How to Choose the Right Bunk Bed for Your Family
Bunk beds have a way of making a shared bedroom feel like an adventure, especially once everyone agrees on who gets the top bunk. But beyond the fun, they’re a practical way to make room for more: more play space, more storage, or a homework spot that isn’t the kitchen table.
And your options go well beyond the classic twin-over-twin. From roomier lower bunks to built-in stairs and clever storage, there’s plenty to consider when finding the right fit for your family.
Not sure where to start? We’ll walk you through bed sizes, room measurements, and useful extras so you can choose a bunk bed that works for your space and your everyday routine.
1. Start With Who’s Sleeping Where
Before you fall for a finish or start picking out bedding, think about who will use the bed. Are siblings sharing a room? Do you need space for overnight guests? Would one child appreciate a little more room to stretch out?
Start with those everyday needs, then explore your options. Furniture Row’s bunk beds include twin-over-twin, twin-over-full, and full-over-full designs, plus options with stairs, storage, or a trundle for an extra sleeping spot.
*Age matters, too. Children younger than 6 should not use the upper bunk. For older kids, consider how comfortably they can climb the ladder or stairs and whether they’re ready to follow the bed’s safety rules. Before choosing a bed, check the manufacturer’s age guidance, weight limits, and instructions.
2. Find Your Best Bunk Bed Configuration
Twin-over-twin or twin-over-full? The names tell you which mattress size goes on top and which goes below. The right combination comes down to how much sleeping space everyone needs and how much room you have to work with.
Twin-Over-Twin: Keep It Compact
Want more room for playtime, homework, or that ever-growing collection of toys? Twin-over-twin bunk beds stack two twin-size beds, leaving more floor space available than two beds placed side by side.
They’re a great starting point for shared kids’ rooms when both sleepers are comfortable in a twin. You get two separate sleeping spots without letting the beds take over the room.
*Need room for one more? Triple bunk beds add a third twin-sized sleeping spot, making them another option for large families or frequent sleepovers.
Twin-Over-Full: Give the Bottom Bunk More Breathing Room
Sharing a room doesn’t have to mean sharing the same mattress size. Twin-over-full bunk beds pair a twin-size bed on top with a wider full-size bed below.
That extra width can be a welcome perk for an older sibling who likes to spread out. A full-size lower bunk can also give you more flexibility when family comes to stay.
*Like this layout but want more flexibility? Consider a loft bed with a freestanding full-size bed underneath. You get the raised twin bed up top, with a separate bed below that you can rearrange as your needs change.
Full-Over-Full: More Room for Both Sleepers
When both sleepers want room to stretch out, full-over-full bunk beds give everyone a wider mattress. There’s no need to negotiate over who gets the roomier bed!
With a full-size bed on each level, this setup is worth considering for growing kids or a guest room, as long as your space can accommodate the wider frame.
Keep in mind that a bigger mattress doesn’t automatically mean a higher weight capacity or approval for adult use. Check the specifications for each bunk before planning who will sleep where.
3. Decide Between a Ladder and Stairs
Getting the top bunk is exciting. Getting in and out of it is the practical part! Bunk beds with stairs offer built-in steps that often double as storage, with drawers for pajamas, spare bedding, and other bedroom essentials.
Stairs do take up extra room, though. Bunk beds with ladders offer a more compact alternative when floor space is tight.
Whichever you choose, follow the bed’s age restrictions and safety instructions. A staircase doesn’t change the rules for who can use the top bunk.
4. Make Sure It Fits Your Room
A bunk bed should fit your room and your routine. Before ordering, map out where it will go and check these details:
- Overall length and width: Include the frame, stairs, and any projecting ladder.
- Overall height: Consider the ceiling above the upper bunk and follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidance.
- Access space: Leave a clear route to the ladder or stairs.
- Moving parts: Account for bedroom doors, closet doors, storage drawers, and pull-out trundles.
- The rest of the room: Make sure the dresser and other everyday essentials still have usable space.
Try marking the footprint on the floor with painter’s tape. Then walk through the room as you normally would. Can you reach the closet? Open the dresser? Get to the bed without squeezing around another piece?
5. Pick the Extras You’ll Actually Use
Extra storage? A spot for sleepovers? Think about what would make the biggest difference in your room, then look for features that fit.
- For clothes and bedding, consider underbed drawers or staircase storage.
- For overnight guests, look for a trundle-equipped design.
- For flexibility down the road, check consider something like a lofted bunk bed.
Before ordering, confirm what comes with your chosen setup. Storage drawers, trundles, and other pieces shown in a photo may require a separate selection.
Ready to Find Their New Favorite Spot?
Once you’ve settled on the bed sizes, layout, and extras, it’s time for the fun part: making the room their own. Think coordinating quilts, favorite colors, and a little personality on each bunk.
Explore our bunk bed collection to find the right fit for your family. Then you can get back to the important question: who gets the top bunk?
