10 Best Toddler Beds that Maximize Space and Cute Factor

By Shoko Wanger

Illustration by Lizzie Soufleris

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For parents of young kids, efficiency is no small consideration. How many burp cloths fit in the diaper bag? How streamlined is the stroller? How many to-dos can be packed into an hour-long nap? For those facing the task of furnishing a smaller nursery or shared kids’ room, its importance is magnified tenfold. Enter the toddler bed, a somewhat controversial item, largely due to the fact that many consider it a waste of money: Why purchase a bed frame you’ll only use for a couple of years, when you could skip straight to a twin instead? But for households short on space, a bed that shares the same tidy footprint as a standard crib (and makes use of the same mattress and sheets) can be a godsend. What’s more, many parents report that their little ones slept in toddler beds well past the age of five; others argue that its snug measurements, clocking in at 20 to 30 inches smaller than a twin, makes for a more soothing adjustment to a big kid bed.

Of course, the decision ultimately boils down to individual needs and preferences. Many cribs include crib-to-bed conversion kits and guard rails that make quick work of switching between sizes. But for those without convertible cribs—or who don’t own cribs, or may have skipped them altogether—we’ve listed 10 standalone beds that meet our top requirements: high quality materials; safe, smart design; and enough unquestionable cuteness to earn their keep.

Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed, $399

For families drawn to more traditional designs, the Toddler Shelter Bed from Pottery Barn Kids features a classic silhouette with rounded sides and sweet molded feet straight out of a storybook. Still, it’s not overly precious: Its unfussy frame and hand-applied white finish make it understated enough to match decor of all styles.

West Elm Sydney Toddler Bed, $499

West Elm’s Sydney Toddler Bed, made from solid poplar and birch, features a clean, white frame atop a natural wood base for added warmth. Pair with a handmade cotton toddler quilt from the company’s partnership with sustainable knitwear brand Misha & Puff for the ultimate cozy comfort. (West Elm also offers the option to buy this bed with its Greenguard and CertiPUR-US certified toddler mattress.)

Oeuf Perch Toddler Bed, $560

Modern, minimal, and responsibly made, the Oeuf Perch Toddler Bed features a birch plywood frame that’s sophisticated without ceding kid-friendly character. A notable perk of its sustainable design: With its side rail removed, it can easily be repurposed as a mini daybed.

Dream On Me Osko Convertible Toddler Bed, $139.99

In addition to being strong—with its frame and slats made from durable New Zealand pine wood—this clever Dream On Me bed has a surprising trick up its sleeve: Once it’s ready to be retired, it can be converted from chic wood toddler bed to two child-size chairs to use for years to come. Available for $140 on Amazon, it’s also a surprisingly affordable find.

Kalon Studios Caravan Divan Toddler Bed, $1,295+

Crafted of solid wood—in this case, sustainably sourced European ash, white oak, or walnut—the Caravan Divan Toddler Bed from Los Angeles–based Kalon Studios exemplifies both top-notch quality and stunning design. And though it sports a higher price tag, its timeless profile makes it just as attractive as child-size seating once it’s been outgrown.

Ferm Living Sill Junior Bed, $959

Though it’s a bit longer than a standard US toddler bed (see below for a note on mattress sizing), Danish brand Ferm Living’s Sill Junior Bed occupies a similar scaled-down footprint and puts forth the same cozy vibe. It can also be outfitted with a hanging steel shelf (sold separately) for safekeeping of books or a night-light—or, for an extra dreamy twist, add Ferm’s Settle Bed Canopy, with organic cotton “walls” and roll-up curtains.

Sprout Montessori Birch Floor Bed, $299

When people refer to Montessori beds, they’re typically describing a floor bed that encourages independence and freedom to move with abandon. Though Montessori beds can take the form of something as simple as a mattress on the ground, we like this birch plywood Sprout model for its low profile and customizable details (parents are able to vary the heights of the bed’s sides depending on how the bed will be positioned). The real draw, however, is its ability to be flipped: When turned upside down, it becomes a taller bed for older children. In the meantime, a generous weight limit of 250 pounds means parents can comfortably snuggle in for bedtime stories. (It’s also available as a twin-size or full-size bed.)

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Harriet Bee Zhao Toddler Bed, $249.99

This handsome, solid wood frame sits directly on the floor and, thanks to its fanciful shape, effortlessly doubles as an indoor playhouse. What’s more, its front guard rail can be removed as needed, transforming it into a multipurpose piece that can function as a daybed, reading nook, fort, or anything else the imagination can conjure. Available on Wayfair in a natural or white finish.

Second Story Home, Bodhi Toddler Bed, $249.99

Upholstered in cushy velvet, the Bodhi Toddler Bed offers tiny sleepers a soft place to land (literally) after a hard day’s play. In addition to classic neutral hues—white, black, almond, and pebble gray—it comes in a cool pink, cornflower blue, and muted lavender for a pop of color in an unexpected place. It also flaunts more than 1,700 positive reviews from Wayfair customers.

Dream On Me Classic Sleigh Toddler Bed, $74.50+

A charmingly minimal take on the traditional sleigh bed, this solid wood frame features a classic curved headboard and footboard, and a pair of simple side rails to keep little ones tucked in safely. As a bonus, it’s available in nine finishes—from saturated blue to eye-popping pink—and boasts a budget-friendly price tag to boot.