How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a great option to save space and add a fun touch of decor to kids' rooms. What are the best ways to choose the best one?
Look for bunk beds that can be divided into two beds once your kids are old enough to be in the bunk arrangement. The best bunk beds are sturdy and have designs that can accommodate multiple children and sleepovers.
Sturdy Construction
If you're considering adding bunk beds to your children's bedroom, make sure that it's strong enough to stand the weight of kids and adults. Make sure you are looking for high-quality construction features like tubular frames made of steel and solid wood construction that can withstand the wear and tear of a shared room. Bunk beds are great to host sleepovers, or for overnight summer camps. They should be strong enough to support the weight of many kids who play all night long.
Most of the best convertible bunk beds come with a durable steel frame that's constructed to last. A lot also come with a guarantee to ensure their durability. Think about picking a color that complements your bedroom decor and add accessories like trundles or drawers to your bunk bed. This will help you prolong the longevity of your investment.
For an affordable option that's also extremely durable choose the DHP Miles bunk bed. The bunks feature a unique industrial design that's hip and modern, but the sturdy ladder and safety rails help keep both kids and adults safe when using. The bottom bunk has an ottoman, which can be used as a sofa or guest bed when friends and family come to visit. The bunks are shipped flat and can be assembled when they arrive.
Max & Lily is another excellent alternative. It features two twin beds that are stacked on top of each other, and it can be separated into two beds when the bunk-bumping period is over. The simple, modern design and color choices create a sleek classic look that's perfect for both girls and boys bedrooms. best metal bunk beds is inconsistent, and customers have complained about shipping damage.
Crate & Kids offers solid wooden bunk beds that are built to last. This model features a elegant, timeless design that can easily be converted from bunks into two separate twin beds after your children are old enough to use it. Choose a neutral finish like espresso or white to go with any color palette or choose the boldest option, like deep pink or navy to add a pop of color to your bedroom.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are a great option for rooms for children, especially if you have limited space. Many bunk beds come with drawers underneath them, giving you more storage space but not taking up floor space. They also come with shelves that can be used to house shelves for books, a media center or other furniture. These beds can also be divided into two twin beds. This is ideal for cottages, extended families or visitors from out of town.
If you choose to buy a ladder-style bed, search for one with anti-slip rungs and handholds to make climbing up easier. Some beds have a built-in staircase for a sleeker look and more stability. These choices might not be best for children who are younger and are best suited to larger spaces since they require more area on the floor. Some also offer extra storage, like built-in shelves and drawers, which are useful for toys or clothes.
Another way to save space is to use the low bunk, which is perfect for smaller spaces and higher ceilings. This style features an underbed that is at the level of the ground and a top bunk that hangs off the frame's sides to free up floor space. It's a great option for kids who are younger, but they may be too childish as they get older, says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: A collection of 115 designs for Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks.
Low bunks are also unique and can be used to create an individual bed when your child grows out of the bunk or when siblings move into their own rooms. The bunk is available in metal or wood, and can be customized to include storage drawers and a trundle.
Fenton says she likes Oeuf's Perch bunk because it's stylish and is constructed of sturdy materials, and can be separated into a twin over a large bed. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified that means it meets stricter standards for chemical and particle air pollution, and does not emit foul odors. The mocha finish and clean lines are also attractive in addition to the fact that it's sustainably produced and sourced from FSC Baltic birch.
Trundle Beds
A trundle can add more sleeping space to your children's bunk beds. It could also be used as a guest room bed for guests staying over. Some of the most popular convertible bunk beds feature the large trundle bed beneath twin-sized beds that's accessible via a built-in staircase. This type of bunk bed can be a great option for small bedrooms that don't have enough space for three beds or for parents who want to accommodate multiple children in one room without losing privacy.
Some bunks come with Trundle bed trundles that can be detached and used on their own to create two twin beds or a full-overfull arrangement. Some bunks feature an additional staircase that allows you to access the bed trundle separately, while others feature an integrated staircase that has a built-in storage shelf or display area below.
The best bunk beds are available in a range of colors that will match your child's existing bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and can be matched with any bedding. A rich espresso or natural stain can add warmth and richness. Other finishes, such as soft gray and chic pink are a good match with a variety of color palettes and coordinate with any style of bunk beds.
If you're planning to use your bunk bed as a guest bedroom, consider the overall size and the height of the furniture to ensure that it's an appropriate fit to your home. If you have lower ceilings, you should look for a design that includes the futon or sitting space beneath the top bunk to give guests a comfy place to sleep.
Another way to boost flexibility in bunk beds is to purchase one designed with desk and dresser drawers. This can aid your children in staying organized, while also providing you with extra storage space for books, toys and clothes. Many of these bunks feature an extra-large bottom bed and are suitable for adults, also, which makes them an ideal choice for families with multiple children or families with multigenerational members who frequently host guests for overnight stays. These models are available in a variety of finishes to suit your child's preferences and complement existing bedroom furniture.
Easy Assembly
The best convertible bunk beds are usually delivered partially assembled. This is perfect for parents with a little time or space. These kinds of bunk beds also require a minimum of tools and can be put together by a couple of people. If you're going the DIY route, look for a bunk bed that comes with easy-to-follow instructions and pre-cut pieces to speed up the assembly process.
It is important to think about the amount of weight your bunk bed will be able to support. Some bunk beds use metal frames, which can support more weight than wood alternatives. In addition, if you opt for a wooden bunk bed, it is crucial to be aware of the type of wood you choose since some types are more susceptible to splitting than others.

When you're looking for a bunk bed make sure the model you're considering includes guard rails on both sides of the top level. They will stop your kids from falling asleep at night, which is a common cause of head injuries in children who sleep in bunk beds. These guards are particularly helpful if you have younger children who may be afraid to get up in the middle of the night.
A slide that is detachable is another essential feature to consider when looking for bunk beds. This exciting addition to the room of your child lets siblings and friends race down the slide together, or send their favorite stuffed animals on the most thrilling ride of their lives. Some models even have a matching storage staircase for secure top access.
A bunk bed with a slide that can be removed is a great choice for parents who are seeking to maximize space in their child's bedroom without sacrificing safety and functionality. Max & Lily's stylish twin over full trundle bed is made from kiln dried pine and engineered wood for strength and long-lasting use. It comes in three different designs to fit the decor of any child's bedroom. A white, crisp finish is a fail-proof pick for coastal or cottage rooms, while gray or clay finishes complement a wide range of colors.