How to Select the Best Bunk Bed
The best bunk beds blend an extremely sturdy structure with a fashionable design. It can be used to accommodate twin- and full size mattresses, allowing you to maximize the number of people who can sleep in a space.
Select a bunk bed that has an adjustable ladder instead of stairs, which could be a waste of space. Some models come with angled ladders that are easier to climb but could not be safe for older children.
Size
It's important to take into account the dimensions of the room and the height. You want to make sure the bed is a good fit, but you also need to allow enough space for your child to move in and out in a safe manner, and for other furniture in the bedroom like bookshelves and other decorative items. If the top bed is placed too close to ceiling, it may cause children to fall over when they lie down or stand up. They could also feel confined. Ideally, there should be 36 inches or more between the top of the mattress and the ceiling.
If you're looking for bunk Bed cheap beds that will grow with your kids look into a bed that is able to be split into two beds. This is more expensive than a fixed-size bunk bed but it will save you money in the event that your children decide to sleep separately.
For example, the Perch bunk bed from PB Teen is an investment piece that looks elegant in both modern and traditional rooms due to its sleek lines and neutral finishes. It also offers an optional trundle bed below the bottom bunk, which means it can be used for sleepovers, without sacrificing any floor space.
Check out the low-cost bunk beds available from brands such as RC Willey if you're on a tight budget. They come in a variety of finishes and include guardrails and a ladder, making them easy to put together. Some have slide-out drawers below the bottom bunk to store more items. For your safety, pick the bed that has been tested to be in compliance with CPSC standards. Also, you should look for a bed with an extremely low center of gravity, so that it won't tip over easily.
Style
Style is also a major factor in picking a bunk bed's design. The most popular designs are twin-overtwin, but you can also find queen-over-queen or full-overfull bunk beds for older children who wish to have more space for sleeping. Some options also feature staggered designs with the bed lower longer than the top. These are ideal for older children who prefer more of a sofa-like area at the bottom for them to sit and relax in or to make an office or study desk.
For a modern, sleek design that is appealing to both boys and girls consider a wooden bunk bed with slatted headboards as well as footboards. The open panels, such as the ones featured on this Ikea option let light through the bunks. This makes the space more inviting and provides safety and security. The bunk bed is simple to use due to the ladder that is angled and guardrails.
Loft beds are another alternative for bunk beds. They are suspended from the ceiling and are an X-shaped shape which makes them perfect for small rooms with small floor space or storage space. They require a larger clearance for the upper bunk, so be sure your ceilings are tall enough before you purchase one. Bunks facing the wall don't require as much clearance, and they maximize the area.
If your children love reading at night and want to read, you can put a reading light to their bunk beds. You can also add shelves for books. Ms. Keenan includes these elements when she places bunks that are above windows. This makes the sleeping nook more comfortable. She's also seen them coupled with motorized shades that can be raised or lowered based on the needs, making it easy to regulate the amount of sun and warmth in a room while being able to read and nap.
Safety
Bunk bed safety is a concern for many parents, but bunk beds are actually more secure than you think. Because they have guardrails both on the sides of the upper sleeping space, bunk beds are less likely to fall than single beds. They've also passed anti-tip and safety tests to ensure that they are safe for children to sleep in. Check the capacity of bunk beds to make sure it is able to accommodate your children's total body weight without sliding. If you have older kids or are planning on hosting guests in your home, choose a full-over-full bed, which is more suited to support adult bodies.
Solid wood bunk beds are another option to improve safety. Solid wood bunks are more durable than steel and generally have slats that are thicker and offer more support. Check that the foundation of the bed is free of gaps large enough to trap the child.
When making a bunk bed always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and guidelines. To reduce the risk that could occur, keep the bed clear of curtains and light fixtures that could interfere with climbing up or down the top bunk. Also, put the beds in a corner whenever it is possible to ensure stability.
Make sure to teach your children the basics of bunk bed safety rules and monitor them as they climb on and off. Keep the space around the bunk free of shoes, clothes and backpacks is a good idea as well. Children should also be taught to use the ladder in a safe manner and never hang anything on the bed posts or the ladder.
Materials
The most effective bunk beds are constructed of durable materials that can endure the abuse of children. Find wooden frames that can safely support two sleepers, as well as sturdy ladders and stairwells. Many brands have additional features like shelves or drawers. Trundle beds are also available. Spampanato states that this flexibility is useful if your children are likely to outgrow bunk beds or move into their own bedrooms.
When choosing a bunk bed, you'll have to think about the material and color of your existing bedroom furniture, in addition to the style and height of the room. It is also important to consider how the bunk bed will fit in with your home's architectural features, such as fixed features like windows or closets. Make use of a blue painter's tack to mark the outline of the bunk bed. Pay attention to the way it will sit against fixed structures and how far away it is from your ceiling.
Certain bunk beds made of wooden are constructed of solid, sustainably harvested wood or are GreenGuard Gold certified, which might appeal to families who prefer eco-friendly furniture. These beds are typically more expensive than wood-composite or metal bunk beds.
The cheapest alternative on our list is the bunk bed made of medium density fiberboard. This bed is ASTM certified, durable and comes in neutral colors that blend with furniture of all kinds. The bunk bed is distinguished by its angled ladder that allows children to climb up and down. It also features sturdy guardrails across the top bunk as well as an ample storage area beneath.
Ladder
If you want to opt for a bunk bed that has stairs or a ladder is a decision that is contingent on your family's size and kids' ages. Stairs take up more floor space and are more costly. They are safer and more comfortable to climb for children. Some models also come with additional safety features such as side handrails and the locking mechanism.
Ladders are less expensive than stairs and take up less room, but they are difficult for children of small size to use. Look for ladders that have grooved anti-slip steps and hand hole cutouts that make climbing easier for toddlers and older children. Some bunk bed ladders are angled so that it is easy to climb up to the top bunk.
You might want to consider putting a cushioned mat or rug next to the ladder if you choose a bunkbed that has stairs. This will stop children from crashing into the ladder and getting injured when climbing up or down. It will also prevent children from sliding or slipping, which is especially risky for young children.
Bunk beds with ladders can be a great option for families with limited space or low ceilings. They are simple to put together, and come in a variety styles, including traditional wooden ladders and modern metal options. Some bunk beds have two ladders. This is useful for families that need to accommodate children who prefer sleeping on the lower bunk. You can find ladders with adjustable heights, which allow you to change the positioning of your bunk bed as your children develop. For instance, if your children wish to change their desks from one side of the room to the other, a movable ladder for bunks allows them to do it without moving the bunk bed itself.