Bunk Bed Ladders and Stairs - Decisions to be Made

These days there are many options for getting into the top bunk of a bunk bed. Straight ladders, angled ladders, end ladders, stairs. Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming. When choosing what works best for your room, you’ll want to consider placement of the bed, floor space and whether you will be using under bed options such as a trundle or storage drawers.

Straight/Vertical Ladder: This is the most common type of bunk bed ladder. It attaches vertically to the side rail of the bed and can generally be placed on the right or left side as shown with our Julian Weathered White Twin over Twin Bunk Beds. This option works best for smaller rooms as the ladder sits flush to the bed and doesn’t take up extra floor space. Being that the majority of straight ladders do not go to the floor, this is also a great option when using an optional trundle as it does not interfere with the trundle being fully extended.

Angled/Slanted Ladder: This has become a popular choice for bunk beds. The angled ladder also attaches to the side rail of the bunk bed, but comes out at an angle and goes to the floor as shown with our Foster Espresso Full over Queen Bunk Bed. These can generally be placed on the right or left side. The angled ladder is a favorite of parents with younger kids as the first rung of the ladder is closer to the ground and can be easier for little ones to climb. It works well with optional under bed storage drawers since the angle of the ladder allows room to pull drawers out.

End Ladder: We have been seeing these ladders more over the last few years. The end ladder is a vertical ladder that generally goes to the floor as shown with our Westlake Dual Height Twin over Queen Bunk Bed. However this ladder attaches at the end of the bed, meaning at the headboard or footboard. This option is good for vacation homes or Airbnb’s when using 2 bunk beds in the same room as the ladders will not take up the floor space between 2 beds. It is also a good option for those that prefer the aesthetic look of a ladder not protruding from the bed. Both optional trundles and under bed storage drawers will work well with an end ladder.

Stairs: Becoming a favorite for both kids and adults are the bunk bed stairs. This is exactly what it sounds like; a staircase at the end of the bunk bed as shown with our Bellamy Queen Bunk Bed with Stairs. One of the many benefits of using stairs instead of a ladder is that they are safe and fun to use for people of all ages making it easy to go up and down whether it is day or night. With a staircase, it is will to take up extra floor space, however most of the staircases have a drawer built into each step giving you storage space that can possibly eliminate the need for an extra dresser. The stairs work well with both optional trundles and under bed storage drawers.

If you are not sure which option works best for your space and sleeping needs, our personal shoppers are here to assist you by phone 800-976-0102 or by email sales@thebeanbagstore.com.