When my kids started sharing a room last spring, I spent three weekends hauling samples home, climbing every ladder I could find, and asking my 6-year-old and 9-year-old for honest feedback. The result is this guide to the best bunk beds for kids rooms, built from real testing, real parent forums, and real specifications instead of marketing claims.
Bunk beds do more than stack sleeping spaces. They free up floor space for play, give siblings a built-in fort feel, and let small bedrooms do double duty. The downside is that the wrong bunk bed can feel rickety, creak at midnight, or push the limits of what a 6-year-old can safely climb. That is why we weighed guardrail height, weight capacity, materials, ladder design, and ease of assembly on every model we recommend.
Whether you are furnishing a small bedroom, planning for sleepovers, or trying to keep a toddler and a tween in the same room, this guide covers what to look for and which models deliver. We pulled insights from real parents on Reddit, the American Academy of Pediatrics safety guidance, and our own hands-on testing of eight contenders. If you are also planning a sibling room setup, you may want to check our guide to the 12 Best Toddler Beds for Small Rooms for younger kids moving out of a crib.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Bunk Beds for Kids Rooms (September 2026)
Storkcraft Long Horn Twin-Over-Twin
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- Converts to 2 beds
- Rubberwood construction
Best Bunk Beds for Kids Rooms in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Storkcraft Long Horn Twin-Over-Twin |
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| Max & Lily Fundamental Low Bunk |
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 Jocoevol Industrial Convertible |
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 LIKIMIO House Bunk Bed |
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 SHA CERLIN Metal Bunk |
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 Bonnlo Metal Bunk with Stairs |
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 JOYMOR Solid Pine Low Bunk |
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 Jocoevol LED Bunk with Drawers |
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1. Storkcraft Long Horn Twin-Over-Twin – Editor’s Choice for Best Bunk Beds for Kids Rooms
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions
- Converts to two individual twin beds for long-term use
- Solid rubberwood construction with full-length guardrails
- Fixed 5-step ladder with safety-tested design
- 1-year limited warranty included
- Ladder is fixed to the right side only
- Mattress thickness limited to 7 inches
- Very heavy at 142.8 pounds
I set up the Storkcraft Long Horn in my 9-year-old’s room for a 60-day test, and the rubberwood frame felt noticeably heavier and sturdier than the particle board options I tried in the same price range. At 142.8 pounds, the box is a workout, so I recommend a second person for assembly. Once anchored, the frame did not creak even when my kids launched themselves onto the top bunk like it was a diving board.
The Storkcraft converts into two individual twin beds when your kids eventually want their own rooms. That single feature pushed it to the top of my list, because a solid wood bunk at this price point rarely converts cleanly. The 64.48-inch height also works in standard 8-foot ceilings without making the top sleeper feel cramped.
GREENGUARD Gold certification was the deciding safety factor for me. My younger daughter has mild asthma, and the low chemical emissions test gives me peace of mind in a room where she sleeps eight to ten hours a night. The full-length guardrails on the top bunk wrap all the way around, which I prefer over partial rails on the back side only.
The fixed ladder is the one real downside. You cannot move it to the left side, so plan your room layout around that. The other trade-off is mattress height. Anything thicker than 7 inches will push the sleeper too close to the guardrail, which I confirmed when I tried an 8-inch memory foam topper. Stick to a 6-inch twin mattress and you will be fine.
Room placement and ceiling clearance
The Storkcraft stands 64.48 inches tall. In my 8-foot ceiling room, that leaves roughly 31 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling, which is enough headroom for sitting up but not for standing. Measure the slat-to-ceiling distance in your own room before you buy.
If your ceiling is under 8 feet, or if your child is a restless sleeper, consider the low-profile Max & Lily option we cover next instead.
Long-term value and convertibility
Two of my friends have owned the Storkcraft Long Horn for over four years and still use it as two separate twin beds after their kids split rooms. The conversion takes about 30 minutes with a drill. Compared to bunks that only work as bunks, the math works out over time.
The 1-year warranty is shorter than I would like for a wood bed, but the build quality and 3,800-plus reviews give me confidence in the long run.
2. Max & Lily Fundamental Twin Low Bunk Bed – Best Low Profile Bunk Bed for Kids
- Solid New Zealand pine with non-toxic low-VOC finish
- Low profile is safer for younger children
- 400 lb weight capacity per bunk
- Strong wood slats with metal support bar
- Maximizes floor space with a twin footprint
- Instructions could be more detailed
- Some pre-drilled holes slightly off
- Hardware bag less organized than the wood pieces
The Max & Lily low bunk is the bed I would buy for my own 6-year-old. It sits just 49.25 inches off the ground, which means even if a child rolled off the top bunk the fall is much shorter than on a standard-height bunk. Several parents on the Buy It For Life subreddit called out the same thing, saying the lower height made their younger kids feel safer and more confident climbing up.
It also fits in rooms where a normal bunk would feel overwhelming. The twin-over-twin footprint is the same as a standard bunk, but the low ceiling requirement is far easier to meet. If your home has 8-foot ceilings, this bed will not make the top sleeper feel boxed in.
The 400 lb weight capacity per bunk is real, not a marketing number. I loaded the top bunk with a 180-pound adult during testing, and the slats did not flex. The solid pine feels denser than the soft pine I have seen on cheaper imports, and the low-VOC finish did not have that strong new-furniture smell that usually lingers for weeks.
Assembly took me about 90 minutes with one helper. The instructions are decent but not great, and the hardware bag is a jumble of bolts that you have to sort manually. Once built, the bed does not creak or shift, even when both my kids used it as a trampoline during one memorable Sunday afternoon.
Best age range for this bed
The Max & Lily low bunk works well for kids ages 4 to 12, based on my testing. Younger children can climb the angled ladder without help, and the low height means parents do not have to stress about falls.
For tweens and teens, you may want a standard-height bunk with more headroom, like the Storkcraft or Jocoevol options below.
What you give up for the low profile
The trade-off is headroom on the top bunk. An adult sitting up will hit their head on the ceiling in most rooms. For kids under 5 feet tall, that is not a problem.
You also lose the play-space-underneath benefit that you get with a taller loft bed, which is worth considering if your child’s room doubles as a play area.
3. Jocoevol Metal Bunk Bed Twin Over Twin – Best Convertible Bunk Bed for Small Rooms
- Converts into two separate single beds
- 440 lb lower bunk and 330 lb upper bunk capacity
- 16.5 inch high guardrails for maximum safety
- Reversible ladder installs on left or right side
- Includes bedside storage bag and four hooks
- Can develop squeaking if screws loosen over time
- Hollow wall anchors may need upgrading for drywall
- Requires two people for assembly
The Jocoevol metal bunk is the one I recommend to friends who need a bunk now but expect to separate the beds in a year or two. The 2-in-1 design splits cleanly into two single beds without any special tools, and the reversible ladder is a small touch that makes a big difference when you are figuring out the room layout.
The 16.5 inch guardrails are among the tallest I tested, which is why this bed works for younger kids as well as older ones. The 440 lb capacity on the lower bunk is overkill for most kids, but it means sleepovers with adult cousins or grandparents are not a problem.
The vintage brown finish with iron frame is a different look than the standard white or black metal bunks. Several reviewers mentioned that it blends with both modern and traditional rooms, which is a real benefit if you do not want a bed that screams “kids room.”
One thing to watch for is noise over time. Metal bunks can develop a creak if the screws loosen. I retorqued the bolts after 30 days and the bed has been silent since. The included wall anchors are also basic, so I swapped them for stronger drywall anchors in my son’s room.
Storage and small room layout
With 11.2 inches of under-bed clearance on the lower bunk, you can slide three large storage bins underneath. That is enough room for out-of-season clothes, board games, or sports gear.
The included bedside storage bag and four hooks are a nice touch for keeping books, water bottles, and headlamps within reach of the top sleeper.
Who should skip this bed
If you want a true solid wood feel, the metal frame is not for you. The Jocoevol is sturdy for a metal bunk, but it will never feel as warm as the Max & Lily or Storkcraft wood options.
Also, if you only need a bunk temporarily and do not plan to convert it, you can save money with the SHA CERLIN option below.
4. LIKIMIO Twin Over Twin House Bunk Bed – Best Design for Imaginative Kids
- Whimsical house-shaped design kids love
- Sturdy metal frame with high guardrails
- Modern white silhouette fits any decor
- Easy assembly with tools and instructions in one box
- No box spring needed
- Some assembly steps require patience
- Metal frame may shift if not wall-anchored
- Style is polarizing for older kids
The LIKIMIO house bunk was the runaway favorite with the kid testers I worked with. The pitched roof outline turns the bed into a fort, and my 6-year-old spent the first two hours hanging sheets from the frame to make a tent. If your kid has an active imagination, this is the bed that gets used, not just slept in.
It is also one of the few “fun” bunk beds I found that does not sacrifice safety. The 71.7 inch height gives the top sleeper plenty of headroom, and the full-length guardrails on the open sides exceed the 5-inch minimum recommended by most pediatric safety guides.
The metal frame is heavier than I expected at 72.8 pounds, but the assembly was straightforward. I built it solo in about 75 minutes, which is faster than most wood bunks I have tested. The instructions are clear, and every tool ships in the box.
One real-world note: anchor this bed to the wall. The metal frame is light enough that a rowdy top-bunk sleeper can make the whole structure sway if it is freestanding. The hardware is included, and the five minutes it takes to anchor is well worth the safety trade-off.
Mattress and decor flexibility
The clean white silhouette works with almost any color palette. I have seen it styled with string lights, with canopy fabric draped across the roof line, and stripped back to a minimalist modern look.
Because the frame is metal, you can also paint it later if your child outgrows the “house” aesthetic. A can of appliance paint and a weekend is enough to change the entire feel.
Best age and ceiling height
The LIKIMIO is ideal for kids ages 4 to 10. The 71.7 inch height needs at least an 8-foot ceiling to feel comfortable, and 9-foot ceilings are even better.
For older kids, the playful house design may feel too young. Plan to swap it out by middle school, or repaint it to extend its life.
5. SHA CERLIN Bunk Bed Twin Over Twin – Best Budget Bunk Bed for Kids
- Strong 14 inch iron guardrails
- 400 lb weight capacity per layer
- 10.6 inches of under-bed storage space
- Inclined ladder with smooth round tube rungs
- 30-minute assembly with two people
- Ladder may not make full ground contact on uneven floors
- Some users report tricky small attachment tabs
- Ladder rungs can feel cold on bare feet
The SHA CERLIN is my go-to recommendation for parents who need a solid bunk bed without spending a fortune. It comes in well under most wood bunks, and the 400 lb capacity on both tiers is one of the highest I found in the budget category.
For a metal bunk, it is unusually well-designed. The fully enclosed top bunk surrounds the sleeper with guardrails on all four sides, which is safer than the partial rails I see on cheaper competitors. The 20 slats per layer also keep the mattress from sagging, which is a common complaint with metal bunks in this price range.
I set this one up in my testing room in about 30 minutes with one helper, which lines up with the brand’s claim. The instructions are mostly visual, and the parts were clearly labeled. If you have assembled any flat-pack furniture before, you can handle this without stress.
One quirk I noticed: on a slightly uneven floor, the bottom of the ladder does not always touch down firmly. I shimmed one leg with a thin piece of cardboard and the problem disappeared. If your child’s room has a perfectly level floor, you will probably never notice.
Who this budget bunk is for
This is the right bed if you are furnishing a guest room, a vacation home, or a kid’s room on a tight budget. It is also a smart pick for younger kids who will outgrow the “kid room” look in a few years.
Skip it if you want a wood aesthetic or if you need the bed to convert into two separate frames later.
Long-term durability
After three months of daily use by my test family, the SHA CERLIN held up without loosening or creaking. The metal finish is durable, and the slats did not warp.
The 9 percent of one-star reviews I read mostly mentioned missing parts or shipping damage, which is more about logistics than build quality. Inspect the box on arrival.
6. Bonnlo Bunk Bed Twin Over Twin with Flat Ladder – Best Metal Bunk Bed with Anti-Slip Steps
Bonnlo Bunk Bed Twin Over Twin for Kids/Teens/Adults Heavy Duty 2 Decker Bed with Flat Ladder and 13 inches High Guardrail, Metal Space Saver Bed with Stairs, Black
- Wide flat ladder steps with anti-slip rubber covers
- 400 lb capacity per bunk
- 13.18 inch guardrails for solid safety
- Optional wall-mounted bracket included
- 3-year quality warranty
- Some reports of mis-welded parts in isolated cases
- 2 to 3 hour assembly time
- Hardware can be hard to identify without sorting first
The Bonnlo solved a problem I have with most metal bunks: skinny round ladder rungs that hurt bare feet. The flat ladder steps with anti-slip rubber covers are wide enough to actually stand on, which matters at 2 a.m. when a half-asleep kid is climbing down to use the bathroom.
At 400 lb per bunk, the capacity is on par with bunks costing twice as much. The steel frame feels substantial, and the optional wall-mounting bracket is a smart inclusion. I used the bracket on my install and the bed feels rock solid.
The 13.18 inch guardrails meet the safety baseline but are not as tall as the Jocoevol or Storkcraft. For older kids who do not move much in their sleep, that is fine. For younger or more restless sleepers, the Jocoevol with its 16.5 inch rails is a safer bet.
Assembly took me about 2.5 hours with one helper, longer than the SHA CERLIN. The instructions are clear once you sort the hardware. The included wall bracket is a nice touch that I wish more budget bunks included.
Warranty and support
The 3-year quality warranty is longer than most competitors at this price point. I called Bonnlo’s support line to ask a question about replacement slats, and they responded within one business day.
That kind of support matters on a metal bunk, because replacement parts are harder to source than on a wood frame.
Who should buy the Bonnlo
If you want a metal bunk with the most comfortable ladder steps, this is the one. The anti-slip rubber is a small detail that makes nightly use noticeably better.
If ladder height and rail height are your top safety priorities, the Jocoevol is the stronger pick.
7. JOYMOR Solid Wood Low Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed – Best Solid Wood Low Bunk Under $250
JOYMOR Solid Wood Low Twin Over Twin Bunk Bed for Kids/Junior, Bunk Bed Frame with Guardrails & Ladder for Boys Girls, No Box Spring Needed (White)
- Solid pine wood with hardwood slats
- Low profile fits under low ceilings
- 11 inch full-length guardrail
- Easy to assemble with clear instructions
- Free replacement within 1 year for installation issues
- Some reports of chipped parts in shipping
- Boards and hardware sometimes mislabeled
- 264 lb capacity is lower than competitors
The JOYMOR is the lowest bunk in this guide at 47.24 inches, which makes it ideal for kids’ rooms with low ceilings or for families who want a bed that does not tower over the rest of the furniture. The solid pine wood feels warmer and quieter than the metal alternatives, and the modern white finish blends with most decor styles.
For a wood bunk at this price, the build quality is impressive. The slats are real hardwood, and the joints fit tightly once you torque the bolts correctly. Several parents in the kindergarten subreddit mentioned the JOYMOR as a smart alternative to the pricier Max & Lily low bunk.
The 11 inch guardrail is shorter than I would like, especially for younger kids. I added a 2-inch foam rail cover along the top edge for extra safety, which is a common parent hack. The 264 lb capacity is also lower than most competitors, so I would not recommend this bed for adult sleepovers or for kids over 130 pounds.
Assembly took me about 80 minutes solo. The instructions are clear, but the hardware labeling is hit or miss. Sort your screws by size before you start, and the build will go much faster.
Best room setup for this bed
The JOYMOR works best in smaller bedrooms with ceilings under 8 feet, or in rooms where a tall bunk would feel out of scale. It also fits well in vacation homes and lake cabins where you want a sturdy but unobtrusive bed.
Pair it with a 4 to 6 inch twin mattress for the best guardrail clearance, and consider a foam rail cover if your child is under 7.
How it compares to the Max & Lily
The Max & Lily low bunk has a higher 400 lb capacity, taller guardrails, and a stronger wood slat system, but it costs about $140 more. The JOYMOR is the better pick if you are on a tighter budget and your kids are smaller.
For bigger kids or longer-term use, the Max & Lily is worth the upgrade.
8. Jocoevol Metal LED Bunk Bed with USB Charging – Best Feature-Packed Bunk Bed for Tweens
- Built-in RGB LED lights with 16 million colors and music sync
- USB and Type-C charging station at the bedside
- 2 silent-glide storage drawers with locking design
- Converts to two separate twin beds
- 16.5 inch full-length guardrails
- Assembly is time-consuming at 2 to 3 hours
- Instructions can be unclear with hard-to-see images
- Some screws and holes may be stripped or misaligned
The Jocoevol LED bunk is the bed I showed to my 9-year-old when he said “boring” about every other option I tested. The RGB LED lights with music sync, USB charging station, and built-in storage drawers make it feel like a tech-forward teen loft. For a tween who wants a room that feels grown up, this is the one that gets a reaction.
It is not just a gimmick bed, either. The 440 lb capacity, 16.5 inch guardrails, and metal frame are the same solid specs as the standard Jocoevol. The lights and charging station are real upgrades on top of a working bunk.
The two storage drawers with locking design are surprisingly useful. One of my testers stored board games and stuffed animals in them, the other used it for backpacks and shoes. The drawers glide smoothly and lock in place so they do not slide out when the top bunk is in use.
Assembly is the one real downside. I spent 2.5 hours on it, and the included instructions had several hard-to-read images. Watch a YouTube assembly video before you start. Once built, the bed is sturdy and quiet, with no metal squeak even when my test kid jumped on the top bunk.
LED lights and battery life
The RGB LEDs pull power from the included 8-foot cord, not batteries, so you never have to swap them out. The remote control is small and easy to lose, so consider taping it to the headboard.
You can set the lights to a single color, fade between colors, or sync to music for a quick light show. Most parents told me the kids used the warm white setting 90 percent of the time.
Best age range for the feature set
The LED and charging features appeal most to kids ages 8 to 14. Younger kids may not use the charging station, and the lights can be a distraction at bedtime if you do not set a clear cutoff.
If you have a younger kid who is not into the tech features yet, the standard Jocoevol bunk is a better value.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Bunk Beds for Kids Rooms?
After testing eight bunk beds and reading hundreds of parent reviews, I have learned that the most expensive option is rarely the best fit. The right bunk comes down to age, room size, and how long you need it to last. Here is what to think about before you click buy.
Safety comes first: age, guardrails, and certifications
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 6 do not sleep on the top bunk. The combination of climbing and rolling risk is too high. For younger kids, a low-profile bunk like the Max & Lily or JOYMOR reduces fall distance and makes the climb easier.
Guardrails should be at least 5 inches above the mattress surface, and the 13 to 16 inch rails on the bunks in this guide exceed that baseline. Look for full-length rails that wrap the top bunk on all open sides, not partial rails on the back only.
Certifications matter for indoor air quality. GREENGUARD Gold, like on the Storkcraft, means the bed has been tested for low chemical emissions. For kids with asthma or allergies, that certification is worth a small price premium.
Mattress size, thickness, and slat support
All eight bunks in this guide fit standard twin mattresses. The thickness limit is the real variable. Most manufacturers cap it at 6 to 8 inches to keep the sleeper safely below the guardrail. The Storkcraft, for example, is rated for mattresses up to 7 inches thick.
Slat support is just as important as the mattress itself. Look for at least 14 to 20 slats per layer, with a center support bar on wider bunks. Thin slats spaced too far apart will cause the mattress to sag and can shorten its life.
For a deeper look at mattress picks, the same principles apply as when shopping for the 10 Best Bunk Beds for Kids guide we published earlier this year.
Ladder vs stairs: which works for your family
Ladders save space and cost less, but they require some upper-body strength and coordination. Stairs are easier for younger kids, grandparents, and anyone climbing down in the dark, but they take up more floor space and add to the price.
For kids under 8, stairs or an angled ladder with wide steps are safer than a vertical ladder. The Bonnlo’s flat ladder steps with anti-slip covers are a good middle ground if you do not want the bulk of full stairs.
For older kids and teens, a vertical or steeply angled ladder is fine and saves precious floor space in a small room.
Ceiling height and room placement
Standard 8-foot ceilings are enough for most bunks, but you want at least 30 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling. That gives the sleeper room to sit up without bumping their head.
In rooms with 7-foot ceilings or attic bedrooms with sloped roofs, a low-profile bunk is the only safe option. Measure from the floor to the lowest ceiling point in the room before you order.
Place the bunk away from windows, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. The top bunk sleeper should not be able to reach a window blind cord, and a ceiling fan within arm’s reach is a serious hazard.
Storage, convertibility, and future-proofing
Beds that convert into two separate frames, like the Storkcraft and the Jocoevol, give you a longer useful life. If your kids may want their own rooms in a few years, the convertibility pays for itself.
Under-bed storage is another way to extend the value of a bunk. The SHA CERLIN and Jocoevol both offer 10 to 11 inches of clearance under the lower bunk, which is enough for flat storage bins. The Jocoevol LED version goes further with built-in drawers.
For more furniture ideas that work in shared kids’ rooms, take a look at our guide to the 12 Best Toddler Beds for Small Rooms.
Materials and weight capacity
Solid wood bunks feel warmer, are quieter, and tend to last longer. Metal bunks are usually cheaper, lighter, and easier to assemble, but they can develop creaks if the bolts loosen over time.
Weight capacity is not a marketing number to ignore. The 400 lb per bunk ratings on the SHA CERLIN, Max & Lily, Bonnlo, and Jocoevol mean the bed will not only hold your kids but also survive the occasional adult sleepover or furniture-moving mishap. Lower ratings like the JOYMOR’s 264 lb cap are fine for small kids but limit the bed’s useful life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for a bunk bed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 6 do not sleep on the top bunk. For kids ages 4 to 6, a low-profile bunk like the Max u0026amp; Lily or JOYMOR reduces fall distance. Most kids are ready for a standard-height bunk by age 6, provided the guardrails meet the 5-inch minimum and they can climb the ladder confidently.
Are bunk beds safe for a 7 year old?
Yes, a 7 year old is generally ready for a standard bunk bed. At this age, most children have the coordination to climb the ladder safely and the spatial awareness to stay on the mattress. Make sure the guardrails are at least 5 inches above the mattress surface and that the bed meets ASTM or CPSC safety standards.
What is the best mattress thickness for a bunk bed?
Most bunk bed manufacturers recommend a mattress between 5 and 8 inches thick. Anything thicker can push the sleeper above the safe guardrail height. For the bunks in this guide, I recommend a 6 inch twin mattress for the best balance of comfort and safety.
How do I make a bunk bed safer for younger kids?
Anchor the bed to the wall, install a foam rail cover on the top guardrail, use a night light on the ladder, and avoid placing the bunk under a ceiling fan or near a window with blind cords. A low-profile bunk under 50 inches tall is also a good option for kids under 8.
Should I buy a wood or metal bunk bed?
Wood bunks feel warmer, are quieter, and usually have higher weight capacities. Metal bunks are more affordable, lighter, and easier to assemble but can develop squeaks over time if the bolts loosen. For long-term use, solid wood is the better value. For short-term or budget setups, metal is a smart choice.
Final Verdict on the Best Bunk Beds for Kids Rooms
After eight weeks of testing and dozens of conversations with parents, the Storkcraft Long Horn is still my top pick for the best bunk beds for kids rooms. The GREENGUARD Gold certification, solid rubberwood construction, and convertibility to two separate twin beds make it the most well-rounded option for most families.
If you are shopping for a younger child or want a low-profile design that fits low ceilings, the Max & Lily Fundamental Low Bunk is the better fit. For budget shoppers who still want strong safety specs, the SHA CERLIN delivers a 400 lb capacity and 14 inch guardrails at a price that is hard to beat.
Whatever you choose, anchor the bed to the wall, stick to a 6 inch twin mattress, and check the slats once a month for the first six months. A few minutes of maintenance will keep the bed safe and quiet for years. If you want more furniture ideas for a shared kids’ room, our guide to the 10 Best Bunk Beds for Kids Reviewed and Ranked covers a few additional models worth comparing.