How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a great option to save space and add a fun aspect of style to children's rooms. But how do you pick a good one?
Once your children have outgrown the bunk bed arrangement, look for a bunk that can be separated into two beds. The best option will be durable and have designs that can accommodate sleepovers and multiple kids.
Sturdy Construction
If you are looking to add bunk beds to your children's bedroom, ensure that they can stand up to the weight of kids and adults. Look for features that are durable such as metal tubular frames or solid wood constructions to endure the wear and tear of a bedroom shared. Bunk beds are great for sleepovers or overnight summer camps. They should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of several children who are jumping around all night.
The majority of the top convertible beds are constructed with a sturdy steel frame. They also come with warranties to increase their durability. Consider choosing a finish that is in harmony with your bedroom decor and adding accessories such as trundles or drawers to your bunk bed. This will help prolong the longevity of your investment.
The DHP Miles is a great option for bunk beds that aren't expensive yet extremely sturdy. The bunks sport a distinctive industrial design that is trendy and contemporary. However, the ladder and safety rails are sturdy and will keep children and adults secure. The bottom bunk is equipped with a futon that can be used for a couch, or as an extra bed for family and friends. The bunks ship flat to your home and require easy assembly on arrival.
Max & Lily is another great option. It has two twin beds that are stacked on top of each other, and can be separated into two beds after the bunk-bumping stage is finished. The contemporary, minimalist design and color options create a classic, clean feel that is perfect for both girls and boys bedrooms. The support provided by the company's customer service is not always consistent, and some customers have complained of damaged shipping.
Crate & Kids offers solid wooden bunk beds that are built to last. The model features a elegant, timeless design that will easily transition from bunks to two separate twin beds when your kids are old enough to take it. Choose a neutral color like white or espresso to blend with any color palette or opt for a bold choice like deep pink or navy to add a pop of color to your bedroom.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds can be an ideal solution for tiny areas, particularly in the case of kids' bedrooms. A lot of bunk beds come with drawers underneath them, giving you more storage space without taking up any floor space. They also have shelves that can be used as shelves, a media center or other furniture. best bunk beds for teenager designed to be split into two separate twin beds which is a great feature for cottages, extended family or guests from out of town.
If you opt for a ladder-style bed ensure it comes with handholds and anti-slip rungs that make it easier to climb up. Some beds have a staircase built into the frame for an elegant look and added stability. These options are not suitable for children younger than 5 years old and require more floor space. Some also offer extra storage like built-in shelves and drawers, which are handy for clothes or toys.
Low bunks are another option to make the most of floor space. They're perfect for spaces with high ceilings and smaller spaces. This style includes a bunk at the bottom that's set at ground level and the top bed hangs from the side of the frame which saves floor space. It's a great option for kids who are younger, but they may feel too babyish as they grow older, says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Designs for Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks.
Low bunks are also distinctive and can be used to make a single bed when your child is old enough to leave the bunk or when the siblings move to their own rooms. This option is available in both metal and wood, and can be customized with a trundle or storage drawers.
Fenton says she likes Oeuf's Perch bunk because it's stylish and is made with durable materials and can be divided into a twin over a full-size bed. It's also certified GREENGUARD Gold which means it meets the strictest chemical and particle air quality standards and doesn't emit foul odors. It's also attractive due its mocha finish, clean lines, and its sustainable nature.
Trundle Beds
A trundle bed can add more sleeping space to your kids bunk beds, and it also works as a great guest bed for guests staying overnight. Some of the best bunk beds are convertible and have a full-sized trundle beneath twin beds, accessible through an integrated staircase. This kind of bunk bed is an excellent option for bedrooms that don't have enough space for three beds, or for parents who want to accommodate a number of children in the same space without losing privacy.
Some bunks feature Trundle bed trundles which can be removed and used as a separate unit to create two twin beds, or a full-overfull configuration. Some of these bunks have an additional staircase that allows you to access the bed trundle separately and others have an integrated staircase that comes with built-in storage shelves or a display space below.
The best bunk beds are available in a range of colors to complement the decor of your child's bedroom. White finishes are versatile and can be matched with any bedding, while a deep espresso or natural wood stain provides warmth and a richness. Other finishes, like soft gray and chic pink work well with a range of color schemes and can be paired with any design of bunk bed.
If you're thinking of using your bunk bed as a guest bedroom think about the overall dimensions and height of the furniture to ensure it's an appropriate fit to your home. If you have lower ceilings, search for a design that includes an ottoman or a sitting area under the top bunk to give guests a comfortable place to sleep.
Another method to increase the versatility in a bunk bed is to purchase one equipped with a dresser and desk drawers. This will allow your children to remain organized, while giving you more storage for books, clothes and toys. Many of these bunks have a full-size bottom bed and are suitable for adults also, which makes them ideal for families with multiple children or multigenerational families who frequently host overnight guests. Many of these models also come with a range of finish options to match your child's preferences and match your existing furniture for your bedroom, including solid oak, dark walnut, and white finishes.
Easy Assembly
Many of the top convertible bunk beds ship partially assembled, which is perfect for parents who are limited in space and time. These bunk beds are easy to assemble and require only a few tools. If you are going to DIY select the bunk bed that comes with clear instructions and pre-cut pieces to make the assembly easier.
Depending on the style and material of your bunk bed, it's important to think about the amount of weight it can hold. Certain bunk beds are constructed with metal frames that can hold more weight than wood options. If you decide to go with a wooden bunk bed, be sure to check the type of wood, 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 contemplating has rails for safety on either side of the topmost level. They can stop your children from falling asleep during the night, which is a common cause of head injuries in children who sleep in bunks. These guards can be especially useful if your children are young and may be scared of getting out of bed at night.
A slide that is detachable is another must-have when shopping for bunk beds. This exciting addition to the room of your child lets friends and siblings race down the slide together or send their favorite stuffed animals on the ride of their lives. Some models even come with an accompanying storage staircase that allows for secure top access.
A sleek bunk bed with a detachable slide is a fantastic option for parents looking to make the most of their child's bedroom space without sacrificing safety and functionality. Max & Lily's stylish twin over full trundle bed is made from kiln dried pine and engineered wood for durability and long-lasting use. It's available in three fresh colors that are easy to match with any kiddo's bedroom design scheme. A clean white finish is ideal for cottage or coastal-style rooms. Gray or clay finishes can be paired with various color schemes.