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A bunk bed

A bunk bed is a type of bed in which one bed is stacked on top of another. The nature of bunk beds allows two people to sleep in the same room while maximizing available floor space. This leads to them being used in places with limited floor space, such as on ships and in garrisons or in places that wish to maximise bedspace such as: dormitories, hostels, children's rooms, prison cells, or university residence halls.

They normally are supported by four poles at each corner of the bed. To get to the second bunk a ladder is used, though taller children often find other faster, more creative methods of climbing into them. The top bed is normally surrounded by a railing to prevent the sleeper from falling out. Because of the need for a ladder and the height of the bed, the top bunk of a bunkbed is not recommended for children under six years of age.

• A standard bunk bed will have two same size mattresses stacked one directly over the other.
• A twin over full is arranged as a standard except that the bottom mattress will be a full size and the upper will be a twin size.
• A futon bunk is also arranged like a standard bunk except the lower bunk will be a Western style futon not a mattress.
• An L-shape staggers the beds such that when viewed from above the beds form an L. This also creates a small alcove where a desk can be placed. In recent years this style has become popular in children's rooms because it creates a more relaxed appearance.
• A loft bed denotes a bunk bed that has only the top bunk, creating an open space underneath that can be occupied by a chest, drawers, or even a work area. This makes loft beds an efficient use of small spaces by utlizing the entire vertical area that would otherwise be left unused. Some loft beds even have stowable/trundle beds while retaining the capability to contain workstations and drawers. Some loft beds are more expensive than bunk beds due to built-in storage capacity and other features.
• A College Dorm Loft is a type of bunk bed that lifts both beds off the floor while creating living space under the beds.

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warning for bunk beds
• ASTM Safety Standards for bunk beds
• CPSC Bunk Bed Fact Sheet