Best Bunk Bed Reviews 2023 – Top Picks For Your Kids

Last Updated on January 1, 2023

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Bunk beds are one of those ingenious inventions which have continually evolved through time. Not only have they been around for centuries, but they can also be found in many places other than the home, such as dormitories, summer camp cabins, and hostels. In fact, any sleep environment where floor space needs maximizing, a practical and beneficial solution is to use a bunk bed.

Whatever your need may be, if you’re looking at bunk beds for sale and are perhaps in the market for a new one, with the many different sizes, materials, shapes, and colors, the choice can sometimes be overwhelming. However, the best bunk bed isn’t always easily separated from the worst. Therefore to help you along, our team of experts has researched, tested and reviewed some of the top rated from each popular category and documented findings below.

Top Rated Bunk Bed Reviews

Bedz King Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed With Stairs

This is what you call a masterpiece of furniture. Not only is this solid wood bunk bed with stairs bold and beautiful, but it is also extremely functional and offers great value for money.

This particular model is available in three different setups: the first style, being the cheapest and most basic version is a traditional wooden bunk bed, but with a sturdy staircase to one side with 3 drawers built within the stairs, and a cleverly integrated shelf. The second version is the same as the aforementioned but with additional slide-out drawers under the bottom bunk for extra storage. The third option (pictured) also has the stairway with integrated drawers and shelf, but this time comes as a bunk bed with trundle underneath the bottom bunk as opposed to roll-out drawers.

For those concerned about sizes, there is also a twin over full version if you wish. In terms of finishes, the solid Brazilian pine comes in white, honey and cappuccino. Suitable both for kids and adults, whichever finish or option you opt for, this is one of the best beds and is clearly in a league of its own.

Dorel Home Products Twin Over Full

If you’re after a simple, no-frills cheap bunk bed this particular model is certainly worth considering. Offering a twin over full setup, the fully assembled dimensions are 61.5″ high x 78″ long x 56.5″ wide. The slim and compact metal frame elegantly blends into any room without seeming too intrusive. A generous gap underneath the bottom bunk allows for an additional pull out trundle or plenty of space for storage.

All three finishes (black, white, and silver) look good and though the price tag is low, the quality and build appear fine. Unfortunately, like most metal bunk beds this one is not detachable so it cannot be split into two separate beds. Either way, this is a good choice for both kids and adults, which is perfect for either a guest room or everyday use. Whichever your requirement, straight out of the box there is much to like about this which will keep you satisfied for years to come.

DHP Twin Over Twin Metal Bunk Bed

Another perfectly made metal bunk bed is this established addition from DHP. Measuring at 62″ high x 78″ long x 42″ wide it’s ideal for any kids rooms, and with a maximum weight limit of 200lbs for the top, and 225lbs for the bottom, it can accommodate most adults when required.

The sturdy steel frame looks built to last and no doubt can take years of light and heavy usage whether used as an irregular guest bed or nightly slumber. Coming in the sleek powder-coated metal finishes of silver, black and white, each one looks as good as the other. Not only has this been on the market for some time, but it has also continually made a good name for itself since launch due to the solid and safe build offered at such a low price.

Stork Craft Long Horn Solid Hardwood

There is nothing too fancy about this wooden bunk bed for kids, but it still seems to ooze quality and sophistication with ease. Relatively small and compact in comparison to any other twin over twin, it can easily detach and convert into two separate twins if required. When fully assembled it measures 61.3″ high x 78.3″ long x 42.5″ wide. The solid wood construction features a unique fastening system, a sturdy fastened ladder and full-length guardrails for safety.

Additionally, it meets current US and Canada safety standards for added peace of mind. Pink bunk beds aren’t exactly easy to come across, but if you’re after one this could be for you. If pink isn’t your color, there are three other choices of the finish being cherry, espresso, and white. With the cheap price tag, good safety features, and premium overall build quality, this could easily be one of the best bunk beds for kids, and gets a two thumbs up from us.

Donco Full Over Full With Trundle

The Donco is a standard traditionally designed full over full wooden bunk bed with ladder attached as opposed to stairs, but still well built, sturdy, and strong enough for adults and kids to make the climb. The full-size bottom bunk means the pull-out trundle bed is a generous width too. If required, the top and bottom can be detached and split into 2 separate full size beds. When pieced together as one, the overall measurements are 62″ high x 78.5″ long x 59″ wide.

The solid pine has been finished to the highest standard in a choice of either cappuccino and espresso (pictured), and for added peace of mind, these designs have been thoroughly tested to meet or exceed both ASTM and CSPC safety standards. Overall this is a good choice for all the right reasons; given the price and features, it offers great value for money and compares to some of the best bunk beds on the market.

Dorel Living Airlie

The Dorel Living Airlie bunk bed is a brand new design from Dorel that offers more sleeping space than ever before. You’ll love this bunk bed for its sleek design and all of the extra features it offers. The design has two beds that can be used to create a den or an extra room in your home.

The Dorel bunk bed is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for additional sleeping space in their child’s bedroom, particularly when there isn’t much space available. With the Airlie, you’ll get two beds in one with lots of storage space underneath, and height for both kids and parents to feel comfortable.

The beds are designed for kids aged up to 12 years old, but can also be used by adults or anyone who doesn’t mind using a lofted bed. The weight capacity is 165lb (Twin) – 250lb (Full).

The Airlie comes in three colors: White, Grey, and Espresso. You’ll also get a 1-year limited warranty.

Bunk Bed Size and Types

You may be surprised to know there are at least 10 types which can be listed below. However, not all of them are so popular. Therefore to keep things simplified throughout this buying guide, please see below the most common types of bunk beds for sale:

Twin Over Twin

Twin over twin bunk beds are the most common and sought-after type of bunk beds for kids in this day and age. As the name would suggest, this type has two twin size beds (39″ × 75″) atop of one another. These are best used in a guest room or in a children’s room, especially when two kids are sharing. Although adults can sleep in a twin size, it can get a little tight, but certainly not unheard of. If you’re after no-frills cheap bunk beds, this size is a good place to start.

Twin Over Full

A twin over full bunk bed is literally how it sounds. The top bunk is a narrower twin size, and the bottom bunk is a wider full size (54″ × 75″). A twin is a good size for kids. Therefore a twin over full can be utilized with a child in the top and an adult in the bottom, or, even a combination of three kids with one in the top and two sharing in the bottom. As you can imagine, they take up more floor space than a twin over twin, and are slightly more expensive.

Full Over Full

Full over full bunk beds consist of two full-size versions on top of one another, similar to the twin over twin, but with a dual 54″ × 75″ over each other. As you’d expect, being the largest type, they are also the most expensive. They are incredibly convenient where floor space is limited because up to four kids can comfortably lie in slumber without a problem. These types serve as good adult bunk beds because of the larger top and bottom widths.

Bunk Beds With Stairs

You’re probably thinking, “Surely all must have stairs right?” Well, yes to an extent, because of course, one must safely climb up and down from the top level. However, that’s usually done using the included ladder. Much different are what’s known explicitly as bunk beds with stairs.

As you can see from the inset picture, there is literally a staircase which forms part of the furniture piece. This kind of design is widely used in kids bunk beds. Safety aside, they are also aesthetically pleasing but expensive in comparison to others.

Bunk Beds With Storage

Storage space is greatly appreciated by most of us wherever it becomes available. So when you see bunk beds with storage, it’s no wonder why they are so popular. A typical design can cleverly integrate shelves or drawers into a staircase, or more commonly, will have slide-out drawers on casters underneath the lower bunk. Considering the skilled carpentry and extra materials which go into the manufacturing of such designs, they tend to be much more expensive, but well worth the price.

Bunk Bed With Trundle

A modern ingenious design and very sought-after type are known as the bunk beds with trundle. The more traditionally designed and cheap units would normally have a gap underneath. However, as you can see in the inset picture, there is an additional slide-out bed underneath the lower bunk. What this means is, rather than gain storage area utilizing a drawer or empty space, a third bed is created instead which can be hidden away.

Bunk Bed With Desk

Many people will search online for a bunk bed with desk, but will often be surprised to find that these are usually a single bed, either twin or full size, but with a desk underneath. They are not two beds with a desk. In actual fact, these designs are what’s known as loft beds. These are however an excellent option for small rooms where a bed and desk will take up too much space. The pictured option is a typical example of a bed with desk, drawers, and a ladder.

Common Characteristics and Considerations

Metal vs Wood

The 2 most common types of material for construction is metal and wood. Both are good and have their pros and cons. In comparison to wood, metal bunk beds weigh less, they’re extremely long-lasting, more compact and usually relatively cheap. They are however less aesthetically pleasing. Wooden bunk beds, on the other hand, are much nicer to look at with a huge variety of designs; the look, feel and finish is of a higher quality and so is the build, especially those with storage or stairs. As expected the price of a wooden counterpart can sometimes be double if not triple.

What About Colors?

We all have a certain image or preference as to what we’d like in terms of aesthetics, which normally also includes the color of the finish. Although both metal and wooden versions can be painted to virtually any color after purchase, (or before going on sale) the most common colors for metal are the standard black, white, and gray. Likewise, the wooden types are also commonly found in white, but are most widely available in walnut, oak, pine, cappuccino, and espresso finishes.

Can It Split Into Two?

One characteristic which can be of interest to some is whether it is a convertible, or detachable bunk bed, and can convert into two singles or not. Although the primary reason for using these as opposed to traditional beds is to maximize floor space, perhaps at a later date there may be a requirement for two separate beds to be used independently either in the same room or in different rooms. This can potentially be achieved by splitting the bunk if the design permits. Some wooden frames have a joint where the top bunk can be lifted away from the bottom counterpart, however, metal versions usually lack this feature.

More About Sizes

You may have already read about twin-over-twin, full-over-full, etc., and provided you know the standard US bed sizes, this knowledge should suffice. However, although the standard sizes are normally adopted in width and length, the added variable of height is an important one. Be sure to check the full dimensions to ensure your room can accommodate. Not only height but when it comes to added extras like stairs or storage, these too can add length which can take up more space than one might expect.

Assembly

Almost every type of bunk bed will require assembly. These, like traditional beds, are too big to come pre-assembled into the home. Some big companies will offer a white glove service, meaning they will potentially take away your old bed, and fit in the new one (for a charge of course). However, if there is someone handy with a set of tools in the house, it can easily be done.

Conclusion

Whether it’s for a growing family, children or adults, a bunk bed can be a fun and exciting addition to a bedroom. In previous times, they may have been bland in design and somewhat of an eyesore, but nowadays there are beautiful designs that fit into almost any room or decor. Perhaps you need a futon bunk bed or one with a desk? As you can see from our reviews, there are plenty of types you could be sleeping on.

We have reviewed five of the best ranging from those that have a trundle, ladders, or stairs, to those made of wood or steel. However, which one you choose really depends on your requirements. All of the above are recommended so there’s no clear winner in this case as each is different from the other.

Hopefully, our bunk bed reviews and buying guide can give you some insight into what exists on the market and what to look for when choosing.

Additional Resources

• Best Organic Mattress
• Best Mattress For Kids