How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a great way to reduce space and add a fun aspect of style to children's rooms. How do you pick the best one?
Find bunk beds that can be divided into two beds once your kids outgrow the bunk configuration. The best bunk beds are sturdy and have designs that can accommodate sleepovers and multiple children.
Sturdy Construction
If you're planning to add a bunk bed in your kids' bedroom, be sure it's built to last and can stand the weight of children and adults alike. Look for features that are durable like tubular frames made of metal or solid wood construction that can withstand the wear of a shared bedroom. Bunk beds can be used for sleepovers or summer overnight camps. They must be strong enough to handle the weight of many kids jumping around all night.
The majority of the top convertible beds are built with a strong steel frame. They also come with warranties that increase their longevity. Choose a finish that complements your existing bedroom decor, and consider adding other bunk bed accessories like trundles or storage drawers to extend the life of your investment.
The DHP Miles is a great option for bunk beds that aren't expensive and still very sturdy. The bunks have a unique industrial style that is hip and modern. However, the ladder and safety rails are durable and will keep children and adults secure. The bottom bunk features a futon that can be used as couch or an extra bed for family and friends. The bunks are shipped flat and can be assembled when they arrive.
Max & Lily is another excellent alternative. It comes with two twin beds, one on top of the other, and can be separated into two beds after the bunk-bumping stage is finished. The minimalist, modern design and color choices create a sleek, classic feel that's ideal for both girls and boys bedrooms. However the customer service provided by the company is not consistent and customers have reported issues with shipping damage.
Crate & Kids offers solid wood bunk beds that are constructed to last. This model is modern, sleek design that can easily be transformed into two separate twin beds after your children outgrow it. Choose a neutral color like white or espresso that blends with any colour scheme, or a bolder choice like deep blue or pink to energize the space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are a great option for rooms for children, especially if you have limited space. There are many bunks with drawers underneath which give you more storage space, but does not take up floor space. They also have shelves that can be used to hold a bookshelf, media center or other furniture. These beds can also be divided into two twin beds. This is perfect for families with extended homes, cottages or guests from out of town.
If you opt for a ladder style bed, make sure it has handholds and anti-slip rungs to help you climb up. Some beds come with an inbuilt staircase that gives an elegant appearance and greater stability. These options are not suitable for younger children, and they require more floor space. Some offer extra storage, such as built-in drawers and shelves. These can be useful for clothes or toys.
Low bunks are a different way to reduce floor space. They're ideal for spaces with high ceilings as well as smaller spaces. This design has the bottom bed at ground level, and a top bunk that hangs off the frame's side to make use of the floor space. It's a great choice for kids who are younger, but they may appear too childish 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 one bed for your child grows out of the bunk or when siblings move into their own rooms. The bunk is available in wood or metal and can be made to fit drawers for storage and a trundle.
Fenton says she likes Oeuf's Perch bunk bed because it's elegant, durable and can be split into twins to make a full size bed. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified that means it complies with stricter chemical and particle air quality standards and doesn't release foul odors. The mocha finish and the clean lines are also a draw in addition to the fact that it's sustainably produced and comes from FSC Baltic birch.
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 convertible bunk beds include the large trundle bed that is placed beneath twin beds that can be accessed through a built-in staircase. This kind of bunk bed can be an excellent option for bedrooms that don't have enough space to accommodate three beds, or for parents who wish to accommodate multiple children in the same room without losing privacy.
Other bunks feature trundle beds that can be detached and can put independently or to create two separate twin beds or create a full-over-full configuration. Some bunks feature another staircase that lets you to access the bed trundle on its own, while others feature an integrated staircase that has a built-in storage shelf or display space below.
Some of the best bunks also come in different colors to match your kids' existing bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and can be matched with any bedding. A deep natural or espresso stain will add warmth and richness. Other finishes, such as soft gray and chic pink, work well with a range of color schemes and can be paired with any design of bunk beds.

If you're planning on using your bunk bed as a guest bedroom think about the overall dimensions and the height of the furniture to ensure it's an appropriate fit to your home. If your ceilings are lower and you're looking for a higher ceiling, consider a model with a futon or a sitting area underneath the top bunk. This will give guests the opportunity to relax in a comfortable space.
A bunk bed with drawers to serve as a desk as well as dresser is an ideal way to increase the flexibility of your bed. This can help your children stay organized while giving you extra storage space for books, toys, and clothing. Many of these bunks have an extra-large bottom bed and are suitable for adults, also, which makes them a great choice for households with multiple children or multigenerational families who frequently host overnight guests. Many of these models come in a variety of finish options to suit your children's preference and match your current furniture for your bedroom, including solid oak, dark walnut and white finishes.
Easy Assembly
The best convertible bunk beds are usually shipped partially assembled. This is great for parents with a little time or space. These bunk beds also require minimal tools and can be assembled by just one or two people. If you plan to DIY select the bunk bed that comes with clear instructions and pre-cut pieces to accelerate the assembly.
Based on the design and materials of your bunk bed, it's crucial to consider the amount of weight it can support. Some bunk beds have metal frames, which can hold more weight than wood options. Additionally, if you choose a wooden bunk bed, it is important to pay attention to the type of wood used since some types are more susceptible to splitting than others.
If you're shopping for a bunk bed ensure that the bed you're considering has guard rails on both sides of the top level. They can stop your children from rolling off at night which is a frequent cause of head injuries among children who sleep in bunk beds. These guards can be especially useful if your children are still young and afraid of climbing out of bed at night.
Another essential feature to consider when looking for a bunk bed is a detachable slide. This exciting feature for your child's room lets friends and siblings race down the slide together or send their beloved stuffed animals on the ride of their lives. Some models even come with an accompanying storage staircase that allows to ensure safe access to the top.
best l shaped bunk beds with a slide that is able to be removed is a great option for parents seeking to maximize space in their child's room without sacrificing safety and functionality. This chic twin over full trundle bunk bed from Max & Lily is crafted from kiln-dried pine wood and engineered wood to ensure durability and long-lasting. It comes in three different finishes to match any child's bedroom decor. A crisp white finish is perfect for coastal or cottage-style rooms. Gray or clay finishes can be paired with a variety of color schemes.