And now that we’ve got some of the questions out of the way, let’s jump into some designs we’ve got our eye on.
Veronika 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.”
This design comes in two colors: white and washed natural, and black and natural walnut. The contrast of the ladder gives it a chic vibe, offering a bit more life than themed designs on the market. Veronika notes that this is “a more affordable version of the Oeuf Perch bed.” You also have the option to add a trundle 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.
Alternatively, 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 Veronika. “So make sure you have space to access the ladder on the right side.”
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, “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 three colors (white, brushed grey, and weathered navy) and doesn’t lean too hard into the theme—the minimal silhouette will stand the test of time.
If you frequently have guests—both younger kids and adults—think about investing in a bunk bed that speaks to all ages. Settle your young visitors on the top bunk (which comes in a twin or full bed) and offer up the queen-size bed on the bottom for taller sleepers. We didn’t think you could get two separate beds that are more different in a single design, but here we are.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind swapping solid wood for a metal bunk bed, take a look at this double-over-double bunk bed. With more than 4,500 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.
Sometimes buying into the bunk bed lifestyle isn’t about having two beds—there are plenty of things to be done with the space that’s saved when you loft a bed. This design from IKEA is tried-and-true, transforming the under-bed space into a workstation with tons of extra storage.
Available in five colors—espresso, natural, white, blue, and grey— and with two easy-access drawers for added storage space, there’s a lot to love about this wood bunk designed for twin mattresses. The solid pine design doesn’t require a box spring, which makes this a better choice for rooms with lower ceilings.
Sometimes two beds won’t cut it…so opt for three (or more). You don’t have to drop another bed on top to add sleeping space—make the most of a corner and invest in an L-shaped bunk bed station. This design from Homaapack even has drawers for added storage. The ultimate sleepover hub in our opinion.
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 best part? The minimal silhouette and color palette means it won’t clash with an ever-changing room theme.
