For most children a twin is the right first “big-kid” bed — it fits smaller rooms and leaves room to play. A full suits growing kids and teens, or anyone who likes to spread out. For the transition out of a crib, a toddler bed or a low floor bed keeps sleep close to the ground, and bunk or loft beds are the space-savers of choice for shared rooms.

The main styles are platform and panel beds, floor and Montessori beds, bunk beds, loft beds, daybeds with trundles, house-frame beds, and storage beds with built-in drawers or bookcase headboards. Which one fits depends on your child’s age, the size of the room, and whether you need extra storage or a second sleeping spot.

Floor and Montessori beds are designed to sit low so a toddler can get in and out on their own, which is the whole idea behind them. Look for a solid frame, full-length guardrails or a fenced enclosure, and rounded edges. As with any kids’ bed, follow the maker’s age and weight guidance and keep the bed clear of cords and clutter.

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

You’ll find our full selection of kids beds online, with select styles on display in store. Online orders ship nationwide, and in Mathis Home’s store regions you can add white-glove delivery and free in-home design help to plan the whole room.