It’s hard enough getting your kids to stick to a nighttime routine. But when their bed doubles as a fort, a pirate ship or the mid-century modern house of your their dreams, they might just head to their rooms without a fight (or, at the very least, one less “but I need a drink of water!” stalling tactic). While researching our upcoming Happy Kid Awards—a guide to the best products for children of all ages—we came across what we’re deeming the absolute coolest beds of 2021. They’re too fun not to share with you.
The 12 Coolest Kids’ Beds We’ve Ever Seen
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1. schmid Twin Low-loft Bed
It’s hard to grumble about getting out of bed in the morning when you’re zipping down a slide. But that’s far from the bed’s only perk: (1) There’s no need for a box spring. (2) The guard rails double as a chalkboard. (3) It’s raised 19 inches off the ground, leaving you with plenty of glorious toy storage underneath (and it’s not so high that you can’t change the sheets easily).
2. harriet Bee Hazzard Bunk Bed With Bookcase & Trundle
Bunk beds are a go-to for kids who share rooms, but what we love about this style is its under-stairs storage and pull-out trundle bed, making it ideal for sleepovers. (Oh, and if the kids get their own rooms down the road, you can turn it into two separate bed frames.)
4. tiny House Toddler Bed
Your son’s begging for a playhouse, but he really needs a toddler bed—well, problem solved. This wooden bed features large window cutouts and a skylight, so your kid won’t feel claustrophobic sitting inside…and it’s chic enough that you might want to hang out there too.
BUY IT ($899; $500)
6. dune Buggy Twin Bed
No lineup of cool kids’ beds would be complete without something car-inspired. This dune buggy is a fun twist on the traditional racecar, and the open metal frame makes it easy to get in and out. And if the looks don’t convince you, maybe this review will: “My grandson goes to bed early, and actually asks my daughter: ‘Is it all right if I go to bed NOW?’”
7. ‘cars 3’ Toddler Bed
Dune buggies are cool and all, but your kid’s a Lightning McQueen fan through and through, and nothing but the real deal will do. We get it. For $80, it’s hard to beat this toddler bed, which has all of the personality of the Cars star—minus the price tag that often comes with character beds.
8. rattan Twin Daybed
Your child is officially a tween: Her bedroom is embarrassing, your penchant for skinny jeans is embarrassing, existence is embarrassing. What a season of life! Well, there’s one thing Gen Z and its predecessors can agree on: the return of rattan. This boho-inspired daybed is sleek and chic.
BUY IT ($999)
11. west Elm X Pbt Modern Captain’s Bed
If you’re looking for a kids’ bed that will last well through the teen years (and maybe later, when you decide to create that gym/office/guest room of your dreams), this is the bed for you. The fair trade-certified wood bed features a pull-out desk and nightstand, as well as five deep drawers to store clothes. So while yes, $1,999 is a lot to pay for a bed, you’re also getting a full bedroom set, minus the stuck-in-the-‘90s, matchy-matchy connotation.
12. dream On Me 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed
You’ve seen cribs that convert into toddler beds. Well, how about a toddler bed that converts into a kid’s table and chairs? The modern design works with just about any aesthetic, and the bed easily transforms with the addition of a $60 conversion kit.