14 Different Types of Bunk Beds to Know Before Buying

Bunk beds are one of the most space-solving innovative solutions designed to maximise space while adding style and functionality at the same time to a bedroom. It is best suited especially for kid’s rooms, shared bedrooms, a guest space, or a small apartment. However, choosing the right kind of bunk bed is essential as understanding the differences helps you make more informed decisions based on your room size, needs, functionality, and safety. The right bunk bed ensures quality sleep, ensures durability, and complements your room’s style while being practical. 

Some of the top bunk bed choices are:

1. Standard Bunk Bed
2. Twin Over Full Bunk Bed
3. Loft Bed
4. Futon Bunk Bed
5. L-Shaped Bunk Bed
6. Triple Bunk Bed
7. Trundle Bunk Bed
8. Bunk Bed with Stairs
9. Study Bunk Bed
10. Themed Bunk Bed
11. Storage Bunk Bed
12. Convertible Bunk Bed
13. Metal Bunk Bed
14. Wooden Bunk Bed

1. Standard Bunk Bed

The standard bunk bed is the most traditional design that features two twin-sized beds stacked on top of each other. This design is ideal for a kid’s room or shared bedroom as a space-solving solution. The bed features two single beds stacked one over the other with classics frame design and ladder access to provide access to the top bunk. 

The standard bunk bed comes with a strong and sturdy build made of wood, metal, or a combination of both. It has guardrails on the top bunk to prevent older kids or young adults from falling. However, the top bunk may not be safe for very young children. 

2. Twin Over Full Bunk Bed

The twin over full bunk bed features a twin-sized bed on top and a full-sized bed on the bottom. Usually,this type of bunk bed is made from metal or wood and can come with additional features like storage drawers or an optimal trundle for more functionality and storage space. 

The design is space-efficient, best suited for shared bedrooms, and makes it perfect for growing children or teenagers who need extra sleeping space. However, the room size should also be considered as the full-size bottom bunk needs more floor space than a standard bunk bed. 

3. Loft Bed

A loft bed features an elevated twin or full-size bed leaving an open space underneath for a seating area, play area, storage, or even a desk. This kind of design is mostly popular among students in dorm rooms or small bedrooms where a separate study area is needed. Typically, a loft bed is made out of wood and metal with a ladder for easy access to bed and railing for safety. 

This type of bed is ideal for students or individuals who need a workspace and a sleeping area within a small room size. Although practical with space, you should consider ceiling height to ensure comfortable clearance and safety features due to the elevated design.  

4. Futon Bunk Bed

A futon bunk bed is a versatile furniture that combines a futon on the bottom with a traditional bunk bed. This can be used as a seating area during the day as the futon can function as a sofa and as a full-sized bed at night. This multifunctional feature makes it perfect for spaces like living rooms and guest rooms. 

It is made up of a sturdy metal frame and offers durability while maintaining a sleek modern look. While making a futon bunk bed for yourself, you should consider the comfort of a futon mattress and overall durability of the frame to ensure long-term usability. 

5. L-Shaped Bunk Bed

Unlike traditional stacked bunk beds, the L-shaped bunk bed has a perpendicular design which creates a more spacious and open layout. This design places one bed on a lower level while the other one is elevated creating an L shape to create an open space. 

This kind of bed comes with built-in drawers, shelves, or even a small desk for additional functionality. The L-shaped bunk bed is ideal for rooms that need efficient space utilization with open and accessible sleeping arrangements. If made in larger rooms, the L-shaped bunk beds make the most of corner spaces. However, it is important to evaluate the room layout carefully to ensure there is enough space for movement and furniture.  

6. Triple Bunk Bed

A triple bunk bed is a three-tiered bed designed to accommodate multiple sleepers in large families, vacation homes, or hostels. The beds are vertically stacked one above the other to maximize sleeping capacity without taking too much floor space. Some models feature all twin-size while others mix twin and full size beds for added comfort. 

Although these beds are suitable for large families or hostels, it is important to check ceiling height restrictions to ensure safety with features like secure ladders and sturdy guardrails.  

7. Trundle Bunk Bed

A trundle bunk bed is a space-saving bed designed with a pull-out lower bed or trundle for an additional sleeping space. This is to ensure that the extra bedding doesn’t take up permanent floor space. The trundle bed is usually on wheels and remains hidden under the lower bunk making it easy to store and pull out when needed. 

This type of design is ideal for hosting sleepovers or guests if designed with proper convenient storage. The trundle bunk bed is perfect for rooms that need flexibility. However, it is important to plan according to the space needed to store and pull out the trundle bed comfortably. 

8. Bunk Bed with Stairs

A bunk bed with stairs is a functional and safety-focused bunk bed that is designed with built-in steps or stairs instead of a traditional ladder. This is done to provide an easier and safer access to the top bunk especially for younger children and elderly people who find climbing a ladder difficult. 

One of the key features of this design is that the stairs often double as storage compartments and provide additional space for clothes, toys, and other essentials. This type of bed is ideal for families with kids or elders needing a safe way to reach the top bunk while still keeping it stylish and functional. Lastly, the main part to consider with this type of bed is the width of the staircase and how much storage capacity it offers within the room layout. 

9. Study Bunk Bed

Study bunk bed is a space-efficient furniture that combines a sleeping area with workspace by integrating a bookshelves, drawers, and a desk beneath the top bunk. It is perfect for people working from home or students as the design saves space while keeping your room organised. 

A study bunk bed helps maximize convenience without taking up extra floor area. It is useful for people who need a compact bed along with a study or work space. You should consider a few things like desk size, lighting options, and overall space efficiency for a practical and comfortable study bunk bed setup.  

10. Themed Bunk Bed

Themed bunk beds are one of the fun and luxury options available that incorporate fun elements such as castles, cars, or pirate ships, making bedtime more exciting for children. These beds often feature unique shapes, colors, and details like treehouses, spaceships, and details that resemble playhouses, encouraging imaginative play while serving as a functional sleeping space. 

Generally made from wood, these beds are sturdy and designed with child-friendly aesthetics in mind. They are ideal for both, younger kids and adults who enjoy playful environments in their bedrooms. However, it’s important to consider the durability of the themed decorations and ensure that the wood and other materials used are easy to clean and maintain over time.

11. Storage Bunk Bed

A storage bunk bed is a space-saving design that includes built-in storage compartments, such as drawers, shelves, or storage stairs. This type of bunk bed provides additional storage and helps maximize room organisation by providing extra space to store toys, clothing, bedding, or other essentials. 

Some of the popular designs feature under-bed drawers, while others build storage within the staircase for added functionality. This type of bed is ideal for rooms with limited space as it combines sleeping and storage solutions in one compact piece of furniture. One of the key factors to consider when choosing this type of bed is to ensure that the storage compartments are practical, spacious, and easy to access for everyday use.

12. Convertible Bunk Bed

Convertible or folding bunk bed is a versatile bunk bed design that can be transformed into two individual beds or adjusted into different arrangements based on the user’s needs. This flexible bed makes it a great long-term investment, especially for growing children who may eventually need their own separate sleeping spaces. 

Convertible bunk beds are usually designed with a sturdy frame and offer durability and adaptability making them ideal for multi-functional rooms. They are ideal for people looking for a functional and lasting furniture piece that can evolve as their children grow. When choosing a convertible bunk bed, it’s important to consider the material, safety feature, storage options, and assembly requirements to ensure the structure remains sturdy in both bunk and separated forms.

13. Metal Bunk Bed

A metal bunk bed is a sturdy and stylish bunk bed made primarily from metal frames, offering a sleek, sturdy, modern aesthetic making it perfect for minimalist spaces. Metal bunk beds provide durability while maintaining a minimalist look. Although made from metal, they are lightweight yet strong, modern, and budget-friendly.  

They are available in various colors from shiny to matte black, or silver making them easy to match with various room styles. It is perfect for people seeking a contemporary design for their modern homes, guest rooms, or dorm rooms. However, it’s important to consider comfort, as metal frames can feel colder or firmer compared to other alternatives, and can be noisier or prone to squeaking. Adding quality mattresses or padding can enhance the overall sleeping experience. 

14. Wooden Bunk Bed

Wooden bunk beds are a classic, timeless, and sturdy bunk bed option offering a timeless aesthetic and durability. These beds are made from various types of wood, including  solid pine, oak, or mahogany, each providing a unique texture and finish. Wooden bunk beds come in various designs like natural tones to bold and blend well with different room styles. From its rustic and traditional to modern and elegant look, it seamlessly integrates with different decor styles.

Wooden bunk beds are perfect for families looking for a long-lasting yet aesthetic high-quality furniture piece to use. While designing wooden bunk beds, it is important to consider the weight, as they tend to be heavier than metal alternatives, which can affect mobility. Additionally, regular maintenance like polishing or refinishing is required to preserve the wood’s appearance and durability to prevent wear over time. 

Tips To Choose Correct Bunk Bed As Supplementary

While choosing the right bunk bed, you shouldn’t just go for style and think about the safety, practicality, and durability of the bed. Whether you’re designing a bed for kids or older people, you should consider a few things like room size, safety features, material preferences, storage, and weight capacity.  

Room Size

Although bunk beds are great for smaller rooms, you need to make sure that there’s enough space to accommodate a bed. Here’s what you need to do:

• Measure the total bedroom floor area
• Check the floor-to-ceiling height
• Cross-check the measurements with the bunk bed dimensions and start working on your desired bed

At last, you should be left with at least 2 ft or more between the ceiling and the top bunk bed. 

Safety

Safety should be your priority while designing a bunk bed, especially for your young children, or even elderly family members. The bed should be built with high quality material and must adhere to the British Safety Standard BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015. You should do regular inspection for worn-out slats, loose screws, or chipped finish that can compromise stability. 

Weight Capacity

The bunk bed should be able to support the intended users whether it’s kids or adults. In general, a kid’s bunk bed holds up to 150-250 lbs. per bunk while an adult model holds at least 400-500 lbs per bunk. The bed should be designed accordingly to avoid accidents, damage, or mishaps. 

Material Preferences

The material preferences significantly influence a bunk bed’s weight capacity and durability. If you’re going for a wooden bed, the type of wood and the thickness of the beams may vary in the weight capacity. Likewise, for metal bunk beds, using steel, iron, or aluminum are best for their sleek, robust, and contemporary design. 

Storage Option

Bunk beds are a great and smart way to utilize the little space in your room to keep everything organised. Storage space like drawers, shelves, and desks should be implemented while designing a bunk bed to store clothes, toys, and other essentials and optimize small spaces. 

How Can Our Store Help You Choose the Right Bunk Bed?

Choosing a sturdy and durable bunk bed with MK Furnishing helps you transform boring or plain tiny rooms into cosy yet functional sleeping space. We offer a wide range of premium bunk beds designed for reliability, comfort, and durability. Whether you need a compact bunk bed, adult-friendly bunk bed, or themed kid-friendly designs, we are here to make your dreams come true. At MK Furnishing, we prioritize quality products that can last you years.