There are basically two reasons why people buy low height bunk beds.
One, there is not enough vertical space in the room. Low-ceiling rooms are common enough. Rooms with slanted ceilings even more so, and vertical space shrinks fast in these as you get closer to a wall. If you have such a situation, but still want your kid(s) to have that inestimable bunk bed experience, low bunks are the way to go.
Two, someone in the family is nervous about bunk beds. Usually it’s one (or both) of the parents, and yes, dads get jittery about it too. Which is understandable; there are some very real safety concerns here and maybe you think your kid is just not ready for that sort of responsibility. Or, it might even be the kid who is nervous about sleeping so high up. It happens.
Whatever the reason, the solution to the problem is obvious: a low bunk bed. These are only about 50 inches high, with the mattress foundation sitting at about 36-37 inches. The lower height is achieved by erasing the under bed space; these beds practically sit on the floor. The space between the lower and upper bunk is usually also reduced a little, at the expense of some comfort for the dweller on the lower bunk.
Read on to learn about various available sizes and configurations, including low bunk beds with stairs, which should alleviate any safety concerns you might still have.
Twin Over Twin Low Bunk Beds
Twin over twin is by far the most common configuration when it comes to low bunk beds. Here are some specimens made of solid pine wood that boast a respectable weight capacity and good reviews.
Twin Over Full Low Bunk Beds
Twin over full is a somewhat rare configuration when it comes to low height bunk beds, but I managed to find some for you. (You didn’t doubt I would, did you?)
Full Over Full Low Bunk Beds
If you just gave birth to (or merely sired) quadruplets, a bed like this would surely be the most economic way to provide them all with some sleeping space. When they are big enough, of course. It would work for two sets of twins as well. For a while, anyway. Or, more realistically, you may just have a couple of bed hogs in the house. Full over full bunk beds were probably invented for them.
Low Bunk Beds With Stairs
Crank up on the safety factor with one of these. Side effect? More storage. And, well, some more required space in the length direction.
Low Bunk Beds With Slide
Another great advantage that low bunk beds have that I forgot to mention in the introduction is, they are made to be paired with slides. You can’t really put a slide on a regular height bunk bed as it would either be too steep or it would stick too far out into the room. Even with low bunk beds, slides take up to 50 inches (or so) of space, plus you need a little run-out area so that kids don’t bump into walls or furniture. So, do make sure you have enough space in your room before swooping up one of these.
Low Bunk Beds With Tent
Slides are great, but if your kid is into more tame kind of fun, or the room is not big enough, an under bed curtain is, well, an alternative.
Low Bunk Beds With Slide And Tent
Or, why not just go for it all. Give your kid(s) the ultimate fun experience, something to remember with fondness and nostalgia when they grow up.
Metal Low Bunk Beds
These are a trifle higher than your regular low bunk bed: 54 inches. As a result they provide more comfort on the bottom bunk, but the mattress foundation on the top bunk lies at about 41-42 inches. Nearing the mid-height territory. That big slide on the Ciacchi bed requires 56 inches of floor space; 97 inches when you count in the bed width. Plus some run-out area.