Buying a Kids Bunk Bed

A bunk bed is a great solution for any room, whether you are outfitting it for two children or just looking to make the most of your floor space. However, before you purchase one, you should consider your options carefully.

Safety is a major consideration. It is important to establish rules for staying off the top floor for any other activities than sleeping, and also not hanging anything from the bunks.

Size

Bunk beds and loft beds are available in a broad range of sizes. Some loft beds have two twin beds while others have a queen-sized or full-sized mattress at the bottom. Some even include an trundle bed that can be tucked away when not being used. This design is space-saving and makes bunk beds an excellent choice for small bedrooms. Bunk beds are also less expensive than purchasing separate mattresses for children.

Most bunk beds come with a ladder or stairway to access the top bunk. Some have railings to make sure that kids sleeping on the upper bunk do not fall off the frame. Some designs have an ottoman at the bottom that can be used both as a couch and a bed.

Many parents choose to purchase bunk beds for their children as it helps them make room in their child's bedroom. The bed can easily be divided into separate beds in the future if needed. Bunk beds are a great option for rooms that are shared by a number of children.

The most common size for a children's bunk bed is one twin mattress on the top and bottom tiers. This arrangement allows children of all ages the space they need to rest comfortably. Twin mattresses are also a great option for toddlers who have outgrown their cribs but aren't quite ready to move into a regular full-size bed.

There are bunks that have two twins by side. This allows two children to share a bed, while still having their separate space. These beds are sometimes referred to as twin over twin bunks and they are a great option for families who have multiple children but want to maximize the area of their bedroom.

Some bunk beds feature an extra-large mattress on the lower level, which is ideal for teenagers or older children. This arrangement is ideal to accommodate guests at sleepovers or providing extra room for children 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 to fit your child's individual style.

Safety

While bunk beds are a lot of fun for children however, they can be dangerous if they aren't designed and erected correctly. Verify that your bunk bed has been tested and is in compliance with all safety standards set by the national government. It should also be firmly fixed to the frame and have an appropriate weight limit for the bottom and top mattress.

A good kids bunk bed will have guardrails for the upper sleep zone which protect children against accidental falls during their sleep. These rails should extend at least five inches higher than the surface of the mattress. There should be no gaps between the guardrails because this could entrap a child's head or other parts of their body and result in injury.

Additionally, it is essential to teach your children to safely use the ladder or stairs to get to the top bunk. It is best to have only one person use the upper bunk at a time. It's important to discourage roughhousing or jumping onto beds. These actions could cause injuries and weakening of 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 off the bed, as this could lead to serious injuries. If your child is going to be sleeping in the top bunk, you should install a nightlight in the room so that they can know the ladder's location.

Keep toys, books and other objects away from the bunk beds. This will reduce the chance of a child running 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 set in a corner. This will help to brace the structure and stop it from moving or shaking when people climb up or down the ladder. Bunk beds should also be kept at a safe distance from ceiling lights, fans and curtain hardware to prevent your kids hitting their heads while in or out of them.

Style

It's important to consider the design of furniture when selecting the best bunk beds for children. Bunk beds come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern. You'll surely find one to match your child's preferences. Bunk beds permit you to add accessories like curtains that provide a sense of privacy and separate sleeping spaces. Other features, like desks and storage spaces built-in, can make it easier for your children to stay clean and organized.

The rustic-style bunk bed is made of a rough wood and finished with an aged driftwood finish which adds a natural touch to any room. It has two drawers for storage of clothing and toys that are an excellent space-saving option for children's rooms. It can be made to include a pull-out bed to provide extra sleeping space when guests are staying.

The standard twin-over-twin bunk bed is a different option. It's ideal for teens and kids who share bedrooms. This type of bunk bed has solid guardrails that are fixed to the frame to stop falling asleep. Other safety features to consider include a ladder or stairs that are firmly connected to the frame and feature wide, non-slip stairs. These steps can be engraved with numbers to indicate which bunk is being used.

You can also opt for a futon bed that offers both sleeping and relaxing options. They typically comprise of a conventional bunk bed with a futon or convertible sofa underneath, allowing the top level to function as a relaxing lounge in the daytime and the lower level to function as a comfortable bed at night.

Corner loft beds are a great option for bunk beds that provide more storage. These beds are made up of two elevated beds that are placed in the corner of the room, opening up space for study or play. This bunk bed by makingitwithabby comes with an individualized macrame nook to enjoy relaxing and extra shelving to organize. The navy-colored finish is a perfect match for the blue-toned wallpaper, creating a room that is both comfortable and cheerful.

Budget

Bunk beds are a space-saving sleeping solution that lets you double--or even triple the number of sleeping spaces in your child's bedrooms or guest room. Bunk beds are a fantastic value, even though they're not as inexpensive as full-sized or twin-sized beds.

Some basic, no-frills bunk beds are available for less than $500, but you'll also find models that come with a range of features that will meet your requirements and the style of your bedroom. For instance, this bunk bed from South Shore offers a modern style that's ideal for modern decors, but still has an affordable price. It's also lightweight, so it can be moved around if your children grow out of the arrangement or you relocate to a larger house.

The more sophisticated bunk beds are popular with teenagers and older children, with features such as an integrated desk or stairs, or drawers. These extras can help create an easier-to-use space and add a chic accent to any kid's bedroom. Bunk beds with a slide are also a great choice for children who love to play in the dark, and transform the top bunk into a fun playhouse or clubhouse. Be aware that bunk beds that have a slide take up more space than other kinds and therefore, you must measure before buying one.

If you're on a budget, the type of material the bunk bed is made from is also important. You can find bunk beds made of metal or a combination of. Wood is a sturdy, durable material that's ideal for kids. Metal bunk beds are typically cheaper than wooden ones, and they're also easier to clean.

Also, you'll want to consider the cost of any specific accessories you may need for your bunk bed, like curtains or a reading light. There are bunk beds that can be purchased as a set of matching furniture, which makes it easier to find the right look for your children's bedrooms.