiling's height. You want to ensure the bunks will fit in your space and there is enough clearance to be able to safely step into and out of them, says Dr. Colleen Kraft, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian. If you have a room with low ceilings, you might require a model with ladders designed specifically for this kind of space.

Another aspect to be considered when looking for a loft or bunk bed is the weight limit of the upper bunk. Daxter bunks from Pottery Barn Kids are rated at 165 pounds, which is less than other brands. The Oeuf Perch is made from sustainable Baltic Birch plywood from the Forest Stewardship Council and eco-friendly medium density fiberboard. It has the weight limit of 250 pounds on the top bunk. This is higher than other brands.

Wood or metal can be used to construct loft and bunk beds. Steel beds are more durable, however they can feel colder and noisier than wood beds. Certain bunk beds made of wood are GreenGuard Gold certified.

3. Wayfair

Bunk beds are durable and versatile. They can be used by adults and children to save space. From standard twin-over-twin options to full-size lofts that include the lower bed in an L-shaped shape, a myriad of options are available. Some have other features, such as storage or a futon under (like our top pick, the Crate & Barrel Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed).

While deciding on what kind of bunk bed that's suitable for you may be the most difficult aspect but there are a variety of other factors to consider. For example, you'll want to determine if there's enough enough space for a full-size bottom bunk, and what type of ladder you'd like. You'll need to consider the weight capacity of your beds. As bunks are quite heavy, you'll want to ensure that both the top and bottom beds can hold at least two people.

To help you find the perfect bunk bed for your home, we asked three experts--including an author who wrote the book on bunk beds to weigh in. They recommended a few of their top frames including budget-friendly twin-overtwin models to more expensive ones that include a slide and even a futon.

To ensure safety, look for a bed frame constructed from solid materials, such as top-quality wood or kiln dried wood, and don't forget the safety features, like guardrails on both sides of the frame and a sturdy ladder with a non-slip surface. It is also important to consider the amount of storage space you'd like to have in your bunk beds, since some have under-bed trundles that are able to be pulled out to accommodate more guests staying over.

4. Crate & Barrel

Bunk and loft beds are ideal for securing space in tiny rooms and creating enjoyable places to sleep and play. These beds are perfect for shared bedrooms, cottage/coastal decor rustic log cabin, farmhouse, and log Barnwood styles. Find wooden loft and bunk beds in various sizes, including twin over twin and full-over-full models. Some bunk beds include storage solutions such as under-bed drawers or a trundle that can roll out. Many have stairs or ladders that needs to be sturdy and durable to withstand the weight children.

Some bunk beds and loft beds for kids include desks where kids can complete their homework or do other activities. Some bunk beds and loft beds come with built-in wardrobes which can be used as clothing storage. Many bunk and loft beds for children are available in various paint finishes so that parents can pick the one they prefer best bunk. Loft and bunk beds for kids include stair and ladder designs as along with storage drawers as well as upholstered headboards.

Loft beds and bunk beds for kids are ideal for rooms with high ceilings. However, they can be difficult to move in smaller bedrooms. Choose beds with a minimum ceiling height of eight feet to ensure your child's safety when climbing the frame. The majority of bunk beds and loft beds are designed for kids aged 6 and over, who can safely adhere to a strict bedtime routine while sleeping on top.

Crate and Barrel furniture and housewares stores provide loft and bunk beds that are a perfect match for traditional and contemporary decor. Crate and Barrel stores in New York's Soho and Manhasset offer a wide selection of furniture accessories, decor and toys. If you're expecting a baby ensure you include the crib on the registry of your child to receive design assistance for free and 10% completion discount.

5. IKEA

IKEA has a wide range of bunk beds, from the classic twin-overtwin or more innovative alternatives. The Daxter cottage-style bunk bed is a great option, particularly for families with a tight budget. It comes with angled ladders, guardrails and plenty of space for storage options, but it is slightly shorter than some other options on our list and may not be suitable for kids younger than six years old.

The Ikea Mydal Bunk Bed is a different option. It can fit in rooms that have lower ceilings because of its small size and low ladder height. It's also more affordable than other models and comes with an abundance of flexibility because of its side panels and drawers. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with an under-bed storage unit however there's plenty of room underneath for you to add your own solutions.

For more traditional bunk beds, Pottery Barn Kids has an excellent selection of twin-over-full styles that can be an ideal option for siblings who live close but would like their own space. The bunk beds typically come with the standard ladder or staircase and feature rails for the top of the bed to protect kids who are sleeping on top. They are also available in a variety of finishes to match any decor.

If you're looking to conserve space and provide your children with the space to play, pick bunk beds that have extra features, like a desk, or stairs that can be converted into a storage space. Some bunk beds come with the option of a trundle which can be pulled out from under the bottom. This allows you to sleep up to four people in the same space.