Whether you have one kid, or four (like me), any parent can relate to the struggle when you’re short on space. When you have multiple kids, it’s bad enough you have to play both parent and referee, but now you also have to listen to your kids grumble about sharing a room.
While a bunk bed may not solve the problem of siblings who are constantly involved in a WWE match, it can solve the space issue in your home. It can also make a great addition if you’re consistently entertaining overnight guests and need an extra bed, or two.
A bunk bed can be the jungle gym-esque addition your kids will think is super fun, but also that space-saving miracle you’ve been searching for.
Things To Consider When Purchasing a Bunk Bed
- Sizes. Take the time to measure the room and decide where it’ll best fit into the space. Also keep in mind positioning within the room, and things like ceiling fans (don’t want junior getting whacked in the head with the blade).
- Determine your specific needs. If you need traditional bunk beds, Murphy bunk beds, a corner bunk bed unit, or possibly one with a full-size bed for kids that are too big for — or may outgrow — a twin size.
- Stairs to the top bunk. Would you prefer ladder-type stairs or ones that are on an incline, more like regular stairs? How about a slide?
- What material do you prefer? Bunk beds range from metal to solid wood, and it all depends on what you’re looking for.
- What’s your budget? How much do you want to spend? Since you’re talking two (or more) beds instead of one, bunk beds can be costly — but the savings are in the space, not necessarily your wallet.
- Do you want built-in storage or drawers? This can up the cost but also eliminates the need for an extra dresser.
- Does it come assembled? You may be saving money with a DIY assembly, but ask yourself how much your time and frustration are really worth.
- Safety. Most bunk beds have to meet minimum safety standards, but does the one you’re considering meet all those that are important to you?
How To Find the Best Value When Purchasing a Bunk Bed
You’ll want to do a bit of research before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on a costly piece of furniture. First off, consider what it’s made out of.
Solid wood can cost more but will be better equipped to withstand the weight of rough kids (and let’s be honest, they’ll jump on the bed whether you tell them not to) than, say, laminated particle board. You also may want to house adult guests from time to time, and it should be able to support their weight as well.
Also, consider what’ll happen down the line. For example, can you split your bunk beds into two separate beds if you’re planning to use them in different rooms when your kids outgrow them? Will they still be in good condition if you want to resell them? Or pass them down to other children?
These are all things you want to ask yourself before you shop. But, as always, we’ve done the legwork for you. Here are my picks for the best bunk beds your kids will love to sleep on.
Best Overall Bunk Bed
1. Storkcraft Caribou Solid Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed
Sometimes, simple is better. Case in point, this twin bunk bed from Storkcraft Caribou. It’s made of solid hardwood and will fit nicely into most rooms. It can even be separated into two twin beds, in case your kids want to unstack later on.
The entire bunk bed can be assembled in under two hours, but if you don’t feel like getting your toolbox out, Amazon offers an assembly service as well. The sales fluctuate on Amazon, but this bed’s regular price is $349.99.
Who It’s Best For: Parents looking for a solid hardwood bunk bed at a great price.
Benefits: The quality hardwood materials mean that this bunk bed is durable. Considering the quality, price and look, we think it’s a very good deal.
Things To Consider: Some of the parts may be mislabeled and not match the instructions. Users reported that it was easy to work around the incorrect labeling, but you should carefully refer to the images while building.
Promising Review: “These bunk beds are excellent. We looked at furniture stores, online, everywhere. Most were upwards of $400 so these were a steal! They do take a long time to put together, but it’s not hard.” – Darcie L., Amazon customer
Best Metal Bunk Bed on a Budget
2. YourZone Twin Metal Frame Bunk Bed
If you’re working on a tight budget, the YourZone Bunk Bed is for you. At just under $150 when it’s not on sale, its black metal frame is sturdy and durable, and holds up well to general wear and tear. It doesn’t take up much space either and provides a sleek, modern look. It’s a great affordable option from Walmart.
Who It’s Best For: Parents on a tight budget or in need of some temporary furniture during a move.
Benefits: You can’t beat the price and minimal setup time.
Things To Consider: Many users said that the ladder broke after a few months of daily use, so check it often and try to keep unnecessary or excessive weight off of it, if possible.
Promising Review “It’s a lot wider than it looks and I loved how simple the construction was! Well worth the money! Especially for a 6 and 7-year-old.” — Erin, Walmart customer
Best Convertible Bunk Bed
3. EUROCO Solid Wood Convertible Twin Bunk Bed
Not only does the EUROCO solid wood convertible bunk bed convert to two separate daybeds, but it can also easily switch back to a bunk bed. As an added bonus, it also has drawers for storage, where you can stash bedding, extra blankets or clothing. The regular price for this adorable bed is $541.50, but you can get it on sale.
Who It’s Best For: Parents trying to maximize space and have the flexibility of switching up the furniture, if they choose.
Benefits: Can easily convert to two daybeds, which will save you on future furniture needs.
Things To Consider: You may encounter some issues with the wood cracking if you over-tighten the screws, so be a little extra cautious when building.
Promising Review: “I love this bed. My daughter’s room looks awesome! We were looking for a bed that could grow with her and didn’t look too young (she’s 10). Everyone that has seen the bed is amazed at the cool design.” – Debra, Walmart customer
Best Bunk Bed For Guests and Visitors
4. HUAYICUN Twin-Over-Full Metal Bunk Bed
This sturdy metal bunk bed can be assembled in under two hours with two people and can hold a full-size mattress on the bottom and a twin-size mattress on top. This is the perfect option if you’re accommodating a smaller child, and a bigger one, in one space.
The ladder even wraps tight down the front side of the bed, so it takes up much less space than a leaning ladder.
Who It’s Best For: For siblings with a bigger age gap, an older sibling can sleep on the large full-size mattress and the younger sibling can be up top on the twin mattress. Or, you can put an adult guest on the full-size.
Benefits: With a sturdy design and an easy-to-assemble construction, this bunk bed is great for when you have guests staying over and need a little more room.
Things To Consider: May require two people to assemble because of the bed’s weight. Some people have had trouble with the assembly, reporting that some pieces came mislabeled, which impacted assembly.
Promising Review: “This bed frame is surprisingly very sturdy. It was fairly simple to put together and took about 2 hours. The height ended up being perfect for our 9-year-old’s room.” – Courtney, Amazon customer
Best Bunk Bed Tent For Young Kids
5. Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed Tent
This will be the bed of your child’s dreams, giving off major treehouse vibes. The Max & Lily bunk bed features a removable leaning ladder to the top bunk, and a fun slide attached so that your kid can literally slide out of bed in the morning.
The playhouse drapes are an excellent addition to help give your child some privacy while they play, which attach with Velcro and can be easily removed for washing.
Who It’s Best For: Due to the smaller height of the lower bunk, this is better suited for younger kids.
Benefits: This bunk bed is perfect for young kids who will love climbing the ladder each night, and heading down the slide each morning.
Things To Consider: The building instructions can be unclear, and some users noticed that the labeling on the pieces was inconsistent. The playhouse drapes are stuck with Velcro that may become less effective after multiple uses.
Promising Review: “I bought this for my two sons, and I am totally happy with the decision. The bed came quickly despite buying it from a waitlist. The product was in perfect condition out of the box.” – Hanna, Amazon customer
Best Triple Bunk Bed for Three Kids
6. Loft Bed L-Shaped Corner 3-Bed Bunk
This Loft L-Shaped bunk bed/loft bed combo can comfortably sleep your three bundles of joy without taking up too much space. In addition, because of the lofted third bed, you can create a homework desk, play area, or fort underneath the bed to reclaim floor space that another bed would have otherwise taken up.
Plus, we love the muted gray color which will match an array of room colors, and complement other furniture, without clashing.
Who It’s Best For: Big families with three or more kids, or kids who have friends and family that stay over often.
Benefits: The loft style means that you can free up a lot of space in a room. It can be hard to fit three kids in a room, but this bunk bed makes it much easier.
Things To Consider: Some users reported that some of the unpainted edges on the wood hadn’t been sanded down properly, which could cause splinters for little fingers. Make sure to check the bed for splinters before letting your child use it.
Promising Review “This is the best bed! My daughter loves this bed. It has room for her and her 2 cousins to sleep on. This bed is very well-built and looks beautiful. I would highly recommend this bed. It wasn’t too hard to assemble either.” – Amazon customer
Best Bunk Bed With Stairs for One Kid
7. Max & Lily Twin Low-Loft Bed
Everything’s better when you attach a slide to it! The Max & Lily Twin Low Loft bed comes equipped with a fun way to get out of bed in the morning, and block stairs to help your child get into bed each night.
Plus, this bed offers plenty of space underneath for your child to make it their own! Be it homework or reading nook, or just extra storage. The shelving area around the steps also gives you extra storage space if you’re a little tight on space.
This loft bed style also comes as a traditional bunk bed too, if you have a second kid who doesn’t mind being stuck on the bottom bunk.
Who It’s Best For: Parents who want to reclaim some of the floor space that’s taken up by a bed.
Benefits: This loft bed lets any kid have that “top bunk experience” without needing a second bed. The stairs leading up to the loft bed are also safer than a ladder, especially if your kid is climbing down in the dark.
Things To Consider: Complicated assembly, not impossible to build, but may take some time.
Promising Review “Love this bed! The assembly was very intimidating at first but with some help, it was all worth it. The wood is of good quality and looks great. Perfect bed for my 4-year-old.” – Alp, Amazon customer
Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for two bunk beds or three, a corner unit or one with a slide, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect addition to your home as long as you follow these tips. Happy shopping!
The post 7 Affordable Bunk Beds Your Kids May Never Want To Leave appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
