Bunk beds aren’t just great for saving space in larger families – they also add a fun and exciting touch to any child’s bedroom. And, while they can cost more than a regular single bed, their added versatility makes them well worth it. Plus, for kids, they’re just plain cool.
Bunk beds come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s a wide range available for all budgets and tastes. Some designs even include a desk, storage shelves or a third, hidden, trundle bed.
There’s lots to consider when purchasing, however. Things like the height of the top bunk and how easy the ladder is to navigate. Some bunk beds recommend an age of six or more to ensure that children can sleep safely on the top bunk. Many brands will also advise on a maximum top bed mattress depth (usually about 15cm), to make sure your child can’t tip over the edge of the bedframe.
Just bear in mind that a bunk bed will be heavier than a typical bedframe and can take up more space. However, if the idea of building a flat-pack bunk bed fills you with dread, many companies offer a home-assembly service.
With all that in mind, we (along with some mini testers) put a range of bunk beds through their paces – keep scrolling to discover which designs make our list of the best bunk beds for kids.
How we tested
We tested a range of modern bunk beds from different brands and at varying price points, while considering a range of factors. We know that a bunk bed is an investment for most families, so we’ve chosen the designs we think offer good value for money. Our very willing mini testers (an eight-year-old and six-year-old twins) helped us thoroughly put the bunk beds through their paces.
In particular, we considered the following criteria:
- Comfort: We looked for bunk beds with comfortable mattresses to ensure the kids got a great night’s sleep.
- Safety: We also assessed safety in terms of the overall design and how easy the ladders were to climb.
- Practicality: Our mini testers were keen to find out whether they could store their possessions, while we grown-ups were also interested in factors such as how much space each bed took up, and how long assembly would take.
- Price: These beds can be fairly pricey, especially once you factor in assembly fees and mattresses. We wanted high-quality beds that didn’t break the bank.
- Storage: We checked to see what storage was included with each bunk bed. Did it have drawers, cupboards or even shelves to store things like toys, clothes, or shoes?
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Ali Howard is a London-based writer and interiors editor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics. A regular contributor to IndyBest since 2019, she has reviewed a broad spectrum of products, from essential furniture pieces to outdoor living staples.
Kat Storr is an experienced journalist who has written extensively about children and parenting. She has written lots of reviews for IndyBest, and is used to putting products to the test in real-world settings. She regularly reviews products for kids, including the best kids football goals, remote controlled cars and scooters.
The best kids’ bunk beds for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Happy Beds domino oak wooden and metal kids storage bunk bed, 3ft single: £374.99, Happybeds.co.uk
- Best for growing kids – Just Kids Chatham bunk bed: £359.99, Wayfair.co.uk
- Best for sleepovers – Little Folks Furniture classic beech bunk bed with storage and trundle: £775, Littlefolksfurniture.co.uk
- Best novelty design – Julian Bowen camper van bunk bed: £529.99, Amazon.co.uk