Bunkbeds are one of the more popular bedding options available today. Kids have always loved bunkbeds, but today's versions are also being used by young adults, many of whom like the updated look and the added advantage of saved space in a cramped sleeping area.

The first thing you need to do when considering a bunkbed purchase is to ask yourself some questions to determine if this type of bedding is really what you need.

First, ask yourself whether saving space is really a necessity for you. Will putting two beds into the space allocated for one bed really help your situation?

To help you in answering these questions and deciding if a bunkbed is the answer for you, here is a list of the most common places you'll find bunkbeds in use and several good reasons for using them.

First are college dorm rooms. As anyone who's ever lived in or just visited a dorm room knows, these rooms are very small and compact. Especially if you have a roommate, a bunkbed will allow you to free up valuable floor space which can then be used for other furniture or personal items. If you're lucky enough to have a room to yourself, you may want to consider a loft bed. These beds are like having a bunkbed except that there is no bottom bunk. This allows you to have most of your floor space available for other things. You might want to fix up a small study area under the loft by adding a desk or table to hold your study materials.

Next is the bedroom shared by siblings. When two or more kids share a room, there's never enough space for everything. If you currently have two twin beds in this room, you can quickly add floor space by using bunkbeds. It's like getting rid of one bed and making room for perhaps a desk, bookcase or toys. Now you only have to decide who gets to sleep on the top bunk!

Our third reason for a bunkbed is when your household needs an extra bed. Even if only one child normally uses the room, an extra bed can come in handy when your child has a sleepover. There are even versions of bunkbeds available that have a regular looking bed with a second bed low enough to be slid under the top bed when not in use. There are others in which the bottom bunk is a futon which can serve as a couch when not being used as a bed.

The fourth reason to have a bunkbed is for the sheer fun of it. Parents realize that most kids, even if they don't share a room with a brother or sister, would still enjoy a bunkbed. Akin to sleeping in a treehouse, that top bunk is up above the rest of the world and a cherished place for any child.

And our fifth reason occurs when your kids' room is overrun with toys. Yes, this can become a problem as most of our children are continually getting more and more toys with every Christmas and birthday that comes. A bunkbed will allow you to use the bedroom space a bit more efficiently and allow those toys to have a proper place to reside.