Bunk Beds vs. Loft Beds: Which Is Right for You?
It’s easy to understand why so many kids want bunk beds for their next room makeover. What’s better than climbing up to your own private space where others are not allowed? And how cool is it to recreate the same sleeping arrangements that they had at summer camp? We understand why parents search for bunk beds for kids first when it's time for a big kid room makeover.
But there's a common misunderstanding that we would like to address as the bunk bed experts. Are you looking to shop for a bunk bed or loft bed? Sometimes confused with bunk beds, loft beds also sit up high and provide many of the same features as bunks. While considering the many sleep options for your child's room, it’s important to know the main differences (and possibilities) between children’s bunk beds and loft beds – so when it’s time to furniture shop, you know the exact terminology to use.
Bunks or Lofts? Let's Discuss Bunk Beds
A bunk bed is defined as at least two beds that are stacked on top of each other and form one unit. If you need at least two beds in one room and you don’t have much space, a bunk bed may be the perfect option for you. Of course, there are many different bunk variations. Traditional twin bunk beds are one of the most popular options. (Psst: Maxtrix offers 3 heights - low, medium and high.) Here is an example with our bestselling Get It bunk:
Others prefer the popular staggered bunk bed design as seen in a twin over full bunk bed:
If a twin bed is a little too small for you, check out our larger sizes, including Twin XL, Full, and Queen stacked bunk beds. Many people love the extra space the bottom bunk provides in a twin over full bunk bed or twin XL over queen bunk bed if going larger. Whether you go with a bunk beds with stairs for easy climbing to the top bunk or one with a straight or angled ladder to save space, you've got a classic look that accommodates all.
Sleeping more than two is also easy with larger bunk beds made for three, four or more. L-shaped bunk beds or corner bunk beds help maximize space and fit nicely into room corners. These beds sleep three with ample space underneath for desks, hangouts, or storage. Or you can stack your beds up high if you have taller ceilings and a smaller, narrower room footprint. There are many ways to sleep more than two in a room, like triple or quadruple bunk beds.
Kids can climb up to the top bunk using one of three entry options, including bunk beds with stairs and bunks with straight and angled ladders – you can read more about the advantages of these different entries. Here's an example with an angled ladder:
You can add additional bunk bed storage or even add a trundle bed to add more sleeping space. Bunk beds with trundles or storage underneath the bed are a great way to make the most of your space. Lastly, with bunk beds, you can choose to dress up and accessorize with curtains and slides for bunk beds – something Maxtrix specializes in. Shop all bunk beds with slides.
Bunks or Lofts? Let's Discuss Loft Beds
A loft bed is a single elevated bed frame that is raised on supports high enough to allow the use of the floor area below for various purposes. If you are after the “sleeping high” feeling, but you don’t need two beds in a room, a children’s loft bed may be the perfect option for you. The added benefit of this lifted bed design is the huge amount of floor space it frees up – right underneath the bed. Unlike a bunk bed where this space is occupied by the lower bunk, a loft bed allows you to create a play space with cute curtains, a storage space with dressers or bookshelves, or a hangout with a desk or sofa.
While many people may think of loft beds for college dorms or older kids, you can actually get them in different heights. A low loft bed for kids is a great place to start, perfect for elementary school aged kids. Add slides or play curtains for more fun:
High lofts leave plenty of space to add desks or additional storage under the bed. With our new XL and Queen size loft beds, even high school and college students find our tall study loft beds with desks to be the perfect size.
You can also go for a corner loft bed, which basically combines two loft beds across a corner from each other – great for two kids sharing a room and utilizing all the floor space possible. Here's a look at one of our favorite L-shaped loft beds, the High Rise:
Now that you know the benefits and differences between bunks and lofts, you can easily begin your search for the best kids’ bed with Maxtrix’s Best Sellers. And remember, when purchasing from Maxtrix, you are buying a bed that will last from toddler to teen. You can reconfigure our modular bunk beds or loft beds at any time. Convertible bunk beds can become two twin or full beds and low lofts can become high lofts or bunk beds. So, you're never stuck with one bed. Contact our team at any time to create your own custom bunk bed or loft bed.
