The Best Bunk Beds to Reimagine a Living Space

Best Overall: Walker Edison Solid Wood Twin Bunk Bed

4.4

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot

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.

Best Trundle: Harper and Bright Designs Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed with Stairway, Trundle, and Storage Drawers

View On Amazon View On Overstock

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.

Best with Desk: Pottery Barn Teen Sleep & Study Loft Bed

View On PBteen

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.

Best L-Shaped: Harriet Bee Otha L-shaped Bunk Bed with Built-in Desk and Shelves

View On Wayfair

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.

Best Triple Bunk: Dorel Living Sierra Triple Bunk Bed

View On Amazon

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.

Best Modern: South Shore Furniture Bebble - Modern Bunk Beds

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Overstock

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.