How to Select the Best Bunk Bed
The most comfortable bunk bed is one that blends sturdy construction and stylish design. It can be used with standard twin- and full-sized mattresses, which help to maximize the number of sleepers a room can fit.
Select a bunk bed that has a fixed ladder rather than stairs, which could take up valuable space. Some models have angled ladders, which are easier to climb, but might not be suitable for older children.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed, it is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your room as well as the ceiling's height. You want the bed to be able to fit, but you must also leave room for a child to be able to safely climb inside and out, as well as room for other furniture like bookcases and decorative items. If the top bed is too close to the ceiling, kids sleeping on it might hit their head when they stand up or turn over and might feel claustrophobic. Ideally it should be at least 36 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling.
Think about a bed that can be separated into two separate beds if you're looking for a bunk bed to grow with your children. This option is more costly than a fixed-size bunk bed, but it can save you money in the event that your children choose to sleep in separate beds.
The Perch bunk bed from PB Teen, for example is a stylish investment piece that will look fantastic in both modern and traditional rooms due to its simple design and neutral color. It also has an optional bed trundle that can be placed below the bunk's bottom to accommodate sleepovers.
Check out the affordable bunk beds offered by brands such as RC Willey if you're on an extremely tight budget. These beds come in multiple designs and come with guardrails and a ladder making them easy to put together. Some have slide-out drawers below the bottom bunk to provide additional storage. For safety, choose a bunk bed that is tested to comply with CPSC requirements. Choose a bed with a low center of gravity to ensure it will not fall over.
Style
In addition to size, style is another big factor to consider in selecting a bunk bed. The most popular are twin-over-twin designs, but there are also options with full-over-full beds or even queen over queen bunk beds for older children and adults who need more space to stretch out while they sleep. Some designs feature staggered beds, in which the lower bed is more spacious than the top. These are suitable for older children who want a more sofa-like area at the bottom. It can be used as an office desk or study table.
For a modern, sleek style that appeals to both girls and boys consider a wooden bunk bed with slatted headboards and footboards. These open panels, like the ones featured on this Ikea option let light through the bunks. This brightens the space and offers security and safety. This bunk bed is also simple to use due to the angled ladder and guardrails.
Loft beds are another alternative to bunk beds. They are suspended from the ceiling and are an X-shaped shape which makes them perfect for small rooms with limited storage or floor space. They require a greater clearance for the upper bunk, so check that your ceilings are high enough before investing in one. Bunks that face the wall won't require much space and also increase the square footage.
If your children enjoy reading in bed, add an recessed reading light as well as shelves or ledges for books to their beds. Ms. Keenan often includes these elements in her projects when she installs bunks above windows, which helps the sleeping nook feel more like a homey retreat. She's seen them in conjunction with motorized shades, which can be raised and lowered to suit the needs of the room. This allows for easy control of the amount of warmth in a space, while permitting you to relax or read.
Safety
Many parents are worried about the safety of bunk beds however, they're actually more secure than one might think. They're less likely to tip over than standard single beds because they're equipped with guardrails on both sides of the sleeping area above. They've also passed safety and anti-tip tests to ensure that they are safe for children to sleep in. Check the capacity of bunk beds to ensure it can support your children's body weight without sliding. If you have children who are older or are planning to host guests at your home, consider an over-full bunk that is more suited to support adult bodies.
Choosing a bunk bed that's made of solid wood is another excellent method to add an extra layer of safety. Solid wood bunks are known to last longer than metal and typically have stronger supports. Verify that the foundation of the bed isn't sagging or has gaps large enough to trap the child.
When making a bunk bed always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. To minimize the risk that could occur, keep the bed away form curtains and light fixtures that might hinder climbing into or out of the top bunk. Also, place the beds in the corner whenever you can to increase stability.
Be sure to teach them the basic rules of bunk bed safety. Also, be sure to supervise your children when they climb up and down. It is recommended to keep the space around the bunk bed free of backpacks, clothing, and shoes. It is crucial to teach children how to use the ladder correctly and not to hang anything from bed posts or the ladder.
Materials
The best bunk beds will be made from durable materials to be able to withstand the demands of children. Look for sturdy ladders and stairs, as well as wood frames that are strong enough to support two people. Many brands have additional features like drawers or shelving. Trundle beds are also available. This flexibility is beneficial when you are planning on your kids getting out of bunk beds or relocating into their own rooms, says Spampanato.
When choosing a bunk bed you'll need to take into consideration the materials and colors of your bedroom furniture, in addition to the style and the height of your room. Also, examine how the bunk bed will fit within the structure of your home as well as any fixed features, such as closets or windows. Tap the blue painter's brush to mark the outline of the bunk bed. Be aware of the position it will be against fixed structures and how far away it will be from your ceiling.
These beds might appeal to families who are looking for eco-friendly furniture. However, these types of beds tend to be more expensive than wooden and metal-composite models.
The cheapest alternative on our list is the bunk bed made of plywood and medium density fiberboard. The bed is ASTM-certified, sturdy and comes in neutral colors to fit in with the majority of furniture. This bed is distinguished by its angled ladder that makes it easier for children to climb up and back down. It also has sturdy guardrails on the top bunk and a huge storage area beneath.
Ladder
The choice of whether to go with a bunk bed that has stairs or a ladder will depend on the space in your home and the ages of your children. www.bunkbedsstore.uk take up more space on the floor and are more expensive than simple ladder options. However, they're generally safer and more comfortable for children to climb. Some models also offer additional safety features like handrails on the sides and an locking mechanism.
Ladders are more affordable and require less space than stairs, but they can be difficult for small kids to navigate. Look for ladders with hand holes and grooves that prevent slips. These features make climbing easier for older toddlers and children. Some bunk bed ladders are angled to ensure that it is easier to climb to the top bunk.
If you opt for a bunk bed that has stairs, think about adding carpet or a rug with padding on the side of the ladder. This will ensure that children do not accidentally hit it and injure themselves when they climb up or down. It also stops them from sliding or sliding, which is especially dangerous for children in their early years.
Bunk beds with ladders are a great alternative for families with little space for floor space or have low ceilings. They are simple to put together and are available in a variety of styles including traditional wooden ladders as well as modern metal alternatives. Some bunk beds have two ladders that can be helpful for families that need to accommodate a child who prefers to sleep on the bottom bunk. You can even find ladders that are adjustable that allow you to alter the location of the bunk bed to meet your child's needs as they grow. If your children wish to move their desks around the room you can use a ladder for the bunk bed without having to move the bunk bed.