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The 11 Best Bunk Beds of 2024

Make the most of a small bedroom with these sturdy bunk beds

Collage of a bunk bed on blue patterned background

The Spruce / Brian Kopinski

Are you looking for a way to maximize space in your child's room or a small guest bedroom? With one bed stacked over another, bunk beds offer a way to double—sometimes even triple—the number of beds in a space. And they still take up the same footprint a single twin or full bed would occupy. 

Bunk beds are also an exciting sleeping arrangement for young children. But aside from their ingenuity and fun design, their compact footprint is a major plus. “The biggest advantage to bunk beds is the space-saving component,” confirms Nikki Njeri Klugh, principal designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group, Inc.

You'll need to pay attention to the height of your ceilings before purchasing a bunk bed, but consider materials and styles of bunk beds too. These can vary greatly from one set to another, with some bunk beds ideal for bigger kids and adults, while others are more toddler-friendly. We researched the top bunk bed styles on the market, keeping in mind design, versatility, and value, to find the best ones for every budget and space.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Crate & Kids Kids Bunk Bed

Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed

Crate & Kids

What We Like
  • Stylish appearance

  • Sturdy design

  • Configurable into two standalone beds

What We Don’t Like
  • Somewhat low weight capacity

  • Assembly may be challenging

Our top recommendation for a bunk bed hits a lot of high notes: It’s made with simple lines and a mix of white and natural wood, resulting in a design that’s well-suited to just about any children’s bedroom. What we particularly love about this bunk bed is that it can be taken apart to make two twin-size beds. Interior designer Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, has bunk beds with this feature in her own home in her kids’ bedroom. “Having multiple configuration options means that I know I can use them for years to come even when the day comes that my kids aren't feeling the bunk set up anymore,” Kuo says. 

This attractive bunk bed is made from a variety of woods, including spruce, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and it is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made with materials that meet the organization’s standards for low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone depleter, and other emissions that could impact the environment. Safety is a touchpoint throughout this bunk bed’s design: In addition to this certification, guardrails along the top bunk help to prevent accidents. 

The ladder can be easily moved to either side of the bunk bed, depending on your room layout. Each of the beds can support up to 200 pounds. While the bottom bunk fits a standard twin mattress, note that the mattress for the top bunk can be no thicker than 6 inches. We like that the unit seems to have a quality build—and that this set of bunk beds can potentially take children from a young age through to high school years.

Dimensions: 81.5 x 40.63 x 67.75 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds per bed | Material: Spruce, MDF, plywood, rubber wood

Best Budget

IKEA Bunk Bed Frame

IKEA Tuffing Bunk Bed Frame

IKEA

What We Like
  • Lower bed is low to the ground

  • Sturdy and well-made

What We Don't Like
  • Better for kids than adults

It’s no small surprise to see an IKEA recommendation for a budget-friendly option—this sturdy, well-made bunk bed from the famous Swedish retailer costs under $200. Made from steel, the retailer notes that the bunk bed has passed the same safety tests as its more highly priced offerings. A two-rung ladder is set in the center of the bed frame.

This is a kid-friendly bunk bed. While young ones should find it comfortable, it may not provide the best night’s sleep for adults. The bottom mattress is quite low to the ground, which makes it easy for little kids to get in and out of bed (and can also make it easier to change sheets and make the bed). Expect the assembly of this piece of furniture to take a bit of time.

Dimensions: 77.5 x 40.5 x 33.13 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds per bed | Material: Steel, epoxy/polyester powder coating

Best for Adults

Francis Lofts & Bunks Queen Over Queen Bunk Bed

Francis Lofts & Bunks Queen Over Queen Bunk Bed

Francis Lofts & Bunks

What We Like
  • Very customizable

  • Sleek design and available in several colors

  • Each bed can hold up to 2,000 pounds

What We Don't Like
  • Not configurable into two standalone beds

Bunk beds have the reputation of being only for young people. But if you have frequent guests, need space for several families in a shared vacation home, or want to maximize how many people can comfortably sleep in a rental property, consider snagging this option, which we consider to be the best bunk bed for adults. (Loft beds can be another option if your focus is more on using your space thoughtfully and having a lot of sleeping space is less of a priority.) If you’re interested in bunk beds for adults, seek out options that can accommodate adults from a size and weight perspective (think: avoiding twin-sized beds can be a better fit) and also have a more sophisticated appearance. 

Enter: this queen-over-queen bunk bed from Francis Loft & Bunks, which is available in five colors. Made from aluminum, it’s incredibly sturdy. With a 2,000-pound weight capacity for each bed, four adults will have no issue sleeping in the two beds. Each bunk bed is made to order, which means there are lots of opportunities for specification, such as including a staircase instead of a ladder. Note that getting a staircase has an additional cost.

Dimensions: 88 x 61 x 100 inches (queen over queen, 9-foot-ceiling version) | Weight Capacity: 2,000 pounds per bed | Material: Aluminum

Best With Storage

Raymour & Flanigan Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Storage

Raymour & Flanigan Jordan Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Storage

Raymour & Flanigan

What We Like
  • Includes two drawers

  • Additional cubby hole for other items

  • Available in multiple colors

What We Don't Like
  • Ladder position is fixed

  • Not configurable into two standalone beds

If you’re squeezing two kids into a single room, space might be a prized commodity. So having a bunk bed with some storage available—be it for clothes, spare bedding, or anything else—is ideal. For a reasonable price, this twin-over-twin bunk bed from Raymour and Flanigan offers two drawers. That’s one for each bunk bed occupant! A cubby hole is also available for tucking away additional belongings or small storage bins. (We like the flexibility of this additional storage space, but just keep in mind that the drawers do not extend the full length of the bed.)

This set is available in several colors, and it features a ladder as well as stylish slatted headboards and footboards. We appreciate the overall clean appearance of these bunk beds, and they seem fairly straightforward to assemble. It’s made with MDF as well as kiln-dried wood, the latter of which is a durable material often used in furniture. Be aware that the ladder cannot be moved on this bunk bed.

Dimensions: 80.5 x 42.5 x 69 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds per bed | Material: Kiln-dried wood, MDF​​

Best for Small Spaces

Harriet Bee Kids Bunk Bed

Wayfair Harriet Bee Cvyatko Kids Bunk Bed

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Suitable for low ceilings

  • Configurable into two standalone beds

  • Small size seems ideal for younger kids

  • Available in several colors

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly is time-consuming and possibly tricky

  • Low weight capacity

Understandably, bunk beds are often ideal for small spaces, and if your children’s room has low ceilings, this option from Harriet Bee with a height of just 47.5 inches is ideal. With a bottom bed on the floor, and a top bed that isn’t too high up, this is also a nice fit for younger children. 

Plus, this flexible piece provides a lot of options: It can be set up as a bunk bed, or two twin beds (or two full beds, depending on the size you purchase), and the built-in ladder for the bunk bed fits snuggly next to the frame, without eating up as much space as steps or a slide. 

This bunk bed for small rooms is available for twin- or full-sized mattresses, and comes in several neutral colors. It includes detachable guardrails, and there are slats at either end of each bed. 

Dimensions: 79 x 43.5 x 47.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 165 pounds per bed | Material: Manufactured wood, solid wood

Best With Trundle

Harriet Bee Bunk Bed with Under Bed Trundle Bed

Harriet Bee Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Staircase Bunk Bed with Under Bed Trundle Bed

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Offers three different sleeping spaces

  • Stairs to top bunk

  • Constructed with solid wood

  • Configurable into two standalone beds

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly may be challenging

With this solid wood bunk bed, you get an array of options. Firstly, you can opt to go for a variety of bed sizes, including twin-over-twin, twin-over-full, and full-over-full. Plus, you get a trundle bed below the bottom bunk, which can be pulled out during sleepovers. And as circumstances change, you can take apart the bunk bed frame so you have two standalone beds. On top of all that, it’s available in several colors.

All sets come with head- and footboards, along with guardrails and a set of stairs. While many bunk beds come with ladders, stairs can be easier for little kids to navigate (not to mention easier to climb for caretakers reading bedtime stories, tucking in children, and changing sheets). The stairs feature bookshelves, which is convenient for storage. Another great feature you’ll find on this bed: ports for charging electronics.

Dimensions: 66 x 42.5 x 93.12 inches (twin) | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds for top bunk, 600 pounds for bottom bunk, 600 pounds for trundle | Material: Wood

Best for Kids

Pottery Barn Kids Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed

Pottery Barn Kids Tree House Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed

Pottery Barn Kids

What We Like
  • Beautifully designed

  • Made with solid wood

  • Available in several colors

  • Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified

What We Don't Like
  • Ladder placement fixed

  • Not configurable into separate beds

This fanciful treehouse bunk bed will delight children, making it our top choice for the best bunk bed for kids. Available in three colors, this charming Pottery Barn bunk bed features a bottom bunk that’s set on the floor (ideal for younger children). This solid, well-constructed bunk bed is made from pine wood. 

Older children can delight in the top bunk, which truly delivers a treehouse vibe, complete with open windows. Because the tree house has walls, kids are protected from falling. A sturdy ladder provides access to the top bunk, but keep in mind that the ladder placement is fixed and cannot be adjusted.

The bunk bed meets industry standards, but be aware the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children under six should not sleep in top bunks. This bunk bed is one of the best-selling options at Pottery Barn, a brand known for stylish, classic furniture (and one of our favorite places to buy furniture). It’s also Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified, so you know it was manufactured with environmental and social responsibility in mind.

Dimensions: 56.5 x 85.5 x 94 inches (with ladder) | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds per bed | Material: Wood, engineered wood

Best Modern

South Shore Furniture Bebble - Modern Bunk Beds

South Shore Furniture Bebble - Modern Bunk Beds

Amazon

What We Like
  • Angled ladder

  • Sleek Scandinavian design

  • Configurable as two standalone beds

What We Don't Like
  • Time-consuming assembly

Welcome Scandinavian design to a bedroom with this bunk bed from South Shore, which features an angled ladder. While the angle of the ladder does mean the bunk bed has a slightly larger footprint in the room, it also makes it far easier for kids to climb in and out of bed. This bunk bed is made from wood.

South Shore offers a one-year limited warranty and provides simple assembly instructions, although assembly can be time-consuming. We appreciate the modern design of the bunk beds—not to mention the fact that the bunk beds can be taken apart and converted into two standalone beds. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option on the list, it offers good value, especially since it’s made from solid wood. 

Dimensions: 80.5 x 63.75 x 64.4 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds total (for both beds) | Material: Solid wood

Best Triple Bunk Bed

ARCTICSCORPION Triple Bunk Bed

Walmart ARCTICSCORPION L-Shaped Triple Bunk Bed

Walmart

What We Like
  • Sleeps three

  • Durable and sturdy

  • Has guardrails on both upper bunks

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly may be tricky

  • Ladders are fixed

While two beds tends to be the default for bunk beds, there are plenty of options out there that comfortably sleep three. Instead of stacking beds on top of each other (which could feel a bit crammed with standard ceiling heights), this bunk bed is shaped like an L, with one bunk bed sitting close to the ground. Two separate ladders allow people to get into the other two beds—you can’t move the ladders, though, which may limit room layout options. 

This bunk bed is made with steel and is quite durable. The design can best be described as no-frills, but it clocks in at a budget-friendly price and offers the option to sleep a lot of people without all the beds stacked high. We appreciate the space-saving design of this bunk bed, as well as its relatively affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 78 x 78 x 74.1 inches | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds for the top bunk, 250 pounds for middle bunk, 350 pounds for bottom bunk | Material: Steel

Best With Desk

Harriet Bee Otha L-shaped Bunk Bed with Built-in Desk and Shelves

Harriet-bee-otha-l-shaped-bunk-bed-with-built-in-desk-and-shelves

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Built-in workspace and storage

  • Great for students

  • Has a full-sized bed

What We Don't Like
  • Only available in one color

  • Assembly may be complex

Think of this bunk bed from Harriet Bee as the ultimate multitasking bedroom set for your children’s room: As well as having two beds (a twin- and full-sized option), it includes drawers, shelves, and a desk. The two beds are in a T-shaped configuration, and you can convert them to two beds if bunk beds are no longer needed.

Plus, the ladder—which is angled, making it easy to climb—is located next to the lower bunk, and isn’t attached to the frame of the lower bunk. This should make it easier for whoever is on top to enter and exit without disturbing the person in the lower bunk.

With many parts included, this set may be time-consuming to assemble—as is often the case with bunk beds. But the payoff for your efforts is a sturdy unit, complete with a desk, which should make the process well worth it.

Dimensions: 66 x 42 x 79 inches | Weight Capacity: 165 pounds for top bunk and ladder, 200 pounds for bottom bunk | Material: Solid wood, manufactured wood

Best With Slide

Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed with Slide

Max & Lily Low Bunk Twin-Over-Twin Wood Bed for Kids with Slide

Amazon

What We Like
  • Includes both ladder and slide

  • Made with sturdy materials

  • Available in several colors

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy package

Add a playful touch to your children’s bunk bed setup with this Max & Lily twin-over-twin bunk bed which includes both a ladder and a slide—these can be placed on either side of the bed. Heads-up: The weight capacity for the slide is 106 pounds, and for safety reasons, it should be a few feet away from the opposite wall and other furniture.

Available in three colors, this budget-friendly bunk bed features one bed that is set directly on the floor. This is ideal for the safety of younger children—it also makes it easier to make the lower bed and works well in rooms with low ceilings. 

Everything required for the bunk bed’s assembly is included. The package will be heavy, since this is a sturdy bunk bed that incorporates solid wood for its frame. (Be mindful of the weight if you have to schlep the box up any stairs.) Plan to have two adults on hand for setup, but it seems relatively easy to assemble overall. We like that this Max & Lily bunk bed comes with a one-year warranty in case you encounter issues with the product.

Dimensions: 81.5 x 42.5 x 50 inches (width with ladder is 84.5 inches) | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds total (for both beds) | Material: Solid wood, plywood slats, metal bolts and support bars

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed, which offers a stylish design, a reasonable price point, and the ability to transform the bunk bed into two standalone beds. But if you are on a budget—or anticipate that your bunk beds will only be in use for a short period of time—consider the wallet-friendly Tuffing from IKEA, with its low-slung bottom bunk and durable design.

What to Look for in a Bunk Bed

You’ll want to make durability a top consideration when you’re shopping for bunk beds, according to Nikki Njeri Klugh, principal designer and founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group, Inc. “Whether you are going for a lofted style or the traditional one bed on top of the other style, the bed on top needs to be durable and held together well to ensure nothing falls on the person or area below,” Klugh says. 

Below are more considerations to keep in mind before buying a bunk bed.

Size and Shape

There are perhaps more options than you’d initially think. Bunk beds are available in twin, full, queen, and even king sizes, and they sometimes are available in mix-and-match sizes—for instance, having a twin-over-full bed or a full-over-queen bed. (Whichever bunk bed you get, you’ll want to choose a good mattress, too.)

The size of a bunk bed doesn’t just depend on the size of the mattress, notes Katie Siegel, lead designer at Rumor Designs. “While the mattress size may be the same, some bunk beds are much bulkier and taller, while others are more low profile. Consider the size of your space and what makes proportional sense for the room,” she says. 

For instance, if your ceilings are low, look for a bunk bed like Harriet Bee Cvyatko Kids Bunk Bed (our best for small spaces pick), which has a lower bed on the floor and is ideal for smaller rooms.

You’ll also find bunk beds that are L-shaped, as well as more traditional rectangular options. The shape of bunk beds can also depend on if they have storage or desks attached.

Type and Style 

There are several types of bunk beds, including: 

  • Standard twin: A twin bed on top of another twin bed (for example, Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed, our best overall). Similarly, you can also have a standard full over full, queen over queen, and so on.
  • Twin over full: Sometimes the two beds have different sizes, such as a twin and a full, or a full-sized bed over a queen-sized one.
  • Triple bunk beds: Stack ’em up—some bunk beds accommodate three beds. And, as with the ARCTICSCORPION L-Shaped Triple Bunk Bed (our best triple bunk bed pick), they can be stacked in L-shaped configurations to make better use of vertical space. 
  • Bunk bed with trundle: There are also bunk beds with a drawer that includes a trundle bed—perfect for sleepovers. 
  • Bunk beds with storage: Many bunks sit close to the floor to maximize vertical space, but if the bottom bunk bed is raised off the floor, it may have drawers or cubby holes below it that can be used as storage. Some options have storage at the head or foot of the bed, too.
  • Lofted bunk beds with desks, futons, or free space: There are some bunk beds that are lofted and include a desk below. Some also include a built-in futon below, instead of a bed. Finally, some bunk beds are lofted so that you can use the space as needed. 
  • Bunk beds with slides or stairs: While a slanted or vertical ladder is a standard entryway into a bunk bed, there are also bunk beds that use stairs for entry and exiting, as well as bunk beds that have a slide—such as the Max & Lily Kid's Twin Over Twin-Size Low Bunk Bed with Slide (our best with slide)—that can be used as a playful exit. 

Material

Typically, bunk beds are made from either metal or wood.

“Metal can provide more of a ‘see-through’ feel, so if you are working in a tight space where you don't wish for the bunk beds to feel too overwhelming in the space, metal could potentially be a good option,” Siegel says. Turn to IKEA Tuffing, our best budget choice, if you’re interested in a lower-cost metal option. 

Wood, on the other hand, offers a warmer and more natural feel, Siegel says. And it’s quite sturdy and durable. Our best overall pick, the Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed, is a great wooden bunk bed option.

No matter which material you choose, “make sure you're confident in the safety and durability of the construction no matter the material you use,” Kuo says. 

Weight Limit

Before purchasing, check the weight limit for the bunk beds. In some cases, the bottom bunk bed may have a higher weight capacity than the top one (such as the Harriet Bee White Otha Kids Twin Bunk Bed with Drawers, our best with desk option). While you may be buying with children in mind, think through common ways the bunk bed will be used: Your child may weigh well under 100 pounds, but if you’ll be reading books every night, snuggled up beside your kiddo, you’ll want to factor in the total weight capacity, too. 

One of the beds with the highest weight capacity is the Francis Loft & Bunks Queen Over Queen Bunk Bed, which holds up to 2,000 per bed and landed on this list as our best for adults pick. The capacity of each bed can differ, too.

Standout Features 

Storage Options

“Some bunk beds offer storage drawers below the lowest bunk, which is a nice way to maximize use of the space,” Siegel says. That’s the case with the Raymour & Flanigan Jordan Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Storage, which is our pick for the best with storage

You may also find storage opportunities via the bunk bed’s stairs. “You can also find ones with hanging storage over the side of the top bunk,” Klugh says. 

Ladder Style and Options

“Ladders can come in many different styles, but the most common are the traditional ladder and stair ladder,” Klugh says. “The traditional ladder is what most of us think of when we think of bunk beds—a ladder attached to the top and bottom to allow someone to climb to the top,” she explains. These are great in tighter spaces, Siegel notes. You’ll find this kind of ladder in the Crate & Kids Babyletto TipToe White & Washed Natural Wood Kids Bunk Bed and IKEA Tuffing, for instance.

Stair ladders are small staircases going up the side of the bunk beds, Klugh says. This is the most luxurious option, Siegel says, but of course, it also takes up space.

Finally, you’ll also see ladders that hook on to the top bunk and offer a bit of a lean, Siegel explains. This angled design can make it easier to climb up into the top bunk. (Keep in mind you can always build a sturdy bunk bed ladder if you don’t like the one that’s included.)

FAQ
  • Are metal bunk beds better than wood?

    Not necessarily! “The question of wood vs. metal really comes down to your personal design style,” Kuo says. Wood is sturdy and durable, she says. “It also ] has a lovely light look that's perfect for kids' rooms.” An advantage to metal is that it’s pest-resistant.

  • Do bunk beds need a special mattress?

    “Most bunk beds will work with a regular twin bed mattress, but it's important to check the specifications in case there's any sort of exception,” Kuo says. Some bunk beds have a non-standard size for the mattress, or may have certain requirements in terms of height or what the mattress is constructed of. (If you’re shopping for a mattress, here are some of our favorite places to buy a mattress overall and our top online mattress companies.)

  • How much does a bunk bed cost?

    As with any piece of furniture, the price varies. At lower price points, you might see bunk beds made with cheaper materials (think: medium-density fiberboard rather than wood or metal). But the real distinguishing factor is likely the configurations. “Usually the higher price point allows for more customization to fit your space and design needs better,” Klugh says. This may mean an option that allows you to add a stair ladder, trundle bed, or additional storage, she says. Or, some bunk beds can be taken apart and set up as two separate beds—this is convenient if you anticipate a different room layout in the future or a move to a bigger home.

The Checkout Counter

Before you checkout, consider these other products you might need.

  1. Zinus 6-Inch Foam and Spring Mattress: Our best overall bunk bed mattress arrives in a box and is the perfect height for top bunks with shorter railings.
  2. Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Sheet Set: These 300-thread-count sheets are one of the softest sets we've ever tested and they'd be perfect for a kid's room or a guest bedroom.
  3. Nestl Reading Pillow: While bunk beds don't typically have large headboards, you can still make them a cozy reading nook by adding this reading pillow, which supports you and has a tablet pocket.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Madeleine Burry wrote this list and has been writing for the Spruce since 2019, and has also written for many other websites. To curate this list, Burry reached out to three experts. She factored in their expert tips and recommendations—plus customer reviews on retailer sites—to determine which bunk beds are the best.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. UL Solutions. UL GREENGUARD Certification.

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