The 10 Best Bunk Beds of 2024

The Pottery Barn Kids Camp Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed on a green background — The Spruce / David Hattan

A bunk bed is designed to save space while fitting multiple sleepers in one room. For children, “they help foster a sense of fun and adventure,” says Michele Iapicco, principal designer of Iapicco Design Studio, “while also encouraging [them] to develop independence by climbing in and out of bed on their own.”

While bunk beds or space-saving futons are great for kids’ rooms to double as spaces for play and school work, adults can use this bed frame too—as long as it has a sufficient weight capacity.

Unlike other efficient sleeping solutions like a loft bed that has open space below, or a Murphy bed that folds into a wall, a bunk bed stacks two beds on top of each other. Some styles have room below the bottom bunk for an additional trundle bed, adding a third sleeper to the mix.

The top bunk is accessible by a ladder or stair system, and there’s also a guardrail for added safety. Our bunk bed guide includes solid wood frames and convertible styles that separate into individual beds to address every need at a variety of price points.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pottery Barn Kids Camp Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best Budget:

DHP Miles Metal Bunk Bed at Amazon $210

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Best for Small Spaces:

Mainstays Twin-over-Twin Low Profile Junior Bunk Bed at Walmart $159

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Best Convertible:

Crate & Kids Gemini Wood Kids Twin Over Twin Convertible Bunk Bed at Crate And Barrel

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Best Twin Over Full:

Max & Lily Twin Over Full Bunk Bed at Maxandlily.com

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Most Stylish:

Oeuf Perch Twin Bunk Bed at Oeufnyc.com

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Best Customizable:

Francis Lofts & Bunks Twin Over Twin Bunk Beds at Adultbunkbeds.com

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Best Metal Frame:

IKEA Bunk Bed Frame at Amazon $369

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Best With Slide:

Matrix Twin Low Bunk Bed with Slide and Ladder at Maxtrixkids.com

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Best With Stairs:

Harriet Bee Mimi Twin Over Full Bunk Bed With Underneath Storage and Stairs at Wayfair $700

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Best Overall

Pottery Barn Kids Camp Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed

PHOTO: Pottery Barn

View on Potterybarnkids.com

With classic American good looks, solid wood construction, and a flexible design, the Camp Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed is our top pick. Featuring thoughtful design details like tenon-and-groove joinery, a hand-finished stain application, and recessed paneling, this pick not only looks good, but it’s also built to last.

Plus, when your family’s bunking years are over, it separates into two twin beds, a helpful feature since this is an expensive piece of furniture. The ladder can be positioned on either side of the bed and there’s room below the bottom bunk for extra storage if you need it—the brand recommends using the matching trundle bed, sans mattress, as a streamlined under-bed drawer.

We’re also impressed that it’s Fair Trade-produced and has the GREENGUARD Gold certification, meaning the material won’t emit harmful fumes.

^{Height: 72 inches | Material: Kiln-dried solid wood, MDF | Size: Twin | Ladder Style: Fixed}

Best Budget

DHP Miles Metal Bunk Bed

PHOTO: Amazon

$210 at Amazon View on Realrooms.com

Available in three bed sizes and four metallic finishes, DHP’s Miles Low Metal Bunk Bed is sturdy, affordable and great for shorter ceilings. With a floor-level bottom bunk and a top bunk that stands below five feet, it’s a good option for younger kids.

Assembly is clear, and since the twin version only weighs 78 pounds, one or two people can easily put it together and move it around the room. There’s guardrails on all four sides of the top bunk for safety, but for proper protection and functionality, use a 6-inch-tall mattress only.

Like most bunk beds, this one has horizontal slats, eliminating the need for a box spring.

^{Height: 54 inches | Material: Metal | Size: Twin, full, twin on full | Ladder Style: Fixed}

Best for Small Spaces

Mainstays Twin-over-Twin Low Profile Junior Bunk Bed

PHOTO: Walmart

$159 $145 at Walmart

For small rooms with limited square footage, this low profile bunk bed from Mainstays fits two twin beds without eating up precious space. The metal frame is modern, minimal, and its airy profile won’t overwhelm even the smallest of rooms.

With a shorter height—less than 50 inches—that’s suitable for younger kids, the Small Spaces Junior Bunk is also great for low ceilings. Another unexpected bonus: Since it sits closer to the ground, changing the sheets is also a breeze. Note that although the top bunk holds up to 200 pounds, the smaller stature is likely going to be a bit tight for most taller teens and adults.

^{Height: 49.5 inches | Material: Metal, steel | Size: Twin | Ladder Style: Angled}

Best Convertible

Crate & Kids Gemini Wood Kids Twin Over Twin Convertible Bunk Bed

PHOTO: Crate & Kids

View on Crate And Barrel

Sure, a bunk bed is a fun sleeping arrangement for kids, but what happens when they don’t want to sleep in it anymore? This pick from Crate & Kids has a clean, timeless design that lasts through the years: Once your little one graduates from the bunk setting, it converts into two twin beds.

The solid wood has a slight, wire-brushed texture, and chic details like the mitered corners and smooth ladder edges add to the quality. Design lovers will appreciate how the light color complements any modern decor—plus, the Gemini collection features matching furniture like a bookcase or dresser—that’s guaranteed to grow with your child well into their teens.

This is on the expensive side and assembly will take some time. Although the brand does offer in-home delivery (for some locations) that includes room placement and assembly.

^{Height: 67.2 inches | Material: FSC-certified poplar, ash, ash veneer, engineered wood | Size: Twin | Ladder Style: Fixed}

Best Twin Over Full

Max & Lily Twin Over Full Bunk Bed

PHOTO: Max & Lily

View on Maxandlily.com

If you need a little more sleeping space, or have an older child who’s too big for a twin size mattress, a twin over full bunk bed can be a perfect compromise.

Max & Lily’s version checks a lot of our boxes: It’s another pick that’s GREENGUARD Gold certified; its angled ladder is easier to climb thanks to anti-slip rungs and hand holds; and the 400-pound weight capacity is suitable for adults.

Another cool feature: This bed is also convertible and separates into two beds when the bunking days are done, making it a flexible pick for growing families or guest rooms. Available in seven finishes, the brand also makes a line of matching bedroom furniture to complete the look—we especially appreciate the reversible bedside tray for top bunk dwellers.

And while Max & Lily’s assembly is “hassle-free,” it still might take two or three hours for two people to finish the job.

^{Height: 65 inches | Material: New Zealand wood | Size: Twin over full | Ladder Style: Angled}

Most Stylish

Oeuf Perch Twin Bunk Bed

PHOTO: Oeuf

View on Oeufnyc.com

Flexibility and style merge with Oeuf’s Perch Twin Bunk Bed. Available in a birch or walnut finish, the minimal silhouette and white trim add style and lightness to any bedroom. An ingenious design allows the bottom bunk to split off from the top, transforming the unit into a single bed and a lofted twin that can be arranged separately or together.

This is also a sustainable pick: It’s made in Europe and produced with FSC Baltic birch wood. Since it’s another GREENGUARD Gold-certified bed, it won’t emit gross fumes. We recommend measuring your space thoroughly, though: It’s a pricey pick and all furniture sales are final.

^{Height: 64 inches | Material: FSC-certified Baltic birch plywood, eco-MDF | Size: Twin | Ladder Style: Angled}

Best Customizable

Francis Lofts & Bunks Twin Over Twin Bunk Beds

PHOTO: Francis Lofts & Bunks

View on Adultbunkbeds.com

This bunk bed from Francis Lofts & Bunks has the most customizable options out of any bed we’ve seen. First, start with your ceiling height and bed size, then go from there: For an extra cost, you can add a staircase, extra guardrails, or storage options like a bookshelf or tray.

The twin size has an impressive 1,000-pound weight limit per bunk, and the sturdy aluminum frame more than accommodates two adults. And while this pick is more expensive than some of our other favorites, it’s a worthy investment produced in the U.S. with recyclable aluminum.

Plus it’s custom-built to your exact order. Be sure to plan accordingly, though; the lead time for the bed’s delivery is about 6 to 8 weeks after your order’s received.

^{Height: 59 inches (twin, 9-feet ceiling version) | Material: Aluminum | Size: Twin to California King | Ladder Style: Detachable}

Best Metal Frame

IKEA Bunk Bed Frame

PHOTO: IKEA

$369 at Amazon $149 at Ikea

The Tuffing Bunk Bed from Ikea combines modern style with accessibility, durability, and value. It sits lower to the ground, making it a nice pick for shorter kids and small rooms. The centered ladder design stands out from our other bunk bed finalists, but it’s not just for looks: The middle location makes it easier to get into bed.

With a sturdy steel frame and nonslip ladder pads, this is a stylish, budget-friendly pick. Just be sure to have a friend on hand to help with assembly. Despite its simple silhouette, the job could take multiple hours.

^{Height: 51 3/8 inches | Material: Steel | Size: Twin | Ladder Style: Fixed}

Best With Slide

Matrix Twin Low Bunk Bed with Slide and Ladder

PHOTO: Matrix Kids

View on Maxtrixkids.com

Sleeping in a bunk bed is already a fun experience, but adding a slide takes it to the next level. This pick from Matrix has a low profile for smaller spaces and some flexible features.

There are three easy-matching finishes to choose from, you can customize the bed end style, which side the slide and ladder attach to the frame, and it also splits into two twin beds for older kids. Just be sure your room has enough space to accommodate the slide’s footprint and a decent-sized landing area with a soft surface for safety, of course.

Matrix beds are solid wood and designed to be ultra-sturdy, and this low bunk is no exception. With a weight limit of 800 pounds (double the U.S. safety standard), teens and adults can use this bed, too. Simply remove the slide for a more mature look.

^{Height: 61.5 inches | Material: Wood | Size: Twin | Ladder Style: Slide, angled or fixed ladder}

Best With Stairs

Harriet Bee Mimi Twin Over Full Bunk Bed With Underneath Storage and Stairs

PHOTO: Wayfair

$700 at Wayfair

Some people—adults and kids alike—might struggle with climbing up a bunk ladder. “Stairs offer more stability and are easier for younger children to navigate,” says Iapicco. A staircase-style bunk bed offers easier access, and in the case of this pick from Harriet Bee, extra storage.

One thing to note, however, is that this style calls for larger spaces; the stairs add a sizable footprint and the whole bed measures almost 100 inches long.

The four finishes will match any bedroom setting, while the full-size bottom bunk offers more flexibility for growing siblings or a guest room. Thanks to an efficient design, this bed doubles as a dresser.

There are three under-stair storage drawers, plus the two longer drawers below the bottom bunk are perfect for larger items like extra blankets and sweaters.

^{Height: 65 inches | Material: Wood, manufactured wood | Size: Twin over full | Ladder Style: Stairs}

Final Verdict

Our overall best pick is the Camp Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed from Pottery Barn Kids, which has a sturdy, solid wood construction and a convertible feature for separating it into two separate twin beds. If you’re looking for a bunk bed that’s a little more wallet-friendly, DHP’s Miles Low Metal Bunk Bed is our budget pick; it has a durable metal frame and a low silhouette ideal for youngsters and smaller rooms.

How We Picked the Best Bunk Beds

There may be thousands of bunk beds on the market, but they’re not all created alike. When researching the best bunk beds, we focused on options with sturdy materials, different sizes, and special features—some can split into separate beds or have customizable designs, like adding a slide or even a firepole, for instance.

A bunk bed can get pricey pretty quickly, especially if you tack on additions like shelving, a trundle bed, or special bedding, so we also selected beds at a range of price points. Some of the bunk bed options in our guide are suitable for children, teens, and adults, depending on weight capacity and height restrictions, of course.

What to Look for in a Bunk Bed

A Bunk Bed That Suits Your Space, Style, and Needs

Opting for a bunk bed is an excellent way to sleep multiple people while saving space. But before making your final decision, be sure to assess the essentials: bed size, room size, ceiling height, and specific requirements. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of a bunk bed mattress that’s specifically designed with a shorter height to accommodate guard rails. “I prefer higher side rails, particularly for younger children, to prevent any falls,” says Iapicco.

Bunk beds come in all styles and sizes—our favorite customizable bunk bed from Francis Bunks & Lofts goes up to a California king—and it’s important to ensure the bed will fit in your space. “The minimum ceiling height for bunk beds is generally 8 feet, which allows sufficient headroom for both top and bottom sleepers to sit comfortably without feeling confined,” Iapicco says. “This height also promotes proper air circulation and reduces the risk of bumping heads on the ceiling.” Smaller silhouettes like the Mainstays Small Spaces Low Profile Junior Bunk Bed are great for shorter ceiling heights, but probably not for tall adults.

Also pay attention to the ladder placement: A bed with an angled option, like Ouef’s Perch Bunk Bed, will have a larger footprint than a ladder that’s built into its frame, like Crate & Kids’ Gemini Wood Convertible Bunk Bed.

Durable, Stable Materials

It might sound obvious, but a bunk bed needs to be sturdy—it’s designed to hold hundreds of pounds of static weight, after all. Look for “durable materials like metal or solid wood, as these can support heavier weights and ensure longevity,” says Iapicco.

While beds made from MDF might be more affordable, they won’t likely be as stable as a solid wood or metal option. MDF, a manufactured wood product that includes wood fibers along with other materials like resin, is weaker than wood and can be prone to bowing, cracking, and other damage over time.

A wood bed frame, like the Camp Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed from Pottery Barn, evokes a classic look and typically offer longtime sturdiness. However, you'll want to make sure you choose a bunk bed frame made of true wood, not MDF or another material with the look and feel of wood (but none of its durability.) Wood frames are often kiln-dried, a process that increases the wood's longevity in the face of wear, tear, and weight.

Metal frames like IKEA's Bunk Bed Frame have more of a modern, “industrial aesthetic.” Typically made out of steel, metal bunk beds are very sturdy when it comes to supporting wear and handling everyday wear. However, just keep in mind that metal's durability and stability do depend on the quality of the bunk bed frame you choose. Even the toughest metals can create a wobbly frame if it's unable to support sleepers' weight and secure its pieces well.

A Versatile Weight Capacity

Iapicco recommends a ”weight capacity of at least 250 to 400 pounds per bed for optimal safety and comfort,” especially for styles intended for both kid and adult use. Low-profile beds might not be suitable—or comfortable—for taller people.

“Adults can use bunk beds as long as the bed is designed to support their weight and size, making them ideal for guest rooms or vacation homes,” she says. Our pick from Francis Bunks & Lofts, however, is built for adults, thanks to its 1,000-pound weight capacity and tall ceiling height options.

A Closer Look at Our Favorites
	Weight Capacity (pounds)
Pottery Barn Kids Camp Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed	200 lbs.
DHP Miles Metal Bunk Bed	450 lbs.
Mainstays Twin-over-Twin Low Profile Junior Bunk Bed	450 lbs.
Crate & Kids Gemini Wood Kids Twin Over Twin Convertible Bunk Bed	Not listed
Max & Lily Twin Over Full Bunk Bed	400 lbs.
Oeuf Perch Twin Bunk Bed	250 lbs. (loft only)
Francis Lofts & Bunks Twin Over Twin Bunk Beds	2,000 lbs.
IKEA Bunk Bed Frame	Not listed
Matrix Twin Low Bunk Bed with Slide and Ladder	800 lbs.
Harriet Bee Mimi Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Underneath Storage and Stairs	650 lbs.

One More Thing

Choosing a bunk bed with a ladder or stairs is a matter of personal preference and room size. “Ladders are space-saving and minimal, making them ideal for smaller rooms,” says Iapicco, while stairs are better for younger children or if you require more stability.

Some bunk bed stair options have built-in shelves or drawers for sneaky storage like Harriet Bee’s Mimi Twin Over Full Bunk Bed With Stairs, but they might be better suited for larger rooms, since the larger footprint eats up more floor space.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Becky Eaton researched and wrote this article, pulling from her own experience sleeping in a loft bed in her college days, living in small city apartments, and interviewing parent friends about the unique needs of their children’s bedrooms. She focused on bestselling bunk beds and rated them on their design, ease of assembly, flexible features, and value.

Our Experts: