How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds are a great way to add functionality and excitement to a child's bedroom particularly when you're limited in space. It doesn't matter if you choose the traditional twin-overfull or loft bed with storage, we've got options that fit your budget and space requirements.
Be sure to look for features like stairs that are angled, ladders that protrude and more. These features make bunk beds safer for older children and safer. Other features include storage areas that can be used as play areas and under-bed trundles.
Size
When looking for a bunk bed the size of the bed is crucial. Be sure that the beds are placed within the space with enough space to climb up and down. Think about the dimensions of other furniture pieces, such as a desk or dresser, should you decide to add them. Be aware that the top and bottom bunks can only hold a certain amount of weight when being used as adult bedroom furniture.
The height of your ceilings is also crucial. "A good rule of thumb is to make sure that there's at least 5 inches of clearance between the ceiling and the base of the bed," says Klugh. This will ensure that kids are able to safely access the upper sleeping area.
Some bunk beds come with ladders, while others have stairs. "Stairs are generally more convenient than ladders, however they do take up more space," says Fenton. There are stairs that come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage, which is great for those who want to store bedding or toys. However, they're more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed bedding materials vary in price. The cheaper sets are usually constructed of medium-density fiberboard while the more expensive ones often feature wooden construction or a metal frame. Wood is beautiful and durable, but can be warped if it comes into contact with pests or water. Some parents prefer to stay clear of this material.
The majority of bunk beds in this guide can be finished in any color you'd like regardless of whether you prefer a white finish for a fresh look, or a smoky grey or rich walnut to complement any bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed, for example, has extra headroom between the top and bottom bunks, which reduces the possibility of bumping into heads when reading or sitting in the bed.
A few of our choices can be made into two separate beds. This is great if you plan to sell them after your children are old enough or if you're planning on moving in the future. For a more long-term solution, consider this Woodcrest Kids Twin Over Full Low-Profile Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers fits both twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It comes in a classic neutral color that is compatible with any interior design.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun and exciting, but there are some safety issues. You should choose frames for your bed constructed of durable, high-quality wood. Also, you should ensure that the bunk bed is in compliance with all safety standards and has guardrails on the top of the bed. The guardrails must be a minimum of 5 inches high, and they should be continuous on all sides of the top mattress. Examine for gaps or openings that could entrap a child's head, limbs, or torso.
Most manufacturers of bunk beds have weight limits on their products. The following guidelines are vital, as overstepping them can cause the bunk bed to collapse and pose an extremely high risk of injury. Many of these manufacturers have age restrictions on their bunk beds. In general children must be at least 6 years old of age to be allowed to sleep on the upper level.
The kind of ladder that comes with the bunk beds is another factor to consider. While some models feature a simple metal ladder while others have more elaborate staircases. Staircases are easier for children to climb but are not as safe as ladders made of solid steel. They can be a challenge to navigate especially if your kids are tall or have trouble climbing up and down.
It is also crucial to ensure that the bunk beds are secured to the wall and the floor and that they aren't placed near windows or other items that children might fall on asleep. Also, you should regularly inspect the bunk bed for broken or loose parts that may require repair or replaced. It is a good idea to keep extra screws and bolts nearby in case some are lost or become loose as time passes.
It is also recommended to place the bunk beds in a corner, so that they have walls on both sides. This will prevent your children from falling off the side or top of the bunk bed. It will also make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed.
Style
If you're looking to upgrade your kids' bedroom decor There are plenty of chic bunk beds that offer more than just an area to sleep. Some come with additional storage space, a built-in desk, or even slides. While it's important to think about your child's design preferences before buying a bed, it's also a good idea to think about how the bunk bed will integrate with other room furniture and the overall layout of the space.
The best bunk beds for kids are minimal in design, featuring sleek twin or full-size mattresses that can be stacked together and coupled with a ladder for stairs. These minimalist designs are ideal for small spaces or rooms with low ceilings. They are an affordable option. A lot of these models are able to be separated into two beds which is a great option for when your children grow out of the bunks or you decide to relocate to a new home.
Some are more attractive, such as adding bunk beds to your children's room with a lively color or finish that matches furniture in the bedroom. This triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example has a neutral finish that works well with both vibrant colors and muted ones. The angular design creates a clean, contemporary look, and the staircase has open-air shelves for out-of-sight storage. The stairs have a stylish handrail that is slatted and sturdy enough to hold the weight of an adult. You don't have to worry about your children falling off the top bunk.
This rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily is perfect for children who love to be outdoors. Made from sustainably sourced solid wood that is able to meet responsible forestry practices The bunk bed is both eco-friendly and striking. Wire brushing was employed to create the unique texture of this bed. It is a celebration of the wood's knots and natural grain, giving it an original look. This bunk bed is perfect for older children since the bottom bunk is able to accommodate a twin-size mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to fit the full size mattress.
Stores
Bunk beds are a great way to save space, however some models also have storage options that make them more convenient for families or Airbnb guests. Some models include the option of a trundle that can be removed from beneath the bunk's bottom, to accommodate an extra child or a person, and other models have drawers for clothing and other items. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed For instance, it comes with two under-bed storage drawers and a bookcase with three shelves that are different sizes, making it great additions to a room that has limited closet or shelf space.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a bunk bed is whether you'd like ladders or stairs to get to the top of the ladder. Ladders are more traditional, and could be more suited to a room's decor than stairs. Stairs are more efficient and simpler to climb. They can also be multi-functional with some models having hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also minimalist bunk beds that consist of two twin or full mattresses that can be arranged to fit together. These are ideal for tight rooms or rooms with low ceilings and are typically the least expensive option. A lot of them can be dismantled and put up as two separate beds, which can be useful in the event that you plan on changing the layout of your room or moving homes in the near 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 around the edges of the upper bunk, as well as a built-in ladder that is stationary, that isn't movable but provides plenty of space on the lower floor for playing.
For a more contemporary option look into the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The sleek bunk bed is available in a variety of colors and can be separated into two separate beds at a later time. https://www.bunkbedsstore.uk/ can hold up 300 pounds on the top bunk, and twin or full-size beds can be utilized.