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. However, before you purchase one, think about your choices carefully.
Safety is an important consideration. It is important to establish rules for staying off the top of the stairs for any other activities than sleeping, and not hanging anything from the bunks.
Size
Lofts and bunk beds are available in many different sizes. Some loft beds feature two twin mattresses, while others have a queen-sized or full-sized mattress at the bottom. Some bunk beds come with the option of a trundle which can be hidden when not in use. This design is space-saving and makes bunk beds an excellent choice for small bedrooms. Bunk beds are cheaper than buying separate mattresses for children.
The majority of bunk beds come with stairs or ladders to access the top bed. Some bunk beds come with railings so that children sleeping on the top bunk don't fall off. Some designs even have futons on the bottom tier that can be used as a sofa during the day and as a bed at night.
Many parents decide to buy a kids bunk bed because it lets them make room in their child's bedroom. Furthermore it is able to be divided into individual beds if needed in the future. Bunk beds are particularly useful in rooms for children where multiple children share the space.
The most commonly used size for a kids' bunk bed is one twin mattress on the top and bottom tiers. This configuration provides sufficient space for children of all ages to be able 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 bigger bed.
There are bunk beds that feature two twin beds side by side which allows two children to sleep while still maintaining personal space. These beds are sometimes referred to as twin over twin bunks, and they're a great option for families who have multiple children but need to maximize floor space in their smaller bedroom.
Some bunk beds come with an extra mattress on the lower tier which is ideal for teenagers or older kids. This arrangement is great to accommodate guests at sleepovers or giving extra space for kids to relax and spread out. A lot of bunk beds are also available in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can choose the perfect piece that fits your child's individual style.
Safety
While bunk beds are fun for kids, they can be dangerous if they're not built and placed properly. Make sure your bunk bed is compliant with national safety standards and has undergone proper testing. It should be secured and have a weight limit for both the top and bottom mattresses.
A good kids bunk bed will have guardrails for the upper sleep zone that protect children from falling off during their sleep. These rails should extend at least five inches above the surface of the mattress. There should be no gaps between the guardrails because they could trap a child's head or other body parts and cause injuries.
In addition, it's essential 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 one person at any time. It's important to discourage roughhousing and jumping on beds. These activities can cause injuries and weaken the foundation support system. Check the bunk bed for signs of wear and tighten any loose bolts or screws immediately.
Children who sleep in the top bunk should not be allowed to fall from the bed. This could result in serious injuries. If your children are going to be sleeping in the upper bunk, it is recommended to put a night light in the room so that they can be aware of the ladder's location.
Keep books, toys and other objects away from the bunk beds. This reduces the chance of a child falling over them or falling, and prevent them from becoming entangled with the guardrails.
It's also recommended to place the bunk bed in the corner of the room whenever it is possible. This will help in bracing the structure and keep it from moving or shaking when one climbs up or down the ladder. Bunk beds should also be kept clear of ceiling fans, curtain hardware and lighting fixtures to avoid your children from hitting 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 come in many different styles, ranging from classic to modern and you'll be able to find one that is a perfect match for your child's taste. Bunk beds allow you to add accessories such as curtains that create a sense security and separate sleeping areas. Other features, like built-in storage solutions or desks, can make it easier for your children to stay organized and tidy.
For instance, this rustic-style bunk bed is constructed from rugged wood and finished with a weathered driftwood look that adds a natural look to any bedroom. It comes with two drawers that can be used to store toys and clothes. This is a great option to make space in children's rooms. It can be even customized with a pull-out trundle bed for additional sleeping space when guests come.
The standard twin-over-twin bunk bed is an alternative. It's great for teens and kids who share the bedroom. This type of bunk bed has solid guardrails that are attached to the frame to prevent falling while sleeping. Other safety features to look for include the stairs or ladder that are securely attached to the frame, and come with wide, anti-slip steps. These steps can also be marked with numbers to help keep track of who is on the top bunk.
You can also choose a futon bunk bed, which offers the versatility of both sleeping and lounging. These beds are typically an ordinary bunk bed with a futon under. The top level can be used as a lounge space during the day, and the lower level can be used as an ideal bedroom for the night.
Corner loft beds are a great option for bunk beds that provide more storage. These beds combine two beds that are elevated in a corner, freeing space for study and play. This bunk bed from makingitwithabby comes with an individual macrame nook that you can sit in and a shelf to keep it organized. The navy-colored finish of the bunk bed matches the blue-toned wall art to create a room which feels both cozy, and bright.
Budget
Bunk beds can be a space-saving solution for your children's room or guest bedroom. They let you double or triple, or even quadruple the number of sleeping areas. And while they may not be as affordable as full-sized or standalone twin beds, bunks offer plenty of value for the money.
Some basic, no-frills bunk beds can be found for less than $500, but you'll also find models that come with various features to suit your needs and the style of your bedroom. This South Shore bunk bed, for instance, has an elegant design that's perfect for contemporary decors and is still an affordable cost. It's also lightweight, which means you can move it if your kids outgrow it or move to a bigger home.
The most sophisticated bunk beds come with features that will appeal to teens and older children with features like a built-in desk, stairs or drawers. These additional features can create a more functional area and add a stylish appearance to any child's bedroom. Bunk beds that have slides are also a great choice for kids who prefer to play in the dark, and transform the top bunk into a fun playhouse or clubhouse. Be aware that bunk beds with slide can take up more space than other beds, so make sure you measure before buying one.
If you're on a budget, the type of material the bunk bed is constructed from is equally crucial. Wood is a durable and durable material that's ideal for bunk beds for kids however, you can also find models made from metal or a combination of materials. Metal is usually more affordable than wood, and is a great choice if you want bunk beds that are easy to clean.
Additionally, you'll need to consider the cost of any particular accessories that you might need for your bunk bed, like curtains or a reading light. Certain bunk beds can be bought with an entire set of furniture making it easier to select the right style for your children's bedrooms.
