How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds can be an excellent way for children to save space while adding an exciting touch to their rooms. How do you choose the most suitable one?
Once your children are old enough to leave the bunk bed, look for a bunk that can be split into two beds. The best bunk beds are robust and feature designs that can accommodate multiple kids and sleepovers.
Sturdy Construction
If you're looking to add bunk beds to your children's bedroom, ensure that they can stand up to the weight of kids and adults. Check for durable construction features such as tubular frames made of steel or solid wood construction that can endure the wear and tear of a shared bedroom. Bunk beds can be used to host sleepovers, or for overnight summer camps. They need to be strong enough to support the weight of a group of kids jumping around all night.
Most of the best convertible bunk beds have sturdy steel frames that are constructed to last. A lot also come with a warranty to further increase their longevity. Choose an aesthetic that is compatible with your existing bedroom decor, and consider adding other bunk bed accessories such as storage drawers or trundles to extend the life of your investment.
For an affordable alternative that's still extremely sturdy, look for the DHP Miles bunk bed. The bunks have a unique industrial style that is hip and modern. However, the ladder and safety rails are sturdy and ensure that both adults and children are safe. The bottom bunk features a futon that can be used as an extra couch, or an extra bed for friends and family. The bunks arrive flat to your home, and are easy to assembly upon arrival.
Max & Lily is another excellent option. It has two twin beds stacked one on top of the other, and can be separated into single beds once the bunk-bumping period is over. The minimalist, modern design and color choices give it a clean classic look that's perfect for both girls and boys bedrooms. However the customer service of the company is inconsistent and some customers have complained with shipping damage.
If you're looking to add an extra bunk bed that will last through the years and beyond, opt for one of the solid wood designs available from Crate & Kids. This model features a sleek, timeless design that can be easily transformed into two separate twin beds after your children have outgrown it. Pick a neutral shade like white or espresso that can be incorporated into any colour scheme, or a bolder choice like deep pink or blue to bring life to the space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are an excellent option for kids' rooms particularly when you have a small space. There are many bunks with drawers underneath, which gives you more storage space without taking up floor space. These beds also come with shelves that can be used to store a bookshelf, media center or other furniture. These beds can also be divided into two twin beds. This is perfect for families with extended homes, cottages or visitors from out of town.
If you decide to go with a ladder style bed be sure to choose one with handstraps and anti-slip rungs in order to make it easier to climb up. Some have a staircase built into the frame for a more streamlined look and additional stability. These options are not suitable for children under the age of 5, and they require more floor space. Some of them have storage options, such as built-in shelves and drawers. This is a great option for toys or clothes.
Another method of reducing space is to have a low-level bunk, which is perfect for smaller spaces and taller ceilings. This type of bed has a bottom bed on the ground, and a top bunk that hangs off the frame's side to save valuable floor space. Laura Fenton, the author of The Bunk Bed Book, states that it's an excellent option for younger children however, they might feel too babyish when they grow older.
A low bunk also offers a unique aesthetic and can also be used as a single bed after your child outgrows the bunk, or after siblings move into their own rooms. The bunk is available in metal or wood and can be made to fit storage drawers and a trundle.
Fenton says that she prefers Oeuf's Perch bunk bed because it is sleek and durable, and it can be divided into twins over the size of a standard bed. It's also GREENGUARD Gold-certified that means it complies with stricter quality of air and chemical standards and doesn't release foul odors. The mocha finish and clear lines are also a draw and so is the fact that it's environmentally friendly and comes from FSC Baltic Birch.
Trundle Beds
A trundle can add more sleeping space to your child's bunk beds, and can also serve as a guest bed for overnight visitors. The best bunk beds can be converted and include a full-sized trundle underneath twin-sized beds, accessible through an integrated staircase. This type of bunk bed can be an excellent option for rooms that don't have enough space to accommodate three beds, or for parents who want to accommodate several children in one room without losing privacy.
Some bunks have trundle bed trundles that can be detached and rearranged to create two twin-sized beds or a full-overfull arrangement. Some bunks feature a second staircase that allows you to access the trundle bed on its own, while others feature an integrated staircase that comes with built-in storage shelves or a display area below.
Some of the best bunks also come in several color options to complement your kids' existing bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and easily matched with any bedding, while a rich espresso or natural wood stain gives warmth and depth. Other finishes, like soft gray and chic pink, play well with a variety of color schemes and can be paired with any style of bunk bed.
If you're planning on using your bunk bed as a guest bedroom think about the overall dimensions and height of the furniture to ensure that it's an appropriate fit to your home. If your ceilings are higher, you may want to think about a bed with an ottoman or a sitting area underneath the top bunk. best bunk bed for teens will provide guests with a comfortable place to sleep.
Another method to increase the versatility of a bunk bed is by purchasing one that's equipped with a dresser and desk drawers. This can help your children remain organized, while giving you more storage for books, clothes, and toys. These bunks are ideal for families with several children or multigenerational households who frequently host overnight guests. They typically have a full size bottom bed, and can also be used by adults. Many of these models come in a variety of finish options to suit your children's preferences and match your existing furniture for bedrooms, such as solid oak, dark walnut and white finishes.
Easy Assembly

The best convertible bunk beds are typically delivered partially assembled. This is perfect for parents who have limited time and space. These kinds of bunk beds also require minimal tools and can be assembled by just one or two people. If you're taking the DIY option, choose a bunk bed that comes with clear instructions and pre-cut components to help speed up the assembly process.
It's important to consider the weight that your bunk bed will be able to support. Certain bunk beds come with metal frames that can support more weight. If you opt for a wood bunk bed, make certain to determine the type of wood used, as some types are more likely to splinter than others.
If you are looking to buy a bunk bed, ensure that the model you're looking at has guard rails either side of the top of the bed. They will stop your kids from falling asleep during the night, which is a common cause of head injuries in children who sleep in bunks. These guards are particularly useful if your kids are still young and afraid of climbing out of bed at night.
A slide that is detachable is a must-have feature when looking for bunk beds. This fun addition to your child's room lets siblings and friends race down the slide or take their favorite animal on the adventure of their lives. Some models come with a staircase for top access.
A bunk bed that has a slide that is able to be removed is a great choice for parents looking to maximize the space in their child's bedroom without sacrificing safety and functionality. best bunk beds for heavy adults over full trundle bunk bed from Max & Lily is crafted with kiln dried pine wood and engineered wood for durability and longevity. It is available in three new designs to fit the decor of your child's bedroom. A white, crisp finish is a perfect choice for cottage or coastal rooms and clay or gray finishes work well with a wide range of color palettes.