How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds can add a lot of fun and function to a kid' room, especially when you're limited in space. If you opt for the traditional twin-overfull or loft bed with storage, we have options that meet your space and budget requirements.
Look for features such as stairs that jut out, angled ladders and more, which make the bunks more accessible and safer for older children. There are also trundles under the bed for sleepovers as well as storage spaces that double as play areas.
Size
Size is important when shopping for bunk beds. Be sure that the beds are placed in the room with enough space to move up and down. If you're planning on adding furniture pieces like a dresser or desk be sure to consider their dimensions as well. Also, take note of the weight capacity of both top and bottom beds if you're planning to use the bunk beds as furniture for adult bedrooms as well.
The ceiling's height is also crucial. "A good rule of thumb is to make sure that there's at minimum 5 inches of space between the ceiling and the bottom of the bed," says Klugh. This will ensure that children can safely access the upper portion of the bed.
Some bunk beds are equipped with ladders, while others have stairs. Fenton states that stairs are easier to use, but they also take up more room. There are stairs that have built-in storage drawers. They are particularly useful for those who need more space for bedding or toys. They are more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed materials also differ in cost. The less expensive sets are typically constructed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones often feature frames made of metal or wood construction. Wood is beautiful and durable but it can also be warped when it comes in contact with water or insects. Some parents prefer to stay clear of this material.
The majority of the bunks featured in this guide are available in a variety of finish, including a clean white for a sleek look, and a smoky gray or rich walnut that will fit into any color-clad bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed for instance, has additional headroom between the top and bottom bunks to minimize the risk of hitting heads while reading or sitting in bed.
Some of our selections convert into two separate beds, which could be a good option if you expect to sell the bunks once your children outgrow them or plan on moving at some point in the near future. For a more long-term solution, consider this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Bunk Bed that is low-profile with Staircase and Drawers fits both twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It is available in a classic neutral color that can be easily paired with any style of interior.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun and exciting, but there are some safety concerns. It is essential to choose the appropriate bed frame material, which must be made of top-quality, sturdy wood. Also, make sure that the bunk bed has proper guardrails for the top bed and that it meets all applicable safety standards. The guardrails must be a minimum of 5 inches tall and continuous across all sides of the top mattress. Also, you should look for openings, gaps or holes in the guardrails large enough to trap a child's head, limbs or torso.
Most manufacturers of bunk beds have weight restrictions on their products. Adhering to these guidelines is essential, as a violation of them could cause the bunk bed to collapse, and could pose a serious risk of injuries. A lot of these manufacturers have age restrictions on their bunk beds. In general, children must be at least 6 years old older to be able to sleep on the upper level.
Another aspect to consider is the type of ladder that comes with the bunk bed. While some models feature an ordinary ladder made of metal, others come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are safer for children to climb but not as safe as sturdy ladders. It's not easy for children who are tall or who have difficulty climbing up and down.
It is also crucial to ensure that the bunk beds are anchored on the wall and the floor and are not situated near windows or other objects where children could fall when they sleep. Also, you should regularly inspect the bunk bed for loose or broken parts that could require repair or replaced. Keep spare bolts and screws in your home just in case they get lost or become loose over time.
In the end, you need to place the bunk bed in a corner of the room, so that it has walls on two sides. This will help prevent any falls from the top or side of the bunk bed, and will make it easier for your kids to climb in and out of bed.
Style
There are a myriad of elegant bunk beds that provide more than a place to sleep. best made bunk beds bunkbedsstore.uk come with additional storage space, a built in desk, or even a slide. While it's important that you think about your child's preferences before buying a bunk bed, it's also important to consider the design of the room and how the bunk bed will be able to fit with the furniture.
Some of the best bunk beds for children are minimal in style, featuring sleek twin or full-size mattresses that can be stacked together and paired with a stair ladder. These minimalist designs are great for small spaces or rooms with low-ceilings. They're also a great alternative for those on a budget. These beds can be divided into two beds if you need to move them or in the event that your children outgrow them.
Some bunk beds are more aesthetically pleasing and can be paired with other bedroom furniture. For example, this triple bunk from Pottery Barn offers an elegant neutral finish that is well-suited with both muted and vibrant colors. Its angular style gives it a clean, contemporary look, and the stairs have open shelves for storage that is out of sight. The stairs also feature elegant slatted railing, and are solid enough to support the weight of an adult, so you don't need to worry about your kids falling off the top bunk.
This rustic-style bunkbed from Max and Lily is perfect for kids who love the outdoors. This bunk bed is environmentally friendly because it's made of solid wood that has been sourced sustainably and meets sustainable forestry practices. Wire brushing was used to create the distinctive texture of this bunk bed. It accentuates the wood's knots and natural grain which gives it a unique look. The bottom bunk can be able to accommodate a twin mattress (sold separately) and the upper bunk is designed to accommodate an entire mattress, which means this bed is ideal for children who are older.
Stores
Bunk beds are an excellent way to reduce space, but a lot of models include additional storage options that make them even more useful for families and Airbnb guests. Some models include the option of a trundle that can be pulled out from underneath the bottom bunk, to accommodate an extra child or person, while others have drawers that store clothing and other items. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed, for example, has two under-bed storage drawers as well as a bookcase that has three shelves in different sizes, making it great additions to a room that has small shelves or closet space.
Another factor to consider when purchasing bunk beds is whether you'd like ladders or stairs to get to the top level. Ladders tend to be more traditional and can fit into the interior of a room better than stairs, which may appear less stylish. Stairs are more efficient and easier to climb. They can also be multi-functional with some models having hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also bunk beds that are minimalist which are simply two stylish twin or full mattresses that can be arranged. They are the best choice for rooms with small spaces or with low ceilings. They are also the most affordable. Many of these beds can be dismantled and can be used as two separate beds. This is ideal if you plan to relocate or change the arrangement of your room in the future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a stylish option that's made from knot-free New Zealand pine wood and includes stylish slatted headboards as well as footboards. It also comes with solid 14-inch guardrails on the edges of the upper bunk and a built-in ladder that is stationary, which cannot be moved however it leaves plenty of space on the lower floor for playing.
Take a look at the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine & Plywood Bunk Bed for a more contemporary alternative. The sleek bunk bed is available in multiple colors and can be divided into two separate beds at a later time. It has a capacity of 300 pounds on the top bunk and can accommodate full-size or twin mattresses, making it suitable for kids and teens of all different ages.