Buying a Kids Bunk Bed
A bunk bed is an ideal solution to any space, whether you are outfitting it to accommodate two children or looking to make the most of the floor space. However, before you purchase one, think about your options carefully.
Safety is an important consideration. It is essential to establish rules for staying off the top floor for other purposes than sleeping, and also not hanging anything from the bunks.
Size
Bunk beds and lofts come in a variety of sizes. Some loft beds come with two twin mattresses, while others can accommodate a queen or full-sized mattress on the bottom. Some even have the option of a trundle bed which can be put away when not being used. This compact design makes bunk beds an excellent choice for small bedrooms. Bunk beds can be cheaper than purchasing separate mattresses for kids.
The majority of bunk beds have a ladder or stairway to reach the top bunk. Some even feature a railing to ensure that children who sleep on the upper bunk do not fall off the frame. Some designs include a futon at the bottom that can be used both as a couch or bed.
Many parents decide to buy bunk beds for their children because it allows them to make room in their child's bedroom. The bed can be easily separated into separate beds in the future, if required. Bunk beds are a great option for rooms shared by several children.
The most commonly used size of a bunk bed for kids is a twin mattress that is placed on both sides. This arrangement offers enough space for kids of all ages to rest 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 an adult-sized bed.
There are bunks that have two twins side by side. This allows two children to share a bed and still have their separate space. These designs are often called twin over twin bunk beds, and are a great solution for families with several children who wish to maximize the amount of floor space in a bedroom that is smaller.
Some bunk beds have a full-sized mattress on the lower level, which is great for older children or teens. This arrangement is great for accommodating sleepover guests or giving extra space for children to relax and spread out. These bunk beds are available in a variety of styles and finishes so you can pick the ideal piece for your child.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great activity for children, but they can also be dangerous if not built and placed correctly. Make sure your bunk bed is in compliance with national safety standards and has been tested properly. It should be firmly attached and have an appropriate weight limit for the top and bottom mattresses.
Guardrails in the upper sleeping area of a good bunk bed for children will protect children from accidental falls during sleep. These rails should extend at least five inches higher than the mattress's surface. There should be no gaps between the guardrails as this could entrap a child's head or other body parts and result in injury.
Additionally, it is important to teach your children to safely use the ladder or stairs to get to the top bunk. It is recommended to limit use of the top bunk to one person at any given time. It's also important to discourage rough play or jumping on the beds. These actions could cause injuries and weakening of the foundation support system. Examine the bunk bed for wear signs, and tighten loose screws or bolts immediately.
Children who are asleep in the top bunk shouldn't be allowed to fall out of the bed, as this could result in serious injuries. If your children are likely to sleep in the upper bunk, you should place a night light in the room, so they can be aware of the ladder's location.
Make sure that books, toys and other things away from the bunk beds. This will decrease the risk of a child tripping over them or falling and keep them from getting caught with the railings.
If you can it's a good idea to have the bunk bed be placed in the corner. This will help brace the structure and prevent it from moving when someone climbs the ladder. Bunk beds should be kept a safe distance from ceiling lights, fans and curtain hardware in order to prevent your kids hitting their heads while inside or climbing out of them.
Style
It is important to take into account the style of furniture when choosing the best bunk beds for children. Bunk beds are available in a variety of different styles, from classic to contemporary and you'll be able to find one that is a perfect match for your child's taste. Bunk beds permit you to include accessories like curtains to provide security and separate sleeping areas. Other features such as desks or built-in storage can aid your kids in staying organized.
For instance, this rustic-style bunk bed is constructed from rugged wood and finished with a weathered driftwood design that gives a natural look to any bedroom. It includes two drawers for storage of toys and clothing that are an excellent space-saving option for rooms with kids. It is customizable to include a pull-out bed to provide additional sleeping space when guests are visiting.
The twin-over-twin standard bunk bed is another option. It's ideal for kids and teens who share bedrooms. This type of bunk bed is constructed with solid guardrails secured to the frame to stop a fall from sleeping. Look for a ladder or steps that are firmly fixed to the frame with wide, non-slip steps. These steps can also be marked with a number that helps to track who is using the top bunk.
You can also select futon bunk beds, which offers the versatility of both sleeping and lounging. These beds typically consist of a conventional bunk bed with a futon or a convertible sofa underneath, which allows the top level to double as a relaxing lounge during the day, and the bottom level to function as a comfortable bed at night.
If you're seeking a bunk bed that offers more storage space, you should consider a corner loft bed. These beds combine two beds elevated in a corner, allowing space for study and play. This bunk bed from makingitwithabby comes with an individualized macrame nook for you to relax in and extra shelving to organize. The navy-colored finish of this bunk bed complements the blue-toned wall art to create a space that feels both cozy, and cheerful.
Budget
Bunk beds are a space-saving sleep solution that lets you double--or even triple--the number of sleeping spaces in your children's rooms or guest rooms. Bunk beds are a great value, even though 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 can also find beds that have different features that will meet your requirements and bedroom decor. This South Shore bunk bed, for instance, has contemporary design that is perfect for contemporary decors and still comes at a reasonable price. It's also lightweight, so it can be moved when your children grow out of the arrangement or you move to a larger home.
The most sophisticated bunk beds come with features that appeal to older children and teenagers, such as the built-in desk, stairs or drawers. These features can create an even more functional space, and add a stylish touch to any kids' bedroom. Bunk beds with slides are also a great option for kids who prefer to play in the dark, and transform the top bunk into a fun playhouse or clubhouse. Keep in mind that bunk beds with slides occupy more floor space than other types of bunks, so make sure you measure before purchasing one.
The type of material that your bunk bed is made of is another crucial factor to consider particularly if you're on a tight budget. There are bunk beds made from metal or a combination of. Wood is a strong, durable material that is ideal for children. Metal bunk beds are generally more affordable than wooden ones, and they're also simpler to clean.
It is also important to consider the cost for any additional items you may need like curtains or a reading lamp. Some bunk beds can be bought with a set of matching furniture making it easier to choose the perfect style for your children's bedrooms.