Photography: Derek Swalwell / Interior Design: Adelaide Bragg
It’s hard to imagine another type of bed that could ever compete with a child’s longing for a bunk bed.
Whether it’s the exciting elevation of the top bunk or cosier, den-like lower bunk that holds the allure, bunk beds seem to combine the dream of a treehouse and a cubby into one. And for parents short on space, the novelty of the bunk bed is often enough to convince even the most stubborn of siblings to share a room while also offering an effortless space-saving solution for sleepovers.
Choosing the right bunk bed is another task altogether. Whether you’re after a sweet Scandinavian-inspired wooden bunk to decorate with lights and bunting, or simply something to squeeze as much sleeping space into a bedroom as it can, when it comes to bunk beds there are options for almost every age, interior style and need.
2024’s top bunk beds
- Sonata Bunk Bed, $499, Mocka (here’s why)
- BOORI NATTY Maxi Bunk Bed with Shelves, $1,999, Freedom (here’s why)
- Springfield Bunk Bed Single Over Double, $1,449, Freedom (here’s why)
The top bunk beds to buy in 2024
01
Sonata Bunk Bed
from $499.99, Mocka
Best for: vintage-inspired bedrooms, older children
With their powder-coated steel frame and vintage-inspired design, these sweet bunk beds will bring a whimsical vibe into your child’s bedroom.
Sizes: 160cm x 100cm x 198cm
Colours: White/Black
Materials: Steel
Key features:
- Top bunk recommended for ages 9 and over
- Fits 2 x standard size single mattress
- Powder-coated finish
02
BOORI NATTY Maxi Bunk Bed with Shelves
from $1,999, Freedom
Best for: neutral fans, younger children
These Scandinavian-inspired bunk beds embrace functional design with their removable bottom bunk, offering a fun loft bed option when desired.
Conveniently, the wide steps also double as plastic storage tubs for toys and other items.
Sizes: 180 cm x 264 cm x 140 cm
Colours: Beige/White
Materials: Australian Araucaria timber, LVL timber, plywood
Key features:
- Bedside shelf for easy item access
- Removable bottom bunk for loft option
- Stairs with plastic storage and handrail
Available at:
- $1,529 from Temple & Webster
03
Springfield Bunk Bed Single Over Double
from $1,449, Freedom
Best for: guest rooms, extra sleeping space, teens
With a double bed on the lower bunk, single bed top bunk and an additional double trundle bed, this bunk bed offers plenty of sleeping space for sleepovers or visiting families.
Sizes: 154.5 cm x 201 cm x 169.7 cm
Colours: White
Materials: Rubber wood
Key features:
- Lower bunk fits a standard double bed mattress
- Classic Hamptons aesthetic
- Includes double trundle bed
04
Oslo Convertible Single Bunk Bed with Wardrobe
from $1,049 (usually $1,099), Temple & Webster
Best for: convertible design, all ages
With its clever convertible design, this bunk bed can be adjusted to the layout of your children’s bedroom.
Alongside the beds, the bunk also features a cabinet with a height-adjustable shelf and hidden wardrobe storage.
Sizes: 160 cm x 136 cm x 255.1 cm
Colours: Light Timber, White
Materials: Manufactured timber
Key features:
- L-shaped corner bunk bed
- 1-door wardrobe included
- 2 configurations available
05
Light Timber Grace Low Line Single Bunk Bed
$697 (usually $749), Temple & Webster
Best for: neutral fans, younger children
Sitting close to the ground, this bunk’s low-line design is not only safe for younger children, but also helpful for the adults making the bed.
Sizes: 112.6cm x 114.5cm
Colours: Timber/White
Materials: Timber-look
Key features:
- Large, easy-to-climb steps
- Low-line bunks
- Furntech-AFRDI certified
06
Boston Grey Snow Bunk Beds
$1,399, Adairs
Best for: contemporary design, siblings
Featuring soft boucle fabrication and and a contemporary wooden frame, this stylish bunk will fit effortlessly into any children’s bedroom.
Perfect for siblings, the low-line bottom bunk is safe for younger ones while the higher top bunk is guaranteed to please the older ones.
Sizes: 104cm x 205.5cm x 172.5cm
Colours: Grey and Brown
Materials: Boucle, wood
Key features:
- Soft boucle fabrication
- Handles at the top of ladder
- Top and bottom single beds
Are bunk beds safe?
Bunk beds are a safe sleeping option as long as they are designed and used safely.
Luckily, all bunk beds sold in Australia have to comply with the national safety standards, which require the top bunk to have guardrails and that the gaps between guardrails are 3.5 inches or less.
It’s also worth noting that the Red Nose Foundation recommends that children shouldn’t use the top bunk before the age of 9.
It’s also a good idea to place the bunk beds in the corner of the room, making the most of the support from the walls on either side.
Other safety measures include placing a nightlight near the ladder and, most importantly, educating your children about bunk bed safety and not letting them play on the top bunk of the bed.
How much weight can a bunk bed hold?
The weight that a bunk bed can hold really depends on an individual bed’s design and the construction materials used to make it.
However, most bunk beds will support 80kg on the top bunk and at least 160kg on the lower.
The best way to check is to refer to your bunk bed’s manual.
Related article:
- Recreate The Block’s winning kids’ bedrooms
- How to design the perfect kids room
- Storage solutions that will stop kids’ toys taking over the house
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