Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
A cabin is a great gathering place for family and friends, which means lots of beds! Get the maximum sleep capacity with these cabin bunk bed ideas.
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Cabin bunk beds are the perfect way to maximize sleeping space while adding some functionality and style to your cabin. Whether you’re furnishing a cozy vacation spot or need extra sleeping arrangement for your guests, choosing the right bunk bed involves more than just picking a size.
This guide looks at the key features to consider—from materials and safety to style and storage—and our top picks to help you find the ideal cabin bunk bed to suit your space and needs.
FAMILY HANDYMAN
A lakeside second home tucked into the woods of northern Wisconsin is a place to be shared. That’s certainly what we had in mind when building the Family Handyman Getaway. These triple bunk beds by Avenue Greene are perfect for making the most out of a small space. The sturdy metal frame, double ladders and guardrails gives the whole gang a safe, cozy place to sleep.
COURTESY @FARMHOUSEINSPO/INSTAGRAM
To make bunk beds extra cozy, be sure to use bedding with layers of soft textures, as seen here with these bunk beds from @farmhouseinspo. The farmhouse-style room is full of beautiful architectural details, but the bunk beds make the room extra inviting. Get your traditional wood bunk bed here.
COURTESY @PEACEDESIGN/INSTAGRAM
If you love an extra-rustic log cabin style, you’ll be inspired by these bunk beds by @peacedesign. The all-wood room with buffalo plaid accents is what cabin dreams are made of. For a similar look, check out this handcrafted bunk bed made from pine, red cedar or aspen logs, with a genuine log ladder.
COURTESY @EJDN/INSTAGRAM
A cabin is the perfect place to create a whimsical kids’ hiding space for sleeping and reading. A clubhouse bunk bed that features an enclosed top bunk does just that. This DIY version from @ejdn and this store-bought version provide magical retreats kids will love.
COURTESY @MAREACLARKINTERIORS/INSTAGRAM
As we’ve said, bunk beds are not just for kids, as proven by this mountain getaway bunk room by @mareaclarkinteriors. With four full-size beds for maximum guest space and built-in storage for ski boots and coats, your grown-up guests certainly won’t mind these accommodations!
Want to give your adult guests more sleeping room? Check out these queen size bunk beds.
COURTESY @YOURLIFEISWHATYOUMAKEIT/INSTAGRAM
This DIY loft bunk bed by @yourlifeiswhatyoumakeit was made for a home, but we love how the exposed wood elements also make it a great choice for a modern cabin.
A loft bunk fits well in small bedrooms because it allows a bed, plus a study or reading area, without taking up extra space. If you’re not ready to construct a loft bunk, check out this sleep and study version ready for purchase.
COURTESY @LAKELURECEDARHOUSE/INSTAGRAM
This bunk room in the @lakelurecedarhouse vacation rental cabin was formerly part of the garage! The room now can fit multiple guests thanks to the cedar and black built-in bunk beds. We love the decorative cedar triangles which mimic the surrounding mountains. Although nothing beats custom, here is a black bunk bed (with stairs!) you can buy.
COURTESY @SANDROCKHOUSE/INSTAGRAM
For this kids’ room nook by @sandrockhouse, store-bought bunk beds were used. But because the wood bunk beds blend seamlessly with the DIY wood pallet wall, the beds take on a built-in look. Consider combining ready-made items with DIY elements to get a custom look in your cabin, with less work!
COURTESY @SAPPHIREDESIGNANDINTERIORS/INSTAGRAM
This cabin bunk room, designed by @sapphiredesignandinteriors, shows how bunk beds increase guest capacity. The dark wood and metal pipe railing bring industrial vibes, but the crisp blue and white bedding offer a layer of tailored coziness.
The classic twin-over-full bunk bed from Plank and Beam is a practical solution for maximizing sleeping space during weekend cabin getaways. Seven finishes—including white, gray, and various wood shades—blend seamlessly with a wide range of home decor styles. Ideal for hosting loved ones, this bunk bed provides functionality and style for any space.
When shopping for the perfect cabin bunk bed, consider the following aspects:
Carefully measure your available space before purchasing a bunk bed. Bunk beds come in different sizes, such as twin, twin-over-full and full-over-full, which impact the room’s layout. Twin bunks are ideal for maximizing floor space. Twin-over-full and full-over-full provide more sleeping space, making them great for accommodating guests.
The material you choose for your bunk bed impacts both its durability and aesthetic appeal:
When choosing a cabin bunk bed, built-in storage options like drawers, shelves and desks can help maximize space in smaller cabins, adding versatility and functionality beyond just sleeping.
Design and style are also important factors—whether you prefer rustic wood finishes, minimalist modern designs or more traditional looks, there are plenty of options. Some manufacturers offer customization with paint, stains or finishes, allowing for personalized touches.
Ease of assembly varies by design. Simpler models can be assembled with basic DIY skills, while more complex designs with storage or additional features might benefit from professional installation.
Cabin bunk beds vary in price depending on size, material and brand. Wooden beds, known for durability and aesthetic appeal, typically cost more, while metal options are often more affordable. Additional features like built-in storage or custom finishes will raise the price, while simpler models are more budget-friendly.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
To find the best cabin bunk beds, we analyzed dozens of products, focusing on key factors like size, material and design. We evaluated each bed’s compliance with safety regulations, weight limits and material quality to ensure durability and longevity, recommending only those that meet high industry standards.
Solid wood is often the preferred choice for bunk beds for durability and aesthetic appeal. While it tends to be more expensive than metal options, wood is known for its longevity, making it a great investment for a long-lasting bunk bed.
It’s generally advised that children under six avoid sleeping on the top bunk due to the risk of falls. Additionally, if your child is a restless sleeper, regardless of age, the top bunk may not be the safest option.
Yes, many cabin bunk beds can be customized with paint or stain. Some models are designed for easy painting, while standard options might require light sanding to ensure a smooth and lasting finish. Customization options are a great way to match your cabin’s decor.
