There are a few different designs that should be noted:

The classic duel twin and the twin over full size is the cheapest models available and will not help much in maintaining some degree of organization aside from promoting a bit more floor space for playing. This design is of course the the classic one bed on top of the other with a ladder on the side. This model is only recommended if you cannot afford a better design. If two kids are in a single room, it will be difficult to find adequate space for toy boxes, dressers and desks to keep the toys/activities at bay.

Nowadays, there are a several childrens bunk beds that have drawers built into them. Every nook and cranny of the bunk bed is filled with necessary drawers and spots to organize, be it toys or clothes. This model attached has drawers designed into the stairs to the upper bunk, in addition to under the lower bunk. There are many beautiful woods and colors that the beds are available in and are great for adding some storage to the room.

Desk attached bunk beds for kids are also available, and are useful for a lots of different activities like  lego,  drawing, coloring, homework and others. New generation children are quite computer savvy and a cheap computer can be great for reducing noise in the rest of the home. The shown bed has the attached desk and as a bunk bed with a full size bottom bunk.

Another style of bed is the hidden lower bunk with a computer desk built into it. If you have only one child using the room, but have frequent visits from cousins and/or friends for sleep overs, this is a great asset for adding more sleeping places. There are many drawers, cupboards and spots for storage which will maximize the bedroom floor space for play areas. It is fundamentally a full dresser and desk built into the bunk which similar to a captain’s bed. The lower bunk pulls out and is easy to tuck away when not in use. This makes it really easy for having kids for sleep overs. For a teenager and adolescents, this is a great design to give them their own functional space for alone time.

Bunk beds is a great way to add bedroom space and open up many available activities for your children or teenager. A bed the last example is a great kids bed and transforms well into an adolescents captain bed. Which ever childrens bunk bed you buy, ensure it is easy to dismantle and set up, but remains structurally sound. Children are well suited to find the Achilles Heel of everything they own and a well built bed will eliminate many headaches for the parents.

Good luck!

Let’s look at the best prices for cheap bunk beds on the internet. To buy a new bunk bed, the cheapest you are going to find is around $200 with most costing $500 or more. Ikea has a cheap bunk bed called the Mydal which costs $159 for the bed frame only. The Sultan Snarka is an accompanying mattress for this bed, each mattress costing around $35. This would mean a total cost of $230 for a complete set.

Most cheap bunk beds are going to be closer to $500. These will be better quality and probably last longer, and if you can really afford it, it might be worth it. However, if you can’t the Ikea Mydal will last you for a while. If you have some handy skills, cheap Ikea furniture can last with some minor repairs, but these pieces of furniture should be inspected on occasion to ensure that no problems will be caused due to parts becoming loose.

Another good option is to find a quality used one. There are many second hand stores like the Salvation Army which often have furniture. If you have time but not so much money, finding a quality bed in these stores is often possible. Expect to replace the mattress however as these are often worn out being repair. The Ikea mattresses (which are relatively low quality and rather uncomfortable) can provide a place to sleep in a pinch, however if you can afford a bit more, get a better mattress. If you do buy a low quality mattress, you will be able to upgrade with an additional foam or mattress cover which can add a significant amount of comfort at a later date.

There are also sites like Kijiji which is making it much easier to find quality used furniture for reasonable prices. Often times you can get excellent prices simply because the previous owner no longer has room, needs to move, or the children have outgrown the old bed. You’ll even find free stuff being given away if you can pick it up fast. The mattresses may even be salvageable, but expect to at least need new mattresses. If you are on a tight budget, find a bunk bed which may be more then you are willing to spend in the advertisements. Take a look at the bed in person and offer them a little less then you have to spend. Research how to dicker and you will be surprised how good of a deal you can get if you ask for it.

Found on Kijiji for $50.

God knows it is tough to make ends meet and provide everything your children needs as they grow. Almost everywhere you look online will expect that you have loads of disposable cash or are ready to go into debt. I’ve had to go through periods when I was scraping enough together to buy a kid’s bed. If you are on a tight budget, your best bet is to buy it used. The Ikea furniture, although some higher quality are good, their cheap products do not last long. There are lots typically available on buy and sell websites like Kijiji, sometimes even for free. Expect to pay $50 for a good used bed, plus the cost of mattresses.

Good luck and God speed!