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The Spruce / Zackary Angeline
A quality bunk bed provides double—or sometimes triple—the sleeping area and often maximizes the use of space in a room with built-in cubbies, shelving, or even a desk. We spent hours researching the best bunk beds available online, evaluating quality, design, durability, and overall value.
Here are the best bunk beds.
Best Overall
Walker Edison Solid Wood Twin Bunk Bed
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Amazon
Affordable
Sturdy
Many color options
Difficult assembly
Our best overall pick is the Walker Edison Classic Wood Twin Bunk because it has a classic twin-over-twin setup with 10 color options and 3 configuration options (including a trundle)—all at a surprisingly affordable price tag. Though this bunk bed lacks the storage available with other units, it’s made out of a durable, solid pine frame and has a secure ladder, which is essential for little ones still learning to climb, our tester says. Each twin bed has a weight capacity of 200 pounds, which is also slightly higher than comparable units.
Our tester was particularly fond of the timeless look and affordability of the bunk beds. She said that although she loved the design of the bed, it took almost four hours for her and her partner to piece it together. Our tester suggested having at least one other person nearby to help with assembly and a power drill to speed up the assembly. While the ladder on this bunk bed is very sturdy, according to our tester, she also wished that it was equipped with steps for even more safety for her young son.
When testing the different configurations on this bunk bed, our tester noted that it was easy to separate the twin beds with the help of her partner and when in the traditional bunk configuration, the beds felt stable and sturdy. While the trundle is a separate purchase, our tester said that it would be the perfect addition for sleepovers. All in all, this bed is a reliable design for a fraction of the price of most bunk bed options available.
Price at time of publish: $403
Dimensions: 42 x 80 x 65 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds per bed | Material: Solid wood
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
Best Trundle
Harper and Bright Designs Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed with Stairway, Trundle, and Storage Drawers
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Amazon
Stairs for safety and storage
Easy pull-out trundle
Includes safety rails and handrails
Sturdy
Four color options
Visible screws
If you're looking for a bunk bed with a trundle setup, this option from Harper & Bright checks all the boxes. The trundle model lets you sleep three with the footprint of a single bed, and this unit suits children of all ages. The easy pull-out trundle and the stairs are easier for younger kids who may struggle climbing a ladder, but the unit is durable enough to support teenagers. The integrated stairs also maximize storage capability with three drawers for storing children's clutter or guests' belongings.
Users will also appreciate how the stairs are attached to the end of the frame, so climbers will not interfere with sleepers on the bottom bunk. This bunk bed measures 61.4 inches tall and has weight limits of 175 pounds for the top bunk and 275 pounds for the bottom bunk.
Price at time of publish: $600
Dimensions: 94.4 x 42.4 x 61.4 inches | Weight Capacity: 175 pounds for the top bunk and twin trundle bed, 275 pounds for the bottom bunk | Material: Solid pine wood, plywood, MDF board
Best with Desk
Pottery Barn Teen Sleep & Study Loft Bed
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Pottery Barn Teen
Novel office and study features
Spacious storage
Roomy, full-size bunk
Greenguard Gold Certified (low chemical emissions)
Many color options
Expensive
You can snooze and study in this lofty setup from Pottery Barn Teen. Though many L-shaped configurations can accommodate a desk space, few include as many functional and fun features as this package offers.
This setup affords users twice as much desk space as conventional options, and it incorporates other critical components such as easy-access cubbies, shelves, a corkboard, and a pencil drawer for all of your supplies, books, and notes. Not to mention, this bunk bed features a roomy full-size bunk, six finishes to choose from, and a generous weight capacity of 500 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $1,999
Dimensions: 71 x 80.5 x 74 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Solid wood, MDF
Best L-Shaped
Harriet Bee Otha L-shaped Bunk Bed with Built-in Desk and Shelves
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Way Fair
Versatility
Spacious storage
Sturdy
Separate frames
Difficult assembly
Visible hardware
Perpendicularly stacked, L-shaped bunk beds provide a surprising number of versatile, space-saving innovations. This particular model includes space for drawers, shelves, and a desk, so you can sleep, study, and store your possessions in one contained space. The central space below could host the second bed, a cozy reading nook, or a play fort. L-shaped bunks also allow users to capitalize on underutilized corner space and free up central areas of the room for play.
This L-shaped bunk bed has a less obvious super-power, too. Because it doesn't utilize the same frame as the lower bunk, top-bunk climbers can more easily come and go without disturbing the sleeper on the bottom bunk. The top bunk and ladder for this set-up have a weight capacity of 165 pounds, while the bottom bed can support up to 200 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $1600
Dimensions: 42 x 79 x 66 inches | Weight Capacity: 165 pounds for the top bunk and ladder; 200 pounds for the bottom bed | Material: Solid wood
Best Triple Bunk
Dorel Living Sierra Triple Bunk Bed
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Amazon
Optimizes vertical space
Can separate beds
Sturdy
Large gaps between slats
If you have the ceiling clearance for it, there's no better way to optimize space than to opt for a triple bunk bed. The Dorel Living Phoenix Triple Bunk Bed stacks three twin-sized beds into a single tower, though you can also separate the beds into freestanding elements. This function allows the product to serve you longer. As freestanding elements, the beds can host children too young to use a ladder. They can then be combined as children mature or even separated later as children grow into their private bedrooms.
This unit boasts a solid wood frame and a 225-pound weight limit per bed, both of which are conducive to long-term utility.
Price at time of publish: $680
Dimensions: 79.25 x 43.5 x 77.13 inches | Weight Capacity: 225 pounds per bed | Material: Solid wood
Best Modern
South Shore Furniture Bebble - Modern Bunk Beds
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Amazon
Stylish
Sturdy
Generous weight capacity
Pricier than traditional models
Limited color options
For a contemporary look that defies the association of bunk beds with the merely utilitarian, check out the South Shore Bebble Modern Bunk Bed. This sleek, two-toned bunk achieves a modernist, mid-century aesthetic and understated sophistication. Though pricier than more traditional models, the price tag of this sturdy and stylish unit comes in at about half the price of comparable pieces.
Moreover, each bed boasts a weight capacity of 250 pounds, and the unit can be converted into two separate twin pieces, so this setup has the style and sturdiness your child can grow into.
Price at time of publish: $699
Dimensions: 63.75 x 80.5 x 64.4 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds per bed | Material: Solid wood
Best Small
Harper and Bright Designs Twin over Twin Bunk Bed
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Amazon
Lower height than other models
Ladder is flush with the bed
Sturdy
Limited color options
In some smaller rooms, it's necessary to economize on both horizontal and vertical space, which can be a difficult task with some of the towering bunks and lofts out there. (Most bunks require a ceiling clearance of at least 8 feet. This doesn't simply ensure the bed fits; it ensures your child can clamber into it without hitting the ceiling!)
If your room has a low ceiling clearance, you'll want to select a low bunk bed like this model from Harper and Bright Designs. This small bunk measures only 47 inches high—just under 4 feet. Despite its small stature, the combined unit boasts a 400-pound weight capacity.
Keep in mind that a ladder might not be the safest option for younger children. However, the lower bunk is mere inches from the ground, an ideal setup for youngsters transitioning to their first bed.
Price at time of publish: $378
Dimensions: 81.7 x 43.2 x 47.2 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds per bed | Material: Solid pine wood
Our best overall pick is the Walker Edison Classic Wood Twin Bunk, which our tester praised for its classically attractive look and affordable price tag. If you're specifically in the market for a trundle model, the Harper and Bright Designs Twin Bunk Bed (view at Amazon) checks all of the boxes.
What to Look for in a Bunk Bed
Number and Size of Beds
When most people think of bunk beds, they picture two twin beds stacked on top of each other, but there are plenty of alternative configurations out there. For instance, some bunk beds have one bed lofted over a desk or open area, and some models have a third pull-out trundle bed underneath. For this reason, consider how many beds you need as you shop. If shopping for older teens or visiting houseguests, you may also want to consider roomier configurations that incorporate full or queen-sized beds.
Separation
Some bunk beds come as one unit that must remain stacked. If you value versatility, you may want to look into bunk beds that separate into two (or three) normal beds. This can be beneficial if your children may eventually get their own rooms.
Features
Finally, consider integrated features such as shelves, drawers, desks, and cubbies that can help you further conserve space and money you'd otherwise spend on extra furniture. Depending on the age of your child, you may also want to consider play features (or possible add-ons) like slides or tents.
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What kind of mattress goes with bunk beds?
Most bunk bed manufacturers recommend a mattress height of 8 inches (or less) to ensure that the top sleeper is not elevated above the side railings. Following this safety recommendation decreases the risk of the top sleeper rolling out of bed.
If you're adding a bunkie board below the mattress or a mattress topper above it, you'll want to select a mattress that can accommodate the extra inches without exceeding the recommended 8 inches. (Consult the manual supplied with your purchase for guidelines tailored to your specific bunk bed.)
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How tall are bunk beds?
The average bunk bed rises to about 5.5 to 6 feet in height, though there are shorter units (about 4 feet) and taller, triple bed units (about 7 feet). For safety reasons, you should aim to keep at least 2 feet of clearance between the top bunk and the ceiling, so be sure to measure before making your selection.
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Are bunk beds safe?
By and large bunk beds are safe, but accidents do happen. Statistics show that an average of 36,000 bunk-bed-related injuries occurs each year. It's important to note that over half of these injuries occur to children under 5 years of age, so a prime way to mitigate the risk of injury is to use bunk beds for children 6 and up.
When shopping, prioritize recommended safety features like side rails with openings of no more than 15 inches at either end and no more than 3.5 inches between gaps (to prevent strangulation). Opting for a bunk with integrated stairs and a handrail (rather than a ladder) can also increase safety, especially for young children. Finally, always follow the guidelines supplied in the product manual—for example, the recommended mattress height.
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What age is recommended for bunk beds?
Bunk beds are recommended for children 6 years and older. For children younger than 6, bunk beds present a safety hazard due to the danger of falling out as well as the child's inability to climb safely out of the upper bunk.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this roundup, Leslie Joblin evaluated dozens of popular bunk beds, considering criteria such as safety, durability, versatility, and affordability. She also took into account integrated features for storage, play, or study, along with the latest safety recommendations outlined by the Nationwide Children's Hospital.
In addition to reports from our product testers and outside customer reviews, Joblin consulted with Melissa Barling, a lifestyle blogger and the interior decorator behind design studio Winter Daisy. Finally, she selected a range of bunk beds to suit the differing needs and space constraints of potential buyers.