Why should you choose this bunk bed? Your kid may not really understand the beautiful and complex intersection of Scandinavian minimalism and mid century-modern quite yet, but hey—no harm in surrounding them with some nostalgia early on. The Wayfair Bolles bunk bed is available in five colors (we’re particularly into the natural finish), and the angled ladder makes it easy to climb up to the top. Plus, this design has drawers for added storage. In our opinion, it’s the ultimate sleepover hub.
- Size: Twin over twin
- Weight Limit: 300 pounds (per sleeping surface)
- Finishes: White/sand
- Dimensions: 78.5”L x 41.25”W x 74”H
- Storage: No
- Warranty: No warranty, but there is a 30-day return window, and West Elm will consider product issues on a case-by-case basis for the first year of original ownership
- Unique modern design
- Comes with white glove delivery (in-room setup and removal of packaging)
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- Ladder can’t be moved
- No warranty
Why should you choose this bunk bed? If you’ve got plenty of ceiling height and you want to make a statement, prepare to fall in love with this design from Sarah Sherman Samuel’s collab with West Elm. “You will need to have the perfect disposition because it doesn’t look like the ladder can be in another spot,” says Bamfield. “So make sure you have space to access the ladder on the right side.”
So, how many types of bunk beds are there really?
The answer to this question is actually quite complex. “These days, there are so many variations of bunk beds, from full size to twin size, to bunks that are technically loft beds with room for a kid lounge or desk underneath, to bunk beds where the bottom bed sits perpendicular to the upper bunk,” says Noz Nozawa, the interior designer behind San Francisco-based Noz Designs who’s no stranger to playful bedroom setups (just take a peek at the kids room in this Menlo Park family home and the unforgettable bunk bed in this Japanese-style tree house). “Besides this, there are sleek modern bunk beds, traditional bunk beds, bunks that look like they belong in a log cabin for summer school, and fully custom built-into-a-room limitless options,” says Nozawa.
There are a lot of ways you can go. Veronika Bamfield—founder of Doma Design and mother of three—has one big piece of advice: “There’s a whole realm of beds that mimic castles, playgrounds, tree houses…but in my opinion [are] not as pretty or neutral, as they may grow out of that phase quickly,” she shares. “From there, it’s just a super specific—and probably expensive—bed that kills the vibe because they are no longer into princesses and forts.”
What should people keep in mind when choosing bunk beds?
First and foremost, think about safety. “Read the reviews and look at the spec sheet,” says Bamfield. Specific things to look out for in the reviews: Is it stable or shaky? What’s the weight limit? Is the ladder secure and safe? Does the top bunk have a tall enough guardrail (ideally on all sides)? In addition, look at the materials used to make the bunk bed and ensure that they are safe to keep around kids. Also, think about how active your young kids are. “For sleepers who move around a lot, a sturdy guardrail that runs across at least 70% the length of the upper bunk is crucial,” says Nozawa.
Safety aside, there are a few other things you’ll want to consider too. “Besides ensuring you are confident in the safety rails, the most important thing is to also consider how minimal the annoyance will be to change the sheets on the top bunk,” Nozawa continues. “I have discovered in my own cabin home—which has low ceilings and beams that come down right over the top bunk in our bunk room—that my husband’s childhood bunk bed is quite tall! Changing the fitted sheets on the top bunk while not bonking my head on the beam is often a literal headache.”
If you plan on making the bunk bed a long-term part of your kids’ room—or guest room—take note of a bunk bed’s weight capacity. Most bunk beds will work for young kids, but if you plan on offering up the bed to adults, you’ll want to look for something sturdier and longer to accommodate bodies of different sizes. The biggest problem older guests will run into is not being able to stretch out—some bunk beds out there that are truly kid-sized. Rest assured: There are plenty of designs for every mattress size out there, as long as you aren’t looking for a California King bunk bed. (Maybe go custom for that one.)
Other FAQs
Are bunk beds just for kids?
No way. Let’s set a scene: You live in a really cool city that your friends and family love to visit. A traditional guest room may have a single full-sized bed, which is perfect for a single visitor, a couple, or family members. But gather multiple loved ones and you’ll be deciding who gets the free extra room and who’s booking a hotel room. Avoid the drama and set up some bunk beds. It’s a bit summer camp chic and a whole lot of efficiency packed into one room. Plus, it’s just really fun. If you are going to be housing bunk beds for adults, make sure you check out the weight capacity and measurements of each design as you do your research.
Are custom bunk beds a good investment?
It really comes down to your budget and how long you plan on making the bunk bed the focal point of the room. As a design element, bunk beds can work extra hard in small spaces—but it’s also going to be more expensive than purchasing a premade design. “I’m very biased here, but custom is always my favorite version of a bunk bed,” Nozawa says. “The beauty of a custom bunk is that—especially in guest rooms or secondary bedrooms that might be smaller or more awkwardly shaped—you can configure a built-in solution that maximizes the utility (and beauty!) of that room.”
