Now that we have the important questions out of the way, let’s move on to some designs that have our attention.
Veronika names this as one of her all-time favorite bunk beds for several reasons. “You can get a matching trundle bed, which is amazing if you need to accommodate three kids, or as extra sleeping space for sleepovers,” she says. “It also has a matching bookcase that attaches to the bed. It’s simple, minimalist and sustainably made in Europe.”
This design comes in two colors: white and natural washed, and black and natural walnut. The contrast of the staircase gives it a chic vibe, offering a little more life than the themed designs on the market. Veronika notes that this is “a cheaper version of the Oeuf Perch bed”. You also have the option of adding a trundle bed.
Available in five colors (espresso, natural, white, blue, and gray) and with two easy-access drawers for increased storage space, this wooden bunk bed designed for twin mattresses has a lot to love. The solid pine design does not require a box spring, making it a better choice for rooms with lower ceilings.
If you have a low ceiling, we recommend that you consider a design that has the bottom bunk located directly on the floor. A low bunk bed, like this one from West Elm, also has the power to make your ceilings look even higher. The ultra-minimal Milo bunk bed comes in two colors: the monochromatic “plain white” and another that comes with a “pebble” top bunk.
Alternatively, if you have a lot of ceiling height and want to make a statement, get ready to fall in love with this design from Sarah Sherman Samuel’s collaboration with West Elm. “You’ll have to have the perfect layout because it doesn’t look like the ladder could be anywhere else,” says Veronika. “So make sure you have room to access the ladder on the right side.”
This, right here, is the wooden bunk bed of so many children’s dreams. It is imaginative, evoking days of playing dress-up and the house. “It’s something that inspires play,” says Veronika, “but it requires enough ceiling height that it might not work for every bedroom.” That is, check your measurements and then cheer yourself up. It comes in three colors—white, brushed gray, and gradient navy—and doesn’t lean too far into the theme—the minimal silhouette will stand the test of time.
Sometimes two beds just don’t cut it…so go for three (or more). You don’t have to put another bed on top to add sleeping space – make the most of a corner and invest in an L-shaped bunk station. This Homaapack design even has drawers for extra storage. In our opinion, it’s the ultimate pajama center.
If you often have guests over, both younger children and adults, consider investing in a bunk bed that speaks to all ages. Place your young guests in the top bunk (which comes in a twin or full bed) and leave the queen bed on the bottom for taller sleepers. We didn’t think you could get two more different trundle beds in one design, but here we are.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind swapping solid wood for a metal bunk bed, check out this twin over twin bunk bed. With over 4,500 reviews (with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5), the construction is stable and the mattresses sit on top of sturdy metal slats. The metal frame is simple and elegant, which means your sleepers won’t get old of the design in a few months.
Sometimes buying into the bunkhouse lifestyle isn’t about having two beds; there are many things to do with the space that is saved when you bring a bed. This IKEA design is tried and true, transforming the space under the bed into a workstation with tons of extra storage.
Sleek and sculptural, this is one bunk bed design you won’t be tempted to ditch the moment your child outgrows a twin-sized bed. The best part? The silhouette and minimal color palette mean they won’t clash with an ever-changing room theme.
Bunk beds on the stairs are nice, there’s no getting around that. The other advantage? They add a safer way to climb into the top bunk. This design comes in five colors and, at 50 inches tall, is especially great for rooms with low ceilings.
Some IKEA designs reach icon status within months of hitting the website. This bunk bed is one of those icons, thanks to how beautifully simple and versatile it is, giving it a chameleon-like ability to blend into any style of room. It is made of solid pine wood and many reviewers praise its easy installation and durable design.
Elegant grey, minimalist natural, elegant white, rich espresso or traditional blue – there are plenty of solid color options here. Anchored by a set of storage drawers, this bunk bed’s high-quality pine wood construction supports up to 400 pounds on each bunk. Also, the angled ladder makes it very easy to climb to the upper sleeping space.
There’s something so fresh about this hot pink bunk bed, but there’s a lot more to love than just the color palette (for something a little less bold, go for the classic blue option). Best for the kid’s room, this bunk bed was made for sleepovers. There are metal slats for solid support and can be used with or without a box spring. Weight capacity also makes this an option for some adults: the top bunk holds up to 300 pounds and the bottom bunk is designed to hold up to 450 pounds.
What we love about this bed frame is that it wouldn’t look bad in an adult bedroom. Made of sturdy metal with handrails and a sturdy side ladder, there are three sizes to choose from with this design: full, double over double or double over double. This would be great for one of those guest rooms we described above – the one your niece occupies one week and your older brother the next.
