Bunk Bed Buying Guide

Bunk beds are a great small space solution for bedrooms. Whether you have one or more young children, children of various ages, college-age students, or a need to host extra people at holiday time, discover a variety of bunk bed styles to fit your needs.

Why a Bunk Bed?

Every kid wants a bunk bed at some point. And we’re happy to say the kids are right on this one. Bunk beds are incredible space savers, and they can make sharing a bedroom much more fun. Even if your child doesn’t have to share a room, bunk beds are perfect for sleepovers and accommodating extra house guests.

Shopping Tip

Before you purchase a bunk bed, be sure to measure the floor to ceiling space of the room the bunk bed will go in. Allow at least 2 feet of space between the top bunk and the ceiling.

Bunk Bed Sizes

Bunk beds come in several sizes and configurations. The most common bunk bed size is twin over twin, but twin over full and full over full options are also common. Take into consideration your kids’ ages and how their needs will change in the next few years, as well as height, bedroom size, and floor space with your other furniture pieces.

Twin Over Twin Bunk Beds

A twin over twin bunk bed is a standard twin size bed stacked upon another standard twin size bed. The dimensions vary, but average twin over twin bunk bed dimensions are 68″H x 42″W x 80″L. Perfect for kids sharing a room or for sleepovers, standard twin bunk beds comfortably accommodate a single sleeper on each level.

Twin Over Full Bunk Beds

A twin over full bunk bed is a standard twin size bed stacked upon a standard full size bed. From guest rooms to kids rooms, a twin-over-full bunk bed provides more sleeping space without taking up additional space.

Full Over Full Bunk Beds

A full over full bunk bed consists of a standard full size bed stacked upon another full size bed. The dimensions vary, but average full over full bunk bed dimensions are 68″H x 60″W x 80″L. A full over full bunk bed easily sleeps two people per level.

Bunk Bed Materials

Most bunk beds will be constructed of either wood or metal. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to be aware of those when deciding which material is right for you.

Wood Bunk Beds

Wooden bunk beds come in a wide array of wood types, from cherry to pine to hardwood, as well as a number of finishes, making it easy to find a bunk bed to complement any design style. The durable and sturdy frame of wood bunk beds means they will last for years, but that also means they can be cumbersome to move.

Metal Bunk Beds

Metal frame bunk beds are usually constructed of tubular metal and are lighter than wooden bunk beds. They also tend to be less expensive, but can become squeaky over time. Metal bunk bed styles tend to be sleek, favoring a more modern and minimalist design style.

Bunk Bed Features and Ideas

Bunk Beds that Separate

Some bunk beds can convert into two beds, which is an ideal feature as children grow up and needs change.

Bunk Beds with Stairs

Bunk beds with stairs as an alternative to ladders are becoming more and more popular, making them an ideal option for both parents and small children. Not only are stairs safer than ladders, but also they often provide additional storage space with extra shelving and drawers.

Bunk Beds with Storage Drawers

Contain and organize under-the-bed clutter with storage drawers. These spacious drawers provide extra storage for clothes and toys and cut down on under-the-bed messes.

Bunk Beds with Trundle

A bunk bed with a trundle instantly increases the sleeping capacity of a room. A trundle bed consists of a mattress fitted into a pull-out drawer situated under the bottom bunk. When not in use, the trundle bed conveniently tucks away.

Low Bunk Beds

Low bunk beds are roughly 10 to 12 inches shorter than a traditional bunk bed and are a great option for smaller children. Low bunk beds are especially useful in spaces with low ceilings or a ceiling fan.

Colorful Bunk Beds

Give your child’s bedroom a punch of color with a bunk bed finished in a bold color. Furniture painted in a fun color makes a kids room more playful and youthful.

L-Shaped Bunk Beds

Maximize your room’s space with a functional L-shaped bunk bed. Many styles feature space for up to four mattresses, making these bunks ideal for children’s rooms and dorms. A built-in ladder, under-bed desk, storage drawers, or a futon adds extra convenience.

Bunk Bed Safety

Bunk beds maximize space in bedrooms and can create a fun, casual environment. However, because of their elevated design, bunk beds come with a certain element of risk. Bunk beds are designed with safety features to reduce this risk, but awareness and adherence to safety guidelines are essential to minimizing injuries.

Bunk Bed Safety Tips

Follow instructions carefully when assembling a new bunk bed.

Always use guard rails on both sides.

Ensure mattress surface is at least 5 inches below upper edge of guardrails.

Use only properly sized, manufacturer-recommended mattresses.

A bunk bed mattress should not be over 8 inches thick, including the mattress surface and foundation combined.

Allow only children 6 years or older to sleep on upper bunks.

Make sure the ladder is amply wide and permanently attached to the frame.

Make sure no openings are wide enough for a child's head or torso to pass through.

Prohibit more than one person on the upper bunk.

Prohibit horseplay on or under the beds.

Discuss safety concerns and the proper usage of bunk beds with your children.

*Note that this is not a comprehensive list. This is a list of things to consider while shopping for a bunk bed. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission for an in-depth look at bunk bed safety concerns.

Bunk Bed Safety Standards

Mandatory standards for bunk beds are intended to improve safety for the hundreds of thousands of children who use them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires all bunk beds sold in the United States to comply with the following standards:

Every bunk bed must have a warning label that advises against placing children under 6 years of age in the upper bunk.
Always use guard rails on both sides.
If the bunk bed is taller than 30 inches, it must have a continuous guardrail on the wall side of bed.
Openings on the upper and the lower bunks must be small enough that a child’s head, torso, or limb cannot pass through them.

Ready to expand your sleeping capacity? A bunk bed may be the perfect solution. Keep these features and tips in mind as you shop for the perfect bunk bed design. With so many styles and options available, you’re sure to find the ideal bunk bed setup for your space.

Shop Bunk Beds at Hayneedle

Find even more bed shopping inspiration…

Bunk beds aren’t just for kids. Check out the Loft Beds for Adults Buying Guide.
Exploring all the available bed options? See every style in our Bed Buying Guide.
See how one designer created a Camping-Inspired Kids Bedroom using bunk beds and more.