Buying a Kids Bunk Bed
If you're preparing the space for two children or just want to make the most of your floor space, bunk beds are an ideal solution. Before you purchase a bunk bed, carefully think about your choices.
Safety is a major consideration. It's important that you make rules about not using the top bunk for anything other than sleeping and don't hang anything from the bunks.
Size
Bunk beds and loft beds are available in a broad variety of sizes. Some loft beds feature two twin mattresses, while others have a queen-sized or full-sized mattress on the bottom. Some bunk beds have an trundle that can be concealed when not being used. Bunk beds are a great option for rooms with limited space due to their space-saving design. Bunk beds are cheaper than purchasing separate mattresses for kids.
Most bunk beds feature a ladder or stairway to get to the top bunk. Some even feature a railing to make sure that kids who sleep on the upper bunk do not fall out of the frame. Some designs even have futons on the bottom tier, which can be used as a sofa during the day and then as an extra bed at night.
Many parents opt to purchase a kids bunk bed because it allows them to make room in their child's bedroom. The bed can easily be divided into separate beds later on if needed. Bunk beds are particularly useful in rooms for children that are shared by several children.
The most popular size of a bunk bed suitable for children is a twin mattress that is placed on both sides. This arrangement provides enough space for children of all ages to sleep comfortably. Twin mattresses are also a great choice for toddlers who have outgrown their cribs but aren't yet ready to make the transition to an adult-sized bed.
There are bunks that have two twins side by side. This allows two children to share a bed, while still having their separate space. These designs are often called twin over twin bunk beds and are the perfect solution for families with several children who want to maximize the amount of floor space in a small bedroom.
Certain bunk beds have an extra mattress on the lower level that is perfect for older kids or teens. This arrangement is great for sleeping over guests or providing extra room for kids to relax and spread out. The bunk beds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes so you can pick the ideal piece for your child.
Safety
While bunk beds can be fun for children, they can be dangerous if they're not designed and erected correctly. Make sure that your bunk bed has been tested and is in compliance with all national safety standards. It must also be securely fixed to the frame and have a suitable weight limit for both the top and bottom mattress.
A quality bunk bed for kids is one that has guardrails in the upper sleep zone, which protect children against accidents that happen during sleeping. The rails' height must be at a minimum of 5 inches higher than the mattress surface. There shouldn't be gaps between the guardrails as this could entrap a child's head or other parts of their body and cause injury.
Additionally, it is important to teach your children to use the ladder or stairs to get to the top bunk. It is best to limit use of the upper bunk to one person at any given time. It's also important to stop rough play or jumping onto the beds. These activities could cause injuries and weaken the foundation support system. Examine the bunk bed on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear and tighten any loose bolts or screws immediately.
Children who are asleep on the top bunk shouldn't be allowed to fall off the bed, as this could result in serious injuries. If your child is going to be sleeping in the upper bunk, you should put a night light in the room, so they can be aware of where the ladder is.
Make sure that books, toys and other things away from the bunk beds. This decreases the chance of a child tripping or falling over them, and also stop them from getting caught in the guardrails.
It's also recommended to place the bunk bed in the corner of the room whenever feasible. This will help brace the structure to prevent it from moving when someone climbs the ladder. Bunk beds should be kept away from ceiling fans, light fixtures and curtain hardware in order to prevent your children from falling over their heads when they are in or climbing out of them.
Style
It's important to consider the design of furniture when selecting a bunk bed for kids. Bunk beds are available in a variety of different styles, from classic to contemporary and you'll be able to find one that matches your child's taste. Bunk beds also offer the opportunity to add special accessories, such as curtains, which can create a sense of privacy and separate sleeping areas. Other features, like desks and storage spaces built-in, can aid your children to be organized and tidy.
For instance, this rustic-inspired bunk bed is constructed of rustic wood and decorated with a weathered driftwood style that gives a natural look to any bedroom. It has two drawers to store toys and clothing. This is a fantastic option to make space in children's rooms. It can be made to include a pull-out bed for additional sleeping space when guests are visiting.
Other bunk bed options include the standard twin-over-twin bunk bed, which is ideal for teens and children who share a room. This type of bunk bed is constructed with sturdy guardrails attached securely to the frame in order to avoid falling while sleeping. Other safety features to look for include the stairs or ladder that are firmly fixed to the frame and feature wide, anti-slip steps. These stairs can be engraved with numbers to indicate the bunk being utilized.
You can also opt for a futon bed that offers the option of sleeping as well as relaxing. These beds typically consist of a standard bunk bed structure with a futon or a convertible sofa underneath, allowing the top level to function as a comfortable lounge area during the day, and the bottom level to function as a bed for the night.
Corner loft beds are a great option for bunk beds that offer more storage space. These beds are made up of two elevated beds in a corner, freeing space for study and play. This bunk bed made by makingitwithabby features a custom macrame nook for relaxation, as well as additional shelving to organize. The navy-colored finish is a perfect match for the blue-toned wallpaper and creates a space that feels cozy and cheerful.
Budget
Bunk beds are a space-saving solution for your child's bedroom or guest bedroom. They let you double triple or quadruple the amount of sleeping spaces. And while they may not be as affordable as a standalone twin or full-sized beds, bunk beds provide plenty of value for your money.
Basic, basic bunk beds can be purchased for less than $500, but you'll also find beds that have different features to suit your needs and your bedroom decor. This South Shore bunk bed, for instance, has contemporary design that is perfect for contemporary decors and is priced at an affordable cost. It's also lightweight, which means you can move it if your children outgrow it or if you move to a larger house.
The more sophisticated bunk beds are popular with teens and older children with features like an integrated desk, stairs, or drawers. These extras can make an easier-to-use space and add a fashionable design to any children's bedroom. Bunk beds with a slide are also a great choice 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 with slide take up more space than other kinds so be sure to make sure you measure before purchasing 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. You can find bunk beds made of steel or a combination of. Wood is a sturdy, durable material that's ideal for kids. Metal bunk beds are generally cheaper than wooden ones, and they're also easier to clean.
Additionally, you'll need to consider the cost of any particular accessories you might require for your bunk bed, like curtains or a reading light. Some bunk beds have matching furniture that can help you create the perfect design for your children's bedrooms.