Buying a Kids Bunk Bed
A bunk bed is a great solution for any room, regardless of whether you're putting it together for two kids or seeking to maximize your floor space. Before you purchase a bunk bed, you should carefully look at your choices.
Safety is an important consideration. It's important to establish rules about staying off the top of the stairs for activities other than sleeping, and to avoid hanging anything from the bunks.
Size
Bunk beds and loft beds are available in a wide variety of sizes. Some include two twin mattresses, whereas others can accommodate queen or full mattresses in the lower tier. Some bunk beds come with a trundle that can be concealed when not in use. This compact design makes bunk beds a fantastic choice for small bedrooms. Bunk beds are less expensive than buying separate mattresses for children.
Most bunk beds have an incline or ladder to access the top bed. Some bunk beds are equipped with a railing so that children sleeping on the top of the bunk don't fall off. Some designs feature an ottoman at the bottom that can be used as a couch or bed.
Many parents opt to purchase bunk beds for their children because it lets them free up space in their child's bedroom. Furthermore the bed is able to be divided into separate beds should it be required in the future. Bunk beds are especially useful in rooms for children where multiple children share the space.
The most common size of bunk beds for kids is a twin mattress that is placed on top and bottom. This arrangement allows children of all ages to have the space they need to sleep comfortably. Twin mattresses are a great option for toddlers who have outgrown their cribs, but aren't quite ready to make the leap to a larger bed.
There are also bunks that have two twins by side. This allows two children to share a bed while maintaining their individual space. These beds are sometimes called twin over twin bunks and they're a great option for families with multiple children, but wish to maximize area of their bedroom.
Some bunk bed designs have a full mattress in the lower tier which is ideal for teens or older children. This arrangement is ideal for accommodating sleepover guests or giving extra space for kids to relax and spread out. A lot of bunk beds are also available in different styles and finishes, meaning you can find the perfect piece to fit your child's individual style.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great activity for kids, but they can also pose a risk if not built and placed correctly. Make sure that your bunk bed is compliant with national safety standards and has been tested properly. It should be securely attached and have a weight limit for both the bottom and top mattresses.
A good kids bunk bed will have guardrails for the upper sleeping zone, which protect children against accidents that happen during sleep. The rails' height should be at least 5 inches higher than the mattress surface. There shouldn't be any gaps between the guardrails as this could entrap a child's head or other body parts and cause injury.
It is also crucial to teach children to safely climb up to the top bunk using the ladder or stairs. It's best to only have one person use the top bunk at one time. It's important to discourage rough-housing or jumping on 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 immediately.
Children who sleep in the top bunk shouldn't be allowed to fall out of the bed, as it could result in serious injuries. If your child is planning to sleep in the upper bunk it is recommended to place a nightlight in the bedroom to help them see the ladder.
Keep toys, books and other objects away from the bunk beds. This will reduce the chance of a child falling or falling over them. It can also stop them from getting caught in the guardrails.
It's also recommended to place the bunk bed in a corner of the room whenever possible. This will help to brace the structure and keep it from shaking or moving when one climbs up or down the ladder. Bunk beds should also be kept at a safe distance from ceiling lights, fans and curtain hardware to avoid your children hitting their heads while in or climbing out of them.
Style
It's important to take into account the style of furniture when choosing bunk beds for kids. Bunk beds come in different designs, from traditional to contemporary. You're sure find one that matches your child's preferences. Bunk beds allow you to add accessories such as curtains that provide separation and privacy as well as separate sleeping spaces. Other features like desks and built-in storage aid your kids in staying organized.
The rustic-inspired bunk bed is constructed out of rough wood and finished with a weathered driftwood look that gives a natural look to any room. It comes with two drawers that can be used to store toys and clothing. This is an excellent feature to save space in children's rooms. It is customizable to include a pull-out bed that can be used for extra sleeping space when guests are in.
Other bunk bed options include the standard twin-overtwin bunk bed, which is perfect for teens and children who share the same room. This kind of bunk bed comes with sturdy guardrails that are securely fixed to the frame in order to prevent falling asleep. Look for a ladder or steps that are securely fixed to the frame by wide, non-slip steps. These steps can also be identified with a number to help to track who is occupying the top bunk.
You can also pick futon beds that offer the option of sleeping as well as relaxing. These beds are typically built as a standard bunk with a futon underneath. The top level can be used as a lounge area during the day, while the lower level as an ideal bedroom for the night.
If you're looking for a bunk bed that offers more storage space, think about a corner loft bed. These beds combine two beds that are elevated in a corner, providing space for studying and playing. This bunk bed from makingitwithabby comes with an individualized macrame nook for you to take a seat in and additional shelving to organize. Its navy finish complements the blue-toned wallpaper and creates a space that is both comfortable and lively.
Budget
Bunk beds are an efficient solution to save space in your children's room or guest bedroom. They can double triple or quadruple your sleeping areas. And while they may not be as inexpensive as full-sized or standalone twin beds, bunks offer plenty of value for your money.
Some basic, no-frills bunk beds are available for less than $500, but you can also discover models that offer various features to suit your needs and your bedroom decor. For example, this bunk bed from South Shore offers a modern look that's perfect for contemporary decors, but still has a budget-friendly price tag. It is also lightweight so you can move it around if your children grow out of it or if you move to a larger house.
The more sophisticated bunk beds are a favorite among teens and older children with features such as an integrated desk or stairs, or drawers. These features can create an easier-to-use space and add a fashionable touch to any kids' bedroom. Bunk beds that have slides are also a great option for kids who like to play in the dark, turning the top bunk into a fun playhouse or clubhouse. Be aware that bunk beds with a slide take up more space than other types and therefore, you must make sure you measure before purchasing one.
If you're on a tight budget the type of material the bunk bed is constructed from is also crucial. There are bunk beds made of metal or a combination. Wood is a sturdy, durable material that's perfect for kids. Metal is typically cheaper than wood, and it's a good option if you want an easy bunk bed to clean.
It is also important to consider the cost for any additional accessories you may require, such as curtains and an reading lamp. There are bunk beds that can be purchased as furniture that is matched making it easier to select the right look for your children's bedrooms.