If your child has been asking for a bunk bed, you’re in good company. Bunk beds don’t just give kids a fun way to personalize their space, they also maximize floor space, freeing up room for playing.

What type of bunk bed is right for your children?

When you’re thinking about getting a bunk bed for your child, space availability, your child’s style, and your unique family needs will help you determine which type of bed you should get. The three most common types of bunks are twin over twin, twin over full, and full over full. Before buying a bunk bed, take measurements to ensure the bed you pick will fit. Make sure to leave at least two feet of space between the top of the bunk bed and your ceiling.

Tip: If you have low ceilings, look for a low bunk bed which is typically about 60’ high.

Twin Over Twin (Average Size: 68H x 42W x 80L)

The twin over twin bunk bed is the most common and takes up the least floor space. This is a great option for two young children, but sleeping space can be tight for older children and teenagers. This type of bunk bed is often the most affordable option and a great starter bunk.

Santa Fe Mission Low Bunk Bed Twin over Twin - Angle Ladder - White Finish

Twin Over Full (Average Size: 68H x 42W- top & 60W - bottom x 80L)

The twin over full bunk bed is a great option if you have three children sharing a room or if you have an older child. This option does take up more floor space than the twin over twin, but it provides more versatility.

Santa Fe Mission Tall Bunk Bed Twin Over Full

Full Over Full (Average Size: 68H x 60W x 80L)

The full over full bunk bed is perfect for older children or teenagers because of the additional sleeping space it provides. This option also takes up more room than the twin over twin, and is usually the most expensive of the three, but it provides the best long-term value.

Camaflexi Full Over Full Bunk Bed with Trundle

What type of material do you want?

Wood and metal are the two most common types of construction materials for bunk beds. Although metal bunk beds are usually cheaper than their wood counterparts, they typically lack the quality wood bunk beds offer. If appearance matters and you want a wide variety of design options, wood is generally the way to go. Wood bunk beds have a high-quality look and feel, and usually offer more features than metal bunk beds. Just be cautious — not all wood bunk beds are created equally. Many bunk beds advertised as wood are actually particle board, multiple density fiber-board, or another engineered wood product. At Planet Bunk Bed, we only carry high quality beds that are made of 100% solid wood from renewable plantations. Our beds are environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, and stand the test of time.

Find out more about Planet Bunk Bed’s commitment to quality.

What special features & accessories are right for your children?

If you’re looking to go beyond the traditional bunk bed options, there are many different options available. Take a look at the different bunk bed features below and see how you can transform your children’s room into a fun, personal fortress. Even better—get them involved in the selection process!

Bunk Beds Angled Floor Ladders

Although angled ladders take up slightly more space than a standard vertical ladder, they make it easier (and safer) for younger children to get on the top bunk. All Planet Bunk Bed angled ladders and guardrails can be rearranged so you can put the ladder where it fits best.

Camaflexi Full Over Full Bunk Bed With Angled Ladder

Bunk Beds with Shelves and Drawers

If storage space is a problem, bunk beds with drawers or shelves are a functional way to give your kids additional room for their belongings. Just make sure you have enough room around the bunk to open the drawers and access shelves.

Bunk Bed with Drawers - Natural Finish

Fun & Whimsical Bunk Bed Accessories

What kid wouldn’t love their very own playground? Bunk beds don’t have to be just for bed. If you want to give your free spirit an indoor playground for rainy days, consider a bunk bed that features slides, tents, or towers.

Camaflexi Fabric Tent Kit

Separating Bunk Beds

Just because kids love the idea of bunk beds now doesn’t mean they always will. Bunk beds that separate into two separate beds means it will grow with your kids. These type of bunk beds are also ideal if your children may have their own rooms in the future.

Camaflexi Bunk Bed

How can you keep your children safe?

Bunk beds are fun and functional, but do have some risk. Safety standards help minimize this risk. New bunk beds sold in America are required to follow strict safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. These standards include guidelines on guardrails, openings, testing, and certification.

Here are some additional things you can do to keep your child safe:

• Keep children under age 6 off of the top bunk.

• Only allow one person on the top bunk at a time.

• Set safety rules with your kids and go over the rules whenever a guest stays overnight.

• Follow assembly instructions when setting up the bunk bed.

• Only use a manufacturer’s recommended mattress.

• Ensure the mattress is less than 8” thick and is at least 5” below the top of the guardrail.

• Place the bunk bed away from ceiling fans.

• Use guardrails on both sides of the bed.

• Avoid older second-hand bunk beds which may not met current safety standards.

Final Bunk Bed Buying Considerations

Bunk beds are a fun and versatile way to save space and give your children their own place to sleep, relax, and be themselves. A high-quality bunk bed that reflects your child’s personality turns their bedroom into his or her fortress.