How to Choose the Right Bunk Bed

Selecting your child’s first bunk bed can be a bit intimidating. Buying a bunk bed is different than buying any other piece of furniture for your child’s room or your home. Here are some safety and functionality aspects to consider before choosing a bunk bed or loft bed.

• Make Sure the Bunk Bed Will Fit in Your Space

Bunk beds work well in any sized room. Before making a purchase, measure the floor space and the ceiling height. Leave 24” of space from ceiling to top of bunk to avoid bumping into the ceiling while getting on or off the upper bunk. A ceiling mounted fan is a major determining factor when deciding where to place the bunk bed. Make sure you leave at least 2 to 3 feet between the edge of the bed and the tip of the fan blades. Never place a bunk bed next to a window.

• Determine the Size of the Bunk Bed

To determine whether a twin bunk bed or full sized bunk bed better suit a space, consider the differences in size. A typical twin bunk bed measures 40”Wide x 82” long whereas a full bunk bed is 54” wide and 82” long. Bunk beds are available in twin over twin, twin over full, full over full, twin over queen, queen over queen, and extra-long bunk beds.

                                                               Size Chart for Bunk Beds

                                          Bunk Bed Size                             Dimensions

                                Twin over Twin Bunk Bed                  81"L x 42"W x 71"H

                                Extra Long Twin Bunk Bed                86-1/2"L x 43"W x 70-1/2"H

                                Twin over Full Bunk Bed                    81”L x 54”W x 71”H

                                Full over Full Bunk Bed                      81”L x 54”W x 71”H

                                Twin over Queen Bunk Bed               86-3/4"L x 64-3/4"W x 71-7/8"H

                                Queen over Queen Bunk Bed            83"L x 63"W x 65”H

• Select a Bunk Bed Configuration

Consider all of the different bunk bed configurations to find out which best meets your needs.

Standard Bunk bed: This is your typical bunk bed with one bed on top and one bed on the bottom.

L- Shaped Bunk Bed: The top bunk is perpendicular to the bottom bunk, contrary to standard bunk beds where one bunk is on top and the other is on the bottom. The L-shaped bunk bed occupies more floor space than a regular bunk bed but is a space-saver compared to traditional beds that sit on the floor.

Triple Bunk Bed: This configuration provides sleeping space for three and is available in different configurations. Vertically stacked beds are a great space-saving solution if you have an accommodating ceiling height. Use an L-shaped configuration for a different look. A corner triple bunk bed offers two bunks on the bottom and one on the top.

Futon Bunk Bed: This bunk bed option with futon is a great space saver. A twin bed on top provides space for sleeping and full size futon on the bottom doubles as a sofa by day for lounging or watching TV, and as a bed by night for sleepovers. The futon bunk bed is a great choice for college kids.

• Select Bunk Bed Related Features & Functionalities

Bunk Beds with Trundle: The under bed trundle is perfect for overnight sleepovers; a typical twin trundle requires a 40” clearance for a complete pullout.

Bunk beds with Storage Drawers: The under-bed drawers provide extra storage capacity but require an extra 20” of clearance for full-drawer functionality.

Bunk Beds with Stairs: For concerned parents, stairs offer a safe and easy access to the top bunk. Some models also offer storage drawers mounted below the stairs.

• Standard Bunk Beds vs. Bunk Beds with Stairs

Ladder or Stairs?

Typical ladders for upper bed access are either angled or vertically mounted. A typically angled ladder is mounted to the upper rail via two hooks and is easily detachable. Angled ladders are more functional as they make access to upper bed easier for an adult. One disadvantage of angled ladder as it gets in the way of under bed storage or trundle functionality. You can temporarily unhook the ladder when accessing the under bed features.

Vertical ladders mount to both upper and lower rails. They are easily detachable and don’t impede the under bed drawers or trundle functionality.

The bunk beds with stairs configuration is another option that makes accessing the upper bunk safer for kids. In most cases side-mounted stairs feature either front-mounted drawers or side-mounted drawers. Unlike ladders, side mounted stairs add an additional 20 to 25” to the length of a bunk bed.

Select the Material

Bunk Beds are available in both wood and metal construction. Wood Bunk Beds are typically made of soft wood such as pine, hardwood such as birch and others using a combination of solid and engineered wood. Metal bunk beds are made of steel and are typically available in gray, dark silver or black finish.

• Select the Style and Finish

Traditional bunk beds are typically available in dark finishes such as cherry, walnut, and darker oak. If you are a fan of contemporary/modern style with sleek lines, metal bunk beds might be the perfect pick. Cottage style bunk beds offer another popular option and feature a combination of solid wood and bead board panel head and foot boards. These are typically available in white, dark pecan, walnut, navy blue, espresso, birch and black finish. Mission style bunk beds never go out of style and feature slatted head and foot boards. Industrial inspired bunk beds are the latest trend. They are available in all metal or a combination of wood and metal.

• Consider a Convertible Bunk Bed Configuration

Most parents have an eye on the future, and their kids will eventually outgrow the bunk beds. Perhaps they would like to separate the beds at some stage. In the long term, convertible bunk beds will save you money.

When researching your options, be sure the bunk bed you choose has safety and guard rails for the upper bed and meets the weight requirements of your specific situation.