A bunk bed stacks two sleeping surfaces, so it sleeps two children in the space of one. A loft bed raises a single bed up high and leaves the area underneath open — room for a desk, dresser, storage, or a play area. Pick a bunk for shared rooms; pick a loft to make the most of one child’s space.

A junior loft bed sits lower than a full-height loft, so it suits younger children and rooms with standard ceilings while still opening up usable space underneath for play or storage. Standard loft beds sit higher and often fit a desk or dresser below.

The most common are twin-over-twin, twin-over-full (a larger bed on the bottom), and full-over-full for bigger kids or teens. You’ll also find loft-over-desk layouts, bunks with a pull-out trundle for a third sleeper, and L-shaped or staircase designs with built-in storage.

Many do. Staircase bunks trade a little floor space for easier, safer access and frequently build drawers into the steps. Loft beds are often paired with a desk, shelving, or a dresser in the open space below, and plenty of bunks add under-bed drawers or a trundle.

Look for full-length guardrails on the top bunk, a sturdy frame and slat system, and a secure ladder or staircase, and always follow the manufacturer’s age and weight guidance for the top bunk. Our full selection is available online, with select styles on display in store, plus white-glove delivery and free in-home design help in Mathis Home’s store regions.