Bunk Bed Styles
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A basic bunk bed with one bed over another bed comes in a variety of sizes. The most common sizes are twin over twin, twin over full and full over full. Some less common sizes that are available include twin over queen, twin xl over twin xl, and queen over queen. Most basic bunk beds can be separated into two beds, if desired. Sometimes the two beds will not be the exact same height.
A basic bunk bed comes with either have a ladder or stairs to access the upper bunk bed. If space is an issue and you want the smallest footprint possible for your bunk bed, consider purchasing a bunk with an attached ladder. Tilt ladders extend all the way to the floor and take up more floor space. Stairs also take up more square footage than an attached ladder, however some parents prefer them because they are safer for small children. Also, most stairs have drawers for bonus storage space.
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In an L-shaped bunk bed the bottom bed is perpendicular to the top bunk and the headboard of the bottom bed fits against the wall. An advantage of L-shaped bunk beds is that the bottom bed is usually a freestanding bed (sometimes on casters). The lower bed could be moved to a different location or another room if you ever decide the use your bunk bed as a loft only. An L configuration takes up more floor space than a basic bunk bed.
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A loft bed is an elevated bed with no bottom bed. Most loft beds are either twin size or full size. The space under the loft can fit a sofa, crib, chair, or provide extra storage space. You can purchase loft beds that have built in desks, dressers, bookshelves or tables. Like bunk beds, loft beds have either a ladder or stairs to access the bed. A loft bed is a good choice when you only need to sleep one person in the room. Junior loft beds or low loft beds are lofts that are shorter and geared toward younger children. Some low lofts have a slide to exit the bed and curtains under the bed to create a fort (and a great place to hide toys).
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A futon bunk bed is a twin (or full) bunk bed over a futon that converts to a full size bed. This design is great for older kids or dorm rooms with limited space.
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A triple bunk bed can sleep three children in various designs. Some triple bunk beds are three twin beds one over another. They also come in an L-shaped configuration with room to sleep two kids in the top bunk with a third bed underneath.
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Adding a trundle to a bunk bed instantly increases the sleeping capacity of a room. The trundle bed fits under the bottom bunk and can be pulled out when an extra bed is needed. Trundle beds are usually on casters. When not in use, the trundle bed conveniently tucks under the bottom bunk.
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Bunk Bed with Storage Drawers:
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Underbed storage drawers can fit under the bottom bunk of most bunk beds for extra storage. Most furniture manufacturers make underbed drawers to match their bunk beds. Usually the drawers come in sets of two or sometimes three.
Measuring for Bunk Beds
It is important to measure the space you have available for your bed, checking the height of the space, as well as the length and width. Bunk beds typically measure between five and six feet tall, and you need about two to three feet of space between the top bunk and the ceiling. If you have a low ceiling or a ceiling fan in the room, low bunk beds may be a good choice. They are roughly 10 to 12 inches shorter than a traditional bunk bed.
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Some bunk beds have a very large footprint, particularly bunk beds with stairs and L-shaped bunk beds and so it is essential to measure the length and width of your space to verify that the bed will fit.
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Keep in mind that tilt ladders, slides, trundle beds, and underbed storage drawers all take up more square footage than the bed alone. Read specifications carefully to find out if the dimensions take those items into account.​
Bunk Bed Materials
Wooden Bunk Beds
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Wooden bunk beds are made from different types of wood, from pine to hardwood. They are also available in a variety of finishes with white, grey, light wood, medium wood and dark wood being the most common. An increasing number of fun colorful finishes are available, making it easier to find a bed to complement any decor.
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Wooden bunk beds are usually sturdy and durable, however they can be very heavy making them difficult to move. Wooden bunk beds are typically more expensive than metal bunk beds.