Bunk beds to make NYC city living easier—and cheaper

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | December 2, 2015 - 12:59PM

Sure, most parents would probably prefer that each of their kids has his or her own bedroom, but unfortunately, in NYC that's often not possible. That's where bunk beds come in.

To find out what works best for NYC families, we asked New Yorkers to recommend their favorite brands and styles which help fit more kids into one room.

The first thing you may need to decide is whether you want stairs or a ladder and whether you want a bed that can be broken down into two twin beds eventually if you find yourself having more space. Of course, storage is often key, too, so we've taken that into account.

Casa Kids builds bunks and loft beds in their Red Hook warehouse, so you can feel proud of your Made in the U.S.A.—Made in NYC even!—purchase. They sell already finished products, or have designers who can create a customized option for you. Prices of non-custom beds range from $1,800 to $4,800. We're partial to the look of the Marino bunk bed with stairs (it also comes with a ladder if you prefer) . If you're looking for something particularly light—and easier to move—the company has recently streamlined their 2016 Cabin Bunk Bed. The bunk beds are convertible to two twin-sized beds or a twin-sized bed and a a daybed.

One NYC mom told us she grew up with this bunk bed, converted into into a single bed and a day bed, and it's still going strong 30 years later. The Classic Solid End Convertible Bunk Bed from This End Up may not be as modern as some of the other choices (and may remind you of summer camp), but it's durable, which counts for a lot given how kids' beds often double as homework spots and trampolines for young, space-starved New Yorkers. And it starts at $691.

If one of your kids is afraid of being really high up on the top level, this mid-high bunk bed might help. Plus, it's got tons of storage. Currently, it's priced at $2,115, plus shipping and handling at Totally Kids. A full-sized version is available for $2,440.

Oeuf always nails the modern look when it comes to kids furniture and their Perch Bunk Bed is no exception. It easily separates into a loft bed with a standalone twin underneath should you prefer. Extra points for the small footprint (42 inches by 78 inches) and fairly decent—given the look and quality—price ($1,590).

Restoration Hardware has a lot of bunk and loft bed options—ranging from $1,499 to $5,299—but when we spotted the Chesterfield Upholstered Bunk Bed (shown above) in a friend's apartment the other day, we were immediately wowed by how pretty and cozy it looks in person. It's even available in velvet and leather. Prices range from $2,339 to $5,299. Plus, "customer service is amazing," says one bunk owner.

One mother of two in a two-bedroom apartment told us she loves the Gothic Cabinet Twin Bunk Bed for a couple of reasons: First, it offers lots of storage (six drawers total) and the top bunk is enclosed, making it feel more secure. It's also sturdy, she says, and happens to be pretty reasonably priced, starting at $749. It's available finished or unfinished (as is always the case with Gothic's wood furniture), with 18 different color options.

Part of Berg Furniture's Space Saver Collection, this twin-over-twin bed has a total of 16 drawers, so you're basically getting two beds and two dressers in one. The twin platform bed shown here also has an additinoal under-bed storage drawer and a headboard bookcase with a fluorescent light fixture built in. Take a close look, and you'll see that there's storage just about everywhere. It costs around $2,300, but check a local store for exact prices.

Maxtrix has everything from play beds with slides and curtains built in (maybe better for weekend homes?), to storage and study beds to corner bunks to quadruple bunk beds (!). It's a furniture system you can change up as your children grow and customize it to their needs. The one above has a twin on top and full on the bottom and is $1,299.

One family's ingenious solution to the sibling room-sharing dilemma

How one Manhattan couple made way for baby number two in their two-bedroom -- for less than $1,000?

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