15 Best Bunk Beds for Kids That Even Adult Guests Can Appreciate

Finding the best bunk beds for kids may sound like an innocent task, but there’s more to it than you think. The finished product exudes fun—two sleeping areas connected by a treehouse-like construction, promising nights of sharing secrets and late-night giggles. Oh, and when the kids are back they’ll have plenty of fun hosting sleepovers in the space. The best bunk beds save a little bit of floorspace, they offer some variety (top bunk vs. bottom bunk), and there are a bunch of space-saving styles to choose from. From twin-over-twin designs with built-in ladders to minimalist IKEA classics, there are a lot of ways to incorporate a bunk bed into your home.

Finding the right fit for your home is tough and it’s easy to choose solely on looks. But there’s more to consider, particularly when it comes to safety. We spoke to designers with real-life experience (a.k.a., kids!) to help paint a better picture of what you should be looking for. Ahead, you’ll find some best-selling, expert-approved bunk bed options that hit all budgets to help set up the coolest kid bedroom ever, along with answers to FAQs from professionals on some of the biggest bunk bed quandaries.

• Best Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed: Max & Lily Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed With Stairs & Trundle
• Best Bunk Bed with a Slide: Max & Lily Bunk Bed With Easy Slide & Stairs
• Best Bunk Bed with a Trundle: Matrix Kids Twin XL-Over-Queen Bunk Bed and Trundle Bed
• Best Customizable Bunk Bed: Matrix Kids Quad Bunk Beds
• Best Bunk Bed for Kids: Casa Gear Bunk Bed with House Design
• Best Bunk Bed with Stairs: Max & Lily Staircase Bunk Bed
• Best Triple Bunk Bed: Casa Gear Metal Triple Bunk Bed with Built-in Ladder

• Storkcraft Caribou Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed
• Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed
• West Elm Milo Bunk Bed
• DHP Miles Low Metal Bunk Bed
• SHA CERLIN Metal Bunk Bed Twin-Over-Full
• Whalefall Metal Bunk Bed Twin-Over-Twin
• Wayfair Bolles Solid Wood Standard Bunk Bed
• West Elm Arches Bunk Bed

• Size: Twin over full, plus twin trundle
• Weight Limit: 400 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: White, walnut, clay, pecan
• Dimensions: 65" H x 99.5" L x 57.5" W
• Storage: Yes
• Warranty: One year

• Made of solid pine wood for extra stability and durability (not engineered wood)
• Staircase steps are grooved for better grip
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified

• Lots of space between foundation slats, which may not align with some mattress warranties
• Trundle mattress is visible from the head and foot of the bed

Why should you choose this bunk bed? The beautiful little magic trick hiding in this bunk bed is the trundle that slides right under the bottom bed—offering even more sleeping options. It’s perfect for last-minute sleepover guests and great for storing blankets and pillows when it’s not being slept on. Available in four finishes, the bunk bed is made of solid pine wood and has a four-step ladder built into the frame. Just add some funky sheets, a cozy duvet, and a few animal-shaped pillows and you’ve got an A+ sleeping set-up for the kids.

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 400 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: White, gray, clay, pecan, walnut
• Dimensions: 99.75” L x 92.25” W x 50” H (with slide), 99.75” L x 42.5” W x 50” H (without slide)
• Storage: Yes
• Warranty: One year

• Made with solid wood to improve durability (not engineered wood)
• Metal support bar for extra stability
• Slide from top bunk to the floor

• Under-stair storage is minimal, and there is no under bed storage
• No option to buy this bunk bed without the slide (though Max & Lily has lots of other bunk bed options without a slide)

Why should you choose this bunk bed? Available in five colors with a slide from the top bunk, there’s a lot to love about this Max & Lily bunk bed. It's designed for twin mattresses up to eight inches tall (we recommend splurging on the luxury six-inch Saatva Bunk & Trundle mattress), and has a low loft that's great for preserving overhead space. Plus, the solid pine design doesn’t require a box spring, making this a better choice for rooms with lower ceilings.

• Size: Twin XL over queen, plus twin trundle
• Weight Limit: 800 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: White, chestnut, natural
• Dimensions: 88" L x 64" W x 70.75" H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: Five years (one year for transportation costs associated with warranty claims)

• Made with premium hardwood for durability—maple, birch, or aspen wood
• Can hold up to 800 pounds per sleeping surface—double the U.S. safety standard per sleeping surface
• Can separate into two individual beds or remain stacked as a bunk bed

• Pricier than many of the bunk beds on our list
• Vertical ladder is not as easy to use for very young kids as stairs

Why should you choose this bunk bed? This bunk bed by Matrix is designed to grow with your family. The twin XL and queen sized bed frames work for kids, teens, and adults alike. Each bed supports up to 800 pounds, which means you won't need to worry about doubling up on the queen sized lower bunk. And when your kids want their own rooms, you can detach the top bunk and make it into a standalone twin XL bed. This bunk bed is also great for large families with limited space since the bottom bunk hides a twin sized trundle bed, meaning this bunk bed can comfortably fit four sleepers.

• Size: Twin over twin on both sides
• Weight Limit: 800 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: White, chestnut, natural
• Dimensions: 178.25" L x 42.5" W x 66.25" H
• Storage: Yes
• Warranty: Five years (one year for transportation costs associated with warranty claims)

• Storage drawers built into stairs
• Very versatile—choose from three finishes (white, chestnut, or natural), two bed end styles (panels or slats), three heights (low, medium, or high), and several configurations (all beds can be stacked or used as single twin beds)
• Designed to prevent wiggling and accommodate double the U.S. safety weight standard per sleeping surface

• Very expensive
• Only offered in twin sized, which may be too short for some adult users

Why should you choose this bunk bed? If you’re not concerned about conserving floorspace and need to sleep four people, consider going all in on a “capital B Bunk Bed.” This quad design from Matrix is quite the piece of furniture, but it's perfect for large families and vacation rentals. The set of middle stairs is especially helpful for little sleepers, and the abundance of drawers makes hiding toys and extra blankets a breeze. Plus, this bunk bed can be disassembled into four separate twin sized beds if needed.

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 400 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: Brown
• Dimensions: 77” L x 42.88” W x 89.5” H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: One year

• Looks like a tree fort, complete with a slatted roof and window
• Made of solid wood for durability and stability (not engineered wood)
• Short three-step ladder should be easy to use for kids of all ages

• No under-bed storage
• Only one wood finish available (brown)

Why should you choose this bunk bed? This, right here, is the wood bunk bed of so many kids’ dreams. It’s imaginative, evoking days of playing dress up and house. “It’s something to inspire play,” says Veronika Bamfield—founder of Doma Design and mother of three, “but it requires sufficient ceiling height so may not work for every bedroom.” This is to say, check your measurements and then get excited. It comes in solid wood brown and leans hard into the tree fort theme—the rustic look is sure to delight kids of all ages (heck, we'd be excited to sleep in this bed).

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 400 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: White, grey, pecan, clay, walnut
• Dimensions: 99.5” L x 42.5” W x 50” H
• Storage: Yes
• Warranty: One year

• Grooved stairs for extra stability and grip
• Affordable compared to many other solid wood bunk beds
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified

• Under-stair storage is minimal, and there is no under bed storage
• Select wood finishes are sometimes unavailable

Why should you choose this bunk bed? Love the look and price of Max & Lily's other bunk beds, but want to keep it simple (no slides or trundle beds)? This basic bunk bed is your best bet. It has the same wide, grooved stairs as the other Max & Lily bunk beds, as well as the five simple wood finishes/colors, but the price reflects the pared-down build. Plus, the low loft on the bottom bunk means you won't need a rail to keep kids from going far if they roll off the bed.

• Size: Twin over twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 400 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: Bronze
• Dimensions: 42” L x 77.5” W x 76.75” H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: One year

• Space-saving design
• Beds can be stacked or used independently
• Relatively affordable for a triple bunk bed compared to other options

• There may not be much headspace on the top bunk in rooms with low ceilings
• Only one metal finish (bronze) available

Why should you choose this bunk bed? We love this bronze metal bunk bed for many reasons, but the fact that it sleeps three people individually is high on the list. There are three design options: a traditional triple bunk bed construction, stacking only two beds and leaving a standalone twin bed, and three standalone twin beds. This means the bunk bed can adapt to your available space in different seasons of life.

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 225 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: Black/natural, espresso, grey, midnight blue/natural, navy, olive/natural, white, white/natural
• Dimensions: 63.16”L x 79.13” W x 64.72” H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: One year

• Eight colorways available to help match your kid's bedroom palette
• Beds can be stacked as a bunk bed or used separately
• Very affordable

• Not made of solid wood; made of rubberwood solids, engineered wood, and wood composites, which may not be as durable as solid wood
• Lower weight limit than most bunk beds

Why should you choose this bunk bed? The Storkcraft Caribou bunk bed comes in eight colorways, including solid colors and color with natural wood. The contrast gives it a chic vibe, offering a bit more life than plain wood designs on the market. This is also a more affordable bunk bed, since it's made with a mix of wood solids, engineered wood, and wood composites instead of just solid wood. It's a perfect option for younger kids who will quickly outgrow sharing a room.

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 250 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: White/walnut, white/birch
• Dimensions: 78”L x 42.25” W x 64” H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: Five years

• Sleek, minimalistic design
• Can be used as a bunk bed or standalone twin sized beds
• GREENGUARD Gold certified

• Expensive for a bunk bed made of plywood and manufactured wood
• Weight limit is less than many other bunk beds on this list

Why should you choose this bunk bed? Sleek and sculptural, this is a bunk bed design you won’t feel tempted to ditch the moment your kid outgrows a twin-size bed. The design is beautifully simple and versatile, giving it a chameleon-like ability to blend into any style of room. Bamfield names this as one of her all-time favorite bunk beds for a number of reasons. “You can get a matching trundle bed, which is awesome if you need to accommodate three kids, or as an extra sleeping space for sleepovers,” she says. “It also has a neat matching shelving unit that attaches to the bed. It’s simple, minimalist, and sustainably made in Europe.”

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 300 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: Simply white, pebble/simply white
• Dimensions: 78”L x 44”W x 54.5”H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: No warranty, but there is a 30-day return window, and West Elm will consider product issues on a case-by-case basis for the first year of original ownership

• Simple, timeless design
• Frame and slats are made of solid wood
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified

• Ladder can't be moved
• No warranty coverage, which is expected given the price

Why should you choose this bunk bed? If you’re dealing with a low ceiling, we recommend considering a design that has the lower bunk sitting directly on the floor. A low bunk bed—like this one from West Elm—also has the power to make your ceilings look even higher. The Milo ultra-minimal bunk bed comes in two colors: the monochromatic “simply white,” and another that comes with a “pebble-hued” upper bunk.

• Size: Full over full
• Weight Limit: 300 (top bunk), 450 pounds (bottom bunk)
• Finishes: Black, blue, silver, white
• Dimensions: 56.5”L x 77.5”W x 54”H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: 1 year

• Sleek, modern design
• Lighter-weight (97 pounds versus several hundred pounds for solid wood), which makes for easier assembly and transportation
• More affordable than other options on this list

• Some users complain of difficult assembly
• Small gap under bottom bunk makes it difficult to retrieve toys that have been pushed under

Why should you choose this bunk bed? If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind swapping solid wood for a metal bunk bed, take a look at this full-over-full bunk bed. With more than 6,000 reviews (averaging 4.5 stars out of 5), the construction is stable and the mattresses sit on top of sturdy metal slats. The metal frame is simple and sleek, meaning your sleepers won’t age out of the design within months.

• Size: Twin over full
• Weight Limit: 400 (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: Black, matte white
• Dimensions: 77.6”L x 56.3”W x 63”H
• Storage: Yes
• Warranty: N/A

• 12 inches of under-bed storage
• Lighter-weight (95 pounds versus several hundred pounds for solid wood), which makes for easier assembly and transportation
• Metal tube framing designed to be squeak-resistant

• No warranty listed
• Only two colors to chose from

Why should you choose this bunk bed? Looking for a bunk bed that can graduate from childhood to adolescence? This sleek bunk bed by Sha Cerlin has 12 inches of under-bed storage space, and the high-quality metal construction supports up to 400 pounds on each bunk. The best part? The minimal silhouette and color palette means it won’t clash with an ever-changing room theme.

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 440 pounds (bottom bunk), 330 pounds (top bunk)
• Finishes: Black, vintage brown
• Dimensions: 78.6”L x 41.3”W x 68”H
• Storage: Yes
• Warranty: N/A

• Can be stacked as a bunk bed or separated into two twin beds
• 11 inches of under-bed storage
• Lighter-weight (95 pounds versus several hundred pounds for solid wood), which makes for easier assembly and transportation

• No warranty information listed
• Only two colors to choose from

Why should you choose this bunk bed? What we love about this Whalefall bunk bed is that it wouldn’t look out of sorts in an adult bedroom. It's made of heavy-duty metal with guardrails and a sturdy ladder, giving it a modern industrial look. This one would be great for a guest rooms that’s occupied by your niece one week and your older brother the next.

• Size: Twin over full
• Weight Limit: 400 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: Gray, white, espresso, blue, natural
• Dimensions: 80”L x 57.75”W x 65”H
• Storage: Yes
• Warranty: N/A

• Large, rolling under-bed drawers for storage of bedding, clothes, or toys
• Made of solid pine wood for extra durability and stability
• Recessed hardware creates a cleaner look

• Ladder is built-in and can't be moved
• Warranty information isn't specified

Why should you choose this bunk bed? Your kid may not really understand the beautiful and complex intersection of Scandinavian minimalism and mid century-modern quite yet, but hey—no harm in surrounding them with some nostalgia early on. The Wayfair Bolles bunk bed is available in five colors (we’re particularly into the natural finish), and the angled ladder makes it easy to climb up to the top. Plus, this design has drawers for added storage. In our opinion, it’s the ultimate sleepover hub.

• Size: Twin over twin
• Weight Limit: 300 pounds (per sleeping surface)
• Finishes: White/sand
• Dimensions: 78.5”L x 41.25”W x 74”H
• Storage: No
• Warranty: No warranty, but there is a 30-day return window, and West Elm will consider product issues on a case-by-case basis for the first year of original ownership

• Unique modern design
• Comes with white glove delivery (in-room setup and removal of packaging)
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified

• Ladder can't be moved
• No warranty

Why should you choose this bunk bed? If you’ve got plenty of ceiling height and you want to make a statement, prepare to fall in love with this design from Sarah Sherman Samuel’s collab with West Elm. “You will need to have the perfect disposition because it doesn’t look like the ladder can be in another spot,” says Bamfield. “So make sure you have space to access the ladder on the right side.”

The answer to this question is actually quite complex. “These days, there are so many variations of bunk beds, from full size to twin size, to bunks that are technically loft beds with room for a kid lounge or desk underneath, to bunk beds where the bottom bed sits perpendicular to the upper bunk,” says Noz Nozawa, the interior designer behind San Francisco-based Noz Designs who’s no stranger to playful bedroom setups (just take a peek at the kids room in this Menlo Park family home and the unforgettable bunk bed in this Japanese-style tree house). “Besides this, there are sleek modern bunk beds, traditional bunk beds, bunks that look like they belong in a log cabin for summer school, and fully custom built-into-a-room limitless options,” says Nozawa.

There are a lot of ways you can go. Veronika Bamfield—founder of Doma Design and mother of three—has one big piece of advice: “There’s a whole realm of beds that mimic castles, playgrounds, tree houses…but in my opinion [are] not as pretty or neutral, as they may grow out of that phase quickly,” she shares. “From there, it’s just a super specific—and probably expensive—bed that kills the vibe because they are no longer into princesses and forts.”

First and foremost, think about safety. “Read the reviews and look at the spec sheet,” says Bamfield. Specific things to look out for in the reviews: Is it stable or shaky? What’s the weight limit? Is the ladder secure and safe? Does the top bunk have a tall enough guardrail (ideally on all sides)? In addition, look at the materials used to make the bunk bed and ensure that they are safe to keep around kids. Also, think about how active your young kids are. “For sleepers who move around a lot, a sturdy guardrail that runs across at least 70% the length of the upper bunk is crucial,” says Nozawa.

Safety aside, there are a few other things you’ll want to consider too. “Besides ensuring you are confident in the safety rails, the most important thing is to also consider how minimal the annoyance will be to change the sheets on the top bunk,” Nozawa continues. “I have discovered in my own cabin home—which has low ceilings and beams that come down right over the top bunk in our bunk room—that my husband’s childhood bunk bed is quite tall! Changing the fitted sheets on the top bunk while not bonking my head on the beam is often a literal headache.”

If you plan on making the bunk bed a long-term part of your kids’ room—or guest room—take note of a bunk bed’s weight capacity. Most bunk beds will work for young kids, but if you plan on offering up the bed to adults, you’ll want to look for something sturdier and longer to accommodate bodies of different sizes. The biggest problem older guests will run into is not being able to stretch out—some bunk beds out there that are truly kid-sized. Rest assured: There are plenty of designs for every mattress size out there, as long as you aren’t looking for a California King bunk bed. (Maybe go custom for that one.)

No way. Let’s set a scene: You live in a really cool city that your friends and family love to visit. A traditional guest room may have a single full-sized bed, which is perfect for a single visitor, a couple, or family members. But gather multiple loved ones and you’ll be deciding who gets the free extra room and who’s booking a hotel room. Avoid the drama and set up some bunk beds. It’s a bit summer camp chic and a whole lot of efficiency packed into one room. Plus, it’s just really fun. If you are going to be housing bunk beds for adults, make sure you check out the weight capacity and measurements of each design as you do your research.

It really comes down to your budget and how long you plan on making the bunk bed the focal point of the room. As a design element, bunk beds can work extra hard in small spaces—but it’s also going to be more expensive than purchasing a premade design. “I’m very biased here, but custom is always my favorite version of a bunk bed,” Nozawa says. “The beauty of a custom bunk is that—especially in guest rooms or secondary bedrooms that might be smaller or more awkwardly shaped—you can configure a built-in solution that maximizes the utility (and beauty!) of that room.”

Another reason to look into a custom bunk bed design? If what you’re looking for might not exist, especially if you’re working with a specific nook or a certain design style. “Arches are a big hit, and up until recently there really wasn’t an arched bunk bed on the market,” Bamfield says. “I’ve seen a few custom ones.” But passing trends aren’t the only call for a custom design—you can even incorporate some of your little sleeper’s favorite daytime activities into the space. “Sometimes people incorporate a climbing wall into their bunk bed, to satisfy little climbers,” Bamfield says. Sign us up.

“Minimum ceiling height is typically eight feet, but nine feet is better for bunk beds—though not as common unless you live in a charming prewar building with these extra high ceilings,” says Bamfield. “It’s not a good idea to put a bunk bed into the basement with seven-foot ceilings.”

It’s also important to think through how the upper-bunk sleeper gets in and out of bed: Are they dexterous enough to get down on a ladder? Is a little staircase better? And, if you’re designing a custom bunk for your home, have you ensured there’s enough head clearance for the height of the mattress you want to use, and for the (kid or adult) sleeper to sit up in bed?

The space between the top bunk and the ceiling isn’t the only thing to think about. “Make sure there’s plenty of clearance between the bottom bed and top bunk,” says Bamfield. “Some of them have super low clearance making it very uncomfortable and claustrophobic for sleepers, and it may also be hard to sit on the bottom bunk and just play or read there.”

Make sure the guardrail on the top bunk is at least five inches taller than the top of the mattress. You can also look into guardrail extenders that add more height on top of the existing guardrail. Otherwise, make sure the ladder and joints connecting the top bunk to the bottom bunk are secure by following the assembly instructions that come with the bed. And don't exceed the weight limits recommended by the manufacturer. (Note that sometimes the weight capacity for the top bunk is less than the bottom bunk.)