The espresso finish works especially well with the brushed nickel hardware and softens the appearance of these sturdy, beefed-up wooden elements that contain 25% more lumber compared to standard captain beds. The bookcase headboard incorporates cable management, so you'll be able to place electronics without making the bed look cluttered with wires.
It will likely take you some time to put the bed together.
The model's espresso finish looks tasteful and elegant. The six-step lacquered finish features that rich, dark brown tone that makes the bed appear especially classy and refined. The model offers ample room for things like books, trophies, an alarm clock, and other miscellaneous items.
Twin
Solid pine
49.5" x 78.5" x 47"
200 lbs
6 drawers, including headboard with shelves, cable management (one on each side of the headboard)
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The drawers feature these European roller drawer glides that incorporate positive stops. The glides provide that silky-smooth operation that we've come to expect from high-end furniture pieces and the positive stops prevent the drawers from getting pulled out and falling to the ground when pulled too hard.
The footbed door is hard to mount straight.
There are probably no children that won't be able to appreciate the Discovery World Furniture 2120-2193 captain bed. There are almost too many storage spaces and other drawers units here. The stair unit provides an easy and safe way to access the upper bed.
Twin
Solid pine
49" x 83" x 42"
250 lbs
6 drawers, headboard with plenty of storage space, hidden storage space on the footboard
Amazon's 30-day return policy
With three drawers on each side, there’s ample room for everyone's stuff. The wood slats are positioned length-wise, evenly distributing body weight to ensure a good night’s sleep. The finger pulls at the drawers' bottom allow for easy opening.
The pre-drilled holes aren't always enough to ensure the necessary tight fit.
Prepac BBK-8400-K is an excellent captain bed for adults. You'll be able to maximize your bedroom storage and minimize clutter at the same time. Plus, the bed will suit pretty much any room's layout. The deep black finish looks elegant but also rugged and textured.
King
Laminate
18.75" x 78.5" x 81.5"
250 lbs
6 drawers, finger pulls
5 years limited on parts
Kids can use the roll-out desk to study, draw, and/or play and always have the option to roll the desk back into the bed and have some additional free space in the room available for whatever purposes the kid deems fit. The desk comes equipped with two shelves, so your little one can use them to store books and any other items like that.
The bed's weight capacity is limited.
Donco Kids 760-CP is the most versatile and flexible captain bed for children on the list. You'll have no issues installing the bed. The hardware required to put the bed together comes supplied with the package. The dark cappuccino finish looks lovely.
Twin
Pine
43" x 79" x 41"
180 lbs
Roll-out desk, 3 drawers, two-shelf bookcase
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The bed's made from CARB-2 compliant, laminated composite woods. The material is far less susceptible to scratches than hardwoods. The pressed wood behind this laminate is practically immune to moisture. The material excels at resisting everyday wear and tear. It is easy to clean and maintain.
The instruction manual could use some improvement.
Prepac BBT-4106 Sonoma Platform Storage Bed is an effective space-saving solution and an excellent alternative to the space-stealers that regular beds are. With six 18-inch deep drawers that you can install on either side of the bed, you will actually be able to gain space while storing different clothing items, linens, and more.
Twin
Laminate
27" x 76.5" x 41"
250 lbs
6 drawers, finger pulls
5 years limited on parts
Discover the Right Daybed
Discovery World Furniture Bookcase Daybed is up there with the best captain beds you can find. There are many little things and major details here that contribute to the bed's impressive build.
First things first, there's the solid pine construction. The people behind the product haven't employed any MDF/particleboard help.
Designed using 3D software, these people have made sure that the model's overall layout/build is safe and sound. All the usual safety issues and concerns have been properly addressed before putting the bed together.
Most importantly, the plantation-grown furniture-grade pine used in the model's construction makes the bed as strong as they come.
You won't have any issues putting the bed together too. The product is shipped in as few pieces as possible, letting you easily install the bed straight from the box. The underbed drawer units come equipped with metal roller glides already mounted to the cabinet with drawers pre-installed.
Just slide the drawer units in position and these things are pretty much ready for use. The necessary hardware is labeled in the instruction manual and supplied with the package to make assembly as smooth and straightforward as it can be.
Tasteful and Refined
The bed's appearance sells the product as much as its solid pinewood construction though. The model's espresso finish looks tasteful and elegant. The six-step lacquered finish features that rich, dark brown tone that makes the bed appear especially classy and refined. Plus, the finish is top-coated with a moderate sheen. On the pics, the bed looks more opaque but the six-step finish lets that grain of the wood shine through.
As you'd imagine, the model's line in general and its espresso finish in particular are more geared towards customers looking for that contemporary high-end feel. The finish works especially well with the brushed nickel hardware and softens the appearance of these sturdy, beefed-up wooden elements that contain 25% more lumber compared to standard captain beds.
Not dissimilar to standard captain models though, this bed comes equipped with six drawers. You can place the two variable height shelves in three different positions. The bookcase headboard incorporates cable management, so you'll be able to place electronics without making the bed look cluttered with wires. The doors on the bed's ends provide access to this larger area that you can use for additional storage.
Bottom line, Discovery World Furniture Bookcase Daybed looks better than just about any other prospect within this price range. The model offers ample room for things like books, trophies, an alarm clock, and other miscellaneous items.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B00T7NQVEU |
Adapts to Most Environments
Discovery World Furniture 2120-2193 looks less elegant and luxurious than the previous bed (2922-2993) from the same company. We've no issues with these differences though. In fact, this model's light, relaxed appearance is probably much more suitable for children's rooms. Kids seldom care for that high-end contemporary profile that adults usually prefer over other furniture looks.
We're not saying that the bed looks bland though. The four-step lacquered finish, with its mostly light neutral tone and golden highlights, looks lovely, top-coated with this mild sheen that adds character to the bed. The finish adapts really well to most home environments works wonders with the transitional mission styling.
As far as the bed's construction is concerned, we're dealing with the same solid pinewood that incorporates zero MDF/particleboard inserts. The bed is practically indestructible, which is great since kids are definitely going to try to do that.
You shouldn't have any issues assembling the bed. The underbed drawer units already come fitted with metal roller glides mounted to the cabinet with drawers pre-installed. You'll be able to slide these units into position and have the bed ready in no time at all. The hardware necessary to assemble the bed comes supplied with the package and the instruction manual is comprehensive and easy to follow.
Any Child Will Appreciate
The bed's as well-thought-out as captains beds come. The drawers feature these European roller drawer glides that incorporate positive stops. The glides provide that silky-smooth operation that we've come to expect from high-end furniture pieces and the positive stops prevent the drawers from getting pulled out and falling to the ground when pulled too hard.
Again, the drawer units come fully assembled. Take them out of the box and slide under the bed. Each drawer measures 15" (depth) x 18" (width) x 4 3/4" (height).
The headboard is 44-inch wide and features multiple built-in shelves that should be able to cover all your storage needs. Whether you need space for storing toys, books, and/or magazines, the bed has you covered.
The same door on the bed's footboard that we've seen before offers access to a hidden large storage area where you can hide many additional items too. There are six drawers on one side there, so you'll be able to compartmentalize too.
In short, there are probably no children that won't be able to appreciate the Discovery World Furniture 2120-2193 captain bed. There are almost too many storage spaces and other drawers units here. The stair unit provides an easy and safe way to access the upper bed.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $650.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00T7NQHLC |
Adult Captain Bed
Prepac BBK-8400-K is that relatively rare captain's bed that wasn't designed for children. The people behind the king-sized bed definitely had much more adult target audience in mind.
The model's laminate build is not necessarily as strong as its pinewood counterparts but has its moments too. Of course, the model's much more affordable price is due to laminate's much cheaper installation cost.
At the same time, because laminate incorporates pressed wood, the material is, in some ways, more durable. It is able to resist scratches, moisture, and everyday wear and tear much better than hardwoods. It is also especially easy to clean/maintain.
Generally speaking, laminate is seldom as appealing as hardwood, with these artificial-looking wood grain textures that don't really compare to the real deal. That's not the case here though.
The deep black finish looks fantastic, elegant but, at the same time, rugged and textured. At the same time, the bed is available in brown, espresso, white, cherry, and red, so you should definitely be able to match your room's setting.
As far as the assembly part is concerned, there's not much to worry about here. The laminated composite wood bed comes supplied with plywood slats and metal supports. The hardware necessary to put the bed together comes with the package too.
Maximize Storage
As far as captain's beds go, there's not much here that we haven't seen before. There are six drawers in total. 18 inches deep, these six drawers will let you store any and all clothing items, linen, and blankets that usually go in those traditional chests. You'll be able to free up that precious space in your bedroom that can be used for other pieces.
With three drawers on each side, there’s ample room for everyone's stuff. Plus, you won't have to worry about the box spring since the slat support system needs naught but a mattress. These wood slats are positioned length-wise, evenly distributing to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Apart from that, the bed's sturdy drawers feature solid wood sides glide on metal runners that incorporate safety stops, so you won't have to worry about accidentally pulling the drawers out and dropping them on the floor. Plus, the finger pulls at the drawers' bottom allow for easy opening.
To rephrase the point we made earlier, Prepac BBK-8400-K is an excellent captain bed for adults. You'll be able to maximize your bedroom storage and minimize clutter at the same time. Plus, the bed will suit pretty much any room's layout.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $358.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B001KW0DB8 |
Bed with a Desk
As you can probably tell, Donco Kids 760-CP was made for kids. This loft bed is able to support up to 180 pounds, meaning that there are no kids that the bed won't be able to handle but there sure are adults that wouldn't find the bed suitable enough (in many ways).
There's not that much to cover here. You can pretty much tell and/or figure out everything you need to know about the bed from the pictures.
The model measures 43" x 79" x 41", pretty standard measurements and nothing we haven't seen before. You shouldn't have any issues finding enough space for the bed.
The pinewood construction has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. The wood is as strong as shock-resistant as they come. It is stiff and durable too. Pinewood never shrinks nor swells. The dark cappuccino finish here looks charming and elegant.
At the same time, pinewood is susceptible to dents and scratches. Provided you don't mind the aged look that the bed will likely acquire after some time, you'll have no maintenance issues. Otherwise, we would recommend taking good care of this bed.
Other than that, the model will be able to match pretty much any children's room.
As far as captain beds go, there's not much to complain about here. The roll-out desk is fantastic, you seldom see these built-in desks these days. Your kid will be able to use the desk to study, draw, and/or play and always have the option to roll the desk back into the bed and have some additional free space in the room available for whatever purposes he deems fit. Plus, the desk comes equipped with two shelves, so your kid can use them to store books and any other items like that.
Everything is in the Boxes
The roll-out desk is the bed's standout feature, no doubt about that. The three drawers and the two-shelf bookcase are nothing to complain about too though. There's enough room there for many different things and various items.
The shipment comes in four boxes. The longest box packs the bed, measuring 7-feet long, x 1-foot wide, and 6-inch tall. The box weighs 66 pounds, so you should be able to carry the box yourself. As you would imagine, other smaller boxes are reserved for the bookcase, desk, and drawers.
In other words, Donco Kids 760-CP is the most versatile and flexible captain bed for children on the list. You'll have no issues installing the bed. The hardware required to put the bed together comes supplied with the package. The dark cappuccino finish looks lovely.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $587.40 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B012B6497K |
Easy to Maintain
Prepac BBT-4106 Sonoma Platform Storage Bed is the most affordable prospect on this list. As far as captain beds are concerned, the model is relatively basic. There's not much here separating the bed from every other model within this lineup. At the same time, Sonoma definitely has its moments.
Measuring 27" x 76.5" x 41", the bed is as compact as twin beds come. Designed to accommodate standard twin-sized mattresses, the model will prove especially suitable for bedrooms where space is at a premium.
We've no complaints on the construction front. The bed's made from CARB-2 compliant, laminated composite woods. The material that we're dealing with here is, in some ways, exceptionally durable. It is far less susceptible to scratches than hardwoods.
The pressed wood behind this laminate is practically immune to moisture, which is something you can't say about regular softwoods and hardwoods. Moreover, the material excels at resisting everyday wear and tear.
Because you don't have to worry about scratches, dents, and moisture, the bed's also much easier to clean and maintain than regular hardwood beds.
Of course, the material has its flaws. It's not as refined and attractive as hardwoods. The artificial-looking wood grain textures that composite woods usually incorporate don't compare to hardwoods' natural exterior.
At the same time, the bed's black finish looks pretty good. It is not as refined as oak but we can certainly make the elegant and polished cases. The alternatively available brown and espresso finishes don't look too bad either.
Safety Stops
As far as practicality is concerned, you shouldn't have any issues with the bed.
With six 18-inch deep drawers that you can install on either side of the bed, you will actually be able to gain space while storing different clothing items, linen, and more.
The slat support system that the bed incorporates needs nothing more than your standard twin-sized mattress, so you won't have to put a box spring.
These six sturdy drawer units that we've mentioned earlier come equipped with solid wood sides glide on metal runners that feature safety stops, meaning you won't have to worry about your fingers. Also, the finger pulls at the bottom of these drawer units let you easily open the drawers.
All things considered, Prepac BBT-4106 Sonoma Platform Storage Bed is an effective space-saving solution and an excellent alternative to the space-stealers that regular beds are.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $350.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B001KW0DPY |
What Is a Captain Bed?
Beds are great. We don't have any issues with them. Sometimes, we feel like they understand us better than anyone. The problem is that our homes are getting smaller and smaller and regular beds require major space sacrifices. At the same time, we need cupboards, drawer chests, and other furniture pieces like that. There's just not enough space for these things. We have to make compromises.
Do we though? Captain beds claim otherwise. These beds come equipped with various drawers and bookshelves, letting you store different clothing/bedding items in those drawers and all kinds of electronics/books/memorabilia items on the shelves.
These beds aren't any more expensive than regular beds. The only issue is that you have to set them up and it usually takes you more time compared to traditional beds. At the same time, the best captains beds always come supplied with comprehensive instruction manuals and the hardware required to assemble these beds, so you should be able to put them together yourself.
Memory foam pillows and memory foam mattresses can work wonders with these beds to improve your sleep quality.
What Features to Compare
Type
Captain beds are still beds. You have to put a mattress over them, otherwise they don't do much. That's not where these beds differ from regular beds. The length and width are still the same, meaning that you'll be choosing between twin, queen, king, and other standard mattress sizes.
Frame
With beds in general and captain beds in particular, the frame's what determines the price and the product's quality first and foremost. Good frames make beds as much as bad frames break beds (both literally and figuratively). People make these days from various materials.
As it is always the case with furniture pieces, oak is extremely popular. It is commonly used for furniture, paneling, joinery, flooring, decking, and veneers. There are many reasons oak is so popular and versatile. People make beds from oak because the hardwood in question is durable and long-lasting. Its wood grain is especially attractive. Oak is far less likely to warp when exposed to sunlight than most hardwoods. It is much more resistant against moisture too. Oak stains and polishes really well. It is pretty resistant to everyday wear and tear too (compared to hardwoods).
Pinewood has its moments too though, otherwise this wood type wouldn't be as popular as it is. It is much cheaper than most hardwoods. Pinewood doesn't require reinforcements. It is much more lightweight than oak. Its elasticity properties are off the charts compared to most softwoods and all hardwoods. There are attractive grain options and, last but not least, pinewood doesn't shrink/swell as much as hardwoods.
There are many companies that rather use laminated composite woods. These woods, although not as strong, are durable too. They're less susceptible to scratches. They're far less vulnerable against moisture. These woods are practically immune to everyday wear and tear, making maintenance a breeze.
Drawers and Bookcases
That's where captain beds separate themselves from regular beds. Regular beds do not come equipped with various drawers, bookcases, and other little details like that. Needless to say, these things provide major additional storage space.
People usually use these drawers to store clothing items, linen, and blankets, freeing up space in traditional chests, cupboards, cabinets, etc.
Captain beds for children sometimes come with additional solutions like roll-out desks and other details like that.
Weight Capacity and Dimensions
These parameters are pretty obvious and straightforward. You need to keep in mind the assembled bed's size relative to the available free space in the room you're looking to put bed the in. At the same time, make sure that the bed's weight capacity matches your intentions.
Fun Facts About Beds
The Very First Bed Wasn't As Humble As You'd Think
Our current paradigm dictates that people sleep either alone or together with one partner. That wasn't always the case though. The very first bed was huge, measuring in at ridiculous 18 feet by 12 feet long. The bed was enough to accommodate 65 people. We don't even want to imagine sleeping next to 64 people.
Beds Weren't Always That Accessible
Sure, beds still aren't that cheap. That being said, most households have enough beds for every tenant plus a couch or an extra bed/two for guests. That wasn't always the case though. Back in medieval times, beds were considered especially valuable items. People who had beds would usually strategically place them where guests could admire them and people passing by could view them through the windows. Guess it just goes to show that folks were looking to flex back in the days as much as we do nowadays, so that's somewhat reassuring.
Chill, Tutankhamun, Jezz
Tutankhamun had his quirks, you can say that about most rulers. You can't say that most rulers slept on literal gold though, so our favorite pharaoh had enough clout to separate himself from the royal masses too. His bed was made from ebony and gold. Can you imagine sleeping on gold? King Tut didn't have to. He went to sleep every day on a bed like that. His subjects, however, were not necessarily as fortunate. While their pharaoh enjoyed ultimate luxury, people of Ancient Egypt had no choice but to slumber on palm branches.
Nothing Pleasant Inside
Mattresses these days are usually stuffed with foam, coils, and other high-tech components. People in the ~15th century didn't have these luxuries. They packed their mattresses with feathers, horse hairs, pea pods, and straws, covering these things with any coarse, tough material they could find. Only the rich could afford to cover their mattresses with silk or velvet.
Et Tu, Waterbed?!
Waterbeds were all the rage back in the 60s when they were formally introduced to the mass market (the very first waterbed dated back to Ancient Rome times). At first, these beds were advertised to bachelors and hippies. A few years after that, these beds became mainstream. Come late 70s and early 80s and every family on the block either had a waterbed already or were looking to purchase one as soon as possible.
So, what happened? Well, the biggest issue's that these beds were very high maintenance. Installing one meant running a hose into the bedroom and filling the mattress up with hundreds of gallons, a task that's equally tiresome and challenging, often leading to water-soaked bedrooms. Plus, these beds were extremely heavy. Of course, the filled mattress weighed much more than your standard mattress. But the frame was as guilty as the mattress because it had to support all that water weight, meaning that no fragile frame could get the job done. You had to occasionally drain these beds, meaning that you had to incorporate different siphoning tricks to pump the water.
As far as the mass market was concerned, the negatives far outweighed the positives and, these days, waterbeds aren't nearly as prevalent as they once were.