When I was hunting for the perfect bunk bed for my kids, I wanted something sturdy, safe, and stylish without breaking the bank. After weeks of research and real-world testing, Max & Lily bunk beds won me over.
Their solid wood construction, thoughtful design, and affordability make them a standout choice for families. Whether you’re maximizing space in a small room or creating a fun sleepover haven, these beds deliver.
Trust me, you’ll want to snag a Max & Lily bunk bed for your kids’ room—it’s a game-changer you won’t regret.
My Experience With Max & Lily Bunk Beds
Let me take you back to the moment I decided to get a Max & Lily bunk bed.
My two kids, ages 6 and 9, were sharing a room, and our old setup—a cramped twin bed and a clunky old loft—wasn’t cutting it.
The room felt like a storage unit, with toys and clothes spilling everywhere.
I needed a solution that saved space, looked good, and could handle my kids’ endless energy. After scrolling through countless options, I landed on the Max & Lily Twin over Twin Low Bunk Bed with a slide. Yes, a slide—because why not make bedtime fun?
Unboxing the bed was an adventure. It arrived in two heavy boxes, a testament to the solid New Zealand pine wood construction. I won’t lie—assembly took about three hours with my partner and me tag-teaming.
The instructions were clear, and all the tools were included, but sorting the hardware took some patience. Once built, though, the bed was a revelation. My kids squealed as they tested the slide, which has a gentle curve for a safe landing.
The low-profile design, only 50 inches tall, was perfect for our low-ceiling room, and the 14-inch guardrails on the top bunk gave me peace of mind. The bottom bunk, just 2 inches off the floor, was ideal for my younger one transitioning from a crib.
What struck me most was the sturdiness. My 9-year-old is a restless sleeper, and the bed didn’t creak or wobble, even when he climbed up and down. The natural finish looked sleek, blending seamlessly with our modern farmhouse decor.
We added underbed storage drawers, which were a lifesaver for tucking away toys and extra bedding. A year in, the bed still looks as good as new, and my kids love their “bunk bed castle.” It’s not just furniture—it’s a space where they play, read, and dream.
The Pros of Max & Lily Bunk Beds
Let’s talk about why Max & Lily bunk beds are worth your attention. I’ve spent enough time with mine to know what makes them shine, and I’m breaking it down for you.
- Solid Wood Construction
One of the biggest wins is the knot-free, solid New Zealand pine wood. Unlike some bunk beds that use cheap particle board, Max & Lily’s frames feel substantial.
Each bed supports up to 400 pounds, so even when I climb up to read bedtime stories, there’s no wobbling or creaking. This durability means the bed can grow with your kids, from toddler years to their teens.
- Safety-First Design
Safety is non-negotiable with kids, and Max & Lily nails it. The 14-inch guardrails on the top bunk are tall enough to keep restless sleepers secure. The reversible ladder, with rounded edges and grooved treads, makes climbing easy and safe.
For younger kids, the low bunk models (some as low as 50 inches) reduce the risk of falls. Plus, the beds are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning low VOC emissions for a healthier room.
- Space-Saving Versatility
If you’re working with a small room, these bunk beds are a lifesaver. The stacked design frees up floor space for play or storage. Models like the Twin over Twin with Storage Drawers or the Twin over Full with Trundle maximize functionality.
The best part? Most models can split into two separate beds, so when your kids want their own rooms, you’re not stuck buying new furniture.
- Stylish and Customizable
Max & Lily offers a range of finishes—natural, white, grey, and two-tone options—that fit any decor. Whether you lean toward Scandinavian minimalism or mid-century modern, there’s a style for you. You can also add fun extras like slides or curtains to make the bed a playtime hub.
My kids’ slide is a daily hit, turning bedtime into an adventure.
- Affordable Quality
Compared to high-end brands, Max & Lily delivers premium features at a mid-range price. You’re getting solid wood, safety certifications, and thoughtful design without the eye-watering cost of, say, a Pottery Barn bunk bed.
It’s a value that’s hard to beat for budget-conscious parents.
The Cons of Max & Lily Bunk Beds
No product is perfect, and I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t share the hiccups I’ve encountered or heard about. Here’s the flip side.
- Assembly Can Be a Chore: Putting together a Max & Lily bunk bed isn’t rocket science, but it’s not a breeze either. The hardware comes mixed, so you’ll spend time sorting bolts and screws. It took me and my partner three hours, and I’ve heard of others taking longer if assembling solo. Clear instructions help, but patience is key.
- Occasional Delivery Issues: Some folks report receiving damaged parts or missing pieces. My bed arrived intact, but I’ve read about cracked slats or scuffed finishes. Max & Lily’s customer service is responsive, often sending replacements quickly, but it’s a hassle you might face, especially with heavy solid wood shipments.
- Not Always Solid Wood: While Max & Lily touts solid wood, some users have noted that certain components, like slats, can feel like composite or thinner pine. My bed feels sturdy, but if you’re expecting every piece to be thick, hefty timber, you might be slightly disappointed.
- Limited Headroom on Low Bunks: The low bunk models are great for small rooms or younger kids, but the bottom bunk can feel cramped for older children or adults. I’m 5’4”, and I can’t sit upright on the bottom bunk without bumping my head. If your kids are taller or you plan to hang out down there, consider a standard-height model.
- Customer Service Delays: While Max & Lily generally handles issues well, some customers report slow response times or difficulty reaching a manager for complex problems. I didn’t need to contact them, but it’s worth noting if you run into issues like missing parts.
Maintenance And Care Tips For Max & Lily Bunk Beds
Keeping your Max & Lily bunk bed in tip-top shape is easier than you’d think, but it does require some TLC. Here’s how I’ve kept ours looking great and functioning smoothly.
- Regular Cleaning: Dust and grime can dull that beautiful finish, so I wipe the bed down weekly with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals—they can strip the low VOC finish. For stubborn spots, a mild soap solution works wonders. I dry it immediately to prevent water marks, especially on natural wood finishes.
- Tighten Bolts Periodically: The metal-on-metal bolt connections are sturdy, but kids climbing and jumping can loosen them over time. Every three months, I grab the included Allen wrench and check all bolts, especially around the ladder and guardrails. It takes 10 minutes and keeps the bed rock-solid.
- Protect the Finish: Spills or scratches can happen, especially with kids. I use coasters for drinks on the bottom bunk and added felt pads under toys to prevent scuffs. If you notice a scratch, a touch-up marker in a matching wood tone can work magic. Max & Lily’s website sometimes sells finish-specific repair kits.
- Mattress Maintenance: Max & Lily beds don’t need box springs, but I recommend a bunkie board or extra slats for added mattress support. I flip our mattresses every six months to prevent sagging and ensure even wear. Stick to mattresses under 9 inches thick to maintain guardrail safety.
- Inspect for Wear: Every few months, I check the ladder, guardrails, and slats for wear or damage. My kids are rough, so I look for splinters or cracks, especially around high-traffic areas like the slide. Sanding minor splinters with fine-grit sandpaper and applying a non-toxic sealant keeps things smooth.
- Storage Drawer Care: If you have underbed drawers, avoid overloading them—400 pounds is the bed’s limit, not the drawers’. I clean the drawer tracks monthly to prevent sticking, using a dry cloth to remove dust. A quick vacuum under the bed keeps the area debris-free, making drawers slide smoothly.
Comparing Max & Lily To Other Bunk Bed Brands
When I was shopping, I looked at several brands before settling on Max & Lily. Here’s how they stack up against the competition, based on my experience and research.
- Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn Kids is the gold standard for high-end kids’ furniture, but it comes with a steep price tag. Their bunk beds, often made of MDF or a mix of solid wood, are beautifully designed with polished finishes.
However, I found Max & Lily’s solid pine construction just as durable for a fraction of the cost. Pottery Barn’s safety features, like guardrails and ladders, are comparable, but their beds rarely offer fun add-ons like slides.
If you’re after prestige and don’t mind spending double, Pottery Barn is tempting, but Max & Lily gives you more bang for your buck.
- IKEA
IKEA’s Mydal bunk bed is a budget favorite, often praised for its simplicity and solid wood frame. It’s cheaper than Max & Lily, but the unfinished wood requires staining or painting, which adds time and cost. IKEA’s guardrails are shorter, and the ladder isn’t reversible, limiting flexibility.
Max & Lily’s GREENGUARD Gold Certification and higher weight capacity (400 pounds versus IKEA’s 220 pounds) make it a safer, more durable choice. IKEA’s great for minimalist setups, but Max & Lily offers more style and safety features.
- Maxtrix Kids
Maxtrix Kids specializes in customizable bunk beds, letting you pick finishes, ladder styles, and bed heights.
Their modular system is perfect for urban parents wanting tailored solutions.
However, Maxtrix’s prices are closer to Pottery Barn’s, and their beds, while solid wood, don’t always feel as sturdy as Max & Lily’s.
The customization is a plus, but I didn’t need that level of flexibility.
Max & Lily’s ready-to-go designs, like the low bunk with stairs, were more practical for my needs and wallet.
- Storkcraft
Storkcraft’s bunk beds, like the Caribou or Long Horn, are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and convertible, much like Max & Lily’s. They’re slightly cheaper but often use a mix of solid wood and engineered wood, which can feel less substantial.
Storkcraft’s designs lean traditional, lacking the modern flair of Max & Lily’s Scandinavian or mid-century options. Safety features are solid, but Max & Lily’s taller guardrails and reversible ladder give it an edge.
If you want a no-frills bunk bed, Storkcraft works, but Max & Lily feels more premium.
Addressing Common Concerns
Before wrapping up, let’s tackle some real-world gripes and questions I’ve seen floating around about Max & Lily bunk beds. These insights come from my experience and conversations with other parents.
Some folks worry about the beds arriving with a chemical smell. I didn’t notice this with mine, likely because of the low VOC finish and GREENGUARD Gold Certification. If you’re sensitive to smells, air out the bed for a day or two before assembly.
Others have mentioned wobbly guardrails, but I suspect improper assembly—double-check those bolts! For those concerned about longevity, my bed’s held up through a year of roughhousing, and the solid wood feels built to last.
If you’re debating between a low bunk or standard height, consider your ceiling height and kids’ ages. Low bunks are great for younger kids or small rooms, but standard bunks offer more headroom for older children.
Also, don’t skip the mattress choice—stick to one that’s 8 inches or thinner to keep the guardrails effective.
Also Read: Comparison of Regency Furniture And Ashley Furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Picking the “best” bunk bed company depends on your needs, but Max & Lily consistently stands out for me. Their balance of solid wood construction, safety features, and affordability makes them a top contender. Brands like Pottery Barn Kids offer premium aesthetics but at a higher cost, while IKEA is cheaper but less feature-rich. Maxtrix Kids is great for customization, but Max & Lily’s ready-to-go designs, like the Twin over Twin with Slide, hit the sweet spot for most families looking for quality and value.
Yes, Max & Lily bunk beds are primarily made of knot-free, solid New Zealand pine or aspen wood, depending on the model. Some components, like slats, may use plywood for added stability, but the main frame is solid wood. This gives the beds a sturdy, durable feel compared to particle board alternatives. My Twin over Twin Low Bunk Bed feels hefty and has held up well, though some users note that certain parts feel thinner than expected.
Max & Lily is a brand under Maxwood Furniture, Inc., a company specializing in kids’ furniture. They design their products in Charleston, South Carolina, and manufacture them in a state-of-the-art facility in Vietnam. The focus is on safety, quality, and fun, with features like GREENGUARD Gold Certification and high weight capacities. Maxwood’s expertise shines through in the thoughtful details, like reversible ladders and convertible designs.
Max & Lily’s headquarters is in Charleston, South Carolina, where their design team works on creating stylish, functional furniture. The beds are manufactured in Vietnam, ensuring high-quality production at a competitive price. They ship across the United States and Canada, with warehouses in South Carolina and California for efficient delivery. If you need to reach them, their customer service is based out of Charleston, though response times can vary.
Why Max & Lily Bunk Beds Are A Must-Have?
After living with a Max & Lily bunk bed for over a year, I’m convinced it’s one of the best investments for a kids’ room. The solid wood build, safety features, and space-saving design make it a win for parents and a joy for kids.
From the slide that sparks daily excitement to the sturdy frame that handles my kids’ chaos, this bed checks all the boxes. If you want a bunk bed that’s safe, stylish, and built to last, go for Max & Lily—you’ll thank yourself later.