Homedit is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Cool Bunk Beds For People Of All Ages

Bunk beds serve more than one purpose. For families with more than one child and limited space, bunk beds are a practical option. The bed system provides a place to sleep and extra storage space.  

Bunk Beds

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Federal law requires that bunk beds comply with the bunk bed standard and with additional requirements, including those of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA).”

Our objective here is to show the different bunk bed styles and how they can be used in your home.

Bunk Bed Vs. Trundle Bed

Bunk Bed Vs. Trundle Bed

Let’s look at the differences between a bunk bed and a trundle bed. 

Bunk Beds

A bunk bed has one mattress that serves as a bottom mattress foundation. The bottom mattress must be 30 inches above the floor. A mattress foundation provides support for the bed.

Bunk beds can be stacked parallel or perpendicular, depending on their style.

Because bunk beds are taller than traditional beds, they’re ideal for rooms with high ceilings. While the top bunk bed is a twin bed, the size of the bottom bunk will vary depending on the bed’s design.

Some models include built-in storage alternatives such as drawers and shelves, and some even include a trundle beneath the bed to provide more sleeping space.

Trundle Beds

A trundle bed is built inside a drawer and is pulled out when you want to use it. The trundle is rolled away when not in use. 

Trundles provide storage space under the bed. And because trundle beds do not take up space, they save room. Sizes and designs vary. Models fold out and remain low to the ground; others rise to the same height as the parent bed.

How To Choose A Bunk Bed

Weight capacity is important because you don’t want the top bunk to collapse. Weight capacity is measured by the mattress and sleeper.

Assembly should be simple. If not, your vendor should offer a set-up fee.

Related: Cool Kids Beds That Makes You Wish You Could Turn Back Time

Make sure your bunk adheres to CSPC guidelines. Top guardrails are  necessary as they prevent children from falling off while sleeping. 

Bunk Bed Style

Bunk Bed Style

There are different bunk bed styles and each has a different design.

Here are the most common styles:

Standard bunk beds have two Twin beds stacked on top of each other. The top bunk can usually be removed if needed.

  • Standard loft bunk beds have a top bed that’s usually accompanied by an open space underneath it. This space is normally turned into a play or a study area, but can also be used to add drawers and create further storage.
  • Triple bunk beds have three Twin-sized beds stacked on top of each other, but they could also have two adjoining bottom beds and another one on top of them.
  • Triple loft bunk beds have an L-shape that makes them suitable for room corners.
  • Futon bunk beds have a standard mattress that’s placed on top of a futon which can double as a couch.
  • Trundle beds are like bunk beds that can accommodate three people. The most common design features two Twin-sized mattresses and a third one concealed inside a drawer located on the bottom side of the bed.
  • L-shaped structures are made with a top bed stacked perpendicularly on a bottom bed.

Cute Bunk Bed Designs For Any Children’s Room 

Here are the latest bunk bed designs for 2022. 

Hazzard Twin Full Bunk Bed

Bunk Beds

Bunk beds serve a few purposes. They’re practical and versatile and come in many different options. The Hazzard offers solid wood construction and a trundle with built-in extra space for a pull-out mattress.

Aayisha Twin Over Twin Standard

Bunk Beds

The Aayaisa Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed offers a simple and traditional vibe. Top-quality, solid pine legs support its durable frame, ensuring long-term stability. It also has built-in storage. Instead of a ladder, a small side staircase holds three drawers from large to small.  

Pros:

  • Multiple storage drawers
  • Safe-to-use stairs
  • Includes a futon

Cons:

  • Difficult to assemble

Shyann Twin Over Full Drawers

Bunk Beds

This example from Shyann offers a twin over full bunk bed layout. It has a stylish and simple frame and a set of narrow stairs attached to it.

The stairs have an open design on the side with three shelves that can be used for storage.

Pros:

  • Includes a side bookcase
  • Full-length guardrail for top bed
  • Offers plenty of storage room

Cons:

  • Complicated assembly

Cvyatko Twin Bunk Bed

Bunk Beds

Simplicity and convenience define the Kemah twin bunk bed. It has a small footprint and it doesn’t take up any more space than it absolutely has to. There’s no attached staircase and no extra storage on the sides.

Access to the top bunk is done via a pair of built-in ladders from either side. The frame is made of solid wood and sits low on the floor which allows the top bed to also be positioned closer to the floor than usual.

Pros:

  • No box spring required
  • Includes two ladders
  • Top bed has guardrails

Cons:

  • Bottom bed is too close to the ground

Arlingten Twin Over Twin

Bunk Beds

This is the Arlingten twin over twin over twin bed. It’s a triple bunk that allows three separate beds to take up the floor space of just one. To maximize space-efficiency, the design is kept simple with slender ladders attached to the front on either side for access to the top and middle beds.

The frame is available in four colors including white which is an ideal shade if you want to maintain an airy and spacious décor.

Pros:

  • Three bed structure
  • Includes two separate ladders for tier two and trier three beds
  • Includes all assembly hardware

Cons:

  • Arrives in two separate packages

Appleby Twin Over Twin Low

Bunk Beds

Like that of the Appleby twin over twin bunk bed focus a bit more on the fun side of things. Kids can climb up using a ladder in order to reach the top bunk and they come back down via a slide.

The design as a whole is simple and modern. The frame is made of solid wood and the guardrails are detachable.

Pros:

  • Includes a fun slide
  • Guardrails for both bed tiers
  • No box spring required

Cons:

  • Slide takes up a lot of floor space

Tena Stairway Twin Over Drawers

Bunk Beds

The Tena twin over full bunk bed has a total of 6 drawers incorporated into its design. Like all the other ones, it has a solid and sturdy frame made out of wood but the design is a bit different.

In this case, the drawers are deep and cleverly integrated into the stairs themselves as well as underneath the bottom bed. They have cutouts so they can be easily opened and closed without the need for additional hardware.

Pros:

  • Child-safe finish.
  • Stairs include storage drawers.
  • Stairs are safe to use.

Cons:

  • Expensive.

Aderito Twin Over Full Solid

Bunk Beds

The importance of storage and its versatility is also emphasized by this particular bunk bed which has two beds positioned perpendicular to one another.

That allows additional features to be integrated into the frame such as a chest of drawers on one side and a built-in desk on the other. This way you can fit two beds and a homework station in a very small area and have some extra room for other activities as well.

Pros:

  • Includes drawers and bookcases
  • Side shelf can double as a desk
  • Guardrails for the top bed

Cons:

  • Takes up a lot of floor space

Tena Twin Over Twin 3 Drawer

Bunk Beds

Here’s another version of the Tena bunk bed but this time with a twin over twin configuration. Like the other model, it has a staircase with built-in drawers, and additionally, it also features shelves on the side of the stairs.

There’s more room for storage inside the large drawers underneath the bottom bed. The frame is made of solid Brazilian pine wood and comes with four finish options including this white nuance.

Coolest Bunk Bed Designs

Do you need more bunk bed ideas? We’ve got you covered. Here are the latest bunk bed designs handpicked by our team of bedroom design experts.

Bunk Bed Twin Over Full

Bunk Beds

What makes this design special for us is the unusual way in which the beds are disposed on the frame

Built-in Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Suitable for modern and minimalist settings, this design is fresh, simple and chic.

Adult Quad Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Four is better than two. This system features queen bunk beds on the bottom and top. Sometimes adults like to behave like kids, and this system allows for that kind of fun. Bunk beds for four are great space-savers, allowing the sleeping area to be contained in one small part of the room

Day Glo Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

The lights give this bunk bed system enough character for any child to enjoy.The way the beds are organized can differ and a symmetrical design is not always the only option.

Military Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

It’s up to you to decide how to integrated the beds into your home environment. Whether they’re toddler bunk beds, loft beds with desks underneath, queen bunk beds, or hideaway beds, these designs find interesting ways to stand out.

Feminine Decor Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Toddler bunk beds often feature staircases instead of ladders. This one also has built-in storage.

Rustic Farmhouse Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Rustic bunk beds show the wood in all its glory and make the most of the natural appearance.

Gentlemen’s Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

To save more space with bunk beds, some designs sit on a platform with storage underneath.

Beach House Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are sometimes preferred in beach houses for their casual and simple look.

Hanging Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

To make them look even more casual, hanging bunk beds look like they’re hanging from the walls. 

Hunter’s Lodge Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Because they occupy so little floor space, bunk beds serve many purposes. This bunk bed system is ideal for sportsmen.

Classic Bunk Bed System

Bunk Beds

Although traditional by nature, these cool bunk beds could look great in any type of decor.

Sailboat Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

The breezy, nautical theme makes it obvious that these bunk beds are part of a beach house

Log Cabin Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Similarly, bunk beds are wonderful options for mountain cabins.

Country House Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

The rustic beds are and how they allow the décor to stay cohesive.

Four-Way Single Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

It’s hard to say what could make a bunk bed cool. This is such a relative term which could mean something different for each and every one of us. It’s why there’s such a large diversity of designs in our list.

They range from simple to complex, from elegant to playful, from rustic to modern. Each design is special.

Timber Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

We envision these wooden bunk beds as being part of a log cabin in the mountains

Mountain Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

It’s possible to fit four or more bunk beds in one room without using up all the floor space.

Modern Cabin Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Both the beds and the ladder are built of wooden logs and they look charming

Office Space Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are also great for guest bedrooms, especially if there’s a way to hide them when not needed.

Bunk Beds

These ones simply disappear and the room becomes a home office.

Are Bunk Beds for Adults?

Are Bunk Beds for Adults?

Adults can use specific bunk beds. If you want to outfit a hostel or provide housing for staff, you need to invest in the correct bunk bed. People come in many sizes. Your bunk beds should accommodate both heavier and lighter people.

Be on the lookout for beds rated at 500 pounds. These are heavy-duty metal bunk beds. Some designs try to accommodate both tall and hefty. Consider bunk beds that are long and strong. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Is A Twin Bed The Same As A Bunk Bed?

No. Twin is a term used to refer to a specific bed size, while bunk bed refers to the structure that implies at least two beds stacked one on top of the other. Because of the different classifications, Twin beds can be bunk beds, and bunk beds are available in a Twin size. 

How Tall Do Ceilings Need To Be For Bunk Beds?

To avoid bumps, you need to leave about two feet between the ceiling and the top bunk. While bunk bed heights vary, the standard bunk is approximately 5 1/2 to 6 feet tall.

What Mattress Should I Buy For A Bunk Bed?

Material composition is critical when choosing a mattress because each type of mattress has distinct advantages and disadvantages based on its components. All-foam bunk beds are the most effective. 

What Angle Should A Bunk Bed Ladder Be? 

If you are constructing a bunk bed yourself, make sure the ladder is at least at a 15-degree angle. However, the closer you can get to a 45-degree angle, the better and safer it will be to get in the top bunk. 

At What Age Are Bunk Beds Appropriate?

Six years old is the optimal age for bunk bed use. Due to safety concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents of children under the age of six to avoid using the top bunk of a bunk bed. There is, however, limited recommendations regarding the optimal age for using the bottom bunk bed.

Can A 14-Year-Old Sleep In A Bunk Bed? 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, children under the age of six should never be allowed to sleep in a bunk bed. However, there are no maximum age restriction for using a bunk bed as long as whoever uses it isn’t heavier than the recommended weight.

Because many teens view bunk beds as juvenile, a side-by-side arrangement may be more appealing to them as they mature and their tastes develop. 

What Age Is Appropriate For A Bunk Bed?

Children should not be allowed to use a bunk bed when they have less than 6 years of age, especially not the top bunk.

Is There Special Bedding For Bunk Beds?

Since most bunk beds are available in a Twin or Full size, you can easily find matching bedding: just look for sets that are sold in Twin and Full sizes.

Are Bunk Beds Safe For Adults?

It depends. A bunk bed has a limited weight capacity, especially for the top bunk. If the top bed can support 250 pounds in weight, it could also accommodate an adult that weighs 130 pounds. Take note that the ladder must also be able to support the weight of the adult climbing to the top bunk.

Bunk Beds Conclusion

Investing in a bunk bed is a good idea if you have children that share a bedroom and your floor space is limited. A bunk bed helps save a lot of space, and also comes with storage options and quality constructions that can support the weight of your child while offering you drawers to store important items. 

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.