The Best Bunk Beds

The Best Bunk Beds

Talk about nostalgia — while bunk beds are made to maximize space wherever they are, they're also the stuff of sleepovers, weeks at sleepaway camp, and everyday hangouts. Whether you need a bunk for a child's room, college dorm, or tiny apartment, we've rounded up our top picks for bunk beds. Read on for durable bunk beds that will work for a variety of spaces.

Walker Edison Elodie Metal Twin Bunk Bed

Top to bottom

This twin-over-twin bunk is simply designed and works for anyone looking to save on space.
Best Overall

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Think of Walker Edison’s Elodie model as your classic bunk bed with an industrial twist. The stainless steel bunk features integrated guardrails and a high-quality ladder that offers superior stability. The bed can comfortably fit children or adults and fits into most spaces. Assembling this bunk might take some time, and we recommend taking extra care to ensure you’re installing the ladder correctly. However, it’s well worth it in the end to have such a simple but sturdy bunk set up.

Pros:

  • Bunk can be separated into two single beds
  • The railings are good to hang bags, clothes, and blankets from
  • Good height on the bunk, so the bottom bunk occupant has more room to sit up

Cons:

  • Ladder railing is a little thin, and some prefer a piece with a bigger footrest

Max & Lily Wooden Twin Bunk Bed

The stuff of childhood dreams

With a classic, timeless look, this bunk bed adds charm to any children's bedroom.
Best For Kids

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If you’re looking for a simple bunk bed that will add charm to your child’s bedroom, Max & Lily’s is the way to go. The bunk is made of solid New Zealand pine wood and feels incredibly strong, and the matte finish gives it an understated elegance. The angled ladder is especially ideal for children clambering up and down from the bunk, and the wide footrests add extra stability. The guardrails also go up 14 inches, so you can rest assured that kids are getting adequate protection. This bed has a low-loft design that is perfect for kids or rooms with lower ceilings. This bed was made to keep kids safe and sound and look stylish while doing so.

Pros:

  • Comes in a variety of colors to work with any children’s room theme
  • Solid wood construction means this bed is heavy and sturdy
  • Easy and straightforward to assemble

Cons:

  • Only a few inches between the bottom bunk and floor, which limits storage options

DHP Metal Twin Bunk Bed

Save on money and space

This shorter-than-average bunk fits perfectly into small spaces — without breaking the bank.
Best On A Budget

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DHP’s bunk bed was specifically designed for smaller spaces, but don’t underestimate this durable bed’s versatility. The metal slats are secured for extra stability, and the top bunk has full-length guard rails. Despite its shorter height, there’s still enough room under the bottom bunk to fit shoes, flat storage bins, and anything else that’s relatively short that you want to tuck away. We like the sleek, minimal look, which we think would work well in different settings. The bunk is also straightforward to assemble and comes with the one tool you need — plus, the value is hard to beat.

Pros:

  • The number of metal slats means your mattress will feel sturdy
  • Angled ladder makes it easier to climb up and down
  • Comes in different colors

Cons:

  • Bottom bunk doesn’t have any guardrails

Dorel Living Moon Wood Full-Over-Full Bunk Bed

The full picture

This larger-framed bunk was made for comfort, for those who want extra space even with a bunk.
Best Full-Over-Full

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Consider this a bunk bed that’s all grown up. This full-sized bunk bed is made of wood and comes in a muted grey that adds a subtly stylish touch to any room. The wooden slats add extra durability, but it’s the added technological bonus that really does it for us. The bunk features a dual USB charging port that plugs into the nearest wall outlet, making this bunk especially ideal for teenagers who love having their phones nearby. We love that this bunk is spacious, comfortable, and looks great in any setting.

Pros:

  • Can separate the beds into singles
  • Ladder is space-saving but still has flat wooden slats, which make for better and more comfortable footrests
  • Has extra wooden posts to place beneath the bottom bunk for additional support

Cons:

  • Bottom bunk doesn’t have as many slats, so you may want to add more yourself

Harper & Bright Wood Twin-Over-Full Bunk

Over the top

This bunk bed takes it to the next level with a trundle bed and storage shelves on the side.
Best With Trundle

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It turns out bunk beds can get pretty fancy, and Harper & Bright hits it out of the park with this one. It starts with a twin bunk on top, a full-sized bed on the bottom, and a twin-sized trundle bed underneath. Made of manufactured wood and solid pine wood, the entire bunk feels unquestionably strong and sturdy. Our favorite feature is the beautiful staircase for easy and stylish access to the top bunk. The staircase also doubles as convenient shelving for books, toys, and any other collections. This bunk is a beautiful piece of furniture that will elevate any space.

Pros:

  • Can be split into three separate beds
  • You can remove trundle bed and use the space under the bottom bunk as storage
  • Full and twin sizes make this ideal for kids of different ages

Cons:

  • Not for those who want a simple bunk bed without too many parts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some things to consider when buying a bunk bed?

We recommend keeping longevity and usability in mind. With the former, consider the height of your bunk. If it’s shorter, then your children may not be able to “grow into” the bunk. The other thing to remember is that a bunk bed isn’t just about sleeping. You’ll have to change the mattress cover and sheets, so make sure you buy something you feel comfortable — and safe — maneuvering around.

How do I pick a mattress for my bunk?

That depends on your guardrail design. You may want to go for a shorter mattress to ensure that whoever is on the bunk won’t roll off as easily. Always make sure you’re measuring how tall your guardrails are first before deciding how tall or short your mattress should be.