Our favorite, the Walker Edison Solid Wood Twin Bunk Bed, is made from solid pine, has two twin beds that can be stacked or placed side-by-side, and features an upper guardrail for added safety. Here are the best bunk beds. Our best overall pick is the Walker Edison Classic Wood Twin Bunk because it has a classic twin-over-twin setup with 10 color options and 3 configuration options (including a trundle)—all at a surprisingly affordable price tag. Though this bunk bed lacks the storage available with other units, it’s made out of a durable, solid pine frame and has a secure ladder, which is essential for little ones still learning to climb, our tester says. Each twin bed has a weight capacity of 200 pounds, which is also slightly higher than comparable units. Our tester was particularly fond of the timeless look and affordability of the bunk beds. She said that although she loved the design of the bed, it took almost four hours for her and her partner to piece it together. Our tester suggested having at least one other person nearby to help with assembly and a power drill to speed up the assembly. While the ladder on this bunk bed is very sturdy, according to our tester, she also wished that it was equipped with steps for even more safety for her young son. When testing the different configurations on this bunk bed, our tester noted that it was easy to separate the twin beds with the help of her partner and when in the traditional bunk configuration, the beds felt stable and sturdy. While the trundle is a separate purchase, our tester said that it would be the perfect addition for sleepovers. All in all, this bed is a reliable design for a fraction of the price of most bunk bed options available. Price at time of publish: $403 Users will also appreciate how the stairs are attached to the end of the frame, so climbers will not interfere with sleepers on the bottom bunk. This bunk bed measures 61.4 inches tall and has weight limits of 175 pounds for the top bunk and 275 pounds for the bottom bunk. Price at time of publish: $600 This setup affords users twice as much desk space as conventional options, and it incorporates other critical components such as easy-access cubbies, shelves, a corkboard, and a pencil drawer for all of your supplies, books, and notes. Not to mention, this bunk bed features a roomy full-size bunk, six finishes to choose from, and a generous weight capacity of 500 pounds. Price at time of publish: $1,999 This L-shaped bunk bed has a less obvious super-power, too. Because it doesn’t utilize the same frame as the lower bunk, top-bunk climbers can more easily come and go without disturbing the sleeper on the bottom bunk. The top bunk and ladder for this set-up have a weight capacity of 165 pounds, while the bottom bed can support up to 200 pounds. Price at time of publish: $1600 This unit boasts a solid wood frame and a 225-pound weight limit per bed, both of which are conducive to long-term utility. Price at time of publish: $680 Moreover, each bed boasts a weight capacity of 250 pounds, and the unit can be converted into two separate twin pieces, so this setup has the style and sturdiness your child can grow into. Price at time of publish: $699 If your room has a low ceiling clearance, you’ll want to select a low bunk bed like this model from Harper and Bright Designs. This small bunk measures only 47 inches high—just under 4 feet. Despite its small stature, the combined unit boasts a 400-pound weight capacity. Keep in mind that a ladder might not be the safest option for younger children. However, the lower bunk is mere inches from the ground, an ideal setup for youngsters transitioning to their first bed. Price at time of publish: $378
Separation
Some bunk beds come as one unit that must remain stacked. If you value versatility, you may want to look into bunk beds that separate into two (or three) normal beds. This can be beneficial if your children may eventually get their own rooms.
Features
Finally, consider integrated features such as shelves, drawers, desks, and cubbies that can help you further conserve space and money you’d otherwise spend on extra furniture. Depending on the age of your child, you may also want to consider play features (or possible add-ons) like slides or tents.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this roundup, Leslie Joblin evaluated dozens of popular bunk beds, considering criteria such as safety, durability, versatility, and affordability. She also took into account integrated features for storage, play, or study, along with the latest safety recommendations outlined by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. If you’re adding a bunkie board below the mattress or a mattress topper above it, you’ll want to select a mattress that can accommodate the extra inches without exceeding the recommended 8 inches. (Consult the manual supplied with your purchase for guidelines tailored to your specific bunk bed.) When shopping, prioritize recommended safety features like side rails with openings of no more than 15 inches at either end and no more than 3.5 inches between gaps (to prevent strangulation). Opting for a bunk with integrated stairs and a handrail (rather than a ladder) can also increase safety, especially for young children. Finally, always follow the guidelines supplied in the product manual—for example, the recommended mattress height. In addition to reports from our product testers and outside customer reviews, Leslie consulted with Melissa Barling, a lifestyle blogger and the interior decorator behind design studio Winter Daisy. Finally, she selected a range of bunk beds to suit the differing needs and space constraints of potential buyers.
