Buying a Kids Bunk Bed
If you're preparing a room for two kids or simply want to make the most of your floor space, bunk beds are an excellent solution. However, before you purchase one, you should consider your choices carefully.
Safety is an important consideration. It is essential to establish rules for staying off the top of the stairs for other purposes than sleeping, and also not hanging anything from the bunks.
Size
Bunk beds and loft beds are available in a broad range of sizes. Some loft beds feature two twin mattresses, while others can accommodate a queen or full-sized mattress at the bottom. Some have an trundle bed that can be hidden away when not in use. This design is space-saving and makes bunk beds an excellent option for bedrooms with limited space. Bunk beds can be cheaper than purchasing separate mattresses for children.
The majority of bunk beds have a ladder or staircase to access the top bed. Some even feature a railing to make sure that kids sleeping on the top bunk do not fall off the frame. Some designs include an ottoman at the bottom which can be used as a couch and bed.
Many parents decide to buy a kids bunk bed as it helps them save room in their child's bedroom. Furthermore it can be easily divided into separate beds should it be required in the future. Bunk beds are particularly beneficial for rooms that are where multiple children share the space.
The most commonly used size for a kids' bunk bed is a twin mattress on both the bottom and top tiers. This arrangement offers enough space for kids of all ages to sleep comfortably. Twin mattresses are also a great option for toddlers who have outgrown their cribs, but are not yet ready to move into an adult-sized bed.
There are also bunk beds that have two twin beds that are side by side which allows two children to sleep together but still have their own space. These kinds of beds are typically referred to as twin over twin bunk beds and they are a great solution for families with several children who wish to maximize the amount of floor space in a small bedroom.
Some bunk beds come with a full-sized mattress on the lower level, which is great for teenagers or older children. This arrangement is great to accommodate guests at sleepovers or giving extra space for kids to relax and spread out. Many of these bunk beds are available in different styles and finishes, so you can find the ideal piece that will fit your child's individual style.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun for children, but they can also be dangerous when not constructed and positioned correctly. Verify that your bunk mattress has been tested and is in compliance with all national safety standards. It should also be securely fixed to the frame and have an appropriate weight limit for both the top and bottom mattress.
A quality bunk bed for kids has guardrails for the upper sleeping zone, which guard children from accidents that happen during sleep. The rails' height must be at a minimum of 5 inches above the mattress's surface. Be sure there is no gap between the guardrails as this could restrict a child's head or other body parts and result in injuries.
Additionally, it is essential to teach your children to use the stairs or ladder to get to the top bunk. It's best to only have one person use the top bunk at one time. It's important to discourage roughhousing or jumping onto beds. These actions can result in injuries and weaken the foundation support system. Examine the bunk bed for signs of wear, and tighten any loose screws or bolts as soon as you notice them.
Children who sleep in the top bunk should not be allowed to fall out of the bed, as it could cause serious injuries. If your children are going to be sleeping in the top bunk, it is recommended to install a nightlight in the room so they can be aware of the ladder's location.
It's also an excellent idea to keep toys, books and other objects away from the bunk bed. This reduces the risk of a child falling or falling over them and can prevent them from becoming entangled in the guardrails.
If possible it's best to allow the bunk bed to be set in a corner. This will help brace the structure and keep it from shaking or moving when people climb up or down the ladder. Bunk beds should also be kept away from ceiling fans, curtain hardware, and light fixtures to stop your children from hitting their heads when climbing in or out.
Style
When you are choosing a bunk bed for your children, it's important to consider the style of furniture. Bunk beds come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern. You'll surely find one to match your child's tastes. Bunk beds also provide the chance to add unique accessories, such as curtains, that can create a sense of privacy and separate sleeping areas. Other features, such as built-in storage solutions or desks, can make it easier for your children to be clean and organized.
This rustic-inspired bunkbed is made out of rough wood, and finished with an aged driftwood finish which adds a natural touch to any room. It includes two drawers for storing clothing and toys and is an ideal space-saving design for rooms with kids. It can be customized to include a pull-out bed for additional sleeping space when guests are visiting.
The twin-over-twin standard bunk bed is another option. It's great for teens and kids who share the bedroom. This kind of bunk bed has sturdy guardrails that are attached to the frame to stop falling during sleep. Other safety features to consider include an incline or stairs which are securely attached to the frame, and come with wide, anti-slip steps. These steps can also be identified with a number to help to track who is using the top bunk.
You can also opt for futon beds that offer both sleeping and relaxing options. They are usually a standard bunk structure with a futon beneath. The top level can be used as a lounge during the day, while the lower level can be used as a cozy bedroom at night.
Corner loft beds are a great option for bunk beds that can provide more storage. These beds connect two elevated beds in a corner of the room, opening the space for study and play. This bunk bed made by makingitwithabby comes with an individual macrame nook that can be used for relaxing and extra shelves for organising. The navy-colored finish of this bunk bed matches the blue-toned wall murals to create a room which is both warm and jolly.
Budget
Bunk beds are a space-saving solution that allows you to double or even triple--the amount of sleeping space in your children's rooms or guest rooms. And while they may not be as affordable as standalone twin or full-sized beds, bunk beds provide a lot of value for the money.
Basic, basic bunk beds are available for less than $500, but you'll find models that come with various features to suit your needs and bedroom decor. For example this bunk bed by South Shore offers a modern design that is perfect for contemporary decors, while still offering a budget-friendly price tag. It's also lightweight, so it can be moved around if your children grow out of the arrangement or you move to a bigger house.
The more elegant bunk beds are a favorite among youngsters and older children with features like an integrated desk, stairs, or drawers. These additional features can help create a more functional space and provide a fashionable look to any kid's bedroom. Bunk beds that have slides are also a great option for kids who like to play in the dark, and transform the top bunk into a nifty playhouse or clubhouse. Be aware that bunk beds that have a slide occupy more space than other beds and therefore, you must measure before buying one.
If you're on a tight budget the type of material your bunk bed is constructed from is also important. Wood is a sturdy and durable material that's ideal for bunk beds for children, but you can also find models made from metal or a mix of materials. Metal bunk beds are usually cheaper than wooden ones, and they're also more easy to clean.
You'll also need to consider the cost for any additional accessories you might require, such as curtains and an reading lamp. Some bunk beds can be bought with a set of matching furniture making it easier to choose the right look for your children's bedrooms.