How to Find the Best Bunk Beds
The right bunk bed can make an enormous difference, whether you're trying to reduce space, help siblings to bond, or even accommodate an entire group of people for an evening of sleepover. Look for safety features that meet your requirements, including the size of the mattress, height and the location of stairs/ladders.
Many models come with a choice of straight or angled ladders--the one is easier to climb, but require a certain height, while the latter require more space, but are safer and easier to reach.
Aesthetics
Having a bunk bed doesn't only provide a fun for kids but it can also be an elegant addition to your home. Bunk beds are becoming more popular in homes of all sizes, as designers and manufacturers embrace their functionality while offering an elegant design. Wooden bunk beds tend to be more durable than metal models and their natural appearance is compatible with many styles of interiors.
Bunk beds aren't only attractive, but they can also be a practical option for families who share a house or have limited space. For instance triple-bunk beds can be easily converted into two separate bed options. Some designs also include an underlying trundle that slides out from under the bottom bunk to allow for short sleepovers.
A bunk bed can transform your child's bedroom into a treehouse. This set from Max & Lily takes this idea to the next level by incorporating an unattachable slide that will have them zipping down it with friends and taking their favorite animals on the adventure of their life.
Some styles, like this set from NE Kids take a minimalistic approach to the design. It's simple, clean lines and neutral colors make it an ideal fit for any space regardless of whether your home is contemporary or more traditional. It's the cheapest option on our list and comes with an included ladder for storage for added convenience.
Some families opt for a twin-over-double bunk bed to accommodate siblings who share a room and need to make space in their shared bedroom. This type of bed is smaller than a full-over-full model and can be set with dressers and storage pieces to create an integrated bedroom.
Another benefit of a twin-over-full configuration is that it can accommodate two mattresses at a time, so you'll be able to use it as your family expands. It's also the most affordable option on our list. You can pair it with storage drawers to provide an extra level of organization.
Safety
The materials used to make bunk beds are important. Solid wood is a good option as it's durable and sturdy but it can be pricey. If you want a cheaper alternative, think about metal, which is just as strong and comes in a range of finishes.
Make sure you have guard rails at least 5 inches over the mattress, as well as stairs or ladders attached firmly to the frame. This stops them from being pulled away. This creates a danger gap where children could slip or fall. Some manufacturers offer a safety tread on ladders to prevent falling and causing injury.
Also, ensure that your bunk bed complies to the British Safety Standard BS/EN7472012+A1 as in addition to any age restrictions that are recommended for the use of it. You should also carefully review the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding assembly, use and maintenance.
Bunk beds are popular with children, but can be dangerous if they are not properly set up. Many accidents involving bunk beds occur when children climb up the sides of the upper bunk, where they can fall or become trapped. To avoid this, allow your child to sleep on the top bunk when they are six years old. Also, ensure that the ladder is placed at the end of the bed so that kids are unable to climb it.
The ladder should be secured to the bed frame and angled so that it is difficult for children climb up the sides. Parents should instruct their children to use the ladder in a safe manner, discourage horseplay on the stairs and regularly check the ladder and bed frame for loose connections.
It's also recommended to select a bunk bed that is able to be split into two individual beds, which allows you to repurpose the space when your children are no longer in the top bunk. IKEA's Mydal bunk beds, for example are an affordable option that does not compromise on safety or durability. They can also be divided into two beds when your children have outgrown the top bunk.
Mattress
A bunk bed is incomplete without an appropriate mattress. You'll usually find that the sales strategy of a manufacturer includes the mattress along with the frame which can be helpful and save you some money. If you're looking to have the most comfortable sleep experience from your bunk bed, it is best to buy separately. The mattress you choose will have a big impact on how comfortable and supportive your child's or adults' bed feels.
When choosing the right bunk bed mattresses take into consideration your budget, the desired degree of comfort, and your preferred sleeping position. For example a mattress made of memory foam may feel great for those who sleep on their sides and back however stomach sleepers may prefer a more firm option with better pressure relief. You should also consider the capacity of your bunk bed, because too many people sleeping on it could cause the mattress to sink under its largest areas.
The majority of bunk beds have mattresses in full-overfull, twin-overtwin and smaller sizes for the trundle. Some bunk beds come with innerspring, hybrid or all-foam mattresses. All-foam mattresses typically cost between $900 and $1,200 for a queen-sized model. They have an extremely dense foam support core.
It's also important to choose the mattress for your bunk bed that's durable and doesn't rattle or squeak. This can disturb your children's sleep and cause them to wake up during the night. To avoid these problems, choose a memory foam or latex mattress that offers excellent pressure relief while still permitting sleepers to move their positions easily.
If you want your bunk bed to be a focal point in the room, choose a striking finish such as gray or walnut. You can also keep the bunk bed minimalist with an elegant white finish which will work well with any color scheme. Bunk beds that come flat-packed are usually fairly easy to put together and don't require tools, but you'll probably require help to get them in place, especially in the case of heavy beds. Many manufacturers include instructions and videos on their websites to help make the process simpler.
Storage
Bunk beds that have built-in storage can be a great addition to the room of your child. You can buy or build drawers that can be easily attached to bunk beds, providing extra storage for bedding, clothes, and other toys. This option is ideal for smaller spaces as it maximizes space and eliminates having to store items on floors. bunkbedsstore of these drawers are available in a range of finishes and colors that can match any decor.
You might be able depending on the kind of bed you choose to incorporate innovative storage solutions. Some bunk beds feature shelves and cubbies that can be used to store things such as books and art materials. This allows kids to keep their belongings neatly arranged and accessible without taking too much space. It's a good idea to choose bunk beds with hooks on both sides. These hooks can be used to hang bags or other clothing items.
There are a variety of shelves and drawers that you can add to your child's bed if prefer a more traditional look. These units are typically placed under the bed's lower part and offer plenty of space to store blankets, clothing, toys, and other things. These units are great for both girls' and boys bedrooms as they are easily customizable to fit the individual's needs.
Desks that fold out with storage and study space are available as bunk beds. They are ideal for bedrooms with limited space, as they let you make use of the space under the top bunk while keeping the lower bed free to sleep. They are available in many colors and are customizable with accessories like trundles to increase storage space.
Another way to maximize storage space is to build shelves on the wall above your bunk bed. They can be used to store books, toys and other items you wish to keep out of sight. You can add baskets on the shelves to keep everything neatly arranged and organised.