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19 Different Types of Bunk Beds

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Imagine the bedroom of your childhood dreams. Whether you chose space or dinosaurs for the wallpaper, there is one crucial piece that ties them all together- a bunk bed. Therefore a bunk bed is a quintessential addition to your child’s bedroom. It is fun, playful, and versatile enough to meet all your needs.

A good bunk bed can converge many functions into one, not only saving up on space but also proving to be a better investment in the longer run. While most of us would imagine the bare metal stand beds placed one atop each other when prompted, bunk beds have come a long way since then.

From the functional sleeper to the extravagant playhouse, there are so many types of bunk beds to choose from.

We have compiled a list of all possible bunk beds that might catch your fancy. These have every type you could think of, and some more. We’ve detailed the pros and cons of each type, so you can decide efficiently as to which type would serve you the best.

Outline

Things to Know Before Buying Bunk Bed

If you are set on buying bunk beds, consider a few things before you make the decision to buy.

Bunk beds save up on space but require more height vertically. Although traditionally associated with children, they are a good fit for places where your goal is to provide space for maximum number of people to sleep.

Depending on your requirement, you might want to look beyond the classic two-sleeper. Last but not least, look into the tastes of those who would be using the bed.

Bunk beds have come a long way from the simple models, and have many features adjoined with them now. Knowing what the user will want will help you in the long run for making a better decision.

Bunk beds by function:

While there are many criteria that you can use to sort bunk beds, the most important factor is how they are going to be used. Depending upon your needs and the space available on hand, there are a variety of options present to suit every whim. In order to that beauty sleep on, here are a few options that will surely appeal to your tastes, no matter how whacky.

1. The Everyday Bunk Bed

DHP Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Metal Frame and Ladder, Space-Saving Design, Black

This is probably the one that popped up in your head whenever someone mentions bunk beds. The bed accommodates two people, one at the top and one at the bottom. With a ladder to connect the two, these beds are fortified with a railing to protect the dozer from falling off the bed.

The choices within this category are varied as well. While wood or timber remains a popular choice for its aesthetic, metal is an up-and-coming choice for its durability. Wood holds the advantage of being softer on the edges and works well for children who would be monkeying around as compared to metal rods. Cleaning might become an issue, considering the type of wood you will be employing.

Metal works better for those who would want a more modern approach to their room. It provides the strength that is required to hold up the frame while taking up the least space possible. Another advantage of choosing metal is the increased airflow to the bottom bunk.

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2. Mini Loft Bunk Bed

Single children don’t have to fret, here is a bunk bed that works for them. This bed has one sleeping space, usually at the top, paired with an open space below. This open space can be then turned into a study space or a play area depending on the needs of the child. A real steal for when you are running on a space crunch.

A subcategory within this type is the junior loft bed, made specifically with children in mind. The junior loft has a bed placed at a lower height so that it can be accessed easily by children. However, with this modification comes the disadvantage of lesser vertical space under the bed.

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3. Futon Bunk Bed

The futon bunk bed is a good option if your house is always occupied by one guest or another. The futon below the top bunk can be used as a couch when hosting people and can be converted into a bed for when they need space to crash for the night. This can be a real lifesaver for places with limited living room space and adds an extension for you to recline on to binge-watch television in the mornings.

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4. The L Shaped Bunk Bed

The L-shaped bunk is styled a little differently. The bed at the bottom is placed at a right angle to the top bunk. The bottom bunk is usually a double size, perfect for siblings where one is a teenager and the other is still a child.

The below bunk can be furnished with a study table, compartment drawers, or and additional play area. While not the most space-efficient of options present, this bed is a better fit for those who would require extra sleeping space before graduating to a completely different sleeping arrangement.

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5. Themed Bunk Beds

Donco Kids Deer Blind Bunk Loft Bed with Pink Tent, Twin/Twin, Light Grey

Whether your child is a big fan of Disney princesses or Pixar cars, there is something for everyone in the bunk bed paradise. You can easily get some novelty bunk beds that cater to your child’s favorite characters. The customization can extend broadly to include themes of colors, design, and structure.

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6. Triple Bunk Bed

For those who have to prioritize space creation, this bunk bed is the answer. This bed can accommodate up to three sleepers and takes up the same space that a two-sleeper did.

With the increase in the number of beds comes the increase in the vertical space required. The third bed is a good addition for places that host multiple travelers or even add some fun to a sleepover. The beds come in a variety of sizes and colors, so the options here are endless.

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7. Twin Over Full Bunk Bed

Sometimes two single beds just can’t make the cut for your requirements. Instead, try this double bed paired with a single on top. The way this differs from the L-shaped bunk is that the double bed below is in line with the top bunk.

More economical on the space, this bed is the perfect way to transition out your kids before they demand a completely independent sleeping space.

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8. Storage Oriented Bunk Beds

Bedz King Stairway Bunk Beds Twin over Full with 4 Drawers in the Steps and 2 Under Bed Drawers, Honey

Want your bunk bed to go a step further and incorporate all the elements of functional living space? With rising demands, many bunk beds now come furnished with additional features such as cabinets, bookshelves, and even a wardrobe.

The more features you tack on, the more space it will inevitably end up raking. The general rule is to always weigh the prospects already present at home and those will be necessary for the bunk bed. After all, you don’t require two cupboards in the same room.

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9. Trundle Bunk Beds

A sneaky way to include more sleeping space. The Trundle bunk bed comes with a collapsible bed tucked below the bottom bunk. Whenever you have a sleepover planned, this can be the perfect ruse for more sleeping space.

The Trundle comprises all the goodness or added space without taking up any of it. A perfect choice for those who rarely require a third sleeping space, but will be greatly benefitted from it.

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10. The Extravagant Bunk Bed

DONCO Twin Tower Bunk Bed BUNKBED, TWIN/TWIN, Rustic Dirty White

The name of the bunk bed is no joke, the extravagant bunk beds are the stuff dreams are made of. While this is not used to refer to a particular type of bed, you’ll understand what we are talking about by just looking at it. The bed has many features loaded atop of being a sleeping space only.

From putting up a treehouse to adding slides and swings, there is nothing that this bed can’t have. The only downside we see of it is that your child may be too over-excited to actually sleep in it.

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Bunk Beds By The Material Used:

The foundation of your bunk bed can make or break the deal. What you choose to serve as the pillars of your bed plays a huge role in who and how they can be used. From versatile wood to economical plastic, there are a few things that you should keep in mind while using each of them.

11. Plastic Bunk Beds

Plastic bunk beds have made their appearance in the market recently, and have caused quite the hype. They are not the flimsy structure you might envision but can hold their weight quite well. Made from high-density polymers, the beds are quite durable in nature. however, they are still not suitable for adults, and should only be used for children.

HDPE plastic is nontoxic and nonabrasive in nature. two things that sound like a boon to parents of kids. They are the easiest of all options to clean, and can easily be wiped down with some water and a cloth. To add on, plastic bunk beds fall on the lower end of the price scale, depending upon the functionality you chose along with it,

12. Metal Bunk Beds

Zinus Aileene Easy Assembly Quick Lock Twin over Twin Classic Metal Bunk Bed with Dual Ladders / Quick to Assemble in Under an Hour

Metal bunk beds use high-quality alloys to hold up the weight without using bulky materials. This means that not only will these bunk beds take up lesser space, but they will also allow for increased airflow. The structure is designed in such a way that the minimalist cylindrical rods do not get in way of your movement. A choice more suited for adults all things considered.

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13. Wooden Bunk Beds

Storkcraft Caribou Solid Hardwood Twin Bunk Bed, Gray Twin Bunk Beds for Kids with Ladder and Safety Rail

Wooden bunk beds land on the more expensive side of choices, with good reason. These are the most durable of all options and can stand some heavy monkeying around from the kids. They are the easiest to repaint if you have a revamp in mind, and are the heaviest to move around if you are someone who lives on the move.

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Bunk Beds By Style:

The aesthetics of the furniture is all in its details. Every homeowner knows how difficult it can be to get all the pieces assorted to match their theme. When it comes to beds, the struggle is endless. While you might want to maintain the chic apartment style you have going on, there is a bunk bed to match exactly that.

14. Traditional

The traditional bunk bed combines all the basic features you would expect from a bunk bed. It has two beds placed one above the other, and a frame to support it all. although it may not be much of a looker, its unassuming nature may actually be one of its strong points.

If you do not want the bed to be the center of attraction in your room, this kind is the one you should go for.

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15. Rustic

Want something that looks closer to its roots? The rustic bunk bed often emulates a feeling of having come straight from the wood maker, often leaving the logs unpainted and in their natural form.

These beds are best if you want to keep the users away from toxic paint fumes that are often used to coat wood. On the downside, cleaning these beds often involves a long list of dos and don’ts.

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16. Modern

ACME Freya White Loft Bed with Bookcase Ladder

Combining aesthetics with usability is what modern styles are all about. With the use of darker polished woods and multiple ingenious storage ideas, these are the perfect fit for almost every home. After all, we would never say no to a few extra spaces, right? For example, some bunk beds use the stairs to the top bunk as a way to create extra drawers for kiddie toys and clothes.

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17. Industrial

Talk about the bare minimums, and you have an industrial design on hand. The major selling point of these designs is that they focus on the functionality of the project, and nothing else. With this no-frills design, you can easily disassemble and rebuild the structure anywhere. It is also lighter and lesser cruel to your pocket.

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18. Contemporary

Stephan Full over Full Bunk Bed Gunmetal

The use of interesting shapes and patterns to create a bunk bed, with the combination of many materials is the distinguishing feature of contemporary designs. They look delicate to view but can take on the same weight as most other bunk beds in their legion.

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19. Country

Flaunt your country bumpkin roots with this bed bunk that combines the best of the countryside with an elegant flair. This bed bunk often comes with a delicate, filigreed look that to it, unmatched in its elegance. The bed might not be a good choice for those who live in cramped apartments, as it may become overbearing. However, if you are looking to furnish your summer home, go ahead with this selection.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How tall are bunk beds?

Depending on the style, the height of the bunk bed can vary. There are also other factors that go into consideration such as the shape of the bed and for whom it is made. A standard bunk bed can range from around 5 and a half feet to 6 feet, typically.

It is always advisable to measure your home’s vertical height and invest in a bed that leaves around 2 feet of height from the top bed so that the occupant does not bruise their head every morning.

2. Can bunk beds be refinished?

Depending upon the type of bed, most can be refinished without much fuss. When it comes to wooden beds, you would need to carefully take apart every piece, then go over them with the resealing procedure and then put them back together in the end.

3. Are bunk beds suitable for adults?

Although the primary demographic for bunk beds is children, some of them can be made to accommodate adults as well. Always scourge through the instruction manual before deciding. On average, the top bunk can hold up to 175 pounds of weight. This can vary across types of bunk beds. Some of them can claim to hold up to 400 pounds of weight, but it is advisable to check their certification before buying into such claims.

4. Can mice climb up a bunk bed?

Sadly, mice can climb up a bunk bed. Mice are generally nimble creatures, and the height of the top bunk does little to provide protection. However, this should not be a problem unless you are dealing with a serious infestation.

5. Can cat climb up bunk beds?

Following the mice, the cats in your household can also make the jump to your top bunk. They are quite adept at going where they wish to, so there is no stopping them unless your cat is suffering from a serious case of lethargy.

6. Can bunk beds be recycled?

Depending on the material, it is quite possible that you can recycle your bunk bed for the better. Metal bunk beds can be given to the scrap shop, whereas wooden ones can be disassembled to make new pieces. If you are using plastic ones, depending upon the quality of the plastic, you can recycle them by handing them over to certified experts.

With this list, you can now make an educated guess about what kind of bunk bed will actually serve your purpose well. Most of them can be customized into something that fits the bill perfectly, depending on where you plan to buy them from.

While making a custom frame from the scratch will cater to all of your needs, it also piles up the bill pretty quickly. Which makes it a more suitable option if you are planning to put the bed to use for a good few years.

However, if you’re only planning on keeping it around for some time, there are a variety of options present at the local furniture store that will be merciful to your wallet without skimping on the functionality.

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