Buying a Kids Bunk Bed
If you're planning to furnish the space for two children or just want to maximize your floor space, a bunk bed is an ideal solution. Before you buy a bunk bed, you should carefully think about your options.
Safety is a big consideration. It's crucial to establish rules for not using the top bunk for anything other than sleeping and don't hang anything from the bunks.
Size
Loft beds and bunk beds are available in a wide variety of sizes. Some include two twin mattresses, while others have queen or full mattresses on the bottom tier. Some bunk beds come with an trundle that can be concealed when not in use. Bunk beds are a great choice for small rooms due to their compact design. Bunk beds are also less expensive than purchasing separate kids' single mattresses.
Most bunk beds feature an stairway or ladder to reach the top bunk. Some bunk beds come with a railing so that children sleeping on the top bunk do not fall off. Some designs even have an ottoman on the bottom tier that can be used as a sofa during the day and then as a bed at night.
Many parents decide to buy a kids bunk bed because it lets them free up space in their child's bedroom. The bed can be easily separated into separate beds later on if needed. Bunk beds are excellent for rooms that are shared by multiple children.
The most common size of a bunk bed suitable for kids is a twin mattress on both sides. This arrangement allows children of all ages the space they need to sleep comfortably. Twin mattresses are also a great choice for toddlers who have grown out of their cribs but aren't quite ready to make the transition to an adult-sized bed.
There are also bunks with two twins side by side. This allows two children to share a bed while maintaining their individual space. These beds are sometimes referred to as twin over twin bunks and are ideal for families with multiple children but want to maximize the area of their bedroom.
Some bunk beds come with an entire mattress on the lower level, which is perfect for teens or older children. This design is ideal for sleeping overs or giving kids more space to lounge and spread out. A majority of these bunk beds are also available in different designs and finishes, so you can find the ideal piece that fits your child's individual style.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun for kids, but they can also pose a risk if not built and placed properly. Ensure that your bunk bed is in compliance with national safety standards and has been tested properly. It should be securely attached and have an appropriate weight limit for the top and bottom mattresses.
Guardrails on the upper sleeping zone of a great bunk bed for kids will safeguard children from falls during sleep. These rails should extend at least five inches above the mattress's surface. There shouldn't be gaps between the guardrails as this could trap a child’s head or other parts of their body and cause injury.
It is also crucial to teach children how to safely access the top bunk by using the ladder or stairs. It is best to limit the use of the bunk above to one person at any given time. It's also important to discourage rough play or jumping on the beds. These activities can cause injuries and weaken the foundation support system. Check the bunk bed for signs of wear and tighten loose screws or bolts as soon as you notice them.
Children who sleep in the top bunk shouldn't be allowed to fall off the bed. This could result in serious injuries. If your child is going to be sleeping in the top bunk, you should place a night light in the room so that they can know where the ladder is.
Keep toys, books and other things away from the bunk beds. This will decrease the risk of a child running over them or falling and avoid them getting caught with the railings.
If possible it's best for the bunk bed to be placed in a corner. This will help to brace the structure to prevent it from moving when a person climbs the ladder. Bunk beds should also be kept clear of ceiling fans, curtain hardware and lighting fixtures to avoid your children from smacking their heads when climbing into or out of the bed.
Style
It's important to take into account the design of furniture when selecting bunk beds for kids. Bunk beds are available in a variety of different styles, ranging from classic to contemporary, so you're sure to find one that suits your child's preferences. Bunk beds allow you to include accessories like curtains to provide a sense of privacy and separate sleeping spaces. Other features, like desks or built-in storage can aid your kids in staying organized.
The rustic-inspired bunk bed is constructed of rugged wood, and finished with an aged driftwood finish that gives a natural look to any room. It has two drawers to store clothing and toys. This is a fantastic feature to save space in children's rooms. It can even be customized with a pull-out trundle bed for additional sleep space when guests visit.
The twin-over-twin standard bunk bed is another option. It's ideal for children and teens who share the bedroom. This type of bunk bed has sturdy guardrails attached securely to the frame in order to prevent a fall while sleeping. Other security features to look out for include a ladder or stairs that are firmly attached to the frame and feature wide, non-slip stairs. These steps can be engraved with numbers to indicate the bunk being used.
You can also pick a futon bed which offers the possibility of relaxing and sleeping. They typically comprise of a conventional bunk bed with a futon or convertible sofa underneath, which allows the top level to function as a relaxing lounge during the day, and the bottom level to function as a cozy bed at night.
If you're seeking a bunk bed that offers more storage space, think about a corner loft bed. These beds connect two elevated beds that are placed in the corner of the room, opening up space for study and play. This bunk bed made by makingitwithabby features a custom macrame nook for relaxation and additional shelving for organizing. The navy finish of the bunk bed matches the blue-toned wall murals to create a room which feels both cozy, and cheerful.
Budget
Bunk beds are a space-saving sleep solution that allows you to double, or even triple--the number of sleeping spaces in your children's rooms or guest rooms. While they might not be as inexpensive as a standalone twin or full-sized beds, bunks offer a lot of value for the money you spend.
There are a variety of basic, no frills bunk beds for less than $500. But affordable bunk beds for kids can also find models with many features that suit your needs and the style of your bedroom. This South Shore bunk bed, for instance, has an elegant design that's ideal for modern interiors and still comes at a reasonable cost. It's also light, which means it can be moved around if your children grow out of the arrangement or you relocate to a larger home.
The more elegant bunk beds are a favorite among teenagers and older children, with features such as an integrated desk and stairs or drawers. These features can help create a more functional space and provide a fashionable look to any kid's bedroom. Bunk beds that have slides can be a great choice for kids who enjoy playing in the dark. The top bunk can be transformed into an exciting playhouse or clubhouse. Just keep in mind that bunk beds with slides occupy more floor space than other types of bunks, so measure carefully before buying one.
If you're on a budget the type of material your bunk bed is constructed from is equally important. Wood is a sturdy and durable material that's perfect for kids bunk beds, but you can also get models made of metal or a combination of materials. Metal bunk beds are usually more affordable than wooden ones, and are also more easy to clean.
Also, you'll want to consider the cost of any particular accessories you might require for your bunk bed, including curtains or a reading light. Some bunk beds have matching furniture to help make the perfect appearance for your child's bedroom.