Buying a Kids Bunk Bed
A bunk bed is a fantastic solution for any room, regardless of whether you are outfitting it to accommodate two children or seeking to make the most of the floor space. Before purchasing a bunk bed, take time to consider your choices.
Safety is a major concern. It's important to establish rules for staying off the top level for other purposes than sleeping, and also not hanging anything from the bunks.
Size
Loft beds and bunk beds are available in a wide range of sizes. Some have two twin mattresses, while others accommodate queen or full mattresses in the lower tier. Some bunk beds include the option of a trundle which can be concealed when not in use. This compact design makes bunk beds a fantastic option for bedrooms with small spaces. Bunk beds are also less expensive than purchasing separate mattresses for children.
Most bunk beds come with an stairway or ladder to reach the top bunk. Some have railings to make sure that kids sleeping on the top bunk do not fall out of the frame. Some designs even have an ottoman on the bottom tier, which can be used as a sofa during the day and as a bed at night.
Many parents decide to buy bunk beds for kids because it lets them save room in their child's bedroom. The bed can easily be divided into separate beds in the future, if necessary. Bunk beds can be excellent for rooms that are shared by several children.
The most commonly used size for a kids' bunk bed is a twin mattress on each top and bottom tier. This configuration provides sufficient space for children of all ages to sleep comfortably. Twin mattresses are also a great option for toddlers who've grown out of their cribs but are not yet ready to make the transition to a regular full-size bed.
There are also bunks that have two twins side by side. This allows two children to share a bed and still have their separate space. These beds are sometimes referred to as twin over twin bunks, and are a great option for families with several children, but wish to maximize space they have in their bedroom.
Some bunk bed designs have an entire mattress on the lower level, which is perfect for teenagers or older kids. This arrangement is ideal for accommodating sleepover guests or giving extra space for children to spread out and relax. Many of these bunk beds are also available in different styles and finishes, meaning you can find the ideal piece that fits your child's individual style.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun for children, but they can also be dangerous in the event that they are not constructed and set up correctly. Check that your bed has been tested and is in compliance with all safety standards of the nation. It should also be firmly attached to the frame and have an appropriate weight limit for both the top and bottom mattress.
A quality bunk bed for kids is one that has guardrails in the upper sleeping zone, that protect children from falling off during their sleep. The rails should be at least five inches higher than the surface of the mattress. There should be no gaps between the guardrails because this could trap a child’s head or other body parts and cause injuries.
Additionally, it is crucial to teach your children how to use the stairs or ladder to get to the top bunk. It is best to limit use of the top bunk to a single person at a given time. It is also important to avoid rough play or jumping on the beds. These activities can lead to injuries and weakening of the foundation support system. Check the bunk bed for wear signs, and tighten loose screws or bolts as soon as you notice them.
Children who are asleep on the top bunk shouldn't be allowed to fall off the bed, as this could cause serious injuries. If your child is going to sleep in the upper bunk of the bed it is recommended to place a nightlight in the room to aid them in seeing the ladder.
Make sure that books, toys, and other items away from the bunk beds. This decreases the chance of a child tripping or falling over them, and also prevent them from becoming entangled in the guardrails.
It's also recommended to place the bunk bed in the corner of the room when feasible. This will help to brace the structure to prevent it from moving when someone climbs the ladder. Bunk beds must also be kept away from ceiling fans, light fixtures and curtain hardware in order to prevent your kids hitting their heads while in or out of them.
Style
When choosing the best bunk bed for your child, it's important to consider the style of the furniture. Bunk beds come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern. You're sure find one to match your child's preferences. Bunk beds also offer the possibility of adding special accessories, like curtains, which can create the illusion of privacy and separate sleeping areas. Other features, like desks or storage units built-in, can aid your children to remain clean and organized.
The rustic-style bunk bed is made of a rough wood and finished in a weathered driftwood look that gives a natural look to any room. It has two drawers to store clothing and toys. This is a great feature for saving space in children's rooms. It can be customized to include a pull-out bed for additional sleeping space when guests are in.
The standard twin-over-twin bunk bed is a different option. It's great for teens and kids who share the bedroom. This type of bunk bed comes with solid guardrails that are fixed to the frame to prevent falling while sleeping. Find stairs or ladders that are securely attached to the frame by wide, non-slip steps. These steps can be engraved with numbers to keep track of the bunk being used.
You can also opt for futon bunk beds that allows relaxing and sleeping. They are usually an ordinary bunk bed with a futon beneath. The top level can be used as a lounge during the day, while the lower level as an intimate bedroom at night.
If you're looking for bunk beds that provide more storage space, consider a corner loft bed. These beds connect two elevated beds across a corner of the room, opening up space for study or play. This bunk bed made by makingitwithabby has an individual macrame nook that can be used for relaxation and additional shelving to organize. The navy-colored finish of the bunk bed complements the blue-toned wall mural to create a room that is both warm and cheerful.
Budget
Bunk beds are a space-saving sleeping solution that allows you to double or even triple the amount of sleeping space in your child's bedrooms or guest rooms. Bunk beds are a great value, even if they're not as inexpensive as twin-sized or full-sized beds.
A few basic, simple bunk beds can be purchased for less than $500, but you'll find models that come with a range of options to meet your needs and your bedroom decor. This South Shore bunk bed, for example, has an elegant design that's ideal for modern interiors and is still a reasonable price. It's also lightweight, so it can be moved if your kids outgrow the arrangement or you decide to move to a bigger house.
Modern bunk beds include features that are appealing to older children and teenagers with features like a built-in desk and stairs, or drawers. These features can make a more practical space and provide a fashionable look to any kid's bedroom. Bunk beds that have slides are also a great option for kids who prefer to play in the dark, turning the top bunk into a fun playhouse or clubhouse. Keep in mind that bunk beds with slides require more floor space than other bunk beds, so be sure to measure before buying one.
The kind of material your bunk bed is made from is a further factor to consider, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Wood is a sturdy and durable material that's ideal for bunk beds for children However, you can discover models made of metal or a combination of materials. Metal bunk beds are usually cheaper than wooden ones, and are also easier to clean.
Lastly, you'll also want to think about the cost of any special accessories you may need for your bunk bed, like curtains or a reading light. Certain bunk beds can be purchased as furniture that is matched, which makes it easier to select the right style for your kids' bedrooms.