Bunk beds aren't just for children's bedrooms! Bunks are useful and comfortable in many residential and commercial spaces, including vacation homes, hospitality spaces, guest rooms, and adult bedrooms.
When choosing bunk beds, consider bed type, size, users, space, materials, access, storage, and quality. This guide to choosing different kinds of bunk beds can help you select a bed from a high-quality furniture company.
What Is a Bunk Bed?
Traditional bunk beds are made in a twin-over-twin format, placing one twin bed over another. Historically, twin-over-twin bunk beds were used on ships, in dormitory-style buildings, and in homes.
Today's bunk beds go beyond this traditional design. ICON Bunks come in larger sizes and configurations, and some include built-in storage.
Types of Bunk Beds: Which Configuration Is Right for You?
The main types of bunk beds include standard, stackable, lofted, and storage bunk beds. Each configuration offers different benefits depending on sleeping capacity, room layout, access, and storage needs.
Standard Bunk Beds
Classic bunk beds are made from sturdy wooden beams and offer a variety of safety rails and access options. They feature two mattresses of the same size, stacked on top of one another.
Standard bunk beds are a classic choice for families where two kids share a room, but they're also an excellent choice for dorm rooms, guest rooms, and vacation homes where two people share the same space.
Stackable Bunk Beds
Stackable bunk beds offer a flexible configuration that can be used as a bunk or separated into individual beds, depending on the design. This makes them useful for guest rooms and vacation homes where sleeping needs may change over time.
Stackable bunk beds are the top choice for rooms where parents share a room with their child, vacation homes, and homes with frequent sleepovers.
Lofted Bunk Beds
Lofted bunks feature a platform bed on the bottom and a lofted upper bunk. The loft adds sleeping capacity while introducing a stylish aesthetic that's perfect for kids' rooms, guest rooms, and commercial hospitality settings.
Lofted beds are stylish and functional, so they're an excellent option for adults sharing spaces. They're also a great choice for vacation homes where adults or children may choose their bedrooms based on group logistics and configurations.
Bunk Beds With Storage
Bunk beds with storage have a variety of hidden storage space options - under the bed and even in the stairs. These beds feature hidden drawers that glide open and closed for easy access.
While bunk beds with storage are an excellent choice for vacation homes, many people prefer this option for their own homes because in-bed storage helps keep clutter off the floor. Bunk beds with storage are an excellent choice for dorm rooms where people live in small spaces for several months at a time
Choose the Right Bunk Bed Size
Match the bed size to the people who use the space, considering your current and future needs. ICON Bunks last for decades. Smaller beds may be fine for now, but will you want larger beds or a different configuration in the future? Ask yourself these questions as you choose the right bunk size for your space. For more information about bed sizes, consult our dimensions & specs page.
Twin & Full Bunk Beds
Twin and full bunks are compact and easy to fit in small spaces. Because we design with adults in mind, we offer both standard sizes, but also Twin XL and Full XL sizes.
- Twin bunk beds: This space-efficient option is commonly suited smaller rooms.
- Twin XL -over- Full XL: This option provides a larger lower sleeping space while retaining a compact footprint. This is a good choice when multiple people sometimes sleep on the bottom bunk, or when a larger person sleeps on the bottom and a smaller person sleeps on top.
- Full bunk beds: Full bunks provide more flexibility for adults and can be suited to groups of children beds as well.
Queen & King Bunk Beds
Larger configurations can sleep bigger groups and provide more comfort. When buying a larger bed, pay attention to ladder placement and ceiling space (avoid ceiling fans, light fixtures, etc.).
- Queen bunk beds: Queen bunks offer more spacious sleeping spaces for adults or multiple children.
- King bunk beds: King bunk beds provide maximum sleeping width, with greater room requirements
Bunk Bed Safety & Weight Capacity
Bunk bed safety is vitally important. Quality beds are designed for stability and access. They include clear manufacturer weight limits to help ensure safe use, and guardrails that protect from falls.
Mattress Size & Thickness Matter
What are the dimensions of your mattress? Thickness matters for fit, comfort, and upper-bunk guardrail clearance. If you already own the mattresses you plan to use in your bunk bed, measure each mattress and compare those dimensions with the recommended mattress dimensions for the bed you're considering. ICON Bunks should be used with a 10” thick mattress.
How to Choose a High-Quality Bunk Bed
Materials and construction matter for your bunk's structural stability and long-term durability. This is why many bunk bed buyers choose beds from ICON Bunks. We handcraft our beds from solid wood and use a beautiful joinery system.
Find the Right Bunk Bed With ICON Bunks
Bunk beds offer functionality, aesthetic appeal, and comfort in one. For customizable solid wood bunk beds in twin through king sizes, available in a range of finishes and with select storage features, explore ICON Bunk Beds.
FAQs About Choosing a Bunk Bed
What are the different types of bunk beds?
Bunk beds come in several configurations and styles, including classic bunk beds, stackable bunk beds, lofted bunk beds, and bunk beds with storage.
What should I look for when buying a bunk bed?
When buying a bunk bed, consider construction quality, bed/mattress configuration, material durability, mattress thickness, safety features, and aesthetics. The bed you select should be comfortable, well-made, and safe to use.
What size bunk bed is best for adults?
Bunk beds can be very comfortable if the bed is large enough to accommodate an adult sleeper. Many adults prefer to sleep on a full-size mattress or larger. Queen-over-queen and King-over-King bunk beds are also available.
Are bunk beds suitable for adults?
Yes, bunk beds are suitable for adults if they're made from solid construction and big enough to accommodate an adult. In fact, ICON Bunks were designed specifically for adults in mind.
Are stairs or ladders better for bunk beds?
Ladders fit nicely in tight spaces, while stairs are easier to climb. When deciding between stairs and a ladder, consider the space the bunk beds will occupy and who will use them.